Words from Executive Director | Upcoming Events | Save The Date
Event Calendar | Survey | In The Spotlight: Axis Communications | Insights From our Members | Member News
News from SACC-USA | 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 | | |
Happy Spring!
This spring, we have a busy program with Happy Hours, Young Professional company visits, and networking events.
Women remain underrepresented in leadership roles within both business and politics. The ratio of female CEOs is still low – even in Sweden, a leader in gender equality. Our next event is co-hosted with the Swedish Women’s Educational Association (SWEA) and aims to celebrate women of Swedish descent in the DC area. They will share their experiences, insights, and paths to leadership positions. Check our event calendar for more information on this and other programs we have planned.
Save the date for this year’s Nordic Innovation and Sustainability Forum on June 11 at the Norwegian Embassy. The topic is Critical Minerals and Opportunities in a Global Supply Chain. Please let us know if you’d like to participate.
Staying informed is crucial for navigating the latest policy and regulatory developments. We have compiled some useful resources that are free to use. Please let us know if you or your company has additional webinars, podcasts, or articles that could interest a larger audience, and we’d be happy to help spread them.
As a membership organization, we depend on our members to inform us about relevant programs, topics to cover, and areas for improvement. Please take a moment to share your thoughts in our annual survey. You can find the link in this newsletter.
Hope to see you soon at our next event!
Anna Wramner
Executive Director
| | YOUNG PROFESSIONAL COMPANY VISIT | | |
Next Wednesday, Axis Communications - a global leader in video surveillance and a valued SACC-DC member - will host an exclusive company visit for our Young Professional Members at their Arlington office.
Date: Wednesday, April 2
Time: 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM
Location: 1001 19th St N #1400, Arlington, VA 22209
During the visit, you'll explore the Axis Experience Center, discover their innovative product range, and network over refreshments. This is a unique opportunity to gain industry insights and experience Axis' cutting-edge technology firsthand.
Haven’t registered yet? Secure your spot now via the link below!
| | SWEDISH WOMEN IN LEADERSHIP | | Also coming up in early April, SWEA Professional and SACC-DC are co-hosting a special evening celebrating Swedish women in leadership. Join us as we highlight their achievements, discuss ongoing challenges, and engage in an insightful conversation with inspiring female professionals. | | |
Date: Thursday, April 3
Time: 6.00 PM - 8.00 PM
Location: Watergate Complex 600 New Hampshire Ave NW
This is a great opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and be part of an empowering dialogue.
| | Interested in finding out more? Visit SWEA International at https://washingtondc.swea.org for more information about the evening, which includes panel discussions, food and drinks. | | SAVE THE DATE: NORDIC INNOVATION & SUSTAINABILITY FORUM | | Critical Minerals – Opportunities in a Global Supply Chain | | |
The Norwegian and Swedish Chambers of Commerce will hold a symposium on June 11, 2025, on the opportunities in the Critical Minerals supply chain from mining and processing to recycling of these highly valued raw materials.
Agenda:
1:00 PM-3:00 PM: Forum program
3:00 PM-4:00 PM: Networking Reception
Location: The Royal Norwegian Embassy, Washington, DC
Geopolitical and technology innovation priorities are converging for a renewed focus on European and American cooperation to secure the supply chain of critical minerals.
The event will highlight US and Nordic public officials and leading Nordic companies who will address key obstacles and opportunities for greater commerce and strategic collaboration in this vital field.
More information to follow.
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The first months of the year have set the stage for a busy spring at SACC-DC. To keep our members informed and provide a clear overview of our programs, we've updated our website with an Event Calendar featuring all our upcoming events. Additionally, as summer approaches, we’ll continue adding more meaningful happenings for you.
Check it out through the link below!
| | FRIENDLY REMINDER: MEMBERS SURVEY | | |
There's still time to complete our survey for Business & Corporate- and Young Professional & Individual Members. It only takes a few minutes to complete, and your feedback is truly valuable to us.
Thank you in advance for your input!
| | IN THE SPOTLIGHT: AXIS COMMUNICATIONS | | |
With our first Young Professional Company Visit at Axis Communications just around the corner, we thought it was the perfect time to take a closer look at the company. Therefore, we recently spoke with Dennis Harmsen, SACC-DC Board Member and Manager, Field Marketing for the Mid-Atlantic Business Area at Axis Communications.
