Dear Readers,
During a recent trip to Finland, one of my stops was Oulu. I was reminded of my first visit to the region, in the 1990s. Then, the level of activity among entrepreneurs, startups, and growing companies impressed me. There was a sense of common commitment to an environment supportive of growth and innovation, with strong contributions from both the public and private sectors.
The Oulu region continues to be one of several in Finland whose commitment to business development has enhanced Finland's reputation as a center of innovation. That strength has been cited as a factor in the country's high rankings in global competitiveness and as a place to live.
While I was in Oulu, I had the honor of speaking at a seminar targeting Finnish companies looking to enter the U.S. market. The sponsor/organizer was Business Oulu, which is owned by the City of Oulu. Business Oulu offers a broad array of services, ranging from startup assistance and financing to sales expertise and help with internationalization. You can find more information about its exciting, important activities at www.businessoulu.com
FACC New York is proud to count among its members new and established businesses, as well as individuals from a variety of endeavors. We look forward to welcoming to our area businesses that are now getting started, and have their eyes on the U.S. market.
We take this opportunity to thank our members for their support and to wish all of you the happiest of holiday seasons.
Michael Student
President of Finnish American Chamber of Commerce, Inc. New York, N.Y.
Email: mstudent@sandw.com
Best Wishes for the Holiday Season
The Finnish American Chamber of Commerce wishes you a very Happy Holiday Season and a Prosperous 2012. We are looking forward to seeing you at our Annual Christmas lunch on December 1, 2011, and at upcoming events in 2012. We would like to thank our members, friends, and sponsors for your participation and contributions to our activities. Events in 2011 dealt with issues ranging from the economy and financial challenges to fast developing technology, political issues and marketing, and new media, mixing business and culture, as well as social events, all in tune with the times.
In a world with a rapid pace of change, one of our event topics was Critical Thinking in a Changing World and Business Survival Skills in the 21st Century. Anne Kreitzberg addressed these issues at the November 8th Power Breakfast.
We are committed to bringing you events that are timely, varied, and interesting in 2012.
If you wish to tell us about your FACC experience, have comments or questions or wish to become a member please email us at: faccnyc@verizon.net
Don't miss out, stay active and plan to attend our Holiday Luncheon on December 1st at Scandinavia House and other upcoming events. We look forward to seeing you!
For information and to sign up, faccnyc@verizon.net or call 212-821-0225.
Photo: Helsinki City Tourist & Convention Bureau Material Bank
The Finnish Mobile Association (FinnMob) is a matchmaking, networking, and services organization creating opportunities for startups, corporate, and investors, who have the common desire to maximize the business potential of mobile devices, applications, and services.
The convergence of mobile and media is changing the landscape of wireless, media, and advertising industries. Services that did not even exist five years ago, today draw hundreds of millions of users every month, worldwide!
FinnMob opens doors and networks for companies in the mobile ecosystem so they can take an advantage of the huge range of opportunities of a vast network of global information, expertise, business partners, resources, service providers, and investors.
FinnMob was founded in 2009 to create a network for the innovative Finnish mobile, technology, and design industries. As the domestic market in Finland is limited, one of our main tasks is to help Finnish companies go international and expand their business opportunities worldwide.
One goal is to be the first port of call when a Finnish company needs access to mobility-related expertise and international networks.
Another goal is to find synergies between companies, leading to customers, new revenue streams, venture capital investment, potential mergers, and acquisitions.
FinnMob encourages Finnish companies to be active and to go international, as well as international companies to take a new look at the Finnish market.
FinnMob's mission:
• Spot emerging trends and create forecasts
• Coordinate education on mobile-related platforms such as social media
• Build strategic partnerships with global players
• Build Finland's and Finnish organizations reputation internationally
Finnish Mobile Association, www.finnmob.com, is a small business member of the FACC NY
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As many of you may be aware, FACC New York has joined the FinnCham network. The network was established to enhance opportunities for chambers, trade associations, and trade guilds to share information, contacts and opportunities. It is also a valuable resource for businesses seeking to expand their international operations and connect with organizations and businesses in their target countries.
