As many of you likely have heard, our sister FACC in Helsinki has agreed to merge with the American Chamber of Commerce in Finland (AmCham Finland). Since it seems to me that there are some misconceptions about the merger and how it will impact upon our FACC, I am addressing these issues below. FACC Helsinki was founded about ten years after FACC New York and celebrated its 50th anniversary while we were celebrating our 60th anniversary two years ago. Each has always been independent of each other (with the other eight or so FACC's in the U.S. and comparable organizations in other countries also each being organized separately from each other).
AmCham Finland was founded more recently, namely just five years ago. Its stated mission is to be the "the premier organization that companies turn to for assistance in the Northern European marketplace". AmCham Finland belongs to a global network of AmChams which work with (but are independent of) the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. It, like the FACC's, does not receive any government funding but, rather, relies on its member's dues and events and admission for events as well as the fruits of its own marketing efforts. AmCham Finland has grown rapidly in terms of both membership and the popularity of its events. In the last year, FACC Helsinki and AmCham Finland co-sponsored many events.
The decision to merge must not have been an easy one in light of FACC Helsinki's history but, on the other hand, it just did not make sense to have two separate organizations engaging in the same types of activities. Although the merged organization will publicly utilize the AmCham Finland name, its board of directors will represent both merged parties and its Chairman will be Heikki Malinen who has been the head of FACC Helsinki.
This merger does not have any direct impact on FACC New York (or other FACC's/CFCC's in North America) since we are each separate organizations and are not parties to the merger. Nevertheless, we are hopeful that the merged AmCham Finland’s energy and strength can inure to our benefit as we try to develop new avenues of cooperation with them. We have therefore congratulated all concerned on the merger and look forward to observing its implementation from our vantage point.
Best wishes to all for the mid-summer and then the summer.
Neal
Value of Membership
The FACC New York, the largest of the U.S. Based Finnish American Chambers of Commerce, offers member services that include professional networking, events, membership roster, educational and informative lecture series, cultural and social events and the FACC New York Newsletter. It has also recently, in tune with the times, added a FACC NY member page on Facebook.
Membership categories range from sustaining patron members, corporate members and small businesses to individual and Young Associates members.
By choosing to renew your FACC membership, or become a member, you make a very bold and deliberate choice to stay connected with the FACC network, arm yourself with good ideas and contacts, and plug into the network! Only by networking together can we get stronger. Let the FACC New York be your resource for connections, contacts, motivational experiences and business results.
We live in challenging times, both on a personal level and in our business lives.
How can FACC NY make your Experience more productive and more engaging?
If you wish to tell us about your FACC experience and what your needs are, or if wish to become a member, please email us at: faccnyc@verizon.net
We hope to see you at our Annual Meeting on June 10 and wish you a nice summer!
The Benche (www.thebenche.com) was started by SEB in November 2008 and is an independent and global community on the internet for people working with, or with a special interest in, trade finance and cash management. The idea with the community is that as a member you can post a question or ask for advice in one of the forums and that someone among the 3,300 members in over 100 countries will give an answer or share some of their experiences.
The Benche also offers a lot of information such as risk reports, market news, market alerts, polls, live reporting from conferences, presentations, FAQs and much more. All of this also adds value to the community.
The Benche has grown much faster than expected and each month there are more than 13,000 visitors from the 130 to 140 countries represented on the site. In addition to the community, the Benche is also hooked up to a variety of social media such as Facebook, Slideshare, Youtube, Flickr and Twitter. “SEB wants to utilize the opportunities social media gives to connect peers from all over the world and by doing so giving our customers access to a wide variety of knowledge” says Frederick Johansson, President and General Manager, SEB NY Branch. “We would now like to spread the word in the U.S. that the Benche exists and hopefully we will see even more members to the Benche. More members give more knowledge to the community.”
SEB (Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken) is a corporate member of the FACC NY.
Polar Heart Rate MonitorPolar (www.polarusa.com), the leader in heart rate and fitness assessment technology, has been named a "Best Company to Work for in New York for 2010" by the New York State Society for Human Resource Management and Best Companies Group. The award recognizes companies for workplace policies, practices, philosophies, systems and demographics (25% of the evaluation), and results from an employee survey measuring experiences (75% of the evaluation).
"At Polar, developing a 'people-centric' organization is one of our five most important strategic objectives," said Jeff Padovan, President of Polar USA. "By directly connecting our employee's personal values and talents with our company mission and core values, we've engaged our team in growing revenue and improving profitability, efficiency and innovation. It is an honor for Polar to be formally recognized for these efforts.”
