Doing Good

Midnight Oil and Imagine Graphic Design USA Awards

(Minneapolis, MN) —  Nov. 25, 2024  — Midnight Oil and Imagine are thrilled to announce their recent accolades at the Clio Entertainment Awards and the 61st Annual Graphic Design USA (GDUSA) Awards. Midnight Oil Takes Home Three Clio Entertainment Awards Out of thousands of global entries, Midnight Oil, an Imagine Group company, is celebrating a major win at this year’s Clio Entertainment Awards, winning three awards for outstanding Out-of-Home (OOH)

The GOD'S CHILD Project

A Doctor Giving Medical Care GLOBAL ORGANIZATION SEEKING PARTICIPANTS TO HELP THEM MAKE A DIFFERENCE, SHARE JOY AND BUILD HOPE FOR UNDER-SERVED PEOPLE IN GUATEMALA   The mom just hugged me so tightly for so long and I could feel her joy.” — former volunteer K. Herrick (Minneapolis, MN) — November 20, 2024  — The GOD’S CHILD Project, a global organization dedicated to breaking the chains of poverty and providing

Mankato Area Foundation Grants

(Mankato, MN) — November 21st, 2024 — The Mankato Area Foundation (MAF) has awarded two grants totaling $300,000 to help address regional food insecurity. The grants are: $200,000 to ECHO Food Shelf for their building expansion, allowing them to increase space for frozen and refrigerated food, to accept more donations, and feed more families across the region. $100,000 to Region Nine Development Commission to coordinate and implement a regional effort

Daniel Sullivan & Chad Tameling

  MEA presents nine employees of WEC Energy Group – Peoples Gas with Life Sustaining Awards and presents one other employee with the Meritorious Service Award. The award recipients embody positive values and qualities that make valuable contributions to society.” — John Gann, MEA (Bloomington, MN) — November 21, 2024 — MEA Energy Association (MEA) is honored to present Cesar Sandovel, Justin Harris, Danny Torres, Eduardo Garcia, Earl Micks, Qiante

Give to the Max Day Minnesota

(Minnesota) — November 21st, 2024 — Give to the Max started in 2009 as a one-time campaign to mark the launch of GiveMN.org, Minnesota’s digital home for generosity. The results of that day—$14 million raised in just 24 hours—blew everyone’s expectations out of the water, and a new Minnesota tradition was born. In fact, Give to the Max was one of the nation’s first online giving days and now serves

Alex Wiesner Cottage Grove

(Minnesota) — November 13, 2024 — Imagine you have important news to share with your mom. You give her a call, but you can’t get through.  With each attempt, your frustration grows as the call drops before it can even connect. Now imagine a life depends on you reaching her. In an emergency, seconds count. That’s why our Emergency Communication Networks (ECN) division is dedicated to keeping first responders in contact with

Top 10 States to Start a Business

New report finds startup success highest in Colorado, Utah, and Michigan, with strong economies and business-friendly conditions (Hauppauge, NY) —  Nov. 15, 2024  — Location, location, location. It’s not just true of real estate. If you’re interested in starting a business, you might maximize your chances of success if you decide to launch in Colorado. In its inaugural “Best States to Start a Business” report, National Business Capital crowned Colorado the top state for startups, followed by Utah and Michigan. These

Forgotten Star Brewing Hurricane Victims

(Fridley, MN) — November 14th, 2024 — Hurricane Helene has long ended, but the needs of those impacted by the disaster are ongoing. Through the project Destination Asheville, Forgotten Star Brewing is working to fill a semi-truck located outside the brewery’s taproom with supplies for the Asheville community. The truck will depart for Highland Brewing in Asheville on Dec. 2. Destination Asheville: how beer can bring people together to help

Alexandria Technical College Cybersecurity Students

(Alexandria, MN) — November 4th, 2024 — Cybersecurity students from Alexandria Technical and Community College competed in the Great Lakes Regional Qualifier for the 2-Year College Cyber Defense Competition (2CDC), held at Century College in White Bear Lake, Minnesota, on October 26, 2024.   Alexandria College brought two teams to compete in the event. One team was composed of first-year students and the other of second-year students. The teams demonstrated

Bell Receives 2024 Jefferson Award for Public Service

(Minnesota/N.D.) — Nov 6th, 2024 — Bell Bank has been named the 2024 recipient of the Jefferson Award for Outstanding Public Service by a Corporation. For 50 years, the Jefferson Awards have been one of the country’s most prestigious honors recognizing individual and corporate philanthropy and service. Past companies honored with the Jefferson Award, recognizing “philanthropic and service commitment across their organization and the community,” include Prudential, Pfizer, GE, Target, Mastercard, Patagonia

