| A Newsletter from SACC Washington DC |
Volume 21, March 2010 |
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Dear Members and Friends,
Welcome to the spring issue of SACCess. We have had some really interesting and memorable events so far thanks to the efforts of our Executive Manager, Maja Persson, and her assistants, Olivia Lundquist and Chandrika Näsström.
In January, right after our annual meeting, we held our biennial Wilhelm Wachtmeister Award Ceremony at House of Sweden and bestowed the award on our own former chairman, Sven-Olof Hökborg. Over 90 guests were in attendance to see Gen. Hökborg receive the Wilhelm Wachtmeister award; an impressive engraved crystal bowl designed by the renowned glass artist Ingegerd Råman. Jonas Hafström, Ambassador of Sweden to the United States, expressed his congratulations and conveyed a personal greeting from former Swedish Ambassador to the United States, Count Wilhelm Wachtmeister.
In February, just after a series of epic snowstorms hit our region with record snowfall amounts, we were fortunate to hold a widely-attended event that profiled the role of the State of Maryland in attracting green technology businesses, entitled "How Maryland lured the 'Green Vikings.'" Welcoming remarks were given by Amb. Jonas Hafström and the event was moderated by Amb. Thomas Siebert, former Ambassador of the U.S. to Sweden, whereby two Swedish "green" companies, Swebo Bioenergy and SALESGEN House of GreenTech, discussed why they chose Maryland when they set out to conquer the U.S. market.
In mid-March, our Chamber co-hosted an event with the French-American Chamber of Commerce of Washington DC, in presenting Tom Adams, CEO of the renowned "Rosetta Stone" company. Mr. Adams gave a captivating presentation, describing the remarkable rise of Rosetta Stone from a small, family-owned company started in 2003 to a publicly-listed, global business today. Mr. Adams discussed many pressing business issues of mutual concern to our Chamber members.
As far as upcoming events, on April 21st, we are planning an event with the French-American Chamber of Commerce of Washington, DC and the Spain-U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Details will be forthcoming, but the topic will focus on innovation as a key component to strengthening the transatlantic economic partnership.
On April 30, 2010, our Chamber will start the first of what may turn out to be a new annual tradition in that we will have a Valborgsmässoafton or Walpurgis celebration, held this year at the residence of Claes Hammar, Minister for Trade and Economic Affairs. There will be a small bonfire, a Swedish Spring Buffet, and traditional Swedish Spring songs from a local Swedish performance group. Note that attendees will be treated to the new potato-based luxury vodka Karlsson's Vodka Gold, that will be provided by Karlsson's Vodka.
Still in the works, but hopefully details will be finalized shortly, will be a special event for our members on May 20 and 21. We anticipate inviting you to join as a sponsor or attendee at the GEICO Champions Tennis Celebration benefiting the Junior Tennis Champions Center ("JTCC"). This year's event will include on Thursday, May 20th, a reception and dinner at the residence of Ambassador and Mrs. Jonas Hafström in Washington, DC. At the reception, recognition of the following notable tennis celebrities in attendance will occur.
- Mats Wilander - Former world #1 player, winner of seven grand slam singles titles, only men's player in tennis history to win multiple grand slam titles on each of the three playing surfaces.
- Mark Ein - Owner of the Washington Kastles who brought World Team Tennis to Washington, DC winning the 2009 WTT Championship
On Friday, May 21st, you will attend the annual GEICO Champions Cup Tournament, a team competition, will be held at the Tennis Center at College Park, Maryland, home of the JTCC.
Our board of directors and Executive Manager and assistant(s) are working hard to bring value to your membership and we appreciate your continued support of the Chamber. I hope that you will have the opportunity to attend the upcoming events and network with old and new acquaintances.
Sincerely,
Bradley J. Olson
Chairman
SACC Washington DC
House of Sweden, 2900 K St NW, Washington, DC 20007 Ph: (202) 536-1570 E-mail:sacc@sacc-dc.org | |
Welcome New Individual and Young Professional Members:
Jan Andersson
Felipe Benitez
John Ferman
Alan Hermesch
Lars Leastadius
Niklas Munck
Annamaria Sundbye |
SACC Washington DC's Corporate Members:
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SACC Washington DC
Board of Directors
Click name to send an email.
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TeliaSonera International Carrier is a global provider of cross-border and domestic communication services. Through intelligent use of its wholly-owned network and high quality technology, the company delivers a wide range of IP, capacity and voice services. TeliaSonera International Carrier also provides the media, education and online gaming industries with services tailored to their specific needs.
TeliaSonera International Carrier owns and operates more than 43,000 kilometers (27,000 miles) of fiber network, which covers more than 100 points of presence in major cities in 35 countries across Europe, the US and Asia.
In 2006 and 2008 TeliaSonera International Carrier was nominated for Best Wholesale Carrier and in 2007 the company won the title. TeliaSonera International Carrier is wholly owned by the TeliaSonera Group, the leading telecommunications group in the Nordic and Baltic regions. |
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ITT Defense & Information Solutions is a top-10 U.S. defense contractor providing innovative technologies and operational services to meet the emerging requirements of military, government and commercial customers. Leveraging more than 60 years of experience, ITT provides communications, sensing & surveillance, space, and advanced engineering and integrated services for government and commercial customers.
With the character of warfare evolving rapidly, defense customers now count on ITT not just for hardware engineering and excellence, but for information-based networks and solutions. ITT has recently realigned its business segments that allow the company to deliver integrated systems and increased value to customers.
