7.6.2010

Turku 2011 to make three new corporate co-operation agreements

Turku European Capital of Culture 2011 has confirmed three new corporate co-operation agreements. The latest 2011 corporate partners are Itella, Suomen Lehtiyhtymä newspaper group and Mandatum Life. Now Capital of Culture Turku has 14 corporate co-operation partners.

The new Turku 2011 corporate partners are nationally strong companies that are able to support the visibility of the Capital of Culture programme throughout Finland. Itella, known for the general public especially for its postal services, also provides services in information management and logistics. Suomen Lehtiyhtymä is Finland’s fifth largest newspaper publisher and provider of printing services. Mandatum Life, a member of the Sampo Group, is a life insurance company and treasurer that operates in all Baltic countries in addition to Finland.

Itella is the leading company in information and service logistics in Northern Europe. However, Finnish consumers are mostly familiar with Itella’s daily postal services, through which Itella contacts nearly every Finn five times a week.

”The Capital of Culture year is a great, wonderful thing for Turku and the entire Southwest Finland. Itella is a long-term supporter of Finnish culture, making the corporate partnership a natural step for us. We want to deliver the cultural message further to our own corporate and consumer customers,” says Ari Murtonen, Regional Manager for Itella’s sales in Southwest Finland.

In Turku and in the whole country

Suomen Lehtiyhtymä publishes ordered local newspapers and free city newspapers throughout Finland. The company coordinates the nationwide KasvuSuomi chain of newspapers that consists of the company’s own newspapers and partner newspapers.

”Suomen Lehtiyhtymä media group considers Turku 2011 co-operation as a very important partnership. Marketing and communicating the Capital of Culture events extends throughout Finland with our nationwide network,” says Antti-Pekka Pietilä, Publication Director for Suomen Lehtiyhtymä.

Petri Niemisvirta, Managing Director for Mandatum Life, is delighted by the co-operation with Turku, as the company has its roots in Turku and holds a market leader position in the region.

”Turku is given a major honour with the European Capital of Culture status. The culture year programme will enrich the lives of Finnish people in many ways. Enriching people’s lives is also a passion for Mandatum Life,” says Mr. Niemisvirta.

The current corporate co-operation partners for Capital of Culture Turku are the main co-operation partners Finnair, Hartwall and MTV Media and the partners Clear Channel, Itella, Lippupiste, Mandatum Life, Muuttopalvelu Niemi, Puustelli, Suomen Lehtiyhtymä, Tallink Silja, Turku Energy, Turun Osuuskauppa and Turun Sanomat. 

Corporate co-operation agreements are negotiated on behalf of the Turku 2011 Foundation by Infront Finland Oy, a company specialising in the sponsorship of culture and sports events.