Press Release

Blue Cross Blue Sheild Executive
People

People

New leaders join human resources, treasury and investments, medical management and legal   (Eagan, MN) —  April 19, 2022 — Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota (Blue Cross) has announced four leadership appointments, including the addition of two members to the company’s senior leadership team, reporting to president and CEO Dana Erickson. Dr. Mark Steffen, who has been with Blue Cross since 2018, has been promoted to senior vice president, medical management

Minnesota History Center
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Smithsonian Traveling Exhibition Righting a Wrong: Japanese Americans and World War II Opens April 23 at the Minnesota History Center   Exhibit opening events include Taiko drumming, traditional Japanese dancing, origami and a documentary film screening. (St Paul, MN) — The Minnesota Historical Society is pleased to announce the opening of the Smithsonian traveling exhibition Righting a Wrong: Japanese Americans and World War II on April 23 at the Minnesota History

MN Twins Realtree Camo Mesh
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(Minneapolis, MN) — April 19th, 2022 — Anyone with a 2022 Minnesota fishing or hunting license can receive a free camouflage and blaze orange Minnesota Twins logo cap thanks to a special ticket offer. That’s right — the Minnesota DNR Days are back at Twins games this season, through a partnership between the Twins and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. The Minnesota DNR Days partnership includes six games this

Mega Millions Winner Minnesota
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  Winning Ticket purchased at Holiday Station stores in Ramsey (Roseville, MN) –April 13, 2022 — Minnesota is home to its first Mega Millions jackpot winner thanks to one lucky ticket purchased for the April 12 drawing that matched all five winning numbers plus the Mega Ball to win the $110 million jackpot, with an $66.9 million cash option. Jackpot amounts are approximate. The final jackpot amount was higher than

Paper Dialogues
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The Dragon and Our Stories (Minneapolis, MN)  — April 18th, 2022 — Throughout both Nordic and Chinese history, the dragon looms large, and the American Swedish Institute is hosting an exhibition that explores the similarities between Nordic and Chinese culture and tradition through an art form that traces its roots back more than 1500 years.Danish papercut artist Karin Bit Vejle (Bit), and Chinese artist and Professor Xiaoguang Qiao (Professor Qiao),

ASL Now Hotline
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Free Hotline Connects Minnesota’s Deaf Community with Agents Who Are Fluent in American Sign Language for COVID-19 Information Such As Face Mask Requirements and Vaccine Locations (Minneapolis, MN) — April 12, 2022 — Communication Service for the Deaf (CSD) has launched an American Sign Language-based COVID-19 information hotline in the State of Minnesota. This free service gives the 20% of Minnesotans who are Deaf or hard of hearing access to the latest coronavirus health

North High School
Doing Good

Doing Good

(Minneapolis, MN) — (April 15, 2022) – Pillsbury United Communities (Pillsbury United), an agency with a 140-year legacy of recognizing and amplifying the assets and aspirations of the communities living in historically under-invested neighborhoods across Minneapolis, announced $1M in scholarship funds raised for the Minneapolis North High Class of 2022 at 3pm on Friday, April 15. Every senior who graduates this year will receive up to $10,000 for post-secondary education.

NC3
Doing Good

Doing Good

(St Paul, MN) — April 15, 2022  — 3M’s Safety and Industrial Business Group and the National Coalition of Certification Centers (NC3) have announced the winners for the Skilled Trades – 3M Transformational Scholarship for students with a focus in skilled trades. This scholarship will allow schools to help students from diverse backgrounds pursue their dreams in skilled trades while also bridging the gaps of inequality in our communities. 3M

3M Future of Manufacturing Cottage Grove,
Business

Business

(St Paul, MN) — Apr 1, 2022 —  3M is investing $165 million to improve water quality and reduce water use at its manufacturing facility in Cottage Grove, Minnesota. The investment follows an August 2021 announcement of a company wide collaborative effort to partner with Clean Harbors for waste management, which eliminated the need for 3M’s incinerator to process waste in Cottage Grove. The company has since fully transitioned its

