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SWEDISH AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | GEORGIA

  • 29 May 2020 9:03 AM | SACC-Georgia (Administrator)

    GATC

    Gatc LP helps international companies to enter and expand into the U.S. market. Their services include U.S. market entry, full back office operations and infrastructure including warehousing and shared office space in Atlanta. During the COVID-19 crisis, the office has been quite empty, and people have mainly been working from home.

    Gatc LP recently asked their employees how they feel about the remote working during the last few weeks. Their experiences were quite contrasting! Most of the respondents were missing face-to-face communication with teammates and clients and were already waiting to get back to the office.

    Read more here: https://www.gatclp.com/en/news/remote-working-during-corona-crisis  

  • 12 May 2020 7:37 AM | SACC-Georgia (Administrator)


    ODGERS BERNDTSON

    Odgers Berndtson has partnered with U.S Civilian Corps to identify and mobilize healthcare workers in response to the COVID-19 Crisis

    By combining an AI-powered talent search platform with a volunteer-led project management capability, they can rapidly deploy healthcare professionals nationwide to where they’re needed most

    The coalition provides healthcare personnel, lessons learned and access to a community of federal and state crisis leaders tackling this pandemic.

    Read more here




  • 12 May 2020 7:29 AM | SACC-Georgia (Administrator)

    SINCH

    In sectors including travel, healthcare, financial services, and cloud communications, among others, are engaging in transactional and engagement activity. Sinch has powered communications sent by air and travel companies as they make sure their customers are safely returned home and their future booking inquiries settled. 

    There have been enormous communications challenges for global healthcare organizations as they reprioritize and reallocate resources in real–time. But some are succeeding. For instance, a national healthcare system sent over 100 million messages in March, providing personalized customer care enabled by Sinch. 

    Read more here




  • 12 May 2020 5:44 AM | SACC-Georgia (Administrator)

    IMPROFY


    Improfy has modified their ‘small business project’ to help you manage your business through the outbreak of the Coronavirus, pro bono, free-of-charge.

    The new features are a re-focused SWOT analysis with consideration of the challenges the Coronavirus could bring your businessThe strategy and action plan will guide you on how to get through these hard times. The vision paints a bright future which your firm will reach once the challenge of Covid-19 is over.

    Their free analysis and advice will give you the confidence, motivation and power to guide your business effectively through this troubled season.

    https://improfy.com/crisis-management/



  • 11 May 2020 9:05 AM | SACC-Georgia (Administrator)

    PROMINATE

    Prominate Inc. has been able to pivot and retool their business model thanks to their branding teams and nimble sourcing team in Asia. They are now selling PPE products to their US and global clients as face masks and hand sanitizers along with social distancing will be part of our new abnormal lives.

    Prominate has new German and Australian ownership as of late 2019 which have allowed access to additional resources and knowledge base. They have launched Zinc Protect for their loyal and global customer base:

    www.zincprotect.com

    Prominate is delivering 135,000 disposable face masks to a larger industrial client here in Atlanta in the next 2 weeks so that their service techs can visit clients and so that their staff can go back to their offices.

    For more information about PPE products contact: 

    Andi.Harrison@prominate.com 

    www.Prominate.com






  • 27 Apr 2020 8:59 AM | SACC-Georgia (Administrator)



    Susanna Lindholm (Business Development & Marketing at gatc LP)

    Susanna Lindholm has arrived from Finland to Atlanta to support SACC’s member company gatc LP in Business Development and Marketing. She answered some interview questions to introduce herself, her quite versatile international background, and SACC’s J1 visa program:

    Welcome to Atlanta, Susanna! Can you tell something about yourself?

    Kiitos! I’m Susku from Finland and arrived in Atlanta in mid-March. I have a master’s degree in Business Management and I’m interested in international business. My hobbies are gym, ballroom dances, travelling and different cultures. I’m turning 30 in June and hope that the Corona situation would calm down a bit by then!

    Do you have previous work experience?

    Yes, 7 years. I have worked in the industries of accounting and HR services, technology, forest industry, construction, real estate, international relations, politics and public sector. I came to Atlanta with a J1-trainee visa, but I’m older and more experienced than a typical recent graduate.

    What is your education?

