October 2016
WORDS FROM OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
 
Just as the weather is starting to get cold on us, we at SACC-USA are seeing things heat up.  We are in a busy time getting ready for our annual event, SACC Summit.  All SACC regional chambers are in the middle of preparing for events, including SACC San Diego which is preparing for Green Connections and SACC Arizona which is getting ready for their trade summit. Please go to our website for more information on upcoming events.

During SACC Summit we are gathering our 19 regional chambers, business partners, and members from around the nation to speak about and promote Swedish-American business relations under topics like  the 2016 U.S. Election, transformational innovation, and the importance of networking.  A keynote address will be given by Torsten Jansson, founder of New Wave Group.   The Ambassador of Sweden, Bj ör n Lyrvall, will be there along with Natalia Brzezinski, CEO of Symposium Stockholm, Ebba Blitz, CEO of Alertsec and many more! Please email Mikaela Mijatovic at [email protected] for an invitation or check out our webpage. 

In addition to getting ready for SACC Summit we are getting ready for Election Day.  This election is becoming riveting to watch.  The candidates are making headlines almost every day all around the world.  After watching the first debate between the two candidates, we can surely expect a lot more in the upcoming month, and I cannot wait to see how this plays out.  The next debate will be Sunday October 9, stay tuned!

On top of all of the excitement going on around the office, we saw former Chairman of SACC-USA and SACC-DC, Bradley Olson, receive the Royal Order of the Polar Star. This is a very distinguished award in Sweden and we are so proud the Brad received it. 



Sincerely,

  
COMING SOON
Join us in Promoting Swedish-American Trade Relations and our Fantastic Network!

Among the Distinguished Speakers:
  • H.E. Björn Lyrvall - Ambassador of Sweden to the United States
  • Torsten Jansson - CEO and Founder of New Wave Group, Keynote Speaker
  • Natalia Brzezinski - CEO Symposium Stockholm - Brilliant Minds
  • Ebba Blitz - CEO Alertsec
  • Evan Burfield - Co-CEO and Cofounder of 1776
  • Chris Core - American Media Personality
INSIGHTS
DEBATE SEASON IS FINALLY UPON US
Presidential and Vice Presidential Candidates Clash in the Debates
     
The first Presidential debate took place on September 26.  This was the first time Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump have come together on stage to officially speak about the issues with each other. The overall consensus was that Hillary came out on top in a majority of polls.  Moderator Lester Holt, an anchor for NBC, had trouble asking questions as his debaters were clashing.  The main areas of discussion were, "America's Direction," "Achieving Prosperity," and "Securing America."

Both candidates delved into their own agenda, as they got off topic most of the time and went on a tangent. But we saw some important questions being posed that also gave some important answers. The first set of questions were about jobs and how we can create jobs in America.  The second set of questions consisted of what many people thought to be the "hot topic" in the race going on, Trump's tax returns and Clinton's emails. Trump comm ented that he would "release  his tax returns after the  audit is completed by the IRS." Clinton had this to say about her emails, "I made a mistake using a private email, and would do it differently if I had to do it over again." 

Polls on Real Clear Politics, which is a national average of major polls in America, had Clinton leading Trump by about 3% overall after the first debate, and leading by 3.9% on October 6. But t he polls are changing everyday with each candidate taking the lead on a different day in a different poll. There are two more debates scheduled for October 9 and 19.

We also saw our first and final Vice Presidential debate, between Democratic nominee Tim Kaine and Republican nominee Mike Pence.  A majority of polls showed us that Mike Pence came out on top on October 4.  But will this VP debate change the minds of voters for their presidential vote?   Get the latest updates on the Election here

 
Image source
                                                     
SWEDISH-AMERICAN HONORED
The Royal Order of the Polar Star Making its way to America 

Bradley J. Olson, former Chairman of SACC-DC and SACC-USA, was honored on September 15 by the Ambassador of Sweden to the United States, H.E. Björn Lyrvall.  Mr. Olson was awarded the chivalric rank of Commander, of the Royal Order of the Polar Star for his timeless dedication to furthering business ties with Sweden and the United States.  The Royal Order of the Polar Star is awarded by His Majesty, Carl XVI Gustaf, King of Sweden, to non-Swedish citizens for "their devotion of duty, for science, literary, learned and useful works, and for new and beneficial institutions," for the benefit of Sweden.

