Emily Tepe - aka IVA, is SACC-Georgia's Lucia 2016! This will be her third year in a row to take on the stage as our Lucia Performer at our traditional Lucia Gala. Read more about her here or have a look at her website.

In 2015, she was appointed Swedish-American of the Year by the Vasa Order of America, more details around this honorary nomination can be found in the clip above, where we get to follow her through her cultural journey from the U.S. to Sweden, where she actually ended up living for 6 years. During that period of time, she experienced a "very deep feeling of peace and calm", while enjoying exploring her roots and heritage, both on a personal and professional level. 

She candidly shares her wonderful and enriching experience of living in Sweden, and emphasize the value of knowing and celebrating your origin - something that many of our Swedish-American members surely can relate to.

We are very pleased, proud and excited to have her performing at our 31st Annual Lucia Gala - get your tickets now!

[caption id="attachment_6418" align="alignright" width="200"] Emily performing last year at SACC-Georgia's 30th Annual Lucia Gala.[/caption]

Who is Emily Tepe?

She is a singer, artist, and mentor who cares for the world around her and the world within her.

 
What inspires you musically?

For as long as I can remember I have felt compelled to make music, and it is a constant presence in my life. I have always loved to sing and write songs, and have had many journeys around the world, including my years in Sweden, that have inspired my music. The experiences I have had in my relationships, both good and bad, inform the music that I write. I suppose it’s a way to deal with my emotions. Recently I went through a particularly difficult time in my love life, and that led to some beautiful songs that I now am proud to sing, despite all the pain that brought the songs to me.

Tell us about your Swedish heritage!

My ancestors Per Larsson Cock and Margaret Lom came over on the third voyage of the Kalmar Nyckel in 1643. They settled in the colony of New Sweden and my family still lives in the Wilmington/Philadelphia area where they were. As a child I sang every year at the Lucia festival at Old Swedes Church in Wilmington, Delaware and participated in Swedish cultural events, which made me more interested in my Swedish heritage. When I was in graduate school at Manhattan School of Music I decided to apply for a Fulbright Scholarship to Stockholm, where I wound up living for six gloriously cold and dark years.

How was living in Sweden?

The Swedes are a caring, progressive people who value serving society as a whole instead of worshipping yourself, the individual. I learned to be more mindful and less ego-driven, and to listen carefully. I also felt a great sense of peace in Sweden, which I did not feel while living in New York the years before, despite a daily yoga and meditation practice. Sweden took me on a deep journey into myself and I learned to hear the true voice within me, not a voice shaped by the priorities of others close to me, or catering to popularity. Sweden helped me find the channel to the music living within me.

What is your impression of Atlanta and Georgia?

I was struck by the friendly people in Atlanta, the delicious restaurants, and how much fun you all had at the Lucia Gala. You are a great group of Swedes and Swede-o-philes and it’s always a pleasure to sing for you.

When did you first come in contact with the Lucia tradition?

At Old Swedes Church in Wilmington, Delaware, and later I had the chance to lead Lucia celebrations in Stockholm, which was a treat since I knew the songs and traditions from childhood.

What does Lucia mean to you?

For me Lucia represents the Swedes' love of singing. It brings warmth and love to a cold environment. When I lived in Stockholm I was struck by how much everyone loved to sing at parties and for friends, and saw beautiful choir singing in the Old City on Lucia day. The lights and the music bring comfort and love to Sweden during a very dark time of the year. I love to light a candle at home during the cold and dark days and play my Lucia music from Adolf Fredriks choir in Stockholm. It brings back so many special memories.

What can our guests expect from your performance at SACC-Georgia's 31st Annual Lucia Gala?

I’ve been practicing my fire-swallowing act for some extra flair this year! No, I am kidding, but you will hear some beloved Swedish Lucia songs as well as American classics, and even a song or two of my own.

As this will be your third year in a row as SACC-GA's Lucia Performer - what do you like most about our Lucia Gala?

I love that you include the drinking songs in the party. It’s a great way for everyone to get to know each other and builds real camaraderie.

We thank Emily for her time and look forward to see her performing live at one of the biggest Swedish-American celebrations of the Southeast - SACC-Georgia's 31st Annual Lucia Gala! Don't miss it out on this spectacular event - secure your seat and table at the party on December 17th now!

 

 

Text: Sabina Woldai

Photo credits: David Norbut

On Wednesday November 9, 2016, SACC-Georgia held a Wine-Working Event at Brookhaven Wines.

The evening consisted of a wine tasting during social and business networking among members and friends of the Swedish-American community in Atlanta.

