January 2025

Words from Executive Director | Presentation New Interns Spring 2025 | Membership Renewal | Annual Meeting January 2025 | SACC-USA Business Award | Member Spotlight: StrategicMI |

Highlights From our Members | Recommended Readings | Other Highlights

Since 1989 SACC-DC has offered a platform for developing U.S. – Swedish lucrative commercial ventures and professional opportunities through our network, 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 EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Dear SACC-DC Members,


In this first newsletter of the year, I’d like to start by wishing all members and partners a Happy New Year and thank you all for making 2024 such a productive year with various programs and events. Seeing that so many appreciate what we are doing and that membership numbers are increasing is rewarding.


We’re back to pre-COVID times for in-person gatherings and have hosted several speaker events, seminars, happy hours, and networking sessions covering topics such as lobbying and regulatory affairs, leadership, women in business, healthcare, and Swedish-American trade relations. Additionally, we introduced a series of educational webinars for our virtual members.


2024 was an exciting year for Swedish-American relations overall. Sweden joined NATO in March, elections for the European Parliament took place in June, and the presidential election in the US in November affected transatlantic relations in various ways. As a result, we hosted delegation visits and programs for visiting politicians, media representatives, and healthcare professionals.


Despite sub-zero temperatures and icy sidewalks, we are actively planning this year’s events. We have an array of exciting topics to cover in seminars, flagship events, webinars, and speaker events.


I want to introduce our newest member, SMI, to the Chamber. Please read more about them in this newsletter. We also have two new interns, Karin and Olle, who have joined our team. Please make them feel welcome, and they both look forward to working closely with you all.



Lastly, I hope to see many of you at our Annual Meeting at the House of Sweden next week. You will meet fellow members, elect our new Board, and hear from the Swedish Ambassador.


Thank you!


Warm regards,


Anna Wramner

Executive Director



MEET OUR NEW INTERNS

Two new interns have joined the SACC-DC team, bringing fresh perspectives and energy to our office. We are thrilled to welcome Olle Eklund-Bona on a 6-month internship, and Karin Håkansson on a 12-month internship, who will play important roles in our work moving forward. Maja has moved on to her phase 2 of the LBMF traineeship at Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP, while still working with the Chamber part-time.

Lars Bjerde Memorial Fund (LBMF)

LBMF is a rolling 12-month internship offered by SACC-DC to support talented interns pursuing opportunities in the U.S. It was created in honor of Lars Bjerde, former VP of SAAB North America and one of the founders of SACC-DC, who made significant contributions to fostering business ties between the two countries. The LBMF intern works full-time at SACC-DC for 6-months, while moving on to a phase 2 at a member company for the remaining 6 months.

In need of an intern?

Is your company interested in hosting an LBMF intern? Send us an email, and we'll discuss the possibilities!

Email us here

Olle holds a BSc in Marketing from Lund University. He has also spent a semester abroad in Munich, focusing on marketing and management, and has worked part-time as a Junior Marketing & Product Manager at LUSINI Scandinavia AB.


“Joining SACC-DC is an opportunity I’m truly excited about,” says Olle. “This internship will allow me to gain insights into transatlantic business relations while contributing to SACC-DC’s efforts to strengthen the bond between Sweden and the U.S. Im excited to become part of the team, benefit from their expertise, and work together on projects that create lasting value. The opportunity to experience everything Washington, D.C. has to offer is also incredibly exciting. Visiting the Smithsonian museums, strolling along the National Mall, and discovering the city’s cultural scene are just a few of the things I can’t wait to experience. In addition, having House of Sweden as my workplace will be both surreal and inspiring. I’ve visited the city once before, and I look forward to revisiting those memories while making many new ones.”

Karin holds a BSc in Business Administration in Economics from Uppsala University and recently completed exchange studies in Brisbane, Australia. She has also worked as a Financial Auditor at EY (Ernst & Young) while completing her studies.