Risto Penttilä, CEO, Finland Chamber of Commerce, announced the launch of the FinnCham Network in September. Mr. Alexander Stubb, Minister for Foreign Trade, was present at the launch on Monday, September 5, 2011. Also present was Mr. Kari Häyrinen, CEO of Finpro.
The Finn Cham Network brings together more than 60 chambers, trade associationsm and trade guilds that have decided to join the network to share knowledge, contactms and business opportunities and to broaden the network for all members. We look forward to collaborating with FinnCham and its other members.
For more information visit www.finncham.fi
1. Become a problem-free zone. Proactively limit your exposure to life's problems by creating strong boundaries, developing reserves, and creating systems that will prevent future problems.
2. Create enriching free time. Devote some of your free time each week to doing something that really enriches your life.
3. Be present. Focus on work you are currently doing and concentrate on putting in 100% effort and you will see strong results with fewer mistakes.
4. Set intentions for the day. The key is focus, so do not set more than three intentions for the day and center your activities on those intentions.
5. Develop healthy energy sources by creating reserves of time and money, by choosing to spend time with positive/inspiring people, by eating right, and exercising and doing what makes you happy.
6. Say no. If a request is going to leave you feeling resentful, an angry, or taken advantage of, definitely say no.
7. Get rid of commitments. Really look at your current commitments and ask yourself if this is how you want to spend your time? Does it make you feel good? Does it help you move closer to your goals?
Meetings Professionals International, Metrolines August 2011, excerpt from the article Career Coaching by Janine A. Schindler, Master Network Coach
Ann-Christine WesterlundPhoto: Sana Alajmovic
This is the time of year that could be filled with tax legislation impacting corporate tax strategies. The uncertainty makes planning difficult. Year-end planning should focus on tax advantages set to expire or decrease as of December 31st. As they may or may not be extended, the time to act is now.
The general approach to year-end planning includes the acceleration of deductions and the deferral of income. Maximizing tax advantages includes a review of both 2011 and 2012.
Last chance for 100 percent bonus depreciation. Without any legislative action, the 100 percent first year bonus depreciation allowance will generally not apply to any qualified property placed in service after December 31, 2011, as this attractive incentive drops to 50 percent in 2012.
Maximize the generous Section 179 expensing deduction. For tangible personal property placed in service in 2011, taxpayers can deduct as an expense up to $500,000, rather than depreciate over the useful life. Without any legislative action, this limitation will drop to $125,000 in 2012.
Take advantage of real property expensing. $250,000 of qualified real property including leasehold improvement, restaurant property, retail improvement can be deducted as expense. Without any legislative action, these properties revert to straight-line depreciation in 2012.
Accrue year-end bonuses. Certain bonuses accrued, but not paid by year-end, may still be deductible if: the employee does not own more than 50 percent of the corporation, the bonus is accrued 2011 and the bonus is paid by March 15, 2012.
For more information contact Ann-Christine Westerlund at www.westmusa.com (new website).
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Tara Vance
One of the most significant current issues is the enforcement by the USCIS of a much higher standard for L-1B specialized knowledge than that which is reflected in the law. Accordingly, many employers filing L-1B visa petitions for intracompany transferees with specialized knowledge are receiving Requests for Evidence and denials. The new standard being imposed essentially requires that the U.S. employer not be able to find any individual in the United States (from within or outside the company) to fill the position.
In recognition that a business may need to temporarily move multiple employees to the U.S. for particular projects requiring specialized knowledge, the USCIS has announced that employers may "bundle" such petitions to streamline and improve the adjudication process. As such, employers can bundle L-1B visa petitions if all employees are to be working on the same project, will work at the same location, and have the same specialized knowledge duties. The USCIS has advised that it will consider L-1A intracompany manager petitions as part of the bundle if the managers will be managing the L-1B employees working on the project.
Lastly, it is expected that the H-1B visa cap will be hit in December, which means employers should file their H-1B visa petitions as soon as possible. Once the cap is hit, the earliest an employer can file a new H-1B visa will be April 1, 2012 and the earliest that H-1B visa can be valid will be October 1, 2012.
