www.joensuuregion.fi 1

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113

E N T R E P R E N E U R S H I P & W O R K — L I F E & P E O P L E

Anything that doesn’t add value

for the customer is a waste.

PaGes 4-7

Assembling pedal cars

TO ELIMINATE

POINTLESS ACTIVITY

2 Joensuu Region

JOENSUU – A CRADLE OF SUCCESS

WHEN PLANNING THIS PUBLICATION, I MYSELF WAS ASTONISHED BY the expertise displayed by people and companies in the Joensuu region. Blancco Oy, a specialist in data erasure, has been deleting data around the world for 15 years. This year, the firm was presented with the Internationalisa-tion Award by the President of the Republic of Finland. Blancco is also rated as one of North Karelia’s most successful companies.

New ideas, such as the Lean Practice Factory, are continually being developed in the region. In the factory, processes and workflows are improved, in a way suitable for both manufacturers and service companies. For such exercises to be of any use, it is important that both managers and employees participate. In brief, the Lean concept is based on the elimination of seven pointless activities, and on the resulting improvement in quality and lower costs.

Russians form an important customer group in our region. Last year, our tax-free sales rose by 36 per cent. The number of Russian tourists is forecast to grow by 15 per cent by 2020. This is equivalent to 150 million euros worth of purchasing power transferring to Joensuu. Visa-free travel would considerably increase such growth. We help our companies to create service products and concepts aimed at Russian customers. For example, the Joensuu Region loyalty card is offered to Russian customers. With this, they are entitled to discounts from retailers participating in the scheme.

But people also need entertainment. Pop group Kaukolasipartio hales from the singing country of Karelia. I can vouch for how much fun they are to listen to. As a passenger on a train on which they performed, I can also say that I’ve never been so entertained on a rail journey. Jaakko Teppo’s sons, Ilja and Johannes, have succeeded in following in their father’s footsteps in the music business.

Tropical experiences are available in Joensuu, even in winter. Botania is Joensuu’s botanical garden and Finland’s only butterfly garden. It is also the world’s most northerly tropical butterfly garden. This is certainly worth seeing. Travellers’ tips: Linnunlahti Camping offers up-to-date, quality accom-modation in holiday apartments in Joensuu, right next to the city’s central block area. Not to mention the new Koli Relax Spa, a luxury and landscape spa designed for adults.

See you in the Joensuu region!

ANNE MUJUNENEDITOR-IN-CHIEF

1/2013EDITORIAL

www.joensuuregion.fi 3

PublisherJoensuu Regional Development Company JoSEk ltd.– www.josek.fi

Editor-in-ChiefAnne MujunenMarketing ManagerJoensuu Regional Development Company JoSEk ltd.anne.mujunen@josek.fi Tel. +358 (0)500 285 906

Editingleila koistinenAdvertising Agency Idealmainos oy

LayoutPetra NiemiAdvertising Agency Idealmainos oy

Photographyleila koistinenAdvertising Agency Idealmainos oy

Customer archives

IllustrationsIlona HokkanenAdvertising Agency Idealmainos oy

CoverSunprofi le oy’s lEAN FactoryCaption: leila koistinen

PrintingkTMP | Ykkös-off set

Print run2,000 copies

28

19 22

12

24 8

26JOENSUU – A CRADLE OF SUCCESS

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1/2013

There’s a hitch! The assembly time is six minutes. Markku Paloniitty of Sunprofi le Oy helps to

identify the process points in need of development.

4 Joensuu Region

Assembling pedal cars

TO ELIMINATE POINTLESS ACTIVITY text and pictures: LeiLa Koistinen

Work is in full swing in the pedal car factory. Over ten company advisers have gathered. The aim is to safely assemble fl awless, high-quality, well-functioning pedal cars – preferably in under two minutes.

Now, on the fi rst practice day, there’s still some way to go before the two-minute barrier is broken. The factory director barks out the news that each car is still taking around eight minutes to make. Why? î

LEAN FactoryFor:Managers and employees in• Manufacturing industry

• Service companies• Work communities

What:• Right production process• Final product: pedal cars• based on the LEAn principles developed by Toyota• Implementation of key elements of smooth production fl ow in practiceRealising and learning about continuous improvement

• Results analysis and operational development based on simple problem-solving methods• Learning about a culture of continuous development• Leveraging the entire work community’s expertise for development activities

Learning how to lead and cooperate, and understanding their importance• Supervision• Teamwork

Integrating lessons learned and experiences into one’s own processes

www.joensuuregion.fi 5

At the LEAN factory, processes and workfl ows are improved. LEAN means just what it says. While the word has a slightly

different connotation when translated into Finnish, the key issue is to understand the main purpose of LEAN practices. This me-ans the elimination of waste and pointless activities, and reducing throughput times.

In LEAN operations, unnecessary ele-ments are cut out. This includes everything that adds no value to the customer experi-ence – which brings the focus of activities round to adding customer value.

practice in the right production environment

LEAN practices can now be tried out in the LEAN Factory of Joensuu fi rm Sunprofi -le Oy, in which pedal cars are made. The Factory is among Finland’s fi rst concrete, permanent LEAN learning environments.

– The LEAN Factory provides a unique

opportunity to learn about productivity improvement in a genuine production en-vironment. Toyota’s LEAN practices form the basis of the method, explains Jyrki Koukkari, CEO of Sunprofi le.

– At our LEAN Factory, teams manu-facture genuine pedal cars under the lea-dership of the trainers. With a practice period of two days, training is suitable for productivity learning in all sectors. Key focus areas are learning the basic LEAN methods through discovery, and applying these lessons to your own production envi-ronment, continues Koukkari.

Bottlenecks identified

Assembling pedal cars with your workma-tes opens your eyes to both production effi -ciency and the importance of cooperation.

– Everyone learns what his or her contri-bution means to the end result. We began by working in small groups, each with his or her own sub-area. However, despite every-

Markku Paloniitty has assembled the factory

staff. A faulty part has been discovered during a

quality inspection.

Together, teams from Joensuu Regional Development Company Josek ponder the elimination of pointless work phases.

Company adviser Raimo Tölli gets to grips with a front axle.

Jyrki Peltomaa, Regional Client Manager at VTT, holding a stopwatch.

The work phase is executed in record time. Matti Elsinen celebrates.

Pekka Nuutinen and Minna Koskimies assess the time taken for different work phases.

WITH PRODUCTION IN FULL FLOW, THE FACTORY DIRECTOR BLOWS THE WHISTLE.

6 Joensuu Region

thing, we couldn’t raise the production rate and it was time to fi gure out why, explains training participant Pekka Nuutinen of the Joensuu Regional Development Com-pany, Josek Ltd.

– We went through the processes, me-asured the time taken and tried to identi-fy bottlenecks. We soon realised that the fl ow came to a halt at Juha’s station. The problem didn’t lie in Juha but in the fact that task distribution and the time taken for each sub-area of the process were not in balance, Nuutinen elaborates.

pointless activity eliminated

At the LEAN factory, trainees are taught to understand the importance of pointless work. For example, all waiting is pointless. Profi table productivity is also reduced by searching for tools, and by disorganisation and unclear duties. These also make work less enjoyable.

– My job was to install the wheels on the pedal cars. I fetched the right tools from storage, checked that there were enough ball bearings and made sure that the wheels were installed the right way around. A fas-cinating change for someone used to wor-king in an offi ce, affi rms Project Manager Minna Koskimies.

– At the factory, I learned why it’s impor-tant for tools to be in good condition and in the right place. This will be of genuine benefi t to my own work, she insists.

WhistleBloWing to concentrate the mind

With production in full fl ow, the factory director blows the whistle. Everyone has to stop what they’re doing. The reason is a quality fl aw caused by faulty parts.

” What have we learned about faulty parts?” the factory director asks the audi-ence. Someone answers that they should be returned, marked with red tape, to the quality assurance department.

