Minister of Economic Affairs Wille Rydman in Äänekoski:

Even though the situation is difficult now, the spirit of building the future of Äänekoski is strong

Minister of Economic Affairs Will Rydman met today, January 29.1.2025, XNUMX, with the leadership of the City of Äänekoski, the Central Finland Association and the ELY Centre in the context of the structural change in the region's business life. Minister Rydman sees enormously positive future scenarios for the future of Äänekoski.

Metsä Wood, part of Metsä Group, will cease plywood production at its Suolahti mill by the end of 2026, but the company is aiming to offer jobs to those who lose their jobs in other units. In addition, personnel reductions have been made at Valtra's Suolahti mill. Minister of Economic Affairs Wille Rydman stated that the situation in Äänekoski was one of the biggest topics of discussion in the ministry's regional development at the end of the year.

– The situation in Äänekoski was well-publicized in the Central Finnish media, and those waves also reverberated to Helsinki and the ministry. We were able to make a decision on financing the structural change already last year, Rydman said.

To improve the situation, the Ministry of Employment and the Economy granted 160 euros to Äänekoski to manage the restructuring situation. The local sudden structural change (PÄRM) funding granted by the ministry supports and develops local companies to create replacement jobs and explores new business opportunities. The city of Äänekoski is applying for the funding as project funding from the Regional Council of Central Finland.

Minister Rydman stated that sudden structural change money alone will not solve the problem, but there are good examples of how this funding has created the foundation for more sustainable solutions.

– I see hugely positive future scenarios for Äänekoski, if we can just move things forward and get the winds in the right direction, Rydman said.

– Even though we paint a bleak picture, Äänekoski is doing very well in the big picture, the mayor Matti Tuononen stated.

Vitality Director Sari Åkerlund presented the measures to be pursued in the structural change of Äänekoski's business life, which could include, for example, examining the intended use of the Suolahti plywood mill area, mapping the potential for locating in the area, and promoting biochar and biogas operations.

– For these people affected by the changes, there will not be a good solution for everyone, and that is unfortunate. Those solutions must now be found so that everyone can move forward in life and find work, vitality director Sari Åkerlund said.

The unemployment figures in the region have increased dramatically and the situation is worrying. After the TE reform, municipalities will receive approximately 35% less government funding for employment management than the state has used for the same tasks.

– The region has enormous potential, but the situation is worrying. The economic cycle is affecting us very strongly and the change security situation has tripled in our region. The decreasing funding is not enough to provide employment services in this structural and economic change. We need quick solutions and additional funding, for example for additional training of the workforce, Regional Director of Employment Tiina Mäenpää stated. 

– It is a human tragedy if you don't get new jobs. We must now strive to find solutions towards something new. However, here in Äänekoski there are clear perspectives for the future and many positive opportunities, Rydman said.

Rydman expressed his gratitude for receiving strong messages and important and essential observations from Äänekoski. He is delighted by the innovative and dynamic spirit of building the future at Äänekoski.

Also the provincial governor Pekka Hokkanen thanked the city of Äänekoski for its attitude.

– We must go with our chests on the cane and faith in the future, and honestly acknowledging the facts, the provincial director stated.

For more information:

Mayor Matti Tuononen, 040 572 3239, matti.tuononen@aanekoski.fi

News published, modified 30.1.2025 at 15:06

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The Sound Fair promises a rich program offering

The May Voice Fair is currently being prepared in close cooperation with the entrepreneurship education department of Äänekoski Upper Secondary School, exhibitors and the people of the city. – We are looking forward to an exciting weekend with an interesting program for all ages. The Voice Fair has attracted a lot of interest and there are already more exhibitors than last year, says Sami Kallioinen, deputy principal of Äänekoski Upper Secondary School. The ideas and expertise of young people are strongly reflected in the event and its implementation.

JAMK's project opened up a wonderful opportunity for children from Äänekoski to find their own sport.

In Äänekoski, girls and boys aged 11–13 get to try out all possible sports with top coaching. This is JAMK's ÄKSport project, where 17 children are coached by Heikki Nurmi and Tommi Koskinen and top experts and coaches from Äänekoski in various sports. The project aims to get children moving, to find the joy of exercise, a way of moving that they like, and to get new enthusiasts into sports clubs. Äänekoski has the best experts and frameworks for children to get moving!