New Ulm Named One of America’s Most “Charming European” Towns by USA Today

Photo credit: Adam Towles, Foresee Studios   (New Ulm, MN) — Nov 1st, 2024 — The New Ulm Chamber of Commerce has announced that New Ulm has been highlighted by USA Today as one of the top ten U.S. towns that bring the charm and feel of Europe right to your backyard! The article celebrates American destinations that reflect European culture, heritage, and architecture – and New Ulm stands out as

3M America’s Top Young Scientist

(St Paul, MN) — October 18th, 2024 — 3M and Discovery Education named Sirish Subash, a 9th grader at Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science, and Technology in Snellville, Georgia, the winner of the 2024 3M Young Scientist Challenge, the nation’s premier middle school science competition. Sirish set himself apart with an AI-based handheld pesticide detector. As the grand prize winner, he received a $25,000 cash prize and the prestigious title of “America’s

Minnesota Ranks Among Top States for Job Hunting

(Minnesota) — Nov 1st, 2024 — Job hunting is hard work from searching for employment openings and updating résumés to contacting references and preparing for interviews. Not knowing where to look can make finding a job even more difficult, so narrowing your search area is crucial. Since that part requires research, WalletHub did the homework to help you focus on the most important task: finding your dream position in a

Daniel Sullivan & Chad Tameling

MEA presents Philip Rohl of St. Croix Gas with a Meritorious Service Award for assisting a person suffering from heat stroke. MEA award recipients embody positive values and qualities that make valuable contributions to society”— John Gann (Bloomington, MN) —  October 30, 2024  — MEA Energy Association (MEA) is honored to present Philip Rohl, journeyman gas technician, with a Meritorious Service Award for going above and beyond in assisting a

TopLine Credit Union Foundation Awards $36,500 in Scholarships

(Maple Grove, MN) — Oct. 24, 2024  — In its tenth year, TopLine Credit Union Foundation has awarded a total of $36,500 in scholarship money to 35 TopLine members who are continuing their education, and $1,500 in scholarship funds to support post-secondary educational needs and goals of students in Nigeria through partnership with African Education and Health Initiative (AFEDHI), a local non-profit organization with a vision to assist African students

2024 Top Lawyers List

  (Minnesota) —  October 16, 2024  — Nicolet Law Accident & Injury Attorneys is happy to announce that multiple attorneys of its Minnesota practice have been named 2024 Top Lawyers in Minnesota by Minnesota Monthly. Among the 45 lawyers selected in the “Personal Injury” category, seven spots were awarded to Nicolet Law attorneys. Those attorneys include: • Russell Nicolet, Founder & President• Drew Epperly, Partner• John Spiten, Partner• Lindsay Lien,

Jackson & Perkins Roses

Celebrating Exceptional Performance in the World of Garden Roses   Winning the AGRS award is a testament to our ongoing commitment to quality and innovation in rose cultivation.” — Kelly Funk   (Edina, MN) —  October 8, 2024   — Jackson & Perkins, a leader in rose cultivation, is pleased to announce that two of its Floribunda roses, Like No Other™ and Soaring to Glory™, have been named winners in the 2025 American

Topline Financial Credit Union Recognized for Prestigious Marketing Efforts

(Maple Grove, MN) —  Oct. 08, 2024  —  TopLine Financial Credit Union, a Twin Cities-based member-owned financial services cooperative, was honored with three marketing awards from the Marketing Association of Credit Unions. The Marketing Association of Credit Unions (MAC) Awards honored TopLine in three categories: Community Engagement, Financial Education and Brand/Rebrand Evolution. In the Community Engagement category, TopLine won bronze for their Winter Spirit Week Penny Wars competition. The goal

Sheltie Shenanigans

(Minneapolis, MN) 10/7/2024 — The Sheltie Shenanigans party at Beard’s Plaisance in Minneapolis saw over 30 attendees and their Shetland Sheepdogs gather under clear skies on Sunday. The event, which celebrated the beloved breed, featured participants from Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Minnesota. The gathering was not only a social success but also a charitable one, raising $507 for the Minnesota Sheltie Rescue, a non-profit organization, that has assisted

Alexandria Technical & Community College Ranks #1 in Minnesota

Alexandria Technical & Community College has once again been recognized as an educational leader, achieving top state and national rankings from several reputable sources.   (Alexandria MN) — October 10th, 2024 — In 2024, Niche.com has ranked Alexandria College as the #1 Best Community College in Minnesota for 2025. Learn.org named the institution as the #1 community college in the United States, and WalletHub ranked it as the #2 community

