Leadership and Legacy of the GCBA
Today, the GCBA continues its mission under the leadership of President Andrea Basche, who assumed office in April 2024, succeeding longtime President Beatrice Schreiber, a dedicated member since 1995 who played a pivotal role in the association’s development and increased visibility.
Since Andrea’s appointment, the GCBA has entered an exciting new phase of growth and engagement. With an active and motivated board, the association has successfully launched monthly GCBA Connect events, which have quickly become popular networking gatherings that bring together professionals, entrepreneurs, and community members across the Greater Vancouver area.
Building on this momentum, the GCBA has begun expanding its presence in Western Canada. In Summer 2025, the Alberta branch was officially registered, led by Director Albert (Alexandra Liebrecht), who is already establishing connections with local businesses and German-Canadian communities. Looking ahead, 2026 will see further growth as our colleagues in Kelowna begin spreading the GCBA’s mission and activities throughout the Okanagan region.
The History of the German Canadian Business Association | The Founding of the GCBA
Established in 1963, the German Canadian Business & Professional Association (GCBA) has a rich history of promoting cultural exchange and fostering business relations between Germany and Canada. The association began when Horst Müller, Fritz A. Ziegler, John R. Roffeis, and Kurt Maurer founded it with a vision to create a German club of “higher standards.”
The inaugural meeting took place on June 16, 1963, at “Schloss Klipphaus,” a castle-like structure in Fort Langley built by Fritz Ziegler from an old farmhouse. Horst Müller served as the first President, supported by Vice-Presidents Horst Koehler and Kurt Maurer, Secretaries Bernhard Hoeter and Wolfgang Zink, Treasurers Walter Schubert and John Roffeis, and Membership Directors Miss Käthe Sanean and Dr. Gemeinhardt.
The Early Days and First Events
Formally registered in Victoria on December 13, 1963, the GCBA quickly established its constitution, policies, and procedures. The association’s first official meeting occurred in November 1963 and featured a cocktail reception with German beer and an elk roast donated by President Horst Müller.
The first GCBA event—a lively costume party—was held at the “Villa Hotel” in February 1964 and became a tremendous success, attended by several VIPs. Following this, the association organized its first Annual General Meeting in March 1964. Members such as Ulrich Freybe hosted breakfast events and “Herrenabend” gatherings at “Schloss Klipphaus,” welcoming notable guests from the Federal Republic of West Germany.
Oktoberfest and Expanding Cultural Outreach
In 1969, the GCBA responded to Canada’s new multiculturalism policy by introducing Oktoberfest—an event that brought German culture closer to Canadians. The celebration grew rapidly, eventually moving to BC Place Stadium and attracting more than 12,000 visitors.
The GCBA also made a remarkable contribution to Expo ’86 by organizing the “Bavarian Garden Restaurant,” which generated $1.6 million in profits. Later, in 1988, member Klaus Fuerness initiated the “Germanica” conference, further establishing the GCBA as a bridge between cultures and businesses.
Over six decades after its founding, the GCBA remains a dynamic organization dedicated to strengthening business relationships and celebrating the shared heritage of German and Canadian communities—continuing to build bridges for future generations.
