Soccer Breakfast: Mexico vs Sweden World Cup Soccer

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June 20, 2018

Join soccer fans from Sweden and Mexico for a breakfast of champions, as we watch the World Cup Soccer match together.

A great opportunity to expand your network in the Hispanic and Swedish business community of Phoenix. Make new connections and discover business opportunities while the best team wins!

This event is organized by SACC Arizona together with ProMexico.

Breakfast will be provided by our sponsor Polsinelli Attorneys.

Bring your fuerza and javlaranamma!

When
June 27, 2018, 7:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Where
Polsinelli, 1 E Washington St #1200, Phoenix, AZ 85004

More information: Click here!

Soccer Breakfast: Sweden vs Germany in the World Cup

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The Official Account of SACC ARIZONA

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June 20, 2018

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EU and US relations remain frosty after G7 summit

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Rebecca Hartill

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June 19, 2018

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”Looking at the latest decisions of President Trump, someone could think that, with friends like that who needs enemies?” said the President of the European Council Donald Tusk at the EU-Balkan summit in May, when the U.S. president announced that the US would be withdrawing from the nuclear deal with Iran. Still facing US trade tariffs and dealing with US sanctions against Iran, the relations between the US and the European Union when entering the G7 summit in Quebec last week were strained, to say the least.

The G7 (formally G8 until 2014 when Russia was excluded for its annexation of Crimea) meet every year, and this year the agenda consisted of discussions on gender equality and environmental challenges among other things. For instance, the Norwegian Prime Minister, Erna Solberg, attended the meeting to present an environmental sea project. However, the topic on everyone’s minds was, of course, the infected trade relations between the US, its allies and, China.

After President Trump unilaterally imposed tariffs of 10% and 25% on aluminum and steel in March, NAFTA members Canada and Mexico and the European Union were temporarily exempted from the rule until the 31 of May. The EU Commissioner for Trade, Cecilia Malmström, has said all along that the trade tariffs are a breach of WTO regulations and that the EU is not going to negotiate under threat.

In an interview with The Guardian, she said that ”the US is playing a dangerous game /…/” and that the tariffs are even more unfair since they affect the US’ closest allies, i.e. countries in NATO and the EU. The EU has opened a case against the US in the WTO and issued a list of goods to be targeted by retaliatory tariffs. China responded with tariffs on US products in April, followed by Mexico. Among other things, the products on the EU’s list of tariffed goods include Harley Davidson motorbikes from Wisconsin and bourbon from Kentucky, supposedly targeting Republican Speaker of the House, Paul Ryan, and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell.

The G7 talks proved fruitless. Indeed, the divide between the participating countries has never before been so evident. President Trump and his National Security Advisor John Bolton lashed out at Canadian Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau after Trudeau blamed the US president for the frosty relations. “I highlighted directly to the president that Canadians did not take it lightly that the United States has moved forward with significant tariffs,” said Trudeau. “Canadians, we’re polite, we’re reasonable, but we will also not be pushed around”. Both the French President, Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor, Angela Merkel were clearly worried after the meeting, as the EU remains feeble with conflicts of its own.

Malmström has been particularly clear that it is of great importance to the European Union to protect European workers hit by the tariffs, and Sweden will likely be a victim of the cold relations since steel and cars constitute a significant part of Sweden’s exports.

According to the Swedish Minister of Trade, Ann Linde, approximately half of Sweden’s GDP is made up of exported goods, and it is obvious that the 1,4 million Swedish jobs depending on Swedish exports will be affected by the tariffs, regardless of industry. Sweden will also be affected by the fact that the German auto, steel and aluminum industries will take a hit since the country is one of Sweden’s most important trading partners. The World Bank has warned that trade tensions might end in a crisis equal in proportion to that of 2008, since economic protectionism might upset financial markets, ultimately leading to higher interest rates and slowed growth as well as economic stagnation resulting from the decreased economic activity.

Featured image: Jesco Denzel/AFP/Getty Images

Johan Magnusson’s Big Swede BBQ is the ultimate Swedish American fusion

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Natalie Söderberg

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June 15, 2018

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Johan Magnusson moved to the U.S. in 2005.

