Nokian Tyres Chief Executive Officer Hille Korhonen plans to compete in the Little Debbie Ironman triathlon in Chattanooga on Sunday.
"The sense of community that comes from participating in an Ironman event is extraordinary," said the CEO of the Finnish company that is building a $360 million tire production plant in nearby Dayton, Tenn.
Korhonen, 57, said in a statement that she came to Chattanooga last year for the Dayton factory groundbreaking ceremony and "since that time have set my sights on coming back to compete."
She took part in an Ironman 70.3 event in Finland last year and said it fits in naturally with the company's values that promote mobility and active lifestyles.
"As Nokian Tyres continues to grow its presence in North America, I want to set an example for our employees and show them our company's values aren't just words," Korhonen said.
See more in Thursday's Times Free Press.