Business And Technology

Transcript

31.5.2007 10:30 Sivu 1 English Region_1-07 Business and Technology 1 • 2007 The Film Village set in the hills of Karelia The first productions have already been filmed in the Film Village built in the Kontioranta forests. pp. 10-11 A good conference is also a trip full of experiences p. 8 Riihivalkea rocks and relaxes p. 20 Skill and determination in the artisan quarter p. 18 Region_1-07 31.5.2007 10:30 Sivu 2 Leading article North Karelia – province with top-level technological expertise, culture and memorable travel experiences The diversity of North Karelia sets it apart from other regions and provinces. The region has an exceptionally diverse structure of industry and services, the advantages of which are apparent especially now that Perlos is ceasing production. This structural change, caused by globalisation, is rapidly turning into new growth. The region has also been able to generate world-class expertise in several sectors. These sectors were selected for the national Centre of Expertise Programme, to be implemented between 2007-2013, and thus to form part of the national clusters of expertise. The most significant areas of expertise are Forest technology, bioenergy, and stone, security and timber products are already large-scale employers and undergoing steady growth. The first industrial breakthroughs in the Blancco is good enough for Nato University researches The data destruction software of Blancco Oy, the Joensuu company, fulfils even the stringent criteria of Nato. The defence alliance has certified Blancco’s Data Cleaner+ software, which is already in use in several banks and defence organisations, among others. This software can now be used to destroy Nato classified information both the geography of mobility within Nato and its member and Partnership for Peace countries. The strict certification process took a few years. Its completion is significant, as Nato is an extremely critical organisation regarding security. The defence alliance certification brings Blancco extensive new business opportunities. University mergers on the way The federal University of Eastern Finland will become operational in 2010. The governing bodies of the Universities of Kuopio and Joensuu approved the federation agreement at the beginning of May. At a stroke, the University of Eastern Finland will become one of the biggest higher education institutions in the country. There will be over 14,000 students and the budget, including subsidies, will increase to 200 million euros per year. Perttu Vartiainen, Rector of the University of Joensuu, considers the project to be the most significant development project in the Finnish universities network since the establishment of the new universities in the 1960s and 1970s. The Universities of Applied Sciences of the Province of Eastern Finland are 2 forest technology as part of the Forest Industry Future cluster of expertise, and biofuel production and refining as part of the Future Energy Technologies cluster of expertise. In addition, fotonics, material and precision technology as part of the Nano and Micro Systems and Future Materials cluster, and productising construction activities as part of the Living Environment cluster of expertise are important. also working towards closer cooperation. The Mikkeli, North Karelia and Savonia Universities of Applied Sciences, also planning a merger, have a total of 15,000 students and 1,500 employees. The aim of the cooperation is structural development of the education, as well as development of the regional effect and cooperation between universities. An assessment project on the federation plans is under way at the North Karelia University of Applied Sciences. The first concrete area of collaboration will be research and development, and steps will be taken to increase cooperation also in activities related to Russia. The working group of heads of Eastern Finland Universities of Applied Sciences, set up in August 2006, will help improve cooperation. A research project looking into mobility and settlement patterns is under way at the University of Joensuu Savonlinna campus. Living in two or more places has become increasingly commonplace. Second homes are a good example of the way mobility characterises present-day life. Movement between the home and the holiday cabin has increased. More people are combining the best of town and country living. Mobility and multiple homes as a lifestyle are changing our view of places and locality. Understanding these changes requires research. The research project entitled “Mobile Geographies in Mobile Societies: In-between Theories and Practices. Case Second Homes in Rural Finland” is furthering Finnish rural and leisure-time research and its internationalisation. The project partners are the world’s leading researchers into leisure living from Sweden and New Zealand. The project will produce two doctoral theses. Region_1-07 31.5.2007 10:30 Sivu 3 fields of fotonics and nanotechnology, as well as precision technology, are just around the corner. The research institutes, universities and polytechnic, as well as Joensuu Science Park and other business service providers, have been primed for a full-scale assault in order to enable these fields of expertise to develop and produce new prosperity and growth. Merging of the Universities of Joensuu and Kuopio to form the federal University of Eastern Finland strongly supports this development. Man does not live by bread alone. North Karelia is known as an old cultural province, and the spiritual roots of the whole Finnish nation are contained in the Karelian song region. The national scenery of Koli, the Karelian identity, the Orthodox religion, Karelian food, and the diverse nature with its forests and waterways, together form a complete package that the province can be proud to present. At Kontiolahti, Suomen Filmikylä (The Finnish Film Village), built by the film director Markku Pölönen, is transformed into a village road in the TV series Karjalan kunnailla (Karelian Summer) with a strong Orthodox flavour. North Karelia is also a gourmet’s paradise. Karelian food and Karelia à la carte are probably the best-known Finnish food brands. The handicrafts culture has also been revived. Taitokortteli (the Artisan Quarter) in Joensuu has on offer everything from handicrafts to chocolate versions of the Karelian pasty. The joy of living in Karelia – you can see it, hear it and taste it. North Karelia also unfolds in many different ways to travellers. For those seeking the peace of nature and leisurely living, there is an extensive network of cabins and holiday villages. These are complemented by excellent hiking and water routes. The Herajärvi trail in Koli was selected as the best Finnish hiking trail in 2007. You can Karelia Expert successful in the Finnish Championships A total of 60 entries were submitted to the tourism, recruitment and competitiveness categories of the second Finnish Municipal Marketing Championship. The competition concerned marketing carried out in 2006, and the winners received their prizes in May. The entry of Karelia Expert Matkailupalvelu Oy, whose campaign ”Minä lähden PohjoisKarjalaan!” [I’m off to North Karelia!], was successful in the tourism category, achieving third place in the competition won by Kemin matkailuyhtiö. The jury considered the Karelia Expert campaign to be a professionally implemented project, maintaining a well-planned strategy and image also enjoy Karelian food and the lake scenery on several lake cruises. Various rock and song festivals and an extensive summer theatre programme provide a suitable addition and contrast, both to visitors and residents. Golfers are sure to enjoy the Karelia Golf course at Kontiolahti or the other courses in the province. The province also provides services for those who want to be pampered. The monasteries of Valamo and Lintula and the countless tsasounas of the region take the visitor into the slightly mysterious world of the Orthodox religion. Those attending conferences and meetings also get to experience the province through programmes specially organised for them. For many, “I’m going to visit North Karelia” turns into “I’m going to move to North Karelia” after their visit, and why not! Keijo Mutanen, Managing Director, JOSEK Oy (Joensuu Regional Development Company Ltd) Birth of a town with 86,000 inhabitants? throughout the campaign. The wellknown song by Leevi and the Leavings worked well, supporting the marketing and providing a symbolic image representing all of North Karelia. The campaign focused on building and maintaining an integrated overall image, in accordance with the region’s strategy. Concentrating the marketing resources on a common campaign increased the visibility and general awareness of the whole region. Joensuu, Eno, Kontiolahti, Polvijärvi and Pyhäselkä are in the process of investigating the possibility of a federation of municipalities. Should the report result in a joint local authority of five municipalities, the population of the town formed in this way will rise to 86,000. The investigation into the possible amalgamation is being carried out by Efeko Oy, and it will be completed in August. www.jns.fi > Joensuu perusinfo > Joensuun seudun seutuyhteistyö Contents: Leading article and news . