April 2022

School lunch
Doing Good

Doing Good, Featured

(Minnesota) — April 7th, 2022 — The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) recently awarded funding to schools across Minnesota for two new grants to increase the amount of healthy local foods in school meals through its Farm to School programs. Forty-six school districts across Minnesota received a total of $741,619 for purchasing Minnesota-grown and -raised foods to be used in school meal programs. This grant funding will leverage an additional $624,619

Greater MSP
Business

Business

(Twin Cities, Mn) — April 12, 2022 — U.S. Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo toured the University of Minnesota and conducted a roundtable discussion about the Greater MSP region’s efforts to promote inclusive economic growth. Tuesday Morning, Assistant Secretary Castillo conducted a tour of the University of Minnesota, led by University President Joan Gabel. The tour will include visits to labs that are central to the

Lectric eBikes
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Doing Good, Featured

Fast Growing eBike Brand Expands Portfolio with Most Powerful and Affordable eBike in its Class (Phoenix, Az) — April 12, 2022 —  Levi Conlow and Robby Deziel designed their very first eBike in 2018, and haven’t looked back since. They grew up together in suburban Minnesota and their complementary perspectives led to a strong and dynamic friendship. Levi always had a knack for seeing “big picture” themes in his everyday life, and went on to

Benjamin Dean Taylor
People

People

(Winona, Mn) — March 18th, 2022 — Dr. Benjamin Dean Taylor has been selected for the next Kaplan Foundation Commission at Saint Mary’s University. His new work for concert band will be premiered on April 16, 2023, at Page Theatre by the Saint Mary’s University Concert Band, Dr. Janet Heukeshoven, director. Taylor was selected from more than 60 applicants for this year’s competition. He plans to compose a work based

Media Bridge Advertising Minnesota Twins
Business

Business

(Minneapolis, MN ) — April 11, 2022  — Media Bridge Advertising today announced that it has been named a Minnesota Twins’ Media Agency of Record. Media Bridge will handle media-buying strategy, planning and execution for all Twins television, radio and out-of-home advertising for the 2022 baseball season. “As we start a thrilling new season of Twins Baseball, we’re excited to partner with Media Bridge to inform, engage and entertain our

Lyman Companies 125th Year
Business

Business

The company is harnessing the collective strength of its 1,100 associates that make up #TeamLyman to conduct over 50 grassroots community events in 2022   (Excelsior, MN) —  April 11, 2022 — Lyman Companies, a leading provider of building products, services, and expertise in the Upper Midwest, celebrates its 125th anniversary. Founded in 1897 in Excelsior, Minnesota, the company began as a small lumberyard called Lyman Lumber. Today, the company has grown

Prince Mural Downtown Minneapolis
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(Minneapolis, MN) —  April 11, 2022  — Hiero “Yerro” Veiga has been selected as the official artist to paint the mural honoring Prince that will be on display in Downtown Minneapolis. The new 100-foot mural will call the city’s Ramp A home and overlook the core of the entertainment scene that was once Prince’s playground. (Ramp A is located on the SW corner of 1st Avenue and 8th Street). Hiero

DNR Volunteers
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(Minnesota) — April 7th, 2022 — More than 15,000 volunteers helped the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources do everything from monitoring rainfall levels to clearing trails, according to the new 2021 annual DNR volunteer report. “Our volunteers give back to their communities and the state in so many ways,” Commissioner Sarah Strommen said. “I can’t overstate how grateful we are for their continued service.” Although many volunteer activities paused or

HipStar Hiking Trailer Hands-free Travel Cart
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  HipStar® will be successful because it solves basic problems that millions of travelers, hikers, and adventure seekers face” — Igor Koshutin, CEO and Founder     (Minneapolis, Mn)  — April 8, 2022 — HipStar is developing a new travel cart designed to handle challenging terrain and reduce carrying weight by over 90% while hiking and traveling. This new cart, called HipStar®, was designed to overcome the weaknesses of traditional

Benji Bearman Named 2022 Salesperson of the Year
People

People

Liquid Screen Design Co-Owner Benji Bearman receives top honor in the promotional products industry Over the years, I was someone who was purchasing swag all the time. We wanted to elevate and change the game.”    — Benji Bearman   (Minneapolis, MN) — April 6, 2022 — Liquid Screen Design (LSD) celebrates an impressive achievement as co-owner, Benji Bearman, being named as a 2022 Salesperson of the Year by the Advertising

Mike Hastings Penrose Award
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Hastings now a 3-time recipient of the Penrose Award Minnesota State University, Mankato Department of Intercollegiate Athletics News Release (Mankato, Mn)  -April 6th, 2022- For leading Minnesota State University into the 2022 Frozen Four, Mike Hastings has once again been chosen as the recipient of the Spencer Penrose Award as Division I Men’s Ice Hockey CCM/AHCA Coach of the Year by his peers. The honor is the third for Hastings,

JAMES BEARD AWARD
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(Minnesota) — March 30th,2022–  The newly announced 2022 James Beard Award semifinalists(opens in new window) include several prestigious Minnesota chefs and restaurants shaking up the national conversation. These recognitions, considered among the highest culinary honors, spotlight a thriving dining scene in Minnesota full of diverse influences and some of the most innovative approaches in the industry. The semifinalists Best New Restaurants Owamni – Minneapolis and Union Hmong Kitchen – Minneapolis Best Midwest Chefs Jorge Guzmán/Petite León