Dana Erickson and May Vang
People

People

— Dana Erickson and May Vang added to its board of directors. (Minneapolis, MN)  — April 5, 2022 — The Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota Foundation is excited to announce the addition of Dana Erickson and May Vang to its board of directors. Dana Erickson is the president and chief executive officer of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota (Blue Cross) and its parent company Stella, and May Vang is Blue Cross’ vice president of treasury and chief investment

Ryan Hartman
Doing Good

Doing Good, Featured

Fans have stuffed Wild forward’s Venmo account with donations to help pay fine from incident Tuesday in St. Paul by Dan Myers @mnwildscribe / Wild.com (St Paul, MN/Dallas, TX)  — April 14th, 2022 — Talk about making the best of a bad situation.  When Wild forward Ryan Hartman came to the defense of teammate Kirill Kaprizov Tuesday night in St. Paul, a scuffle ensued between he and Oilers forward Evander Kane. The two were separated

I Can Program MN DNR
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(Minnesota) — April 14th, 2022 — The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources’ award-winning I Can! program resumes this summer with outdoor skill-building sessions held in more than 25 Minnesota state parks. Programs start Saturday, June 11, and continue through late August. Registration begins Thursday, April 14. Program offerings include: I Can Camp! I Can Paddle! I Can Mountain Bike! I Can Fish!   I Can Camp! These one- or two-night

Summit Carbon Solutions
Business

Business

(Ames, Ia) — April 15, 2022  — Summit Carbon Solutions is pleased to announce a new partnership with Bushmills Ethanol, Inc. to decarbonize its ethanol plant in Atwater, Minnesota. Bushmills Ethanol is the 32nd ethanol plant to officially join Summit Carbon Solutions’ transformative carbon capture and storage project.  The plant began operations in 2005, and currently produces 85 million gallons of fuel ethanol per year. Summit Carbon Solutions is developing the

Qui Qin Tom Howard/Margaret Reid Poetry Contest
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(Northhampton, Mass) — April 15, 2022  — Winning Writers is pleased to announce the results from its nineteenth annual Tom Howard/Margaret Reid Poetry Contest. 4,593 entries were received from around the world. The Tom Howard/Margaret Reid Poetry Contest is sponsored by Winning Writers and co-sponsored by Duotrope. Learn more at winningwriters.com/tompoetry Qin Qin of Minneapolis, Minnesota won the Tom Howard Prize of $3,000 for a poem in any style or genre, for “Bastards’ Tongue”. Edythe Rodriguez of Upper Darby,

MN Department of Labor and Industry
Doing Good

Doing Good

  (Minnesota) — April 12, 2022 — Eleven partnerships across Minnesota will receive funding to develop and implement programs to offer meaningful career exposure and paid work experience for students 16 years of age and older. The grants are part of a Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry’s (DLI’s) Youth Skills Training program that was signed into law in 2017 with bipartisan support to create and provide employment training for

TransFARMation
Music | Podcast

Music | Podcast

(Minnesota) —  April 13th, 2022 — Prompted by the many sources of stress affecting farmers and ranchers, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA), Linder Farm Network, and the Red River Farm Network (RRFN) have joined forces to expand a radio series called “TransFARMation” throughout the state. The series profiles people in agriculture who have coped with challenging situations and highlights sources of support. “Farming is a stressful business even during

Dr Abbasi Inspired Spine
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Doing Good, Featured

(Burnsville, Mn)  —  April 13, 2022 — The OLLIF procedure is a true minimally invasive lumbar fusion technique that employs an incision of 15mm, produces up to 90% less blood loss than a traditional fusion, and requires no muscle detachment to access the disc space. Many patients are ambulatory within hours after surgery and are often discharged the same day. No deep infections have occurred during the first 1,500 procedures.  By tremendously

School lunch
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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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Doing Good, Featured

(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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Doing Good, Featured

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
People

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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Doing Good, Featured

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
People

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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Featured, People