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3 Gritech acquired Perlos Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-5 Expertise as key . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Harvest time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Into the global market with an open mind . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Four Centre of Expertise Programmes in North Karelia . . 7 A good congress is also a travel experience . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Top plastics and metals sector experts meet up in Joensuu 9 The film village set in the hills of Karelia . . . . . . . . . . 10-11 Orthodox religion is a way of life . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-13 Finland’s best hiking trail is at Herajärvi in Koli . . . . . . . 14 Tasty delicacies baked on the waves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Gourmet’s paradise . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-17 Between East and West . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Skill and determination concentrated in the artisan quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-19 Riihivalkea rocks and relaxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 New advertiser saves the day . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Cover photo: Film director Markku Pölönen with his crew in the Film Village in summer 2006. Photographer: Pasi Räsämäki/SF 3 Region_1-07 31.5.2007 10:30 Sivu 4 Kuvateksti, KuvatekstiKuvatekstiKuva tekstiKuvatekstiKuvatekst iKuvatekstiKuvatekstiKuv ateksti Kuvateksti Kuvate ksti KuvatekstiKuvateksti Kuvateksti Kuvateksti Pasi (left) and Taina Tiainen, Tiina Puustinen and Marko Toropainen are the new owners of the Perlos Tools Joensuu unit. Gritech acquired Perlos Tools Operation of the Perlos Tools Joensuu unit is to continue under new ownership as Gritech-Tools. Alongside injection moulds, the company manufactures cutting tools and provides subcontracting services. Its goal is controlled growth. The Plant Manager at Perlos Tools, Marko Toropainen, was informed in January that the company was ceasing production in Finland. He was not about to be defeated by the news, however, but quickly contacted Pasi Tiainen, CEO of Gritech Oy. – I had heard about Gritech’s expansion plans. Half jokingly at first, I suggested to Pasi that he could buy a good workshop here. The joke soon turned to reality, when continuing the business proved to be quite feasible, Toropainen says. The banter became serious discussion. Profitability and production outlooks were contemplated closely for a good month. At the end of April, the Perlos Tools Joensuu unit was acquired by Gritech Oy. Alongside the main shareholder Pasi Tiainen, the other shareholders are Taina Tiainen, Tiina Puustinen and the 4 COMPANIES company Managing Director Marko Toropainen. Gritech-Tools continues the production of Perlos Tools Joensuu unit at the familiar site on Rahtikatu. After the acquisition, Gritech Oy employs a total of 47 people, 42 of whom transfer to the company from Perlos as serving employees. Toropainen, who previously managed the whole North Karelian manufacturing operation of the 180-strong Perlos Region_1-07 31.5.2007 10:30 Sivu 5 Info Further information on vacant business premises: The Joensuu Regional Development Company, JOSEK Ltd Pekka Nuutinen Director, Business Counselling Tel. +358 400 679 554 www.josek.fi Tools, is well aware of the challenges facing the new company. – We must adjust to the fact that the company is smaller. We no longer have the support of a large group of companies behind us. We must get the administration side ship-shape, where Pasi and Taina Tiainen’s solid experience as entrepreneurs will be a great help. Know-how and technology The new company combines the functions of Gritech and Perlos Tools. Gritech Oy has focused on manufacture and servicing of cutting tools, while the manufacture of moulds has been a part of the production at Perlos Tools. The future operation will be split between manufacture and servicing of cutting tools, mould and punching tool manufacture and subcontracting services. – We have a good foundation for our business. Perlos Tools focused purely on telecommunications, but now we can offer our services to businesses regardless of the sector. Our reputation as supplier is good, as we have already received plenty of enquiries, Toropainen is pleased to report. The operation of Gritech Oy will be split between manufacture and servicing of cutting tools, mould and punching tool manufacture and subcontracting services. In Toropainen’s view, the greatest asset of Gritech Oy is its skilled workforce. The personnel has already amassed on average ten years’ experience of similar work. – Perlos invested heavily in development, especially in employees’ know-how and technology. The highly skilled personnel will be able to apply its know-how in the future in more varied work than previously. The company equipment base is also extensive and productive, Toropainen comments. Growth in cutting tool production Gritech Oy will set out on the road of controlled reform. The aim is to retain its market share at former levels or even increase it slightly. – We will focus equally on all three business sectors. We are expecting growth particularly in cutting tool manufacture, in which we are currently investing. Machining for subcontracting will become one of the important pillars of the business in the future. About 80 percent of the mould production is exported, but in the other business activities the domestic market is the most important. The long-term goal of Gritech Oy is to increase its markets both in Finland and internationally. – We are setting out in a very positive frame of mind and with great enthusiasm. We want to do our bit in keeping jobs and knowhow in North Karelia, Toropainen concludes. Expertise as key The Joensuu region economic programme 2007-2010 identifies the focal points of development as expertise, an international approach and manpower. The economic programme was drawn up in partnership between businesses and trade associations, research and development organisations, local authorities, and finance, advisory and development organisations. The vision of the Joensuu region is to be the most vigorous growth centre in Finland in 2015, a strong economic area of 120,000 inhabitants and an international expertise cluster, an attractive location for businesses and employees, and a secure residential environment with plentiful opportunities. The focal areas of the economic programme will be addressed in terms of sector and cluster. It will concentrate on creation and reinforcement of expertise and business activity in the selected sectors. The structural change brought about by Perlos will affect prioritisation or measures and allocation of resources, especially in 2007- 2008. The vision and economic policy goals of the Joensuu region will be realised through creation of new kind of top world-class expertise, by converting it into competitive export products and by ensuring that the skills and numbers of the labour force are commensurate to the needs of the economy and society. The region actively seeks new investments both from Finland and abroad. At the same time, the services structure of the region must be kept competitive. www.josek.fi 5 COMPANIES Region_1-07 31.5.2007 10:30 Sivu 6 Harvest time Nanocomp’s persistent product development is now bearing fruit. The company is investing heavily in production. The personnel numbers are growing, and the future looks very promising. - Our design work consists largely of calculating surface structures. The fabrication side effects the patterning and replication of the structures, says VeliPekka Leppänen, President. The Joensuu company Nanocomp Oy, celebrating its tenth anniversary this year, concentrates on the design and manufacture of diffractive optics. The company was originally formed as the result of an investment by the University of Joensuu Department of Physics. – It purchased an electron beam writing system for production of diffractive elements and structures. The university did not fully utilise the capacity of the device, and Nanocomp was set up to market equipment time, recalls Veli-Pekka Leppänen, President. Nanocomp’s operation expanded into design and product development. In diffractive optics, light is directed through micro- and nanostructures on the plastic or glass surface. Its applications include e.g. lighting displays of mobile devices. Lighting and displays account for up to eighty percent of Nanocomp’s turnover. Other practical applications of diffractive optics include e.g. special effects in packaging. – Our design work consists largely of calculating surface structures. Janne Häikiö introducing Pentin Paja to Spanish guests and Asko Puhakka, Project Manager, North Karelia University of Applied Sciences (on the right). The visit was related to a bioenergy and forestry development project of the Leader Association of Joensuu region and the Spanish Soria region. – During Midsummer week, a group of 25 clients from Soria will arrive at