– It’s diffi cult to bear all of the lessons in mind while focusing on your work. Of course, we know that we should notify of quality fl aws right away. But I only under-

stood how important the issue was after trying to force the faulty part into place. A whistle blow is an unusual kind of remin-der, says company adviser Risto Ravatti-nen, with a laugh.

mission accomplished

Through the right production process, the LEAN Factory teaches the key elements of smooth production. The teaching has a strong practical focus.

– This LEAN training is suitable for all work communities, whether from manufac-turing or the service sector. It is also impor-tant that both the management and emplo-yees participate, states Jyrki Koukkari.

– In addition to learning about smooth processes, we found out how to eliminate unnecessary work phases and waiting from the process. It also brought us together as a team. A good team spirit has now reach-ed a new level, commends a grateful Pekka Nuutinen.

– The highlight came at the end of the second day, when we got the assembly time per timed car down to a second under two minutes. We did it, comments Pekka Nuu-tinen, delighted on behalf the whole team. ­­¢

OUR GOOD TEAM SPIRIT HAS NOW REACHED A NEW LEVEL.

Pedal car assembly is fun, precise work.

cinating change for someone used to wor-king in an offi ce, affi rms Project Manager

– At the factory, I learned why it’s impor-tant for tools to be in good condition and in the right place. This will be of genuine

With production in full fl ow, the factory director blows the whistle. Everyone has to stop what they’re doing. The reason is a

” What have we learned about faulty parts?” the factory director asks the audi-ence. Someone answers that they should be returned, marked with red tape, to the

– It’s diffi cult to bear all of the lessons in mind while focusing on your work. Of course, we know that we should notify of quality fl aws right away. But I only under-

tinen, delighted on behalf the whole team. ¢

WASTE MEANS ANYTHING

THAT DOESN’T IMPROVE

CUSTOMER VALUE.

Tools should always be within reach.

www.joensuuregion.fi 7

Development Expert Arto Pyykkö and CEO Jyrki Koukkari

of Sunprofi le Oy watch the training.

8 Joensuu Region

Jouni Silvennoinen, a doctor who has settled in Joensuu with his family, is delighted with both his work and home town.

The little free time I have is spent at my summer cottage and on enjoyable hobbies.

Jouni Silvennoinen, a doctor who has settled in Joensuu with his family, is delighted with both his work and home town.

A SuITAbLY SIzED CITY – NICE WORK

text and picture: LeiLa Koistinen

www.joensuuregion.fi 9

For Jouni Silvennoinen, it was clear from the outset that he would work and live in Eastern Finland. To this native of Kerimä-

ki, between Karelia and Savo, Joensuu was a natural choice of place to live.

– After graduating in medicine, I worked in various parts of Finland. I graduated as a consultant gastroenterologist, a fancy name for a stomach specialist, just under 20 years ago. During five busy years in Oulu, I completed my Ph.D.

– That felt like enough time on the road. With a pair of compasses, we drew a 250 kilometre circle around Kerimäki and de-cided to settle down somewhere inside it, Silvennoinen recalls.

Silvennoinen and family moved to North Karelia in August 1996. We chose Joensuu for several reasons.

– A vacancy in my specialism happened to open just then at the central hospital. The hospital was just the right size for me. It was big enough to have resources for specialist areas, but still pleasantly relaxed.

– Another factor was the opportunity to build the gastroenterology unit in my own image, Silvennoinen explains.

Welcoming ceremony left an unusual taste

Jouni Silvennoinen was warmly received by Joensuu from the outset. A slightly offbeat welcome ceremony just added to the posi-tive feel.

– The local custom is to receive new-comers with a welcome party. This included a ’snack’ in which a ’Joensuu special’ was ordered for Jouni: a local delicacy compri-sing two Karelian pasties with sausage in between.

– It tasted pretty strange, but kicked things off on the right footing and made me one of the team, Jouni laughs. î

10 Joensuu Region

our latest gig Was for our hospital’s 60th anniversary.

Just under a couple of thousand hospital district employees attended.

a good team provides excellent patient care

Four gastroenterologists now work in the central hospital’s gastroenterology unit. In addition, there are surgeons, x-rayists and other staff.

– We have a good team and an excellent basis for providing first-class patient care.

– This hospital is a pleasant workplace in other ways too. Its staff are highly skil-led and suitably relaxed. The hospital ma-nagement should also be given credit for the good team spirit. National positions of responsibility have brought perspective to my daily work.

Jouni Silvennoinen rates Joensuu highly as a place to live as well as work.

– Everything you need to live a normal life can be found in the Joensuu region. People are very approachable and every-thing is close by.

– For the most part, I commute by bike in both summer and winter. Winter bicycle-path maintenance is also worthy of praise, adds a grateful Jouni.

music and the summer cottage

For someone over 50, Silvennoinen balan-ces his working life with an unusual hobby.

– I’ve played guitar in a rock band for years. We do a few gigs a year and the occa-sional practice session. There are six of us, from different parts of Finland. Our last gig was for our hospital’s 60th anniversary. Just under a couple of thousand hospital district employees attended. I’ve never been to a party like that in any other hospital district.

– My wife and I spend our free time enjoy-ing our summer cottage. On occasions, our grown-up sons drop in to enjoy some rural tranquillity, Jouni adds. ­­¢

PIC

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: HEI

kkI A

HTo

lAPI

CTU

RE: H

EIkk

I AH

TolA

The primary healthcare unit of the Joint Municipal Authority for Medical and Social Services in North Karelia (PKSSK) coordinates specialist training for general medical practice. This represents an excellent career advancement route for those legally certifi ed as qualifi ed to practice medicine. Our general practice specialist training is provided on a ’turnkey’ basis.

} The course includes work totalling two years in a health centre and in specialist healthcare. If necessary, this can be completed as part of the framework course for specialist medical studies. The course begins with a four-month practical training period on-duty, as an extra member of our on-duty team, in which core skills are practised. Those entering the course obtain personal support and guidance, from a senior physician, in the more routine procedures involved in a doctor’s work. In addition, holiday pay entitlements transfer from one employer to the other during the course.

Two legally certifi ed licentiates in medicine are accepted for training every two months. The course is open to applications on a continuous basis. ­­¢

interested?More details on this learning path and vacancies are available from Anu Niemianu.niemi@pkssk.fi gSM +358 (0)40 730 9391

two months. The course is open to applications on a continuous basis. ¢

Our motto is: We care and

we have the expertise

Further details:

Recruitment Manager,

Markus Hirvonen

Tel. +358 (0)13 331 6766

markus.hirvonen@pkssk.fi

Internal Recruiter, Hannele Pussinen

Tel. +358 (0)13 331 2018

hannele.pussinen@pkssk.fi

Recruitment Secretary, kati kettunen

Tel. +358 (0)13 331 3422

Want to join a great team? Come and work for us! PKSSK is an attractive employer with a multi-skilled, thriving staff . We make full use of technology and actively develop new operating models.

We provide high-quality specialist medical and social services within North Karelia Central Hospital, the psychiatric unit at Paihola and the Honkalampi centre.

The Joint Municipal Authority for Medical and Social Services in north Karelia compri-ses the 14 member municipalities of the north Karelia Region and one from the South Savo Region.

Feel free to get in touch and come and work for us! Open applications are also wel-come. We will direct these to the appropriate manager.

Please send any emails to rekrytointi@pkssk.�

PKSSK = Joint Municipal Authority for Medical and Social Services in North Karelia

gEnERAL PRACTICE: SPECIALIST TRAININGtext and picture:: LeiLa Koistinen

framework course for specialist medical studies. The course begins with a four-month practical training period on-duty, as an extra member of our on-duty team, in which core skills are practised. Those entering the course obtain personal support and guidance, from a senior physician, in the more

entitlements transfer from one employer to the other during the course.