Äänekoski's 200 euro structural change grant will build opportunities for business growth

The Regional Council of Central Finland has granted the city of Äänekoski a grant of 160 euros. The funding was granted from the Supporting Sustainable Growth and Vitality of Regions (AKKE) funding to facilitate the structural change in Äänekoski. The funding is targeted at managing the local structural change situation in Äänekoski, coordinating it and developing the operating environment to create new businesses and jobs.

New detached house plots in Muhluniemi, Äänekoski, will be sold at the Jyväskylä Construction Fair

The city of Äänekoski has invested in the Koivisto-Hirvaskangas area by building a new kindergarten in connection with the Koivisto log school and by planning a new residential area with waterfront plots in Muhluniemi. We will be at the Jyväskylä Construction Fair on 21-23.3.2025 March 315 at stand B-24.3! The Muhluniemi single-family home plots will be sold at a plot auction after the fair on 6.4.2025 March-30.3.2025 April 12. There are ten single-family home plots for sale, two of which can be reserved immediately at the Jyväskylä Construction Fair. A plot presentation day for the whole family with programs will be organized in Muhluniemi on Sunday 14 March XNUMX from XNUMX-XNUMX.

The best Lego robots in Central Finland and perhaps all of Finland are coded at Hietama School

Future coders are being raised in Äänekoski and efforts are being made to educate children and young people in coding and digital skills! The students of the Hietama School Lego Robot Club won the First Lego League Central Finland competition on March 3.3.2025, 17.3.2025, congratulations to the winners! The Hietama School club members will represent Äänekoski and the whole of Central Finland on March XNUMX, XNUMX at the FLL Finnish Championship in Heureka, Vantaa.

Anne Paananen started as the city's transportation planner.

Anne Paananen, 30, started as the city of Äänekoski's transportation planner in February. The transportation planner is responsible for all of the city's transportation services and their planning, procurement, guidance and communication. The transportation planner is responsible for, among other things, transportation tenders and procurement, contracts, school transportation, the operation of the Village Bus and service transportation, and cooperation with Linkki-liikentien. The most important and certainly the most responsible and challenging job is taking care of the city's school transportation.

Minister of Finance Riikka Purra was genuinely interested in the situation in Äänekoski

Minister of Finance Riikka Purra visited Äänekoski on Saturday, March 1.3.2025, XNUMX, and met with the city and Valtra management. – Minister of Finance Riikka Purra was genuinely interested in the situation in Äänekoski. We discussed road projects supporting the industry in Äänekoski, financing the employment reform, and government transfers. The meeting went well and we discussed matters in a constructive spirit, the mayor said. Matti Tuononen says.

The city of Äänekoski shows its solidarity with Ukraine

The City of Äänekoski will fly the Ukrainian flag at the City Hall on Monday, February 24.2.2025, XNUMX, on the anniversary of the Russian invasion. The City of Äänekoski supports Ukraine, which has been a victim of Russia's war of aggression. By flying the flag, we want to show our support and appreciation for the Ukrainian people. We also want to honor the victims of the war. We will also illuminate the landscape lighting of the Pankkari walkway in the colors of the Ukrainian flag on Monday. The bridge will be lit blue.

Ilmiökaffi, a joint event for employees and residents of the city of Äänekoski, is coming again

Ilmiökavti, open to everyone, will be held again this year 2025 on Fridays 7.3., 16.5., 26.9. and 12.12. at 13-14.30 in the council chamber of the city hall. There will be relaxed gatherings and encounters without an official agenda. This year, Ilmiökahvi will also host a coffee party for Äänekoski summer residents on May 16.5th, and a welcome party for new residents will be held on December 12.12th. In conjunction with Ilmiökahvi, we usually have performers for Ilmiökahvi from Ala-Keiteleen Music Institute and Koskela Institute. Welcome!

A wonderful stuffed animal will be the star of the sound fair

The Äänemessut, organized by Äänekoski upper secondary school students, will be held in Pankkari and its surroundings on 23-24.5.2025 May 10, on Friday from 18 am to 10 pm and on Saturday from 16 am to 24.5 pm. The fair will culminate on Saturday XNUMX May with a concert by Pehmoaino. At the end of the fair, Pehmoaino will perform in the afternoon in the courtyard of Pankkari at a free concert organized by the city's youth and cultural services. In addition to Pehmoaino, the fair will feature bands from Äänekoski's youth and Taikuri Jore.