13 years later, his love for America and his loyalty towards Sweden clearly transitions into his new brand and company, Big Swede BBQ. Taking on one of America’s biggest pride, the BBQ, this Swede has managed to create the ultimate Swedish-American fusion product, so much so that his rubs have been named the second best BBQ rub in America.

Johan was kind enough to share some of his very best recipes with us at Swedes in the States. So check back with us and you’ll find recipes, cooking tips and food-related articles from Big Swede BBQ!

Tell us about Big Swede BBQ. How and when did you decide to start making your own rubs?

I’ve always been very interested in food and cooking but it was first when I moved to the U.S. in 2005 and discovered American BBQ that I fell in love. I realized that this was very different from grilling a “Flintastek” that people used to do back home. I certified myself as a BBQ judge and started a BBQ team, Big Swede BBQ. We competed for a couple of years and we received a lot of positive feedback on the food we turned in. People asked what I used for my rub and that’s when the first thought of creating my own BBQ rub was born. About 18 months ago, after months of testing and changing the mix, we finally launched our first rub – the Big Swede BBQ Badass Beef Boost. We are planning to launch our Bird Boost and our Burger Boost during the fall.

How have the rubs been received in the U.S. so far? Can a Swede compete in the BBQ scene here in the States?

The rub has received amazing feedback. We placed 4^th overall (out of 196 rubs) in the 2018 American Royal World Series of BBQ Rubs – which is the most prestigious competition for BBQ rubs in the world. It is also the best selling rub at BBQ Island which is the premier BBQ store chain here in Arizona. We are growing organically, but we are shipping all over the U.S. and we have resellers in Sweden too. Big Swede BBQ is also doing cooking videos for Green Mountain Grills and developing recipes for Alfresco Grills. So the short answer is yes, as Swede can definitely compete on the American BBQ scene.

How much of the Scandinavian flavors and cuisine do you incorporate into your cooking?

It always depends on the occasion and what food we are cooking. When it is a competition, you have to smoke the meat in a very traditional way. There is hardly any room for mistakes and the judges are looking for a special flavor profile. When we cook at events and for friends, I try to incorporate Swedish elements in my dishes. I love dill and I use it a lot, but I don’t see dill in a lot of American dishes. We use Juniper wood and branches as the flavoring when we grill fish. And there is nothing better than a Toast Skagen and some white wine after a long week of work.

How and when did you first come to the U.S.?

I met my American wife Cheryl at a conference in the U.S. and we dated for about 6 months before I moved here in December 2005. After a lot of Skype calls and insane traveling back and forth, I decided to quit my job and start over. My career is in corporate training so I decided to open up my own business here in the U.S. when I moved and we have been very fortunate to work with customers like Microsoft, Amazon, and GE. My day job pays the bills, and my passion for food and cooking keeps me sane.

Tell us about your cooking classes.

We teach cooking classes mostly in collaboration with BBQ Island here in Phoenix. We have two types of classes. The first is a more of a traditional cooking class. For example, in our Steak 5 Ways class, we teach people how to make steak using five different cooking methods – Raw, Smoked, Seared, Grilled, and Sous Vide. We also show the participants how to cook good side-dishes. The second type is a date night concept. Every month we put together a menu of 5-6 course, often from a specific region in the world, and then we teach people how to cook this menu. People bring some wine, we have community tables set up and peoples are just having a good time. Besides these two types, we also do private cooking event and catering.

What type of recipes will we be seeing from you at Swedes in the States?

I want to show a variety of recipes. Since I love traditional Swedish food, some of the recipes must be classic Swedish cuisine, but perhaps with a modern twist. I also want to show people how to cook good home-style BBQ with easy-to-follow recipes and easy-to-find ingredients. Cooking is becoming more and more of a social thing, it is an event that brings people together. I want everybody to be able to join in and participate, so recipes shouldn’t overcomplicate things. I love food with quality ingredients, preferably local, and with bold flavors. So that is my goal – food that is simple, rustic, bold and flavorful!