Host Brandon Tai guided us through a selection of wines from both the “old and new world”, while we had the opportunity to mingle and to learn more about various wines, in a relaxed and enjoyable environment, in an intimate fall social where several new members where introduced to SACC-Georgia’s network.

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We look forward to seeing you at our Lucia Gala on December 17th!

We hear it all the time: “I didn’t know there was software to help us manage our membership!”

If you have members and have to deal with all the tasks that come with it – such as member renewals, membership directories, events, newsletters and more – there’s a membership management solution for that!

At many small membership organizations, the volunteers and staff are trying to do a lot with a little (e.g., limited resources and budgets). It’s good to know that there are technology solutions that can help get your entire team on the right track and reduce wasted time and frustration, so you can focus on growing your membership and meeting your mission.

We've created an in-depth look at membership management software – what it is, how it works, what it costs and how it can help you build a website, connect with your supporters and grow your membership, while saving you time and effort.

On Thursday October 20, 2016, The Swedish-American Chamber of Commerce Georgia organized a company tour our corporate member, Swedish company Elanders, in Acworth. Stefan Danielsson, Director of Finance, Quality & Administration at Elanders USA, showed us through two of their impressive printing plants and warehouse facilities. The morning ended with a breakfast during which we enjoyed a presentation of their worldwide operations – the Group operates in more than 18 countries on four continents – ending with an interesting Q&A focused on the future of their man industries including the possible challenges and solutions which they may face or undergo. Elanders expanded into the USA in 2008 and has since then experienced tremendous growth, both nationally and internationally.

Elanders is a global supplier of integrated solutions in the areas supply chain management, print & packaging and e-commerce. Their most important markets are China, Germany, Singapore, Sweden, United Kingdom and the USA. Their major customers are primarily companies within the Automotive, Consumer Electronics or Industrial Manufacturing Industry.

Thank you to all of who attended this event! We look forward to seeing you again at our next company tour which will be held in Kennesaw on Thursday November 17th at Swedish company Regal Lager, a distributor of high quality baby and children’s products! The theme will be regulations for international imports and how they might be affected after the election. Stay tuned for more detailed information!

SACC-Georgia visits Stockholm-based Corporate Member Kilpatrick Townsend

Stockholm, October 5, 2016

Board Member Martin Koepenick, founder of Innova International, who also is Chairman of SACC-Georgia’s Marketing Committee, visited our Stockholm-based corporate member Kilpatrick Townsend, and was welcomed by associate Glenn Nyström and trainee Emilia Strömberg. Emilia just returned to Stockholm after spending 1 year in Atlanta, during which she completed a Masters of Laws degree from Emory University School of Law, while also being part of SACC-Georgia’s team. The international law firm’s Swedish office, with 30 lawyers, officially joined the Chamber last year, as they have a great interest in expanding their network in the U.S., where Kilpatrick Townsendhas no less than 15 offices – one of them being located in Atlanta; the heart and business center of the Southeast.

They discussed Kilpatrick Townsend’s U.S. Desk in Stockholm, among other topics, and we were very pleased to finally meet them in person and learn more about their operations. It is always interesting to engage with members who are based in both of our active regions – the State of Georgia and Sweden. That is also the case with our Swedish corporate members Thomas Concrete and Qmatic, with their Swedish offices being located on the west coast, in Gothenburg and Mölndal. As a Chamber of Commerce, we are always looking for ways to facilitate meetings, introductions and business opportunities across the borders. 

Learn more about Kilpatrick Townsend’s Stockholm office here.

We hope to continue fostering good relationships across the Atlantic ocean with our members, partners and other collaborators in Sweden through company visits, networking events/forums/seminars (which you can see more of below) and delegation trips whenever our Board of Directors and other members have the opportunity to go there. We are hoping to be able to meet many more at Amerikadagen (America Day) in Gothenburg (March 22, 2017), an excellent 1-day conference dedicated to connecting Swedish and American businesses with each other, while exploring themes, trends and topics relevant to both countries. For those interested in networking with the Swedish-American business community in the U.S. – SACC Summit in Washington D.C.  (November 2-3, 2016) provides an excellent opportunity to do so.

13th Sweden-U.S. Entrepreneurial Forum 

Stockholm, October 5, 2016

A mix of entrepreneurs, venture capitalists, university and government leaders came together to accelerate successful ventures to the U.S. On behalf of the Swedish-American Chamber of Commerce, Georgia, Innova’s Martin Koepenick attended the event, who is pictured above with Per Ericson, entrepreneur founder of Graytec AB, and Anne Lidgard, Director of Vinnova’s Silicon Valley office.

