I will shortly be completing my fourth (and last) year as President of the Finnish American Chamber of Commerce in New York. It has been an honor and a pleasure to fulfill this role, but my consecutive tenure already exceeds that of any other FACC-NY President and anything more would seem as if the position had become permanent, so it is time to move on. Before doing so, though, I would like to touch upon some of the highlights of my tenure and thank others whose contributions have been invaluable.
The highlights of the last four years include:
• The 60th Anniversary black tie Gala Dinner Dance held in November 2008 at the Union Club at which Former Prime Minister Paavo Lipponen was our featured speaker.
• The lunch and dinner events in September 2009 at which the then CEO of Nokia, Olli-Pekka Kallasvuo, and the then Prime Minister of Finland, Matti Vanhanen, respectively, were our guest speakers. It is hard to imagine two more prominent speakers back-to-back in the FACC world.
• Establishing these e-newsletters in order to communicate with our members and other interested persons in a modern, cost-efficient manner.
• Surviving intact through the economic turmoil of the last few years.
These and other accomplishments would not have been possible without the cooperation of innumerable persons. They include:
• Jorma Sahlstedt for serving as Vice President throughout my tenure, covering for me when I was unavailable and for chairing the Christmas Luncheon Committee;I wish everyone well, but this is not goodbye since I intend to remain an active member of the FACC-NY and to continue to interact with as many of you as possible going forward.
• George Caraberis for chairing the Nominations Committee;
• Chris Franco, Sue Pregartner, Riitta Weiss and Harri Staven for their work on the annual Nordic Open;
• Helen Marx for handling the key arrangements for the 60th Anniversary event;
• Tom Silbiger for the guidance he always supplies willingly;
• Tuula Vartiainen for her work with the Young Associates;
• Mike Student for agreeing to take the mantle as FACC-NY President;
• Holland & Knight (where I co-head the International & Cross-Border Transactions practice) for its economic support;
• Consul General Ambassador Ritva Jolkkonen and everyone else at the Consulate General without whose involvement we could not be the same type of organization; and
• Last, but not least, Kerstin Nordin who handles the day-to-day work of the Chamber and who relentlessly prods the rest of us to do our jobs.
Neal
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By choosing to renew your FACC membership you make a very bold and deliberate choice to stay connected with the FACC network and 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.
Membership categories range from sustaining patron members, corporate members, small businesses, to individual and Young Associates members.
Finland has contributed enormous creativity to the arts, from composers to musical compositions to brilliant architecture and innovative design. These accomplishments represent just a few of the many outstanding contributions to the world made by the Finns that reflect a strong sense of cultural identity.
The FACC-NY prides itself on mixing arts and business, and our events this spring have again expressed this blend. Together, arts and business excite and energize work forces, strengthen leadership, and build capacity.
This spring, the Finnish American Chamber of Commerce experienced a concert with Karita Mattila and the New York Philharmonic followed by a reception with Ms. Mattila. We also had an event with the Sibelius Academy introducing the new Helsinki Music Centre as well as music with clarinetist Lauri Sallinen.
If you wish to tell us about your FACC experience, what your needs are, or if wish to become a member please email us at: faccnyc@verizon.net.
Don’t miss out! Stay active and plan to attend upcoming events. We hope to see you at our Annual Meeting on June 9 and wish you a nice summer!
For information and to sign up, faccnyc@verizon.net or call 212-821-0225.
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The Wellness Foundry team consists of professional athletes, nutrition professionals, former healthcare executives, experienced managers, technologists – all focused on creating tools to help people eat healthier and to live better.
The tools are designed in consultation with accredited wellness professionals; nutritionists, strength and fitness coaches, and doctors. Wellness Foundry works in partnership with industry professionals to validate its tools in diverse scenarios, from professional sports to hospitals, one-on-one training to large groups.
MealLogger is a photo food journal that allows health professionals such as dietitians and nurses to counsel their clients using a smartphone and a web browser. Take pictures of your meals with a digital camera or cell phone; get personalized recommendations and coaching from a professional, online. MealLogger is available in North America.
For more information visit www.meallogger.com; in Finland and the EU www.mealtracker.fi
The Wellness Foundry, with offices in Helsinki and New York, is a Small Business member of the FACC-NY. For more information Nicolas@wellnessfoundry.com
Business Class passengers on Finnair's intercontinental scheduled flights may now pre-order the main meal they want to enjoy during the flight.
After having made the flight reservation, customers can find the menu information on Finnair's website at Travel info > Before the flight > Business Class Meals. They can make sure in advance that they will receive one of the three main course options that are normally available onboard, by placing an order on the homepage at Manage my booking.