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Axis Communications, a network technology company and industry leader, offers advanced video surveillance, access control, intercoms, and audio solutions enhanced by intelligent analytics applications. Dennis began his journey with the company in the Netherlands. "I started my journey at Axis 6.5 years ago in my home country, the Netherlands, where I led the PR and communications team for the Benelux and DACH regions," Dennis recalls. He transitioned to the Americas team in 2022, shortly after the pandemic. Based in Washington D.C., he now oversees a field marketing team of eight individuals located in the Axis Experience Centers in Arlington, VA, and Cincinnati, OH, with a new office set to open in Detroit, MI later this year.
One of the most exciting aspects of the team’s work is driving all marketing efforts across eight states, with a strong emphasis on supporting business growth, impactful demand generation, and enhancing brand visibility. "Our company vision is 'Innovating for a smarter, safer world,' and we’re always looking for new ways to be innovative. That doesn’t just apply to our leading-edge products and technologies, but to our marketing as well," Dennis emphasizes. Annually, they plan and execute over 200 regional projects, including conferences, trade shows, customer meetings, trainings, roadshows featuring the Axis Experience Vehicle, webinars, digital campaigns, and more. "Collaboration and creativity are key and so important to us here, whether for marketing projects within a single state or spanning several regions and countries. It’s an exciting, fast-paced environment where multiple things are always happening at the same time."
As a Swedish company with a significant presence in the U.S., Axis Communications benefits from an open culture that encourages interaction across titles and departments. "We have always embraced an open culture that encourages people to connect across titles and departments—whether over coffee or fika—to share ideas and knowledge," Dennis notes. This culture has nurtured a strong sense of camaraderie and a commitment to diversity and inclusion, which Axis views as essential for driving global innovation. "If everyone came from the same background and thought the same way, we would not be the dynamic and creative team that we are."
Axis Communications' partnership with SACC-DC exemplifies its collaborative spirit. "That's also one of the reasons we've closely collaborated with SACC-DC in recent years," Dennis explains. "Together, we've hosted and partnered on events, facilitated connections with numerous Swedish and American companies, and encouraged other Axis teams to engage with their local SACC chapters." Additionally, Axis has collaborated with SACC-DC in recruiting talented interns for its Arlington office, significantly strengthening its marketing efforts across various industry segments and verticals. "We’ve recently posted a new marketing internship position for our Arlington office!" Dennis shares. With another promising year ahead, the company looks forward to continuing its successful partnership with SACC-DC and fostering valuable connections within the business community.
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To learn more about Axis Communications,
be sure to visit their website and social media channels below.
| | INSIGHTS FROM OUR MEMBERS | | |
Competitiveness & Defense: The European Commission’s 2025 Cornerstones: Blue Star Strategies recently published an article which examines European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen's agenda to bolster the European Union's global competitiveness and defense capabilities. Key initiatives include the Competitiveness Compass, the Clean Industrial Deal, and efforts to streamline regulatory processes. These measures aim to enhance innovation, support sustainable industrial practices, and strengthen the EU's strategic autonomy in defense. The full article provides an in-depth look at these initiatives and their implications for the EU's future.
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Managing Import and Tariff Risks During a Trade War: A new white paper from Foley & Lardner LLP outlines strategies for businesses to navigate the complexities of import and tariff risks amid shifting trade policies. With the potential for higher tariffs, evolving customs regulations, and increased enforcement, companies must proactively manage their supply chains, compliance strategies, and contractual agreements to mitigate risks. The report introduces a six-step program for managing import risks, including risk identification, supply chain flexibility, contractual risk management, and compliance with customs regulations. With trade tensions on the rise, the ability to adapt and plan for tariff fluctuations, regulatory changes, and enforcement actions will be a key competitive advantage for importers operating in the U.S. market. For more details, the full white paper is available here.
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DC DISRUPTED: A WEBINAR SERIES COVERING THE IMPACTS OF A SECOND TRUMP TERM
Pillsbury’s multidisciplinary team of regulatory, litigation and transactional attorneys continues to monitor the developments following former President Trump’s return to the White House, providing insights and strategies to help navigate the rapidly changing policy landscape.
