Volume II | March 17 2020
Since 1989 SACC-DC has offered a platform for developing U.S. – Swedish lucrative commercial ventures and professional opportunities through our network and 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.
From the Executive Director
Dear Friends,
 
It has been said many a time that it is not the events in life that disturb us, but what we tell ourselves about those events. When unhealthily anxious, we tend to overestimate the probability of threat whilst underestimating our ability to deal with it. We may think, feel and act in ways that are not helpful or rational.
 
Life is a calculated risk. Driving a car is a significant risk that most of us accept daily. At the same time, some 100 people die in car accidents every day. As we are accepting a new risk, we need to temper fear with reason and embrace the facts to stay our social and economic courses. The rapid spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) has contributed to a massive decline in oil and equity prices as the global economy moves toward recession with all its implications and human costs.

At the time of writing, there have been 194,735 Coronavirus cases with 7,896 resulting deaths. 94% of the currently infected are in a mild condition and 6% in a serious or critical condition. 91% of closed cases have recovered and/or been discharged from hospital. Follow  CDC advice  on how to protect yourself – with frequent hand washing as one of the most effective measures – and the odds, it seems, are in your favor.

May you stay healthy, safe and sound.

- Karin Hammar, Executive Director of SACC-DC

PS SACC-DC has postponed events slated for March and April and will keep you posted on subsequent events pending guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other federal agencies. Our office is operating remotely – please contact us if you think we can be of assistance.
Member Spotlight

Congratulations Douglas L. Faulkner - Inducted to the MFHS Hall of Fame

The long-time SACC-DC Board member has been selected for his high school’s first Hall of Fame class. Maroa-Forsyth High School recognized ten individuals for excellence in academics, fine arts, sports or general distinguished life-time achievements. As a student, Doug was a champion athlete in both basketball and track; starred in theater productions; and played in the school marching band. His record time for the 220-yard dash still stands (and will never be broken since the shift to metrics!). The school also highlighted his academic achievements, including a Masters degree from The Johns Hopkins University and a Rotary International scholarship to the University of Singapore; his federal government service, progressing from China analyst to serving as a senior political appointee for President George W. Bush; and his commitment to sustainability through his clean-tech consulting firm, Leatherstocking LLC, which serves U.S. and Nordic clients. Doug has long advocated a strong relationship between Virginia and Sweden, travelling with then-Governor McDonnell on his ground-breaking visit to Sweden

“ Entrepreneurial clean-tech innovation first attracted me to Sweden and SACC-DC.The natural bond between Swedes and my Midwestern prairie values, like teamwork, the love of community and the outdoors, has kept me engaged over the years. ”
-
Douglas L. Faulkner, President & Founder Leatherstocking LLC and member of the SACC-DC Board of Directors
Welcome Our New Associate!
At the end of January SACC-DC received an addition to its team, new Business Associate Oscar Theblin. Recently graduated from University College London with a background in economics and foreign policy, he will be working to further the interests of the Chamber's members and help bolster Swedish-American business relations.  Oscar can be reached at [email protected] and (202)-389 7498.

Warm welcome to Haypp Group - New Corporate Member!
Renew your membership for 2020 today!

SACC DC organizes many events throughout the year to give our members access to professional networking. Our annual flagship business events includes SACC Summit, Young Professionals and other corporate events, seminars and workshops.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.
Upcoming Events & News
*POSTPONED*
Nordic Young Professionals Happy Hour

In light of the Coronavirus outbreak and federal guidelines, we have together with the Norwegian-American Chamber of Commerce, Mid-Atlantic Chapter and the American-Danish Business Council decided to postpone the Nordic Happy Hour event at Takoda previously planned for March 19.
 
We have a long tradition of providing our younger members with opportunities for career development and networking through our Young Professionals program. We will resume these activities when circumstances allow.

Inauguration of the Smart Mobility Exhibition

The Embassy of Sweden hosted the inauguration of three new exhibitions at House of Sweden on March 4. The centerpiece, Smart Mobility, showcases innovations in sustainable transport and personal mobility in a Swedish context with a global impact. Ambassador Karin Olofsdotter and Minister for Business, Industry and Innovation, Ibrahim Baylan, spoke to the importance of Swedish innovation locally and globally. SACC-DC's Karin Hammar and several members of the Chamber participated in the inauguration and subsequent breakfast discussion with the Ambassador, the Minister and select companies.

Thank you to everyone who attended the 2020 Swedish Heritage Night

On February 20, the fifth annual Swedish Heritage Night took place as two hundred attendees descended on Capital One Arena to see the Washington Capitals take on the Montreal Canadiens! With a sold-out Swedish section rooting for our local team and the Swedish players on the ice, it was an evening full of excitement. In a Q&A with Nicklas Bäckström and Carl Hagelin, children in the audience had a chance to ask any question of the players, from how they celebrate Midsummer’s to what they miss most about Sweden!
Save The Date

  • Crayfish Celebration - Thursday September 10
  • Swedish-American Chamber of Commerce DC Open - Thursday October 15
  • Holiday Party - Tuesday December 8
More Events

More Opportunities

  • Congressional Internship, Jack Bergman R-MI1, co-chair of the Friends of Sweden Caucus (Deadline 31st of March) - SACC USA