SPU 2018 SACC_SPU_2018 | Page 15

BUSINESS NETWORKING EVENT: 380 YEARS AND THRIVING 380 Years and Thriving On March 29th, 2018, SACC Philadelphia welcomed guests to the Corinthian Yacht Club in Essington to celebrate the history of Swedish presence in the Philadelphia region. The name - 380 Years and Thriving - signifies the founding of the New Sweden colony in 1638 along the Delaware River 380 years ago. The word thriving comes from the historical and current success of Swedish companies in the region, including the presence of large Swedish companies such as SKF, IKA and SCA. Therefore, a business networking event with a historical setting would be the perfect theme to celebrate this important milestone. On March 29th, 1638, the first Swedish expedition sailed into the Delaware Bay aboard the ships Fogel Grip and Kalmar Nyckel. Dr. Kim-Eric Williams, historian and the first speaker of the night, spoke about this expedition and the historical significance of the location. It was not a coincidence that this event was held at the Corinthian Yacht Club. Visible from the venue is Tinicum Island, the former capital of and a vital strategic point for the New Sweden colony. The next speaker of the evening was the Swedish Honorary Consul of Pennsylvania, Ulf Hammarsköld. Ulf shared his story on how he ended up becoming the Swedish Honorary Consul of Pennsylvania and his view on how Swedish companies are thriving in the U.S. After the presentations, the evening transitioned into time