Barry Manus, State Director for NYS-SHRM and past Chair of the Best Companies N.Y. Initiative, said, "Companies that make this list have proven that management has established a unique relationship with their employees…a place where trust is a two-way street and, as a result, people love to come to work. Polar USA is one of those companies.”
Polar has developed a number of creative recognition programs and employee wellness initiatives. One program, known as "Keeps U Fit," encourages employees to lead healthy and active lives, learn more about Polar products and get others involved. Participants who improve their fitness and achieve or exceed calorie-burning goals on a quarterly basis receive special rewards and incentives.
Polar is a FACC NY sustaining member, www.polarusa.com
Tara Vance
L-1 visas are used by multinational companies seeking to transfer qualifying employees to an affiliate company in the U.S. One type of L-1 visa is the L-1A intracompany transferee visa for executives or managers.
In order to qualify for an L-1A visa, the candidate must have been employed outside the U.S. by an affiliate of the U.S. employer for at least one year in the last three years; the job position(s) held by the candidate with the affiliate abroad for at least one year must be executive or managerial; and the proposed job position in the U.S. must be executive or managerial. For these purposes, “executive” or “managerial” requires at least the supervision of a major function or supervision of other professionals (i.e., employees who have at least a U.S. Bachelor’s degree or the equivalent) or other supervisors.
L-1A visas are valid, with renewals, for up to seven years, and are the favored nonimmigrant visa type because they tend to be an easier route to a green card. Spouses and children of L-1 visa holders qualify for L-2 visa status, and spouses can apply for separate work authorization upon entering the U.S. in L-2 visa status.
L-1 visas have come under intense scrutiny in recent years. Accordingly, it is critical that employers consult experienced counsel prior to submitting L-1 visa petitions so that they are in the best position possible to bring foreign-national employees to the U.S.
For more information, email Tara L. Vance at tara.vance@hklaw.com or call 1.212.513.3485.
Helen W. Marx (right) networking with Neal Beaton and Mary Nummelin at FACC NY Speaker Luncheon
There are currently 30 Honorary Consuls of Finland located in 24 states dispersed throughout the U.S. Some states, such as California, Florida, Minnesota, Michigan and Texas, have two Honorary Consuls in different locales.
Honorary Consuls are an important resource and can provide advice and assistance by being a conduit to local authorities, the Embassy of Finland or the Consulate General. Although they can no longer accept applications for passports or visas, they remain a vital link for the Finnish Community.
Helen Winter Marx is the Honorary Consul of Finland in New Jersey. During her business career, she has held positions such as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, PMI/Strang Cancer Prevention Center; Senior Vice President and Trustee, American Health Foundation; Principal, Claremont Equities and President, Editions Limited (a firm which specializes in private equity and venture capital deals); as well as President of Editions Limited (a division of Puritan Fashions, a New York Stock Exchange company).
Ms. Marx also serves as trustee and member of various boards, foundations and organizations, including the American Scandinavian Society and the Finnish American Chamber of Commerce. New Jersey is an important business and cultural environment for Finland. There are several Finnish firms located in the state. With both a major airport as well as “The Port of Newark,” New Jersey serves as a vital gateway for people and products into the United States.
For both businesses, as well as cultural endeavors, the Honorary Consuls are there to extend the reach of both communities.
FACC NY Vice President Jorma Sahlstedt, M-Real, thanks Minister Mari Kiviniemi after her presentation.
On a recent visit to the U.S., Finland’s Minister of Public Administration and Local Government, Mari Kiviniemi, was the guest of honor and speaker at a March 12 FACC lunch. In her address, entitled “Current policy challenges in the aftermath of the global economic crisis,” the minister talked about current Finnish foreign policy, the economy and issues related to financial markets.
Kiviniemi mentioned that the current recession is the deepest in a long time, and that demographics are unfavorable, as the population is, on average, getting older. Markets are driven by temporary factors and are highly uncertain and there is a lot of risk in the banking sector. U.S. growth is expected to be 3% and E.U. growth only 1%. It will take some time before long-term sustainability of financial development is achieved. The current economic situation has changed both the global framework of the economy and policy making.
Following the Year 2000 list regarding strategy and E.U. goals, there is now an E.U. 2020 list under development. Knowledge and innovation are top priorities, as are growth, education, increase of employment and the fight against poverty.
The dialogue between E.U. and U.S. is working well. Both share fundamental values, and there is an increased importance to transatlantic cooperation and partnership as well as a need for a more positive approach.