Joensuu for training. There is interest in Finnish machine technology, Puhakka says. Into the global market with an open mind Pentin Paja, established 25 years ago, has developed into an international business. The keys to its success are products developed in-house and open-minded marketing. When Pentti Häikiö founded a car and agricultural machinery repair shop at Naarva in 1964, no one could foresee what would become of this one-man business. Turning and welding subcontracting work started at the end of the 1970s, and the engineering works Pentin Paja Ky saw the light of day in 1982. – My father was something of an inventor. Pentin Paja’s first own products were completed at the end of the 1980s. The seminal moment was the 1993 patent application for the Naarva-Grip energy wood grapple, which was granted five years later, Janne Häikiö recalls. Today, Pentin Paja is still the Häikiö 6 COMPANIES family business operating in Ilomantsi and Joensuu, with 23 permanent employees. It manufactures and markets forestry and excavation machinery developed by the company. About 30% of the turnover comes from industrial servicing and maintenance work. Region_1-07 31.5.2007 10:30 Sivu 7 The fabrication side effects the patterning and replication of the structures. Effective beam steering is possible with the help of the structures. The smallest details are in the category of under a micrometre. Great changes ahead Nanocomp is currently a company employing ten people. The bulk of the turnover is from the domestic market, but there are also many customers in the USA, Denmark and Japan. The strengths of Nanocomp are top-level know-how and new technologies. The company’s employees include seven people with Ph.D’s in the field. – We have invested heavily in new development and believe that it will bear fruit in the near future. We have also made significant investments in the fabrication side. The legacy of Pentti Häikiö, who died in 1996, lives on. New Naarva-Grip models are developed continually, and over 95% of Pentin Paja’s products are based on the 1998 patent. – Father was ahead of his time, developing an energy wood and thinning grapple in the middle of a recession. It was not a sales success straight away. But sales of the Naarva Syke strokeharvester got off to a moderate start in 1995. After father’s death, my brother Mikko took charge of the business. If father was an innovator, Mikko is a an expert in productisation. We have developed progressive tools for production, and we can produce plastic components using different methods, Leppänen tells us. In the future, Nanocomp’s business will focus on production rather than product development. It will mean substantial growth in employee numbers. Leppänen believes that the new direction will be evident generally in the activities of the business. – Our future looks very promising. Big things are on the way, of which we will know more during the autumn, the company President adds mysteriously. Exports grew by 148% The key to Pentin Paja’s success was found at a trade fair. In 1997, Mikko Häikiö took the products to the big Elmia Fair in Sweden. Through new contacts and resellers, Pentin Paja’s sales slowly began to increase. – Foreign dealers have given us tips on how to develop the products further. Today, our range even includes a grapple for use with a helicopter. Thanks for our success are also due to local players, like the Wenet network, Joensuu Regional Development Company, and the Joensuu Research Station of the Finnish Forest Research Institute. Pentin Paja’s exports took off in a big way in 2003, and in the last accounting period they already accounted for 36 percent of the turnover. Over 2005 and 2006, exports increased by 148 percent. Pentin Paja’s visions have been realised in the 2000s. Progress took its time: the first generation innovated and the second productised, Janne Häikiö summarises. Info Four Centre of Expertise Programmes in North Karelia The new national Centre of Expertise Programme term began at the start of this year. The Centre of Expertise Programme is a special programme under the Regional Development Act, helping to direct local, regional and national resources to utilisation of top-level know-how. The Centre of Expertise Programme promotes regional strengths, specialisation of regions and cooperation between Centres of Expertise. The North Karelia Centre of Expertise, administered by Joensuu Science Park, comprises four intersupportive areas of expertise. During the new Centre of Expertise Programme term 2007-2013, Joensuu Science Park is involved in the following programmes: Forest Industry Future Growing and modifying of wood fibres, charting and management of fibre stocks, procurement of fibre flows and development of control technology and logistics. Future Energy Technologies Promoting substantial increase in use of bioenergy in the areas of the Centres of Expertise and more extensively in Europe. Nano and Micro Systems and Future Materials The high-level and internationally attractive Joensuu region expertise cluster of fotonics, materials and microtechnologies offers services ranging from basic research to technical design and mass production. Living Environment expertise cluster, productising construction activities Integrating international expertise in the fields of construction, stone and security, timber technology and new composite materials. www.carelian.fi Martti Vartiainen busy at work. 7 COMPANIES Region_1-07 31.5.2007 10:30 Sivu 8 Sailing on the waves of Lake Pielinen at the Statistics Finland IARIW Congress. A good congress is also a travel experience A modern congress at its best is an experience that includes a varied social programme as seamlessly as the factual sessions. Joensuu is a strong congress city, thanks to short distances, good lecture facilities, reliable partners and varied activities. - Good marketing, careful planning, charismatic speakers and varied social activities guarantee a successful congress, Arja Hukkanen summarises. A congress is about a lot more than just strictly factual matters. It is also about meeting people and getting to know new places. Arja Hukkanen, Congress Manager of Karelia Expert, says that it all starts with enthusiastic hosts. – Good marketing, careful planning, charismatic speakers and varied social activities guarantee success. It is also important to provide a personal customer service to visitors before the congress. This is a good basis for planning how to receive the visitors and to create a good atmosphere. Hukkanen thinks that, as a multidisciplinary university city, Joensuu is of high national quality and therefore a competitive congress location. There are plenty of 8 TOURISM suitable venues and modern technology for all sizes of event, but in Joensuu congresses are usually small. Over half of the international congresses have fewer than 500 participants. On the other hand, Joensuu Arena has also brought big national events, filling accommodation in Joensuu and the surrounding area to capacity. – The main focus in accommodation is on high quality, and hotels must be able to modernise sufficiently often in order to maintain standards, Hukkanen emphasises. Plus points in Joensuu are short distances and a good location. There is a lot to see in the province. – The most popular attraction for congress guests is the Koli National Region_1-07 31.5.2007 10:30 Sivu 9 Top plastics and metals sector experts meet up in Joensuu ISTMA World 2007 will gather the most authoritative international players in the plastics and metals sector in Joensuu. For North Karelian companies, the conference is a unique opportunity to demonstrate their expertise. Park, but it is also possible to take one- or two-day trips to Russian Karelia. It is easy to organise extra programmes with good partners. Memorable moments Joensuu has the potential for even more active congress tourism. New congress hosts are required. – Potential organisers must be made to realise that they don’t have to do everything themselves. The host can concentrate on planning the factual programme, and we will take care of everything else. Naturally, organising a congress still requires a lot of work. Congress tourism, too, can and must be memorable. – Feedback tells us that people later remember the extra activities and general atmosphere the best. I, too, recall countless funny incidents and nice memories from conferences held over the years. 