The Keskimaan Ilo auttaa 2025 donation helps young people in Central Finland to act more safely online.

The aim of the Osuuskauppa Keskimaa 2025 Ilo auttaa donation is to improve the well-being and mental health of young people in Central Finland by providing them with support and resources for functioning in the digital world and indirectly also for dealing with phenomena occurring there (e.g. bullying, loneliness and exclusion). In addition, training courses for youth workers and parents' evenings for young people's parents will be organised on the topic. The implementing partners are the youth services of the municipalities of Central Finland and Mieli ry. The total amount of the donation is 143 euros. The youth services of the city of Äänekoski will coordinate the donation received by the northern Central Finland region.

Daycare and school staff are trained to give children the best opportunities to learn and grow.

The Finnish National Board of Education has granted the city of Äänekoski project funding of over 42 000 euros for training teaching and educational personnel. The goal is that every child or young person in Äänekoski feels that they are in a safe environment, so that the best possible growth and learning can take place. The project, called In the Right Way, at the Right Time, began at the beginning of 2025 and will last until 2026.

Summer jobs for young people in the city of Äänekoski will be available for applications on February 10.2.2025, XNUMX.

The City of Äänekoski will spend 2025 euros on summer employment for young people in 140. This summer, the City of Äänekoski will also employ all interested young people finishing 000th grade either for summer jobs, with a summer job voucher or a summer entrepreneurship voucher. In addition, we also employ older young people in various city units and encourage young people to become entrepreneurs. Last year, the City of Äänekoski employed a total of 9 young people in the summer. The summer job application for young people starts on 153 February 10.2.2025.

Planning Review 2025: New plots bring builders and vitality to Äänekoski

The Äänekoski City Council approved the zoning review for 2025. It presents the zoning program for the following years 2025-2027; the preliminary schedules of the pending and soon-to-be initiated zoning projects, as well as the primary objectives. – The zoning of the city of Äänekoski aims to actively promote the development of the city and increase its vitality. Only those projects that we can promote according to the schedule will be included in the zoning review, says Planning Manager Nina Marjoniemi.

The renovation site of the Suolahti swimming pool will start on January 2.1.2025, XNUMX

The renovation site of the Suolahti swimming pool will start on January 2.1.2025, 2026. In the repair contract, the ventilation and pool technology of the swimming hall facilities will be improved, changing room facilities will be changed, and the building's surface materials and furniture will be renewed. The renovation is a significant investment in Äänekoski's sports facilities. The contract will be completed in the spring of XNUMX.

Sydän-Suomen jätekunta informs: The processing billing for fine and closed well sludge will change in 2025

Äänekosken Energia Oy handles the processing of sludge generated by living in the Äänekoski area, also for fine and closed well sludge. Currently, the Waste Act obliges the waste management authority to maintain a waste register, which also monitors fines and closed-pit sludge management. The waste authority of Central Finland is the waste board. Jätehuolto's other register is currently part of the register jointly used by the Waste Board and Sammakkokangas Oy.

The Northern Central Finland employment area is preparing for the transfer of TE services - There may be a backlog in the services at the beginning of the year

The Northern Central Finland employment area will serve job seekers and employers from the beginning of 2025. TE offices and municipal trials will cease on December 31.12.2024, 1.1.2025. The Northern Central Finland employment area offers a statutory labor service for job seekers and employers in Äänekoski, Hankasalmi, Kannonkoski, Karstula, Kinnula, Kivijärvi, Konnevede, Kyyjärvi, Laukaa, Pihtiputaa, Saarijärvi, Uuraini, Viitasaari and from XNUMX January XNUMX. At the beginning of the year, various disturbances, outages and delays in the service are possible.

In entrepreneurship education, we are already looking towards the spring Äänemessu

There are many things going on in Äänekoski's entrepreneurship education. Äänekoski high school's Joulumaa sales event was held on December 12.12.2024, XNUMX, and the charity arrangements made by high school students are for sale at Koko's garden Pop Up store until Christmas. We are also currently preparing for next spring's Ääne fair. Labor Minister Arto Satose and Prime Minister Petteri Orpoo were impressed by Äänekoski's entrepreneurship education.

