HEBRON — Guten tag!

        There were warm hugs and plenty of friendly handshakes Thursday when City Manager Marvin Thompson welcomed a 22-member delegation from Blue Ash's sister city, Ilmenau, Germany.

        Briskly walking off the plane and through the gate at the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport, Ilmenau Mayor Gerd-Michael Seeber extended a hand to Mr. Thompson and then grabbed the American for a quick embrace.

        The Germans are here to experience Blue Ash's brand of American capitalism. Herr Seeber wants some American optimism to rub off on the citizens of his city, who lived under Communist rule for many years after World War II. The two Germanies were reunited in 1990.

        Meanwhile, Mr. Thompson is hoping to become closer to the Germans and kick off an exchange of ideas to benefit both groups and help them determine how to improve their respective cities' high-tech businesses.

        “This is going to be focused on trying to get the business exchange further developed,” Mr. Thompson said. “What we're hoping is to open up markets for Blue Ash companies and Ilmenau companies. We think that can evolve.

        “There are a lot of companies (in both countries) just looking for new markets.”

        Mr. Thompson, two translators and the Germans left the airport Thursday night, anxious for the exchange of ideas to begin.

        First stop: Watson Brothers Bistro & Brewery, a restaurant known for its ambience and beer.

        Before departing Wednesday, the Germans will visit some of the businesses city officials are most proud of: Metalex, a high-tech machinery manufacturer; Ethicon Endo-Surgery, which produces medical devices; and Time Warner Cable.

        They also will visit Taste of Blue Ash, the Cincinnati Zoo and Newport Aquarium. Herr Seeber, who hasn't visited Cincinnati since June 2000, is eager to see Paul Brown Stadium. When he was here last, the stadium was two months shy of opening.

        Through translator Sal Wertheim, Herr Seeber said that he enjoys football: “It's very interesting but complicated.”

        The sister cities formalized their relationship in April and the Germans already have visited Cincinnati, known for its Deutschlander ancestry, several times.

        A small contingent of Blue Ash officials will visit Ilmenau in November to recognize Ilmenau Jews who died in the Holocaust.

        A larger group will visit Ilmenau businesses next year. No date is planned.

        About 32,000 people live in Ilmenau, which rests in a mountain valley on the Ilm River. The population of Blue Ash is about 12,500.

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