December is a good time to take a moment to reflect on the past. This year we have been reminded repeatedly of one of the best parts of Leader work: getting to follow great stories of local people, businesses and communities up close. The valuable work of our partners has not gone unnoticed by others, as recognition has poured in for both the businesses and associations we support.
Mukula ry, which has united Jalasjärvi residents for decades, received the Artturi Leinonen Award. Mukula's achievements include, among others, the Aukusti-rock, funded by Liiver, the international exchange of local youth, and most recently, the Jalasjärvi Skatepark. Photo: Seinäjoen Sanomat
Several companies that developed their operations with the support of Liiver received recognition. Seinäjoki-based Notta Systems Oy was chosen as the most promising growing company in South Ostrobothnia, advancing to the national Kasvu Open final. Seinäjoki-based CustomIT and Ilmajoki-based Fysio 2000 were awarded as entrepreneurs of the year. Joupin Vanha Tupa received the Artturi Leinonen Prize.
The Ilvesjoki fiber optic network built with Liiver's money was the only Finnish competitor in the European Union's broadband competition. In the end, the village of Ilvesjoki won second place in Brussels. Fast network connections are needed above all by the village's businesses and large farms.
Liiveri is the village's trust fund. Out of 55 villages in our region, 43 have developed their operations through projects. One of the most active is the village of Könn, which was honored with the South Ostrobothnian village of the year award.
Liiveri congratulates its partners and wishes everyone else a year full of ideas!