Says Martin, “A lot of energy was in the air, as Swedish entrepreneurs talked about their latest inventions and desire to market in the U.S. Venture capitalists from the U.S. and Sweden were upbeat about more Swedish breakthroughs to come. Software, Apps, and industrial offerings to lower water and energy consumption were key topics. California’s Silicon Valley is their principal focus, but Atlanta could be emerging.  And don’t forget Minnesota, especially for health care. Stay tuned for some possible developments in the works for Atlanta.”

The forum was organized by ESRI in concert with the American Chamber of Commerce in Sweden.

 

Text: Sabina Woldai

SACC-Georgia’s 31st Annual Lucia Gala

The Swedish-American Chamber of Commerce Georgia welcome you to register for our 31st Annual Lucia Gala in Atlanta on December 17, 2016!

Read more about the event and RSVP now! 

Take the opportunity to sponsor one of the biggest cultural celebrations within the Swedish-American community in the Southeast! Contact our Business Development Coordinator Carl Dunger at carl.dunger@sacc-georgia.org to learn more about our splendid sponsorship package!

Or why not donate an item, gift or experience to our Silent Auction? It would be great exposure for your business including wide-ranging marketing and promotion of your services through our international network and communication channels.

If you know a Swede or Swedish company who have made a remarkable impact in Georgia, we would love for you to nominate them for our Swedish Excellence Award, which will be presented at our 31st Annual Lucia Gala.

For any questions or queries regarding the event, our Swedish Excellence Award or Silent Auction, please contact us at info@sacc-georgia.org.

We look forward to seeing you on December 17th!

Best wishes,

SACC-Georgia

Interested in International Business and Trade?  What about Business Administration in an international and dynamic environment?

As an intern at The Swedish-American Chamber of Commerce-Georgia you will get the opportunity to develop both professionally and personally. We are now looking for driven and hardworking individuals with a can-do mindset. You will need to be able to work independently under supervision and simultaneously be involved in various projects. Being service minded is as important to us as your professional skills.

The position is based in Atlanta, Georgia. Atlanta is home to more than 440,000 people and at the center of the 9th largest U.S. metro region with over 5.5 million citizens. Atlanta hosts the U.S. headquarters to world-renowned companies such as Coca-Cola, Delta Air Lines, SunTrust Bank and CNN. Atlanta is the business hub of the Southeastern U.S., offering southern charm and world-class sophistication.

Check out our open intern positions below:

SACC-Georgia Business Development Intern 2017

SACC-Georgia Marketing and Event Intern 2017

Apply today! Click on the job descriptions for application details.

 

About SACC-GA

The Swedish-American Chamber of Commerce Georgia, SACC-Georgia, is a non-profit organization which offers its members business services, events, develops and cultivates business opportunities and relationships through a unique international business community. The primary objective of SACC-Georgia is to encourage and promote an exchange of business, trade, investment, technology and culture between Sweden and the state of Georgia. SACC-Georgia is one of 19 regional chambers across the United States, cooperating under the umbrella of SACC-USA based in Washington, D.C.

Swedish Excellence Award

Do you know someone that has done something outstanding in Georgia? They could be making our planet greener, our children healthier or our economy stronger!

This award will be given to a person or company with Swedish connections that has made a tremendous impact within the Swedish-American Community and contributed to bettering our community!

The award winner will be presented at our 31st Annual Lucia Gala.

 

Please email us at  info@sacc-georgia.org with your nomination!

On Thursday September 8, 2016, The Swedish-American Chamber of Commerce Georgia organized a guided tour and lunch at fully sustainable, nature-based community development Serenbe, just outside of Atlanta, in Chattahoochee Hill Country. The founder, Steve Nygren, is of Swedish descent and was inspired by Scandinavian architecture and lifestyle when creating this unique eco-society. SWEA Atlanta were co-hosts. Read more about Serenbe here.

The Swedish Mobile Passport Station is Coming To Atlanta!

Date: Wednesday October 26 – Thursday October 27, 2016
Location: Elekta, 400 Perimeter Center Terrace, Atlanta, GA 30346

The Embassy of Sweden offers a special consular service by using a Mobile Passport Station that enables Swedish citizens to apply for regular passports at a number of Swedish Consulates in the U.S.

The Swedish Mobile Passport Station will visit Atlanta, GA on October 26-27.

Detailed information of how to register can be found here:
Press Release Swedish Mobile Passport Station October 26-27 2016

As spaces are limited for this popular returning and high-demand session, we advise you to sign up at your earliest convenience to ensure your spot.

We look forward to welcoming you on October 26-27!

Best Wishes,
SACC-Georgia & The Consulate of Sweden in Atlanta