Heat & Glo Trending Today

Heat & Glo, the pioneering leader in fireplace innovation, will be featured on the award-winning television show Trending Today, airing on A&E. We want to break down the barriers that prevent homeowners from adding fireplaces to their homes.” — Stephan (Lakeville, MN) —  September 20, 2024  — Heat & Glo, the pioneering leader in fireplace innovation, was featured on the award-winning television show Trending Today, airing on A&E September 21st

Stokes NBA’s First Black Superstar

(Minneapolis, MN) — Sept. 24, 2024   — There’s nothing but net in Stokes: The Brief Career of the NBA’s First Black Superstar, a new picture book biography from Millbrook Press™, an imprint of Lerner Publishing Group™. Written by Ty Chapman and John Coy and illustrated by Lonnie Ollivierre, Stokes tells the story of the NBA’s first Black superstar, Maurice Stokes, who broke the mold for NBA players in the 1950s.

Staff Sergeant James Lueck

Back row from left to right; SPC Perez, PFC Bunčić, SPC Guzeh, PV2 Bošnjak, SPC Hackbarth, PFC Vrbančić Middle row; 2ndLt Šimunović, SSG Lueck,  CPL Maršić, SGT Podgornik, 1LT Velasquez, MAJ Đurin Bottom row; PV2 Puljiz, SGT Xiong, PV2 Pavin, SPC Yang, SSG Parlić, SSG Baratto   (Deerwood, MN) — September 27th, 2024 — In December 2023, Staff Sergeant James Lueck of Deerwood joined a 10-day international training exercise in

DigiKey’s Linda Johnson receives Women in Electronics Unity Award

(Thief River Falls, MN)  — Sept. 23, 2024   — DigiKey, a leading global commerce distributor offering the largest selection of technical components and automation products in stock for immediate shipment, is proud to announce that Linda Johnson, executive vice president of operations for DigiKey, has received the WE Unity Award from industry organization Women in Electronics (WE). “It is with great honor and pleasure to recognize Linda Johnson for

Twin Valley Council Scouts Exceed Service Goals

  (Mankato, MN) — September 20th, 2024 — The Twin Valley Council, Scouting America, which serves 15 counties in South Central Minnesota, has successfully completed its “Year of Service.” From September 1, 2023, to August 31, 2024, the Scouts committed to providing over 25,000 hours of community service. Impressively, they surpassed this goal, contributing a total of 30,534 hours. According to the Non-Profit Leadership Council, the average value of an

ShipToMilitary.com Connect Care Package Senders

(Forest Lake, MN)  — August 28, 2024 —  ShipToMilitary.com, a resource for families and supporters of our troops created by the founders of ShipThrifty, has announced a new initiative designed to connect caring individuals with active-duty service members deployed overseas. This initiative facilitates sending care packages to troops stationed in remote and challenging locations, providing them with much-needed comfort and support. Recognizing the profound importance of morale and support for those

Minnesota State Fair

(St. Paul, MN) — August 16,2024 – The Minnesota State Fair has long been invested in the educational endeavors of young adults fromgreater Minnesota and is pleased to announce the 24 total recipients of the Minnesota State Fair Youth Scholarship.The fair is committed to offering scholarship opportunities to deserving youth based on their leadership andachievement in youth livestock programs, as well as their involvement in the local community. The 22

DigiKey Recognized by Forbes as One of America’s Best-in-State Employers for 2024

(Theif River Falls, MN) —  Aug. 21, 2024  — DigiKey, a leading global commerce distributor offering the largest selection of technical components and automation products in stock for immediate shipment, was named to the sixth-annual prestigious list of America’s Best-in-State Employers 2024 by Forbes. DigiKey was one of a select group of Minnesota-based companies with over 500 U.S. employees to be recognized. You can view the complete list of Minnesota’s

Farm Family of the Year

  Farm Family recognition program (Minnesota) — August 19th, 2024 — The University of Minnesota Farm Family Recognition Program honors farm families from throughout Minnesota for their significant contributions to the agriculture industry and their local communities. The Farm Family Recognition Program has honored Minnesota farmers since 1979. It is coordinated by University of Minnesota Extension, the College of Food, Agricultural, and Natural Resource Sciences, and the College of Veterinary

'Between Shadows and Lies' is a YA novel about a teen caretaker of her siblings that live in a casino records warehouse

  Loosely inspired by a true account of 4 young children who lived in a casino records warehouse while their mom worked in order to escape their alcoholic father. (Eden Prairie, MN) —  August 19, 2024  — Between Shadows and Lies by Angela Grey is a young adult narrative set against the backdrop of a tumultuous family dynamic. Inspired by actual events, the novel sheds light on the precarious lives

