August 2023

Minnesota Community Action Representatives
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(Atlanta, GA) — August 31st, 2023 — Take a stroll with the newly minted Certified Community Action Professionals as they are recognized by the National Community Action Partnership at its Awards Gala last week in Atlanta. The gala was part of NCAP’s Annual Conference. The awarded credential recognizes individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and application of the core competencies required to effectively carry out the vision, mission, purpose, and values

Momentum Refresh MN State Fair
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(St Paul, MN) — August 30th, 2023 —  In a significant leap towards accessibility and inclusivity, Momentum Refresh has introduced the first-ever universal design mobile restroom resource in the U.S. This groundbreaking initiative is set to redefine how individuals with mobility limitations experience public events and locations, making reasonable accommodation a reality for all. And what better place to start than the Minnesota State Fair. Momentum Refresh’s primary mission is

Treasure Island Instant Millionaire
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Instant Millionaire promotion gives casino visitors the opportunity to win big (Welch, MN) —  Aug. 29, 2023  — Treasure Island Resort & Casino, Minnesota’s premier destination for fun and entertainment, announced today the start of their Instant Millionaire promotion. Between now and November 24, from 10am to 8pm daily, casino visitors will be given the chance to win several prizes, including free slot play, Pepsi products, concert tickets, hotel stays, new vehicles, and cash prizes. Many will win cash every day and

Delta Minnesota SAF Hub
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Growing SAF Hub seeking new members to accelerate progress MINNEAPOLIS, Aug. 29, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — A first-of-its-kind coalition is launching in Minnesota to scale sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) with the urgency commercial aviation needs to reach net zero by 2050. Through the GREATER MSP Partnership, Bank of America, Delta Air Lines, Ecolab and Xcel Energy have established the Minnesota SAF Hub – the first large-scale SAF Hub in the

Be The Match Foundation Los Angeles Soirée
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(Minneapolis, MN) — Aug. 28, 2023  — On Friday, August 11, the Be The Match Foundation® celebrated its annual Los Angeles Soiree at the Skirball Cultural Center, an event dedicated to raising critical funds to support patients with life-threatening blood cancers and blood disorders. A record-breaking $327,000 was raised in one inspiring night. These funds go directly to providing patient assistance grants, pioneering research in the transplant field, and expanding

Liberty Utilities MEA Awards
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  MEA presents three from Liberty Utilities with Life Sustaining Awards and presents four other employees with Meritorious Service Awards. (Bloomington, MN) —  August 28, 2023 — MEA Energy Association (MEA) is honored to present Eddie Hollis, crew leader; Chalon Spore, sr. construction operator; and Eric White, area manager, line operations, for Liberty Utilities, with Life Sustaining Awards. All were nominated by Laura Hovis, HRBP III, of Liberty Utilities. Hollis

Bryan Hanson 3M's Health Care
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People

Carrie Cox, industry veteran, to serve as independent Chairman of the Board of Directors of new company Monish Patolawala appointed 3M President and Chief Financial Officer, an expansion of his current leadership role (St Paul, MN) — Aug. 22, 2023  — 3M (NYSE: MMM) today announced the appointment of Bryan C. Hanson as Chief Executive Officer of the independent health care company when it is spun off from 3M. Hanson

Kindred Tales Grandparents' Day
Business

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  Kindred Tales honors Grandparents Day by preserving family stories and intergenerational connections through heartfelt narratives. Kindred Tales is a great way to preserve the stories of both our parents and grandparents… What better way to celebrate Grandparents Day or any other holiday than by sharing their stories?” — Nick – Founder (St Paul, MN) —  August 23, 2023 — Kindred Tales, a service that helps people capture and preserve

Natalie Hudson Minnesota Supreme Court Chief Justice
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(St Paul, MN) — August 23rd, 2023 —  Governor Tim Walz announced the appointment of Natalie Hudson as Minnesota’s next Supreme Court Chief Justice. She is the first African American person to hold the position, which she will assume on Oct. 2. Justice Hudson has served on the Minnesota Supreme Court since November 2015. Previously, she was a member of the Court of Appeals from 2002 until her appointment to

ADAR Technologies GIVE16 Hospitalized Children
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  We are excited about the opportunities that lie ahead with ADAR Technologies. They are a group of committed problem-solvers, seeking to meet challenges and fill a void in an emerging industry.” — Jason Zucker (Minneapolis, MN) —  August 21, 2023 — ADAR Technologies, a Midwest-based provider of sustainable solutions for today’s waste management challenges, recently announced a partnership with GIVE16, a Minneapolis-based charitable organization founded by Jason and Carly