    I have four university degrees. In 2012, I graduated as a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Financial Management and worked some years at the largest accounting chain in Finland. After getting to know the job very well, I was eager to study a higher degree and got accepted in the Jyväskylä University School of Business and Economics. I still worked part-time in HR and payroll accounting, but the university opened a bunch of new opportunities. I put my focus on Management and Leadership, International Business, and Marketing. I also completed a Teacher’s degree in Adult Education. In 2019, I graduated as a Master of Science in Business Management.

    Did you have international experiences before coming to the U.S.?

    I have lived in 7 countries: Finland, Germany, the USA, Belgium, South Korea, China, and India. Why? Because of several student exchange semesters, internships abroad, summer jobs and work. I completed my first Erasmus student exchange in Lüneburg, Germany. That was the best experience I had so far, so I wanted to do more. I completed my second international exchange in Busan, South Korea, and the third one in Münster, Germany. That time I also got interested in International Relations and then moved to India to complete a traineeship at the Embassy of Finland in New Delhi. After India, I moved to Manhattan and worked as a Business Development trainee at Amcham (American Chamber of Commerce). We organized many business events in New York. Then I moved to China to work at the Chinese real estate and furniture company Sunon. After China, I moved to Helsinki and started a job as a B2B Sales Coordinator at the construction company SRV. Our team was responsible for marketing and selling office spaces, especially the new skyscrapers in Helsinki. Then last year, I got accepted in the European Parliament’s Communications department and moved to Brussels, Belgium. And from Brussels I arrived in Atlanta and started at gatc LP.

    What kind of a company is gatc LP?

    Gatc LP is a German-owned company helping foreign companies to enter and expand into the U.S. market. It is like international business consulting, but even more: we establish and operate U.S. subsidiaries of international companies. That means, we offer all necessary services needed to start or to expand operations in the U.S. We run the entire back-office for them, including accounting, administration, HR, marketing, management support, logistics, order processing, and warehousing. We provide a complete infrastructure including office and warehouse space. Usually a client focuses on sales, business development and technical support, while we handle the rest. Our staff acts as their staff, providing a professional organizational structure from day one. Some clients have the whole package and some only some parts. Every client is unique, and the services can be tailored based on the client needs.

    What kind of goals do you have for your time in Atlanta?

    Learning more about international business. Gatc LP is a great company for that. My second goal is learning languages. Until now, I have tried to learn 10 languages: (Finnish), English, Swedish, German, Russian, French, Spanish, South Korean, Chinese, and a little bit of Hindi. That’s natural after living in 7 countries. My goal here in the U.S. is obviously improving my English, but also Swedish and German. Gatc LP has many German clients and we offer German-speaking customer service. For Swedish language improvement, I lay my eyes on SACC! I would be happy to make new Swedish friends here. I am already waiting for the future events!

    What kind of future plans do you have?

    My contract at gatc LP is for one year. After that, I’m open for suggestions! Something international for sure. International business is my passion. I would see two possible options: working at an international entreprise or helping international companies through a consulting firm.

    Would you recommend SACC’s J1 visa program for companies?

    Absolutely! That is the hook to get young, talented, and internationally oriented workforce to your organization. The costs are low but the fresh and innovative ideas are precious input. Recent graduates have up-to-date academic knowledge and the latest technological know-how. With the J1 program, you can attract great, intercultural, young talents.

    Anything else you would like to share?

    Yes, I have been quite annoyed because of this Corona crisis! I arrived in mid-March, actually on the last day when it was still possible before the ban. That means, I did not have a chance to meet many people in Atlanta yet. Under the current circumstances, I would be happy to make new connections virtually! Feel free to add me on social media channels:

    And if you know any company that would be interested in entering or expanding American market and might need help or subsidiary establishing, just ask me: susanna.lindholm@gatclp.com. I’m really looking forward to meeting everyone and joining SACC events when they start to run again at some point! I wish you all sunny spring days and hope to see you soon!



  • 18 Jan 2019 5:44 PM | SACC-Georgia (Administrator)


    All good things come to an end and so does the time here in Atlanta for SACC-GA’s fall 2018 trainees Anna and Josefin! They have now completed their internships with the chamber and are both looking forward to the adventures that lies ahead. Read on to learn about some of their achievements of this fall and what awaits them.

