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. | |
INTRODUCING BJÖRN PORLEIN | |
SACC- DC:s NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR! | |
Björn holds an MBA from the University of Gothenburg School of Business, Economics, and Law and brings valuable experience from his previous role at SKF AB. Regarding his most recent experience, Björn was honored with the prestigious Sten-Olof Palm scholarship from the Gothenburg Retailers’ Association, which enabled him to work at SACC-USA for a year, closely assisting Karin Hammar, the Corporate Executive Director.
Please join us in extending a warm welcome to Björn Porlein as the Executive Director of SACC-DC!
| |
|
|
Words from Björn
Dear Member of SACC-DC,
I am pleased to take this opportunity to introduce myself as Björn Porlein, the recently appointed Manager Associate of SACC-DC. It brings me great pride to join this Swedish American organization, and I am genuinely motivated to collaborate with talented individuals and transform our chamber into an outstanding platform for networking events and activities in Washington DC.
Allow me to present this month's newsletter, which encompasses an intriguing array of subjects and events designed to keep you well-informed and engaged. Our Sweden Focus section showcases the remarkable achievements of Tetra Pak as the leading European advocate for climate conservation, alongside the extraordinary success stories of Volvo and Spotify. Additionally, we are thrilled to provide you with a preview of the upcoming events hosted by SACC-DC. We will be launching the Young Professional event series with a kubb tournament on July 6th, promising an enchanting celebration of Swedish traditions!
We sincerely hope that this newsletter serves as a valuable source of information and inspiration, offering you insightful perspectives and fostering a strong sense of community.
Wishing you an enjoyable reading experience!
Best regards,
Björn Porlein
Manager Associate, SACC-DC
| |
|
Join us for a kubb tournament!
Get ready for an exhilarating Kubb Tournament, a thrilling throwing game that originated in Sweden and has taken the world by storm! We will be gathering at the Rugby Field in Raoul Wallenberg Place, National Mall. Afterwards, we'll head to the The Wharf where you can enjoy a refreshing selection of beverages and drinks at the nearby bars! This event is exclusively designed for young professionals, providing the perfect opportunity to engage in friendly competition, network, and have a blast!
To secure your spot and RSVP, simply send an email to Bjorn.Porlein@sacc-dc.org. Don't miss out on this incredible chance to connect with fellow young professionals, revel in the beautiful surroundings, and experience the thrill of the Kubb Tournament! See you there!
Save the date: Thursday, July 6th, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM!
Please note: Due to American laws in public parks, we kindly ask you to refrain from bringing alcohol to the event.
| |
ANTON BORNLID TESTIMONIAL | |
BUSINESS ASSOCIATE INTERN 2022-2023
Working as a Business Associate intern for SACC-DC over the past year has been an incredibly enriching experience, both professionally and personally. Throughout my tenure, I have had the opportunity to engage in a diverse range of assignments, including accounting, project management, and marketing, among others. This comprehensive program has allowed me to develop a broad skill set and enhance my overall business acumen.
| |
|
|
One of the most valuable aspects of my internship has been the chance to explore different areas of interest and identify the specific areas where I excel and wish to further develop in the future. SACC-DC has provided me with the freedom and creative opportunities to manage projects and events, enabling me to take initiative and make a meaningful impact. Attending corporate visits and external events has also broadened my perspective and enriched my professional network. A particularly exciting and motivating phase of my internship was when I joined SIREUS, a SACC-USA project with the goal of knowledge exchange between Sweden and the U.S for a six-month period.
Reflecting on the internship as a whole, I consider SACC-DC to be an exceptional platform for young professionals, preparing them for future career and academic endeavors. The experience gained here has been invaluable, and the opportunity to live and work in Washington, D.C., has been truly transformative—a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
I am immensely grateful for the support, guidance, and opportunities provided by SACC-DC throughout my internship. I am now excited to embark on my next adventure—a master's program in Brussels—equipped with the skills, knowledge, and confidence that this experience has instilled in me. I highly recommend SACC-DC to any aspiring young professional seeking a dynamic and rewarding internship experience.
| |
|
TETRA PAK
EUROPEAN CLIMATE LEADER 2023
| |
|
The Swedish company Tetra Pak, members of SACC-DC, has been honored as a European Climate Leader 2023 by the Financial Times. This recognition is a result of the company's significant progress in reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and its strong commitment to climate action.
Out of the many companies evaluated by the Financial Times and Statista, only the top 500 companies with the most substantial reduction in GHG emissions intensity were included in the final list.
Each company on the list received an individual score based on factors such as their emissions volume, level of disclosure regarding emissions, and the percentage of emissions reduced.
Tetra Pak secured a place in the top 20% of the 500 companies, achieving an impressive 54.3% absolute reduction over a five-year period. The ranking also acknowledges Tetra Pak's efforts in addressing emissions across the value chain. See Europe's Climate Leaders 2023: interactive listing by Financial Times here!
| |
VOLVO WINS RECORD ORDER FOR ELECTRIC TRUCKS | |
|
Volvo Trucks, a unit of Volvo Group, has achieved a significant milestone by securing its largest commercial order for electric trucks. Swiss building solutions provider Holcim has made an impressive commitment to purchase 1,000 electric trucks over the next seven years. The delivery process will commence with the initial shipment of 130 trucks, featuring the robust electric models of Volvo FH and Volvo FM. These trucks are expected to be delivered in late 2023 and throughout 2024. While the exact value of the order remains undisclosed, it is undoubtedly a substantial investment. These environmentally-friendly vehicles will find their purpose across several European countries where Holcim operates. This strategic move aligns with Volvo Trucks' vision of making 50% of their truck sales electric by the year 2030. To support this ambitious goal, Volvo Trucks has already scaled up production at its plants in Sweden, France, and the United States. Furthermore, the company is on track to commence production at a new facility in Belgium during the third quarter of 2023.
It is worth noting that all trucks included in the Holcim order will be battery electric trucks (BEV). Additionally, Volvo Trucks is actively engaged in the development of hydrogen-powered fuel cell trucks, which are projected to enter the market in the latter half of this decade. By diversifying their offerings, Volvo Trucks is poised to meet the evolving demands of the industry and contribute to the global push for sustainable transportation solutions. Read more here!
| |
ALL TIME HIGH FOR SPOTIFY! | |
|
Spotify, the Swedish music streaming company, has achieved a significant milestone by surpassing 500 million monthly active users for the first time. In the first quarter, the number of monthly active users reached 515 million, exceeding Spotify's guidance and analysts' expectations.
Spotify has set ambitious goals for the future, aiming to reach one billion users by 2030 and achieve $100 billion in annual revenue. The company is investing in podcasting and audiobooks to expand its offerings and expects high-margin returns from these ventures. CEO Daniel Ek emphasized that Spotify's success is the result of multiple initiatives and efforts working together to build the company's story. Read more here!
| |
OUR ANNUAL CRAYFISH PARTY | |
Get ready to experience a taste of Swedish culture at the House of Sweden on September 13th! We're excited to announce the return of our popular Crayfish Party. Join us for an unforgettable evening of delicious crayfish, schnapps, singing, and networking. More information is to come, so be on the lookout and stay tuned! | |
Get ready for an exciting day full of networking with high-profile DMV companies, primetime golfing, fun activities, and prizes! This year's tournament will be held on October 12 at Westfields Golf Club in VA. Don't miss out on the chance to join us for an exclusive dinner reception as well. Stay tuned for more information to be announced, and mark your calendars now to save the date! | |
RECOMENDATIONS 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!
| |
JOIN US ON SOCIAL MEDIA! | | | | |
