Swedish-American Chamber of Commerce Los Angeles Sacc-La

We want to take this opportunity to extend a warm farewell and heartfelt thank you to SACC-LA’s talented Spring 2024 Marketing Managers: Sara Nilsson, Régine el Belbol, and F***y Hedihn. Your innovative ideas, successful event management, and enhanced community engagement have truly elevated our chamber’s presence and impact. SACC-LA is immensely proud of your remarkable efforts and contributions. We wish you the best of luck in all your future endeavors. TACK💛💙

SACC-LA extends warm wishes for a festive Fourth of July celebration as we commemorate the Independence Day of the United States! This significant day, commonly known as the Fourth of July, marks the nation’s National Day and a Federal Holiday, celebrating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence by the Second Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, which established the United States of America.

Independence Day is celebrated with a variety of festivities, including fireworks, parades, barbecues, carnivals, fairs, picnics, concerts, baseball games, family reunions, and political speeches and ceremonies. These public and private events honor the rich history, government, and traditions of the United States. 🎉🇺🇸

Photo courtesy:
1st photo: Camylla Battani/Unsplash
2nd photo: Stephanie McCabe/Unsplash

Printz Honor recipient and Swedish author Moa Backe Åstot, a young Sami reindeer owner, will attend the ALA Conference in San Diego between June 26-30. Her debut novel, ”Fire From the Sky,” is the first by a Sami author to receive a Printz Honor. The book, which is one of the few translated and Indigenous-authored books to win this award, is a critically acclaimed coming-of-age story that delves into Sami heritage, family ties, and LGBTQ+ themes. It follows a young reindeer herder grappling with his sexuality and fearing rejection from his community. Åstot’s visit is supported by a grant from the Swedish Arts Council. Congrats to Moa on this celebratory honor! 🎉🌟

Photo courtesy: Carl-Johan Kurtsi via Salomonssonagency.se

Elephant Parade® Burbank 2024, the world’s largest touring public elephant art exposition, from July 1st to August 31st, 2024 is coming to IKEA Burbank! This citywide exhibition, a first for the Los Angeles area, will feature 25 elephant statues placed at high-traffic Burbank landmarks, public spaces, local businesses, and area hotels.

IKEA Burbank visitors can stroll through and view all 25 hand-painted elephant statues before they are dispersed to their final locations across Burbank. The Grand Arrival event is scheduled for June 26th, 2024, from 10 AM to 12 PM, with the elephants available for public viewing until June 28th at 4 PM. This free event will include guest speakers, photo opportunities, and a live DJ. From July 1st to August 31st, one of the elephants will be located at the entrance of the IKEA Burbank store.
For more information about the Elephant Parade® Burbank 2024 visit www.visitburbank.com !

Photo Courtesy: Visit Burbank via website, edited by SACC-LA

We are delighted to feature Precis Spirits in our Membership Spotlight! Precis Spirits continues to impress with their dedication to quality, craftsmanship, and unique flavors. Building on their rich Swedish heritage, Precis Spirits lives up to their name, meaning ”Precision,” by remaining committed to producing exceptional spirits. Their unique production technique seamlessly blends century-old distilling traditions with modern methods, ensuring the highest quality in every bottle.

In spring 2024, Precis Spirits won the gold medal for their exceptional Aquavit beverage at the LA Spirits Awards! Experience Scandinavian heritage with the traditional spirit, crafted with a distinct blend of botanicals like dill, caraway, anise, and lemon peels. Perfect for the Swedish Midsummer celebration, this aquavit brings a taste of Nordic tradition to every sip. Precis Spirits also offers a diverse range of premium beverages, including their renowned Precis Vodka, along with exciting flavors such as Pistachio, Passionfruit, and Coconut.

Precis Spirits prides itself on sustainable practices, sourcing local ingredients, and employing eco-friendly production methods. Their ongoing commitment to quality and innovation ensures a memorable experience in every bottle.