For more information, contact Tara Vance at tara.vance@hklaw.com or 212-513-3485.
Leonard KopelmanMy activities as an Honorary Consul General have changed over the last 25 years due to the internet. Years ago, I would be asked to advise on and mail various visa forms and passport renewal applications. For people living nearby, I would sign the back of the passport application after making sure the applicant produced sufficient information. I would also be asked where to buy finnmarks. With the advent of the internet and Finland joining the EU, all the information is on the excellent Finnish website, and the finnmark is no longer a currency.
My main work is to enhance Finland's image in my district, which is all of New England except Connecticut, and to assist Finnish businesses that wish to penetrate our market. One of my biggest successes was Vaisala Inc., which was originally situated in my office. I then found them a president and raised $1,386,000 through an Industrial Revenue Bond. I assist spouses of Finnish students and short-term engineers, doctors, etc., in obtaining meaningful work. I also advise Finns who have problems with state agencies in resolving them.
My Consular Corps, which consists of 57 Consuls/Consuls General, elected me as their Dean, and as such I am granted an open door policy with the Governor's office.
My day-to-day work as a lawyer is representing local governments, and I am a lecturer teaching two management courses at Harvard University. One of the courses is on marketing and innovation.
As an outsider looking in, I have seen remarkable changes in Finland, and I see its future even greater. It has been a great honor to serve Finland.
For more information contact: lkopelman@k-plaw.com
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Top: David McCarthy, Thompson Reuters, and Maria Kolsrud, Handelsbanken, winners of the Longest Drive.Middle: Harri Staven, Nordea and Golf Committee Chair with Mike Restivo, Finlandia Cheese/Valio USA, who was Closest to Pin.
Bottom: Best Team: M-Real. Ken Aspinall, Manchester Industries; Bob Gagliadi, Lindenmeyer Munroe; Jorma Sahlstedt, M-Real USA Corp.; Scott Forsberg, M-Real USA Corp.
The 10th Annual Nordic Open gathered golfers competing at the exclusive Minisceongo Golf Club in Pomona, NY, on September 15, 2011.
The weather was a little challenging, but since it was a group of hearty and highly skilled players that braved the weather, it turned out to be a successful event.
The tournament was generously sponsored by Handelsbanken, Finlandia Cheese/Valio USA, M-real, Nordea, Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken, and Stora Enso in the silver category. Other sponsors were: Finnair; Bo W. Long; Polar Electro, Inc; Scandinavian Airlines; Sullivan & Worcester LLP; and Zullo Associates.
Winners of the golf tournament were:
Longest Drive: David McCarthy, Thomson Reuters, and Maria Kolsrud, Handelsbanken.
Closest to the Pin: Mike Restivo, Finlandia Cheese/Valio USA
1st Place Team: M-real: Jorma Sahlstedt, M-real USA Corp.; Scott Forsberg, M-Real USA Corp.; Ken Aspinall, Manchester Industries; Bob Gagliadi, Lindenmeyr Munroe
The next Nordic Open is slated for September 2012.
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Top: Gerald and Linda Nordberg, Nordberg Capital; Toni Toikka, Alekstra; Anki Westerlund, WestmusaOn a recent visit to the United States, Marimekko Corporation's President and CEO Mika Ihamuotila was the guest of honor and speaker at the FACC NY Speaker luncheon.
Mika Ihamuotila, PhD in economics, began as Marimekko's President and CEO in February 2008. During the 1990s Mika was Björn Wahlroos' partner in the investment bank Mandatum, where he was CEO when the partners decided to sell the bank to Sampo in 2001. Next, Mika turned around the Finnish Postal Bank into the best performing Nordic bank when he was CEO of Sampo Bank for six years. He serves as a member of many boards and is also one of the influential business leaders of a working group recently appointed by Minister Alexander Stubb to prepare Finland's action plan on economic external affairs.
Mr. Ihamuotila talked about Marimekko's international marketing strategy and expansion worldwide and stressed timelessness of products. One hundred and fifty flagship stores around the world will tell the story. Triple printing capacity has been implemented to meet the demand.
