SWEDISH-MINNESOTA CONNECTION FOCUS OF GREEN CONFERENCE

Skjold ▪ Barthel Hosts Claes Hammar; Swedish Embassy Minister of Trade and Economic Affairs Addresses Clean Energy Technologies, Green Economy in Minneapolis

More than 200 local business leaders and policy makers attended a series of meetings held August 27-28 to discuss opportunities for economic growth and collaboration based on clean energy between Swedish and Minnesota companies. Organized by the Swedish American Chamber of Commerce, ("SACC"), the Minneapolis-based business law firm of Skjold ▪ Barthel, P.A. was pleased to be a host and sponsor the visit of Claes Hammar, Minister for Trade and Economic Affairs with the Swedish Embassy.

Public/Private Collaboration Key to Economic Growth through Green Technologies

Mr. Hammar, speaking at three related sessions, stressed the importance of economic growth through green technologies. Through examples of his country’s model interaction between entrepreneurs, government and research universities to commercialize biofuel, medical, and other green technologies, Hammar offered insight on how Sweden’s leadership in this area presents enormous opportunities for economic growth in Minnesota.

A series of panel discussions centered on common needs, collaborative efforts and the impact of policy decisions on trade practices. The Hon. R.T. Rybak, Mayor of the City of Minneapolis, spoke of the city’s commitment to green technologies and its desire to revitalize the local economy with green jobs and energy conservation. Rybak expressed Minneapolis' commitment to jobs, citing the example of Danish medical device company Coloplast, which located its North American headquarters in Minneapolis.

Jan Andersson, an attendee of the program and client of Skjold • Barthel, is general manager of Mr. Pex Systems, a leading North American supplier of radiant floor heating and domestic cold and hot water systems. Andersson noted that he has been promoting “green” heating technologies for decades, long educating the market about the energy-saving and economic benefits of radiant floor heating. “The renewed interest in greener, more energy efficient systems is quite exciting,” he said.

Andersson relayed that in Sweden, radiant floor heating - commonly coupled with geothermal heat pumps - serves as the primary heating system in about 80% of new construction. “Despite often higher up-front costs, the US public seems to be increasingly willing to make a commitment to green technology and higher efficiency systems. However, we also need the support of our elected officials to move our industry in the right direction.”

Cultural Familiarity Brings Competitive Advantage

"Minnesota is a natural entry point for Swedish and other northern European companies,” said firm partner Benjamin Skjold. 'The market size in terms of population and our cultural familiarity gives Minnesota a competitive advantage in attracting Swedish companies to locate in the Upper Midwest. We understand the type of legal services required to help them leverage their knowledge and application of green technologies,” added Skjold.

Skjold ▪ Barthel was pleased to work with the Swedish American Chamber of Commerce, its chair, and the other sponsors to present this important event. Sweden, as the current President of the European Union, has a unique opportunity to place its mark on the business, economic, and environmental policies and priorities within the EU, as well as in relations with the United States. For more information or assistance with international collaborative ventures and green initiatives, please contact Ben Skjold at bskjold@skjold-barthel.com