Two legally certifi ed licentiates in medicine are accepted for training every ¢¢

SPECIALIST TRAINING

12 Joensuu Region

EMPEROR OF

THE SKI STOREStext and pictures:: LeiLa Koistinen

Quite far from the bustle of Joensuu city centre, a specialist ski retailer of far-fl ung fame plies his trade. Founded by Pertti Vinni, Enon Erä ja Urheilu thrives

on the basis of an original concept – so well that the big chains have tried to wrong-foot Pertti.

www.joensuuregion.fi 13

Pertti Vinni developed his taste for hard work as a boy. The family businesses provided an energetic lad with plenty to do.

– My parents owned several farms and, later on, retail businesses. I first worked in a shop during my eighth summer. Before then, I had already become used to doing odd-jobs around the farm.

As Pertti grew older, his parents expan-ded their business activities. During the seventies, in addition to farms my family already had three shops dotted around the Eno municipality.

– I soon as I was able to ride a moped, I was put in charge of the Kuusijärvi shop. I was 13 at the time. In line with the laws of the land, I received my moped licence only a couple of years later, Vinni reveals.

– At home, we were taught to work. At six in the morning, my father used to ask if we were going to sleep all day – isn’t anyone around here going to do any work? Holi-days were unheard of at the time, Pertti grins.

dreaming of his oWn firm

Upon obtaining his tractor driving licence, Pertti set up a delivery service for the shop, transporting seed, fertilizer and construc-

Enon Erä ja Urheilu is known throughout Finland for its expert services. Founder Pertti Vinni claims to able to judge from the customer’s presence

alone what kind of ski gear he or she needs. – One glance tells me whether I should fetch equipment for a competitive or Sunday skier, Pertti explains.

tion materials to customers. School had taken a back seat in favour of business and work was balanced by various kinds of exercise.

– I went running, hunting, fishing and, in the winter, skiing. At the same time, I dreamed of having a firm of my own – a shop selling sports equipment in Eno. In ´82 I made some good purchases straight from the factory, with plenty of time to pay. The business took off from there.

– I had built up a strong understanding of retailing and my sporting background brought an extra boost to the business. Since then, I’ve developed my expertise through a range of training courses, exp-lains the sportsgear retailer. î

at six in the morning, my father used to ask if i Was going to sleep all day,

or get some Work done.

14 Joensuu Region

paid Back many times over

Enon Erä ja Urheilu is widely known around Finland and extremely well in Rus-sia.

– I once arranged for a Russian ice hockey team to play for one season here in Finland. I paid all of their expenses: accom-modation, food and travel. Although it was an expensive winter, I won all my money back later, many times over, when my Rus-sian friends and their pals came here for their ski and fi shing purchases.

– My wife, Elena, has a Russian back-ground, which makes communication with customers from our neighbouring country easy, Pertti comments.

Keijo Vinni took over the business an eventful year ago. Here, he gauges the stiffness of the

skis preferred by the customer. – Just right for a burly fellow, Keijo reckons.

pairs of skis in their thousands

While Pertti’s business is small and far from Finland’s major growth centres, it ea-sily outperforms the major chains in terms of ski sales.

– We sell thousands of pairs of skis per year. Customers recommend our service and price-quality ratio to their friends. Word has spread in this way.

– Bothered by our success, some big chains have tried to throw a spanner in our works, because they feel that we sell too cheaply. Shoppers sometimes ask whether these are really the same skis, when the pri-ce is a couple of hundred euros lower.

– We operate from our own premises, run by family members. So we don’t need large sales margins, comments Pertti, exp-laining his cheap prices.

– It’s worth travelling a little out of your way, to do your ski shopping with us. In ad-dition to getting the whole package cheaply and ready to use, you get to test your gear right away on North Karelia’s superb skiing terrain, Vinni points out.

service is paramount

In fact, Pertti Vinni has been retired for a year. This has not stopped him serving customers in his shop on a daily basis. Ho-wever, the actual business has been trans-ferred to his son Keijo, who has also been involved in the shop since his earliest years.

– Keijo was a promising golfer, but chose business over his hobby, explains his father, Pertti.

– Being a golf pro would have required eight hours a day on the course, so a choice had to be made. I grew up as an entrepre-neur, Keijo affi rms.

– Customer service is our number one issue. If the customer wants to buy skis on a Sunday morning, we are delighted to open our doors. Welcome to being served by us, Vinni declares.

fair play

Pertti Vinni is proud of being an entrepre-neur. He has sound advice for budding, as well as current, entrepreneurs.

– I always try to play an honest and fair game.

– For example, throughout my career as an entrepreneur I have always paid my bills on time. Not a single payment has been late. Not even by a second, assures Pertti Vinni, Emperor of ski retailing. ­­¢

www.joensuuregion.fi 15

} The basic trail is one and a half kilometres long and is one of the autumn’s fi rst in Finland. It is suitable for both the traditional and skating style of skiing. An easy trail profi le serves both leisure and competitive skiers. With an altitude diff erence of six metres and an overall rise of 26 metres, the trail is suitable for ski fans of all sizes and levels.

Each year, in late October, the trail is extended to more challenging hilly terrain. This trail is specifi cally planned for training by active skiers and biathletes. Three to four diff erent slopes are available, enabling skiers to practice the full range of skiing techniques. The total length of the trail is three to fi ve kilometres, including four distinct trail options. Each autumn, foreign skiers and biathletes from close to a dozen countries use the trail.

With a snow-base thickness of 50 to 70 centimetres, the trail endures changeable weather well. It is covered using a snow cannon, loaded during the previous winter with around 30,000 m³ of snow. Active users of the trail reserve particular praise for its skating characteristics. Skiing on a cooled trail is enjoyable.

The cooled trail is located in the Kontiolahti Biathlon Centre. Cafe services, a celebration venue with capacity for 80 people, world-class ski-waxing facilities and ecoweapons practice are also available at the Centre. Welcome! ­­¢

KOnTIOLAHTI’S SPECIALITY – A COOLED SKI TRAILtext:: LeiLa Koistinen — picture: KontioLaHti sPoRt CLUB

Pampered skiers in Kontiolahti enjoy a cooled ski trail of their very own. This early-snow trail is opened with the fi rst chill in the air, usually in mid-October.

KOnTIOLAHTI’S

16 Joensuu Region

The wilderness is buzzing. This is the work of bold entrepreneur, Rauni Hietanen. She decided to fulfi l her dream of building her own village for nature tourists.

Located in Lieksa, on the Russian border, Rauni’s village is known for the Ruunaa rapids.

The wilderness is buzzing. This is the work of bold entrepreneur, The wilderness is buzzing. This is the work of bold entrepreneur, Rauni Hietanen. She decided to fulfi l her dream of building her own village for nature tourists. She decided to fulfi l her dream of building her own village for nature tourists.

A VILLAgE OF OnE’S OWn

IN THE WILDStext: LeiLa Koistinen — pictures: RaUni Hietasen aRKisto

Hietanen has been running a whitewater rafting business on the Ruunaa rapids for around two decades.

She started out with her own forest sto-pover place and base alongside the rapids trail. Whitewater rafting enthusiasts would wash up there to enjoy a camp fi re meal. However, when a forest setting no longer satisfi ed these demanding customers, the entrepreneur needed to come up with new wilderness services.

Rauni began building her own village in 2005. A road was built to the area, which was immediately followed by the fi rst buil-ding. Once things began to take off, a new building was added to the village each year.

– We now have Raunin Maja (Rauni’s Ca-bin), the Akanvirta restaurant, the logger’s cabin, the kotamökki, a smoke sauna and a range of buildings serving the needs of tourists, Rauni Hietanen enumerates.

poWer to the BackWoods

There was just one problem with building in the backwoods. No electricity! At fi rst, energy was sourced from an ancient ge-nerator, but this was not enough to run dishwashers or freezers. So, the tourism entrepreneur was forced to obtain a mains connection. This cost 35,000 euros. Many wondered how it could possibly pay to in-vest so much money in the wilds. Rauni’s business idea also had plenty of doubters. Could a sole woman run this rapids-based fi rm?

– Gender has no bearing on the issue. Success is solely the result of hard work and a good workforce. Cooperation with local

www.joensuuregion.fi 17

businesspeople is also extremely important, since you can’t do everything yourself, Hie-tanen concludes.

