FACC Florida: Newsletter
OPINION
January has gone by quickly. On the first month of the year we saw a boost on Wall Street. Stocks soared in the first month of the year with the S&P 500 index scoring its best January since 1987 and The Dow Jones notched its strongest January since 1989. Also the Nasdaq Index soared 10% in January. In light of the statistics this predicts a good February in the stock markets; in years where the S&P 500 posted a gain in January, February has also averaged a gain.
At the FACC we had our first board meeting of the year. Our board of directors gathered to compose upcoming events and the ways to promote commercial relations between Finland and the United States on this season. We are looking forward to this spring season to come.
Meanwhile in Finland people have had the opportunity to enjoy (or to endure) snowiest winter in years, here in South Florida we can finally feel a bit warmer breeze on our skin after a pretty chilly January. Besides the fact regarding the record amount of snow also some other interesting news from Finland has reached us: INSIDER ranked Finland as the number one country to travel to in 2019. If you yet haven’t been there, I can truly recommend!
We are still looking for our intern for the summer season. If you are Finnish citizen and a student or freshly graduated, and interested to get a great and unique international experience read more about our internship opportunity below.
Have a wonderful day everyone!
Yours truly,
Esa Jokela
FACC President
NEWS FROM FINLAND
Finland ranked the leading contributor to humanity
Finland has taken the top podium spot in the Good Country Index, which measures countries’ overall impact on the planet and humanity. The index examined 153 countries and evaluated how they each contribute to or burden the global common good, providing a country-specific balance sheet. It is based on 35 criteria and divided into seven categories, such as contributions to science and technology, planet and climate, as well as peace and security. Read more
Finns among world’s most sustainable companies
Seven Finnish companies have been included on this year’s Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations in the World list. Finnish heavyweights Neste, Outotec, UPM-Kymmene, KONE, Metso, Nokia and Kesko were named in the Global 100, announced in Davos during the World Economic Forum. The list was compiled using 21 quantitative key performance indicators across the pillars of environmental and social responsibility and good corporate governance to measure the sustainability of 7 536 global companies. Read more
Finnish wellbeing and mental health startup CupOfTherapy is making waves in North America
Finnish well-being and mental health startup CupOfTherapy has signed FanGirl Consulting & Brand Management as its licensing agent in the US and Canada. CupOfTherapy is a series of reassuring and soothing animal illustrations that were turned into a Finnish book in 2017. Read more
NEWS FROM FLORIDA
Virgin Trains USA announces initial public offering of up to $619 million to support Brightline expansion
More than 32.5 million shares of stock are being offered for $17 to $19 a share.Virgin Trains USA, the Sir Richard Branson-backed company that has partnered with Florida's Brightline passenger train, announced an initial public offering of stock to raise up to $619 million. Read more
Palm Beach leaders envision more vibrant business climate in town
Business and civic leaders at a workshop drew on their experience and ideas to paint a collective picture of what the business climate in Palm Beach could be. Their vision: businesses that thrive year-round, are more inviting to the public, focused on the future, and entrepreneurial in spirit but grounded in the values and aesthetic of the town. Read more
Most CEOs are in ‘growth mode’ with plans to hire more in Florida region
CEOs were asked: In 2019, do you plan to hire more, fewer, or about the same number of employees? What leads you to this outlook?
INTERN WANTED! You still have time to apply for our internship
We are currently looking for a new intern, for both summer and fall season. Are you ready for the
experience of a lifetime or do you know someone who is?
The position is a shared internship between Finnish American Chamber of Commerce and Honorary Consulate of Finland.
More information from our website or contact us at
NEW MEMBERS
Early Learning Coalition of Palm Beach County
Early Learning Coalition of Palm Beach County works to build community-wide commitment to ensure every child is ready to succeed in school and life through comprehensive, high-quality early learning environments. Their collaborative local partnerships allow for continuity of care and funding for families, resulting in more than 30,000 children served annually. High-quality early learning programs help ensure that even the most at-risk children arrive at kindergarten ready to learn. Access to child care allows parents to work and earn money to support their families. Learn more here
INTERESTED TO BECOME A MEMBER?
As a member you will get an access to our events and forums focused on specific business topics giving you a perfect opportunity to learn highly valuable information concerning your business and its growth from speakers specialized on the topic. Events are a great opportunity for networking. Read more what we have to offer for you from here and please don't hesitate to contact us if you have anything to ask!