On departure from Helsinki, there are three additional main courses to choose from, which are only available when pre-ordered. These Meals designed for you are:
Wellness and Energy, offering wellbeing and peace of mind. The healthy Wellness and Energy options are made with fresh ingredients. This healthy, tasty option often incorporates Asian flavors.
Food Lover's Treat, wholesome, home-cooked food. If you'd like to sample bratwurst or hearty stews, then Food Lover's Treat is for you. This option is satisfying and full of flavor – a true treat.
Chef's Gourmet, high-level gourmet cuisine. Chef's Gourmet meals will satisfy even the most discerning of foodies. With this option, you can enjoy carefully crafted meals, centered on such delicacies as reindeer fillet.
Orders can be placed online at www.finnair.com/us > Manage my booking, at the earliest 30 days and at the latest 24 hours before departure.
A child meal may now also be ordered for children 2 to 5 years old travelling in Economy Class on scheduled intercontinental flights.
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President Martti AhtisaariFormer Finnish President Martti Ahtisaari spoke on April 11, 2011 at Scandinavia House in New York City at an invitation-only event. His lecture was part of the Curtis L. Carlson Centennial series arranged by the American-Scandinavian Foundation honoring Nobel Peace Prize laureates.
President Ahtisaari spoke about his work in crisis management and dispute resolution, focusing on his work in Aceh (Indonesia) as a case study. He also talked about the work that he and other leading former world leaders are currently doing to resolve conflicts in many areas of the world. After his prepared remarks, President Ahtisaari answered many questions from the audience.
1. Ask open-ended questions in networking conversations (as opposed to questions that can be answered with a simple yes or no).
2. Don’t cross your arms (makes you less approachable).
3. Don’t assume. Include success sentences like “I’m not sure we’ve met before,” instead of, for example, “You must be new here...”
4. Become known as a powerful resource for others, which keeps you visible and builds trust and relationships.
5. Be concise. Be prepared to tell people what you do in 30 seconds or less.
6. If you know the audience, decide in advance whom you want to meet.
7. Practice listening, both to what the other person is saying and not saying.
8. Keep moving and meet many people, instead of settling into one place!
9. Ask for help meeting people, ask somebody to introduce you to a few people, and then repeat the process until you have met as many people as you had intended.
10. Bring your business cards. Make notes on the back of cards you collect to remind yourself on what you wish to remember to follow up.
11. Follow through quickly and efficiently on referrals you are given.
Meetings Professionals International, Metrolines April 2011, excerpt from the article Career Coaching by Janine A. Schindler, Master Network Coach.
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Tara Vance
H-1B visas are professional or specialty worker visas and the most commonly used visa available to entities wanting or needing to hire foreign nationals. The prerequisites for an H-1B visa are that (i) the foreign national for whom the H-1B visa petition is filed by the employer must have at least the equivalent of a U.S. Bachelor's degree in a profession, (ii) the proposed job position must require someone with such an educational background, and (iii) the proposed salary being offered by the employer to the foreign national must at least equal that which the U.S. Department of Labor deems to be the prevailing wage rate of similarly employed individuals in the U.S. Additionally, H-1B visas are subject to an annual cap limiting the number available in any one fiscal year.
The H-1B visa cap is set at 65,000 H-1B visas with an additional 20,000 available to those with a Master's degree or higher from a U.S. institution. For the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2011, only 5,900 petitions counting against the 65,000 and 4,500 petitions counting against the 20,000 have been filed since April 1, 2011 (the first day of filing) and therefore the cap has not been reached as has occurred in the past. However, the cap is still likely to be reached before year end so employers should file H-1B visa petitions as soon as possible.
For more information contact Tara Vance at tara.vance@hklaw.com or 212-513-3485.
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Ken Niesman
Ken Niesman was appointed Honorary Consul of Finland for northern Texas and the state of Oklahoma in 2006. Texas and Oklahoma are known for their pro-business environment, quality of life, favorable tax structure, and abundant human and natural resources. Nokia Siemens Networks and Nokia maintain a significant presence in Texas. Several other Finnish-owned or controlled businesses operate in the area.
The Finns living in the area are a close-knit and active group and maintain connections with each other through groups and activities such as; the Finnish Church, the Finnish language school, the Finnish Ladies Club, Kaamos Choir, Tex-Finns, the annual Finland Independence Day Gala (which has attracted such acts as Mestarit, Danny, Osmos Cosmos and Tommi Läntinen), the MC Hakkapeliitta Motorcycle Club, and the Lucky Bounce Golf Club (56 members – all Finns!).