2007 will be a good year for congresses in Joensuu. Conference visitor numbers will be increased by the WorldSkills 2007 event and the ISTMA World Conference. – Congresses are very diverse, and a good example is the PohjoisKarjalan käsi- ja taideteollisuus ry Nordic Knitting Symposium to be held in July, says Hukkanen. The 12th World Conference of ISTMA , the International Special Tooling & Machining Association, takes place in Joensuu on 11-13 June. Practically all the top players in the plastics and metals sector, the most influential directors and their clients, will come to North Karelia. Securing the event for Joensuu is an important achievement, as ISTMA only organises a world conference, alternately between three continents, every three years. In 2001 it was held in Chicago, three years ago in Bangkok. Joensuu competed for this year’s conference with cities such as Lisbon and Paris. Finland beat Portugal only after the fourth vote 5-4. – Looking at the list of former organisers, we can only say that we’re in good company, chuckles Tapio Särkkä, tooling expert at Imtec from the R & D Unit of Joensuu Science Park Ltd. – Along with the strong concentration of plastics and metals industry in North Karelia, Finland’s exotic image influenced its selection. Not many participants have visited Finland before. A contributing factor was probably also the DVD describing the Joensuu region and businesses, which we showed the decisionmakers in Bangkok. sector. The programme includes some ten factory visits. – For the businesses, this is an excellent opportunity for international marketing. North Karelia has personnel with top-level expertise, as well as quality machinery and production processes. The ISTMA committee made an earlier visit to familiarise itself with the conference organisation, and found the interesting factory visit section a particularly positive element. The preparations for the conference began in practice as soon as the decision was known, in the spring of 2004. The event attracts participants from all over the world, as far as India, USA, South Africa and Japan. The large number of presentations will ensure a varied conference, which also includes many social activities, from a visit to Koli to a Finnish evening. After the conference, the visitors have the opportunity of visiting St Petersburg and Tallinn. – The new feature of this ISTMA World Conference is that Joensuu will be host to many participants also from the Baltic countries, and above all from Russia. For example, one of the speakers is Vladimir Braginsky, key person of the Russian plastics industry, Särkkä reveals. Interest in company visits The ISTMA World Conference will address the current opportunities, challenges and technology in its 9 TOURISM Region_1-07 31.5.2007 10:31 Sivu 10 Women’s sauna scene in the TV series Karjalan kunnailla. Kuva: Pasi Räsämäki/SF The film village set in the hills of Karelia The first productions have already been filmed in the film village constructed in the middle of the Kontioranta forests. The Finnish Film Village is also being promoted as a tourist attraction. In addition, it offers students a good insight into Finnish film-making. – When we first told people that we were going to build a film village in the middle of a forest, it caused a lot of hilarity, admits Jenni Lähteenmäki, a producer at Suomen Filmiteollisuus. – Fortunately, the Regional Council of North Karelia and the municipality of Kontiolahti joined the project. The Kontioranta film village construction work is now complete. There have been topping-out parties almost every week in the autumn of 2005, a painting bee in the spring of 2006, and busy filming periods in the summer. The first productions of the Finnish Film Village are already approaching their premieres. Lieksa! – a film telling the story of the Koppelo family of tailors’ dream trip to Lieksa – will be showing to the general public in September, and at around the same 10 TOURISM time the series Karjalan kunnailla (Karelian Summer) will start its run on TV2. – We are about to complete two big productions, so it’s time for us to look into the future. A couple of feature films are in preparation, and the Finnish Film Village is also being developed as a tourist attraction. There seems to be a lot of interest, as many groups have already visited last summer. The Region_1-07 31.5.2007 10:31 Sivu 11 development and productisation of film tourism is one of our main aims, says Lähteenmäki. Miikkula village life The Finnish Film Village is transformed into a Karelian village road in the series Karjalan kunnailla. Top Finnish actors from Peter Franzen to Heikki Kinnunen star in the production about life in the Orthodox village of Miikkula. Additional colour is provided by Jenni Lähteenmäki’s 2-year-old St Bernard bitch, Lyyli, who has become an experienced motorcyclist while working on the series. Filming of the television series began as soon as the film village was completed in May 2006. The set designer started his work a year before the filming, but painting and landscaping work continued until the last moment. – Filming has to take place on the agreed days, come rain or shine. In some of last summer’s scenes the actors were in swimsuits, when the rest of us were shivering in padded overalls. Lähteenmäki describes the finished product as a different kind of Finnish television series. – It is very visual. Most of the scenes are filmed outside, and the village plays as much of a leading role as the people. and some found work elsewhere. It is important for students to be able to do practical work in the field as part of their studies. The Finnish Film Village has also made North Karelia home for many film professionals. Jenni Lähteenmäki, who describes herself as an out-and-out urbanite, has worked in North Karelia for several years. After the film Helmiä ja Sikoja (Pearls and Pigs), Koirankynnen leikkaaja was filmed in the province. Then the construction of the Finnish Film Village started. – The years here have flown by. We are a close and tightly-knit group, so settling down here happened almost surreptitiously, Lähteenmäki contemplates. – A couple of years ago, visiting Helsinki felt like going home. Now, driving here, you know you are coming home. The Finnish Film Village is transformed into a Karelian village road in the series Karjalan Kunnailla. Jenni Lähteenmäki’s dog, Lyyli, is one of the actors in the series Karjalan Kunnailla. – In this company, dogs become stars, as the Pölönen family pet performs in the film Lieksa!, the producer laughs. From urbanite to Kontiolahti resident As many of Suomen Filmiteollisuus productions as possible are made at Kontioranta. Editing is also possible there. The film village also provides an insight into film-making for local students. Suomen Filmiteollisuus has taken part in various educational projects. As an example, Lähteenmäki mentions the effective partnership with the North Karelia University of Applied Sciences. – During the production of the film Koirankynnen leikkaaja (Dognail Cutter), which premiered in 2004, film students were already being trained. Some were employed by us 11 TOURISM Region_1-07 31.5.2007 10:31 Sivu 12 – The priest and the cantor are not remote decorations or parish entertainers but, at their best, the father and mother of the parish, according to cantor Riikka Patrikainen and the future priest-incharge Ioannis Lampropoulos. 12 ORTHODOX RELIGION Region_1-07 31.5.2007 10:31 Sivu 13 Orthodox religion is a way of life Riikka Patrikainen, cantor of Ilomantsi Orthodox parish, and Ioannis Lampropoulos, who starts in his post as priest-in-charge in August, talk about the Orthodox religion as a communal way of life. The couple enjoy living in Ilomantsi, where life is not just about rushing around and chasing profits A coincidence can change everything. A teacher of Greek-born Ioannis Lampropoulos asked if the future theologian would be interested in going to Finland as an exchange student. Lampropoulos decided to go, although he didn’t know anything about the cold northern country. – On the day I arrived I saw Riikka, Lampropoulos explains as the reason why he stayed in Finland. – We didn’t even speak to each other, but somehow I knew. The couple’s life has taken them from Joensuu to Ilomantsi, where Riikka Patrikainen works as cantor of the Orthodox parish. In March Ioannis Lampropoulos was elected priest-incharge of the same parish by a clear majority of votes. He will take up his post in August. – It takes a while to become familiar with the parish customs and traditions. On the other hand, being an outsider can also be a useful thing. I see things from a new perspective, and I can make my own contribution to the development of the parish. The most difficult part of the job is combining the spiritual and the financial aspects. The future priest-in-charge emphasises the importance of interacting with people. – I will meet the parishioners as myself. The church should be a natural part of the parishioners’ lives. The most important thing is to find time for the church, to be part of its everyday life and celebrations together with other parishioners. From a hundred to fifty Riitta Patrikainen and Ioannis Lampropoulos have already lived in Ilomantsi for a few years. Their plan is to stay there until retirement. – The pace of life is different here, there is no constant hurry, stress and chasing profits. If you drive at a hundred kilometres an hour in Joensuu, here the speed is fifty. The couple describe the Orthodox religion as a way of life. The Western world is individual-centred, but in the Orthodox world the community takes precedence over the individual. – Being together is the centre of everything. The Orthodox religion is based on living as a community, it cannot be invisible, Riikka Patrikainen contemplates. Ioannis Lampropoulos says that in principle the Orthodox religion is the same in Greece as in Finland. He can also find differences between the two countries. Holy persons