Volume VII | August 2023

Member Spotlight: Michael Andersson, President & CEO Saab Inc North America

Interns introduction, SACC-Summit in Detroit, Crayfish party, Golf tournament, Virtual event with Orrefors Kosta Boda and Young professionals


Since 1989 SACC-DC has offered a platform for developing U.S. – Swedish lucrative commercial ventures and professional opportunities through our network and business and social events. The SACC-DC Newsletter will help you stay on top of what’s happening in the Swedish-American business community and find the perfect opportunity to create new business connections in the greater Washington D.C. area and Mid-Atlantic region.

Words from the Manager Björn Porlein


Dear friends of the SACC-DC Community,


As the warmth of summer gradually yields to the crisp embrace of fall, we hope this edition of e-Currents finds you in a state of well-being and filled with fond memories of summer. Prepare yourselves for an action-packed issue as we unveil our upcoming events and shine a spotlight on our outstanding members.


SACC-DC has an exciting lineup of events waiting for you. Save the dates for a delightful evening of Swedish traditions at our Crayfish party on September 28. If you're a golf enthusiast, make sure not to miss our esteemed 35th Annual Golf Tournament on October 13. And that's just the beginning; mark your calendars for an enlightening webinar with Orrefors on September 26 …with more surprises in store!


But that's not all! Picture Detroit, the Motor City, buzzing with energy on September 13-14 during the Auto Show and EV/Battery Show. Join us at the annual SACC-Summit, where business and pleasure converge amidst these thrilling events. If you wish to showcase your business or to participate as a guest, please reach out to us at saccevent@sacc-usa.org for a coveted feature slot at the Summit.


We invite you to savor this month's e-Currents, thoughtfully curated by our dedicated SACC-DC team, and prepare for an exhilarating season ahead!


Warm regards,

Björn Porlein



Member Spotlight: Michael Andersson, CEO & President of Saab Inc North America

Could you please share your journey with Saab Inc, including key milestones and experiences, and also tell us about your path to the USA and how it eventually led you to your role at Saab Inc? 

It's all interconnected. Actually, this year marks my 40th anniversary at Saab. It was my first job after military service. I was a newly graduated engineer and joined Saab in Linköping on the Aerospace side, and I've remained with the company ever since. Then, 12 years ago, I found myself in the U.S., starting a growth journey for Saab in the US. Over these years, I've held various roles at Saab. The initial decade was closely tied to engineering, particularly flight-test engineering. Later, I transitioned to customer support within the engineering domain. However, a significant milestone occurred around 1994. Just before that, I was selected as a candidate for a long-term management program, even though I never saw myself as a manager. I completed the fifteen-month training program while also being offered a completely different management role compared to my earlier, smaller management position. I believe this was a turning point because it set my career on a different path. I subsequently led an intriguing organization focused on commercial airplanes, overseeing all the disciplines associated with Avionic systems. This included development engineering, flight-test engineering, purchasing, quality assurance, support, production engineering, and more. Managing such a diverse range of disciplines was quite unusual, but I embraced the challenge and enjoyed the powerful role that allowed me to make important decisions. This was a major milestone. 


The second milestone came a couple of years later when I was appointed President of the company. It was a very different kind of organization compared to when I first joined in 1983, especially by 2003. It was undoubtedly another significant milestone for me. It was during this time that I realized that things weren't always as straightforward as they seemed; they were often much more complicated. Afterward, I moved through various management positions within Saab at higher executive levels. I served as deputy head of Saab’s Support and Services Business Area, which had about 2000 employees and a turnover of four billion Swedish kronor. 

Around this time, I was asked if I would consider relocating to the U.S. to contribute to the business's growth there. I believe one reason for this inquiry was the success of our commercial aircraft in the U.S. Many people may not be aware, but we had a substantial presence in the U.S. with the Saab 340 aircraft, all operated by major airlines. I had been closely involved with this operation, serving as the President of the U.S. organization remotely from Sweden. I frequently traveled to the U.S., becoming accustomed to the U.S. business climate and how organizations and employees functioned. However, my knowledge of the defense market, which is our primary focus now, was limited. Nevertheless, I received the offer, and initially, we planned to be in the U.S. for two years. However, those two years extended and extended, and I eventually became the head of what was then known as SAAB North America, covering both Canada and the U.S. I held this position for several years, but eventually, I reached the limit of my work visa, which had a seven-year duration. So, I engaged in discussions with the company, and my family and I decided that we wanted to continue living in the U.S. Our lives had become deeply rooted here, so we applied for green cards and eventually obtained them. 


I had always wanted to live abroad for a few years to immerse myself in a different culture. At the top of my list was the U.S. because I had thoroughly enjoyed my time here. I find the business climate in the U.S. to be fantastic—open and conducive to forming partnerships and exploring opportunities. It's a much more dynamic and open environment compared to Europe. 


You are currently engaged with the Swedish-American Chamber of Commerce in Washington, D.C. Could you share the story of how you initially got involved with SACC-DC?  

So, initially, we had a small organization here and began to grow. I was essentially told that now, in your role in Washington D.C., you should engage with the Swedish-American Chamber of Commerce in Washington D.C. So, I started attending their meetings. I believe it was my predecessors who had actively worked with the chamber and recommended that we continue doing so. Consequently, I began attending meetings and became increasingly involved. A couple of years later, I assumed the role of chairman for SACC-USA. 


SACC-DC is recognized for helping create business connections and chances between Sweden and the United States. It would be interesting to know how your involvement with the chamber adds value to Saab? 