Photo courtesy: Precis Spirits, edit by SACC-LA

Thank you to the Swedish American Chamber of Commerce - USA, and all the regional SACC chambers in the U.S., for a successful Executive Forum at House of Sweden in Washington, D.C. a few weeks back! The Ambassador of Sweden to the U.S. Urban Ahlin, opened the Executive Forum 2024 with an inspiring speech. Karin Hammar, the President of SACC-USA, phenomenally hosted the Exec. Forum together with her team and SACC-USA’s Chairman Per Cedergren 🇺🇸🇸🇪

Photo courtesy: SACC-LA

SACC-LA and Pixi Beauty teamed up to host the successful Pixi Beauty Midsummer Masterclass event last week on Friday. Guests enjoyed an afternoon and evening filled with invaluable beauty tips and tricks, midsummer flower-crown making, networking, and an amazing personalized gift and a gift bag full of Pixi goodies! The colorful event took place at the beautiful Pixi boutique in Westfield Century City Mall, Los Angeles. A big thank you to everyone who attended, and to the vibrant and smiling Pixi Beauty team!💗💚

Read more about the event in this week’s “Finally Friday” newsletter out on Friday June 21st. Subscribe to SACC-LA´s free & weekly newsletter now ➡️ Link in bio!

Photo courtesy: SACC-LA

On June 19, 1865, enslaved African Americans in Texas were told they were free. A century and a half later, people across the United States continue to honor and celebrate the importance of this historic day, known as ”Juneteenth.” In 2021, U.S. President Biden signed legislation that made Juneteenth, which annually falls on June 19, a federal holiday in the United States. 🎉🇺🇸

Image courtesy: SACC-LA via canva

Join SACC-LA’s incredible member the Church of Sweden Los Angeles in celebrating Midsummer this Saturday, June 22nd! The celebration will take place at the church in San Pedro between 4 PM to 8 PM. Read more about this beloved Swedish celebration and find out how to join the festivities on the Church of Sweden LA’s website!🌻💐

Also join the Church of Sweden LA for an exciting Fashion Show at Britt’s house in San Pedro on June 26th between 3 PM and 6 PM. Discover gently used designer clothing, indulge in Swedish fika, and delight in a special Swedish surprise! Find more information on the Church of Sweden LA’s website!

Photo courtesy: 1st photo: Anna Hållams/imagebank.sweden.se, edited by SACC-LA. 2nd photo: Church of Sweden LA

Happy Father’s Day from SACC-LA! In the United States, we proudly celebrate Father’s Day on the third Sunday of June, which falls on June 16th this year. In Sweden, Father’s Day is observed on the second Sunday of November, this year falling on November 10th. Wishing all the fatherly figures a wonderful and joyous day! 🥰

Photo courtesy: SACC-LA

In this week’s Membership Spotlight we are very honored to present our new thriving member - the genius Coastline Capital Fund Management! This leading financial services firm Coastline Capital FM is headquartered in Saint George (UT) and Beverly Hills, specializing in providing comprehensive financial solutions to individuals, families, and businesses. They aim to be a trusted partner and advisor to their clients, helping them navigate life’s financial complexities with confidence and peace of mind.

We warmly welcome Sean Irwin, CEO and Harrison Silverstein, COO including their brilliant team to us at SACC-LA! Coastline Capital FM offers a wide range of services, including investment management, retirement planning, estate planning, and wealth preservation. They pride themselves on helping borrowers to get back on track and help homeowners keep their homes. The company prides itself on its client-centric approach, focusing on building long-term relationships and understanding each client’s unique financial goals and circumstances. They strive to provide personalized strategies tailored to meet the specific needs and objectives of their clients, while also emphasizing transparency and open communication throughout the process.

Read more in this week’s “Finally Friday” newsletter ➡️ link in bio!

Photo courtesy: Coastline Capital FM via website, image by SACC-LA

Upper photo: Sean Irwin, Chief Executive Officer. Lower photo: Harrison Silverstein, Chief Operating Officer

The summerbreeze has arrived and our splendid member knows just how to embrace it - say hello to the tasteful Shepherd of Sweden! With a dedication to quality and tradition, Shepherd of Sweden has built a reputation for timeless and elegant products that enhance everyday life. Their wide collection of shoes, slippers and accessories brings any occasion a little more cozyness!

Shepherd of Sweden, founded in 1982, is a Swedish lifestyle company specializing in high-quality sheepskin and wool products. The company is headquartered in Svenljunga, Sweden, and operates its own manufacturing facilities in Europe. Shepherd of Sweden offers a generous range of products, including slippers, shoes, home furnishings, and accessories, all characterized by their blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern Scandinavian design.