Swedish Uniti Creates Futuristic Car to Rival Tesla

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Luda Berdnyk

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June 14, 2018

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When Tesla announced its first electric car back in 2009, it sent shockwaves around the world.

Since then, many car companies such as Toyota, Chevy, BMW, and Volkswagen have made their own electric vehicles – and now a Swedish start-up is looking to do the same.

Enter Uniti. This small but powerful electric vehicle was originally developed by students at Lund University and gathered enough funds for production in 2016 when the creators set up a crowdfunding page. Within two days, they surpassed their goal amount of SEK 5 million, and in the end, received over 12 million SEK ($1.35 million USD).

As mentioned, the car is small: it’s only around 2.5 meters in length and fits two people. Uniti will have 2 electric motors delivering a total output of 15 kW (40 kW peak) and is able to be fully charged in 3 hours. Its top speed is projected to be between 90 km/h to 130 km/h depending on the version and it can go up to 300 km on a single charge!

The best part about this venture is the price: instead of costing thousands and thousands of dollars –Teslas start around $40,000 for the cheapest Model 3– the Uniti will have the humble price of 14,900 Euro ($17,500 USD) and go up to 20,000 Euro ($23,600 USD) for the higher-end model.

Swedes in the States After Work in Los Angeles, June 9th

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Swedes in the States

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June 13, 2018

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Last Thursday, Swedes in the States hosted our very first event at our office in Los Angeles.

Around 70 people, a good mix of Swedes, Americans and other Nordics, showed up to the event. We were humbled and touched by everyone who wanted to join us in celebrating our launch in Los Angeles.

We are incredibly grateful to our corporate partners, supporters, and sponsors for keeping the lights on at Swedes in the States, and making it possible for us to host successful events.

A big thank you to Malina Bickford from Åhus Akvavit, for providing incredible and beautiful akvavit cocktails for our guests the entire evening. Mikael and Christopher Sjöblom, who drove 7 hours from Napa, to be able to sponsor the after-work event with their Napa wines. Ida at Nordic L.A. for sponsoring the event with Danish beer and helping us prepare and set up for the event. The Swedish Consulate General in New York for sending pins to share with our guests to celebrate Pride month.

We hope to see you again soon!

Swedes in the States Editor and Blogger Lara McCarthy and Emma Baksi.

Malina Bickford mixing beautiful Åhus Akvavit cocktails.

Ingela Afzelius from Afzelius Health & Beauty and Julia Wennberg from SACC L.A.

Swedes in the States blogger, Sophie Angner, SACC L.A. intern, Julia Wennberg, and friend.

Ulrika Sundqvist, Lara McCarthy, Greg McCarthy.

The Swedish Pride pin from the Consulate General in New York.

Mikael Sjöblom, Christopher Sjöblom, and Sweden enthusiasts.

Mikael Sjöblom och Christopher Sjöblom från Sjöbloms Winery.

Prinsesstårta. Photo credit: Sophie Angner

(if your name is missing from the photos below, email or message us and let us know and we will add it!)

Photo credit: Elina Sundqvist// Swedes in the States

SACC NY Mentorship Program to Empower Professional Women Open for Applications

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Swedes in the States

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June 12, 2018

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The SACCNY Mentor Program supports the next generation of leaders by connecting young professionals with experienced mentors involved in international business.

By utilizing the Chamber’s extensive network of international business leaders, the program offers young female professionals a unique mentor experience. SACCNY’s Mentor Program values close relationships and has a limit of 15 mentors and 15 mentees each year. The Mentor Program focuses on supporting young leaders to develop as international leaders. The program is based on individual mentoring dialogues and sharing of experiences among senior and junior leaders. Evening workshops focus on the following topics:

A vision for leadership – Perspective for good leadership starting with individual leadership – how to lead yourself and others.
International team leadership – How to build motivation and effectiveness in international teams. How to structure strong teams.
Communicative leadership – how to communicate to engage individuals and teams towards improvements and success.
Change management – how to lead yourself and others in periods of drastic change.
Work/Life Balance – Setting a foundation for a healthy professional long-term development. In addition to the group meetings and individual mentoring dialogues, the participants are also formed into small Peer Groups for sharing experiences during the duration of the program.