As I mentioned earlier, Saab Inc. is relatively well established here in the U.S., so by now, we are well-acquainted with Washington D.C. However, in the early years, it was invaluable to learn from other Swedish companies that had established themselves in the U.S. through the SACC network. It allowed us to understand the DC network and how it operates, which I believe was the most significant benefit. Another aspect that has always been essential for Saab Inc. is working closely with the embassy, which we do. Nevertheless, the chamber often hosts events that have proven highly valuable for us during important gatherings and meetings. 


Eight fast questions 

  1. Thanksgiving or Midsummer - Midsummer 
  2. Soccer or American Football – American Football 
  3. Swedish Fika or American Brunch – Swedish Fika 
  4. Summer Holiday or Winter Holiday – Summer holiday
  5. Morning person or Night Owl – Night owl 
  6. Wings or Meatballs – Meatballs
  7. Pecan Pie or Jordgubbstårta (Strawberry cake) - Jordgubbstårta (Strawberry cake)
  8. Sweden or U.S - The best of both. 



Welcome to our new interns:

Mathias Petersen & Philippa Köhler

Mathias has joined the SACC-DC team as a Business associate Intern for twelve months and Philippa has joined the SACC-DC team as a Business Development Intern for six months.

Mathias Petersen

My name is Mathias Petersen and I am the new Business Associate Intern here at the Swedish-American Chamber of Commerce of Washington D.C. I recently completed my bachelor's degree in Business and Economics at the University of Gothenburg with a major in Economics. Following an exchange semester in Santiago, Chile, I developed a strong appetite for further international experience and SACC-DC seemed like the perfect match. During my free time I like playing tennis, exploring nature and travel.

Philippa Köhler

My name is Philippa Köhler and I recently completed my Bachelor's degree in Strategic Communication and Digital media at Lund's University. With the intention of applying my academic studies in a practical setting, I sought an internship opportunity at SACC-DC. I am interested in marketing and commerce advancement and I believe I will gain valuable insights in this here at SACC-DC. Furthermore, I anticipate delving into a more profound comprehension of American business culture throughout my tenure in Washington D.C. During my free time I enjoy running, crocheting and reading.

YOUNG PROFESSIONALS


After our summer break we are finally back with young professionals events. We start off the season with a happy hour at Sequoia in The Washington Harbour on September 7. The next upcoming events is a company visit at our beloved member Axis Communications on October 19.


Do you want to host a company visit for our young professionals? Contact mathias.petersen@sacc-dc.org

UPCOMING EVENTS

OUR ANNUAL CRAYFISH PARTY


On the 28th September SACC-DC and Volvo Group is inviting you to the annual crayfish part at House of Sweden! Join us for an unforgettable evening imbued with Swedish tradition featuring delectable crayfish, schnapps, singing and valuable networking opportunities. Your presence is eagerly anticipated!

Buy tickets here!

SACC-SUMMIT IN DETROIT

The annual SACC-Summit will facilitate economic expansion and business between the United States and Sweden. This event will feature Keynote speakers, networking opportunities, and further insight into the technological advances of Sweden’s business. Not only is the U.S. Sweden’s largest trading partner outside the EU, but Swedish companies also create over 350,000 job opportunities in the U.S.


SACC USA and SACC Detroit welcome you to SACC Summit between 13-15 September 2023 in Detroit, Michigan, at Autoliv!

ORREFORS KOSTA BODA VIRUAL EVENT

Explore the brands' heritage, history, and gain business insights from their US operations today. Don’t miss your chance to win amazing prices! 


During the webinar, we have an extra treat for our participants! As a token of appreciation we'll be offering you the chance to win exclusive gift cards for these iconic Swedish brands throughout the event. Participants will also be able to access a unique promo code: SACC20 that will give you 20% off your purchase on www.orrefors.us or www.kostaboda.us

  

Our distinguished panel of experts from Orrefors and Kosta Boda will share insights around the two Swedish heritage brands, its history and business insights from their US operations today.  

For any inquiries or further information, please feel free to reach out to Bjorn Porlein at bjorn.porlein@sacc-dc.org

Sign up here!

35TH ANNUAL SACC-DC OPEN

Prepare for a thrilling day brimming with opportunities for networking alongside prominent DMV companies, engaging in premier golfing, enjoying in delightful activities and vying for exciting prizes! Mark your calender for October 12th as this year's tournament takes place at the prestigious Westfields Golf Club in VA. Ensure you do not overlook the chance to partake in exclusive dinner reception, adding an extra layer of excellence to your experience.

We are proud to present our sponsors for our 35th annual golf tournament. A special thank you to Nammo for being our platinum sponsor this year as well.


For registration contact

bjorn.porlein@sacc-dc.org

RECOMMENDATIONS FROM SACC-DC

News From SACC-USA And The Embassy

We want to encourage you to stay updated by reading the newsletters from SACC-USA and the news from the Swedish Embassy!


We highly recommend taking the time to read these news regularly to stay informed and connected with the Swedish-American community. As always, SACC-DC remains committed to providing our members with the resources and information they need to succeed.


Read news from the Swedish embassy here.

Read SACC-USAs newsletters here.

BUSINESS SERVICES PROVIDED BY SACC-DC

SACC-DC holds a unique position to provide members valuable connections with other member companies or small business, potentially resulting in new collaborations, clients, and partnerships. Read more about our B2B Matchmaking service and how to make a request here. Your company has the opportunity to be assisted by a Business Associate or a trainee with short-term projects aiming to increase your knowledge about specific markets. Read more about our Trade Services and how to make a request here.

INTERESTED IN JOINING THE SACC-DC COMMUNITY?

Visit our membership page to join as a new member, or renew your membership through the membership portal. SACC DC organizes many events throughout the year to give our members access to professional networking. We also tailor trade missions for Swedish companies interested in the Greater Washington, D.C. area. Whether an individual with a keen interest in or connection with Sweden living in D.C. or a company looking to establish new relationships, we can help you reach your next goal!

Contact us!

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