    Josefin Edenborg — Marketing & Event Coordinator, SACC-GA Fall 2018

    Favorite memory: I have so many, it is hard to pinpoint one… I really enjoyed the Young Professionals Networking Drink in October. I came there with no expectations and it was truly a great evening where I got to meet many new people from different chambers. And of course the Lucia Gala was a wonderful experience, it sort of felt like the grand finale of my internship. In fact, all events have been memorable - the Golf Tournament with NACCSE, After Work Drinks, Glogg Mingle with AGG… I hope I can attend similar events when I move from Atlanta!

    Like most about Atlanta: The people, the Southern Hospitality is definitely a thing! Almost everyone is super friendly and has a story to tell you. Also, I love the fact that there is literally ALWAYS something going on in this city, so you don’t need to worry about getting bored here.

    Best learning experience: Stepping out of my comfort zone both work wise but also personally during these months. In the beginning of the internship I saw it as an obstacle when I felt like I didn’t know how to do something. Now I see things more as challenges and I focus on problem solving. I also feel more confident in social business contexts than I did before.

    I’m proud of: How great all the events turned out, especially the Glogg Mingle and the Lucia Gala. We received great feedback and I am proud to have been the Project Leader for those events.

    Next step: I am starting the position as Merchandiser Trainee for Next Ltd, the 2nd largest fashion retailer in the UK, based in Leicester about a 2,5 hour drive from London. I have a big interest in fashion, sales and analytics, and this position has a great mix of it. I am also super excited to move back to England where I lived for almost three years in the past. I will miss Atlanta for sure though!

    Anna Malmsten  — Business Development Coordinator, SACC-GA Fall 2018

    Favorite memory: One favorite memory is definitely the Lucia gala. It was incredible to see that the all the work we put in turned out in a successful and fun night.

    Like most about Atlanta: Definitely the people and that there is always something to do in Atlanta.  Everyone you meet is very social and friendly.

    Best learning experience: I feel that I have developed better skills for handling unclear tasks now then I had before and to make priorities of different tasks.  Of course I have also gained a better understanding of differences and similarities of the business climate in Sweden and the US.

    I’m proud of: I am proud of how good all the events turned out. Also I’m proud to have been responsible for the budgeting of these events, with an increased revenue on all events compares to the past year.

    Next step: Next step for me is to finish my master studied by writing a thesis about e-health and value creation.  I’m going to look into different factors of how value is created and co-created between actors in this market. Challenging but exciting.


  • 15 Jan 2019 3:45 PM | SACC-Georgia (Administrator)

    Happy New(s) Year! Our January Newsletter is out, read it here! 


  • 11 Jan 2019 5:08 PM | SACC-Georgia (Administrator)

    Time flies and yesterday we had a farewell lunch for this fall's trainees Anna and Josefin. Thank you for all your work with the chamber, and good luck in the future!
  • 30 Nov 2018 2:29 PM | SACC-Georgia (Administrator)

    This week we have interviewed Svante Hjorth, SACC-GA Board member and Founder & CEO of Arycom, an operator and provider of satellite connectivity solutions in the Americas, as well as Southpartner, a local partner for foreign tech companies wanting to set up and manage new business ventures in South America. Read on about Svante’s background, how he came up with the idea of his companies, what he thinks is behind their success, and much more. Enjoy!

    Background

    Svante was born and raised in a small town outside Jönköping, Sweden. After Senior high, he served as Second Lieutenant in the Swedish Artillery, and worked briefly as teacher and engineer before he attended the Institute of Technology at Linköping University where he received a Master’s Degree in Industrial Engineering and Management. Throughout university Svante did internships abroad, and after writing his Master’s thesis in New York he also spent six months in Chile. When returning to Sweden, he worked as Management consultant but it didn’t take long until he left abroad again.

    - I was offered a job that changed the direction of my life - a position as Market Consultant at the Swedish Trade Council (now Business Sweden), helping Swedish companies to establish and grow their business in Brazil! So three months later, I was on a flight to São Paulo, and have lived on this side of the Atlantic ever since.