Asked how Finland can stay competitive, Kiviniemi said maintaining Finland’s economy and good public benefits are top priorities. Development of bio-fuel resources and an increased “green” economy and technology are also essential.
Finnish American and Finnish Canadian Chambers of Commerce at the Annual National Meeting at the Embassy of Finland.The FACC Annual National Meeting was held at the Embassy of Finland in Washington, D.C. Ambassador Pekka Lintu welcomed everybody to the event, which was chaired by Jerry Akman, representing both FACC New York and the FACC Washington. Ambassador Lintu mentioned that the Embassy of Finland is environmentally friendly and is the first LEED-certified “green” embassy in the U.S. Twenty-two representatives from nine chambers attended (FACC NY, FACC Washington, FACC Southeast, FACC Midwest, FACC Pacific, FACC Florida, FACC Minnesota, CFCC Toronto, FACC Northwest). The FABG Dallas/Ft. Worth and CFCC Montreal were not able to attend this year. Heikki Malinen, AmCham FACC Helsinki, participated via video conference and made remarks about the economic situation in Finland and the recent merger between AmCham Finland and FACC Helsinki. He could not participate in person due to the volcanic ash cloud that hampered trans-Atlantic air traffic in April.
The purpose of these annual meetings is to exchange ideas and to discuss how to cooperate better within North America and across the Atlantic. Each chamber present made a presentation about their activities and best practices. The FACC Florida was formed last summer and the FACC Minnesota is about to be formed.
This year’s meeting was productive. On the evening of April 26, after the meeting, Ambassador Pekka Lintu hosted a dinner at his residence for the FACC group attending the National Meeting. Kristiina Helenius, Managing Director, AmCham Finland outlined their activities during dinner and shared her wish for cooperation.
The FACC NY was one of 14 European Chambers participating in the spring networking event held on May 20, 2010 at the Central Park Boathouse at East 72nd Street and Park Drive North. More than 600 guests attended and there was lively networking. The FACC, as a member of the European-American Chamber of Commerce in the United States, Inc., can offer an opportunity and platform for FACC members to broaden their networking. HSBC Bank was Platinum Sponsor of the event and Coface was the Silver Sponsor. The next European-American Chamber networking event is a cruise in October 2010 on board World Yacht.
Top: Michael McMillan, Wheaton College and Georger McMillan PharmaNet DevelopmentGroup.
Bottom: Liette Gagne, Chris Baudry, Jorma Sahlstedt, Teemu Kivikki; all from M-Real USA Corp.
Top: Vappu picnic in Central Park. Bottom: Beer tasting at Restaurant Lorelei.
The Young Associates, an FACC New York membership category created in 2005, is an initiative to attract the younger generation with different evening and daytime programs. The objectives are to create networking opportunities for younger Finns and other nationalities interested in Finland, Finnish culture or Finnish-related businesses operating in the U.S.; to offer access to a young talent pool; and to provide FACC events and related Nordic and other European events to younger members.
The Young Associates of the FACC NY hosted a beer tasting at Loreley Restaurant at 7 Rivington Street on the Lower East Side. The guests tasted, and learned more about, five different German beers under the guidance of one of Loreley’s beer experts. There also was lively networking between the professionals in attendance. Everyone is welcome to join in on Young Associates networking!
The FACC NY Young Associates’ sixth annual Vappu May Day Picnic gathered 50 participants in Central Park on May 1, 2010, to celebrate the arrival of spring. A diverse group of Finnish-Americans of all ages attended this traditional Finnish May Day celebration. Quilts and food baskets were spread out by the big rocks at the southeastern corner of Sheep’s Meadow, which was bustling on a beautiful spring day.
The Young Associates continues to be a big success, offering events combining professional activities with relaxed networking. It has established its place as the meeting place for young Finnish-American professionals and their clients, colleagues and friends.