MENTORS 2017-2018 INCLUDE:

PIA GIDEON CHAIRPERSON – KLÖVERN & ACTION AID

MENTOR Gideon has a broad experience ranging from management positions in global operations, marketing and communications, leadership development and executive coaching. In addition. Gideon has ten years of experience in the Telecom industry in both Sweden and the U.S. and over fifteen years of experience in board assignments in listed, state-owned companies and startups. Her career has involved working with brand repositioning, mergers and acquisitions and crisis management, stretching from downsizing to cultural change and governance systems. She currently divides her time between being an advisor and an executive coach.

ANNA-CLARA AF EKENSTAM – PARTNER, PWC SWEDEN

Ms. af Ekenstam is Partner and Board Member at PwC Sweden. She works with Swedish large listed multinational companies and has a background as a specialist in corporate governance and internal control over financial reporting. During 2012-2014 she was Chairman of the Board of FAR (the Swedish Institute for the Auditor Profession), where she was first elected in 2005. Ekenstam is also an advisor to the Government Committee for implementing new EU rules for Auditors and Audit Committees in Sweden.

NYAMKO SABUNI – VICE PRESIDENT SUSTAINABILITY, ÅF

Nyamko is a former Swedish politician who served as Minister for Integration and Gender Equality, and Deputy Minister for Education in the Swedish government from 2006 to 2013. In her role as Vice President of Sustainability at ÅF, Sabuni’s mission is to strengthen the company’s offering and brand image in the fields of sustainability and corporate social responsibility (CSR).

MAGDALENA GERGER – CEO & PRESIDENT, SYSTEMBOLAGET AB

Magdalena Gerger is the President & CEO of Systembolaget AB for 7 years. Magdalena also holds non-executive board positions with Investor AB and Ahlsell AB and previously held board positions with Ingka Holding BV (IKEA), Husqvarna AB and Svenska Spel among others. Prior to joining Systembolaget, Magdalena was a Senior Vice President of Arla Foods with responsibilities for Global Fresh Dairy and Nordic Marketing & Innovation. Moreover, she was responsible for launching Häagen-Dazs in the Nordics as European Marketing Manager at Grand Metropolitan Ltd. She graduated with an MBA from Stockholm School of Economics in 1989.

FAQ

What’s included in the program?
– Evening workshops focusing on leadership, business strategy, and career development in international organizations.
– Personalized counsel and valuable networking opportunities.
– One-on-one sessions with a mentor in international business.
– Seminars with prominent guest speakers.

Are you a mentee?

– The highly successful year-long program, includes one-on-one sessions, seminars, and workshops.
– It is designed for female professionals between the ages of 26-35 with high ambitions to become future leaders.
– The ideal mentee has a few years of work experience, knowledge of managing and executing projects, as well as a proven ability to lead.

Are you a mentor?
– We are currently welcoming mentor applications from female business leaders.
– Mentoring relationships provide mutual growth and learning.
– Take the opportunity to offer guidance to young women in their early career and play a first-hand role in shaping the global business leaders of tomorrow.

The program fee is $3,900 and includes 1 year of tailored mentorship. Apply to the program HERE. Stockholm program will start October 10, 2018, and the last day to apply is September 20, 2018.

2017’s Most Successful Songs By Swedish Creators

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Elina Sundqvist

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June 5, 2018

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Sweden’s extensive impact on the music business is well known all over the world.

In our article about STIM (Swedish Performing Rights Society), we mentioned that 2017 was a record year for Swedish creators, in terms of royalties. Swedish music talents pocketed a whopping 2 billion SEK, just for their music being played on various platforms and outlets. STIM listed the top 10 most successful songs from 2017 with Swedish talent behind it.

Did you know that these worldwide hits were created by Swedes?