The motto of the award, inscribed on its blue center, is "Nescit Occasum," which is Latin for "it knows no decline."  This represents that Sweden is resolute and will always be working for a better future.  Mr. Olson commented that "it was such an honor to be recognized by Sweden for such enjoyable work directed at assisting Americans and Swedes to greater understanding and success."

Mr. Olson is a patent attorney in private practice at the national law firm Barnes & Thornburg LLP in their Washington, D.C. offices.  He specializes in patent law, which deals with intellectual property licensing and enforcement.  He received his Bachelor's degree in Biology from Central Connecticut State University in 1980, his Masters of Science in Biology from the University of Connecticut in 1985, and his Juris Doctorate and Master of Intellectual Property Law degrees from the University of New Hampshire in 1994.  Congratulations Brad!


                                                
THE NEW GENERATION OF HEALTHCARE
The U.S. and Sweden take on Healthcare 

On September 22 the Swedish Embassy in Washington D.C. hosted a very valuable seminar on E-health  and di gitization of healthcare. Speakers came from all corners of the globe to give their input on the subject. The seminar began with opening remarks from the Ambassador of Sweden himself, H.E. Bj ö rn Lyrv all. "Both Sweden and the US are at the top of various innovation charts," the Ambassador stated. He was passionate about the subject and emphasized how important it was for Sweden and the United States to work together and learn from each other. He then turned the subject  over to the Swedish Minister for Health Care, Public Health, and Sport, Gabriel Wikstr ö m. 

The Minister spoke with confidence, assuring everyone that the new way for healthcare would be digitized. "By 2025 we want to be the best country in the world using the opportunities in E-health and digitization," he said.  He was firm that the digitization of healthcare can be done if we cooperate. The first panel included experts in the field from the U.S. and Sweden, in the private and public sector of healthcare. The main topic was how to empower the patient and increase the patient innovation. The second panel also had a field of adept speakers from the U.S. and Sweden. This panel focused on how to actually implement E-health initiatives. These are the efforts that keep Sweden and the U.S. at the top of innovation charts around the world!                          

ICOMERA AND AMTRAK TEAMING UP
A Change of Pace on Trains for Passengers 

A few months ago the Swedish based company, Icomera, and the U.S. based company, Amtrak, decided to sign a contract to provide high class Wi-Fi on trains. Amtrak is the largest passenger train service provider in North America, and transported approximately 30 million people last year. The need for improved Wi-Fi was critical; with people on their phones or laptops almost constantly now a fast connection is a must. Icomera was awarded the contract which is good for five years and has the option for an additional two years. The contract will be focused on the Northeast Corridor, which runs from Washington, D.C. to Boston through other major cities such as Baltimore, Philadelphia, and New York.  

President of Icomera, Stellan Ohrn, had this to say about his company, " Our technology has many benefits for transport operators, passengers and the wider public. Our vision is of a future society that is safer, more efficient and more environmentally friendly. Icomera is in a unique position to deliver a better public transport experience and we believe this is critical to improving the economic and social quality of life of the population."   There is no surprise why Amtrak gave the contract to Icomera, considering it leads the world in its market for providing internet connectivity for transportation and public safety. 
Read more here! 


REVOLUTIONIZING TENT MAKING
Hilleberg has Become a Top Dog in its Market

Bo Hilleberg has always had a strong connection with nature and the outdoors. When he was younger, Bo served in the Swedish military where he realized that most gear was not ideal for the weather in the Swedish mountains. So in 1971 he created "Hilleberg," a company that has become a leading producer of tents for the world. Hilleberg operates under the premise of "function first" and always strives
to produce the highest quality, most durable tents. Not only is Hilleberg a leading innovator, but it is also a family-run business. 

Today, Bo is the chairman of the board, and is the head of d esign and development. His wife Renate and son and daughter Rolf and Petra serve on the board. Petra, who lives in Redmond, Washington, USA is also both the CEO of the parent company, Hilleberg Group, and the president of Hilleberg Inc., which is based in Redmond, and handles all sales outside of Europe. "When I started the company," says Bo. "I was only trying to make tents that would really work well in the Swedish mountains. I knew that others would want to use them, and so the company grew. At the same time, Renate and I were starting our family, and so both our children and the business grew up together. Today, we still work - and camp - together. It has been a wonderful adventure."
Every Hilleberg tent is produced with care and made independently in the company's factory in Estonia. Bo, who grew up in central Sweden, where he discovered his love for nature, has created a company that helps bring people and nature closer every day, and has passed that idea to his children. "I love working in the family business," says Petra. "I have always wanted to be a part of it, and every day I am grateful to my amazing parents, and excited to help carry Hilleberg into the future."