Emma Kuball Princess Kay of the Milky Way
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(St Paul, MN) —  Aug. 23, 2023  — Emma Kuball, a 19-year-old college student from Waterville, Minnesota, representing Rice County, was crowned the 70th Princess Kay of the Milky Way in an evening ceremony Aug. 23 at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds. Kuball will serve as the official goodwill ambassador for 1,850 Minnesota dairy farm families. She is the daughter of Nate and Shannon Kuball and attends the University of Wisconsin-River Falls. Ten county dairy princesses from throughout Minnesota competed for the Princess

St. Cloud State University SCSU cannabis
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  Our endeavor is to meet workforce demand to provide educated professionals in this quickly evolving industry.” — St. Cloud State University President Robbyn Wacke   (St Cloud, MN) —  August 23, 2023  — St. Cloud State University will offer new online certificate programs this fall in cannabis education, the first of its kind in Minnesota. SCSU’s Professional and Continuing Education (PACE) division is partnering with California-based cannabis education company

What to Do at the Fair
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(St Paul, MN) — August 23rd, 2023 — With hundreds of things to do and experience, it’s easy to fill a day at the fair. Use these tools to help you find food, merchandise, entertainment, demonstrations, exhibits and more.         Minnesota State Fair App Our free app features our State Fair Finders and Daily Schedule tools to help you locate your favorites at the Great Minnesota Get-Together.

Finnovation Social Entrepreneurship Program
Business

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  The program continues to draw diverse applicants who run early-stage, impact-driven businesses aimed to address a range of cultural, social, and environmental issues. (Minneapolis, MN) — Aug. 21, 2023 – FINNOVATION Institute, the non-profit arm of FINNOVATION Lab, announces the selection of nine local, impact-driven entrepreneurs to join the sixth cohort of its immersive FINNOVATION Fellowship Program, which aims to support and empower entrepreneurs who have bold ideas for

Amazon Grant Bloomington Public Schools
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  We are proud to be Minnesota’s leader in K-12 computer science education, expanding access to critical skills and future careers to all students…”   — Dr. Eric Melbye, Superintendent     (Bloomington, MN) —  August 21, 2023 — Amazon and Bloomington Public Schools today announced that a grant from Amazon will support computer science education and teacher professional development for 11 elementary schools in the district, impacting more than 4,049

Hormel Foods New Bacon-Infused Recipes
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Bacon lovers celebrate their passion for this iconic ingredient in honor of National Bacon Lover’s Day (Austin, MN) —  Aug. 18, 2023 — Get ready to sizzle with excitement as National Bacon Lover’s Day approaches this Sunday, Aug. 20. The annual celebration of the crispy, savory, smoky goodness of bacon promises to delight taste buds and ignite the culinary creativity of bacon enthusiasts everywhere. For experts at Hormel Foods, who

Arvig Border to Border Grant Wright County
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  (Perham, MN) — Aug. 16, 2023  — Arvig has been awarded a $879,747 grant from the State of Minnesota’s Border to Border Broadband program to invest in a fiber-to-the-premises project that will expand high-speed internet access in rural Wright County. The last-mile fiber network brings service to 256 unserved and underserved structures throughout parts of rural Wright County. The network will provide residents with internet speeds from 100Mbps (20

Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular Minnesota Zoo
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The naturally delightful tradition runs from September 30 – November 4 (Apple Valley, MN) – August 17, 2023 – They’re back! Thousands of glowing, carved pumpkins, illuminating the night. Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular has returned for an enchanted fifth year – and tickets go on sale at 8 am on Friday, September 8. Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular is part pumpkin patch and part art installation. From the trees to the ground, guests can marvel

Splash Pad Riverfront Park
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(Fergus Falls, MN) — August 17th, 2023 —  The hot summer months have many people looking forward to summer 2024 when the splash pad downtown will be open! The splash pad is the key element of the “Downtown Riverfront Phase II” project, which is located on the block behind the Federal Courthouse. The project includes the splash pad, a waterfall feature, reflecting pools, seating areas, pergola, restrooms, and public art.