World championship under planning

This former top skier and Finnish cham-pion in whitewater canoeing knows that being tenacious and full of ideas is neces-sary to making it in northern climes. And this woman is no stranger to ideas.

– This summer you can feel the power of water by descending the rapids in nothing but an immersion suit.

– We are also planning the world cham-pionships in ’reed-bed’ skiing, where mini-skirted, fi shnet stockinged women race on forest skis, explains Rauni, describing an event concept that is sure to attract plenty of attention.

– An idea a day keeps bankruptcy at bay, the businesswoman muses.

Winter is the mother of invention

For this entrepreneur in whitewater rafting services, the change of seasons is problema-tic. In winter, the rapids freeze and the fl ow of tourists dries up.

– I had to invent activities for the winter, or face hard times, she recalls.

Rauni has got through the winter by de-livering mail and, for two winters, has run a restaurant in Koli. She has also cleaned villas and publicised the Ruunaa rapids.

– I take my holidays in the winter and plan events for the forthcoming season. Va-rious events, from Christmas parties to birt-hday parties, are also arranged in winter. A total of 50 guests at a time can be served at the Akanvirta restaurant, Rauni points out.

plenty to do

Rauni Hietanen is proud of North Karelia’s unique natural setting. We have a variety of landscapes, handsome fells, glimmering lakes, winding rivers, wild forest and berry-laden marshes. An enormous number of alternatives are on offer for getting out into the natural environment. There is plenty to do and see for the whole family.

– We have Koli, Pielinen, pristine forest and the breathtaking Ruunaa rapids.

– Whitewater rafting is an amazing expe-rience. This exciting adventure is also safe for children, since the boatman is an ex-perienced professional and the right safety equipment is used.

– Lasting a few hours, the whitewater raf-ting excursion includes a visit to my village. There you can buy refreshments and rest. A pause, while gazing into fi relight in the lap of nature, will bring peace to the most troubled mind, Rauni adds.

Company: Lieksan Matkakaverit OyEntrepreneur: Rauni HietanenActivities: whitewater rafting, canoeing, hiking, berry-picking, fi shing, mushrooming, sauna, cross-country skiing...

} Rauni’s village was built to serve tourists. Come to this village to enjoy unspoiled nature and the unbelievable magic of summer nights. Raunin Maja (Rauni’s cabin) has room for 10 guests. For fi shermen, there is the uittomaja (Logger’s Cabin), with Europe’s biggest double bed which can easily accommodate 8 people. The Logger’s Cabin is a replica of one exhi-bited in the Pielinen Museum, from an old logging site. The Kotamökki is a romantic small cabin, intended for newly weds or romantic breaks. The foot of the bed looks out over the landscape of Lake Siikajärvi, which changes with the seasons.

AN IDEA A DAY KEEPS BANKRUPTCY AT BAY.

a forester at home in the kitchen

Rauni Hietanen’s road to becoming a tou-rism entrepreneur was not a foregone con-clusion.

– I studied to become a forester at the Valtimo Forest Machine School. I had no interest in home economics or cooking, and English didn’t come naturally to me. However, not everything goes according to the plans made in youth. I now cook eve-ry day and we receive guests from abroad, with whom I speak in English.

– On the other hand, in a way one of the wishes of my younger days did come true. With 14 fi replaces in my holiday village, my days at forestry school were not enti-rely wasted, grins our culinary whitewater rafter. ­­¢

18 Joensuu Region

Charming! And above all a Karelian bubbling with life. This would be an apt description of entrepreneur Pirjo Kuosmanen-Kuivalainen. In Joensuu’s Uimaharju, Pirjo has had a lovely venue built for celebrations, relaxation and holding meetings.

Villa Koivuranta is a multi-pur-pose facility for tourism and festive occasions. Entrepreneur Pirjo Kuosmanen-Kuivalainen

recalls growing the company pretty well by accident.

– I began by buying a plot intended for a villa for my own family. However, the villa unintentionally became too large, which led me to consider renting out the ’Manor’ for celebratory purposes. But a manor is nothing without a proper smoke sauna, so this had to be built alongside, an animated Pirjo adds.

– We installed a hot tub in the yard, whe-re you can enjoy sinking into warm water. A gazebo and grill hut were also added to the yard, for atmospheric evenings by a roaring fi re with delicious food and good company, Pirjo enthuses.

But Pirjo’s building activities didn’t stop at a manor house and smoke sauna.

When a buyer was sought for Uimaharju’s old parish hall, Pirjo jumped at the chance.

– We now have the handsome Villa Koi-

vuranta Hall. Alongside the designer, we aimed at a warm stylish spirit for the hall. Guests have been more than impressed with the result. We can accommodate over 200 celebration-goers, Pirjo specifi es.

In the face of intense competition, Villa Koivuranta’s trump card is close attention to basic ingredients.

– Only the best is good enough for my guests, Pirjo confi rms, on the sources of her food.

– I both pick and clean all of the mush-rooms and berries myself. That’s the only way I can be sure that the customer receives food made from only the best and purest ingredients.

In addition, Villa Koivuranta is in a class of its own in terms of cleanliness and decor.

– I do most of the cleaning myself. My husband Jouko helps out in all premises maintenance tasks. Each place should be in prime condition, Pirjo emphasises, whi-le asking a visiting electrician to change a light fi tting – since the lamp is different to the others.

At Villa Koivuranta you can holiday in the villa, arrange celebrations, organise meetings or enjoy the caressing steam of a smoke sauna. As if these aren’t enough, Pirjo has one more ace up her sleeve.

– We are surrounded by nature and the River Pielisjoki is just a short distance away. In addition to the nearby berry-rich forests, nature trails and fi shing grounds, a down-hill skiing resort, golf course and riding stables can be found within a fi ve-kilometre radius. We have three canoes for hire, for water enthusiasts.

– If none of these does the trick, we have a high-end camper van for rent, for those who want to explore our beautiful region on the road, Pirjo Kuosmanen-Kuivalainen adds. ­­¢

Further details are available on Villa Koivuranta’s services from Pirjo Kuosmanen-KuivalainenTel. +358 (0)400 909 344www.villakoivuranta.fi

Charming! And above all a Karelian bubbling with life. This would be an apt description of entrepreneur Pirjo

Villa Koivuranta

MORE THAn WOnDERFuL

text and pictures: LeiLa KoistinenPICTURE: VIllA koIVURANNAN ARkISTo

www.joensuuregion.fi 19 www.joensuuregion.fi 19

Just a few kilometres from Joensuu market square you will fi nd a place where the whole family can bask in tropical warmth. A botanical gar-

den, Botania includes Finland’s only and the world’s most northerly tropical butter-fl y garden.

Here, there are plants from tropical areas, subtropical winter and summer-rain areas, and from the desert. A total of 700 species are on display. At Botania, you can also see familiar fruit species in their na-tural environments. Do bananas grow in trees? Where does cocoa come from?

There are parrots to entertain visitors in the tropical room. A talking triton sulphur-crested cockatoo called Juuso is a great fa-vourite. His catch phrases include: Kutita! (Tickle me!), Mitä kuuluu? (How are you?) and Tanssi, tanssi (Let’s dance), in Finnish.

Butterfl ies are the jewel in the garden’s crown. Flying freely around the year, 50 species of tropical butterfl y are on display across each 12 months. The most radiantly coloured are almost unbelievably beautiful. Visitors will be astonished by the largest individuals, which can have a wingspan of 20 centimetres.

Wonders are also on display in Botania’s open garden. There you will fi nd 1,000 species, such as aromatic herbs, and edible, poisonous, medicinal and decorative plants. The 73 hectare park surrounding Botania is also known as the Linnunlahti or University Arboretum.

A library cafe, which serves freshly baked products, was opened at the beginning of the year. Why not come along and enjoy some reading? As well as books, you’ll fi nd a WLAN connection, free of charge to cus-tomers. Botania’s facilities can also be hired for private occasions.

