Words from the Executive Director | SACC-DC Survey | Artificial Intelligence Exhibit | Webinar: Overcome Business and Legal Obstacles To Doing Business In The U.S | Company Visit at Skanska | Upcoming events | News | |
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 | |
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Dear SACC DC Members,
It has been a busy few weeks filled with exciting activities, from company visits for our younger members to our yearly international networking event and the first in our series of US entry webinars.
First, I’d like to thank all of you who took the time to answer the short survey sent out last month. As a members’ organization, we naturally remain focused on providing value to our members. Your answers are not just useful; they are crucial in helping us identify relevant future programming for all member categories. We are now extending the study in the hope that those of you who have not yet answered it can take a few minutes to complete it.
Everybody seems to be talking about AI these days, and while AI has many benefits, there are also drawbacks. The Swedish Embassy’s new AI exhibit showcases the use of AI for a more open society and a greener planet. Europe has stricter regulations on the use of AI than the US, and SACC-DC’s member Axis Communications, who is also a contributor to the exhibition, shows us how they have developed AI that focuses on privacy issues. Please read more about Axis’s work on AI in this newsletter.
We have also held a well-attended webinar on doing business in the US. This was the first in our freshly launched series of US Entry webinars. Other topics will include building an efficient supply chain function and hiring young foreign talent through J1 visas.
With summer fast approaching, frequent SAS flyers might be interested in what the next steps and changes after Chapter 11 and leaving Star Alliance will bring about Scandinavian Airlines. Ask your questions in this webinar co-hosted by SACC and SAS.
US-Swedish trade relations have a long history, and the US is Sweden’s third biggest trading partner. Join us for this month’s networking event with Mathias Hultgren, Head of Trade and Economic Affairs, and Petra Hansson, Counselor, from the Swedish Embassy, as they elaborate on Swedish-US trade relations.
Thank you!
Anna Wramner
Executive Director
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YOUR INPUT MATTERS: COMPLETE OUR SACC-DC SURVEY | |
We value your opinion and would like to invite you to participate in a short survey to help us shape the future of our Chamber. The survey consists of a few brief questions about your areas of interest and should take no more than a minute to complete. Your answers will help us identify relevant programming in the future. We appreciate your time and input. | |
THE SWEDISH EMBASSY EXHIBIT HIGHLIGHTS THE USES OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE | |
Photo: The Swedish Embassy in Washington D.C. | |
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At the new exhibition at the House of Sweden, Swedish companies and organizations showcase how they use Artificial Intelligence (AI) for a more open society, a healthier world, and a greener planet.
In Sweden, there is a broad collaboration across industry, academia, and government to make use of the potential of Artificial intelligence. AI technology holds the potential to become a valuable tool in various domains, including medical research. However, it can also be a source of misinformation and unintentional bias. While AI can automate tasks and provide insights, its misuse can have negative consequences. The main factor that determines whether an AI application is beneficial or harmful is the intention of its creator and user.
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AI Enhances Privacy in Video Surveillance
Our SACC-DC member, Axis Communications, is a leading company in the video surveillance industry and is contributing to the exhibition. They are sharing their expertise on how they use AI on video surveillance cameras to block faces, entire bodies, and even surrounding environments to protect people's privacy. The privacy regulations in Europe are stricter than those in the United States, which inspired Axis Communications to develop AI that prioritizes privacy.
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Photo: The Swedish Embassy in Washington D.C. | |
Visit the exhibition
The exhibition will be displayed until June 2025, in the House of Sweden. Open on Saturdays and Sundays between 12-3 pm.
#FREE admission, no registration needed. A government-issued photo ID is required to enter the House of Sweden (children under 18 are exempted).
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SACC-DC WEBINAR HELPS OVERCOME BUSINESS AND LEGAL OBSTACLES TO DOING BUSINESS IN THE U.S | |
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On April 16, 2024, SACC-DC and the law firm of Foley & Lardner LLP, a member of the Washington, D.C. chapter, hosted a well-attended webinar on “Doing Business in the United States – What Every Company Should Know.”