“I’m thrilled to do an internship at the SACC-DC,” Karin shares. “As someone who feels a deep connection to my Swedish roots, I’m particularly proud of how our small country continues to make such a big impact globally, and I’m excited to contribute to that success. This internship feels like the perfect next step in my journey, aligning with my passion for international business and my long-term career goals. I’m also excited to live in Washington, D.C. After visiting last summer, I absolutely fell in love with the city, especially the museums. I can’t wait to visit them all and meet new people, while continuing to grow both personally and professionally. I’m eager to begin contributing to the Chamber’s important work and making the most of this amazing experience.”


Meet the new SACC-DC team!

FRIENDLY REMINDER MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL

This is a friendly remember to renew your membership, to our individual and young professionals members. Has it been more than a year since your renewal?


Then it's time to renew your SACC-DC membership with us through the link below! We cannot wait for another year filled with events and activities together with you all.

Renew your membership here

ANNUAL MEETING JANUARY 2025

Members, we are excited to invite you to the Swedish-American Chamber of Commerce of Washington D.Cs Annual Meeting on January 28th, 2025, an important event for our community. This is your chance to connect, reflect on the past year, and help shape the future of SACC-DC by voting for the new Board of Directors. At this year's meeting, we will review SACC-DC´s highlight key milestones and set our sights on the future.


Welcome remarks by SACC-DC Chair Jesica Lindgren, followed by a speech by the Swedish Ambassador Urban Ahlin.

Can't attend in person? Vote by Proxy. If you are unable to attend but would still like to participate in the voting process, you can submit a proxy vote. This allows you to have your voice heard in the election of the new Board of Directors. Please complete the proxy document by emailing it to info@sacc-dc.org before January 25, to ensure your vote is counted.


This meeting will be an excellent opportunity to contribute to the direction of our Chamber while networking with key figures in the Swedish-American business community.


Please confirm your attendance before January 25 to ensure your spot and register through our website down below. We look forward to seeing you at the Annual Meeting and to your continued support as we build a stronger future for SACC-DC!


If you have any questions or need further assistance, don't hesitate to reach out to us here.

RSVP HERE

SACC-USA BUSINESS AWARD

The SACC-USA Business Award, now in its third year, celebrates fast-growing Swedish companies that have made significant contributions to business, investment, and job creation in the U.S. Launched by SACC-USA, the award aims to support and promote the success of Swedish companies in the American market. The winner will serve as the main sponsor and keynote speaker at the Executive Forum, with a prize package valued at up to $20,000, including prominent publicity through SACC-USA’s channels and a one-year membership in the umbrella organization.


This year, the award encourages more SMEs (Small and Medium-sized Enterprises) to apply and highlights their impact on the U.S. market. Eligible companies must meet one or more of the following criteria:

  • Be a fast-growing Swedish SME operating in the U.S.
  • Demonstrate sustained growth, with turnover doubling between 2020 and 2023 and exceeding $1 million in 2023
  • Employ at least 10 people, with the majority based in the U.S.
  • Focus on organic growth rather than mergers or acquisitions.


Nominations can be made via an online form by April 8, 2025. The winner will be selected by a jury of 13 professionals, including the editor-in-chief of Dagens Industri. The winner will be announced at the 2025 Executive Forum in Washington, D.C., on June 6, 2025.


In addition to the sponsorship and keynote opportunity, the winner will receive a glass sculpture from Orrefors-Kosta Boda and be featured in Dagens Industri, Sweden’s leading business daily.


Want to read more about the Business Award or nominate a business? Do it through the bottoms below.

Read more about the Business Award
Nominate here

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: SMI

StrategicMI is our newest corporate member, and we recently connected with their president, Maria Bowie, who has 25 years of experience on Capitol Hill, working on legislation to advance national security issues and secure federal funding, to learn more about their mission and their new partnership with us.


SMi is a consulting firm with over 30 years of experience, specializing in helping clients turn innovative technology into real-world success. The company partners with a diverse range of clients-from entrepreneurs to Fortune 500 companies and academic institutions-helping them navigate federal funding opportunities for research and developments. As Maria explained, SMI’s mission is centered on supporting innovative organizations by identifying government funding opportunities, guiding clients through the complex federal process, and facilitating key connections within the defense, energy, and healthcare sectors.