Episode 13: A New Approach: Trump 2.0 & Crypto
Discusses the future of crypto and digital assets amid significant policy and regulatory shifts.
Episode 12: Upcoming Tariffs and Trade Actions
This episode discusses recent and upcoming tariff and trade actions and their near-term implications for corporate supply chains.
Episode 11: Defining Illegal DEI: Trump EO Impacts on Employers
Covers the evolving legal status of President Trump’s executive orders that target DEI initiatives in the private sector, including for government contractors and grant recipients, for-profit companies, nonprofit groups and universities.
| | SAS Named Most Sustainable Brand in Aviation | | |
SAS has once again been voted the most sustainable brand in the aviation industry, reaffirming its leadership in environmental responsibility. This recognition comes from Sustainable Brand Index 2025, Europe’s largest independent brand study focused on sustainability perception.
SAS has continuously prioritized sustainable aviation, with efforts including the use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), fleet modernization to reduce emissions, and investments in innovative technology to achieve long-term carbon neutrality. The company's consistent ranking as the top sustainable brand highlights its commitment to environmental impact reduction and transparent sustainability goals. This achievement not only reflects SAS's efforts to lead the industry toward a greener future but also reinforces the importance of sustainability for travelers and stakeholders alike.
| | Nammo to Restart Ammo Production in Denmark | | |
Denmark has selected Nammo to restart ammunition production at the previously shuttered Elling plant in northern Jutland. The move is part of Denmark's strategy to boost domestic supply chains amid rising security concerns in Europe.
Danish Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen emphasized the urgency of increasing stockpiles due to the conflict in Ukraine. The Elling plant, closed in 2020, was acquired by Denmark in 2023. This marks Denmark's return to domestic ammo production after 55 years. The initiative is expected to enhance Nordic defense cooperation.
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Nominations for the SACC-USA Business Award remain open for a few more weeks. This award honors fast-growing Swedish companies that have made a significant impact in the U.S. market. As Sweden’s third-largest trade partner, the U.S. plays a crucial role in Swedish business success, and this award celebrates companies driving that growth.
The winner will receive exclusive recognition, a one-year SACC-USA membership, and the opportunity to serve as the primary sponsor and keynote speaker at the Executive Forum in Washington, D.C. - a business development event valued at up to $20,000.
To be eligible, companies must meet key criteria, including significant business contributions, continuous revenue growth, and a strong U.S. workforce presence. A jury of 13 senior executives, including the editor-in-chief of Dagens Industri, will select the winner, who will be announced at the 2025 Executive Forum on June 12.
For questions, contact:
André Persson – andre.persson@sacctx.com
Astrid Hansson – memberservices@sacc-usa.org
Do you know a deserving company? Submit your nomination before April 8 via this link.
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SWEDISH ECONOMIC RECOVERY UNDER WAY
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In the fourth quarter of 2024, Sweden's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew by 0.8%, marking the onset of economic recovery following a period of recession. This growth was driven by significant increases in both investments and household consumption. Elisabeth Svantesson, Sweden's Ministry of Finance, anticipates continued improvement throughout 2025, supported by factors such as real wage growth, reduced interest expenses, and supportive fiscal policies, all of which are expected to boost private consumption.
| | LARGEST CIVILIAN SUPPORT PACKAGE FOR UKRAINE ANNOUNCED | |
The Swedish government has announced its largest civilian support package for Ukraine to date, reflecting a strong commitment to international solidarity and humanitarian aid. This substantial support aims to bolster Ukraine's resilience by providing essential resources such as medical supplies, infrastructure support, and other civilian assistance.
| | News from SACC-USA and the Embassy | | The Swedish Embassy presents "Snow and Rain Shall Pass," an exhibition by Swedish photographer Karin Alfredsson at the House of Sweden, showcasing her landscape photography from northern Scandinavia. Alfredsson, who seeks out untouched natural landscapes, captures the weather and atmosphere as central elements of her work. The exhibition is open to the public and group tours are available by request. For inquiries, email swedeninusa@gov.se. | | Find more news from the Swedish Embassy and SACC-USA through the links below. | | |
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.
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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!
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