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Save-the-Date: 21st of April
- after work panel discussion and reception
Please save the date for an event that we are jointly organizing with the French-American Chamber of Commerce of Washington, DC and the Spain-U.S. Chamber of Commerce. More details about this event will be sent out in the first week of April, but the topic will focus on innovation as a key component to strengthening the transatlantic economic partnership. |
30th of April:
Valborgsmässoafton or 'Evening of Walpurgis'
- a traditional Swedish spring celebration
Join us for a traditional Swedish celebration of the arrival of spring, graciously hosted by Mr. and Mrs. Claes Hammar, Minister for Trade and Economic Affairs of the Embassy of Sweden. Mr. Hammar will be leaving his post in Washington, DC this summer so this will be an opportunity to bid him farewell.
The evening will feature:
A (miniature) traditional Valborg bonfire
Songs to welcome the spring performed by a Swedish local song group
Tasting of Karlsson's Gold Vodka
Swedish Spring Buffet
and more!
Location and registration details will be sent out to all current members soon.
Thank you to our sponsor:
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Annual Meeting and Wilhelm Wachtmeister Award Ceremony
Amb. Jonas Hafström, Gen. Sven-Olof Hökborg & Bradley J. Olson
SACC Washington DC held its Annual Meeting on January 21st, 2010 at House of Sweden. At the meeting incoming Chairman Bradley J. Olson made a presentation where he commented on the positive financial result for 2009 and highlighted some of the successful events of the past year. He also presented the calendar of events for 2010 and thanked the Board of Directors as well as the office staff for their work and dedication to the Chamber. Chairman Olson then moved to the election of Directors for the Board and presented 10 candidates for election/re-election to fill 10 open slates. Executive Manager Maja Persson reported that there was one proxy ballot. Chairman Olson asked for a voice vote to elect all 10 candidates. All 10 were unanimously approved by voice vote. All current board members are listed with their email addresses in the left panel of this newsletter.
Following the annual meeting, Major General Sven-Olof Hökborg, Swedish Air Force (ret.), was awarded the SACC Washington DC Wilhelm Wachtmeister Award. Approximately 90 guests were present to see Gen. Hökborg receive the award - an engraved crystal dish designed by renowned artist Ingegerd Råman. General Hökborg was recognized for his lifelong commitment and extraordinary contributions to strengthening Swedish-American relations, with a focus on the sector of defense industry cooperation. H.E. Jonas Hafström, Ambassador of Sweden to the U.S., expressed his congratulations and conveyed a personal greeting from Ambassador Wilhelm Wachtmeister.
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Green Vikings in House of Sweden
Secretary Christian Johansson with
Mattias Lindgren and Peter Selemark in the background
Why did Swebo Bioenergy and SALESGEN House of GreenTech choose Maryland when they decided to "conquer" the U.S. market?
That was the theme of a panel discussion at House of Sweden on February 17, 2010. The high-powered event was hosted by The Swedish-American Chamber of Commerce of Washington, DC and the Embassy of Sweden. H.E. Jonas Hafström, Ambassador of Sweden to the United States welcomed guests and the panelists from the State of Maryland and the green technology sector. The speakers were Christian Johansson, Maryland's Secretary of Business & Economic Development, Peter Selemark, President of SALESGEN House of GreenTech and Mattias Lindgren, President of SWEBO Bioenergy.
Bradley J. Olson, Chairman of SACC Washington DC, introduced the event, followed by Hon. Thomas L. Siebert, former U.S. Ambassador to Sweden, who led the discussion about Maryland's attraction to Nordic environmental companies.
More and more Swedish green technology companies have made their way to the U.S. and many have found Maryland an attractive place to set up their headquarters. The state has a long history of taking foreign trade seriously and has worked to make it easy for foreign companies to establish themselves there. An extra bonus for the state is that foreign companies often pay higher wages than U.S. firms, thereby contributing significantly to Maryland's economy. Moreover, many opportunities are opening up for Swedish companies in the U.S. as the green technology market speeds up in America.
Follow the link below to read more about the event:
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Tom Adams - CEO of Rosetta Stone
On Wednesday March 17th, SACC Washington DC hosted a luncheon together with the French-American Chamber of Commerce of Washington, DC proudly presenting Tom Adams, CEO of Rosetta Stone. Mr. Adams gave a captivating presentation, describing the remarkable rise of Rosetta Stone from a small, family-owned company in 2003 to a publicly-listed, world-class business today.
A native of Sweden, Tom Adams grew up in France and England and is fluent in French, Swedish, English and Spanish. He has a working knowledge of German and Chinese and is currently in the process of learning Russian. Tom Adams is also the winner of three national business leadership recognition awards.
The luncheon was attended by close to 100 people and was concluded with a drawing where one lucky guest won a level one language package from Rosetta Stone. |
Health & Care theme at House of Sweden
March 25 - June 6, 2010
The Embassy of Sweden is presenting the next theme of their public diplomacy program. Health & Care will be running from March 25 to June 6, 2010 and the program is a collaboration between the Embassy and the Swedish Agency for Growth Policy Analysis.
The quest for a long healthy life is common around the globe. Health care issues are high on the agenda in most countries - how can we create a sustainable health care system that is both cost effective and capable of handling current and future challenges?
This is the focus of the spring program 'Health & Care'. Events include seminars, roundtable discussions, performances, exhibitions and hands-on demonstrations. The knowledge and expertise in both the United States and Sweden provide a foundation for interesting and fruitful transatlantic discussions on policy, research, trade promotion and culture.
Follow the link below to see the complete program:
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Next Issue of SACCess
The next SACCess will be issued in June, 2010. We welcome members to submit articles for the newsletter. Please don't hesitate to contact us if you would like to contribute to the next issue.
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