In a discount-driven world, consumers are at crossroads and are increasingly looking for authentic brands and experiences based on emotions and a way of life providing something for all ages. Marimekko is one the word's most prestigious pattern design brands based on colors and timelessness and the lifestyle concept.
Marimekko opened a new flagship store in Manhattan, at the corner of Fifth Avenue and Broadway, in October. Additionally, it has also broadened its cooperation with Crate & Barrel and expanded its on-line store.
For more information visit www.marimekko.com
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The FACC NY was one of fourteen European Chambers participating in the fall networking event on October 6, 2011, held on board World Yacht's The Princess. 400 guests attended and there was lively networking. The FACC, as a member of the European-American Chamber of Commerce in the United States, Inc. offers its members opportunities to broaden their networking. Open Skies (www.flyopenskies.com) was Gold Sponsor. The next European Chamber of Commerce networking event will take place in May 2012.
Photo: Rick Shupper
Wärtsilä made a generous donation to the State University of New York Maritime College of a Wärtsilä 6L26 Medium Speed Diesel Engine. It was celebrated with a ceremony on October 12 at the SUNY Maritime College. On October 13 Wärtsilä rang the closing bell at NASDAQ followed by a cocktail reception at the R Lounge at the Renaissance Hotel New York Times Square Hotel. The Finnish American Chamber of Commerce New York members were invited to these events to meet the Wärtsilä leadership team as well as the faculty and students of SUNY Maritime College.
Left, top: Anne Ermini, Tarja Silverman, Ambassador Consul General Ritva Jolkkonen, Eero Kilpi, Kustavi Productions; and Ritva Metso
Left, bottom: Frank Donnelly, President Wärtsilä N.A.; Thomas Meade, Graduate SUNY Maritime College; Michael Student, Sullivan & Worcesterand President FACC NY
Top: Michael Student, Sullivan & Worcester; Neal Beaton, Holland & Knight; Michael Maass, Finnair Middle: Katarina Holm-DiDio, KHD Int'l; Riitta Gerlander, Deputy Consul General in New York; Anki Westerlund, Westmusa; Ritva Metso and Niina Saaskilahti
Bottom: Anne Kreitzberg, Cognetics and our speaker with Marita Seppanen
Anne Kreitzberg was the guest of honor and speaker at the Power Breakfast held in the offices of Holland & Knight. Anne holds seminars for various organizations, including the American Management Association.
Companies today are dealing with an environment characterized by stiff competition, increasing complexity, lightening pace, and constant change. Shifts in technology, the uncertain economy, an increased reliance on alliances and partnerships, and global business strategies mean that traditional solutions are not working.
Critical thinking in an organization is the process of understanding a situation or problem, make the best possible decisions, and take appropriate and effective action.
Critical thinking skills are the backbone for collaboration, communication, innovation, and problem solving. They are essential for execution as well as for strategic or "big picture" thinking.
Anne discussed specific actions to boost the critical and strategic thinking skills of your staff. The context is very important, such as the country, the company, the situation, and the individual and his/her counterparts – all factors affecting critical thinking.
Six trends make critical thinking essential; the global economy, internet and social media, energy and sustainability, workforce diversity, increased competition, and the rapid pace of change.
ACT RED is a practical framework for incorporating steps, techniques, skills, and tools for critical thinking at work:
–Assess the situation
–Consider the evidence
–Take action…
RED stands for recognizing assumptions, evaluating arguments, and drawing conclusions.
For more information www.agilecriticalthinking.com and anne@cognetics.com
Top: Saku Nousiainen, Fredericks Michael & Co; Riitta Gerlander, Deputy Consul General in New York; Teemu Kivikko, M-real USA;
Petra Tabry, Organization with Flair; Ville Kurki, Kool & Company at the September 8 Season Opener.Middle: Ceri Koski and Anushka Sinha (speaker) both from Laura Devine & Attorneys and Ismo Rantala, Finnish Mobile Association.
Bottom: Laura Immonen, Robert Singerman, Samuel Howard-Spink, Mariko and Andrew Sparkler on November 1.
Young Associates continues to be a big success offering events combining professional events with relaxed networking and has established its place as the meeting place for young Finnish-American professionals with their clients, colleagues, and friends.