     

    Southpartner & Arycom

    Shortly after the big move, Norwegian telecommunications company Telenor was looking for an Area Sales Manager in Brazil. Svante was offered the position, and he later advanced as Business Development Manager, being responsible for setting up Telenor Satellite Services'​subsidiary in Brazil and establishing a distribution channel in Latin America. It was through Telenor he got into satellite communications, and also how he came up with the business idea of his first company, Arycom.

    - While working for Telenor I identified a need on the market. The local partner that Telenor was looking for in Brazil simply didn’t exist, so I created it – Arycom. Arycom is a provider of satellite voice and broadband data solutions for customers on land, at sea and in the air. During my time at Business Sweden, I also noticed there was a need for local partners to the foreign companies that Business Sweden assisted getting in to the Brazilian market, so I created a second company – Southpartner. Southpartner is a local partner for foreign tech companies that want to set up and manage new business ventures in South America.

    However, shortly after having started his first business, Svante got one of those offers you cannot refuse. Inmarsat (LSE:ISAT.L), the satellite operator and pioneer of mobile satellite communications, wanted to set up its Latin American operations in Miami and was looking for a Regional Director. Svante got the job, and later became Vice President of the Americas. In the meantime, his business partner was running Arycom and Southpartner. In 2008 however, Arycom received an important license to sell satellite services in Brazil, and with the license in place, Svante decided to step off the corporate life and take over the leadership of his companies.

    - I felt it was a “now or never” chance to try my wings and see if I could turn my companies into what I had dreamt of. I definitely think I am more of an entrepreneur than a corporate person. I love to create things, and have a strong vision of what I want to accomplish which is sometimes hard to combine with a corporate job. I had been working in the corporate world most of my career, but ever since I jumped off the corporate ladder I have not regretted it. Arycom grew its business from a start-up to one of the leading operators and providers of mobile satellite communications in Brazil, and now, in the Americas.

    Challenges

    Despite having an entrepreneurial spirit, starting his own business on the other side of the world has not exactly been challenge-free.

    - You know when people say “that’s not rocket science”, well, our business actually is, so I guess I didn’t make it easy for me. Also, even though Brazil is a vast country with huge potential, it is a jungle of bureaucracy, complex legal structures and credit risks, so it is not an easy market to start your business in. Besides my own companies, I have helped many foreign companies into the market over the last twenty years, so I have learnt a lot along the way.

    Both companies have done well, and besides Brazil and South America, they have now launched Arycom in the US as well, focusing initially on providing connectivity solutions to customers in business aviation and agribusiness. They also plan to launch Southpartner in the US in 2019. Svante explains what he thinks is the reason for the companies’ success.

    - People! I have had the luck of having very skilled and smart people in my team. That’s our main differential. Also, compared to larger companies, we are more agile and support our customers really well.

    Swedish connection

    Ever since Svante moved from Sweden twenty years ago, he has maintained a strong bond with the Swedish community in all countries he has lived. Last year, he won the prestigious “Swedish Excellence Reward”, a reward given to a person or company with Swedish connections that has made a tremendous impact within the Swedish-American Community in Georgia.

    - I always had a strong connection to Sweden both business wise and personally, even though I’ve lived abroad for twenty years. I am proud and happy to be Swedish, and I always wanted to maintain that connection. Therefore, it felt natural to join SACC-GA when I moved to Atlanta, and then accepting the opportunity to join the Board of Directors. I’m happy to be able to contribute to the Swedish community and to trade with Sweden, and if I can help SACC-GA race the bar over the next few years it would give me great satisfaction.

     

    Within the next few years, another connection to Sweden is on the radar.

    - We are planning to establish both Arycom and Southpartner in Europe, not necessarily within the next few months but in 1-2 years, and Sweden would be a natural base. We started our international expansion a few years ago by setting up a subsidiary in the US, and the next step will definitely be Europe. Sweden would be a good location, as conditions for start-ups and SMEs are very favorable, and it would enable us to support our customers in Latin America, North America and Europe. A lot of fun ahead!

Sponsor Spotlight 



ABOUT SACC-GEORGIA

The primary objective of SACC-Georgia is to 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.

CONTACT

info@sacc-georgia.org

303 Peachtree Center Ave NE Ste 600 Atlanta, GA 30303 

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