University of Minnesota Thermal Conductivity
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  Record-setting discovery could lower energy consumption and improve heat management in electronic devices   (Minneapolis, MN) — August 1, 2023 — A team led by University of Minnesota scientists and engineers has discovered a new method for tuning the thermal conductivity of materials to control heat flow “on the fly.” Their tuning range is the highest ever recorded among one-step processes in the field and will open a door to developing

Foundation Launches Campaign to Fund Transformative Growingdome for Remote Sherpa Community
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  Proceeds will fund the design, construction, and initial operation of the first solar-powered, geodesic growingdome high in the Himalaya of Nepal.”  — Gary Mark Lesley     (Mankato, MN) —  August 15, 2023 — The intrepid campaign is reaching out to individuals and forward-thinking corporate entities supportive of issues involving environmental preservation, innovative small-scale farming, food security, biodiversity, sustainable-regenerative practices, and waste management science. An official GoFundMe site has

Cargill Wins PDMA’s 2023 Outstanding Corporate Innovator Award
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  Cargill honored for reimagining what is possible for food and agriculture   (Wayzata, MN)  — August 17, 2023 – Today, the Product Development and Management Association (PDMA) named Cargill as a recipient of the 2023 Outstanding Corporate Innovator (OCI) Award. Recognizing global innovation powerhouses such as Hershey, 3M, Medtronic, DuPont, Starbucks, BMW and Marriott – the OCI award is granted to organizations that deliver sustained and quantifiable success. This

SPAM Maui Wildfire Response
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A special relationship has long existed between the people of Hawaii and the brand (Austin, MN) — Aug. 17, 2023 — In response to the devastating wildfires on Maui, Hormel Foods Corporation and the makers of the SPAM® brand — whose special relationship with the Hawaiian community spans decades — is sending resources to aid the disaster-relief efforts. Hormel Foods and its SPAM® brand have made a product donation to support the efforts on Maui. Three

Topline Financial Credit Union $4000 in Electronics
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  (Maple Grove, MN) —  Aug. 16, 2023 —  TopLine Financial Credit Union, a Twin Cities-based member-owned financial services cooperative, donated laptops and iPads to local non-profit Avenues for Youth to assist young adults with online access to complete their schoolwork. TopLine donated 25 laptops and 2 iPads valued around $4,000, and these refurbished devices will be distributed to young adults in one of four Avenues for Youth programs to

Simply Paws CatCon 2023
Business

Business

  This ramp is a game-changer for cats with mobility issues, allowing them to regain their independence and maintain their litter box routine with comfort and ease”  — Patti Weber, Founder     (Minneapolis, MN) — August 2, 2023 — Simply Paws Design, the visionary company behind the innovative Purrfectly Clean Paws® 3 in 1 Anti-Tracking, Scratcher, Cat Litter Box Ramp System, is thrilled to announce its participation at CatCon

Sezzle Awarded CNBC World’s Top Fintech Companies
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(Minneapolis, MN) — Aug. 02, 2023  — Sezzle, a leader in the digital payments industry, has been recognized on CNBC’s list of World’s Top Fintech Companies 2023. This prestigious award is presented by CNBC and Statista Inc., the world-leading statistics portal and industry ranking provider. The awards list was announced today, August 2nd, 2023, and can currently be viewed here on the CNBC website. For the first time, CNBC and

MY SALON Suite of Minnesota
Business

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    MY SALON Suite, a leading salon suite franchise, is excited to announce the opening of its new standalone locations in Apple Valley and Chanhassen, Minnesota. (Apple Valley, MN) — August 2, 2023 — MY SALON Suite, a leading salon suite franchise, is excited to announce the opening of its new standalone locations in Apple Valley and Chanhassen, Minnesota. These new locations mark a significant milestone for the brand

University of Minnesota UROC Gallery Features Counterspaces 2.0
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(Rochester, MN) — August 2nd, 2023 — Counterspaces began at the University of Minnesota Rochester (UMR) as a collective healing project for community members who have been impacted by the existing and increasing acts of racialized violence against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders and Black, Indigenous, and People of Color. Curated by Rochester Art Center Curator Zoe Cinel and UMR Assistant Professor Yuko Taniguchi, the exhibit is dedicated for listening

Gary Lesley Sherpa Clouds of Everest
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  Mr. Principal, I promised you I would return with the assignment you gave me… and yes, it’s possible. And so much more, as a living laboratory for health, nutrition and traditional practices.”  — Gary Mark Lesley     (Mankato, MN) —  August 9, 2023 — The dome will allow for culturally sensitive, community-directed priorities, involving sustainable-regenerative agriculture, biodiversity, enhanced nutrition, waste-management practices, and entrepreneurial development. The project is tracing

Minnesota Community Health Centers
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  MN Community Health Centers provide high-quality, affordable, comprehensive primary and preventive health care for our medically underserved communities. (Minneapolis, MN) —  August 9, 2023 — For over 50 years, MN Community Health Centers (“MN Health Center”) have provided high-quality, affordable, comprehensive primary and preventive health care in our State’s medically underserved communities, delivering value to, and having a significant impact on the Minnesota Health care system. As part of