Ken was born in Chicago and worked for Proctor & Gamble before attending Texas Tech University School of Law. He is a 30-year partner at the Dallas-based law firm of Gardere, Wynne, Sewell LLP, which has offices in Dallas, Houston, Austin, and Mexico City. Ken has a corporate and business practice and has worked with Finnish business entities since the early 1980s. He also currently serves as a director of the Finnish American Business Guild/Dallas-Ft. Worth. Ken takes great delight in showing articles and information on Finland (particularly, its education system, economic competitiveness, innovation, and quality of life) to his law partners. Ken has been married for over 30 years to Gina. They have two children (Heather and Zach) and one grandchild (Jack).
For more information contact: kniesman@gardere.com or 214-999-4672.
Vesa Puttonen, Aalto University School of Economics; Neal Beaton, Holland & Knight; Michael McMillan, Wheaton College; Petra Tabry, Organization with Flair.Ceri Koski, Laura Devine Attorneys; Jari Helenius, HKH Management Consulting Ltd; George Caraberis, Fredericks Michael & Co.
Ambassador Consul General Ritva Jolkkonen, Consulate General of Finland; Neal Beaton, Holland & Knight.
The Finnish American Chamber of Commerce New York (FACC-NY) had Professor Vesa Puttonen, from Aalto University School of Economics, Helsinki, as guest of honor and guest speaker at the March 8, 2011 Power Breakfast and networking event. This event was held at the offices of Holland & Knight in New York City and was well attended.
Vesa Puttonen, an economist specializing in finance research, is one of Finland's best known investment and financial experts. Puttonen works at the Helsinki School of Economics as Professor of Finance. He is spending this academic year as a visiting scholar at New York University, Stern Business School. The Helsinki School of Economics became part of the new Aalto University which began its operations in Helsinki on January 1, 2010.
The Aalto University is the result of a full merger of the three leading Finnish universities: Helsinki University of Technology, the Helsinki School of Economics, and the University of Art and Design Helsinki. In merging some of the best thinking in Helsinki and through the synergies of the founding universities, Aalto University seeks to become a leading institution by global standards in research and education.
Previously, Puttonen has been the managing director at Convention Fund Management Company and Senior Vice President at the Helsinki Stock Exchange. Puttonen currently serves as a board member of five companies.
Mr. Puttonen mentioned that although the economy is recovering, full recovery is not expected before about three years. The job market is slowly improving while the housing market will take a longer time to recover.
Gustav Djupsjöbacka, Sibelius Academy; Taina Elg, Actress.Lauri Sallinen, Clarinetist.
Michael Lawrence, Chamber Music Society of Lincon Center; Richard Litell, Scandinavian Review; Yin-Chu You, Friendship Ambassadors Foundation; Leland Hoch, Friends of Sibelius Academy.
On March 25 the FACC-NY’s Speaker Luncheon featured Mr. Gustav Djupsjöbacka, President, Sibelius Academy, as guest of honor and speaker, and a performance by clarinetist Lauri Sallinen. Djupsjöbacka has an impressive and diverse background in the field of music.
The new Helsinki Music Centre, opening on August 31, 2011, has developed over two decades – a project fulfilling the dream of a welcoming and accessible venue for a wide variety of musical performances. Located in the heart of Helsinki, in close proximity to Finlandia Hall and the Finnish National Opera House, the Music Centre creates an important cultural triangle. It will have a profound impact on music and cultural arts life, both within Finland and internationally. www.musiikkitalo.fi
Lauri Sallinen, an exceptionally versatile Finnish clarinetist, performed at the lunch. He earned a Master of Music degree in 2009 from the Sibelius Academy, Helsinki. Currently he is continuing his studies in New York at the Manhattan School of Music. He made his U.S. debut at the Scandinavia House in New York this spring.
The FACC-NY thanks the Friends of Sibelius Academy for their sponsorship.
The Sibelius Academy is Finland’s world renowned music university, founded in 1882. All of the country’s great international music stars – Karita Mattila, Esa-Pekka Salonen, Kaija Saariaho, Osmo Vänskä, and Magnus Lindberg included – are Sibelius Academy graduates. The Friends of Sibelius Academy, Inc. is the Academy’s official U.S. support foundation and a not-for-profit organization www.siba.fi
The FACC-NY was one of fourteen European Chambers participating in the spring networking event on May 19, 2011, held at the Boat House in Central Park. Over 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 membersthe opportunity to broaden their networking. Signature Bank was Platinum Sponsor, Coface was Silver Sponsor, and Air Berlin was Bronze Sponsor. The next European Chamber of Commerce networking event will take place in October 2011.
