140 years of Berner – a tale of TWO CELEBRATIONS

Text: Tom Schauman

In honour of its 140-year journey, Berner organised two celebrations. It was a great privilege to be one of those invited, by Hannes Berner and Antti Korpiniemi, to both. On the first evening, the Group's most important customers and partners were invited to Suvilahti Kattila- halli. As our hosts arrived, there was a palpable sense of nervousness in the air. Saana Suomi, one of the people in charge of the arrangements, helped steady my heartbeat as she deftly pinned a white flower to my lapel. I'm convinced she never noticed what a soothing effect she had on us.

When the stakeholders’ representatives arrived, it was great to see the impact that both the venue and dashing attire had on them, too. When, one by one, the speakers at the celebratory seminar took to the stage to deliver their speeches, it became clear that the evening could be chalked down as a win for the home team. And what great speeches Carl Bildt, Elina Hiltunen and Maija-Riitta Ollila gave! The evening continued with good food (the best in Finland – after all, it was prepared by the national Culinary Team) and performances. The aim of the evening was to make it clear that Berner is ready to play its role in defending the future of an evolving Finland. The message certainly came through.

The second evening struck a different chord. It was more inclusive, down-toearth, and well, for want of a better word, more spirited. The celebration was put on for us, Berner employees. The invitations were delivered to everyone personally, and Chemigate answered the call. Two thirds of the Chemigate team packed into trains, cars and buses to head towards a night in the capital. It was a stunning evening. Berner's history was revealed to all as professional performers and talented amateurs put on a rousing show. As the evening progressed, our cheeks steadily became more flushed – and by the time Kaija Koo took over Kattilahalli, even the most hardened wallflowers were tapping their feet to the rhythm. The Berner family's indefatigable mingling with the guests, shaking hands and exchanging words, also made an impression.

New legends were written late into the night, but I’ve promised to wait at least ten years – then I'll tell you all about them.