Words from the Executive Director | Reflecting Over An Eventful Spring | Interns testimonials | SACC-DC Open 2024 Sponsor opportunity | In Memoriam of Sven-Olof Hökberg | 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

REFLECTING OVER AN EVENTFUL SPRING 2024

Six months of 2024 have soon passed, and looking back since January, we have had a wonderful spring at SACC-DC. 

We started this year with two new interns and a new Executive Director. With the help of our board and members, we have made this a memorable spring. We initiated our monthly speaker event series, covering topics such as government relations, women in leadership, and a discussion with the Swedish Embassy Economic and Trade team. We also hosted a rooftop networking event at the Wharf in collaboration with the British-American Chamber of Commerce and the French-American Chamber of Commerce. Besides our in-person events, we organized webinars in partnership with SAS, Foley and Lardner LLP, and on the SACC J1-visa program. 

Six months go fast when you’re having fun! It has been a spring full of events, and there is more to come. This fall, we have lined up our flagship events, including the crayfish reception, the 36th golf tournament, and the Nordic Innovation Sustainability Forum. Please save the dates for these events so you don’t miss out, and stay tuned for other events we are hosting, such as our monthly speaker series. 

With this newsletter, we are wishing you a wonderful summer. You will hear from us again in our next newsletter in August.  

Pictures from this spring's event

Pictures from our happy hours and speaker events, and from the rooftop networking event at the Wharf.

SACC-DC INTERNS TESTIMONIALS

Mathias Petersen - Business Associate

It's astonishing how quickly the past 12 months have flown by. My year at the Swedish-American Chamber of Commerce in Washington, D.C. has been incredibly educational, fun, and exciting. During my internship, I've had the opportunity to work on the finance side of the organization, engage in event planning, and assist our members. 

I've thoroughly enjoyed deepening my knowledge of bookkeeping, assembling financial reports, and creating budgets for various events. Planning and executing these events have been particularly rewarding, as they require creative problem-solving and out-of-the-box thinking. Working across different areas has been invaluable in helping me discover where my strengths and interests truly lie.



It has been a pleasure to meet and assist all of our fantastic members, many of whom are truly inspiring individuals. From day one, I felt welcomed and have thoroughly enjoyed my time here. I've made many friends who I know will be lifelong connections. Washington D.C. has captured my heart, and I can easily envision myself living here in the future. Additionally, I've had the great opportunity to travel around the country and immerse myself in its diverse culture and nature. 

This internship has been an invaluable experience, perfectly bridging the gap between university life and the professional world. I am deeply grateful to SACC-DC and the School of Business, Economics, and Law at the University of Gothenburg for this incredible opportunity.

I want to extend a special thank you to all my colleagues, SACC-DC board members, and friends who made this year a fantastic experience.

Ulrika Henriksson - Communication intern

Being a Communication intern at SACC-DC has been a developing and enjoyable journey. Throughout my internship, my responsibilities have included supporting the chamber in its marketing and communication activities, planning and executing events, managing projects, and working towards SACC-DC’s goals.

I am incredibly grateful for all the memories and lessons this internship has provided and for meeting so many inspiring people. I have gained insights into how an organization functions and the close collaboration with the board has afforded me valuable perspectives from individuals with diverse industry experiences. Moving to Washington D.C., and being at SACC-DC has contributed significantly to my personal and professional growth. Living in D.C., for six months has been exciting and fun, and I am thankful for the opportunity to continue my stay and further develop my knowledge at the SACC-DC member, Haypp Group.

I am deeply grateful to my Executive Director, Anna, and my colleagues Mathias and Johan, who have filled my days with laughter, motivation, support, and great teamwork. I am also thankful for sharing this experience with the other interns at SACC-USA and SIREUS.

Moving to Washington D.C., and becoming a part of SACC-DC has been one of my best decisions. It has provided me with knowledge, perspectives, memories, and friends for life. Thanks to everyone who has been part of these six months.



IN MEMORIAN OF SVEN-OLOF HÖKBORG

Major General Sven-Olof Hökborg of the Swedish Air Force (ret.), who had dual citizenship in the United States and Sweden, passed away at the age of 83 on May 7, 2024. He was born in Värmland, Sweden, in 1941 and grew up on the family’s farm. His wife Ingalill predeceased him, and his closest living relatives are his stepdaughter, Alexandra, and her family.

General Hökborg served as the Chairman of SACC-DC from 2005 to 2010. He was honored with the prestigious Wilhelm Wachtmeister Award in 2010. This award, the highest honor bestowed by the SACC-DC, recognized his exceptional contributions to defense cooperation. His lifelong commitment to strengthening Swedish–American relations, particularly in the defense sector, was a testament to his expertise and dedication.

General Hökborg's illustrious career was marked by significant roles at the Embassy of Sweden in Washington, D.C., as well as his many contributions to Sweden. From 1970 to 1973, he served as the Assistant Air Attaché, and from 1994 to 1998, he held the position of Defense Attaché and head of the Swedish Defense Staff at the Embassy. His service as Vice Chairman of the Swedish Government Committee on U.S.-Swedish Defense Cooperation from 1993-1999 further demonstrated his commitment to this field. His contributions were acknowledged and celebrated with a gold Thulin Medal by the Swedish Society of Aeronautics and Astronautics in 1995 and the distinction of 'The Program Manager of the Year' by the Swedish Academy for Projects in 1998. In 1999, he was awarded the U.S. Legion of Merit, a testament to his exceptional service and conduct. General Hökborg worked in various capacities at SAAB for many years.



On behalf of the SACC-DC family, we express our deep gratitude to you, Major General Hökborg, for your courage, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to Sweden and the United States of America. Your service has left an indelible mark on our organization and the Swedish-American community at large.

Text by Bradley J. Olson, Member of the SACC-DC Board

PUT YOUR COMPANY IN THE SPOTLIGHT AT SACC-DC OPEN 2024

October 17 at Whiskey Creek Golf Club, 12:00 p.m. 4804 Whiskey Ct, Ijamsville, MD 21754

The 36th Swedish-American Chamber of Commerce D.C. Open will be held on October 17, 2024, at 12 p.m. An afternoon of golf will be followed by a dinner at Whiskey Creek Golf Club. It is a day when your company can gain exposure to your most important clients and build new business relationships. Sponsors will benefit from extensive brand exposure on and off the golf course.

Interested to learn more? Read here.

SACC-DC UPCOMING EVENTS

Save the date for upcoming events

INTERESTING READING

Photo: Henrik Montgomery/TT/EPA

Thank you for the music: Abba members get Swedish knighthoods

Abba has received one of the most prestigious Swedish knighthoods after being awarded an order of chivalry last handed out almost 50 years ago.

The group – Benny Andersson, Agnetha Fältskog, Anni-Frid Lyngstad, and Björn Ulvaeus – made a rare public appearance together in Stockholm where they were given the Royal Order of Vasa for “outstanding efforts in Swedish and international music”.

Photo: Ninni Andersson/Government Offices

Prime Minister took part in a press conference on AI investment in Sweden

On Monday 3 June, Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson took part in a press conference together with Microsoft President and Vice Chair Brad Smith. Microsoft announced new investments in Sweden related to AI totalling SEK 34 billion.

HIGHLIGHTS FROM OUR PARTNERS

ORREFORS DISCOUNT CODE FOR SACC-DC MEMBERS

News From SACC-USA And The Embassy

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.

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.

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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