She went on to explain how SMI’s personalized approach sets them apart: "Our experienced professionals work closely with each client, offering tailored guidance to transform their technological potential into real-world impact."When asked about what inspired SMI to join the SACC-DC community, Maria emphasized the important of transatlantic collaboration. "Sweden has long been a leader in innovation, particularly in green technology. Given the global and environmental challenges we face today, it’s critical for the United States to collaborate more deeply with other nations to optimize industrial and academic capacity. At SMI, we’ve always prided ourselves on fostering transatlantic partnerships, particularly those that enhance mutual security. Many of our clients have Nordic parent companies, and we’re eager to work with SACC to bring our extensive experience with the US government to the table. Our goal is to identify new partnerships in sectors like energy, defense, and healthcare, and we’re excited about the opportunity to take the US-Sweden partnership to the next level."


Looking ahead , Maria spoke about SMI’s goals for 2025 and how their involvement with SACC-DC will help achieve them. "With our expertise in innovation, science, and entrepreneurship, we’re looking forward to fostering collaboration, driving creative solutions, and empowering businesses to thrive in the US market", she explained. "Our SACC membership will help us network, build relationships, and exchange ideas with other companies. Additionally, we aim to serve as a resource for Swedish companies that are looking to expand in the US. With our deep knowledge of legislative and executive branch processes, we provide invaluable insight on funding and policy questions, particularly in the health, defense, and energy sectors. The new Administration brings plenty of opportunities, and we’re excited to see where these developments will take us."


Through their involvement with SACC-DC, SMI is poised to play a pivotal role in strengthening US-Sweden business ties, and we look forward to seeing the innovative partnerships that will emerge from this collaboration. If you want to learn more about the company, please visit their website below. Welcome to SACC-DC SMI!

Visit their website here

HIGHLIGHTS FROM OUR MEMBERS

BRIEFS FROM BLUE STAR STRATEGIES


2025 Year Look Ahead: Important Dates & Elections: To kick off 2025, Blue Star Strategies provide a breakdown of key dates and elections on the calendar in the United States, Latin America and the Caribbean, Europe, France and internationally. Read more about their calendar year here.


U.S. Political Update: Trump Inauguration & Congressional Reconciliation Process: Blue Star Strategies are sure that many of you, if not all of you, have been keeping up with President Trumps inauguration, executive orders, and recent statements. The actions that the U.S. Congress will take over the next few months are the ones that will change policy. The process the Republicans will use so they do not need support from Democrats is called reconciliation. Read the report here.


FIRM HAPPENINGS


GLOBSEC Château Béla Forum: Sally Painter participated in GLOBSEC´s Château Béla 2024 Central European Strategic Forum in Béla, Slovakia where policy makers, thinkers, and business leaders from different fields and countries gathered to discuss current challenges, ideas and solutions. Read more about it here.


Creative Growth on CBS Morning Show: Blue Star Strategies salutes Oakland Creative Growth Art Center, a space dedicated to empowering artists with disabilities which has provided a model for 100 similar art spaces. Read more about it here.


DC DISRUPTED: A WEBINAR SERIES COVERING THE IMPACTS OF A SECOND TRUMP TERM FROM PILLSBURY


The return of former President Trump to the White House, alongside Republican control of Congress, marks a period of significant change with both challenges and opportunities. President Trump’s second administration is expected to drive major shifts in policy and regulation, impacting areas such as environmental law, antitrust, government spending, international trade, and the global energy transition.


Pillsbury’s multidisciplinary team of regulatory, litigation, and transactional experts is closely tracking these developments. Through a series of webinars, they are providing practical insights and strategic guidance to help businesses navigate this evolving political and regulatory landscape. DC Disrupted features members of Pillsbury’s Trump 2.0 Task Force forecasting the wide-ranging policy and regulatory implications of a second Trump term. Down below you can find their latest webinars on this topic, press the title to access the full webinars.


Episode 4: DC Disrupted: A New Dawn for Cryptocurrency

Watch on-demand here.

Their most recent episode covers the new direction and priorities for cryptocurrency regulation in the Trump administration.


Episode 3: DC Disrupted: Emerging Aviation Technologies Under the Trump Administration

Expectations for Trump administration policies impacting advanced air mobility, including drones and counter-drone technologies. 


Episode 2: Is a Trade War Coming? 