For more information: youngassociatesnyc@gmail.com, faccnyc@verizon.net
Jun 10 Annual meeting and lunch at the Consulate General of Finland
Sep Nordic Forum
Sep 30 "Nordic Open" Gold at Minisceongo Golf Club, Pomona, NY
Oct FACC and other European Chambers networking event—World Yacht
Oct, Nov Speaker Lunches
Oct, Nov Young Associates Events
Dec 1 FACC NY Annual Christmas Lunch at Scandinavia House
Dec Young Associates event
Other Events
Jun 10, 11, 12, 15 The New York Philharmonic performing Lindberg and Sibelius at Avery Fisher Hall www.nyphil.org
Jun 23, 24, 26 The New York Philharmonic performing Lindberg at Avery Fisher Hall www.nyphil.org
Jun 22, 23, 26 New Martins conducted by Esa-Pekka Salonen at the New York City Ballet www.nycballet.com
Jun 16 Special film event at Scandinavia House - Finland toasts the freshest in film, video art and museum videos www.scandinavianhouse.org
http://www.facc-ny.com/photos.html
• Ethan E. Kaufman, Esq., Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Lowey, LLP., 7 Hanover Square, New York, NY 10004-2756. ekaufman@fragomen.com
• Law Offices of Sidney Weiss has upgraded to Small Business Membership, 675 Third Avenue, New York, NY 10017. snw@weisslaw.net
• Henna Nordqvist, hennan@gmail.com
• Petri Luukkanen, pluukkanen@gmail.com
• George McMillan, PharmaNet Development Group, 504 Carnegie Center, Princeton, NJ 08540. gmcmillan@pharmanet.com
• Tiia & Jari Helenius, HKH Management Consulting Ltd., 20 Church Street, suite 53B, Greenwich, CT 06830. heleniusjari@hotmail.com and tiia.s.helenius@gmail.com
• Bingham McCutchen LLP
• Finlandia Cheese, Inc.
• Finnair
• Fredericks Michael & Co.
• Handelsbanken
• Holland & Knight LLP
• iittala, Inc.
• Krogerus Attorneys
• M-real USA Corp.
• Nokia, Inc.
• Nordea Bank Finland
• Polar Electro, Inc.
• Stora Enso
• UPM North America
Photo credit: www.aalto.com.
Innovation University Aalto readies itself
A new academic “center of innovation” called Aalto University began operations in Helsinki on January 8, 2010. The university is the result of a full merger of the leading universities in Finland in three fields that underlie successful economies: Helsinki University of Technology, the Helsinki School of Economics and the University of Art and Design Helsinki.
Aalto University operates on three campuses in the Helsinki area. Their competencies are complemented by a number of other leading institutions in related fields. Three platforms for multidisciplinary research, named “factories,” combine the expertise of the different Aalto University Schools: Design Factory, Media Factory and Service Factory. This allows new forms of collaboration both between the schools and with companies and communities.
In merging some of the best thinking in Helsinki and through the synergies of the founding universities, Aalto University seeks to develop into a leading institution by global standards in research and education. For more information, visit www.aalto.fi.
Source: City of Helsinki Communications Office
During Design Week 2010, “Straightforward New Finnish Design,” in cooperation with the Finnish Cultural Institute and the Consulate General of Finland, organized an exhibition in the Meatpacking District in Manhattan from May 14 to May 17, 2010. The exhibition, called “Straightforward,” presented innovative solutions to matters of everyday life by individual designers and design-oriented companies. The event focused on today’s interpretations of the traditional values that first made Finnish design world-famous 60 years ago.
In conjunction with Straightforward Design, a project of long-term collaboration between Aalto University and the Parsons New School for Design will be launched. Straightforward is supported by the City of Helsinki, the Finnish Ministry of Education in Finland and Finnish Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The Consulate General of Finland in New York arranged a groundbreaking, well-attended seminar event on April 16, 2010. For several years, Finland has been one of the forerunners in the digital service industry. Finnish companies such as Nokia, Sulake, Tieto, Conmio, Muxlim and others have radically changed the way we operate, communicate and do business, both online and offline.
Ritva Jolkkonen, Ambassador/Consul General of Finland in New York, introduced the seminar and mentioned that using the opportunities of knowledge-based technology is a way to turn the current economic challenges into opportunities.
The Finnish Digital Services event offered insights on the future trends of digital services both in the U.S. and internationally. The aim was to cast light on the success stories of leading Finnish start-ups as well as more established players in the U.S. market.
The following companies participated in the seminar:
• Basware provides solutions for two key financial processes.
• Global leader in purchase to pay solutions
• Conmio is a software company specialized in managing mobile content.
• MultiTouch Ltd. manufactures multitouch displays
• Muxlim is the world’s largest online community for Muslim lifestyle
• Sulake is an online entertainment company focused on virtual worlds and social networking
• Tieto is an IT service company providing information technology, research and development and consulting services.
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
Volume 1
Issue 1: April 2009
Issue 2: August 2009
Issue 3: November 2009
Volume 2
Issue 1: February 2010