The Kymenlaakso Chamber of Commerce was established in 1929. Since then, the Chamber has participated in several industry and commerce development projects, especially in the fields of logistics and education, as well as in industrial and service sector projects.
Kymenlaakso Chamber of Commerce throughout the Years
1917
The Russian Temporary Government ratifies the statute declaring the establishment of Chambers of Commerce in Helsinki, Turku, Vyborg, Tampere, Kuopio and Oulu.
1928–1929
The Kotka Chamber of Commerce Association is established and its regulations are approved. The Council of State approves the establishment of the Kotka Chamber of Commerce Association on 14 March, 1929. This date is considered the official starting date of the operations of the Kotka Chamber of Commerce Association. At the first meeting held later in the same year, 231 companies, associations and individuals join the Kotka Chamber of Commerce Association.
1941–1952
The Kotka Chamber of Commerce encompasses the operations of the Mikkeli Chamber of Commerce including the municipalities of Mikkeli Province.
1950
Based on the initiative of the Finnish Businessmen’s Association, the Kouvola Region Chamber of Commerce is established under the administration of the Kotka Chamber of Commerce. At the same time, the municipalities of Iitti and Jaala are included within the operational area.
1960
The Ministry of Industry and Commerce confirms the change of name from Kotka Chamber of Commerce to Kymenlaakso Chamber of Commerce.
1990
The Kymenlaakso Chamber of Commerce has 339 members. Due to recession, the number of members diminishes to 243 in 1995.
2002
The new Chamber of Commerce Act takes effect and the former statute is nullified. The new regulations of the Kymenlaakso Chamber of Commerce are approved at the autumn meeting.
2010
The number of members exceeds to 500 and settles at 512 at the end of the year. The Kymenlaakso Chamber of Commerce moves into new facilities in Datariina Centre for Business. The organization of the Chamber of Commerce is divided into eight committees, and its operations are governed by a Board consisting of 17 members. The Chamber employs six people to run its daily office routines.
2019
The functions of Kouvola Region Chamber of Commerce are merged into the Kymenlaakso Chamber of Commerce. The long-time CEO, Mr. Jouko Lehtoranta is retiring and the new CEO, Mrs. Marika Kirjavainen takes up her new position. The Chamber employs five people to run its daily office routines.
2020
The Kotka office of Kymenlaakso Chamber of Commerce moves into new facilities in Eagle House in Karhula, Kotka city.
2023
The Chamber of Commerce buys shares in the new business service center Kohoa and Kouvola’s office moves to new premises.