Finnish American Chamber of Commerece

President's Message

August 2009

As I reported to the members present at our annual meeting, the Finnish American Chamber of CommerceBeaton in New York had quite an active year in 2008-9.  Among the highlights were:

  • Since the majority of our members prefer electronic newsletters, we have launched an FACC New York e-newsletter on a quarterly basis for our members. The first issue was published in April 2009.

  • The FACC celebrated its 60th Anniversary last year with a well-attended black tie dinner dance at which former Prime Minister Lipponen was our honored guest speaker. (You can view photos from this and our other past events by clicking on the photo link on the home page.)

  • We have joined the network of European Chambers of Commerce and our members will be invited to its networking events.

  • We are also getting more connected with our Nordic Chambers and we had our Annual Nordic Forum on June 3, also in cooperation with the American Scandinavian Foundation, at Scandinavia House. The theme was “Green Leadership”, in tune with today’s environmental awareness.

  • We had a number of breakfast and lunch meetings with prominent speakers, particularly economists who had some provocative thoughts and analyses of the current economic situation.

  • We welcomed the new Finnish Consul General in New York, Ritva Jolkkonen.

  • Our annual Nordic Open golf tournament/dinner and Christmas luncheon were both outstanding events.

  • Our Young Associates group had a series of get-togethers.

We do not plan to rest on our laurels in the coming year.  Among the events and activities our members can expect will be the following:

  • On September 10, we will have a dinner with a presentation by Olli-Pekka Kallasvuo, President and CEO, Nokia Corporation. This event will not only feature a prominent speaker but will offer a unique opportunity to network with current and new members of the FACC as well as with participants from the Nordic and other European Chambers. Kick off the fall season with this pinnacle event!

  • The 8th annual Nordic Open will be held at the exclusive Minisceongo Golf Club in Pomona, in New York on October 15.

  • There will be a European Chambers of Commerce networking event on October 27.

  • Our annual Christmas luncheon will be held on December 3, 2009, at Scandinavia House.

  • The next issue of the FACC New York E-newsletter will be circulated shortly and future issues will continue to be circulated on a quarterly basis.  Members are encouraged to submit content and ideas for it.

  • Information about other events such as breakfasts or lunches with outstanding speakers will be circulated once they are firmed up.

I hope that the FACC will continue to be a valuable resource to its members for connections, contacts, motivational experiences and business results. The community is here to serve as a meeting place during these turbulent times.

Best regards and wishes for the upcoming year. Please feel free to contact us
at faccnyc@verizon.net or me personally at neal.beaton@hklaw.com for any questions or suggestions that you may have.

Neal Beaton
President FACC New York