If you are seeking tropical warmth and amazing experiences, visit Botania. ­­¢

Heinäpurontie 70, 80110 Joensuu (Linnunlahti)

FEEL THE TROPICAL HEAT

– EVEn In THE DEPTH OF WInTEROF WInTER

Juuso, a triton sulphur-crested cockatoo says: Terve! (Hello!)

Talkative parrots, Lasse and Ilmari, keep both children and adults entertained.

Botania’s largest butterfl y species can have a wingspan of 20 centimetres.

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Linnunlahti is a bustling area of Joensuu bursting with life. See the full range of attractions this area offers î

20 Joensuu Region

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1. BOTANIA Botanical Butterfly Garden 2. KUNTOKEIDAS Activities: bowling, glow bowling, badminton, tennis, gym, squash, pool, wall climbing, table tennis, mini golf, golf-simulator, eco firing and massage. 3. THE JOENSUU ARENA is Finland’s largest wooden building, a cultural and congress venue and a busy sports centre. When not booked out to the club, the field is always open to the public. Entry is possible with a ticket or a season card. In the general sports area, almost all outside sports can be played. Also available is a gym, boxing ring, tatami mats and an indoor climbing wall. 4. THE VESIKKO SWIMMING HALL is a quality, year-round leisure pool for the whole family. There are pools for everyone from babies to grandparents, massaging body jets in the multifunction pool, plus lapping, relaxing waves on the hour. 5. ICE HALL, Sports and Event Centre. 6. HOLIDAY APARTMENTS in the area: 18 apartments of 63m2. In addition to a bedroom, kitchen-living room and loft, each apartment has its own sauna. Equipment: bed linen, cooking utensils, flatscreen TV, CD player/radio and wireless internet connection. 7. CARAVAN PARK at Nurmikentä and partly within the shelter of the trees, 90 places, 40 of which have a power supply. Large WC facilities, showers, saunas, kitchen, grill hut and laundry facility.

8. HUNDREDS OF TENT PLACES are located in the Camping area. Campers have access to WC facilities, showers, saunas, kitchen and grill hut, all in good condition, plus a laundry option. A kiosk and the Lounasravintola lunchtime restaurant (weekday opening) are located next to the reception. 9. THE LOUNASRAVINTOLA LUNCHTIME RESTAURANT is open on weekdays. When required, banquet or meeting facilities for around 40 persons, with licence to sell alcohol. Facilities: video projector, WLAN and sound system, plus Nintendo Wii entertainment system.10. MEHTIMäKI SPORTS PARK: includes ice hall, sports field, football pitch, Joensuu Arena and wide range of jogging routes. 11. SWIMMING BEACH – the Linnunlahti swimming beach is located right on a corner of the city centre grid-plan area. Because the beach is at the bottom of the bay, the water circulates slowly, which keeps it warmer. Changing booths and a WC have been installed on the beach, as well as volleyball nets. Due to the shallowness of the water, this beach is the ideal swimming place for small children. 12. NATURE ACTIVITIES – this area includes a range of activities. How about spending the day on an experience excursion in North Karelia’s natural surroundings? For more details, contact the reception of Holiday Linnunlahti.

LINNUNLAHTI – buzzIng WITH LIFEtext: LeiLa Koistinen — illustrations: iLona HoKKanen

The Linnunlahti area in Joensuu offers surprisingly many things to do.

What would interest you?

www.joensuuregion.fi 21

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13. DOG PARK – a fenced off dog park. Separate areas for small and large dogs. 14. JOKIASEMA – the Jokiasema (River Station) is a riverbank service oasis, practically located in the city centre itself – just one kilometre away. The Jokiasema has well-appointed saunas, and meeting and celebration venues. There is also a caravan site, a zoo, a grill for the use of customers, a cafe with a B-licence to sell alcohol (i.e. limited licence allowing the venue to sell light to medium-strength alcoholic beverages), a grocery store and a playground. 15. GUEST MARINA – the Hasaniemi guest marina has over 10 buoy and side-tie berthing places. Area also includes: fuel and gas sales, septic and waste disposal, laundry facility, boat and bicycle rental, WC, shower and saunas. Also charter cruises on M/S Wilma (1-12 persons). 16. HASANIEMI THEATRE – this summer theatre has a unique

rotating stage, a Röllimetsä (troll forest) for children and a relaxing lakeside cafe. Parking places are available close to the theatre. In the summer of 2013, Hasaniemi will feature a humorous version of Peter Pan, directed by Janne Hyytiäinen and catering for adult tastes. This will première in July and continue through to early August. 17. CYCLING – an extensive pedestrian and cycling path network. Includes hiking paths. 18. ILOSAARIROCK – Finland’s second-oldest rock festival. This event will be held at Laulurinne, Joensuu, in the second weekend of July. 19. RAVIRATA TROTTING COURSE – trotting is one of Finland’s most popular sports. At Joensuu’s Trotting Course (Ravirata) you can sample the true trotting atmosphere at races organised a couple of times a month. You can also try your hand at tote betting.

Further details on issues

such as prices and opening times are

available on the internet.

Start by visiting the following website

www.linnunlahti.fi

22 Joensuu Region

Blancco means empty. The name conveys the business idea behind the company. When Blancco was founded 15 years ago, the idea was to recycle computers safely by deleting all data from their hard drives.

– This business idea came about by accident. The Finnish press ran a story on a used computer sold by a Finnish hospital. The buyer found the patient records of over 3,000 people still recorded on the hard drive. From here sprang the idea of the professional and perfect erasure of hard drives, says Kim Väisänen, founder and CEO of Blancco Oy Ltd.

Although it was launched on the wings of a news story, Blancco has always focused on the fundamentals.

– We have focused on only one issue – erasing data. Our entire organisation seeks reliable and safe ways of erasing data. In this, we have succeeded extremely well, Väisänen states.

– We are a pioneer in product development and are differentiated by offering data erasure services for storage devices of all kinds, for

example computers, smartphones and servers, Väisänen com-ments.

a gloBal market leader

Having sold millions of licences around the world, Blancco is a global market leader in data erasure. The fi rm is headquartered in Joensuu. It also has offi ces and partners in Europe, the USA, the middle-East, Russia, Asia and Australia.

– Our customers include the European Commission, the Euro-pean Parliament, NATO, SAP, television broadcaster Al-Jazeera and several of the world’s largest fi nancial institutions, enume-rates the CEO.

– Since the turn of the millennium, Blancco has grown by over 30 per cent per year, and we aim to continue on this path. Our rapid growth is based on the fact that the amount of data stored doubles every year, explains Kim Väisänen.

Something from nothing

A YEAR OF TRIuMPH

FOR A DATA ERASERtext: LeiLa Koistinen — picture: Matti iMMonen

One of last year’s most successful Joensuu fi rms is a master of data erasure. Over the last 12 months, it has been showered with awards for this activity – the most prized of which came from the President of the Republic himself.

Blancco was presented with the Internationalisation Award by President of the Republic Sauli Niinistö. Michael Röchner, Chairman of the Board of Blancco Oy, and CEO Kim Väisänen are presented with the award.

www.joensuuregion.fi 23

a year of triumphs

Blancco has just enjoyed a triumphant year. First came the accolade of Finnish Company of the Year in which, as part of Finnish business publication Kauppalehti’s Success Story series, Blancco was rated as North Karelia’s most suc-cessful business.

Next, Kim Väisänen, the company’s CEO and founder, won both the Eastern Finland round and the national contest in Ernst & Young’s Entrepreneur of the Year competition, for growth companies.

– At the same time, we opened two new country offi ces, were granted Common Criteria certifi cation and three certifi cates for our sound fi nances, Väisänen declares.

aWard for risk taking

The most highly rated prize came in January, when President of the Republic of Finland Sauli Niinistö awarded Blancco the Interna-tionalisation Award.

This award is presented in recognition of

BLANCCO HAS GROWN

BY OVER 30 PER CENT

A YEAR SINCE THE TURN OF

THE MILLENNIUM,

AND WE AIM TO CONTINUE

ALONG THE SAME PATH.