1. Can’t Stop the Feeling – Justin Timberlake
Created by: Max Martin, Shellback och Justin Timberlake

2. Just Like Fire – Pink
Created by: Max Martin, Shellback, Oscar Holter och Alecia Moore

3. Send My Love (To Your New Lover) – Adele
Created by:Max Martin, Shellback och Adele Adkins

4. Cake By the Ocean – DNCE
Created by:Mattias Larsson, Robin Fredriksson, Justin Tranter och Joseph Jonas

5. Lush Life – Zara Larsson
Created by: Emanuel Abrahamsson, Iman Conta Hulten, Linnea Södahl, Markus Sepehrmanesh, Christoph Bauss och Fridolin Walcher

6. Wildest Dreams – Taylor Swift
Created by: Max Martin, Shellback och Taylor Swift

7. Love Me Like You Do – Ellie Goulding
Created by: Max Martin, Tove Lo, Ali Payami, Ilya och Savan Harish Kotecha

8. Into You – Ariana Grande
Created by: Max Martin, Savan Harish Kotecha, Ilya, Alexander Kronlund, Ariana Grande

9. Side to Side – Ariana Grande ft Nicki Minaj
Created by: Max Martin, Ilya, Savan Harish Kotecha, Alexander Kronlund, Ariana Grande, Nicki Minaj

10. My House – Flo Rida
Created by: Marco Borrero, Johan Carlsson, Roy C. Hammond, Flo Rida

Malina Bickford introduces Swedish Tradition to the U.S. in form of Åhus Akvavit

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Natalie Söderberg

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June 4, 2018

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Malina Bickford is a Michigan native that bartended her way through the U.S., after graduating from the University of Michigan in the middle of the ’08 financial crisis, and ended up in Los Angeles, taking her passion for cocktails and becoming the US brand manager for Åhus Akvavit, a new spirit from Swedish liquor company Absolut.

After discovering the brand, and the vision behind it, Swedes in the States decided to catch up with Malina to find out more about how this old Swedish tradition has been revived through Åhus Akvavit, and her plans to open up Americans eyes to this unconventional, one of a kind liquor.

Åhus Akvavit is Absolute’s newest passion project/brand. Tell us more about the birth of the brand?
Although it is a part of the Absolut family, Åhus Akvavit is the reflection of a heritage that stretches back long before vodka was ever made there. The village of Åhus in southern Sweden has been distilling since 1906, when their main distillery or Spirit church as they call it, was first built. For most of the 20th century, all Swedish akvavit was made in Åhus.

Later, akvavit production was halted for a short period as the village concentrated on perfecting their vodka distillation but the importance of keeping the local tradition alive led to the creation of Åhus – technically a new akvavit but actually the result of over a century of practice.

How did you decide that you were going to be the one to bring Akvavit to the U.S.?

I got involved with Åhus through a referral by a friend in the industry. When I first visited Sweden to meet the team and discuss the project, I immediately fell in love with Stockholm and most especially, Åhus, the small town where our akvavit is made. Being there just felt right to me. I’m super passionate about the way a drink can bring people together. Learning about snaps, the history of akvavit and how integral it is to Swedish culture was so exciting and I knew that it’s something drinkers in the States would appreciate. In the past decade, bartenders and consumers here have become extremely interested in quality, history, traditions, and sustainability – which happen to be pillars of what Åhus Akvavit is all about. Getting to immerse myself in Swedish culture along the way has been important but also a huge perk. if you ask me. I’m hoping that if I drink enough akvavit and eat enough toast Skagen, I’ll become Swedish myself.

What separates Åhus Akvavit from the Akvavit already in the U.S. and how similar is to traditional Swedish akvavit?
The philosophy behind Åhus Akvavit is that there’s no need to cast aside old traditions in order to create new ones. Åhus is made adhering to all of the time-honored standards of traditional akvavit. It’s only different in that the botanicals are blended with a lighter touch resulting in a bright, balanced flavor profile that’s really versatile in cocktails and can be paired with not only Scandinavian food but all types of international cuisines. It appeals to a broad range of tastes and occasions.