Hilleberg tents have received multiple awards, most recently in Outdoor Gear Lab's Best Four Season Tent review, and they will surely keep receiving more awards as the years go on!  Learn more about Hilleberg here!


HISTORY SET IN STONE IN CAPITAL
D.C. Unveils National Museum of African American History and Culture

On September 24, the Smithsonian opened up its brand new feature: The National Museum of African American History and Culture.  This has been a long time in the making, it began in 2003 when President Bush authorized the construction for the museum, and has finally been completed thirteen years later.  The first African-American President of the United States, Barack Obama, had the honor of addressing the nation with a speech during its grand opening.  "It embraces the patriotic recognition that America is a constant work in progress, that each successive generation can look upon imperfections and decide that it is within our collective power to align our nation with high ideals of our founding."

The museum is located right across from the Washington Monument, and has a unique design to it that separates it from every other museum.  It spans five stories high and even goes underground.  It tells the story of the African American history and culture in chronological order.  From the Tuskegee Airmen to Harriet Tubman to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and so much more, this museum should be on everyone's list of things to do in D.C.  Read more about the museum here!

SKANSKA WORKING WITH THE UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA
Skanska Continuing to Further Relations in the U.S.

One of the world's largest construction companies, Skanska, has signed a contract with the University of Virginia. Skanska will be responsible for remodeling and developing the University hospital which is located in Virginia, USA. 

Skanska USA will be leading the project in Virginia.  Skanska USA covers four different business systems: Building, Civil, Infrastructure Development, and Commercial Development. Skanska focuses on construction and project development around the world, and specializes in the Nordic, European, and North American regions.  This contract helps further business ties between the U.S. and Sweden.  
Read more about the contract here!                                                                                                                                                                                                                             image source
 
TALKS OF INNOVATION HUBS AND GLOBAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP
House of Sweden Hosts Innovation Seminar 

The seminar was hosted on September 27 and focused on globalization and innovation. With a lineup of remarkable and excellent speakers, the seminar was a huge success. The Ambassador of Sweden to the U.S., H.E. Björn Lyrvall kicked things off with his opening remarks on innovation and globalization. 

Maria Rankka, CEO Stockholm Chamber of Commerce, gave a keynote address on "The Role of Global Cities for Trade, Innovation, and Growth." After her remarks, the panels began.  Both panels were moderated by Marek Gootman, Director of Strategic Partnerships and Global Initiatives at Brookings Institute. Panel one was highlighted by riveting talks on how cities can promote trade and internalization. Panel two was on the entrepreneurial dynamics and the role of regulations in a global market. Each panel included speakers from Sweden and the United States.  This led to an excellent and diverse seminar!
THE NEW BREEDING GROUND FOR STARTUPS IN EUROPE 
Stockholm has Established itself as a Leading Place for Innovation

The capital of Sweden is putting itself on the map for startup companies of all markets.  Between the months of January and June of 2016, Stockholm startup companies have received more than $1.2 billion in investments, and that's only half of the year.  In 2015, the entire year saw approximately $890 million in investments, which happened to be a record breaking year.  This year has seen investments in all types of startups, ranging from healthcare to financial technology to media.  Stockholm is one of the most innovative tech hubs in the world, and it is safe to say that if you are starting a company, checkout Stockholm!  Read more about Stockholm and startups here:
NORDEA JOINING FORCES WITH DNB ASA
Fintech Companies Teaming up in the Baltics

Nordea, the Swedish based financial services group, has teamed up with DNB ASA, the Norwegian financial service giant to focus on consolidating IT and increasing investments in digital services in the Baltics.  The new combined company is estimated to become the second largest bank in the Baltics. The two groups complement each other well, as DNB has many small and medium sized clients, while Nordea has more of the larger clients.  Nordea is currently in talks of investing 1 billion euros in IT transformation and simplification. Head of banking Baltic Countries, Inga Skisaker, commented on the collaboration as being "key in the banking world today... we will have a larger scale, stronger geographic presence, and a broader product offering, enabling us to become the main bank for customers in the Baltics."  Read more about the two Fintech companies here!