A forecast of Trump administration policies impacting global trade and supply chains, including new tariffs, export control and sanctions updates and other measures.


Episode 1: The Impacts of a Second Trump Term

Early transition commentary from former U.S. Congressmen William Lacy Clay, Jr. and Gregory Laughlin.

Subscribe here for future webinar notices

RECOMMENDED READINGS: NATIONAL CONFERENCE 2025, LEADERSHIP AND GOVERNANCE FOR RESILIENCE

The National Conference for Folk och Försvar, held from January 12-14, 2025, provided a platform to discuss the evolving challenges and opportunities for Sweden as it embarks on a new chapter. With Sweden officially joining NATO in 2025, the country is navigating fresh leadership and governance challenges. In response to increasingly complex global threats, the conference emphasized the need for dynamic, proactive leadership at all levels of society. Sweden's defense strategy is undergoing a major transformation, with a strong focus on total defense—a holistic approach that integrates both military and civilian efforts. The overarching message is clear: securing peace, freedom, and democracy requires the commitment of the entire nation. Sweden's vision is to ensure that every sector of society plays an active role in safeguarding the country's future.

SPEECH BY MINISTER FOR DEFENCE

SPEECH BY MINISTER FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS

Published January 14th. In picture: Pål Jonson


Sweden's Minister for Defence, Pål Jonson, addressed the current security challenges facing Europe, particularly the ongoing war in Ukraine. He emphasized that Russia’s aggression remains a significant and enduring threat, and with the support of nations like China, Iran, and North Korea, this conflict has global implications. In light of these threats, Jonson stressed the need for Europe to take greater responsibility for its own defense, particularly as the United States shifts focus toward East Asia.


Jonson highlighted Sweden's commitment to NATO as a new member, stating that Sweden is already contributing significantly to NATO’s defense efforts, including providing a mechanized battalion in Latvia and assuming responsibility for NATO’s Forward Land Forces in Finland. He emphasized that supporting Ukraine is not just a moral obligation, but an investment in Europe’s future security, and Sweden has consistently increased its aid to Ukraine, with a focus on defense industry production for long-term support.


The speech also touched on Sweden’s efforts to rapidly bolster its own defense capabilities. With a significant increase in defense funding and military procurement, Jonson stressed that Sweden must urgently transform these resources into combat-ready units. He called for streamlined decision-making processes and a new defense industry strategy to enhance production, innovation, and collaboration between authorities and businesses. The goal is to ensure that Sweden remains a strong and capable NATO ally, prepared to meet the evolving security challenges of today’s geopolitical landscape.

Read the full article here

Published January 12th. In picture: Maria Malmer Stenergard.


Sweden's Minister for Foreign Affairs, Maria Malmer Stenergard, emphasized that Sweden’s foreign and security policy is centered on constraining Russia, primarily through supporting Ukraine. She outlined Sweden’s approach to confronting Russia, which includes strengthening defense, enforcing sanctions, and enhancing resilience against both hybrid and military threats. Russia’s actions are seen as a broader attempt to destabilize Europe and challenge NATO’s unity. Minister Stenergard highlighted four key principles of Sweden's policy: 


1. Preserving Security through strong defense and NATO membership. 

2. Constraining Russia's Capabilities by supporting Ukraine, enforcing sanctions, and weakening Russia’s economic base. 

3. Strengthening Resilience to both hybrid threats and armed attack. 

4. Collective Action with NATO, the EU, and regional Allies to ensure unified defense.


The Minister also discussed the threat of Russia’s shadow fleet, used to circumvent oil sanctions. Sweden is taking a leading role in targeting these vessels to limit Russia’s war economy. She stressed that Sweden’s security strategy is long-term, adaptive, and relies on close cooperation with Allies to safeguard peace and stability in Europe.

Read the full article here

OTHER HIGHLIGHTS

News from SACC-USA and the Embassy

Stay updated on reading the newsletter from the Swedish Embassy and SACC-USA.

News from the Swedish Embassy
News from SACC-USA


BUSINESS SERVICES PROVIDED BY SACC-DC

SACC-DC holds a unique position to provide members valuable connections with other member companies or small businesses, 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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