President's Message

Greetings – As the newly elected President of the Finnish American Chamber of Commerce in New York, I am delighted to welcome you to the Chamber’s website. 

I began working with Finnish companies in the early 1980’s, as an associate, then partner, and Gilbert, Segall and Young, working with Tom Silbiger.  My Finnish “connections” go back even further. I was born in Fitchburg, Massachusetts.  Many of you will know Fitchburg as the home of the Raivaaja newspaper and of an active Finnish community.

Over time, Finland has become an increasingly important part of my practice.  For many years, it has been the focus of my practice, and an important part of the international practice of my firm, Sullivan & Worcester LLP.  I have had the great pleasure of traveling there dozens of times over the last 25 years, and I have come to  appreciate not only its business community, but also its people, history and culture. 

I have been an active member of  the Chamber for a number of years.  It is a valuable, and enjoyable, way to stay connected with the Finnish-American business community in New York and the Northeast generally, as well as in other parts of the country.  It has been a place to make and foster both business relationships and friendships.  

My predecessor President, Neal Beaton, the Board and officers, and our Executive Director, Kerstin Nordin, have done wonderful work in leading and operating the Chamber for the last several years.   I am eager to continue their efforts and to help the Chamber remain an important and vibrant part of the community. 

I already know many of you.  I look forward to seeing you, and new faces as well, at Chamber events.  We thank our current members for their support and interest.  I urge any of you who are not already members to consider joining the Chamber.  If you would like further information, you can contact the Chamber at faccnyc@verizon.net or me.

Best regards,

Michael Student

President of Finnish American Chamber of Commerce, Inc.
New York, N.Y.
Email: mstudent@sandw.com