Be the Match Foundation (National Marrow Donor Program)
Community Health Charities Minnesota
The National Marrow Donor Program is the sole Minnesota entry on this year's "Most Innovative Companies" list compiled by Fast Company. The magazine credits the group with using technology to greatly speed up transplant times and drive recruitment using social media. The Minneapolis-based nonprofit operates its Be The Match registry to pair donors with patients who need marrow transplants. The NMDP shares the honor with companies like Apple & Facebook. Also, Community Health Charities Minnesota (CHCM) announced its 2012 roster of member charities. New charities for the 2012-2013 campaign includes Be the Match Foundation.
Valspar
Valspar received a 2012 Product of the Year USA awards, presented by Better Homes and Gardens magazine and research firms Spark International and TNS. The company won the paint category for its spray-paint product. For 2012, the awards were bestowed in 22 categories that offer a cross-section of American shopping cart selections. The categories are changed from year to year and vary among the 28 countries in which there are Product of the Year competitions.
Hyatt Regency Minneapolis
Hyatt Regency Minneapolis opened their 168-seat Prairie Kitchen & Bar in May. The opening of the 5,500 square foot new restaurant marks a key milestone in the $25 million renovation of the hotel's guestrooms, suites, and public areas. Prairie Kitchen & Bar will specialize in locally grown and seasonal items that evoke the Scandinavian and farming heritage of Minnesota. Executive Chef Aaron Hagerdorn is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America.
Fortune’s 50 Most Admired Companies
Target Corporation and General Mills, Inc. are among Fortune’s 50 most-admired companies. Target placed 25th spot, beating out all other companies in the general merchandisers category. General Mills placed 50th (sixth in the consumer food products sector.) According to Fortune, companies that made the list “have the best reputation.” The magazine's list was based on a survey that asked businesspeople to vote for companies that they admired the most, from any industry. Fortune also released an unranked list of 358 most-admired companies in the world on which C.H. Robinson Worldwide, Inc., U.S. Bancorp, and Medtronic all appear.
PCL, DLR and University of Minnesota
Burnsville-based PCL Construction Services and Minneapolis-based DLR Group have been selected to rebuild Siebert Field, home of the University of Minnesota’s Gopher baseball team. Construction will begin in June on the new $7.5 million outdoor stadium, which will include a 2,300-square-foot grandstand with an open concourse, grass seating, an upgraded ticketing area and press box, an artificial playing surface, and a new entry plaza. In 2009, the two firms collaborated on a project that involved replacing the court floor at Williams Arena.
Northeast Bank
Northeast Bank was honored by the Twin Cities North Chamber of Commerce with the receipt of the 2012 Excellence in People Development Award. The bank was honored for their philosophy of people development, generous education reimbursement program, and extensive internal/external training and development options. The bank received a second honor being named by Minnesota Business magazine as one of 2012's Best 100 Companies to Work For. Independent research group, Gilmore Research, gathered information from employee satisfaction surveys. Northeast Bank was recognized in the mid-sized company category. Northeast Bank also announced 2 promotions: Mike Scholl has been promoted to Vice President – Commercial Loans at the Coon Rapids office. Mike has worked for Northeast Bank since March 2008, when he was hired as a commercial lender. Gary Ingle has been promoted to Vice President – Commercial Lending. Gary has worked for Northeast Bank since December 1998, when he was hired as a Personal Banker II. He earned the Assistant Vice President title in 2009.
Minnesota Public Relations Society of America
The Minnesota chapter of the Public Relations Society of America announced its new leadership for 2012. Minnesota PRSA is the 10th-largest chapter of PRSA, the world’s leading organization for public relations professionals. Chamber member businesses/organization represented on the committees include VP Tracy Carlson, Padilla Speer Beardsley, Ethics Officer Michael Porter, University of St. Thomas & Immediate Past President Brooke Worden, Weber Shandwick on the Executive Committee. Heather Cmeil, Weber Shandwick and Theresa Skillrud, Children’s Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota serve on the Board of Directors.
Corporate Volunteerism Council-Twin Cities
More than 75 organizations participated in the 7th annual HandsOn Volunteer Expo in February 2012. An emphasis this year was to showcase how easy, accessible and fun volunteering can be by providing eleven different speed volunteering opportunities for attendees of all ages to do.
