Volume III | March 2024

Words from the Executive Director | Sweden joins NATO | US-Sweden Cancer Summit | SACC-DC Wants to hear from you | Monthly speakers events | Upcoming events | News

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,



Last week marked the peak bloom of the DC cherry blossoms around the Tidal Basin and across the city. Spring has officially sprung, and DC is painted in vibrant colors.


It has been an eventful time at SACC-DC. On Thursday, March 7, Sweden formally joined NATO as its 32nd member, ending centuries of military non-alignment. Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson traveled to D.C. to submit the final documents and was later that day invited to sit next to the First Lady in the viewing box during President Biden’s State of the Union address.


This day also coincided with International Women’s Day, where we hosted an inspiring event on women in leadership. Dorothy Hildebrandt shared her experiences as a woman in C-level positions, a wife, and a mother of two.


Cancer continues to be one of the leading causes of death globally. To bridge the gap between cancer research and implementation, a summit was held a week later with Sweden’s Minister for Health Care, Acko Ankarberg Johansson, and the US Deputy Secretary, Andrea Palm, from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). In conjunction with this, SACC-DC hosted a delegation from the Swecare Foundation on Reimbursement and FDA Regulatory affairs.


As we look ahead, we have a few exciting events lined up.


Multinational companies often face legal troubles in the U.S. due to complex laws governing their relationships with suppliers and distributors. Join us for the first of a series of webinars co-hosted with Foley & Lardner, where a panel of experts will discuss ways to avoid or handle such conflicts.


We would also like to welcome you to our annual Rooftop networking event, co-hosted by SACC-DC, the British-American Business Association (BABA), and the French American Chamber of Commerce (FACC).


As we plan future events, we are eager to hear your feedback about the Chamber and our programming in a short survey. We would therefore appreciate it if you could answer a few brief questions.



Happy Spring!


Anna Wramner

Executive Director



SWEDEN JOINS NATO

On Thursday, March 7, 2024, Sweden became a member of NATO. At approximately 11:30 am ET, Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson submitted Sweden’s instrument of accession to NATO to U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken. Later that day, addressing the nation televised from Washington D.C., the Prime Minister emphasized the epoch-making event as a natural step to become a part of the Western defense community. "In joining NATO, we have come home. Home to the Alliance for peace and freedom to which many democracies belong. Home to our own neighbors’ security cooperation. Home to the circle of nations where we have long belonged.". The Prime Minister finishes his speech by saying that a new era for Sweden has begun and that we are standing strong together - all for one, and one for all.

Read full speech here

Sweden's flag was raised at NATO headquarters in Brussels

On Monday, March 11, Sweden’s flag was raised at NATO headquarters in Brussels. Together with Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, several Ministers of the Swedish Government also took part. HRH Crown Princess Victoria, Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces Michael Bydén, and the leaders of the social democrats, Sweden Democrats, and Centre Party were also in attendance. Prime Minister Kristersson held a joint press conference with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg. In his speech, he emphasized Sweden's NATO membership and the belief in collective defense. Additionally, he highlighted Sweden's contribution to security, spanning from the Baltic Sea to the Black Sea. The Prime Minister also said he looks forward to helping make the world safer and freer with all its Allies.



US-SWEDEN CANCER SUMMIT IN HOUSE OF SWEDEN

On March 13, SACC-DC participated in the US-Sweden Cancer Summit at the House of Sweden. It was a significant day as Sweden’s Minister for Health Care, Acko Ankarberg Johansson, and the US Deputy Secretary, Andrea Palm from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), renewed and implemented an Agreement on Cancer research, prevention, control, and management. This renewed collaboration signifies the deepening bilateral partnership in health and life sciences, particularly in addressing cancer. Moreover, it reflects an effort to bridge the gap between cancer research and implementation.



In conjunction with this, SACC-DC hosted a delegation from the Swecare Foundation and held a seminar on FDA Regulatory and Reimbursement issues.

Learn more here

A SHORT SURVEY

We value your opinions and voices. We'd like to hear your feedback about our Chamber and our programming in this short survey. It only takes a minute to complete. We really appreciate it!

