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 friend of SACC-DC,
This year, it looked as though the rain would make the SACC DC Open less enjoyable, but somehow we managed to tame the weather gods. In the end, we were even treated to occasional sunshine, and the event provided all participants with enjoyment and some well-deserved relaxation. I would like to express my gratitude to our Platinum Sponsor, Nammo, our Gold Sponsor, Ovzon, and all our Silver Sponsors: FTP, NADIC, SAS, Volvo Cars, and Volvo Group North America.
During early October, SACC-DC also held a webinar titled Partnering for Innovation: Inside the U.S.-Sweden Technology Prosperity Deal (TPD), where Dave McCarthy of Axis, Jesica Lindgren of Blue Star Strategies, Michael Andersson of SAAB, and Mathias Hultgren of the Embassy of Sweden shared their perspectives on the TPD. During the webinar, the Embassy noted that it plans to host an innovation summit related to the TPD in December. It was also stated that a bilateral ministerial-level meeting on the TPD will likely take place in the spring. As the TPD is still in its early stages, SACC-DC will likely have reason to follow up with another TPD-focused event in spring 2027. Speaking of the Technology Prosperity Deal, it is worth noting that Finland and the United States signed a similar bilateral agreement at the end of October.
On November 5, SACC-DC will, with the generous sponsorship of Blue Star Strategies and AstraZeneca, host a breakfast event on the results of the U.S. Midterm Elections at the Army and Navy Club in downtown DC. For 90 minutes, the midterms will be analyzed and discussed from both Democratic and Republican perspectives. If you have not yet signed up for this event, which will be in person and virtual, please do so by emailing your interest to: info@sacc-dc.org.
Let me also to take the opportunity again to promote this year's SACC Summit in Austin: "Humanity in the Age of AI," November 10-12. Considering the recent somewhat gloomy news surrounding AI, I find the Summit's theme extremely timely. If you, like me, believe that the combination of AI and humanity is important for the future, please register: SACC Summit 2026 – SACC Texas.
Already now, I can also mention that SACC-DC plans to hold its Annual Meeting on January 21, 2027. As usual, it is planned to take place at the Embassy of Sweden. However, the details have not yet been finalized and will be communicated to all members as we get closer to the date.
During October, SACC-DC also held several meetings with potential new members. In the not-too-distant future, I hope we will be able to welcome some of them into our esteemed network. Speaking of new members, in this newsletter SACC-DC has the pleasure of formally welcoming our newest business member, Hästens. Early in 2027, Hästens plans to open a new store in Georgetown. In this newsletter, Angela Du from Hästens tells us more about this well-known company.
Our member company Skanska has had a remarkable year in the United States. Despite fierce competition, Skanska has been awarded several major contracts across the country, ranging from data centers to train stations and harbor facilities. In this issue, Magnus Eriksson from Skanska elaborates on the company’s recent success in the U.S. market.
As mentioned previously, Fall is my favorite season in the DMV area, and I know many others feel the same way. In DC, house after house is decorated with fun and imaginative Halloween and Thanksgiving displays. In the Shenandoah Valley, the trees explode in shades of orange and yellow. In Virginia, the Blue Ridge Mountains appear even bluer. The beer from Maryland’s many breweries somehow taste even better. Get out there and explore. This year, I intend to make the most of every opportunity to enjoy my favorite season in the DMV area. I hope you will do the same.
Warm regards,
Robert Andersson
Executive Director
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U.S. Midterms: What Happened and What's Next?
It’s almost time for our post election event!
Join SACC-DC for a morning briefing, with coffee and pastries on Thursday, November 5, as we explore the results of the U.S. midterm elections and what they could mean for the next Congress.
We’ll hear both Democratic and Republican perspectives from:
- Karen Tramontano, CEO of Blue Star Strategies
- Brad Card, Managing Director at Chartwell Strategy Group
The discussion will be moderated by Jamie Bell, Director of Political Programs at AstraZeneca, with a representative from the Embassy of Sweden in the United States also expected to participate.
- Thursday, November 5, 2026
- In person: 9:00-10:30 AM ET | Virtual: 9:30-10:30 AM ET
- Army Navy Club, 901 17th St. NW, Washington, DC | Virtual participation available
- Attire: Business attire
In-person spots are limited and advance registration is required. Please register by emailing info@sacc-dc.org. Those joining virtually can register here: https://lnkd.in/eRGUasbt
We hope to see you there!
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SACC-DC OPEN
Another successful year on the green! ⛳️
Once again, the SACC-DC Open was a great success! We were delighted to welcome our members, sponsors and friends to Blue Mash Golf Club for the 38th Annual SACC-DC Open, bringing everyone together for a day of golf, networking and great company.
