The South Savo Regional Union has recognized outstanding local businesses with its annual awards. Kangasniemi Music Weeks, Okkola Holiday Cottages from Puumala, and Piako Oy from Naarajärvi received the Best of South Savonia honors. Kalakontti Saimaa Oy from Puumala earned the D.O. Saimaa Company of the Year award.
This year's selection process emphasized corporate responsibility across social, economic, and environmental dimensions. The jury specifically sought businesses making sustainable choices that improve their communities while caring for employees and customers.
Kangasniemi Music Weeks stood out for strengthening the region's summer appeal over multiple decades. The music festival has become a cultural cornerstone that attracts visitors throughout the summer season.
Okkola Holiday Cottages represents a third-generation family business maintaining strong environmental and community values. The company demonstrates how traditional family enterprises can prioritize sustainability while preserving local heritage.
Piako, which manufactures heavy equipment trailers and superstructures, maintains close educational partnerships despite economic challenges. The company's continued investment in workforce development shows confidence in South Savonia's industrial future.
Kalakontti Saimaa received recognition for promoting local food culture through its popular fish dishes and accessible market sales in Puumala. The business has made Saimaa lake fish a recognizable regional specialty.
These awards highlight a growing trend in Finnish regional development where local identity and sustainable practices become competitive advantages. The winning companies all contribute to building community spirit while enhancing the region's positive image.
Business development chief Tuula Kokkonen noted the selection committee reviewed numerous strong candidates from across South Savonia. The winners collectively demonstrate how responsibility manifests differently across various business sectors.
The public participated in the nomination process through the regional union's website during September and October. Awards were presented Tuesday during a municipal management seminar for South Savo entrepreneurs in Mikkeli.
The recognition program, established in 2011, involves judges from multiple regional organizations including the ELY Centre, Chamber of Commerce, Entrepreneurs Association, South-Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences, and the Regional Fund.
This awards program reflects Finland's broader regional development strategy that empowers local communities to identify and celebrate their success stories. Such recognition helps smaller municipalities like Puumala and Kangasniemi gain visibility while encouraging business practices that benefit both the local economy and environment.
For international observers, these awards demonstrate how Finland's regional development model operates through collaboration between public institutions, educational establishments, and private enterprises. The emphasis on sustainability aligns with Nordic business values that balance profitability with social and environmental considerations.