Answer Survey

MONTHLY SPEAKER EVENTS

International Women's Day

On our International Women’s Day event on March 7, we had the privilege of listening to Dorothy Hildebrandt as she talked about the experiences of women in leadership. Ms. Hildebrandt, Global Senior Director of Corporate Procurement at Hilton, shared insights into leadership in Sweden and the United States, recounted her leadership journey and learnings, and discussed work-life balance.


We've gathered insightful perspectives from Dorothy Hildebrandt on women in her industry and leadership. Read her inspiring words and gain valuable insights here.

Building Sustainable Government Relations

On February 22 we kickstarted our monthly Speakers Event series, an After Work with a guest speaker, together with Robert Thomas who led an interesting and engaging discussion about building sustainable Government Relations and the role of Political Action Committees (PACs).


We're excited to announce that we will have one speaker event each month providing insights into various topics.


Follow us on social media to have the latest updates on our events.

Facebook  Instagram  LinkedIn

DISCOUNT CODE FOR SACC-DC MEMBERS

25% OFF

your entire purchase



As a member of SACC-DC, you get a 25% discount on your purchase at Orrefors. The code SACC2024 is valid until the end of 2024.



Orrefors website

SACC-DC UPCOMING EVENTS

Throughout the year, our flagship events and a series of special events are organized to help you build personal connections, learn new things, and network with like-minded people. Keep an eye out for upcoming events, we hope to see you there.



Follow us on our social media channels for more details about our upcoming events.

Facebook  Instagram  LinkedIn

International Rooftop Networking Event at the Wharf

When: April 30, 6 pm. ET

Location: 1000 Maine Ave SW, Penthouse, Washington, DC 20024, United States


Join us for a festive outdoor international networking reception together with our French, British, and American friends and partners at the British American Business Association and the French-American Chamber of Commerce. The event is held atop the beautiful Michael Best Strategies building at the Wharf in Washington, D.C.


Welcome to network, enjoy the open bar with French wines and European Beers, and eat delicious Hors D'oeuvres. Don't forget to bring your business cards!


Registration for the event will be opening soon. Keep an eye out on our social media, email, and website for updates, and make sure to secure your ticket.


More upcoming events

When: April 16, 12:00 pm-1:00 pm ET

Location: Online

Sign up here

WEBINAR: DOING BUSINESS IN THE UNITED STATES - WHAT EVERY COMPANY SHOULD KNOW


Topic: Lessons Learned in Dealer Litigation - Managing and Restructuring U.S. Distribution Networks Without Breaking the Budget.


A webinar series presented by the law firm Foley & Lardner LLP with the Swedish-American Chambers of Commerce.


The panelists, Micheal Lockerby and Micheal Going, have decades of experience addressing these issues as in-house legal counsel, compliance officers, and outside counsel who provided advice and litigated such claims. They will address “best practices” when drafting and enforcing contracts as well as strategies for managing litigation — if not preventing it altogether.

When: April 17, 4 pm-5:30 pm. ET

Location: 2112 Pennsylvania Avenue NW

Sign up here

YOUNG PROFESSIONAL EVENT - COMPANY VISIT AT SKANSKA


Young Professionals, join us for a company visit at the Swedish construction and development company Skanska, on April 17.


Get an insider's look at one of the leading construction companies in the industry. This event is a fantastic opportunity to learn more about Skanska's projects, culture, and career opportunities. Don't miss out on this chance to network with professionals in the field!


To register for this event you need to be a Young Professional Member at the Swedish-American Chamber of Commerce in D.C. Are you not a member yet? Please register here.

Save the date for future events


Tuesday, May 7: Company Visit at Saab Inc. 

Join us for a visit at Saab Inc! Young Professional members, explore this Swedish-owned defense company with a unique U.S. presence. The visit starts at 3:00 pm ET. More details coming soon!


Thursday, May 17: Company visit at Axis Communications

Join us for an exciting company visit at Axis Communications! Young Professional members, don't miss the opportunity to learn from the industry leader in video surveillance. The visit starts at 11:30 am ET. More details coming soon!

HIGHLIGHTS FROM OUR PARTNERS

SWEA Washington D.C.

Swedish Women's Educational Association (SWEA) has set aside $7.000 in sponsorships for 2024. The last date to apply is May 30. Please visit our webpage for additional information.

SWEA Website

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 this 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.


News from the Swedish embassy
SACC-USA newsletter


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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