Don’t miss out on Shepherd of Sweden’s competition where you have the chance to win a pair of sandals - perfect for any summer occasion! The competition ends tomorrow Saturday June 8th 23:59 Central European Time (CET), so hurry up and visit their instagram to participate!✨

Read more in this week’s “Finally Friday” newsletter ➡️ link in bio!

Photo courtesy: Shepherd of Sweden, edit by SACC-LA

Join the heartwarming fundraising event for the Dog Rescue organization Rover’s Retreat, on Sunday, June 9, at the Tarzana Community & Cultural Center. Meet some of the adorable, adoptable dogs at the event while also enjoying a delightful picnic lunch, refreshing ice cream, and fruit carts. Take pleasure listening to music and participate in fun activities, such as lawn games and a silent auction. The best part is that all proceeds from ticket sales will go directly towards rescuing and caring for dogs in need.

Read more on their website: www.roversretreat.org

Photo courtesy: Rover’s retreat via website

We are very delighted to present this week’s membership spotlight - the impactful Westridge! The team at Westridge boasts over 20 years of experience in live production, offering a range of services including creative direction, show design, production management, and content creation for various events.

Westridge is the creative house with design and production services for the live entertainment industry. Their thrilling journey started over 20 years ago in Sweden but nowadays Westridge is also based in the vibrant city of Los Angeles, the center of world class entertainment! The agency specializes in elevating productions and creating impactful experiences, all over the world. They provide industry-leading creative direction, show design, and production management for various events, including tours, live events, festivals, and product launches. Westridge’s services also include audio and video content creation. Their expertise helps brands create memorable and impactful experiences that resonate with their audience.

Read more in this week’s “Finally Friday” newsletter ➡️ link in bio!

Photo courtesy: Westridge

Join us in celebrating Sweden’s National Day on June 2 with SACC-LA’s member Church of Sweden Los Angeles. The celebration will take place at the church in San Pedro at 11 am, later followed by a gathering in the backward garden. The celebration will also include singing the Swedish National Anthem, a flag ceremony, speeches and lunch, making it a memorable day. Read more about the celebration and find the ticket information on the Church of Sweden LA’s website!

Image courtesy: Church of Sweden LA, edit by SACC-LA

We are proud of our SACC-LA friend Sigge Eklund for his directorial debut with ’A Part of You.’ This Swedish coming-of-age drama, directed by Eklund, written by Michaela Hamilton, and produced by SF Studios, will be released globally on Netflix this Friday, May 31, 2024!

This week SACC-LA is incredibly thankful for our brilliant member Hill Holm Coaching & Consulting! With over two decades of experience, Hill Holm Coaching & Consulting is a consultancy that specializes in leadership and executive coaching. Their approach incorporates Swedish leadership values that promote inclusivity and holistic growth, aiming to help leaders and teams achieve sustainable success globally.

The Swedish based Hill Holm Coaching & Consulting is a boutique firm offering tailored people strategy and HR solutions, with a solid expertise in change management and organizational excellence. Jessica Hill Holm, the leader and founder of Hill Holm Coaching & Consulting, brings over twenty years of experience in leadership development and HR consulting to her practice. She is renowned for her knowledge in fostering successful and thriving organizations through her personalized coaching approach, and has a background in working with both large Swedish corporations and international firms. Beyond her consultancy, Jessica has shared her insights through various platforms, including industry magazines and conferences, where she discusses themes like leadership, team building, and organizational effectiveness.

Read more in this week’s “Finally Friday” newsletter ➡️ link in bio!

This week, we want to shine the spotlight on a truly empowering member of ours - the vibrant LOUD Global! The international music program, LOUD Global, focuses on fostering young people in high-quality music education through collaborations with schools, activity houses, and municipalities. At LOUD Global, we believe that everyone’s uniqueness plays a significant role as a part of the whole!

LOUD Global is an innovative music education initiative that began in 2020, aimed at enriching the lives of young people in Sweden and the USA through comprehensive musical training and education. Josephine Forsman, co-founder and Grammy-nominated musician, was inspired to create LOUD Global with the belief that music can foster unity and cooperation, starting from an early age. It partners with local schools and communities to create a curriculum that emphasizes diversity, gender equality, and creative expression. The program encourages community building and personal growth by offering inclusive, judgment-free musical experiences designed to empower students and promote cultural understanding.

