Volume IX | October 2023

Words from the Manager Björn Porlein, The 35th Annual SACC-DC Open, Ambassador's Breakfast with H.E. Urban Ahlin and Swedish Deputy Prime Minister Ebba Busch, Young Professionals, Upcoming SACC-DC events and Member updates.

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 Manager Björn Porlein


Dear SACC-DC Community,


As the brisk autumn breeze sweeps in, I trust you are enjoying the Swedish-like climate! ;) 


Over the past month, SACC-DC has successfully orchestrated a series of events. On October 12, we had the pleasure of hosting our 35th Annual Golf Tournament at Westfields Golf Club. It was a truly remarkable day, graced with amazing weather and even more amazing rounds of golf. You can revisit these moments through our event photos, accessible on our brand-new webpage [HERE]. 


In October, the newly appointed Swedish ambassador, Urban Ahlin, extended a generous invitation to a select group of SACC-DC members to a business breakfast, which was honored by the presence of Ebba Busch, Deputy Prime Minister of Sweden, at the residence in the House of Sweden. During this breakfast, Ebba Busch emphasized the significance of Swedish-American connections, and SACC-DC has been delighted to support this concept since 1989!


Looking forward, we are excited to bring you more events throughout the fall season; please mark your calendars for the Nordic Innovation and Sustainability Forum on November 15. This promises to be an eye-opening event, hosted at the Atlantic Ballroom of the Norwegian Embassy, in collaboration with our counterparts from the Chambers of Commerce in Norway and Finland.


We trust you will find this edition of e-Currents thoroughly engaging. Enjoy the read!


Warm regards,

Björn Porlein


THE 35TH ANNUAL SACC-DC OPEN 2023

On October 12th, SACC-DC hosted its 35th Annual Golf Tournament at Westfield's Golf Club. We're thrilled with the event's success and want to thank everyone who joined us for a day of golf and networking.


The event began with welcome speeches from notable figures, including Jim Creevy, Chair of the SACC-DC Golf Committee; Björn Porlein, SACC-DC Manager; Nancy Fischer, Chairwoman; Jesica Lindgren, President; and a keynote speech by Mathias Hultgren, the Economic Counselor and Head of Trade and Economic Affairs at the Swedish Embassy in the United States.


It was wonderful to see our members enjoying a round of golf! After the tournament, we gathered for a pleasant evening with drinks and dinner, where we awarded prizes to the best players and enjoyed a raffle with other prizes. SACC-DC would like to express our warm thanks to our sponsors, especially to our platinum sponsor, Nammo, for making this event possible!

See pictures from the event here!

Ambassador's Breakfast with H.E. Urban Ahlin and Swedish Deputy Prime Minister Ebba Busch


SACC DC's Manager Björn Porlein and many of our board members attended the Ambassadors breakfast together with the Deputy Prime Minister Ebba Busch.


During her trip to the United States, Deputy Prime Minister Ebba Busch focused on the green transformation of businesses, mining, nuclear power, and transatlantic cooperation. The visit also included a meeting with the American Chamber of Commerce and meetings with Swedish companies operating in the United States. Busch also delivered a speech at the Green Transition Summit event, hosted by the Embassy of Sweden and the Atlantic Council.

YOUNG PROFESSIONALS

COMPANY VISIT AT AXIS COMMUNICATIONS



On October 19th SACC-DC had a company visit at our corporate member Axis Communications together with our Young Professionals! We got to learn about the company's history, their technology and innovations and about their corporate culture. A big thank you to Axis Communications for hosting us!

COMPANY VISIT AT NAMMO

On the 26th October we had a company visit at our corporate member Nammo together with our Young Professionals! We got to learn about the company's Scandinavian history, how they have established in the U.S and how they work with government relations. A big thank you to Nammo for hosting us!


Not a member yet? Join SACC-DC's Young Professionals community today! Gain access to exclusive events and open the door to a world of career opportunities. Our network is a vibrant community of like-minded business peers, and valuable resources, all dedicated to propelling your professional journey to new heights.

Become a YP member here!

UPCOMING SACC-DC EVENTS

NORDIC SUSTAINABILITY & INNOVATION FORUM

Invitation-only event

The focus of the event will be on sustainable architecture and transportation solutions, and it will bring together a carefully selected group of global experts, policymakers, and practitioners. Our objective is to facilitate discussions on innovative approaches that can revolutionize cities through sustainable building and transportation practices, while also examining the growing demand for Nordic solutions in the United States.


This private event will provide a unique opportunity for networking and knowledge sharing, enabling participants to connect with Nordic companies and other experts in the field. You will have the chance to exchange ideas, share experiences, and explore potential partnerships.


Speakers


Ambassador's address: Anniken Krutnes 

 

Biden Administration's Sustainability action: David Livingston  

 

Keynote speaker: Jim Lane, Editor & Publisher, “The Digest” 

 

Panel 1: Packaging 

Moderator: Ulla Lainio, Commercial Counselor Business Finland 

SAS: Jasmin Utter, Regional Manager, Americas 

Genera Energy: Dr. Kelly Tiller, Chief Strategy Officer 

USDA: Dr. Karama Neal, Rural Business-Cooperative Service  

Huhtamaki: Michael Hodges, VP Sustainability 

 

Panel 2: Recycling

Moderator: Stephen Jordan, CEO Institute for Sustainable Dev. 

RENAS: Bjørn Arild Thon, CEO 

BioLargo: Dennis Calvert, CEO 

TOMRA: Michael Noel, Director Public Affairs 


MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE EVENT HERE!



MEMBER UPDATES

Dear members,


Exciting news – we have recently undergone an upgrade to our website! Should you have any questions or suggestions, please feel free to reach out to us!

Visit our new website here!

HOLIDAY PARTY 2023: CANCELED

We regret to inform you that, despite our best efforts, the 2023 Holiday Party has been cancelled. Unfortunately, we were unable to secure the necessary sponsorship to meet the financial requirements for this year's event. We appreciate your understanding and support, and we remain committed to creating a meaningful experience for next year's Holiday Party.

WASHINGTON CAPITALS

We are thrilled to announce a special partnership with the Washington Capitals, offering our valued SACC members the opportunity to enjoy their games at exclusive, discounted rates this autumn.


Furthermore, in the upcoming spring, we are excited to collaborate with the Swedish Embassy and the Washington Capitals to host an unforgettable 'Swedish Night' event. This unique evening promises to be an enriching experience, blending the excitement of sports with the essence of Swedish culture. Keep an eye on our social media channels for more details.


Don't miss these fantastic opportunities to connect with our community and experience the dynamic spirit of the Washington Capitals!

Buy discounted tickets here!

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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