The featured speakers were Michael P. Going, former General Counsel of Volvo Construction Equipment North America (Volvo CE), and Michael J. Lockerby, a litigator based in Foley’s Washington, D.C. office who is national co-chair of Foley’s Distribution & Franchise Practice Group. Their presentation was entitled “Lessons Learned in Dealer Litigation: Managing and Restructuring U.S. Distribution Networks Without Breaking the Budget.” Together they recounted a decade-long saga—following AB Volvo’s sale of its motor car business—whereby Volvo CE acquired additional construction equipment product lines from other manufacturers in Korea and Canada, rebranded the products with the VOLVO® trademark (a process known internally as “VOLVOization”), and consolidated the North American distribution of what were three separate dealer networks into one (a process known internally as dealer “rationalization”). The result was litigation in federal and state courts across the country, including claims under various state distribution laws (a database of which is available at https://map.foley.com/.
Fortunately, the story had a happy ending. The number of lawsuits that Volvo CE faced was relatively small compared to the hundreds of dealers terminated. And in every court that heard the terminated dealers’ claims—including courts as disparate as state court in Corpus Christi, Texas and federal court in Chicago—Volvo CE ultimately prevailed. Some of the “lessons learned” included a discussion of how “random acts of kindness” by Volvo CE personnel helped dissuade many dealers from filing suit and improved Volvo CE’s litigation posture vis-à-vis dealers that did sue. The discussion also addressed the ways in which contracts can be drafted to minimize litigation exposure and the successful strategies for resolving the cases that did result. These included not just “playing defense.” Rather, the strategy that Messrs. Going and Lockerby developed and implemented at the time included procuring the intervention of the owner of the iconic VOLVO® trademark itself—Volvo Trademark Holding Aktiebolaget in Sweden—to seek court rulings that it could not be forced to license the trademark to dealers with which it had not chosen to do business. For those who missed the webinar, a video recording of it is available online here.
In our upcoming webinar, we will address supply chain issues, which is scheduled for May 14.
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PICTURES FROM THE INTERNATIONAL ROOFTOP NETWORKING EVENT ON APRIL 30 | |
Thank you to everyone who joined us, the British-American Business Association, and the French-American Chamber of Commerce, at the International Rooftop Networking Event on April 30. It was a wonderful evening of connections and conversations. | |
Photos: SACC-DC and British-American Business Association | |
YOUNG PROFESSIONALS VISITED SKANSKA | |
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Our Young Professional network had the pleasure of visiting our SACC-DC member Skanska, for a company visit. They gained valuable insights into the company and enjoyed a mingle on Skanska's rooftop. We are truly grateful to Skanska for hosting!
We would also like to extend a special appreciation to Magnus Eriksson and Farhad Soltanieh for sharing their experiences with us and enlightening us on Skanska's journey.
We have more company visits lined up for our Young Professionals. Check out our upcoming events in this newsletter for more information.
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Follow us on social media to have the latest updates on our events. | |
Webinar: Hiring Young Foreign Talent Through J1 visas | |
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Don't miss this opportunity to learn more about J1 visas and hiring foreign talent.
We are excited to invite you to our J1 webinar on May 17th, 12-1 pm. The discussion will be led by Ted Stübner, Director of Talent Mobility at SACC-USA, and Sofia Hassander, an Immigration Attorney at the boutique immigration law firm Grossman Young & Hammond, LLC.
When: May 17, 12-1 pm. ET
Location: Online
More information and registration is coming soon.
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May 14 - DOING BUSINESS IN THE UNITED STATES –
What Every Company Should Know
Session 2: Avoiding Future Supply Chain Disruptions: What You Need to Know - and Do
The webinar will address six obstacles in the future supply chain. These obstacles present opportunities but also carry unprecedented risks.
Register Here
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May 17 - Company visit at Axis Communications
Exclusively for Young Professional's members!
Our SACC-DC member, Axis Communications, is hosting a company visit at their office in Rosslyn, Arlington. Axis Communication is the industry leader in video surveillance and develops and supplies innovative network solutions that improve security and business performance.