An event was held on September 8 and at Hotel Roger Smith with the theme Season Starter – tips for networking in NYC. Anushka Sinha was the speaker and gave a brief presentation followed by an audience interactive exercise.
The Future of Music: from Creation to Consumption was the topic for the next event held on November 1, 2011, also at Hotel Roger Smith.
Music industry authorities talked about rapid change in the music industry and how to stay on top of developments, both from the consumer and the trade perspective.
Speakers included:
- Samuel Howard-Spink, Clinical Assistant Professor of Music Business, New York University, Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development
- Mariko, Finnish pop artist, gold/platinum selling artist
- Robert Singerman, SVP of 88tc88 (Chinese Mobile Music Distribution and Translation)
- Andrew Sparkler, Director of Business Affairs, American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP)
Laura Immonen, Kool & Company and student of music business was the moderator.
The fall season ended with Pikku-Joulut Holiday Happy Hour and raffle on November 17th at the Perfect Pint.
For more information: youngassociatesnyc@gmail.com, faccnyc@verizon.net
Art in Finland 1912 and Luminous Modernism, both at Scandinavia HouseJan Young Associates "Sauna event"
Feb Speaker Luncheon with the Sibelius Academy
Mar/Apr Speaker luncheon (to be advised)
Apr Young Associates Vappu picnic in Central Park
Apr/May Helsinki World Design Capital 2012 event
May FACC NY and other European Chambers networking event
May Nordic Forum
Jun Annual Meeting
Other Events
Dec 1 Avanti Chamber Orchestra performing at Carnegie Hall Finnish Tango. www.carnegiehall.org
Dec 10 Karita Mattila, Soprano, and Martin Katz, Piano, performing at Carnegie Hall. www.carnegiehall.org
Jan 10–28 Mikko Frank conducting Tosca by Giacomo Puccini at the Metropolitan Opera. www.metopera.org
Jan 19 Art in Finland 1912 lecture by Janet Rauscher at Scandinavia House. www.scandinaviahouse.org
Through Feb 11 Luminous Modernism: New Art in Scandinavia 1880-1912 at Scandinavia House. www.scandinaviahouse.org
Jan 23 Listening in Suomi: Magnus Lindberg and the New Finnish Sound. www.scandinaviahouse.org
Mar 2 Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra performing all-Sibelius program at Carnegie Hall. www.carnegiehall.org
Mar 5 Making Music: Kaija Sariaho at Carnegie Hall. www.carnegiehall.org
Mar 9 Kaija Sariaho and Anssi Karttunen Master Class at Carnegie Hall. www.carnegiehall.org
Mar 10 Karita Mattila, Soprano, performing with St. Louis Symphony at Carnegie Hall. www.carnegiehall.org
Mar 11, 12 Kaija Sariaho and Anssi Karttunen Young Adults Concerts at Carnegie Hall. Kaija Saariaho is the holder of the 2011-2012 Richard and Barbara Debs Composer's Chair at Carnegie Hall. www.carnegiehall.org
Apr 27 to May 11 Karita Mattila, Soprano, performing in The Makropulos Affair by Leos Janacek at the Metropolitan Opera. www.metopera.org
Carnegie Hall would like to offer members of the Finnish American Chamber of Commerce an exclusive 25% discount to Finnish artists at Carnegie Hall. This discount is valid from November 18th at 11AM to December 7 at 11:59PM. Some restrictions apply. Valid by phone, at the box office, and online. Use this code when booking: FNN13240
Bottom: Finnhook Classic
FACC Midwest Has a New Small Business Member
TJ Source LLC, Representing FINNHOOK (Kipukoukku in Finnish)
Feel good with Finnhook. Do you have strained muscles and or knots in the upper back, neck, or lower back from spending too much time by the computer, long drives, or tension headache caused by stress? Your muscles can also get sore and tight from excessive training.
Finnhood is a simple, yet incredibly efficient self-massage tool that enables you to treat those knots even in the hard to reach areas. While the product was designed in Finland by a muscle care professional – Finnhooks for the North American market are nowadays manufactured in the U.S. under license from the original developers. The positive impact of Finnhook is based on the release of muscle tension, improvement of blood flow and removal of toxins from the body.
