SACC-MN And APEX: Building Connections for Future Growth
The Swedish American Chamber of Commerce Minnesota (SACC-MN) is proud to partner with APEX, the regional economic development organization serving Northeast Minnesota and Northwest Wisconsin. Through a shared commitment to fostering business growth, innovation, and international connections, both organizations are helping create new opportunities for collaboration between Minnesota and Sweden.
In a recent conversation with APEX President and CEO Rachel Johnson, she highlighted the unique strengths that make the Northland a compelling place for investment and innovation. According to Johnson, the region has a long-standing legacy of “makers and builders,” dating back to the iron ore that helped fuel American manufacturing during World War II. Today, that same spirit continues through advanced manufacturing, emerging technologies, critical minerals, and a highly skilled workforce supported by the region’s academic institutions.
Johnson sees strong alignment between the missions of APEX and SACC-MN. While APEX works to tell the story of the Northland and attract investment to the region, SACC-MN serves as a bridge between Minnesota and Sweden, creating opportunities for businesses, organizations, and individuals on both sides of the Atlantic.
“There is a long history of Swedish and Nordic immigration to Minnesota,” Johnson explained. “There are also shared values around innovation, sustainability, and economic growth that create natural opportunities for collaboration.”
These connections were evident during SACC-MN’s recent familiarization tour of Duluth and Superior, organized in partnership with APEX. Johnson noted that the enthusiasm, curiosity, and willingness to collaborate stood out throughout the visit.
“The opportunities are limitless because we have an interest in working together and sharing connections and advancing ideas,” said Johnson.
Looking ahead, Johnson sees significant potential for Swedish-American collaboration in areas such as green iron and green steel production, critical minerals, clean energy, advanced manufacturing, and emerging technologies. She also hopes to continue fostering trade missions and strengthening relationships with Swedish companies interested in exploring opportunities in the Northland.
Success, she noted, would be seeing tangible business connections emerge through the partnership, whether that means new investments, trade relationships, research collaborations, or expanded economic ties between Minnesota and Sweden.
As both organizations continue to build relationships and create opportunities, the partnership between APEX and SACC-MN demonstrates how regional collaboration and international engagement can work together to support innovation, economic growth, and a stronger future for both Minnesota and Sweden.