Cargill 2024 Sustainability Awards

(Wayzata, MN) — August 5, 2024 – Cargill has been recognized for its leadership in sustainably through the  2024 BIG Sustainability Awards. Business Intelligence Group (BIG) named Cargill the recipient of both the Sustainability Leadership Award and Sustainability Initiative of the Year Award. These awards recognize organizations worldwide that have made sustainability a core part of their business strategy and practices and are having a positive impact on the sustainability of

Fergus Falls Mayor Ben Schierer receives CGMC Distinguished Rural Leadership Award

(St Paul, MN) — July 26th, 2024 -– At its Legislative Awards Dinner last night, the Coalition of Greater MN Cities (CGMC) presented Fergus Falls Mayor Ben Schierer with the Jack Murray Award for Distinguished Rural Leadership. The award is given to city officials who demonstrate knowledge, leadership and active participation in CGMC program areas over their public service career. It is presented annually to a retiring CGMC mayor or

Minnesota: Best State for Health Care

  For second consecutive year, WalletHub ranks Minnesota best in the nation based on 44 indicators   (St Paul, MN)  –July 30, 2024 —  Governor Tim Walz announced that WalletHub has ranked Minnesota the best state in the nation for health care for the second consecutive year. Minnesota’s ranking is based on 44 key indicators including cost, access, and health outcomes. “Minnesota’s top spot in this ranking is a reflection of

Hormel Foods Announces 2024 Class of 10 Under 20 Food Heroes

Hormel Foods Corporation, a Fortune 500 global branded food company, is proud to announce its third cohort of 10 Under 20 Food Heroes. Each of these remarkable young people, through their various charitable endeavors, has set out to make the world a better place by working to bring about a more transparent, secure and sustainable food system.     Young changemakers from across the United States will soon travel to the company’s

MEA Awards

  MEA honors Trent Hanks, Michael Wazac, and Robert Rosburg with Life Sustaining Awards, while three others receive Meritorious Service Awards. The award recipients embody positive values and qualities that make valuable contributions to society.” — John Gann (Bloomington, MN) — July 25, 2024   — MEA Energy Association (MEA) is pleased to recognize Trent Hanks, a line mechanic; Michael Wazac, a combination mechanic apprentice; and Robert Rosburg, a gas

Crisp & Green

Crisp & Green specializes in creating personalized meals using fresh, seasonal ingredients, all served in a welcoming and community-focused environment.    Founder Steele Smiley, a fitness industry veteran, originally created the company with one simple mission: to bring healthy, delicious and convenient food to his community. Rapidly Growing Healthy Concept Continues Nationwide Expansion (Minneapolis, MN) — July 2, 2024 — Crisp & Green, an elevated, fast-casual dining destination that offers healthy,

3M Young Scientist Challenge

(St Paul, MN) —  June 27, 2024 — 3M (@3M) and Discovery Education (@DiscoveryEd) today announced the 2024 3M Young Scientist Challenge (#YoungScientist) top 10 finalists. As the nation’s premier middle school science competition, the annual 3M Young Scientist Challenge invites students in grades 5-8 to compete for an exclusive mentorship with a 3M scientist, a $25,000 grand prize, and the chance to earn the title of “America’s Top Young

James Beard Award

Richard Blais, Nyesha Arrington, Amanda Freitag, and Marcus Samuelsson. – Barry Brecheisen/Eater Chicago (Minneapolis, MN / Chicago, Il.)  – June 10th, 2024 — The James Beard Foundation announced the winners of its Restaurant and Chef Awards. The annual event brought out chefs, restaurateurs, and other hospitality industry professionals all dressed to the nines to take home medals for Best New Restaurant, Emerging Chef, 12 regional best chef categories, and more.

CopperSmith Showcases Stunning Custom Metalwork in Signal Mountain, Tennessee

    The products we chose from CopperSmith are extremely well created and exceeded our expectations beyond anything we ever imagined.” — Michael Leary   (Minneapolis, MN) —  June 5, 2024 — CopperSmith, renowned for creating exquisite custom metalwork, has crafted a magnificent project for a couple in their newly built home in Signal Mountain, Tennessee. Situated just twenty minutes north of Chattanooga, this pristine mountain community on Walden’s Ridge

Cayden Maccachren Triumphs Once Again

Polaris-Supported Driver Branden Sims Finishes Second Overall Behind the Wheel of a Race-Prepped RZR Pro R (Minneapolis, MN) — June 3, 2024 – The 56th running of the SCORE Baja 500 took place this past weekend, where the Polaris Factory Racing team continued its winning streak as Cayden MacCachren, along with his co-driver Hailey Hein, delivered a dominant performance to secure the prestigious UTV Overall and UTV Pro Open class

