Continuing to build on a solid business foundation

This holiday season as we reflect back on the year, we are grateful for much. The growth we have experienced this year. The meaningful connections we have made with and for you, our members and stakeholders. And especially for your support -- you are the essence of our thriving business community.

2019 will have a have a full slate of programs and initiatives as well, including:

Deeper collaboration with start-ups & scale-ups;

The launch of AmCham’s digital network;

A talent mobility project with the Swedish American Chamber of Commerce and the Swedish Institute; and

America Day in Almedalen

Today our shared work as advocates for transatlantic business is more important than ever. Building on the rich, +230 year history of amity and commerce between the U.S. and Sweden, and the fundamental values that animate that relationship, we continue to urge a balanced approach in resolving trade issues and fostering growth, investment, job creation, and security across the Atlantic.

Concomitantly, it is important that we highlight how much the business community contributes to the U.S. and Swedish economies, while advancing free and fair trade agreements that promote growth, peace, and security. In Sweden alone, American businesses continue to prosper employing more than 73,000 people; and investing more than $27 billion. What is more, annual trade in goods and services amounts to nearly $10 billion.

Finally, AmCham is the people who co-create and drive our business community, so please avail yourselves of the many ways you and your colleagues can engage to make connections, foster innovation, and shape policy.

If you know of any companies that are not yet members of AmCham, please encourage them to join -- and invite them to an upcoming program, like the next installment of our thought leadership series with Harvard Business Review Press. On January 30th we’ll look at the problem of people not changing as fast as technology as well as tools that can change human behavior. Kyle Nel, one of the authors of Leading Transformation: How to Take Charge of Your Company's Future, will explain how leaders can transcend the human barriers that block change and lead their organizations confidently into the future.

For new members, please join us for a New Member Morning on Tuesday, January 22nd — details and registration here.

Best wishes for a joy-filled holiday season and prosperous 2019!