are respected in Greece in a way that is completely different from Finland. – The differences could be likened to two neighbouring families. Both families live in the same community, but they also have their own customs. For example, families celebrate birthdays following their own traditions. Patrikainen’s opinion the two are not comparable. – The bases are completely different. Religion is an issue one has to get to know personally. If you join with an open mind, it is not difficult. In the religious service each word, song and gesture has its special meaning, the rituals give people support and bring them joy. Riitta Patrikainen’s and Ioannis Lampropoulos’s dream parish is an open community with a desire for discussion. Issues would be brought forward without fear. – The priest and the cantor are not remote decorations or parish entertainers but, at their best, the father and mother of the parish. Nobody needs a role. The church is a home where everyone respects each other, they explain. Ioannis Lampropoulos emphasises that he is not an official, but Father Ioannis, a priest around the clock. – People should have the courage to come close, to reveal their innermost feelings. From August onwards, I will have 1,200 children, not clients. A priest around the clock The Orthodox religion is unfamiliar to many Finns, and therefore even a little frightening. An Orthodox person often has to explain himself by Lutheran standards, although in Riikka 13 ORTHODOX RELIGION Region_1-07 31.5.2007 10:31 Sivu 14 On the Herajärvi Trail, the wanderer can admire the clean open water of the lakes, flower meadows and ancient swidden forests. Finland’s best hiking trail is at Herajärvi in Koli The HerajärviTrail was crowned the top visitor attraction of 2007 in a nationwide public vote. The secret of its success is its breathtaking and varied scenery. The Herajärvi Trail, which winds its way around the municipalities of Kontiolahti and Lieksa, won first place in the Vuoden Retkikohde 2007 (Visitor attraction of the year 2007) competition, organised by Suomen Messusäätiö (Finnish Fair Foundation). The jury of professionals in the field selected 10 finalists from 28 entries, and the final positions were decided by a public vote. The Herajärvi Trail collected a third of nearly 3,700 public votes. The Herajärvi Trail received a stipend of 5,000 euros. The money will be used to improve the drinking water facilities at the Ryläys campfire site, located within the municipality of Kontiolahti. The campfire site is popular with both daytrippers and longer-distance hikers. Half of the Herajärvi Trail is within the Koli National Park. The route contains forest paths, lanes and causeways. The terrain is rocky in places. The wanderer can admire the clean open water of the lakes, flower meadows and ancient swidden forests. Visitor numbers increasing The Herajärvi Trail is a demanding circular trail of 40 kilometres. It crosses more than ten hill tops. At the beginning and the end of the trail there are also easier one-day sections, suitable for a family hike. – The Herajärvi Trail is an interesting hiking trail in a Finnish cultural landscape, traversing hills to reach lake shores. The secret of its popularity lies in its inspiring route. It contains both varied terrain and splendid views, explains Lasse Lovén, Director of Koli National Park. 14 TOURISM A couple of thousand visitors a year hike at Herajärvi. As many as 10,000 walkers enjoy the outdoors on the shorter sections. – The Visitor Attraction of the Year prize will certainly increase visitor numbers. We have already had hundreds of enquiries. I believe that this year we may have as many as five thousand hikers, Lovén estimates. More information: www.vaellus.info Region_1-07 31.5.2007 10:31 Sivu 15 Tasty delicacies baked on the waves Ritva and Kari Ryttyläinen’s baking and boating skills are combined on the car ferry Pielinen. Ritva and Kari Ryttyläinen are the most hard-working of small business owners. Ritva runs Männikkölän Pirtti, known for its catering and activity services. For his part, Kari founded Pielis-Laivat along with the barge Jermac two years ago. The timber transportation barge was not the Ryttyläinens’ first boat, as the fishing vessel Väinö had already ferried Männikkölän Pirtti clients to Kynsisaari and back for years. The most recent acquisition of Pielis-Laivat is the car ferry Pielinen, the operation of which brings the products and services of both Ryttyläinen businesses together. The ferry, bought from Saimaa Ferries, continues to ply the familiar waters between Koli and Lieksa, but now the passengers can enjoy the delicacies of Männikkölän Pirtti alongside the magnificent scenery. – For several years, I have on occasions catered for Saimaa Ferries charter excursions, so the purchase of MF Pielinen was timely after the retirement of the previous owner. On the car ferry we can combine our boating and baking skills. The idea is to have tasty food available on every cruise. We have purchased a new oven for the boat, so that we can serve, for example, genuine freshly-baked Karelian pasties, Ritva Ryttyläinen reveals. Magnificent scenery attracts visitors The timetables, route and prices of the car ferry Pielinen remain unaltered in spite of the change of owner. In summertime, MF Pielinen cruises from Lieksa to Koli and back twice a day. At other times cruises can be chartered for groups. – The best thing about the route is, of course, the beautiful scenery of Pielinen and Koli. Viewed from the direction of Lieksa, splendid hill scenery opens out. The majority of the clients on MF Pielinen are tourists, but the residents of Lieksa and Koli also use the car ferry service, Ritva Ryttyläinen says. Kari Ryttyläinen is responsible for the operation of Pielis-Laivat, leaving Ritva time for her Männikkölän Pirtti. The business, founded in 1988 under the name Nurmeksen Pitopalvelu, has expanded its operations over the years to include accommodation and activity services. Various excursions are arranged throughout the year, the theme being smoke sauna in the summer, berry-picking in the autumn and skiing in the winter. – We are also in partnership with the Bomba Karelian village. For sixteen summers I have had a home bakery and café on the Bomba summer market, and in wintertime visitors to the Karelian village can ski across the lake to the ski café at Männikkölän Pirtti. 15 TOURISM Region_1-07 31.5.2007 10:31 Sivu 16 Gourmet’s paradise – Appreciation of food is rising, Johanna Rinnekari rejoices. The fame of Karelian delicacies will spread further when celebrity cook Sara La Fountain arrives in North Karelia in early summer to make a television programme, to be shown in sixty countries. 16 TOURISM Region_1-07 31.5.2007 10:31 Sivu 17 Between East and West Herring with chives, roach with tomatoes, leg of lamb and chargrilled fish. Karelian stew, oven-baked mashed carrots and false morel sauce. For accompaniment Karelian pasties, sultsinas and spinach vatruskas. Rhubarb and birch sap mead crowns the feast. The tables of Restaurant Karjalantalo groan under the weight of delicacies, each one more tempting than the last. I help myself to a sample of each dish, my first sultsinas ever, and in spite of my prejudice, of all the fish dishes as well. This decision is well worth it, as the boiled pike and small perch marinaded in vinegar prove to be the best dishes on the table. To finish the generous meal I enjoy a piece of traditional baked pancake pudding. Yum! The Karelian food tradition can be termed the most famous in Finland. Who hasn’t heard of Karelian pasties and stew? The lesser-known sultsina and vatruska are also the best of delicacies. Vegetables, mushrooms and varied fish and game dishes, including wild boar, also belong to a Karelian table. The meals are typically cooked in the oven. Karelian identity for children The food culture has evolved along the way. As an example, Johanna Rinnekari, Executive Director of ProAgria North Karelia and head of the Karelia à la carte network, reveals that the original filling for Karelian pasties was barley, not rice. – Many pastymakers don't use rice at all. However, it has been observed that for foreigners, rice is more familiar than barley and therefore often the preferred option. As well as being to adults’ taste, Karelian food is also suitable for children. The Karelia à la carte network has developed a children’s menu. – The menu was tested on over a hundred children. It includes, for example, Goblin’s wild boar skewers, Fiddler Pig’s delicious rieska flatbread cone and Fifer Pig’s freshwater fishcakes. The popularity of the menu proves that children will eat and like foods other than mince, observes Rinnekari. Rising appreciation of food The Karelian food tradition is marketed by Karelia à la carte all over Finland, and abroad too. The network also organises Karelian food excursions. At the beginning of summer, the celebrity cook Sara La Fountain will become acquainted with Karelian food culture, and her television programme on the subject will be shown next year in up to sixty countries. – Souvenirs are an important part of travel. People want to eat something original and local. Appreciation of food is rising, as we are