The H-moment is approaching! TE services will be transferred to the municipalities at the beginning of the year

The Northern Central Finland employment area will serve job seekers and employers from the beginning of 2025. TE offices and municipal trials will cease on December 31.12.2024, 1.1.2025. The employment area offers a statutory labor service in Hankasalmi, Kannonkoski, Karstula, Kinnula, Kivijärvi, Konnevedi, Kyyjärvi, Laukaa, Pihtiputaa, Saarijärvi, Uuraini, Viitasaari and Äänekoski for job seekers and employers from January XNUMX, XNUMX.

The Northern Central Finland employment area will start operating on January 1.1.2025, XNUMX

The Northern Central Finland employment area serves job seekers and employers from January 1.1.2025, 31.12.2024. TE offices and municipal trials will cease on December 1.1.2025, XNUMX. We offer a statutory employment service in Hankasalmi, Kannonkoski, Karstula, Kinnula, Kivijärvi, Konnevedi, Kyyjärvi, Laukaa, Pihtiputaa, Saarijärvi, Uuraini, Viitasaari and Äänekoski for job seekers and employers from January XNUMX, XNUMX. With labor services, both individual and employer clients receive advice and guidance on job search and employee recruitment as well as skills development.

At the "Greetings to the decision-makers" meeting, the children had the opportunity to ask questions and influence

The Right to Learning theme of the national Children's Rights Week last week also awakened adults and children in Äänekoski to think about the conditions and possibilities of learning and to enjoy the joy of learning. In Äänekoski, the topic was addressed at least at Koulunmäki unified school, where the Greetings to decision-makers meeting combined the most important goals of the Child's Rights Week and the Welfare Week held at the same time: Participation, the opportunity to influence and the joy of doing things together.

The renovation of the Suolahti swimming hall is a significant investment in Äänekoski's sports facilities

The city of Äänekoski is renovating Suolahti's swimming hall. The swimming pool will be renovated to make it a reliable swimming pool for the next 30 years. The investment is a significant investment in Äänekoski's sports facilities and it complements the Suolahti sports center, which includes an ice rink, sports hall, gym, Frisbee golf course, skate ramp, artificial turf, multi-purpose arena and half-time playground. The renovation is an investment in one of the most important movement places for children and young people and the aging population. The Suolahti swimming hall will be closed for renovation on 25.11.2024 November XNUMX.

The 2025 budget proposal of the city of Äänekoski was completed with a deficit of EUR 2,2 million

The state share system inoculates Äänekoski badly. The mayor's proposal for next year's 2025 budget will be discussed in the city council on November 25.11.2024, 2,2. The budget proposal has a deficit of EUR 7,6 million. Taking into account the accumulated surpluses of 0,6 million euros from previous years and the projected surplus of XNUMX million euros for the current year, the city of Äänekoski will survive the difficult years to come.

Prime Minister Petteri Orpo heard Äänekoski's wishes in the restructuring of business life: "We are in the same boat"

On November 18.11.2024, XNUMX, Prime Minister Petteri Orpo visited Äänekoski and met representatives of the factories and personnel of Metsä Group and Valtra, as well as the city's management regarding the drastic change in the business world and the company's layoff news. Central Finland MPs Sinuhe Wallinheimo and Ville Väyrynen of the ruling party were also present. The state will use all instruments to help the situation.

Thanks for the resident bridge! Together, we want to make the center of Äänekoski more beautiful, more comfortable and more attractive

Thank you to all the participants of the 5.11.2025 residents' bridge in the city center and thank you for the fruitful discussion! About 50 residents of Painotalo participated in the residents' bridge, and there were also e.g. trustees, entrepreneurs, representatives of the youth council, residents' association and entrepreneurs' organization. Together, we want to make the center of Äänekoski more beautiful, more comfortable and more attractive. We also hope to increase community spirit and encounters!

The city of Äänekoski introduced an employee bicycle benefit - An electric bicycle increases exercise in everyday life and saves gas

The city of Äänekoski has introduced an employee bicycle benefit this fall. Sports janitor Raine Viander took the opportunity as soon as it was possible. Viander previously tried the city's loanable electric bike and got excited about getting his own bike. Viander has been satisfied with his electric bike and the amount of exercise in everyday life has increased. At the same time, you save gas.