Moose Population
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(Minnesota) — April 4th, 2022 — For the 11th year in a row, Minnesota’s moose population remains relatively stable. The 2022 population survey estimates the moose population at 4,700, statistically unchanged from the last survey, which was conducted in 2020. Although there is no statistically significant change in the estimated population relative to 2020, this year’s estimated number of moose is the highest since 2011, when the population was midway

Connexus Energy announces Alison Miles as new Vice President of Members
People

People

  As a passionate advocate for excellent customer experiences, I was drawn by the opportunity to join a cooperative, where our focus is always on the best interests of the member,” — Alison Miles (Minneapolis, MN) — April 4, 2022 — Connexus Energy is pleased to announce the appointment of Alison Miles as its Vice President of Members. With nearly two decades of experience in member and customer experience administration

Foundry
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People

(Minneapolis, MN) —  April 5, 2022  — Foundry continues to make bold moves in its agency leadership with the elevation of a key leader into an executive role and a new hire to lead strategy during a time of great growth. Geri Huibregtse has been promoted to the new role of Chief Product Officer and Nora Guerrera has been hired as Director of Design Strategy. “In 2021, Foundry reached several new milestones

MSP International Airport
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ASQ Program Surveys Travelers Globally to Recognize Best Airport Experiences   (Twin Cities, MN) — Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) has once again earned top honors in the Airports Council International (ACI) Airport Service Quality (ASQ) program, which surveys customers at airports around the world. ACI named MSP the Best Airport in North America in the 25-40 million passenger category for 2021, an honor shared with Salt Lake City International Airport. MSP

Classic Post-it Notes
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The art of ideation and color come together with newly released Post-it Note collections in partnership with Pantone Color Institute (St. Paul, MN) —  April 5, 2022  — For over 40 years, Post-it® Brand, the creator of the original Post-it Note, has served as a canvas to help bring ideas to life. This year, the classic Post-it Notes you know and love are getting a colorful refresh thanks to a

April McGee
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People

  McGee will serve as Vice President for Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Honor Society’s Minn-Kota region which includes Minnesota, North Dakota, & South Dakota   (East Grand Forks MN) — April 1, 2022 — Northland student, April McGee, has been elected as Vice President of Communications for the Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Honor Society’s Minn-Kota region. McGee was chosen for this leadership role at the PTA Minn-Kota regional meeting in

Rochester Airport
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(Rochester, MN) — March 30, 2022–The Rochester International Airport (RST) has named Laura Archbold as the airport’s new marketing and communications manager and Benjamin Watkins, as parking manager. Archbold brings more than two decades of experience in public relations and marketing communications working with public, private, non-profit and communities of faith. Her experience spans television news, PR agency, non-profit and corporate communication environments. In her new role, Archbold will be

Ian G. Davis CEO Qualitru
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People

  (Oakdale, Mn) — April 4, 2022 – QualiTru Sampling Systems, leaders in the science of aseptic and representative sampling equipment for the food and dairy industries, announced today that Ian G. Davis has been named Chief Executive Officer of the company, effective April 1, 2022. Davis comes to QualiTru with more than 25 years of senior level management experience, including leadership positions in sales, operations, and information technology in the food, travel

Charter Communications
Good Things

Good Things

Charter’s $30 Million Philanthropic Program will Invest in 100 Community Centers and Local Job Training Programs over Five Years (Duluth MN) — April 4, 2022 — Charter Communications, Inc. today announced it will launch Spectrum Community Assist programs in 20 new markets this year, adding momentum to the company’s $30 million, five-year philanthropic initiative to revitalize 100 community centers and invest in job training programs in underserved communities across its 41-state footprint.

MGK Acquired DeBug Brands
Business

Business

(Minneapolis, MN)– March 31, 2022 — MGK, a subsidiary of Sumitomo Chemical Company, announces the purchase of the DeBug® brand of neem products from Agro Logistic Systems, Inc. The DeBug products are an excellent addition to MGK’s current botanical portfolio, which includes its legacy brands, Pyganic® and EverGreen®. “This acquisition supports MGK’s mission to make life healthier by offering responsible products that protect people and their environments from the impact

Uponor North America
Business

Business

(Apple Valley, MN) — March 31, 2022  — Uponor Corporation, the Finland-based parent of Uponor North America, has appointed Jennifer Hauschildt to the newly created position of Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) for the company worldwide, while also making her a member of the Uponor Executive Committee. The appointment, effective April 1, makes her the first leader based in North America to be named to the Executive Committee in a non-presidential role. Based at the Apple Valley headquarters,

Minnesota State Fair - Choose the Flavor
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Winning malt, sundae flavor will be newest offering served in Dairy Building during 2022 Minnesota State Fair   (St Paul, MN) —  April 1, 2022 — An annual first sign of spring has arrived in Minnesota with the return of the “Flavor of the Fair.” After the pandemic put a hold on the public contest the past two years, Midwest Dairy is once again asking ice cream enthusiasts to vote for