Jobma Tech Cares 2023 Award
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  We’re honored to receive this prestigious award that highlights our commitment to fostering a positive impact on both the communities and the world we live in.”   — Krishna Kant     (Minnetonka, MN) —  August 10, 2023 — Jobma, a leading video interviewing platform, announced today that it has won a Tech Cares 2023 award for its outstanding efforts in sustainable practices, employee-centric initiatives, and community engagement. The Tech

First 100% solar powered production boat launched in Minnesota
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    (Afton, MN) —  August 9, 2023 — The first 100% solar powered production boat was launched in Minnesota on Wednesday, August 2nd, 2023. The boat, the Solar Sal 24, is a 24’ feet long cruiser that is powered by a bank of four solar panels backed up with a 14.4kW battery bank, allowing for autonomous cruising in daylight on solar panels alone and with an extended range at

Arvig Network Milestone
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  (Perham, MN) — Aug. 09, 2023 — Arvig has been awarded a $182,576 grant from the State of Minnesota’s Border to Border Broadband program to expand its fiber network to 240 unserved structures in Sherburne County Construction on the last-mile fiber network will take place near the Travelers Country Club on the Mississippi River, southeast of Clearwater, Minn. When complete, the network will provide residents with internet speeds from

White Earth Nation Cannabis
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  (Mahnomen, MN) —  Aug. 09, 2023  — Waabigwan Mashkiki, a Native American cannabis manufacturing plant in Mahnomen opened early August, and has become one of the first dispensaries to legally sell Adult-Use marijuana in Minnesota. Adult-Use cannabis sales are open to anyone 21 years of age or older. The dispensary is located in Mahnomen near Shooting Star Casino. For more information about location, a menu of products and hours

Community Action Partnership Project Student Success
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(Shakopee, MN) — August 9th, 2023 — It didn’t take long for the faces of children, and even teenagers, to widen with smiles of joy as they received backpacks filled with school supplies Monday afternoon. Hundreds of families stopped in at Community Action Partnership of Scott, Carver & Dakota Counties’ Shakopee office to receive the free backpacks. “Project Student Success,” as the agency has dubbed the program, will give away

Arctic Wolf
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  (Eden Prairie, MN) —  Aug. 08, 2023 — Arctic Wolf, a leader in security operations, has been named to the Forbes 2023 Cloud 100, the definitive ranking of the top 100 private cloud companies in the world, published by Forbes in partnership with Bessemer Venture Partners and Salesforce Ventures. With the number of cyberattacks continuing to rise, global companies are struggling to keep up with the evolving threat landscape

High Bar Brands Dieter's Accessories
Business

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  (Owatanna, MN) —  Aug. 08, 2023  — High Bar Brands, a leading provider of commercial vehicle solutions, is pleased to announce the acquisition of Dieter’s Accessories, a renowned manufacturer of heavy-duty truck parts and stainless steel accessories. “We are excited to welcome Dieter’s Accessories into our family of brands,” said Christopher ‘CT’ Thorpe, President & CEO of High Bar Brands. “Dieter’s reputation for 40 years of exceptional quality aligns

TopLine Credit Union Foundation Raises Over $47,000 at 7th Lawn Bowling Fundraiser
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  (Maple Grove, MN) —  Aug. 01, 2023  — TopLine Credit Union Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization of local member-owned financial cooperative TopLine Financial Credit Union, raised over $47,000 towards a scholarship fund that will help students with costs of higher education and will benefit other community non-profit partners at a recent lawn bowling fundraising event. The seventh TopLine Credit union Foundation charitable event took place at Brookview Golf Course

Historic Fun for All Ages at Historic Fort Snelling’s Family Day
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The whole family can create memories together on August 12 (St Paul,  MN) — August 3, 2023  – Historic Fort Snelling invites visitors of all ages to come together for a hands-on activity day on Saturday, August 12. Guests are invited to explore the site’s 22 acres along the bluffs of the scenic Mississippi and Minnesota Rivers, where they will find activities throughout the historic fort and newly refurbished Plank

VIP Drink Rail Sightline Commercial Solutions
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  (Minneapolis, MN) — Aug. 03, 2023 — The latest product innovation from Sightline Commercial Solutions calls for a toast! Delivering on its continuous quest to elevate the fan experience for spectators and patrons across all types of venues, the fabricator and global supplier of architectural railing, metal, glazing and portable platform systems has launched a new cost-effective VIP Drink Rail system offering sleek, stylish support for hands-free viewing. Providing