The CVC-TC sponsored the blood typing opportunity with Memorial Blood Centers. A check on display payable to Minnesota Communities in the amount of $17,088,000 attracted many attendees to learn more about CVC-TC and the great work being done by the membership. The amount of the check represents the value of the total volunteer hours donated by employees of member organizations in 2011.
Second Annual Greening & Public Realm Awards
Presented by the Minneapolis Downtown Improvement District, these awards recognize residents, businesses, associations and community members who enhance downtown by creating and maintaining greenery in public spaces. The following Chamber members received awards:
Alatus LLC – Best Plaza for the Plaza at the Loring Ramp; Minneapolis Community & Technical College – Best Restoration for its plaza, Brits Pub – Best Sidewalk Café for their coordinated sidewalk planters; JB Hudson – Best Storefront Greening; Normandy Inn & Suites/Bachman’s and Lyon’s Pub – Best Winter Greening and Encore Awards for “consistently exemplary contributions to downtown greening” – Target Corporation, the Local and WCCO-TV.
Hyatt Regency Minneapolis
A USA Today story highlighted the makeover of the Hyatt Regency hotel in downtown Minneapolis. As a part of a $25 million project that started in December 2011, the project has a goal of as much of the manufacturing and sourcing back to America as possible.
CenterPoint Energy
CenterPoint Energy was awarded the highest ranking among the largest Midwest Region utilities in the J.D. Power and Associates 2012 Gas Utility Business Customer Satisfaction Survey. The study is a comprehensive evaluation of customers’ attitudes in six different performance categories: billing and payment, corporate citizenship, price, communications, customer service and field service. The company’s overall customer satisfaction index score was 48 points above its score from last year. CenterPoint Energy also earned the first place ranking in the 2011 J.D. Power Residential Customer Satisfaction Survey for Midwest Region gas utilities.
metroConnections
The International Special Events Society (ISES) has announced the winners of the 2012 Star Awards, including metroConnections, Inc. for Event Design & Decor (Budget $25,000 and over) and Best Corporate Event for the Syngenta Capital Markets & Demonstration Days in August
2011. The ISES Minnesota Star Awards began in 2004 as a way to provide event professionals inMinnesota with an opportunity to gain recognition for the events they create, plan, manage and execute each year. The company also announced the following promotions: LaTawnie
Hernandez to Program Coordinator, Conference & Meetings, Andera Maus to Transportation Services Sales & Programs Manager, Renee Splittgerber to Executive Sales Director, Transportation Services and Samantha Stoner to Event Services Coordinator. According to David Graves, President of metroConnections, these promotions are a reflection of the firm’s growth in terms of business and scope.
Thrivent Financial for Lutherans & Target Corporation
Thrivent Financial for Lutherans and Target Corporation wer selected as two of the “World’s Most Ethical Companies” for 2012 by the Ethisphere Institute.The Ethisphere Institute is a leading international think-tank dedicated to the creation, advancement and sharing of best practices in business ethics, corporate social responsibility, anti-corruption and sustainability Nominations were received from more than 100 countries and 36 industries – and chose a record number of 43 companies finally chosen for the honor.
Inspiring Efficient INNOVATION Award
The Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance recently recognized Energy Innovation Corridor project partners, for their contributions to the Twin Cities light rail project, an energy-efficient venture that connects Minneapolis and St. Paul. This award recognizes companies for developing and implementing new and innovative programs, ideas or policy in the Midwest. Energy Innovation Corridor include many agencies, organizations & businesses, including the following Chamber members: CenterPoint Energy, Xcel Energy, Center for Energy & the Environment, Science Museum of Minnesota, BOMA Greater Minneapolis, University of Minnesota.
Winthrop & Weinstine
Winthrop & Weinstine greatly expanded their capabilities in patent prosecution, & patient/IP litigation with the addition of six new attorneys with expertise in that practice area: Devan V. Padmanabhan, Paul J. Robbenolt, Nathan J. Witzany, Brett A. Klein,Michelle E. Dawson and Sri K. Sankaran.