The beautiful thing about akvavit is that each of them is entirely different, with unique nuance and character; some brand new and others reflective of centuries of tradition. Amid the diverse selection of akvavit now available in the US, Åhus is one of the few that’s steeped in heritage but also forward-looking.

What do Americans think about akvavit?
The way trends with spirits tend to work in America is, first the bartenders have to get excited about it and then it trickles down from there. Currently, a lot of bartenders are really geeked on akvavit, as there’s nothing else quite like it here and the botanicals are so unique to work with in cocktails. More and more bars are featuring akvavit drinks on their cocktail menus and guests are starting to really get into it.

Additionally, there are pretty significant Scandinavian ex-pat communities scattered across the country and a general interest in a Scandinavian culture that helps spread the gospel of akvavit.

Where is Åhus available in the U.S?
At the moment, Åhus Akvavit can be purchased at Bar Keeper in Silver Lake, at K&L Wines in Hollywood or on their website klwines.com and a variety of craft cocktail bars around town.

What is your vision for Åhus Akvavit?
For me personally, as an American, learning about akvavit and the culture surrounding it has been completely fascinating. Drinking in the States is now a totally globalized experience, as we’re fortunate enough to have access to wine and spirits from all over the world. People here are curious and engaged in trying new flavors and I’m genuinely honored to play a role in introducing more Americans to the Swedish tradition of celebrating with akvavit. This country is such a hodge lodge of people from all over the place, so we don’t have many longstanding traditions like that of our own.

Akvavit fits perfectly into the existing creative cocktail scene so my long-term vision is to see people drinking Åhus Akvavit just as much as they currently order, say, gin or vodka. For now, my focus is on LA and along with the team leading me in Stockholm, building this brand as thoughtfully as I can, out of respect for the centuries of craftsmanship that led to creating it.

For more info about Åhus Akvavit and the tradition behind the brand, visit their website: https://www.ahusakvavit.com/

Powerhouses SACC New York and Epicenter collaborate on Gateway platform

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Natalie Söderberg

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June 1, 2018

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Earlier this week, it was announced that The Swedish-American Chamber of Commerce, New York (SACC NY) and Epicenter will be entering a long-term collaboration this summer, launching Gateway x Epicenter.

According to SACC NY’s press release, the need for a meeting place for Swedish and American companies to collaborate has increased significantly. “In recent years, the demand for a place where Swedish professionals and entrepreneurs operating in the U.S. can meet and collaborate has increased significantly. Thus, the Gateway initiative was developed with the purpose to create opportunities for Swedish and American companies to meet, grow and initiate mutually beneficial partnerships.”

SACC New York, the first Swedish Chamber of Commerce in the United States, also independent of the SACC USA umbrella, has been active in New York since 1906. They have solidly established themselves as the go-to organization for Swedish startups establishing themselves in New York. Stepping up their efforts earlier this year, when they launched new membership packages with more focus on entrepreneurs and startups.

Anna Throne-Holst, President, SACCNY and Patrik Mesterton, Co-Founder and CEO, Epicenter. Photo: SACC New York press release.

Epicenter, the company SACC New York will be collaborating with, is headquartered in Stockholm and considered one of Scandinavia’s leading innovation houses. On their website, Epicenter writes that: “Epicenter acts both as a commercial engine and as a role model in its chosen markets. Our mission is to establish Epicenter House of Innovation in the key digital hotspots of the world.”

With powerhouse players like SACC New York and Epicenter, the expectations for this collaboration are high. In their press release, they write: “Gateway will be a professional community where companies and entrepreneurs are able to share knowledge, experience, and expertise on how to succeed in the U.S. market. The Chamber has a widespread network of members, including many multinational corporations. For the MNCs, Gateway will be a “home-away-from-home” and offer an opportunity to interact with innovative entrepreneurs and scaleups.”

The office space, which will be located in Midtown, Manhattan, offers office spaces in form of private offices, dedicated desks, licensed desks and even event space. Space launches in September 2018, but you can already apply for a membership within the community on their website.

If you want to learn more about the collaboration between SACC New York and Epicenter, read the full press release here.