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Dear SACC Texas friends,
It's been an action-packed fall for us here in Houston, and I'm thrilled to share some exciting updates with you.
In early October, we had the pleasure of hosting Sweden's new ambassador in Washington D.C., Urban Ahlin, marking the second ambassadorial visit to Texas and Houston this year. With extensive experience in Swedish foreign policy, including his most recent role as Sweden's ambassador in Ottawa, Canada, Ambassador Ahlin brings a strong business-oriented mandate to strengthen trade relations between Sweden and the US. This focus aligns with the changing geopolitical landscape as Sweden's potential NATO membership gains momentum.
The excellent news for us in Texas is that our hard work to promote our industrial “Holy Trinity” – Aerospace/Space, BioTech/Life Science, and Energy – is, to some extent, being recognized. During Ambassador Ahlin's visit, he emphasized the high priority these sectors will receive in our trade relations, a testament to our region's potential. We also had the privilege of organizing a “VIP Round Table Discussion” with key representatives from these industries during his visit, a gesture much appreciated by the ambassador. Rest assured, Urban Ahlin will be back in Texas.
In late October, we also welcomed representatives from one of the world's largest pharmaceutical companies, Swedish-British AstraZeneca. CEO of AstraZeneca BioVentureHub, Magnus Björsne, alongside Pernilla Isberg and Ulf Landin from Business Region Gothenburg, visited Houston and San Antonio to strengthen networks between Texas and their innovation hub in Gothenburg. They engaged with organizations such as the University of Texas in San Antonio, the Greater Houston Partnership, ION District, Texas Medical Center, and BioHouston, among others, underscoring our role in bridging industry representatives across vast geographical areas. SACC Texas and Houston continue to play a vital role in promoting trade and fostering cross-collaboration with other chambers within SACC USA, strengthening the brand.
In November, we look forward to a visit from CEO Christoffer Svanberg of Nodepole, a leading industrial advisor in the Nordics, in Skellefteå, Sweden. As a board member of SACC Houston, Christoffer early on recognized the opportunity to build networks in the USA, given his role in the green transition in Sweden. Welcome to Houston, Christoffer Svanberg and team!
Lastly, a few reminders:
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The SACC USA Business Award, for which I am the Jury Chair, is back! I invite all our strong Swedish companies in Texas to check the nomination criteria and consider applying. Nominated companies will be highlighted and recognized in this year's edition. The first prize includes an invitation and a speaking slot at the SACC USA Executive Forum in Washington D.C., a beautiful glass sculpture from Kosta Boda, and a featured interview in Dagens Industri, all valued at $20,000. Nominate your candidate no later than April 8, 2024.
- Thanks to an initiative from Victoria Andersen, VP of Strategic Marketing Communications and Partnerships and SACC Houston board member, SACC Texas has signed several beneficial membership agreements with partners such as Hilton Hotel, Restaurant Copenhagen in Houston, and Eco Works Pool. More details are available in this newsletter.
- Lastly, a warm welcome to Estelle Klavberg, our new marketing intern for SACC Texas, based in Dallas. Read more about Estelle in this newsletter.
Wishing you all a wonderful fall season!
André Persson, Chairman and President of SACC Houston
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