SEPTEMBER 2026

Dear friends of SACC-DC,

September was a great month. Not because I was once again reminded of my age, but because we, for the 16th time, executed our beloved annual Crayfish event. We warmly welcomed the new Ambassador of Sweden to the United States Nicola Clase, who shared her remarks. We extend my sincere appreciation to Volvo Group North America for their generous sponsorship. The whole setting, with delicious food, colorful decorations, and lovely people, created a wonderful ambiance. 

In September, the website Sweden Creates Jobs in the U.S. was updated. According to the most recent figures, Sweden supports almost 18,000 jobs in the DMV area (and 400,000 across the entire U.S.). Sweden maintains its position as the 9th largest foreign direct investor in the U.S. (and the 4th fastest-growing foreign investor). In short, considering its territory and population, Sweden is an important trade partner for the United States. Agreements such as the Pax Silica and the Technology Prosperity Deal should be viewed from this perspective as well.

As mentioned in our last Newsletter, Prince William County has become a member of SACC-DC. In this Newsletter, Prince William County will present what they do and why Swedish businesses thrive in their county.

In May, Sweden and the United States signed the Technology Prosperity Deal. On October 6, SACC-DC, in collaboration with the Embassy of Sweden, Axis, Blue Star Strategies, and SAAB will hold a webinar related to this agreement. The current and future status of the Technology Prosperity Deal will be discussed. Please join us by signing up here: Partnering for Innovation: Inside the U.S.-Sweden Technology Prosperity Deal

On October 15, we will launch yet another SACC-DC tradition: the golf tournament SACC-DC Open. If you appreciate both professional networking and leisure, we welcome you to this event: Annual SACC-DC Golf Open | SACC Washington DC. I would also like to express my gratitude to our kind sponsors: Nammo, Ovzon, Forbes Tate Partner, NADIC, SAS, Volvo Cars, and Volvo Group North America.

At the moment, SACC-DC is also planning an event focused on the U.S. midterm elections and their potential effects on the Swedish-American relationship. This event is still in the planning phase, hopefully be held in early November, and we will let you know as soon as more information is confirmed. 

Regarding events beyond the DMV, let me also promote this year's SACC Summit in Austin, from Nov. 10-12: "Humanity in the Age of AI." Considering the recent somewhat gloomy news regarding AI, the summit's title is well timed. If you, like me, believe that AI combined with humanity is important for the future, see: SACC SUMMIT 2026 – SACC TEXAS (Until October 5, early-bird tickets are still available).

With AUSA (the Association of the United States Army) coming up in October, I note that SACC-DC has at least 10 member companies directly related to the defense or security industry, and several others indirectly linked. Although I have not compared this with other chambers, SACC-DC is one of the most defense industry-friendly of all Swedish-American chambers.

Since the last Newsletter, Sweden decided to purchase the artillery system HIMARS from one of our member companies, Lockheed Martin. Therefore, I would like to congratulate both Sweden and Lockheed Martin. The system will be a valuable addition to Sweden's military toolbox, not least because of its range, and will further strengthen Sweden's already excellent military interoperability with partner nations.

Speaking of defense procurement, I would also like to express my gratitude to Pillsbury for kindly inviting me to two different meetings regarding foreign defense companies' opportunities to enter the U.S. market. This has sharpened my understanding, and thereby that of the SACC-DC office, of issues such as procurement, supply chain resilience, and bureaucracy at the federal level.

As the Swede I am, I must close with a comment about the weather: I love the fall season here, definitely my favorite time of year in the DMV area. I am already looking forward to heading out to the Shenandoah Valley to watch the trees change from green to yellow and orange. It is truly a beautiful sight. And I look forward to seeing you at our upcoming events!

Warm regards, 

Robert Andersson

Executive Director

Could you tell us a little about Prince William County?

Prince William County is one of the largest and fastest-growing communities in Virginia, located just 35 miles outside Washington, D.C. The county is home to more than 500,000 residents and offers a unique mix of vibrant communities, innovation and research, historic destinations, and outdoor recreation. From major employment and innovation hubs to parks, trails, and waterfront destinations along the Potomac River, Prince William County offers both the opportunities of a major metropolitan region and space to grow. It’s a place where businesses, residents, and visitors can connect, explore, and be part of a community that continues to evolve.

What makes Prince William County an attractive location for businesses and organizations looking to establish or expand in the Washington, D.C. region?

Prince William County offers businesses a strategic location, robust workforce, and competitive costs within the Washington, D.C. region. Companies have access to 2.1 million prospective employees within 30 miles, as well as six higher education campuses that support talent development, research, and industry partnerships. The county is well-connected to the region and beyond through I-95 and I-66, regional rail service, and three major airports, including Washington Dulles International airport. For companies establishing or expanding a U.S. presence, Prince William County combines access to one of the country’s largest metropolitan markets with the talent, infrastructure, and business environment to support long-term growth.

What are some of the key industries or areas of growth that you are currently seeing in Prince William County?

Prince William County is seeing continued growth across several key industries, including life sciences, government contracting, and specialized logistics and supply chain. We’re also seeing opportunities for corporate facilities and continued investment in revitalization and redevelopment. At the same time, supporting small businesses and entrepreneurs remains an important part of strengthening and diversifying the county’s economy.

A major part of that growth is taking shape within Nexus234 Innovation District, Northern Virginia’s first innovation district. Nexus234 brings together the people, spaces, and resources companies need to start, locate, and scale more quickly, with access to labs, equipment, and research expertise and talent. The district is building on strengths in industries such as life sciences, aerospace and defense, and emerging technologies. It is also attracting new investment, including International Sandberg Development’s new U.S. headquarters, which will establish a base for the Swedish investment company and help support its portfolio companies as they enter and grow in the U.S. market.

What inspired Prince William County to join the Swedish-American Chamber of Commerce - DC, and what are you hoping to gain from being part of the SACC-DC community?

The recent growth of Swedish investment in Prince William County made joining the SACC-DC a natural next step.  It gives us an opportunity to build stronger connections with Swedish companies and business leaders. Through SACC-DC, we hope to raise awareness of Prince William County as a destination for international investment and create new relationships that can lead to future business opportunities.