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Finnish Delegation Tours Central Illinois

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By Jenny Li

Story Published: May 6, 2008 at 3:43 PM CDT

Story Updated: May 6, 2008 at 8:17 PM CDT

A Finnish delegation is visiting Peoria this week learning more Peoria Next.

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The group of 16 people from Finland include educators, company representatives and city officials. They've been in town since Sunday, making stops at Caterpillar, Bradley University and other local companies.

Hanna Lehtimaki said, "One of the things that is really great to see and hear here is how well the University and industries working together, really putting their efforts together and bring growth to the local economy."

Bradley Economics Professor Richard Gretz added, "Well, what I hope that we do is we're able to build a partnership, not only here for our local entrepreneurs to have global opportunities but for some of their entrepreneurs to have opportunities here as well."

The Finnish group will take a trip to Chicago on Thursday, where they will depart for Finland.