(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
People

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

Noldy's Newest Single "mE"
Music | Podcast

Music | Podcast

  (Detroit Lakes, MN) —  March 31, 2022  — The record, “mE” is a creative (lyrical) rendition of Noldy’s relationship with music and showcase of Noldy as a multifaceted artist and producer. In 1994, Noldy was introduced to music in an inspirational, connective way and this is the story shared in the single, “mE.” Noldy has Island roots which are incorporated into his compositions. “mE” follows the single titled, “Chéri

Twin City Musicians Developing Original Musical
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Featured, Music | Podcast

  Our differences tend to make our music broadly appealing. PEOPLE-R-READY-The Musical will have you dancing in the aisle and humming long after you leave the theatre.” — James Gutzman     (Minneapolis, MN) —  March 31, 2022 — Twin Cities musicians, under the development arm of Melody Bay Productions, LLC have collaborated to create a new full-length musical scheduled for initial release in the Fall, 2022. PEOPLE-R-READY-The Musical is

Liz Nuytten
People

People

Newly created position underscores GrandPad’s commitment to the growth of its high-performing team and delivery of its highly rated customer care team and product design.     (Minneapolis, MN) — March 20, 2022 — GrandPad, creator of the purpose-built tablet for seniors over the age of 75, announced today that Liz Nuytten has been appointed as the company’s first chief people officer. Headquartered in Minneapolis with offices in southwest Minnesota,

Tyroler Injury Law
Doing Good

Doing Good

The monthly giveaway is designed to celebrate outstanding educators. (Oakdale, MN.) — March 31, 2022  — Attorney Isaac Tyroler announces his law firm’s $500 monthly teacher giveaway designed to show appreciation and encouragement to outstanding schoolteachers in Minnesota and Wisconsin. Residents, students, and teachers themselves can nominate any teacher, and the winner will be selected on the first day of each month. To nominate a teacher for the $500 prize, just provide the following information by emailing it to isaac@injurylawman.com:

Signing Day Sports
Good Things

Good Things

The Student-Athlete Recruiting Platform Becomes the Exclusive Recruiting Technology for High School Coaches Across the State (Minnesota / Scottsdale, Az., March 30, 2022 — Signing Day Sports, the future of recruiting for college athletics, is now the exclusive student-athlete recruiting platform of the Minnesota Football Coaches Association (MFCA), it was announced today. Now more than a thousand high school coaches representing over 355 schools across the state will have access to Signing Day

Dine out to give back
Doing Good

Doing Good

  Dining Out For Life® Hosted by Subaru Returns to Nearly Sixty Cities Across North America (Minneosta) — March 30, 2022 — The last two years have curtailed most public events, but Dining Out For Life® hosted by Subaru soldiered on by helping partner restaurants fill take-out or gift card orders while their own fundraising was severely limited. This year, nearly all of the 50+ Dining Out For Life licensed health care organizations

MicroConf
Business

Business

“We know that supporting founders who are bootstrapping is critical to meeting our ambition of creating $1B in economic impact and we’re excited to drive that impact in partnership with MicroConf” — Danielle Steer, Founding Executive Director of Lunar. (Minneapolis, MN) —  March 30, 2022 — After two years of COVID-related delays, MicroConf will be hosting its flagship conference, MicroConf Growth US, in Minneapolis, MN on April 3 – 5,

Clarence Bethea Steps Down as CEO of Upsie
Business

Business

  “Clarence was the exact right person to get Upsie to where it is today, and Will is the perfect fit to take it from here.” — Brett Brohl (St. Paul, MN) — March 30, 2022  — Clarence Bethea announced in Twin Cities Business Magazine in March 2022 that he is stepping down as CEO. “It’s time,” Bethea told TCB Mag. “I’m the guy who gets the startup from zero

Worship Times of Rochester Launches Rebuild Ukraine Website
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Doing Good, Featured

  (Rochester MN) —  March 30, 2022  — On March 21, 2022, Worship Times launched a new website for Rebuild Ukraine: rebuild-ua.org. Built in a matter of days, the site shares the urgent mission of the nonprofit and will facilitate their fundraising efforts. The immense humanitarian crisis created by the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine is growing. Rebuild Ukraine responded immediately, leveraging partnerships to deliver critical aid to the people