} Joensuu-based Arcusys Oy’s special exper-tise lies in information system solutions. The company’s focus areas are IT expert services, particularly source code solutions.

– We believe that the public sector in particu-lar has shown great interest in open source code products, says CEO Jussi Hurskainen.

– Our product development focuses on pub-lic sector needs. Our open source code eLear-ning platform, used for online teaching and the production of teaching material in several countries as well as Finland, is an example of this, comments Hurskainen.

Arcusys Oy has offi ces in Joensuu, Helsinki, Oulu and in Petrozavodsk in Russian Karelia.

– Internationalism is part of our everyday work. Of our 70 or so employees, one third are non-Finnish in origin, affi rms the CEO.

In the autumn of 2012, Arcusys won the Finnish Young Entrepreneur of the Year com-petition. A month later it broke into the list of Finland’s top 20 fastest growing technology fi rms. Net sales grew by around 428 per cent in 2007-2011.

– The year was rounded off by being cho-sen as North Karelia’s Training Company of the Year. Our open technology solutions have been the right choice for achieving growth, in-cluding in a volatile economic situation, muses Hurskainen.

KEYWORD: OPEnnESStext: LeiLa Koistinen — picture: aRCUsYs

The year 2013 began in the familiar, positive style. In February the fi rm was chosen as one of Finland’s best places to work.

– An absolute prerequisite of our success has been strong employee commitment and expertise. We have enjoyed fast growth so far. In fact, it looks as though we’ll just keep growing faster than ever, Hurskainen predicts. ­­¢ CEO Jussi Hurskainen (right)

In February 2013, Arcusys Oy was chosen as one of Finland’s

best places to work.

Open source code is the secret behind the growth of Joensuu fi rm Arcusys Oy. The fi rm was declared Young Entrepreneur of the Year 2012. Almost immediately afterwards, it joined the list of Finland’s fastest growing technology fi rms.

risk-taking and success abroad by a Finnish compa-ny. The internationalisation example set by Blancco was cited as a reason for its being granted the award.

– Over 97 per cent of our net sales come from international markets. We just opened our 16th international offi ce, in Malaysia. Blancco’s success is based on the hard work of its employees, which was also recognised by the award. This is a great place from which to move forward, Kim Väisänen beams. ­­¢

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Kim Väisänen explains that Blancco has just opened

its 16th offi ce, this time in Malaysia.

24 Joensuu Region

Kekäle has stores in Joensuu, Jyväskylä, Mikkeli, Kite, Lahti, Lappeenranta and Tampere. Managing Director Hannu Ke-

käle has a bird’s-eye view of the purchasing habits of Russian tourists.

– Tax-free sales at our Joensuu store have grown faster than in any other. While most shoppers arrive from the direction of Pet-rozavodsk, a surprising number of Russian customers also come from St. Petersburg, states Kekäle.

Retailers have noticed very wealthy cus-tomers among the other, ordinary consu-mers.

– People arrive in black SUVs, in search

of brand products. Luxury brands are in the highest demand, comments Kekäle.

Nowadays, the same branded goods can be found in Russian boutiques and depart-ment stores. So why come all the way to Finland for them?

– We sell branded goods over 30 per cent cheaper than in Russian boutiques. In addition, Russian customers can trust that they will fi nd only genuine branded goods at Kekäle, Hannu Kekäle speculates.

– Boss, Guess and Sand are the most po-pular brands. We now also have Michael Kors and Ted Baker. We expect these to be particularly successful, the retailer con-fi rms.

Anastasia Leonova fi nds the bag she was looking for in Kekäle’s refurbished bag department. Entrepreneur Hannu Kekäle hands

over a Joensuu Region customer loyalty card, through which special offers are targeted at Anastasia. Minna Antikainen, Head

of the ladies’ department, is in the background.

Kkälehabits of Russian tourists.

– Tax-free sales at our Joensuu store have grown faster than in any other. While most shoppers arrive from the direction of Pet-rozavodsk, a surprising number of Russian customers also come from St. Petersburg, states Kekäle.

Retailers have noticed very wealthy cus-tomers among the other, ordinary consu-

A SURPRISINGLY

HIGH NUMBER OF

RUSSIAN CUSTOMERS

ALSO COME FROM

ST. PETERSBURG.

LUXURY FOR RuSSIAn CuSTOMERS

text and picture: LeiLa Koistinen

Kekäle is a clothing chain specialising in quality products. It has stores in seven locations. Now over 50 years old, this retailer has watched with interest as Russian retail tourism has increased, particularly in Joensuu.

www.joensuuregion.fi 25

} The Joensuu Region card is a customer loyalty card aimed at Russian customers, entitling the holder to special off ers and bonuses from Joensuu region retailers and services. This card is free of charge.

Russian customers are extremely important to the economy of East and South-east Finland. The Joensuu economic region was the fi rst in Finland to issue a loyal customer card for Russian customers.

This card forms part of the development of common service standards for the entire Joensuu region. The idea was tested as part of a service mapping exercise carried out in summer 2012. Over 95 % of Russian interviewees thought the idea was good. This was followed by a listing of the retail and service sector’s objectives – the sector turned out to be very positive about the launch of the card in the Joensuu region.

The Joensuu Region card is also available on smartphones. With a mobile-mounted customer-loyalty card, Russian visi-tors can use their phones to view off ers and customer bonu-ses, as well as services, off ered by companies in the Joensuu economic area. In addition, the Joensuu Region card creates an eff ective, targeted marketing channel for reaching Russian tourists while they are still planning their visit to Finland.

This card is expected to form a service promise that diff eren-tiates the Joensuu region from other areas. In this, the main aim is to make the Joensuu region one of the best in Finland at recognising the needs and wants of Russian customers. ­­¢

for more information, contact:Jaani Holma, Project Manager, Josek LtdTel. +358 (0)400 560 890 • jaani.holma@josek.fi www.joensuuregion.info

Joensuu Region cardtext: LeiLa Koistinen

Hannu views marketing to Russian customers as challenging. Little is known about the marketing channels and the mar-ket is already saturated. In addition, cultu-ral differences mean that expert partners are required in marketing.

– Luckily, in Joensuu we have people whose Russian cultural expertise is com-bined with knowledge of the local scene. For example, we have created a TV advert which a local PR agency organised and their Russian production team produced. The campaign was a huge success, states Kekäle.

– Meidän Joensuu (Our Joensuu), fi rst published last year by Sanomalehti Karja-lainen, is a prime example of good marke-ting. This paper includes features of inter-est to Russian customers and a reasonable amount of advertising, says Kekäle, in prai-se of the publication.

– Marketing campaigns of this kind have certainly had an impact on the positive de-velopment of tax-free shopping in Joensuu, Kekäle believes.

Fashion house Kekäle foresees future fl ows of Russian customers, through the

use of new methods.– We were among the fi rst to adopt the

Joensuu Region loyalty card for Russian customers. We are now considering how best to benefi t from the card, ponders the retailer.

He also has a perspective to offer on draws to the Joensuu region in general.

– Here, we have good hotels and restau-rant services. In addition, the existing and forthcoming spas are increasing interest in the region. Tourists who have come for the shopping also want other amusements, Hannu Kekäle understands.

At Kekäle, attention has been paid to staff as well as the product range, when providing Russian customers with the ser-

Tax-free sales in the Joensuu region are growing rapidly. The million euro tax-free sales barrier was crossed in 2006. Sales exceeded EUR 13 million in 2012. Growth in the last seven years has totalled 1,300 per cent.

According to these statistics, Joensuu comes a creditable fourth, after Helsinki, Lappeenranta and Imatra. The value of tax-free sales in Joensuu in January 2013 totalled around EUR 2.1 million (Source: Global Blue Finland). This pace of growth looks set to continue.

Russian retail tourism is also evident in the number of border crossings. At North Karelia’s Niirala border station, there were around one million border crossings in 2010. Total crossings for 2012 already came to 1.5 million. This represents 50 per cent growth in just two years.