at last beginning to understand its significance in tourism. Rinnekari believes that households, as well as catering businesses, maintain the food traditions of the province. – I think that at the tables of ordinary homes the Karelian identity is stronger than other provincial food cultures. North Karelia, with its groaning banqueting tables, is a real paradise for gourmets! Karelian food culture is worth nurturing. The Karelia à la carte – Ruokaa rakkaudella (Food with love) network helps develop the methodical planning and profitability of North Karelian hospitality businesses, joint marketing of network businesses, and the sourcing of ingredients. – Karelia à la carte is a network of North Karelian companies specialising in rural tourism, catering businesses, and restaurants, based on Karelian cultural heritage. When a business joins the network, it makes a commitment to use produce and ingredients from our own province, summarises Johanna Rinnekari, Managing Director of ProAgria North Karelia. We don’t want to mould the businesses into a chain in which they are all alike. On the contrary, they are encouraged to develop their own ideas and to be distinctive. Over eighty businesses have already joined. Present-day tastes and consumer habits are also taken into account in the Karelia à la carte network. The Karelian food culture is being developed courageously and with an open mind, but at the same time respecting tradition. – We do not want to get stuck in conventional practices, but are continually developing new meal concepts in partnership with businesses and educational institutions. The Karelian food culture has always been receptive to new influences, helped by the region’s location between the East and West, Rinnekari muses. Karelia à la carte was a revival of a project started in 1991, but later fizzled out. – When I heard of the project, I thought that this great idea must not be allowed to be buried. The network nurtures the Karelian identity in general, too. Accessories, materials, decorations and colours are an integral part of the meal experience, as well as the food itself. 17 TOURISM Region_1-07 31.5.2007 10:31 Sivu 18 Skill and determination concentrated in the artisan quarter Hobbies and businesses thrive in the cultural and handicrafts centre of Taitokortteli. Everything from beautiful handicrafts to chocolate versions of the Karelian pasty can be found in its nooks and crannies. Next, Executive Director Petra Kärnä wants to turn weaving into a megatrend. It all started with having nothing to do. Petra Kärnä, who moved to Finland from Switzerland 18 years ago, remembers how her husband took her to ‘day-care’ at a Joensuu handicrafts centre. Kärnä, who studied financial administration and marketing in Switzerland, became Taitokortteli combines the making and sale of handicrafts. 18 so enthusiatic about handicrafts that she founded a business about ten years ago. Petra Kärnä, who is now Executive Director of Pohjois-Karjalan käsi- ja taideteollisuus ry, has a tendency to make things happen. In 2004 she got the idea of Taitokortteli, a hobbies and shopping centre to combine the making and sale of handicrafts, thereby promoting artisan culture, skills and trade. The idea began to snowball at an alarming speed. In May 2006, the opening of Taitokortteli was celebrated in Joensuu. – The opening felt unreal. I wondered, are we actually in TOURISM Joensuu. There were over two hundred invited guests at the evening party, and the one thousand mark was exceeded at the public opening, Kärnä remembers. Under lucky stars Taitokortteli is a lively cultural entity and significant visitor attraction operating throughout the year. The central location is vital for the viability of the quarter. Suitable premises were found right in the centre of Joensuu, in a traditional building housing a technical office. The building, which was once owned by Commercial Councellor Antti Mustonen, created a splendid environment for Taitokortteli, including the Kauppaneuvos café, conceived by Kärnä as an additional way of enticing people in. – Municipal bureaucracy is reproached for lack of progress. On the contrary, we sometimes had to actually slow it down, Kärnä laughs. Together with the Mustonen house, another 19th-century building, the Parviainen house, is included in the half-hectare site of Taitokortteli. A barn from a nearby site was moved to provide exhibition space, and a commercial building next door, which had earlier been condemned for demolition, was also incorporated into Taitokortteli. The buildings surround a peaceful inner yard, where events from theatre performances to craft markets are organised during summer. – Taitokortteli was born under lucky stars. All essentials, from the premises onwards, have been found quickly and at the right time, Kärnä marvels. Region_1-07 31.5.2007 10:31 Sivu 19 Profits for culture Taitokortteli has expanded PohjoisKarjalan käsi- ja taideteollisuus ry into an association employing about thirty people. In addition to Joensuu, handicraft centres are operating in seven different localities. – At first it was difficult to entice small businesses to move to Taitokortteli, but now we have nearly thirty sub-tenants. We are now running out of space, Kärnä says. There were about 40,000 visitors to Taitokortteli in the seven months up to the end of 2006. – I had a clear vision of Taitokortteli right from the start, but the final result is certainly better than I could ever have imagined. The need for this kind of place has now been proven. The profits produced by the site are invested in culture. Taitokortteli is a centre for public benefit. From handicrafts to maternity packs At the end of April, Petra Kärnä, who has also designed the Karjala clothing range, unveiled her newest invention, a chocolate version developed from the traditional Karelian pasty. – I have a lot of ideas, because I see the potential of original Finnish everyday things in a different way. The handicraft centres are like maternity packs, something unique that has to be nurtured and protected. Next, Kärnä wants to make weaving into a megatrend. – Weaving is a good example of something that will only survive if people become enthusiastic about it. Young people should be made to realise the possibilities that weaving offers. You can define colours and shapes as you like, you can be individual, Kärnä explains. – When I told others about my Taitokortteli idea a couple of years ago, they thought I was almost mad. Now no-one remembers how strange the idea seemed then. Ideas must just be created and then realised, Kärnä summarises. Executive Director Petra Kärnä’s latest invention is a chocolate pasty. 19 TOURISM Region_1-07 31.5.2007 10:31 Sivu 20 Riihivalkea rocks and relaxes Airi and Hans Skogster relaxing in the health-producing salt room at Riihivalkea. When a decision is radical enough, it can actually succeed, says Hans Skogster referring to his tourism business. At Riihivalkea you can relax in the midst of nature and enjoy musical events with the rhythms of samba, jazz and rock. 20 At the turn of the millennium, Hans Skogster had an idea. Various hostelries had become familiar to him in his work as a representative, and a tourism business of his own had become a dream. Skogster talked his wife, Airi Skogster, and colleague, Hannu Nykänen, into joining him, and they soon started to look for a suitable location. – We came to the conclusion that around here there would be a demand for a tourism business. We moved in the spring of 2001. The decision was not in doubt, even though I had never heard Central Karelia mentioned in the context of tourism. When a decision is radical enough, it might even succeed, Skogster laughs. Riihivalkea has developed into a versatile tourism business, providing accommodation, food, activities, conference and function services. The Riihivalkea range of activities includes snowmobile or quadbike safaris, and the business also organises fishing trips beyond the Russian border. One of the destinations is the island of Valamo on Lake Ladoga. Sointu Tammisto provides various luxury health and beauty treatments at Riihivalkea, with the salt room a unique feature. – The salt room is suitable for e.g. asthmatics, as salt is a traditional treatment for breathing problems. You spend about forty minutes in the room, breathing in fine salt dust. I have treated my blocked nose in TOURISM it, and it should also help sinus inflammation. The salt room is also a treatment for atopic skin, Skogster says. Variety is a recipe for success Many different kinds of events are organised at Riihivalkea, and music has emerged as the most significant component. This summer Jorma Kääriäinen will star at RajaRock, which has now become a tradition. In July, it is the turn of Riihivalkea Jazz & Blues and in August it is samba. – We used to organise music festivals for our friends and neighbours in my brother’s garden in Sipoo. Here new ideas are vital, product packages have to be Region_1-07 31.5.2007 10:31 Sivu 21 Riihivalkea has developed into a versatile tourism business, providing accommodation, food, activities, conference and function services. Many city people dream of more spacious living. New advertiser