The Liiver government admitted diploma of 2025 for significant work towards rural development James and To Sari Koskenkorva.
A couple who moved from Tampere to the village of Koskenkorva in Ilmajoki have been running a Koskenkorva Tavern seven years.
When developing the tourist destination, consideration has been given to what can be done on one's own homestead.
– We are not leaving here or opening an office in the center of Seinäjoki, we will operate here. It is difficult, but also very refreshing, says Jaakko.
The starting point for everything is the surrounding environment and local history. This inspired the creation of the Könnimuseo in the yard and the Koskenkorva Museum, which tells the history of vodka. The biggest attraction for tourists is the sauna culture offered by Trahteer.
Making operations more open with generational change
Koskenkorvan Trahteeri was originally founded by Jaako's parents, Martin and Päivi Koskenkorva, in 1998. During their time, Trahteeri served as a venue for private events, such as sauna evenings, meals and weddings.
When the second generation took over the reins of the family business, operations were expanded in a more open direction.
– Nowadays, more open sauna evenings, concerts and meals are organized in addition to private events, Jaakko says.
– We are investing more in the summertime, because that's when people want to be outside and do special things, adds Sari.
Becoming a tavern owner wasn't a given
The Koskenkorvas lived in Tampere for 11 years before they decided to move back to South Ostrobothnia in 2013.
“We had a lot of children and wanted to be closer to our grandparents,” says Sari, who is originally from Vaasa.
Home was found on the Koskenkorva farm, in the same yard as Jaakko's parents.
Although it is clear from the couple's speech that running Trahteeri's operations is a matter of the heart, they did not initially intend to become entrepreneurs in a tourist destination.
– Then when we were here and started coming up with ideas, my mind changed, Jaakko says.
In the summer, the Koskenkorva Trahteeri program includes sauna evenings and concerts. Photo: Trahteeri archive.
Not competitors, but partners
The couple feels that there aren't many other companies in the same field in the countryside, and they don't consider other operators as competitors. They see them as opportunities for collaboration.
Jaakko mentions the Kurikan Lakkitehtaas, where a restaurant and brewery were opened, as one such place.
– Instead of complaining about which one people will come to, we think that of course they will come to both.
This willingness to cooperate has sometimes caused surprise among customers. As an example, Sari tells of a case where she was unable to offer a customer a meal and recommended other nearby eateries instead.
– They said, “Why are you listing your competitors?” Sari laughs.
– They are not competitors, but partners. It is really important to us that every single tourist who thinks of coming to South Ostrobothnia also comes here, even if they don't stop here on that particular trip, he continues.
Koskenkorva Trahteeri serves as an atmospheric evening venue for visitors from near and far. Photo: Trahteeri archive.
In addition to their own business, the duo is active in various associations. Jaakko is the former chairman of the Koskenkorva School Parents' Association, and Sari is currently the chairman.
In addition, Jaakko is a member of the board of the Ilmajoki Music Festival and Sari is a member of the national board of the Finnish Rural Entrepreneurs Association.
– Of course, the Seinäjoki region and South Ostrobothnia tourism organization represents food tourism and especially beverage tourism, Sari adds.
Getting outside your own bubble through collaborations and association activities is invigorating.
– We are usually here at Trahteeri as a couple, so it's really refreshing to go with another group to think about things, Sari laughs.
– By collaborating and developing products and ideas with others, there is a good opportunity to be bigger than you are, Jaakko says.