The Nerdery
The 2012 Twin Cities Nerdery Overnight Website Challenge took place in March, with nearly 180 volunteer web pros working 24 hours straight to help 18 Minnesota non-profits build better websites. A panel of judges awarded top team honors to Two Unicorns, One Moon for their work on behalf of West African Medical Missions. The more than 4200 hours of pro bono service has a real world business value of approximately $500K. The 18 nonprofits were chosen from more than 80 applicants with the 18 web teams chosen from a field of 34. In the 4 years of this event, volunteers from The Nerdery and interactive community have donated more than $2M worth of professional services to 66 nonprofits in Minnesota & Illinois.
Marco
Marco announced that it distributed $2.1 million in stock benefits for fiscal 2011 to eligible employees. 17.2% stock appreciation was announced to their 421 employees at their annual stockholders meeting. They received a certificate identifying their ownership stake. Marco has been distributing stock benefits since 1989, contributing over $21 million to their employee’s retirement. Also, Marco, received two 2012 Perfect Image Awards from imageSource Magazine for Dealer of the Year and Outstanding Managed Services Program. The imageSource Perfect Image Award recipients are selected from an impartial judging process based on a variety of factors and entry information acquired regarding a dealer’s business model and performance.
The Opus Group
The Opus Group named Richard Figueroa to the newly created position of Director of Capital Markets. Figueroa will focus on identifying diverse sources and types of capital available to Opus to fund new development projects. Figueroa, who worked previously at Mansur & Company will remain based in Chicago and will report to Tim Murnane, President and Chief Executive Officer, Opus Holding, L.L.C.
Larkin Hoffman Daly & Lindgren, Ltd.
Larkin Hoffman Daly & Lindgren Ltd. announced that Julie L. Perrus and Michael J. Mergens have been elected as shareholders of the firm. Perrus’ practice is focused in regulatory and administrative law. Mergens focuses on assisting a broad range of industries from mining to commercial real estate before state agencies and local governments.
Weber Shandwick
The Minneapolis office of Weber Shandwick was honored with eight awards, at the Minnesota Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) 34th Annual Classics Awards. In other news, Barb Iverson, president of the financial services industry practice at Weber Shandwick and a 1976 Iowa State University journalism graduate, has been chosen as this year's recipient of the James W. Schwartz Award for Distinguished Service to Journalism and Communication. Finally, the company announced the promotion of Ryan Benbo to vice president in its Corporate, Community and Public Affairs practice. A specialist in defense and military affairs, he has supported many accounts for the Minneapolis office of Weber Shandwick, including leading defense contractor BAE Systems, Inc., which selected Weber Shandwick to be its Agency of Record in 2011.
Ritz Theater & Ballet of the Dolls with Target Corporation
The Ritz Theater has been selected as the recipient of Target's Volunteer Council Theater Restoration Project. The goal of the Target Volunteer Council Theater Restoration Project is to support performing arts organizations in the Twin Cities by renovating the physical theater spaces. Renovation projects are tailored to the unique needs of each theater, from revitalizing lobbies to green rooms, dressing rooms, and other backstage areas. The restoration has begun at the Ritz which will include a very special addition to the front entryway.
100 Best Corporate Citizens – General Mills, Medtronic and Target Corporation
Corporate Responsibility Magazine released their 13th annual “100 Best Corporate Citizens” list. General Mills and Medtronic were among the Minnesota-based companies in the top fifty. Target Corporation was also included on the list. Companies are ranked in seven areas, including human rights, environment, employee relations and philanthropy.
Hilton Minneapolis
Hilton Minneapolis announced that the hotel's General Manager, John Luke, has been named the 2011 General Manager of the Year by Hilton Worldwide. This prestigious award recognizes general managers with best in class hotel profitability margins, team member engagement and satisfaction, and exceptional guest loyalty survey scores. This particular category was for hotels or resorts with 750 or more guest rooms in the Americas Division. Luke is a 30 year veteran of Hilton, joining Hilton Minneapolis in 2003 as general manager.
