Labor Minister Arto Satonen visited Äänekoski

"Now we have to find the most suitable tools so that we can save with as little damage as possible and be able to build a path to the future"

Minister of Labour Arto Satonen visited large industrial companies in Äänekoski and the city of Äänekoski on 29.10.2024 October XNUMX. Also MPs Sinuhe Wallinheimo ja Riitta Mäkinen were involved in the visit. In the meeting, the aim was to clarify the goals and the situation picture on both sides, so that Äänekoski can survive the coming drastic changes in the business world.

- We are happy that the minister was listening and we were able to take a step forward again. We have hopes especially for sudden structural change support for Äänekoski, the city's vitality leader Sari Åkerlund says.

- In the long run, Äänekoski has a good future. However, these drastic changes in business life happening right now will have an impact on us in Äänekoski for several years. The economic recession brings its own challenges to this situation, and we definitely need support measures from the state so that we can build a path to the future that is as solid as possible and that solutions for the future begin to emerge, says Åkerlund.

In the discussion between Äänekoski city management and Minister Satonen, there were ways in which the state could concretely help Äänekoski. These means include forms of support for sudden structural change, such as various types of support funding for company investments, transition security funding, transport projects, supporting pre-construction and increasing retraining opportunities and opportunities for entrepreneurship. The city of Äänekoski also hopes to raise the city from the lowest investment support area 3 to area 2, which can have quick employment effects in the area.

- The situational picture and needs are now clarified together all the time and, for example, the effects of changes on the subcontracting network are clarified. We are a strongly industrial town, so the recession and structural change will hit us harder now, but in the long run we will survive. Now we have to find the most suitable tools so that we can save with as little damage as possible and be able to build a path to the future, says Åkerlund.

Under the leadership of the city of Äänekoski, a restructuring group meets to update the situation and future measures. The city has rapidly started negotiations with companies, MPs and ministers of Finland's governing parties, TEM, ELY Center of Central Finland and the Federation of Central Finland. The city of Äänekoski has also been in contact with Central Finland's TE office regarding possible extensive layoffs and redundancies in the area. Cooperation with different educational institutions will also be initiated regarding this matter.

- From the beginning of 2025, the city of Äänekoski will be the host municipality in the employment area of ​​13 municipalities in Northern Central Finland, and any large layoffs and layoffs will be managed by the employment area. The city of Äänekoski sees that the employment area needs support from the state in terms of change security, says Åkerlund.

Discussions and active dialogue continue and the needs become more precise all the time.

For more information:

Vitality Director Sari Åkerlund, 050 598 7447, sari.akerlund@aanekoski.fi

News published, modified 30.10.2024 at 10:17

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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.

Online appointment booking for family legal services, mediation of family matters and social services for adults will be discontinued

It is not possible to book an appointment online for family legal services, mediation of family matters and social services for adults of the Central Finland welfare region on August 28.8. after the hivis.fi service appointment becomes unavailable. The welfare area will inform when the new online appointment booking system is put into use. Other transaction possibilities of the Hyvis.fi service remain unchanged.

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, says city manager Matti Tuononen.

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.

The renovation of Äänekoski town hall will start in July

During the summer, the 1st floor of Äänekoski town hall will be renovated to add more office space for the employment services. The Northern Central Finland employment area will start operating on January 1.1.2025, 65. The state's TE offices will cease and 1.1.2025 employees from the state will be transferred to the city of Äänekoski from January XNUMX, XNUMX. Most of the transferred employees will work in Äänekoski, so additional space is needed.

Äänekoski's walking and cycling promotion program is moving forward - Towards more functional routes!

The city of Äänekoski has taken significant steps to promote walking and cycling. The city of Äänekoski has received funding of 18 euros from Traficom for the creation of a program to promote walking and cycling, and the city organized a resident survey in the spring, the answers of which will be used in developing the program. The project is part of the active climate and environmental work of the city of Äänekoski.