Read more in this week’s “Finally Friday” newsletter ➡️ link in bio!

Photo courtesy: LOUD Global

The upcoming 50th anniversary of the Scandinavian Festival, inspired by the legacies of Professor Armour Nelson and John Nordberg, is set for this weekend. Hosted at California Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks, this festive event pays homage to the university’s origins and the rich history of the Conejo Valley, settled by Norwegians in the 1890s.

There will be performances by Grammy-winner Mads Tolling and the ABBAFab tribute band on the Main Stage, among others. Attendees will be able to explore a Scandinavian encampment, enjoy Scandinavian treats, and partake in games like Viking chess and Swedish game ”kubb”. Various activities, such as painting wooden Viking ships and dancing around the maypole, await visitors.

The festival will take place this weekend from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on May 18 and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on May 19 at Kingsmen Park, situated on the California Lutheran University campus at 60 W. Olsen Road, Thousand Oaks. Entry is free for children aged 12 and under, with tickets starting at $18 for others.

Visit Scandinavianfest.org to read more and buy tickets!

Photo courtesy: Scandinavian Festival

SACC-LA wishes all motherly figures a lovely Mother’s Day! In the United States, we joyfully celebrate Mother’s Day on the second Sunday of May, this year falling on May 12th. Meanwhile, in Sweden, Mother’s Day is observed on Sunday, May 26th, traditionally honored on the last Sunday of May🥰

Summer is just around the corner and we are extremely happy to present our delicious member - Kenny’s Gelato! The appealing Kennys Gelato specializes in producing high-quality, daily-made gelato in Stockholm, using only real ingredients to ensure authentic and clean flavors.

The founder of Kenny’s Gelato, Kenny Mattsson, has always been highly passionate about ice cream. After attending a gelato masterclass at the Italian Carpigiani Gelato University, Kenny decided to open his own gelato business. The company achieved even greater success when Kenny Mattsson won the “Swedish Ice Cream Maker of the Year” award in 2022 - in four categories! 🏆🎉

Kenny’s Gelato produces fresh, high-quality gelato daily, offering a variety of flavors, including some award-winning ones. Their products are known for using real ingredients without artificial colorings, focusing on delivering intense, clean flavors. Kenny’s Gelato emphasizes lower fat, sugar, and air content in their gelato compared to traditional ice cream, also catering to dietary needs such as gluten-free and lactose-free options. In addition to their extraordinary gelato, Kenny’s Gelato serves flatbread pizzas and a selection of drinks, creating a pleasant casual dining experience.

Today Kenny’s Gelato is located at various places around Stockholm, they also participate in different pop-up events like for example Lollapalooza. This year, Kenny’s Gelato is expanding their business even further by opening not only one, but two new gelato stores! Take your friends and family with you, on Mother’s Day, Graduation, Date- night, and any day of the summer, and visit their new venues in Nacka and Kungsbroplan! 🙌

It is with great pleasure that we are highlighting a very inspirational member in this week’s Membership Spotlight - the impressive Tigerhall! Tigerhall is a social learning platform focused on professional development, offering access to insights from top industry experts and leaders. The platform is designed to assist both individuals and organizations in achieving business outcomes and personal growth through curated learning resources and mentorship support.

Tigerhall was launched in 2019 by the Swedish technology entrepreneur Nellie Wartoft. The mission at Tigerhall is truly forward-thinking; they strive to drive change within your organization rather than against it, which can be accomplished by streamlining the process of driving change. By using the power of the entire workforce, Tigerhall enables organizations to approach change with speed, scale, and agility.

Read more in this week’s “Finally Friday” newsletter ➡️ link in bio!

Photo courtesy: Tigerhall

SWEA-LA invites you to an exclusive wellness day at Carinakliniken in Malibu on May 5th. The event offers relaxation and rejuvenation through various treatments and activities, including a lecture on stress management by Carina. With limited spots, the event promises a personalized experience. Register by the deadline, May 2nd on our member SWEA LA’s website!

