Westlake Village man named vice counsel general to Norway
By Michael Picarella
Acorn Staff Writer

MICHAEL COONS/The Acorn SERVING HIS COUNTRY AND THE U.S.--Dag Gunnarshaug, vice counsel general of Norway, has offices in Westlake Village.

Just like a link to the old country, a vice counsel general helps those adapt to the United States, makes visits to the U.S. more enjoyable and informative, and helps U.S. citizens to more thoroughly enjoy their trips overseas. Newly appointed Dag Gunnarshaug, 67, is that link to Norway and began his services last week as vice counsel general to Norway.

Gunnarshaug is a Westlake Village resident and his office is at 2625 Grand Oaks Drive in Westlake Village. He also has an office in Beverly Hills. He’s thrilled to hold the honorary position.

"I am involved in the Norwegian community and the American community, and I want to maintain the relationship between the two," Gunnarshaug said.

Born in the west coast of Norway, Gunnarshaug’s hometown is Haugsund. He came to New York in 1968 to start a shipping company. He moved to California 16 years ago and built his business into a 27-ship operation. He learned a lot about trading along the way.

In 1983, Gunnarshaug sold his shipping business and started Norscan Trading Group in Westlake Village, which he currently owns and operates. He trades and sells medical supplies from overseas and enjoys collaboration between different countries.

Gunnarshaug has been the president of the Westlake Village Chamber of Commerce since January; he’s a member of the Optimist Club in Westlake Village and just applied to become a member of Westlake Village Rotary Club.

He loves being active.

Last February, the counsel general of Norway in San Francisco asked if he was interested in being considered for vice counsel general. Gunnarshaug was thrilled with the idea and after being screened by the FBI, CIA and the U.S. government, he was approved.

"I take care of all Norwegians in the area," Gunnarshaug said. He’d like to bring more businesses from Norway to America. But he also wants to help bring America to Norway. He stressed the importance of working together.

Gunnarshaug can issue passports as well as provide information about Norway. He’ll be the Norwegian/American authority in the Los Angeles area and he can’t wait to start work.

He’s almost 100 percent ready, he said.

He enjoys his role with the chamber of commerce, Gunnar-shaug said, and other contact with the community.