When: May, 17, between 2 pm - 4 pm ET
Location: 1001 19th Street North #1400 Arlington, VA 22209
Register Here
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May 21 - Networking and Speakers Event on Swedish-US trade relations
Join us for this month’s networking event with Mathias Hultgren, Head of Trade and Economic Affairs, and Petra Hansson, Counselor, from the Swedish Embassy, as they elaborate on Swedish-US trade relations.
Registration will open soon.
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May 23: Webinar with SAS
Join us for a webinar that highlights our member, SAS - Scandinavian Airlines, on Thursday, May 23 from 12-1 P.M. During this webinar, Jasmin Utter, the General Manager of Region Americas at SAS, will discuss Chapter 11 and the company's new ownership structure. You'll get insights into the future of SAS and have the opportunity to ask Jasmin your questions directly.
This webinar is being held in collaboration with the Swedish-American Chamber of Commerce in New England, Florida, and LA.
Registration will open soon.
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Follow us on our social media channels for more details about our upcoming events. | |
Photo: Margareta Stridh/Regeringskansliet |
Government signs Artemis Accords on space exploration
On April 16, Minister for Education Mats Persson signed the Artemis Accords, a set of principles for exploration and conduct in space. This also enables Sweden to take part in the international US-led Artemis campaign.
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Swedish Startup Uses AI Drones to Lead Green Transition
Sweden is a leader in the global green transition. AirForestry, a Swedish startup, uses AI-powered drones to thin forests, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and conserving the forest ecosystem. This approach could further reduce annual carbon emissions by more than 150,000 tonnes and remove millions more tonnes of carbon per year.
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Photo: Kim Svensson / Försvarsmakten |
H.K.H. The Swedish Crown Princess deepens her military training
In order to further deepen her commitment within the Swedish Armed Forces, H.R.H. Crown Princess will commence a special officer training (SOFU) in the autumn of 2024.
The article is in Swedish.
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HIGHLIGHTS FROM OUR PARTNERS | |
APPLY FOR THE SWEA WASHINGTON DC 2024 SCHOLARSHIP | |
The Swedish Women’s Educational Association in Washington DC (SWEA DC) is proud to announce a $7,000 scholarship opportunity in 2024 for projects aimed at nurturing, preserving, and celebrating Swedish heritage in the Washington DC area. Previous recipients have utilized funds for diverse endeavors such as theatrical performances, art exhibitions, musical concerts, academic conferences, literary initiatives, and cultural exchange programs deeply rooted in Swedish themes.
Both local nonprofit organizations and individuals with ties to the Washington DC community are invited to apply. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and demographics, with no restrictions based on gender, age, ethnicity, nationality, religion, or proficiency in Swedish language. For further information and inquiries, please visit the provided link or reach out to the Scholarship Committee at sweadcscholarship@gmail.com.
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HILTON HOTEL DISCOUNTS WITH SACC-DC MEMBERSHIP | |
SACC-DC is excited to highlight a special offer in partnership with Hilton and its new Hilton for Business Program that focuses on special discounted rates for businesses of all sizes. Here, a unique link here for SACC-DC that should take no more than 5 minutes to complete. You will need a Hilton Honors member number to register.
What could this mean for you?
• Exclusive Hotel Discounts: Through this partnership, SACC-DC members have a unique link to apply with Hilton directly for the potential to receive special room rates at Hilton properties spanning the globe. SACC-DC members would then be assessed on their specific individual travel profile. This enables you and your colleagues to enjoy comfortable and convenient accommodations at competitive prices.
• Elevated Travel Experience: Whether your journeys are for business or leisure, Hilton's global network of hotels offer exceptional comfort and top-tier amenities, ensuring that your travels are consistent and reliable with each stay.
We encourage you to check out Hilton for Business and see how Hilton can help your business!
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ORREFORS DISCOUNT CODE FOR SACC-DC MEMBERS | |
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25% OFF
your entire purchase
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As a member of SACC-DC, you get a 25% discount on your purchase at Orrefors. The code SACC2024 is valid until the end of 2024.
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News From SACC-USA And The Embassy | |
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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 this 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.
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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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JOIN US ON SOCIAL MEDIA! | | | | |