Ville Kurki, Kool & Co.; Tuula Vartiainen, Voss Water USA; Martiina Linna-Hipp, Northern Rye. Michael Maass, Finnair; Tuula Vartiainen, Voss Water USA; Virve Deutsch, Virve Design.
The topic of the April 12, 2011, networking event was How to Start and Manage your own Business and targeted/attracted those who are interested in starting their own businesses in New York City or who already own a business and want to connect with like-minded people, and those who just want to learn something new.
Speakers from two Finnish startups, Martiina Linna-Hipp, President, Northern Rye, and Ville Kurki, President, Kool & Co talked about the challenges in New York and gave tips on effectively managing these difficulties to become a successful business owner. The discussion dealt with topics ranging from CRM (Customer Relationship Marketing) to baking and distributing bread, both highly in demand.
The FACC New York Young Associates Seventh Annual Vappu May Day Picnic brought together about 70 participants on May 1, 2011 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 in Sheep Meadow in the southwest corner of Central Park which was hustling and bustling on a beautiful spring day.
The Young Associates continues to be a big success combining professional events with relaxed networking and has established itself as the meeting place for young Finnish-American professionals and their clients, colleagues, and friends.
The Young Associates, a FACC New York membership category created in 2005, is an initiative to attract the younger generation with different programs, mainly held in the evenings, a Vappu picnic, etc.
For more information: youngassociatesnyc@gmail.com, faccnyc@verizon.net
Jun 9 FACC-NY Annual Meeting and lunch at the Consulate General of Finland
Sep Speaker luncheon and Young Associates events
Sep Nordic Open Golf
Oct European Chamber networking event – World Yacht
Nov Speaker luncheon and Young Associates events
Dec 1 FACC Annual Christmas Luncheon at Scandinavia House
Dec Young Associates Christmas drinks event
Other Events
Apr 14–Aug 19 ASF Centennial Exhibition; Nordic by New York, at Scandinavia House www.scandinaviahouse.org
Apr 24–Jun 23 Sanna Kannisto Fieldwork – exhibition at Aperture Gallery www.aperture.org
Jun 3–11 American Premiere of Kaija Saariaho’s newest opera Emilie at Spoleto Festival, www.spoletofestival.com
Jun 9 Music by Kaija Saariaho’s performed by Spoleto Festival USA Orchestra, www.spoletofestival.com
Jun 9–14 Finnish Documentary Film Week at various cinemas across New York www.docpoint.info
Aug 2011 Pianist Juho Pohjonen performing at the Mostly Mozart Festival www.lincolncenter.org
Aug 12–14, 19-21 Sibelius and His World – 22nd Bard Music Festival, Bard College, www.fishercenter.bard.edu
Nov 30- Dec 1 Avanti Chamber Orchestra performing at Carnegie Hall www.carnegiehall.org Kaija Saariaho is the holder of the 2011-2012 Richard and Barbara Debs Composer’s Chair at Carnegie Hall.
The City of Helsinki is the second most important supporter of culture in Finland after the Finnish state, measured by the total expenditure on cultural acitivities. Helsinki’s annual expenditure on culture is roughly 170 euro per capita, calculated by budgeted expenditures for 2011. This supports Helsinki Art Museum, City Museum with its ten branches, City Library (close to 40 library branches and other service outlets), Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra, and Helsinki City Cultural Office, which runs eight highly cultural centres and arenas. The sum also supports the National Opera, Helsinki City Theatre, and professional theater companies in Helsinki. Citizens of Helsinki appreciate their cultural offerings; Helsinki enjoys the highest resident approval rating in cultural services among European cities.
Source: City of Helsinki Communications Office. Photo Credit: City of Helsinki Tourist & Convention Bureau Material Bank
New Finnish Design Scenarios offered an inspirational look at the designers, manufacturers, and products that are shaping the landscape of contemporary Finnish design. Scenarios showcased an array of the latest products by a selection of Finnish designers and companies. The exhibition section focused on the current trends in contemporary Finnish design; sustainability, mobility, ethical thinking, sensory reception, technological and material innovations, and an apprececiation for handicraft skills.
In addition to the furniture, lighting fixtures, and other design objects presented presented in the show, illustrated stories of the early years of the participating companies allowed visitors to familiarize themselves with processes found at the heart of Finnish design. The event also included a student workshop in collaboration with Aalto University, a FIKA espresso bar, a pop-up store selling Finnish design items, and a lounge area that featured lectures and other programming. Scenarios was curated by interior architect Sari Anttonen and with visual identity by Antonen & Lamberg. The event was organized by the Consulate General of Finland, Design Forum Finland, and the Finnish Cultural Instititute in New York. www.designscenarios.net
New Finnish Design Scenarios was an official satellite event of World Design Capital Helsinki 2012. www.wdchelsinki2012.fi
Febuary 24: Breakfast Meeting on Social Media.