Evaluation report: Äänekoski's operations and finances are in good shape

On June 10.6.2024, 2023, the Äänekoski city council approved the audit committee's evaluation report for the year XNUMX. The evaluation report shows that the operation of the city of Äänekoski has gone well, even though the municipalities and nationally have been living in the midst of challenging circumstances. The report highlights the city's successes, but also some areas for development and identified risks. It is particularly positive that the inspection board has also listened to the valuable views of young people on the city's joint decision-making.

From the beginning of 2025, employers will receive service from the Northern Central Finland employment area - Welcome to the information session!

The responsibility for organizing employment services will be transferred from the state to the municipalities from January 1.1.2025, 4.6. The transfer of TE services to municipalities is a significant and new statutory task. The goal is to effectively promote the meeting of job seekers and employers! We are organizing information events about the reform open to everyone, with the same content, on Tuesday 5.6.2024 June. and Wed 10 June XNUMX at XNUMX a.m. remotely. Entrepreneurs in the area are also warmly welcome to join!

Karhunlähti kindergarten turns 50 years old

Karhunlähti daycare center celebrated its fiftieth anniversary last week and the current building turns 40 years old. The whole house people and families have celebrated in many ways. The staff put together a wonderful exhibition in the gym, which is a cross-section of the different decades of the kindergarten from the 70s to today. On display are familiar toys from different eras, books, newspaper clippings and photographs, as well as other kindergarten items. Children and their parents were able to get to know the exhibition with an ice cream serving.

Äänekoski is moving towards a more sustainable life

Finnish Environmental Center publication 2022 greenhouse emissions. According to statistics, greenhouse emissions have decreased more than average in Äänekoski. From the peak year of 2006, emissions have decreased nationwide by 36%, and Hinku municipalities' average emission reduction was 40%, while Äänekoski's emission reduction is up to 44%. From central Finland, Jämsä achieved the largest emission reductions, and Äänekoski, together with the city of Jyväskylä, came in second place.

Recognition for school food - Äänekoski children eat "diploma food"!

All seven primary schools in Äänekoski have been awarded School Food Diplomas. Äänekoski has good cooperation between food services, schools and kindergartens. We want to develop this cooperation further and it is important that all adults around children and young people participate in the development and appreciation of food culture. Äänekoski has very high-quality school food and the diploma is also a tribute to long-term and valuable work. Next week, diplomas will be celebrated in every elementary school with delicious desserts!

According to the resident survey, people in Äänekoski are satisfied with the city's basic services

The revised resident survey of the city of Äänekoski was now carried out for the second time. We were more satisfied with the services provided by Äänekoski Kiinteistönhoito Oy and the city together than last year. We have been very successful in organizing basic services and waste sorting opportunities. In addition, Äänekoski is satisfied with the comprehensive hobby opportunities. With the resident survey, the city receives valuable development proposals and guidelines for the development of its operations and services.

The public safety bulletin is distributed to households in Äänekoski

The public safety bulletin of the operators of the Äänekoski factory area and the rescue service of Central Finland will be distributed to households in the Äänekoski region on May 8.5.2024, 11. A total of almost 000 safety bulletins are distributed to households, in addition to which bulletins are distributed to Äänekoski's schools, shops, offices of the welfare area, the town hall and the city's information points, such as Äänekoski's libraries. The safety bulletin contains an information package on major accident resources, warning the population, safety measures and action instructions for citizens in the event of a major accident.

Changes to the telephone numbers and service hours of the auxiliary services

Due to the development of the operation of assistive device services in the welfare region of Central Finland on Monday 6.5. There will be a new phone number for assistive device services in northern Central Finland, the assistive device service phone numbers of Kyllö and Paloka health centers will be combined, and the service hours of assistive device services in Keuruu will change. The goal of the development work is piece by piece to harmonize and improve the operation, accessibility and quality of assistive technology services in the welfare area.