The rounded end of Finnhook feels like the firm thumb-pressure of a massage therapist, whereas the outside, curvy side of the hook can be rolled across muscles, neck, chest, or base of the skull for a different technique.
Finnhook is:
- made from wood in Wisconsin
- easy to use. 2 or 3 hand positions take care of all muscle groups of your body
- ergonomic
- available in two versions: Basic, one-piece; and Classic, with a folding handle
And, Finnhook:
- combines trigger point, acupressure, and other massage techniques
- travels well
- makes a great gift
More information, videos, and downloadable exercise guide can be found at www.finnhookusa.com
Top: World Design Capital Helsinki 2012 at NASDAQBottom: President of the Republic of Finland, Ms. Tarja Halonen
World Design Capital Helsinki 2012 with Ambassador Ritva Jolkkonen, Consul General of Finland, offered an exclusive preview of the World Design Capital 2012 program, along with a first look at the MAD World Design Capital pop-up shop at the Museum of Arts and Design in New York on Friday, October 21, 2011.
Every second year, the World Design Capital award is given to one city that is leveraging design as a tool to improve the social, cultural, and economic lives of its residents.
Renowned architect Steven Holl designer of Kiasma, the museum of contemporary art in Helsinki, reflected on his experiences and shared how his travels to and work in Helsinki had changed his life in a truly positive way.
World Design Capital is an ICSID (the International Council of Societies of Industrial Design) initiative which promotes the impact design has on quality of life.
In Finland, design is a key driver of social, cultural, economic, and sustainable development, through which the city is constantly reinvented. Helsinki's theme for 2012: Open Helsinki – Embedding Design in Life.
In honor of this special occasion, the President of the Republic of Finland, Ms. Tarja Halonen, officially rang the NASDAQ stock market closing bell on October 21 to kick off a year of Finnish design events, programming, initiatives, and partnerships – both in Finland and around the globe.
For more information visit www.wdchelsinki2012.fi
Top: Ragata, Estonia Bottom: Lighthouse in Nova Scotia
In a new series of photographs House of Light, Mousa extends the boundaries of his art making. With vantage points low to the ground or high in the sky, the images of the Nordic landscape place the viewer within the experience of being embedded in the stillness of the land and sea – of the tenacity, aloofness, and majesty of those elements.
Mousa's images have a near-epic sweep and they are about anything but materiality. Instead, a transformative emphasis on the transience of life pervades much of his imagery. In this respect these visual lacunae draw us in by their intensity, infusing the photographer's picturesque spaces with a sense of foreboding and anticipation.
The new serieswere introduced at two exhibits. The first, including photographs from Aruba, New York, and Nova Scotia, was held in August at Galleria E. Pinomaa in Helsinki. The second, including photographs from Nova Scotia and the Baltic Sea, was held this November at the New Art Center in New York. A documentary on Mousa was presented by the New Art Center.
For more information memousa@msn.com and www.mousaphotography.com
Maaret Artosalo
maaret.artosalo@gmail.com
Rami Niilo-Rama
rnr@iki.fi
Sustaining Members
• Finlandia Cheese, Inc.
• Finnair
• Fredericks Michael & Co.
• Holland & Knight LLP
• Krogerus Attorneys
• M-real USA Corp.
• Nokia, Inc.
• Nordea Bank Finland
• Polar Electro, Inc.
• Stora Enso
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FACC New York
866 United Nations Plaza, Suite 250
New York, NY 10017
Tel: 212-821-0225, Fax: 212-750-4418
www.facc-ny.com, www.facc-usa.com, faccnyc@verizon.net
PHOTOS FROM PAST FACC EVENTS
Back Issues
Volume 1 (2009)
Issue 1: April
Issue 2: August
Issue 3: November
Volume 2 (2010)
Issue 1: February
Issue 2: May
Issue 3: August
Issue 4: November
Volume 3 (2011)
Issue 1: February
Issue 2: May
Issue 3: August
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