David Coyle Matthew Hull Garry Fournier
People

People

(Owatonna, MN) —  Aug. 03, 2023  — High Bar Brands has hired three new territory managers, each of whom have extensive sales experience. David Coyle, Matthew Hull, and Garry Fournier are joining the growing company as the Northwest, Southwest, and Western Canada TM, respectively. “I’m excited to work for the supplier of the products I’ve sold to customers for the past 10-plus years,” Hull said. Hull has a wealth of

Deer Feeding and Attractant Bans
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    Hunters need to be aware of significant regulation changes this year   (Minnesota) — August 1, 2023 — Deer hunters will have more ways to hunt in Minnesota this fall, and deer hunting licenses can be purchased starting Aug. 1. “We’re excited for deer season. Hunters have a lot to look forward to this year,” said Barb Keller, big game program leader. “We encourage all hunters to review

Minnesota's Cannabis Legalization Ignites Unprecedented Demand for Cannabis Seeds
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The recent announcement is driving a surge in demand for low-potency cannabis products & businesses like Simply Crafted. (Minneapolis, MN) —  August 1, 2023 — The state of Minnesota is set to legalize cannabis for the first time in its history on August 1, 2023. Even though the legal dispensaries are not scheduled to open until the end of 2024 or the start of 2025, the anticipation for legalized cannabis

Minnesota State Fair Brews and Beverages
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(St Paul, MN) — August 2nd, 2023 — The Minnesota State Fair has announced 65 brand-new brews and beverages premiering or found exclusively at the 2023 fair. In addition, there will be 39 returning beverages found only at the Great Minnesota Get-Together. In all, the fair features 300+ brews and beverages. The 65 Brand-New Beverages: Ahhnold Palmer Style Hard SeltzerA twist on a fan favorite beverage made into a seltzer

En Vogue Down by the Riverside Free
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(Rochester, MN) — Aug. 2nd, 2023 — An annual summer tradition, Rochester Civic Music’s Down by the Riverside is a free, public outdoor music festival held on Sunday evenings in downtown Rochester along the banks of the Zumbro River. This family-friendly community event features must-see national acts as well as standout local opening artists. Down by the Riverside also features local food vendors, craft beer, and giveaways – something for

AIA Minnesota Announces 2023 Young Architects Award Recipients
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  (Minneapolis, MN) — Aug 2nd, 2023—Two architects were selected for the 2023 Young Architects Award. This award is given by AIA Minnesota to individuals who, in the early stage of their architecture career, have shown exceptional leadership and made significant contributions to the profession. AIA Minnesota members who have been licensed to practice architecture less than 10 years are eligible for nomination. This year’s winners demonstrated excellence across all

Faribault Mill Major League Baseball
Business

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(Faribault, MN) — Aug. 2, 2023  — Faribault Mill, the esteemed American heritage brand renowned for its handcrafted wool and cotton throw blankets, bed blankets and accessories, has teamed up with WinCraft, a Winona-based leader in licensed sports hardgoods and non-apparel products and part of Fanatics Commerce, to launch an exclusive collection of Major League Baseball wool throw blankets. With official licensing from all 30 MLB teams, these Made in

National Theatre for Children NTC
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  (Minneapolis, MN) — Aug. 01, 2023  — Halfway through summer 2023, The National Theatre for Children (NTC) looks back on the 2022-23 school year while preparing its live in-school and virtual education programs for fall 2023. The past school year saw an increase in the number of schools that welcomed outside assemblies as COVID restrictions lessened, allowing NTC’s actor-educators to perform shows for K-12 students on topics such as

Inspire Medical Systems, Inc. Announces the Addition of Charisse Y. Sparks, M.D. as Chief Medical Officer
Business

Business

(Minneapolis, MN) — MINNEAPOLIS, July 31, 2023  — Inspire Medical Systems, Inc. (Inspire), a medical technology company focused on the development and commercialization of innovative, minimally invasive solutions for patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), today announced the addition of Charisse Y. Sparks, M.D., as Chief Medical Officer, effective July 27, 2023. As Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Sparks will be a member of Inspire’s executive leadership team and will lead

Kevin Flynn
People

People

  CRMIT’s commitment to customer success, combined with their innovative solutions, presents an exciting opportunity for growth & transformation. I look forward to working closely with CRMIT team.” — Kevin Flynn (Minneapolis, MN) — July 31, 2023 — CRMIT Solutions, a global leader in customer 360 and digital transformation solutions, today announced the appointment of Kevin Flynn as a strategic revenue advisor. Kevin Flynn comes with an impressive track record,