A big thank you to all our sponsors for their continued support in making this event possible. This year's tournament was supported by Platinum Sponsor Nammo AS, Gold Sponsor Ovzon, and Silver Sponsors Volvo Cars, Volvo Group, Norwegian-American Defense Industry Council, SAS and FTP.
Congratulations to Beyer Volvo Cars Dulles on taking home first place! 🏆
Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make this year's tournament another memorable one.
We look forward to welcoming you back next year!
| | WEBINAR TECHNOLOGY PROSPERITY DEAL | | |
Partnering for Innovation: Inside the U.S.-Sweden Technology Prosperity Deal
On October 6, SACC-DC joined forces with Axis Communications and several other Swedish-American Chambers of Commerce for a webinar exploring the U.S.-Sweden Technology Prosperity Deal.
The discussion brought together industry experts to explore opportunities for collaboration, innovation, and stronger technology partnerships between the U.S. and Sweden.
Thank you to our speakers and everyone who joined us for an insightful discussion!
| | Skanska continues to make its mark across the U.S., with several major projects underway in transportation, infrastructure, and data center development. We caught up with the team to learn more about their recent work, what has contributed to their success in the American market, and the opportunities they're looking forward to. | | |
Skanska has several exciting projects underway in the U.S., from Penn Station in New York to the Coast Guard pier in Rhode Island and infrastructure projects here in the DC area. Could you tell us a little more about some of these projects and what you're working on right now?
It's an exciting time for Skanska in the U.S. We're involved in some of the country's most important projects, from the transformation of New York's Penn Station to modernizing critical maritime infrastructure for the U.S. Coast Guard in Rhode Island. Here in the DC region, we're delivering Long Bridge North to expand rail capacity, rehabilitating the I-395 Northbound Bridge over the Potomac River, and building data centers in Virginia to support growing digital infrastructure needs. These projects reflect the breadth of our expertise and what we do best: delivering complex projects that make a lasting difference.
What do you think has been key to Skanska's success in the American market, and what sets Skanska apart from its competitors?
Skanska has been building in the U.S. for more than 50 years, and I believe our success comes down to our people, our relationships and the trust we've earned along the way. We combine the strength and experience of a global company with deep local knowledge and expertise. Our Swedish heritage also shapes how we work, with a strong emphasis on safety, sustainability, collaboration and doing business responsibly. Ultimately, it's about delivering for our customers and finding innovative solutions to some of the most complex construction challenges.
Looking ahead, what opportunities do you see for Skanska in the DC area and the wider U.S. market? Are there any upcoming projects or developments you're particularly excited about?
We see significant opportunities ahead, particularly as the U.S. continues to invest in modernizing its aging infrastructure. In the DC region, transportation, transit and other critical infrastructure remain important areas of opportunity. Nationally, we're seeing continued demand for complex projects that require strong technical capabilities and innovative delivery approaches. What's especially exciting is the opportunity to help shape the next generation of American infrastructure, building on our experience while continuing to strengthen the communities where we live and work.
| | We’re excited to welcome Hästens as a new Business Member of SACC-DC! We spoke with Angela Du to learn more about the company and its work in the U.S. market. | | |
Could you tell us a little about Hästens and its history?
In Köping, Sweden, the story of Hästens is measured in generations. Founded in 1852, the family-owned company carries a heritage spanning six generations, connected by a shared dedication to craftsmanship, natural materials, and the pursuit of exceptional sleep.
At the heart of that story is an intimate understanding of materials. Horsehair, cotton, wool, and flax are carefully selected and layered by hand, each contributing its own qualities to the comfort of the bed. Resilient horsehair allows air to circulate, while wool and cotton help manage moisture and create a welcoming sleeping environment. Beneath the familiar blue-and-white check, these natural fibers come together through meticulous workmanship. Their quiet complexity is felt in the simple pleasure of settling into bed.
The craft lives on through people. Experienced hands guide younger craftspeople, passing along knowledge developed over decades: how to work with each fiber, how to build each layer, and how to recognize the smallest detail that might make a bed better. Across the founding family and generations of craftspeople, Hästens has sustained a culture in which preserving tradition and refining it are part of the same daily work.
That dedication holds a distinguished place in Sweden’s royal history. In 1952, His Majesty King Gustaf VI Adolf appointed Hästens Purveyor to the Royal Court of Sweden, formalizing an established relationship with the Royal Household. Hästens has continued making beds for Swedish royalty ever since. It is an honored chapter in a much longer story, one that continues, day by day, in the workshops of Köping, where another generation carries the craft forward.