saves the day Tilapörssi brings together commercial premises, houses and building plots for sale in the rural areas of Joensuu. A new prospective buyer is always the highlight of the working day for Aaro Piipponen. continually cultivated and developed. Each customer has to be acquired individually, as there are no casual passers-by in the border country. Customers have discovered Riihivalkea. There were over five thousand visitors last year. Hans Skogster emphasises the importance of partnership. Riihivalkea takes an active part in the joint projects of the region’s businesses. – It is difficult to manage only on one’s own products in such a remote location. A comprehensive service is the most important thing. In Tilapörssi, established in 1990, both private and business sellers can advertise building plots, houses or even businesses for sale in rural Joensuu. Buyers can also post their advertisements on the Internet service. Tilapörssi started from the local need, when it was realised that it was difficult to find properties for sale. Bringing them together particularly serves the needs of prospective buyers who live some distance away. – Many city people dream of more spacious living. Difficulty in finding properties for sale should not prevent the move, emphasises Aaro Piipponen, Project Manager of Joensuun maaseutuohjelma (Joensuu Rural Programme). We hope to revive the rural areas by proactive marketing. We are continually seeking new advertisers, sellers and buyers for Tilapörssi. – Someone wanting to buy a house in the country always saves the day. It is also important to have a sufficient number of sellers, otherwise there will be no buyers either, Piipponen laughs. Highlighting the advantages of the country Direct contact, brochures and fairs are used in an effort to awaken TOURISM people all over Finland to the possibilities offered by the countryside. JOSEK Oy (Joensuu Regional Development Company Ltd), the City of Joensuu and Karelia Expert Matkailupalvelu Oy (Karelia Expert Tourist Service Ltd) also organise introductory tours of North Karelia from the Helsinki area. The first one, last year, did not attract a large number of participants, but the ensuing satisfaction proved to be all the greater. The trippers even thanked the organisers by publishing an announcement in Karjalainen. – The idea of the tour is to show the countryside from the practical perspective. People can see with their own eyes what the countryside is like nowadays. The Karelian identity, nature, employment opportunities and services are promoted. It is most important to welcome the travellers with hospitality, Piipponen summarises. Tilapörssi can be found at this address: www.jns.fi/maaseutu 21 Region_1-07 31.5.2007 10:31 Sivu 22 Северная Карелия – край культуры и туризма Северная Карелия - признанный край культуры. Панорамные виды Национального парка Коли, карельский уклад жизни, православная церковь, карельская кухня и многообразие природы с ее лесами и водоемами образуют то единое целое, которым гордится наш край. Северная Карелия это также рай для гурманов. Карельская кухня и блюда "Karelia â la carte", пожалуй, являются самыми известными финскими гастрономическими брэндами. Возрождаются народные промыслы; их продукцию вам предложат в Квартале искусств в Йоэнсуу - от изделий декоративно-прикладных ремесел до шоколадной версии карельских пирожков "калиток". Радость живет в Карелии – смотрите, слушайте, пробуйте! Для путешественников Северная Карелия тоже многолика. Ценителей природной тишины и уединения привлекает развитая сеть дачных коттеджей, дополняемая великолепными пешими и водными туристскими маршрутами. Маршрут вокруг озера Хераярви в Коли признан лучшим маршрутом пешего туризма Финляндии 2007 года. Программы различных озерных круизов и водных прогулок предлагают насладиться живописными видами и кухней Карелии. Различные рок-фестивали, праздники песни, а также активная деятельность летних любительских театров, призваны дополнить впечатления гостей и местных жителей. Любителям гольфа наверняка понравятся клуб "Karelia Golf" в Контиолахти и другие площадки для гольфа в различных уголках края. Отдыхающим провинция предлагает также оздоровительные услуги. Местные монастыри в Валамо и в Линтула, а также многочисленные часовни, предлагают гостям окунуться в мистический мир православия. Участники проводимых в провинции конференций и семинаров тоже имеют возможность познакомиться с краем в рамках организуемых культурных программ. Для многих строчка "Я еду в Северную Карелию" из популярной песни после нескольких посещений превращается в мысль "Я перееду в Северную Карелию". А почему бы и нет? Кейё Мутанен, исполнительный директор АО «JOSEK Oy» www.josek.fi В Риихивалкеа слушают рок и отдыхают Когда решение достаточно смелое, оно может даже привести к успеху - так говорит Ханс Скогстер (Hans Skogster) о своем турбизнесе. В Риихивалкеа отдыхают на природе и набираются впечатлений от ритмов самбы, джаза и рока. На рубеже тысячелетий у Ханса Скогстера родилась идея. Работая представителем, бывая в самых различных местах, он понемногу стал подумывать о своем туристическом бизнесе. Ханс уговорил присоединиться жену Айри Скогстер (Airi Skogster) и своего коллегу Ханну Нюкянена (Hannu Nykänen) и вскоре они стали подыскивать подходящее место. – Мы пришли к выводу, что скоро здесь появится спрос на туруслуги. Весной 2001 мы переехали. Колебаний не было, хотя, работая в туристическом бизнесе, я никогда не слышал, чтобы речь шла о Центральной Карелии. Когда решение достаточно смелое, оно может привести к успеху, - смеется Ханс. Теперь «Riihivalkea Oy» - многопрофильная турфирма, предлагающая размещение, питание, программы отдыха, проведение семинаров и торжеств. Из Риихивалкеа можно отправиться в сафари на снегоходах или квадроциклах. Организуются также поездки в Россию на рыбалку или на остров Валаам. А Сойнту Таммисто (Sointu Tammisto) предлагает отдыхающим различные релаксационные процедуры, одной из которых является солетерапия. – Посещение соляной камеры полезно, например, астматикам, так как соль является традиционным средством лечения дыхательных путей. В соляной камере вдыхают соляную пыль в течении примерно сорока минут. Я сам, например, так избавился от хронического насморка. Должно быть, соляная камера поможет вылечить и гайморит. Кроме того, солетерапия - один из видов лечения атопической крапивницы, рассказывает Ханс Скогстер. В Риихивалкеа проходит много мероприятий, наиболее крупные из которых посвящены музыке. Этим летом пройдет ставший уже традиционным фестиваль «RajaRock» (Пограничный рок), с участием Йормы Кяярияйнена (Jorma Kääriäinen), в июле «Riihivalkea Jazz & Blues», а в августе здесь будет звучать самба. – Мы уже проводили в Сипоо, во дворе у племянника, приватные музыкальные вечера. Здесь же идеи жизненно важны для бизнеса, надо постоянно создавать и совершенствовать программные пакеты. Каждого клиента нужно привлекать персонально, ведь в погранзоне нет случайных прохожих. www.riihivalkea.fi 22 RUSSIA Лучший пеший туристский маршрут Финляндии лежит вокруг озера Хераярви в Коли Маршрут вокруг озера Хераярви по результатам открытого голосования назван лучшим пешим туристским маршрутом Финляндии. Секрет его популярности кроется в открывающихся на пути панорамных видах. Петляющий по территориям коммун Контиолахти и Лиекса маршрут занял первое место в конкурсе «Лучший туристский объект 2007 года», организованном Финским выставочным фондом. Жюри, состоящее из профессионалов, выбрало из 28 претендентов десять финалистов, которые затем приняли участие в публичном голосовании. Маршрут вокруг озера Хераярви получил почти треть из 3700 голосов. Половина маршрута проходит по Национальному парку Коли. Путь лежит по лесным тропам, дорогам и гатям, перемежающимся скальными участками. В пути туристы могут насладиться видами ровной глади озер, цветущих лугов и выжженных под пашню лесов. Маршрут общей протяженностью 40 километров, пролегающий через два десятка сопок достаточно сложен для прохождения. При этом начальный и финишный отрезки проще, они хорошо подходят для однодневных семейных вылазок на природу. – Этот пеший маршрут ведет через вершины сопок на берег озера по интересным и впечатляющим местам, считающимися национальным культурным наследием. Пожалуй, секрет популярности маршрута именно в разнообразности ландшафта и открывающихся видов. Эта местность сильно пересечена, но при этом очень живописна, - резюмирует служитель парка Лассе Ловэн (Lasse Lovén). www.vaellus.info Совместный маркетинг Йоэнсуу и Петрозаводска Города Йоэнсуу и Петрозаводск расширяют сеть своих международных контактов в рамках осуществляемого в этом году пилотного проекта, который направлен на развитие регионального маркетинга, стратегического планирования и бизнесконсультирования. В ходе этого совместного проекта в Петрозаводске будет учреждена новая служба, отвечающая за региональный маркетинг и развитие предпринимательства, а регион Йоэнсуу повысит свой имидж и притягательность, совершенствуя маркетинг в Петрозаводске и северо-западной части России. Реализует проект Агентство развития региона Йоэнсуу «JOSEK Oy» в партнерстве с администрациями обоих городов и Карельским научным центром РАН. Финансируется проект из средств европейской программы