Invitation to Helsinki Contact Information
Information in Helsinki
General enquiries:
Ms. Saila Machere
Event Manager, City of Helsinki
tel. +358 9 310 25903
Mr. Mikko Leisti
Invitation to Helsinki Project Manager
tel. +358 400 640 090
Helsinki Information, press photo enquires:
Ms. Rita Ekelund
Publications Manager, City of Helsinki
Tel +358 9 310 360 74
Helsinki Madrid FINDESIGN Information + Press photos
/ Huippu / Design / Management
Laivurinkatu 37,
00150 Helsinki,
Finland
+358 9 679 043
communications@huippu.fi
www.huippu.fi
Information in Washington DC
General enquiries, press photo enquires:
Judith Turner-Yamamoto
pickworthbell communications
(703) 851 0380
Ms. Johanna Lemola
Invitation to Helsinki Publicist, City of Helsinki
(202) 288 4804
Embassy of Finland:
Mr. Kari Mokko
Press Counselor, Embassy of Finland
(202) 298 5820
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Invitation to Helsinki PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
Date: 1 April 2009
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Judith Turner-Yamamoto
703.851.0380
judith@pickworthbell.com
Kari Mokko
kari.mokko@formin.fi
202.298.5820
Johanna Lemola
jlemola@aol.com
202.686.6814
CITY OF HELSINKI LAUNCHES INVITATION TO HELSINKI
Program Builds Relationships
Between Washington, DC and Helsinki, Finland
MyHelsinki Exhibition Opens 2 May,
Embassy of Finland, Washington, DC
Twelve Washingtonians /Twelve Helsinki Stories
Washington, DC –- The City of Helsinki, Finland announces Invitation to Helsinki, a program that aims to build lasting relationships between the national capitals of Washington, DC and Helsinki, Finland. During March and April, 12 talented Washingtonians travel by invitation to Helsinki on individual journeys. Hosted by their Helsinki counterparts, they will experience the city on both professional and personal levels, and document their ongoing discoveries at www.myhelsinki.fi.
MyHelsinki, an exhibition on view at the Embassy of Finland, Washington, DC during May 2009, will spotlight the Invitation to Helsinki program participants’ Helsinki discoveries and impressions. Part of a month-long presentation showcasing Helsinki, MyHelsinki is designed by Professor Timo Salli and his group from the University Of Art And Design Helsinki. The exhibition at the Embassy of Finland, located at 3301 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, will be open to the public from 2 May through 31 May, on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, and on Memorial Day, 11am-4pm.
Invitation to Helsinki is implemented under the patronage of Mr. Jussi Pajunen, Mayor of Helsinki and His Excellency Mr. Pekka Lintu, the Ambassador of Finland. A reception for MyHelsinki is hosted by the Ambassador on Friday, 1 May, 6 to 9 pm.
Invitation to Helsinki program participants, area of expertise, and Helsinki host organizations are:
Children’s Education: Dr. Marta Palacios, Principal, Bruce-Monroe Elementary School
host organization: City of Helsinki Education Department and Social Services Department
Academic Education: Patrick Dowd, President / Georgetown University Student Body
host organization: Aalto University/Design Factory
Technology: Peter Corbett, CEO / iStrategy Labs
host organization: Forum Virium Helsinki
Green Building: Dale Medearis, Senior Environmental Planner, Environmental and Planning Services, Northern Virginia Regional Commission
host organization: City of Helsinki Planning Department & Economic and Planning Centre
Environment: Mark Buscaino, Executive Director / Casey Trees
host organization: City of Helsinki Public Works Department
Sports: Eric Gilliland, Executive Director / Washington Area Bicyclist Association
host organization: City of Helsinki Sports Department and Helsinki Cyclists
Design: Travis Price, Architect, Educator, Philosopher / Travis Price Architects/ Spirit of Place
host organization: Helsinki Design Week
Food & Drink: Nora Pouillon, Chef, pioneer and champion of organic, environmentally conscious cuisine / Restaurant Nora
host organization: Eat & Joy
Music: Davey Yarborough, Musician, Educator / Duke Ellington School of Arts
host organization: Sibelius Academy
Culture & Events: Ayodamola Okunseinde, Video Artist and co-founder Dissident Display
host organization: City of Helsinki Cultural Office
Marketing & Business: Scott Goodstein, Revolution Messaging
host organization: Greater Helsinki Promotion
Communication: Blake Zeff, Political Spokesperson
host organization: City of Helsinki Communications Office
“We strongly believe Washingtonians and Helsinkians share areas of common interest and grand ideas that, when teamed for mutual advancement, can help build a better future,” says Mr. Pajunen, Mayor of Helsinki. “We are happy to host this incredible group of Washingtonians and look forward to introducing them to our city and our citizens. It is our sincere hope that these burgeoning relationships will endure, bringing benefit to our communities and enjoyment to everyone involved.”
During May, twelve themed days of programming will spotlight each of the participants’ fields. Invitation to Helsinki hosts will join their new Washington colleagues in DC for a series of seminars and meetings to foster ongoing and expanded networking and exchange between leading experts from the two cities. For complete programming and a list of events, please visit www.myhelsinki.fi
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