Who We Are
EACC Carolinas is a membership-based nonprofit organization that serves as a central resource for European businesses operating in South and North Carolina—or looking to enter the U.S. market with guidance from our EEN partners. Founded in 2016 and based in Duncan, South Carolina, the Chamber is dedicated to strengthening transatlantic business relationships by providing European companies with essential knowledge, strategic guidance, and connections to help them succeed in the U.S. market. As the regional chapter of the European American Chamber of Commerce, EACC – Carolinas leverages both European expertise and American opportunity to support its members. As the official U.S. representative of the Enterprise Europe Network (EEN), EACC Carolinas provides its members with privileged access to an extensive global network, enabling international matchmaking, cross-border collaboration, and business development opportunities that surpass those offered by local organizations.
Mission
EACC Carolinas’ mission is to serve as the premier resource for European companies, academic institutions, government bodies, and other stakeholders involved in transatlantic activities in the Carolinas – no matter whether they are located in Europe or in the United States. By delivering expert insights, strategic referrals, curated programs, and exclusive events, the Chamber supports European businesses’ local integration and network expansion both in the Carolinas and throughout Europe.
The European American Chamber of Commerce – Carolinas (EACC Carolinas) is dedicated to strengthening transatlantic business by empowering European companies with the insights, connections, and strategic support required to succeed in the US. The mission centers on providing high-value knowledge, curated networking opportunities, and seamless access to the Enterprise Europe Network (EEN), enabling European businesses to integrate into the U.S. business environment with confidence and clarity. Through expert events, warm introductions, and educational initiatives, EACC Carolinas transforms the complex challenges of international expansion into structured opportunities for growth, collaboration, and long-term success.
Vision
The vision for EACC Carolinas is to be recognized as the premier European business organization in the Carolinas, serving as the essential bridge between European companies and the regional American business ecosystem. This vision reflects an ambition to elevate the organization’s visibility, strengthen engagement with European companies in both states, and expand the reach of the EEN to support broader international collaboration.
Values
Collaboration
Linking European with American stakeholders to foster meaningful partnerships
Knowledge
Providing practical, relevant insights that drive informed decisions
Connection
Fostering high-quality relationships that create lasting value
Selectivity
Ensuring meaningful engagement through excellence and strategic focus
The organization’s guiding principles reflect the values that shape all actions and interactions: a dedication to collaboration that links European with American stakeholders; a commitment to knowledge-sharing that provides practical, relevant insights; a focus on connection that fosters high-quality relationships; and an adherence to selectivity and excellence that ensures meaningful engagement rather than volume. These principles create a foundation for a chamber that is international in mindset, strategic in approach, and deeply committed to supporting European stakeholders throughout their journey in the Carolinas.
Our Unique Role
For European companies in the Carolinas
Strategic network and integration support
For regional institutions in the Carolinas
Access to Europe via EEN
For companies in Europe regional institutions
Trusted connections to regional stakeholders
EACC Carolinas operates in a landscape that includes national bilateral chambers, regional economic development organizations, and local business networks. However, the Chamber differentiates itself through its European identity, high-caliber board, exclusive EEN . partnership, and deep understanding of European business culture. While other organizations serve broad or sector-specific audiences, EACC Carolinas maintains a focused and selective approach, ensuring that its events, content, and services are intentionally crafted for European decision-makers and the U.S. partners who support them. This clarity of purpose strengthens the Chamber’s reputation and reinforces its unique role in the regional ecosystem.
More than just a chamber of commerce, EACC Carolinas acts as a strategic catalyst for cross-border collaboration, helping companies overcome economic, cultural, regulatory, and operational challenges tied to the U.S. market. With its deep local knowledge and strong European connections, the Chamber enables members to bridge gaps, make informed decisions, and pursue new growth opportunities.
Beyond supporting firms already established in the Carolinas, the organization also reinforces the wider transatlantic ecosystem by aiding pivotal stakeholders like Economic Developers and Colleges with their projects and outreach in Europe. As the region’s sole official representative for Enterprise Europe Network, EACC Carolinas enjoys exclusive connections to over 500 partners across Europe, granting access to all 27 member countries and serving as one of only five EEN designated contact points for the United States.
Leadership
Fernanda Ceva
Fernanda holds degrees in law, economic law, and business administration from universities in Germany and Brazil…
Marcel Summermatter
Marcel, VP Senior Relationship Manager at TD Bank, chairs the EACC-Carolinas. Originally from Switzerland, he’s lived in the U.S. for over 20
Howard Daniel
Mr. Daniel began his legal career in 1976 at Haynsworth, Baldwin, Johnson & Greaves. He later oversaw the firm’s merger with…
Board
Marcel Summermatter
Marcel, VP Senior Relationship Manager at TD Bank, chairs the EACC-Carolinas. Originally from Switzerland, he’s lived in the U.S. for over 20 years..
Ashley Cuttino
Ashley is a partner at Ogletree Deakins handling the complexitie the complexities of mult- plaintf, labor and employment matters across…
Francois Masbou
Bom In Strasbourg and raised
‘Canada, Francois Masbou moved to the U.S. in 1995 after completing hisgraduate studies in Operations…
Hank Hyatt
Hank is Senior Vice President for Economic Competitiveness at the Greenville Chamber, with over 20 years of experience…
Howard Daniel
Mr. Daniel began his legal career in 1976 at Haynsworth, Baldwin, Johnson & Greaves. He later oversaw the firm’s merger with…
John Kimbrell
John Kimbrell, a Certified Chamber
Executive, Is the Chief Business Affairs. Officer for OneSpartanburg,Inc. With 26 years…
John Lummus
John Lummus is the President & CEO of tho Upstate SC Alliance, driving regional collaboration and economic growth driving regional collaboration
Keith Miller
Dr. Keith Miller became president of
Greenville Technical College in 2008. He has held leadership roles with the. Greenville Technical College in 2008.
Larry Miller
Dr. Larry Miller is the third president of
‘Greenville Technical College. With over 25 years of experience in academia, he creates positive…
Maxwell Stewart
Max is CEO of the Greenville Area
Economic Development Corporation, he leads efforts to drive local and international growth in Greenville…
Mark Farris
Mark Farris has over 38 years of
economic development experience in
South Carolina, supporting projects.
totaling $6.8 billion in investment…
Sam Konduros
Konduros became President & CEO of
Groenville’s Economic Development
Corporation in April 2024. A licensed
attorney and seasoned economic…
Trey Pennington
Trey Pennington is a trusted corporate and Industrial real estate advisor at CBRE, known for aligning real estate portfolios with strategic goals…
Taylor llisley
Taylor, a Senior Manager at Elliott Davis, has over a decade of experience in public accounting, specializing in audits for…