TRAINEE SUCCESS STORIES
WALLENBERG INTERNATIONAL FELLOWS AT GEORGETOWN
Swedish Students are Making the most of their Time at the Capital

 
Alexa Straus, Bensam Solomon, and Sebastian Roing recently visited SACC-USA. The trio is studying at Georgetown University on scholarship through the Wallenberg International Fellows Program. The program is an affiliation between Georgetown University and the Stockholm School of Economics (SSE). The program is open to a select cohort of up to three highly qualified graduate students from SSE and three from Georgetown University who are headed for careers and leadership roles in the private and public sectors in the two countries and around the world.  The three American students from Georgetown completed internships in Sweden over the summer.  

The three SSE participants in the Wallenberg Program are currently pursuing their Master degrees, Alexa focusing on business management and Bensam and Sebastian in Economics. The program is designed to include practical work by providing an internship over the summer, then after the internship students will take classes during the fall semester in the Landegger Program in International Business Diplomacy at the Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University. The Wallenberg Program is generously funded by a grant from the Wallenberg Foundation for Education in International Industrial Entrepreneurship, and its core mission is to develop a new generation of global business leaders.  The required J-1 internship visa was sponsored by SACC-USA.

This summer all three students had no problems landing an internship, considering their extensive background experience. Alexa interned at Medtronic this summer and is still working there throughout the semester.  She commented, "I worked with market access issues, and handled reimbursement and price control issues over the summer.  Currently I am completing my own PPP project." Bensam is interning at the International Finance Corporation.  "I work in the thought leadership unit in the office of the Chief Economist.  I get an in-depth look at some of the challenges that regions face economically and we try to come up with solutions on how to improve those situations" he said.  Sebastian is at the Peterson Institute for International Economics as a research analyst intern.  He said "As a research analyst I focus a lot on sovereign debt contracts, sovereign defaults, and financial stability for nations. I got a good overview of the situation that happened in Argentina in 2012 and now I use that to apply it to current situations today."

They will head back to SSE in December to finish up their Masters. We wish the best of luck to Alexa, Bensam, and Sebastian in their future endeavors and we know they are making the Stockholm School of Economics proud!


SPECIAL OFFERS
Offer to SACC Members from Volvo 
Benefits with Volvo's A-Plan Plus membership  

Volvo's transformation is in full bloom with new models and new product investments such as Drive-E power trains and connectivity that links Volvo cars to the world. Refined Scandinavian design and safety strengthen Volvo's commitment to its "Designed Around You" philosophy.  Volvo would therefore like to invite SACC members to become A-Plan Plus members, which is a level of service developed exclusi vely for SACC members that is only available through Volvo's A-Plan Plus specialists at Volvo Cars of North America. The offer includes:

-Transparent A-Plan discounted pricing, being approximately 6% off MSRP on eligible models ( the same price Volvo Car USA employees pay).

-An additional $500 bonus on top of any local incentives and offers on eligible models.

Choose where to pick up your new Volvo in the U.S. or in Sweden through our Overseas Delivery Program.


SACC members: email  [email protected] to get your pin number.

Offer to SACC Members from Orrefors & Kosta Boda
40% discount on opening order for all products

F or almost 275 years, Orrefors and Kosta Boda have created crystal and glassware of the finest quality, influenced by the beauty of Sweden's nature.  Orrefors  released a line of Craft Beer glasses  and has also worked with Volvo to create a crystal gearshift for the new 2016 Volvo CX90. Kosta Boda is renowned for its ingenious and dynamic designs and is a leader in the glassware and art glass field.  Together these companies hold a strong position in the international market and are expected to continue to grow. 

SACC members can enjoy a 40% discount off of retail prices on your opening order for all Orrefors and Kosta Boda products.

SACC members: please contact Donna Nardella, Corporate Director, at [email protected] for the discount.
SACC REGIONAL CHAMBER EVENTS
What's Happening at Our Regional Chambers

October 13
SACC-Arizona invites you to attend the 2016 Trade Summit Sweden Days. The event is focusing on three industries that are very compatible between Sweden and Arizona. 

Learn more here on SACC Arizona's  webpage!

November 2-3 
SACC-USA and SACC DC invite you to attend the annual 2016 SACC Summit.  The event will take place one week prior to Election Day and will be held in Washington D.C.  Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to be in the Capital during this exciting time!

Learn more here on SACC-USA's webpage!

November 3
SACC San Diego is hosting their Green Connections event.  The event will be focusing on clean technology and will gather companies from Sweden and the US to discuss solutions.  

Learn more here on SACC San Diego's