JoENSUU

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the domestic consumer is the most important to us.

this Will continue to Be the case.

vice they expect.– We have increased our range of brands,

particularly of highly valued brands. We also have three sales assistants who speak Russian and who, if necessary, can commu-nicate in Finnish or Russian. For example, in the men’s department Maria is wonder-ful at customer service, he enthuses.

– Although Russians are a growing cus-tomer group for us, Finnish consumers are still the most important. This will continue to be the case, Kekäle emphasises. ­­¢

MIL

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NA

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26 Joensuu Region

Located in Ukko-Koli, Sokos Ho-tel Koli has undergone quite a transformation over the last year. PKO, which runs the hotel, has

invested around 3.3 million euros in a res-taurant and congress facility renovation, and in the spa to be completed in March.

Sokos Hotel Koli’s facelift was begun by introducing a wonderfully atmospheric feel to the restaurant and bar. During winter nights, these are now warmed by a genuine, fl ickering fi re.

A large terrace, in which guests can sit and admire the view, will be built to the fore of the restaurant during the spring. This will give more visitors than ever the chance to enjoy Koli’s unique natural en-

vironment. Those who, for one reason or another, feel less inclined to trek to the top of Ukko-Koli, will be able to take in the breathtaking scenery with ease.

The goal of this major renovation was to secure the year-round operation of the ho-tel, promote tourism and bring additional jobs to Koli. During the busiest construc-tion phase, several dozen employees were on-site.

pampering for adults

With its open-air jacuzzi and ’library bar’, the Koli Relax Luxury and Scenic Spa has just been completed. While this scenic spa is not the biggest in the world, it’s all the

more relaxing for that! A majestic landsca-pe, whose character changes with the seasons and time of day, lies before your window.

This spa was particularly designed with adults in mind. Of course, children are wel-come, but in the spirit of enjoying a quiet and relaxing atmosphere in the company of adults. During the library bar’s opening times, the spa is reserved for adults only.

The spa has separate changing and sho-wer facilities for men and women, but the pool areas and saunas are mixed. In com-munal areas, dressing gowns are used. The-se are issued to guests upon arrival. Bathing costumes must be worn while in the sauna.

Soapstone benches produced by local

At last! The spa much anticipated by tourists is about to be built in Koli. Or, to be precise, two spas, since the Koli Relax Spa is being added to the Sokos Hotel Koli, while another, Koli Lotus Spa, is being built in Purnuniemi.

The Koli Relax Spa scenic spa hotel is an oasis for adults in search of a little pampering.

At last! The spa much anticipated by tourists is about to be built in Koli. Or, to be precise, two spas, since the Koli Relax Spa is being added to the Sokos Hotel Koli,

ENJOY A SPA TREAT

In A nATIOnAL LAnDSCAPEtext: LeiLa Koistinen — pictures: asiaKKaan aRKistot

www.joensuuregion.fi 27

Guests of the luxury spa area receive a spa pail, inside which they will fi nd Lumene care products.

Sokos Hotelli KoliRooms: 73, all non-smoking

Saunas: 5, of which three are in the Koli Relax Spa

Restaurants: 3 (Grill it!, Pizzakahvila Kahpitsa, Kirjastobaari (Library Bar) and Hiekkapakka)

Congress rooms: 6 (capacity for 12-203 persons)

Exercise facilities: gymRooms with saunas: 2Suites: 2Junior suites: 2Parking spaces: 150 spacesJoensuu Airport: 85 kmJoensuu: 75 km

For example, Loma-Koli has new rails and jumps where freestylers can display their skills. Mogul ski rental is available for mogul skiers.

koli is nearBy

The wonderful, renovated Sokos Hotel Koli is located in the midst of a national landscape, 75 km to the north of Joensuu. Here, you can relax far from the city bustle, in the middle of the Koli national park and a landscape of stunning beauty. The hotel has 73 rooms, all non-smoking.

To conserve this national landscape for future generations, the hotel development plan was prepared in close cooperati-on with Metsähallitus, the Finnish Forest Research Institute, taking account of the environmental perspective and national park. ¢

FURTHER DETAILS

MORE INFORMATION

ON KOLI IS READILY

AVAILABLE AT

www.koli.fi

The Koli Lotus Spa at Purnuniemi especially welcomes families with children. The spa will be ready by the summer.

The refurbished bar is comfortable and atmospheric.

Sokos Hotel Koli restaurant.

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company Tulikivi are a special feature of these saunas –these are the latest thing in spa furnishings. Tulikivi also made the stylish stoves.

Guests of the luxury spa area receive a spa pail, inside which they will fi nd Lumene care products. In addition, specially arranged pam-pering programmes, such as the Refresh, Relax or Beauty program-me, are on offer.

There are various internal pools, and even the shower areas are based on different themes. How about a tropical experience shower?

Three open-air jacuzzis are available, from which you can admire the landscape while basking in warm water and enjoying the fresh air.

Joy from the hills and forests

From Ukko-Koli, there is direct access to illuminated cross-country ski trails, snowshoe trails and the local slopes. An even more exten-sive winter tourist paradise is situated around 10 kilometres away, at Loma-Koli.

There are 12 slopes at Ukko and Loma-Koli, which, with a combin-ed ticket, you can enjoy on skis, snowboards or other equipment. Koli includes both easy and challenging hills, to suit every family member. At most, the slopes have a 230-metre altitude difference and are 1.5 kilometres in length.

28 Joensuu Region

environmental art, and sports events

The Koli national park was established in 1991. In recent years, traditional features of the landscape, such as slash-and-burn and open fi elds, have been tended in the area. Stopover places have also been refurbished.

A variety of events are organised in Koli throughout the year. Two traditional skiing events are held during the winter, the Koli Maisemahiihto (Koli Landscape Skiing Event) and Ahma-hiihto (Ahma Ski Event), as well as the Vaarojen maraton (Fells Marathon) and blues event Ruskablues are held in the autumn. Retkiviikko (Excursion Week) and Ympäristötaidefestivaali (Envi-ronmental Art Festival), a major draw for nordic artists, feature during the summer.

- We are investing in the development of our programme services, in order to gain multiple benefi ts from the region. Ex-cursions into the tranquil natural environment and shepherding as a holiday experience are on off er for those seeking peace and quiet. Adventure seekers can go on a guided tour of Koli’s caves, in an underground cave adventure. A Finnish Fair Foundation grant is being used to develop the Retkiviikko (Excursion Week) event, to be arranged for the sixth time this summer, comments Tuhkalainen.. ¢

environmental art, and sports events

The Koli national park was established in 1991. In recent years, traditional features of the landscape, such as slash-and-burn and open fi elds, have been tended in the area. Stopover places have

The amazing Koli

TREKKIng DESTInATIOn

OF THE YEAR 2013text: RiiKKa LUoMaPÄÄ — pictures: LeiLa Koistinen

} Eternal favourite Koli, at whose core lies Koli national park, has deservedly been voted Trekking Destination of the Year 2013 by the general public.

The public can vote for its favourite from among the 10 fi nalists chosen by an expert panel. The winner was chosen in an online vote in which 5,700 votes were cast. Koli drew a quarter of the votes.

Koli national park draws around 130,000 hikers per year, to enjoy the area’s four nature trails and 80 km of varied hiking routes. The most demanding of these is the 61 km Lake Herajärvi tour, while the so-called cafe tour, with a cafe every few kilometres, represents the other extreme. Koli’s fell, Ukko-Koli, which stands 347 metres tall, is Southern Finland’s highest point.

