As a lead up to the first ever SACC Summit, Currents is running an interview series to shine light on each of the regional chambers by profiling a few of the dozens of amazing volunteers that donate their time to SACC every year. Each of the interviewees is one of the experienced and hard working people that make our network tick, but still only represents a small fraction of the talent that SACC has at its disposal. If you are interested in joining your local SACC chamber, check out their website, reach out to a board member, and get involved.
Name: Nils Welin
Chamber: SACC-San Francisco/Silicon Valley
Nils Welin moved to theUnited Statesin 1996 due to a combination of wanting to try something new and the stars aligning favorably. Arriving inSeattlein spring of 1996, he got his hands on a membership directory from SACC Seattle. Equipped with the directory, he approached several different SACC members working in industries of interest. The contacts he made through the list and subsequent referrals, were very friendly and open to helping a Swede trying to make his way in theUnited States. Through the SACC Seattle network, Nils was eventually successful in landing his first job in theUS.
These positive experiences lead Nils to take an active role in SACC Seattle, and shortly after starting his new career as a consultant inSeattle, he was asked to join the SACC board. Today, Nils donates his time, experience and expertise to SACC San Francisco where he serves as the chairman for the local Chapter. His initial positive first experience has made him a “lifelong” supporter of the organization. “I recognize the importance of being able to connect with local people, who has the experience and network that one can tap into. When arriving in a new country, regardless the destination, you are always short on time and need to make the right “click” in the shortest amount of time”, says Nils.
Through SACC-SF/SV’s location inSilicon Valley, the chapter has great access to a number of high tech clusters that includes some of the world’s leading companies in field such as; internet, gaming and mobile app companies, all located in an easily accessible concentrated area. The same goes for the highly dynamic and attractive venture capital market, where SACC SF/Silicon Valley has developed working relationships with different investors.
When asked what he was most looking forward to at SACC Summit Nils chuckled and said, “Tennis!” While he was disappointed to learn tennis had not made the agenda for this year he is still excited to network, meet new people from other chambers and take place in the seminars and break out sessions that are planned, and to reconnected with old friend.
For more information on SACC-SF/SV
http://www.sacc-sf.org/
For more information on SACC-USA
www.sacc-usa.org
SACC Summit 2012: a reunion of the SACC network founded in 1988.
SACC Summit is the first annual gathering of all the Swedish-American Chambers of Commerce in theUnited Statessince the network’s founding in 1988. The program includes a conference during that day addressing everything from SACC’s role in Swedish-American trade promotion, to methods of serving and empowering members, to daily chamber operational efficiency. In the evening, H.E. Ambassador of Sweden Jonas Hafström has invited SACC and the Swedish consuls for a barbeque. Day two consists of a luncheon on Capitol Hill hosted by SACC-USA in partnership with the Swedish Congressional Caucus. SACC Summit will provide unparalleled opportunities for the SACC regional chambers to learn from and network with each other while solidifying SACC as the place where Swedish-American business comes to meet and develop transatlantic trade.