Photo courtesy: Andre Benz/Unsplash

In this week’s Membership Spotlight, we aim to elevate your experience by introducing a truly extraordinary member - the remarkable Helsinki Citycopter! With the most modern and professional fleet, Helsinki Citycopter stands as the leading helicopter flight service and tour operator. Based at the Helsinki Business Flight Center, this Finnish company is eager to arrange your flight to any destination in the Nordics.

Helsinki Citycopter boasts the most extensive selection of helicopters in Finland, offering the perfect flight tailored to your travel party’s size, budget, and convenience. Regardless of how they customize their luxurious services for customers, safety always remains the top priority! For Helsinki Citycopter, it’s not just about meeting customer needs; they strive to exceed expectations of what a transportation service can offer. Their staff comprises highly professional aviation experts, including pilots with extensive experience in safe air travel, local weather knowledge, punctuality, and premium service!

In addition, the firm strives to be more environmentally friendly and is the only operator in Northern Europe using a blend of sustainable aviation fuel. Helsinki Citycopter has received prestigious awards over the years. In 2022, they were named the Company of the Year in Finland, and the year before, they received a prize at the European Travel and Hospitality Awards for the unique service of 2021.

Remember; if you are a Finnair Plus member, you also have the superior benefit to be rewarded with Avios points with all Helsinki Citycopter’s helicopter flights as well as customized flight services!

Photo courtesy: Helsinki Citycopter

Join LA Kubb Club for their 8th annual West Coast Kubb Championships! The tournament will be held on Sunday, April 28th, 2024, in South Pasadena’s Orange Grove Park. The event features a lively morning of group play followed by two playoff brackets in the afternoon✨ Read more and register on http://lakubb.org/wckc/ !

Photo courtesy: Andy Lemon/LA Kubb Club’s website

Happy Earth Day! Let’s make Earth Day 2024 a day of meaningful action and joyous celebration for our planet, as we cherish the environment and create a more sustainable future!🌏

Image courtesy: Canva, edited by SACC-LA

Let us introduce the Membership Spotlight of the week - the outstanding Bad Taste Empire! With locations both in Santa Monica and Stockholm, Bad Taste Empire is an artist management company with wide experience in the music industry and success in various countries all over the world.

Bad Taste Empire started out as a mail-order operation back in 1992, simply by selling punk records at school and gigs. Over the three decades that have gone by, Bad Taste Empire’s journey has taken many turns, and they have more or less covered all different kinds of areas within the music industry. Everything from booking agencies, record labels, and sync licensing operations to festival promotion and publishing. All this collected experience has eventually led Bad Taste Empire down one path; today they operate in artist management.

A couple of months ago, Bad Taste Empire reached a huge milestone by celebrating 30 years as a company! The anniversary took place in Stockholm, surrounded by many of their great artists like Peg Parnevik and Tingsek. During these 30 years, Bad Taste Empire has delivered multiple gold, platinum, and top 20 records in over 10 countries and has arranged more than 700 concerts!

Photo courtesy: Bad Taste Empire

Thank you to IKEA for a captivating experience blending entertainment, design, and inspiration at NYA studios in Hollywood. SACC-LA truly appreciated and enjoyed experiencing IKEA in a different way, from circular fashion with special guest, designer Nigel Xavier, to color aura reading, plant-based cooking demos, and more! 🇸🇪🇺🇸

Photo courtesy: SACC-LA/Honorary Consulate of Sweden LA

It is with great pleasure that we are highlighting our splendid member of the week - Food By Emily! At the Los Angeles-based boutique catering firm, Food By Emily, culinary arts meet sustainable and handmade food. The firm’s philosophy is to deliver a mesmerizing food experience with attention to detail and authentic ingredients.

This brilliant story begins with Emily Glarner-Chan, who, already at the age of 11, developed a business by selling homemade cookies in her hometown in southern Sweden. After several years of studying and working within the hotel and restaurant industry, Emily’s ability to create delicious food experiences eventually led her to start the catering firm Food By Emily. With a focus on healthy, nutritious, and high-quality food, Food By Emily aims to deliver a culinary experience with artful and unique taste combinations. All ingredients are GMO-free, fresh, locally grown, and season-based according to the California climate.

Photo courtesy: Food by Emily

Read the full interview with PR & Communication Marketing Manager Régine el Belbol in this week’s “Finally Friday” newsletter coming to you via email on April 12th ➡️ Sign up for our weekly newsletter via link in bio!