Minneapolis Community & Technical College
In May 2012, Minneapolis Community & Technical College held a grand opening of their renovated Helland Student Center and Fine Arts Lobby. The revamped student center houses an expanded health clinic, recreation center, convenience store, juice/snack bar and increased space for studying, meeting and socializing. The theater lobby was also remodeled, with the space now opening onto Loring Park.
Friendship Village of Bloomington/Kraus-Anderson
Friendship Village of Bloomington received the 2012 Citation of Merit from Environments for Aging. Environments for Aging and its magazine cover innovative concepts and resources for creating attractive and functional living environments for America’s aging population. The 34,000-square-foot facility features a full Wellness Center, on-site rehabilitation services, assisted living and memory care neighborhoods and nursing center. Kraus-Anderson Construction was the construction manager of this project.
Jefferson Lines
Jefferson Lines bus service will become the primary intercity bus transportation provider in St. Paul due to the announcement by Greyhound Lines that they will remove St. Paul from their schedules. At the same time Jefferson Lines will move their St. Paul terminal to the St. Paul Amtrak station at 730 Transfer Road where Jefferson Lines and Amtrak will operate until moving to their permanent facility at Union Station in January 2013. Jefferson Lines will offer ten daily departures from St. Paul with connections to thousands of destinations across North America.
U.S. Bank/Junior Achievement of the Upper Midwest
U.S. Bank in the Twin Cities supported Junior Achievement by having 250 U.S. Bank employee volunteers participate in JA’s BigBowl in April 2012. So many U.S. Bank employees registered to participate that two venues were needed (Memory Lanes in Minneapolis and Flaherty's Bowl in Arden Hills) U.S. Bank raised more than $51,000 dollars, exceeding JA's fund raising goal per bowl by $20,000. U.S. Bank’s participation in this volunteer event is primarily driven by the U.S. Bank Council for Junior Achievement and was aided by the work of the company’s Development Network. The Development Network is an employee-led program designed to promote personal and professional development as well as participation in meaningful projects that enrich our communities.
Community Health Charities Minnesota
idream.tv
Community Health Charities Minnesota (CHCM) presented idream.tv with the “Most Outstanding Spirit” award for their campaign video for Minneapolis Public Schools charitable giving campaign. The video incorporated employee stories and voices to promote workplace giving. CHC representatives noted a 200% increase in donations based on Minneapolis Public Schools contributions.
Gray Plant Mooty
The law firm of Gray Plant Mooty announced that attorney Michael R. Cohen has been certified by the International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP) as a Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP). The IAPP is the world’s largest association of privacy professionals. The CIPP certification was established in 2004 and has since become the preeminent credential in the privacy field. The certification covers a wide variety of subject matter, including personal data protection laws, the regulation of marketing practices, data breach notification laws, and workplace privacy laws. Cohen is a principal with Gray Plant Mooty.
Edward Jones
For the sixth year out of the past eight, financial−services firm Edward Jones ranks highest in investor satisfaction with full service brokerage firms, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2012 Full Service Investor Satisfaction Study, which measures overall investor satisfaction with full service investment firms based on seven factors. Edward Jones places its branch offices in the communities where its clients − long−term individual investors – live and work. This practice helped the firm attain the highest score in the "Investment Advisor" category of the study. The company’s overall score climbed 15 points over last year, highest among the 14 largest firms rated, as well as 28 points above the industry average.
TDS
Lotus HVM Racing welcomed TDS Telecommunications Corp. (TDS®) and their guests back the Indianapolis 500 for the third consecutive year. TDS® continues its partnership as the official communications partner of Lotus HVM Racing. The TDS logo appears on the #78 car for the 96th running of the Indy 500, and throughout the 2012 racing season.
BOMA Regional Award Winners
The downtown Minneapolis headquarters of Target Corporation has won a top regional award from the Building Owners and Managers Association. The building won in the corporate facility category of The Outstanding Building of the Year (TOBY) competition. The building has 1.5 million square feet of office space and has more than 5,500 people working inside. Two other downtown Minneapolis buildings also won regional TOBY awards. The Wells Fargo Plaza snagged the top spot in the renovated building category, while the IDS Center won for a building over 1 million square feet for the third year in a row. The recipients were chosen based on a set of criteria, including energy-management systems, tenant/employee relations programs, emergency preparedness, and community involvement.
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