добрососедства «Еврорегион Карелия». www.josek.fi Region_1-07 31.5.2007 10:31 Sivu 23 Кинодеревня прописалась на холмах Карелии В кинодеревне, возведенной посреди леса на берегу Контиоранта, уже завершены первые съемки. О Финской кинодеревне заговорили также как о туристическом объекте. Кроме этого студенты получают здесь экскурс в финскую киноиндустрию. – Конечно, когда мы говорили, что делаем кинодеревню посреди леса, это сначала вызывало улыбку, - признается продюсер кинокомпании «Suomen Filmiteollisuus» Йенни Ляхтеенмяки (Jenni Lähteenmäki). – К счастью, Союз провинции Северная Карелия и муниципалитет Контиолахти поддержали проект. Теперь кинодеревня уже готова. Осенью 2005 здесь каждую неделю под крышу возводилось по зданию и после завершения малярных работ весной 2006 все лето непрерывно шли съемки. Первая продукция, отснятая в Финской кинодеревне, скоро уже выйдет в показ. Осенью на экраны выходит фильм «Лиекса!», рассказывающий о поездке семейства портного в заветный город Лиекса. Одновременно по второму телевизионному каналу начнется показ сериала «Karjalan kunnailla» (На холмах Карелии). – Работа над двумя большими кинопроектами почти завершена, поэтому мы уже живем будущим. Сейчас к съемкам готовятся два полнометражных фильма. К тому же Финская кинодеревня становится объектом туризма. Интерес в этом отношении налицо – прошлым летом здесь побывало немало публики. Поэтому нам предстоит разработать пакеты кинотуристических программ, делится планами Йенни. Главная деревенская улица в телесериале «Karjalan kunnailla» снята в Финской кинодеревне. В главных ролях этой рассказывающей о жизни православной деревни Мииккула мелодрамы заняты ведущие финские актеры от Петера Францэна (Peter Franzén) до Хейкки Киннунена (Heikki Kinnunen). В сюжете нашлась роль даже для собаки Йенни - двухлетнего сенбернара Лююли, которой на съемках пришлось даже стать мотоциклистом. Съемки телесериала начались сразу после возведения кинодеревни в мае 2006 года. Декораторы начали работать еще за год до этого, но малярные работы и декорирование дворов велись до последнего момента. – Съемки всегда идут в назначенный день, независимо от того, идет ли дождь или светит солнце. В некоторых сценах, снятых прошлым летом, актеры играли в купальных костюмах в то время, когда вся остальная съемочная группа ежилась от холода в теплых комбинезонах. По мнению Йенни Ляхтеенмяки получился несколько нетипичный финский телесериал. – Он очень визуален. Большинство сцен снято под открытом небом и деревню мы видим в кадре не меньше, чем героев сериала. Компания «Suomen Filmiteollisuus» стремится как можно большую часть своего производства выполнить в Контиоранта, в т.ч. и монтаж. Кинодеревня служит окном в мир киноиндустрии для местных студентов. «Suomen Filmiteollisuus» участвует в различных образовательных проектах. Как пример Йенни Ляхтеенмяки упоминает о сотрудничестве с Высшей профессиональной школой Северной Карелии. – Еще в процессе работы над фильмом «Koirankynnen leikkaaja», вышедшем в 2004 году, у нас стажировались студенты профильных факультетов. Часть из них остались работать у нас, часть устроилась в других местах. Это ведь очень важно, уже во время учебы участвовать в настоящем производстве. www.suomenfilmiteollisuus.fi Рай для гурманов Селедка со шнитт-луком, плотва в томате, копченый бараний окорок и печеная на углях рыба. Карельское рагу, морковная запеканка и соус из лисичек. К ним карельские пирожки "калитки", сульчины и ватрушки со шпинатом. Трапезу венчает медок на березовом соке с ревенем. Столы в ресторане «Karjalantalo» ломятся от яств, одно другого заманчивее. Кладу на тарелку по чутьчуть от каждого кушанья, первые в моей жизни сульчины и, несмотря на личную предвзятость, немного каждого рыбного блюда. И это того стоило, так как за столом больше всего мне по вкусу пришлись именно отварная щука и окуньки в маринаде. На десерт я беру еще кусочек традиционной драчены. Ням ням! Карельскую кухню можно назвать самой известной в Финляндии. Кто же не слышал про карельские пирожки и карельское рагу? Менее известные сульчины и ватрушки тоже одни из первых лакомств. Карельский стол не обходится также без овощей, грибов и всевозможных блюд из рыбы и дичи, начиная с кабана. Как правило, все блюда готовятся в печи. Культура питания формировалась с течением времени. Например, как говорит руководитель сети «Karelia à la carte», исполнительный директор организации «ProAgria Pohjois-Karjala» Йоханна Риннекари (Johanna Rinnekari), изначально начинка карельских "калиток" была не рисовой, а ячменной. – Многие пекари до сих пор не признают рис. Однако иностранцам рис более привычен, чем ячмень, и они предпочитают именно такой вариант "калиток". Карельская кухня нравится не только взрослым, но и детям. В «Karelia à la carte» разработано специальное детское меню. – Меню оценивали более ста детей. В него входит, например, кабаний шашлык троллей, лакомая трубочка Братца Скрипки и рыбные котлетки Братца Флейты. Популярность меню доказывает, что ребенок с удовольствием ест не только блюда из мясного фарша, - рассказывает Йоханна Риннекари. Гастрономические впечатления являются важной частью туризма, ведь любой путешественник хочет попробовать что-нибудь местное и экзотическое. Северная Карелия в этом смысле - настоящий рай для гурманов! www.kareliaalacarte.fi www.proagria.fi/pohjois-karjala 23 RUSSIA Region_1-07 31.5.2007 10:31 Sivu 24 Did you know that … • 50% of Europe’s forestry machines • 90% of building locks used in Finland and • 40% of low-calorie cheeses consumed in Finland are manufactured in the Joensuu Region? JOENSUU REGION – Business and Technology • With a population of 116,000, the Joensuu Region is one of Finland's fastest growing regional centres. In addition to Joensuu (almost 58,000 inhabitants), the region includes seven other municipalities (Kontiolahti, Liperi, Outokumpu, Pyhäselkä, Eno, Ilomantsi and Polvijärvi). There are approximately 5,000 companies in the Joensuu Region. Plastics and metal, wood products, ICT, welfare and tourism are the region's major industries. The region invests in the development of expertise. There are approximately 20,000 students in the Joensuu Region. 38.3% of the region’s population have completed secondary education, and 17.7% have a higher educational qualification. • The North Karelia University of Applied Sciences has more than 4,000 students who carry out their studies in 7 faculties and 23 Degree Programmes. Each year approximately 100 international exchange students study at the university. • The University of Joensuu has eight faculties and 8,500 students, of whom approximately 550 are from abroad. In addition, the Open University has 4,500 students. The region is internationally renowned for its expertise in forestry, forest research, wood technology, plastics engineering and tool manufacture. Other important fields of expertise include optics, information and communication technology, content production, cross-border co-operation and co-operation with neighbouring areas. • Joensuu Science Park Ltd supports the development of expanding companies by offering business development services, transfer of technology and expertise, and an innovative operational environment. • The Joensuu Regional Development Company, Josek Ltd, works to strengthen and diversify the region's industrial structure, develop its competitiveness and improve the operational conditions of businesses in an increasingly international environment. • The Regional Council of North Karelia works to safeguard regional interests and develop the region. It is also the authority responsible for coordinating, for example, the funding granted through the EU’s Objective 1 Programme. • The European Forest Institute (EFI) is an international organisation and has an extensive network of experts in European forestry research. Polvijärvi Outokumpu Eno Liperi Joensuu Pyhäselkä www.joensuuregion.info Published by: City of Joensuu www.jns.fi Joensuu Regional Development Company Ltd www.josek.fi Inward investment and business counselling Joensuu Regional Development Company, Josek Ltd Keijo Mutanen, Managing Director Tel: +358 (0)40 555 2943 [email protected] • www.josek.fi Services of the Science Park and internationalisation Joensuu Science Park Ltd Jari Lauronen, Managing Director Tel: +358 (0)13 263 7230, +358 (0)50 572 3733 [email protected] • www.carelian.fi Regional development and safeguarding of regional interests Regional Council of North Karelia Pentti Hyttinen, Executive Director Tel: +358 (0)13 2654 110, +358 (0)40 546 5227 [email protected] • www.pohjois-karjala.fi Ilomantsi Kontiolahti Joensuu Science Park www.carelian.fi www.imtec.net www.puugia.fi University of Joensuu www.joensuu.fi North Karelia University of Applied Sciences www.ncp.fi Regional Council of North Karelia www.pohjois-karjala.fi European Forest Institute www.efi.int Editing-in-chief: Risto Eronen City of Joensuu [email protected] Tel: +358 (0)50 67282 Editorial staff: Keijo Mutanen Anne Mujunen Kari Hippi Salli Soininen Reijo Muje Anu Ruusila Ella Lindström Editing and layout: Idealmainos Oy Photos: Idealmainos Oy Printing: PunaMusta, Joensuu Circulation: Finnish 10,000 copies English 5,000 copies Issued: twice a year Changes of address: [email protected]