Could you tell us a little about Hästens’ presence in the U.S., particularly in the DC area?
Across the United States, Hästens brings its Swedish heritage to life through more than 20 retail locations, including dedicated brand showrooms in major metropolitan areas such as New York, Los Angeles, Miami, Dallas, Houston, and Washington. Each showroom offers an opportunity to discover the craftsmanship behind the beds and, just as importantly, to explore what truly personal comfort can feel like.
In the Washington metropolitan area, our story began at Tysons Galleria in 2019. Today, it remains our home for welcoming clients from across Washington, Maryland, and Northern Virginia. Our next chapter is planned for 2027, with a second showroom near Georgetown that will bring the Hästens experience closer to clients in the District.
Choosing a Hästens begins with a conversation. We take time to understand how our clients sleep, their daily routines, their preferences, and the comfort they hope to find. Through an in-depth consultation and an unhurried experience of the beds, we help each person discover the combination of support and comfort that feels right for them. The choice becomes a thoughtful exploration of how they want to rest and feel when they wake.
Our commitment continues well beyond delivery. As the local retailer, we provide our DC-area clients with 30 years of in-home maintenance service, an additional benefit alongside Hästens’ 25-year limited warranty. During visits lasting approximately 40 minutes, our dedicated service specialists massage and care for the mattress, helping redistribute and refresh its natural filling layers and preserve its comfort over time. These visits also give clients a familiar team to turn to as they continue enjoying their bed through the years.
For clients who value natural materials and thoughtful craftsmanship, this lasting commitment adds another dimension to the Hästens experience. From the first personal consultation to years of attentive care, we offer a relationship built on understanding, trust, and a shared appreciation for exceptional sleep.
What are you hoping to gain from your membership with SACC-DC?
We see our membership with SACC-DC as an opportunity to build meaningful relationships with people who share an appreciation for Swedish heritage, craftsmanship, and thoughtful innovation. As a local representative of Hästens, we are proud to be part of Sweden’s story in the Washington region, and we look forward to becoming more involved in the community.
We hope to collaborate with SACC-DC on events and outreach that introduce Hästens to a wider American audience, sharing its Swedish heritage and its philosophy of sleep as an essential part of well-being. Through gatherings in our showrooms, we would love to invite members and the wider Washington community to discover the natural materials, craftsmanship, and generations of dedication behind our beds.
We would also welcome the opportunity to explore joint events with SACC-DC and the Embassy of Sweden, centered on well-being, design, and lifestyle. Inviting our clients and fellow members to a gathering at the Embassy would offer a deeper encounter with Swedish culture, placing Hästens within the broader traditions and ideas that have shaped it. We hope these exchanges can both strengthen appreciation for an exceptional Swedish brand and build lasting cultural connections within the Washington community.
| | Sweden’s Contribution to NATO’s Deterrence and Defence in 2027 | |
The Swedish Government has presented a proposal outlining Sweden’s military contributions to NATO’s collective deterrence and defence in 2027.
The proposal includes Swedish ground forces in Finland and Latvia, naval units, fighter aircraft and ground-based air defence capabilities.
The initiative reflects Sweden’s continued commitment to NATO’s collective security and comes amid an evolving European security environment, with increased emphasis on strengthening Europe’s role in its own defence. The proposal also includes plans for Sweden to continue contributing its Patriot air defence system to NATO operations in Poland during the first half of 2027, subject to parliamentary approval.
| | The Folke Bernadotte Academy’s New Strategy for Peace and Security Engagement 2026-2031 | |
The Swedish Government has introduced a new strategy for the Folke Bernadotte Academy (FBA), outlining Sweden’s approach to peace and security engagement for the period 2026-2031.
The strategy aims to strengthen Sweden’s role in international peacebuilding and security efforts through a more coordinated and flexible approach.
Key areas include preventing armed conflicts and conflict-related violence, supporting peace processes and democratic transitions, and strengthening partner countries’ resilience against hybrid threats. The strategy also brings together several areas of the FBA’s previous work, including NATO-related security engagement.
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SACC SUMMIT
Humanity in the Age of AI
The SACC Summit is coming up November 10-12 in Austin, Texas, bringing together Swedish and American business leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs for three days of discussions, networking, and new opportunities.
Under the theme “Humanity in the Age of AI,” this year’s summit explored how artificial intelligence and emerging technologies are shaping business, leadership, and society.
The event provided an opportunity to exchange ideas, gain new perspectives, and strengthen connections across the Swedish-American business community.
| | Find news from the Swedish Embassy and SACC-USA through the links below. | | |
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.
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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!
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