FACC Minnesota Chapter Off to a Great Start!
Founded in 2010, the Finnish American Chamber of Commerce Minnesota is concentrating on hosting value-added events for its members. The Chamber has put together three excellent programs. The October 2010 inaugural event featured Ambassador Consul General Ritva Jolkkonen from the NY Consulate speaking about the role of Finnish government in business. Over 50 people attended. “This Chamber will provide a dynamic platform for trade and commerce between Finland and Minnesota,” Jolkkonen said in her address. “For those of us who work at the Finnish Embassies, the Chambers of Commerce are important partners. There’s a lot more potential in the American market for Finnish business, and the other way around. This relationship is critical. It is important for the future.”
In February 2011, the Chamber organized a breakfast event to discuss social media – best practices, common mistakes, and new trends in using social media for international business.
In May 2011, FACC MN hosted a panel on Finnish business culture and practices. Carlson School of Management executive MBA students and Professor Kenneth Roering shared experiences from their recent visit to Finland, including briefings on meetings at Fortum, Kone, Neste, and Nokia. The attendees learned about Finnish business culture, successful company practices, and key strategies. The Chamber fosters trade between Finland and Minnesota. Events are designed for anyone interested in developing business ties with Finland. Since this Chamber was formed, the level of enthusiasm in the Minnesota Finnish business community has been palpably higher, said Marianne Wargelin, Honorary Consul of Finland in the Twin Cities.
For more information www.facc-mn.com, contact Jouko Sipila at 952-353-4804.
Golla USA Team, from left: Heli Siljamäki; Jessi Koivukoski: FACC Midwest President Tony Johansson; Tyler Moe; Petri Siitonen; (not pictured: Stephen Royal). A small selection of Golla's 2011 collection: trendy and practical travel solutions for all things digital.
Bag Business is Booming in the Americas
FACC Midwest is pleased to introduce its newest corporate member, Golla USA Inc. Led by the dynamic duo Heli Siljamäki and Petri Siitonen, the Chicago-based unit of a Finnish firm opened its doors to FACC members in April for an evening of cheerful networking.
Golla specializes in fashionable bags for portable electronics, waaay beyond basic black. By blending creative influences from fashion, lifestyle, and technology, the Golla brand turns heads in over 100 countries worldwide. The product collection includes a wide range of carrying solutions for mobile phones, smartphones, digital cameras, e-readers, tablets, and laptops – all the essential gadgets that “generation mobile” schleps around daily. With the exception of a few Apple models, Golla products are brand agnostic, meaning that whatever make or model your favorite device, Golla has a bag that fits, in a rainbow of colors and prints.
Golla was one of the first firms to concentrate on mobile phone accessories, and grew quickly from a family business to a global trendsetter. Design of the annual collection of 200 items is based in Helsinki, with manufacturing in China. The U.S. office opened in 2009, and has rapidly gained ground at major retailers, including Target, Best Buy, and Sears. Latin America was Golla’s fastest growing market in 2010, with presence in Mexico, Brazil, Venezuela, Central America, and the Caribbean. The day of FACC’s visit, area sales director Jessi Koivukoski had just returned from Chile, the next market to enjoy Golla’s colorful designs. Learn more at www.golla.com.
Arcticle by Johanna Hauki - johannahauki@hotmail.com
• Alekstra, Inc.
One Stamford Plaza, 263 Tresser Boulevard, 9th floor Stamford, CT 06901 Toni Toikka, Chairman Toni.Toikka@alekstra.com
Charles Schneider, CEO – N.A. Charles.schneider@alekstra.com
Helen Cooper, Vice President Helen.Cooper@alekstra.com www.alekstra.com
• Finnish Moble Association
Katariinankatu 3, FI-00170 Helsinki
Ismo Rantala, Managing Director ismo.rantala@finnmob.com www.finnmob.com
• Tuomo Kauttu, Partner Kauttu Counsels Ltd tuomo@kauttu.fi
• James Robbins Parente Beard LLC James.robbins@parentebeard.com
• Pia Skriko pskriko@khny.com
• Bert Holtappels Bert.holtappels@nokia.com
• Laura Immonen Lauraimmonen.mus@gmail.com
• Martiina Linna-Hipp ryes@northernrye.com
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
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