2024 Eagle Scout Scholarship Recipients

(Minnesota) — May 26th, 2024 — The Eagle Scout Scholarship program recognizes Scouts who have displayed extraordinary achievement in academics, athletics, Scouting, and overall service to their community. This scholarship program has awarded more than a half-million dollars in scholarships since its inception in 1990. In 2023, Northern Star Scouting troops and crews produced 476 Eagle Scouts, of which 53 applied for scholarships, and 20 were awarded with a 2023

Country Inn & Suites in Baxter, Minnesota presents $5,000 Check to Local Charity

(Brainerd, MN) — March 4, 2024 — Local charity The Bridge on 7th Shelter has been awarded a $5,000 grant from Country Inn & Suites in Baxter, MN as a recipient of this year’s Your Community, Your Choice Program from Choice Hotels International. This program, which began in 2019, recognizes and empowers local hotel owners to make a positive difference in their communities. As a winner of this year’s program, Bridge on 7th Shelter will use the funds

The Dyrt 2024 Best Places To Camp Regional Awards 

(Portland, OR) —  May 14, 2024   — The Dyrt, the No. 1 app for camping availability, photos and reviews, has announced the 2024 Best Places To Camp Regional Awards based on reviews and ratings from its vast community of campers. These destinations include some of the hottest and trendiest campgrounds of the past year, popular picks from The Dyrt campers, and well-established, sought-after properties that continually earn spots on these lists.

Sleepy Eye Terrazzo National Award

  This award recognizes a beautiful installation and Wisconsin Terrazzo’s skill, artistry, and commitment to excellence in terrazzo.” — Chad Rakow, Executive Director, National Terrazo & Mosaic Association (Sleepy Eye, MN) —  May 9, 2024   — When St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Sleepy Eye, Minnesota, underwent a renovation project to replace the floor and restore the stained-glass windows, it was the beginning of a series of phases of construction

Jamf named winner in three categories of the Global InfoSec Awards during RSA 2024

(Minneapolis, MN) — May 06, 2024 — Jamf, the standard in managing and securing Apple at work, is proud to be recognized by Cyber Defense Magazine’s (CDM) Global Infosec Awards in the following categories: Market Leader Zero Trust BYOD Market Leader Mobile Device Security Cutting Edge Mobile Endpoint Security These accolades are a testament to Jamf‘s dedication to bridging the gap between what Apple provides and what enterprises require, providing

Mankato Annual Speech and Debate Banquet

(Mankato, MN) — April 24th, 2024 — The annual event is held to showcase the talents of local high school students who participate in speech and debate programs in our district. The nature of this extra-curricular activity is that it is often done in settings where the families of the students are not able to attend to cheer for their students. The successes of the students can often be over-looked

2024 Sesquicentennial Farm

(Minnesota) — April 23rd, 2024 — The Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation (MFBF) is pleased to recognize 44 recipients of the Sesquicentennial Farm award for 2024. Since the program began in 2008, 559 families have received the honor. To qualify, a family farm must be in continuous family ownership for at least 150 years, be 50 acres or larger, and currently be involved in agricultural production. A commemorative certificate signed by

Darci Martini Nationals

(Pequate Lakes, MN) — April 23rd, 2024 — Nine year old Darci Martini, daughter of Shaun and Lisa Martini, took 1st Place at the Regional Elks Hoop Shoot in Iowa! It’s now on to the Nationals April 18-21 in Chicago. The last time that the Brainerd Elks had a National Competitor was 9 years ago when Darci’s sister, Kelsi, made it to Nationals taking 4th place in the national competition

Mountain Boy

Minneapolis – MOUNTAIN BOY, a live-action family adventure film is set to grace the screens of the upcoming Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival (MSPIFF) at The Main Cinema, Screen 5, 115 SE Main Street on April 20 at 1:45 p.m. and April 22 at 7:00 p.m. “We’re thrilled to be screening the magic of MOUNTAIN BOY at MSPIFF,” says Nancy Paton, writer and producer of the film. Director Zainab

Four Minnesota Teams Heading to Destination Imagination Global Competition

(Minnesota) — April 19th, 2024 —   Four Minnesota teams of Destination Imagine students are heading to global finals.  Two teams from Rosemount, as well as one Osseo, and one from Minneapolis, have qualified for the Destination Imagination Global Finals in Kansas City, Missouri May 22-25. Destination Imagination is a project-based, kid-driven program that teaches kids to be innovative problem solvers. Using STEAM, teams of students collaborate, think outside the