Celebrations in support of Ukraine kicked off this month with a breakfast gathering in the Sacramento area.
The Ukrainian American House, located in Rancho Cordova, is a hub for the Ukrainian American population.
In early August, the California Chamber of Commerce participated in the Ukrainian American House Business and Community Breakfast. It was a precursor to a larger event at the State Capitol, set for Sunday, August 24 at 5 p.m. to celebrate the 34th anniversary of the Independence of Ukraine.
The breakfast brought together distinguished Ukrainian and American business leaders, entrepreneurs, and community partners for a morning of networking, insightful conversations, and strategic dialogue.
Given the ongoing global developments, this gathering was particularly important for fostering collaboration, strengthening relationships, and driving impactful initiatives to support the Ukrainian American community.
Dmytro Kushneruk, Consul General of Ukraine in San Francisco, and Vlad Skots, co-chair of the Ukrainian American House, welcomed Susanne T. Stirling, CalChamber senior vice president of international affairs; Emily Desai, deputy director of the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GoBiz); Tricia Utterback, GoBiz representative for Europe; Colonel Jon Siepmann of the Governor’s Military Council; and former Assemblymember Ken Cooley.
The Ukrainian American House is a Sacramento area-based nonprofit founded in 2018. Through programs in the humanitarian, economic, cultural, educational, and social spheres, they create new opportunities for members of the Sacramento community on their path to well-being and self-sufficiency. The nonprofit organizes fundraisers, cultural events, meetings with Ukrainian and American officials, and networking opportunities to strengthen its social impact and support those in need.
California Trade Mission: Poland and Ukraine
In an ongoing effort to support Ukraine, GO-Biz is inviting California companies to participate in a November 11–14 ReBuild Ukraine-focused trade mission to Poland, with a spotlight on the energy and construction sectors—and an eye toward critical rebuilding efforts in Ukraine.
Poland is one of the fastest-growing economies in the European Union, investing heavily in modernizing its energy infrastructure, expanding renewable energy capacity, and upgrading its built environment. With more than $100 billion in European Union funds earmarked for energy transition and infrastructure, Poland is a strategic gateway for California companies seeking growth in Central and Eastern Europe.
Meanwhile, Ukraine’s urgent reconstruction needs, driven by war-related destruction, have created massive demand for innovative technologies, sustainable building practices, and resilient energy systems. California firms have the chance to contribute expertise and solutions while forging long-term commercial relationships in a region undergoing historic transformation.
California’s strengths in clean energy, advanced construction technologies, and climate-smart infrastructure align well with both Polish modernization goals and Ukraine’s rebuilding priorities—positioning our companies as ideal partners.
Mission Event Highlights
- Briefing with industry experts and U.S. officials on market trends and opportunities in Poland and Ukraine.
- Reception geared toward building relationships with Polish and Ukrainian stakeholders, government officials, and private sector decision-makers.
- Business-to-business matchmaking, allowing direct connections with potential partners and collaborators.
- Exhibit at ReBuild Ukraine: mission participants can showcase their offerings at this event focused on rebuilding efforts in Ukraine. Delegates can choose between two options: Kiosk Exhibitor: Includes dedicated kiosk space (additional $1,000); and Roving Exhibitor: Access to the California Pavilion meeting space without a dedicated counter.
For more information, download the trade mission flyer.
Ukraine Facts
Ukraine has a population of approximately 37.86 million as of 2024 and is the second largest country in Europe by land mass.
Ukraine’s gross domestic product (GDP) was $190.74 billion according to the World Bank, with real GDP growth at 2.9% and an annual average inflation of 6.5%.
In 1991 when the Soviet Union dissolved, Ukraine became independent. Ukraine has been a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO) since 2008 and has since been working toward attracting foreign investment. The World Bank
The U.S. Census Bureau estimates the United States holds a Ukrainian population of just more than 1 million as of 2020. California is home to roughly 114,146 people of Ukrainian descent.
Also of note, Ukraine is:
- No. 1 in Europe in proven recoverable reserves of uranium ores.
- No. 2 in Europe and 10th in the world in titanium ore reserves.
- No. 2 in the world for explored reserves of manganese ores (12% of the world’s reserves).
- No. 8 in the world in coal reserves.
- No. 1 in Europe in terms of arable land area. Ukraine can meet the food needs of 600 million people.
- No. 1 in the world in exports of sunflowers and sunflower oil.
- No. 4 in the world in barley production and barley exports.
- No. 5 largest producer of corn and No. 4 largest exporter of corn.
- No. 2 in Europe and No. 8 in the world for installed capacity of nuclear power plants.
For many more facts on Ukraine’s importance, please click here.
(Source: Andriy Futey, Ukrainian Congress Committee of America Ukrainian World Congress)
For further information, see www.CalChamber.com/Ukraine.