- A special feature of the Koli national park lies in the area’s very Finnish characteristics. The landscape, which stretches from Koli towards Pieli and forms the heart of Finland, is a national landscape pictured by many artists. The village of Koli, with its 280 inhabitants, forms the bedrock for tourist service development in the area and depends, in turn, on tourism as its lifeblood, explains Kyösti Tuhkalainen, Park Director, of Metsä-hallitus, the Finnish Forest Research Institute.

excursions By land, on snoW and on Water

The theme of this year’s competition was multi-activity loca-tions, i.e. nature trail locations in which at least two types of excursion can be made at any time of the year. In the Koli area in winter, you can downhill ski, cross-country ski and hike on snowshoes. In addition, outside the national park are snowmobi-le trails, which can also be followed on dog sleds. Other activities include curling and ice fi shing, as well as ice swimming and fl oating in the icy waters of Lake Pielinen.

An extensive trail network is available for summer hikers, roads include marked cycle paths, and Iceland ponies can by ridden in the national park. You can also go boating, swimming and fi shing on Lake Pielinen.

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www.joensuuregion.fi 29

The Uusi Paihola area offers an enormous range of opportunities. Once the location of a hos-pital, this inviting area full of natural beauty is only 15 minutes from the nearest town. It

provides both companies and individuals with the ideal setting.

Now is the time to benefi t from Paihola’s revival, for example by locating your fi rm in this spacious natural setting, or developing a new business idea for the service sector. In addition, why not build a riverside home close to a city centre, or become an entrepreneur providing tender loving care to the area’s residents or its many tourists?

Surrounded by a thriving village, Uusi Paihola is just a stone’s throw away from services. The village area offers superb recreational opportunities. A long list includes its public swimming beach, illuminated exercise trail, marina, football pitch, school ice hockey rink, tennis court, vol-leyball court and outstanding boating and sled routes. In addition, the large forest area provides both local residents and entrepreneurs with a wonderful place to relax. Want to go berry picking and mushrooming right outside your front door?

Locating here, with a fully functional road network clo-se to trunk and main roads, is easy. The area is also partly covered by pedestrian and bicycle paths. Underlying all this is an attractive waterway, leading all the way to the sea via the River Pielisjoki. New construction is facilitated by an extensive municipal water and sewage mains, which runs through the entire area. The area also has its own heating centre and district heating centre. ¢

For more on this attractive location, see www.uusipaihola.fi

Uusi Paihola

An ATTRACTIVE InVESTMEnT

text and pictures: LeiLa Koistinen

Distances:15 mins from nearest international airport15 mins from City of Joensuu10 mins from centre of Kontiolahti10 mins from the nearest golf course10 mins from Biathlon Stadium45 mins from Koli60 mins from Niirala border station3hrs from Central Europe10 million inhabitants within a 400 km radius

30 Joensuu Region

Kaukolasipartio describes itself as Finland’s most eccentric band. At gigs, a riotous show and ready wit are guaranteed.

Finnish band Kaukolasipartio off ers

MUSIC, JOKES

AND COOL MOVEStext: LeiLa Koistinen — picture: JUssi RatiLainen

Kaukolasipartio has brought a breath of fresh air to the Finnish music world.This energy-fi lled band with its Eastern Finnish sense of humour cites entertainment as its life mission.

Brothers Ilja and Johannes Teppo are genuine smoothies. These entertainers inherited their talent from their fa-ther, Jaakko Tappo, a veteran word smith and writer of songs that have sunk into the public consciousness and

whose most memorable fi gures are Topi Ryynänen and Veikko Römppäinen.

Ilja, the elder of the two brothers, sought from an early age to follow in his father’s footsteps and become a performing artist. He studied music in St. Petersburg and later graduated in marketing from a university of applied science before continuing his musical

studies at Joensuu Conservatory.– Studying in the huge St. Petersburg was fun. On the other

hand, life is far easier in Joensuu. You can do lots of things at the same time here, since no time is needed for moving around, says Ilja Teppo, explaining his return to Joensuu.

On the other hand, Johannes – ’Jope’ to his family and fi ve years younger than Ilja – has never been an enthusiastic student.

– High school just didn’t fi re me up, Jope admits. – Instead, with my family , the ’Teppo crew,’ we set up a family

business. Funpanmedia Oy is an entertainment business that sells

www.joensuuregion.fi 31

Teppoesque humour and appearances. The boys act as the faces for the business, while Dad does back-offi ce work, Jope continues.

The Teppo brothers’ musical careers began with performances in front of the family. As their experience and confi dence grew, so too did their audience.

– We started out by bringing joy to eve-ryday life, performing at small family and company events. Then the word began to spread, and we were invited to bigger events in different parts of North Karelia, Jope explains.

– In 2009 we brought in Sampsa Asi-kainen and put together a proper band. It was christened Trio Tepander and built up an audience beyond the home region, Ilja Teppo recalls.

A year later, percussionist Kämy Kämä-räinen and multi-instrumentalist Pertti Fel-ler, well-known faces from the band Neljä Ruusua, happened to be in the audience at a Trio Tepander gig.

– From there, they hopped on board, bringing a bagful of expertise and solid ex-perience, says Ilja, casting light on the birth of the group.

The name of the group, Kaukolasipartio (Telescope Scouts), is based on an in-joke. A telescope allows you to see long distances and the scouts are always prepared – thus far the boys agree to cast light on the issue.

The roles of this fi ve-member band are divided according to their talents. Pertti Feller plays all instruments while Kämy Kä-märäinen keeps time with his drumsticks. Bass wizard Sampsa Asikainen creates the bass line, while the Teppo brothers are left to do the singing.

– I also write the songs and the lyrics. Jope’s trump card lies in his moves. He’s a real showman, a dancing entertainer, Ilja mocks.

Kaukolasipartio performs just under 80 gigs a year, mainly for fi rms and private

Brothers Johannes and Ilja Teppo inherited their talents as performers from their father. The ‘Teppo crew’ has a joint company, in which the boys’ father, Jaakko, also has a say.

Brothers Johannes and Ilja Teppo inherited

occasions.– If only customers would remember to

book gigs in good time. Otherwise, we end up selling ’No can dos,’ Jope wistfully com-ments on overlapping bookings.

– On stage, we can come out of our shells. Music, dancing, acting and, above all, Teppoesque wit on life and various si-tuations, are on offer, promises Ilja Teppo.

This show, laced with situation comedy, is highly adaptable. Home gigs or big fes-tival arenas are easy venues, but how well does the boys’ show adapt to a moving sta-ge?

– When performing is your passion, you throw yourself into even the craziest situa-tions. An unforgettable highlight was a gig we were supposed to perform somewhere between Helsinki and Joensuu. A train aisle was treated to song, music and dance, as the tracks clattered beneath us, Jope recalls.

Jaakko Teppo will turn 60 this year, and an anniversary tour is planned around his

yarns and songs. The boys will be along for the ride. They are in Jaakko’s favourite band, after all.

– Dad was a popular performer until 1994, when his career was cut short by a stroke. Since then, he’s recovered and, to say the least, is an energetic pensioner and ideas man in the background. He’s also pro-mised to participate in the anniversary tour, adds Ilja Teppo. ­­¢

kaukolasipartio performs Just under 80 gigs a year, mainly for firms

and private occasions.

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Established companies for sale!Success stories don’t have to be built from scratch. In many cases, continuing an up and running business is a more rational alternative to establishing a new company.

For North Karelia companies seeking new buyers, see www.josek.fi /osuva. Once you have found a suitable company, contact us for free business advice!

Get in touch and fi nd out more! Tel. +35 (0)20 721 8787 | info@josek.fi | www.josek.fi

The Joensuu region

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Free company consulting service

Josek serves all companies in the Joensuu region – and those thinking of moving there.

Wondering what direction your business should take, or about its development?

Seek the support of a sparring partner and sector expert – a JOSEK Ltd company adviser.

Josek’s offi ce is located in building 4B of the Joensuu Science Park. Entrance is via Linnunlahdentie 2.

The following business support services can be found on the same premises: North Karelia Enterprise Agency, Pohjois-Karjalan Yrittäjät (North Karelia Entrepreneurs),Joensuun Yrityskiinteistöt (Joensuu Business Premises) and an Employment and Economic Development Centre service point.

Plenty of parking spaces are located in the neighbouring parking hall.

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