The city of Äänekoski is doing everything it can to cope with the drastic change in the area's business life

The dark news from Äänekoski continued today, October 11.10.2024, 100, when Valtra and ACGO announced that they would start change negotiations concerning the persons covered by the collective agreement of white-collar workers and senior white-collar workers in the technology industry. The negotiations concern a total of 60 jobs in Finland. At the Suolahti factory, the reduction applies to approximately 1 white-collar jobs. Valtra employs a total of approximately 300 people at the Suolahti tractor factory. The reason for the change negotiations is the change in the market and the company's new operating methods. We are extremely worried about the jobs and future of our residents if the layoffs come true.

Äänekoski is a city of young people - Ääne fair is coming again!

Next year's Äänemessu 2025 is currently being planned. The Ääne fair will take place in and around Pankkari on May 23-24.5.2025, 10, Friday from 18 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Saturday from 16 a.m. to XNUMX p.m. The proceeds from the event will be used for the benefit of Äänekoski's youth. The city of Äänekoski and the department of education and training: the staff of high school and school entrepreneurship education are responsible for organizing the fair. 

Wahlman's house is now working for young people - "We are building this city for young people"

In the culturally historically valuable Wahlman house, work is now being done for the future, i.e. the young people of Äänekoski. The city's own personnel moved into the house at the beginning of the week. In the same place, the people of the searching and mobile youth work, youth workshop activities and services promoting integration are now working. The teaching and education department is really grateful for the new, wonderful facilities where work is now being done for the young people of Äänekoski.

The flying squirrel situation in the felling areas of the city of Äänekoski was clarified in the spring: according to ELY, it was found that there was no breeding or resting place for the flying squirrel in the area

According to information received from the media, the Keskinen Suomen liito-oravayhdistys ry has filed a criminal complaint about logging by a forest company in Äänekoski. The police have launched a preliminary investigation to find out if Stora Enso cut down the forest in the flying squirrel nesting area. The logging area is owned by the city of Äänekoski. The city of Äänekoski did several terrain inspections in the Sikopuro area in Suolahti in the spring of 2024 before logging, and no signs of flying squirrels were found. After the felling, the ELY Center of Central Finland conducted field inspections in the summer of 2024 and according to them, it was found that there was no breeding and resting place for flying squirrels in the area, so the Nature Conservation Act was not violated.

The crushing work causes noise and dust nuisance in the center of Suolahti

The city of Äänekoski is currently demolishing the former Asemakatu school in Suolahti. During the fall, concrete and brick will be crushed at the Asemakatu school, which will cause noise and dust nuisance as well as vibration. We strive to reduce harm to residents and the environment in all our activities. We save natural resources by using the demolished and crushed concrete and brick of the school building later in infrastructure construction.

Niina Rautanen, the director of the wide area, came to the house

Master of Philosophy Niina Rautanen, 34, started at the beginning of August when the director of education and training Ville Härtsiä retired. Before his election, Rautanen worked for a short time as Koskela's executive director and principal, and before that, e.g. as the branch manager of the Wiitaunion's cultural activities shared by the two municipalities. Rautanen is a music pedagogue and musicologist by training. He has solid experience in various administrative jobs and in his university studies he has focused on educational management.

The joint effort of the city of Äänekoski and Kiinteistönhoidin has brought savings of millions

- At the beginning of the current council term, the trustees of Äänekoski made a bold decision when the strategic partnership operating model was implemented in cooperation between the city and Äänekoski Kiinteistönhoito Oy. The goal of the partnership was to save one million euros during the term of the council, but so far, savings of 1,36 million euros and more have already been achieved. The quality of the work has improved, trust has grown and work has become more efficient. And above all, with better cooperation, we provide our residents with a better service, mayor Matti Tuononen says.

There is scope for low emissions, but it requires cooperation

The results of the Resource-wise Äänekoski - Low-emission road transport project, financed by the Ministry of the Environment and the city of Äänekoski, are ready. The goal of the survey is to reduce traffic emissions. Operators in the region have the will to make their business carbon neutral, and more refueling infrastructure is needed. The survey added dialogue between operators in the area, i.e. companies with heavy traffic, as well as low-emission fuel distributors, and explored the city's potential for influence.