People

Benjamin Dean Taylor

(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

Benji Bearman Named 2022 Salesperson of the Year

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

Connexus Energy announces Alison Miles as new Vice President of Members

  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

(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

April McGee

  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

(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

  (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

Tina Rice Named LAPW Woman of the Year.

(Alexandria, MN) — March 30th, 2022 — Each year the Lake Area Professional Women (LAPW) of Alexandria honor two employers and one woman.     Employers include Large Employer of the Year (25 or More employees) and Small Employer of the Year (Fewer than 25 employees.)  There is also one Woman of the Year Award.   The selection of employer of the year is based on how well a company supports fairness

Liz Nuytten

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,

FD Newell Jr Award

Minnesota Freezer Warehouse Company honored two employees who embody the values and principles that make up the core of their company.     (Albert Lea, MN) — March 25, 2022 — On February 17th, Minnesota Freezer Warehouse Company (MFWC) honored 1st shift Albert Lea warehouse worker, Jacob Miranda with the inaugural F. D. Newell Jr. Award for Excellence; and on February 24th we bestowed the same honor on Austin office/inventory

Kristin Rehkamp

(Stillwater, MN) – The Greater Stillwater Chamber of Commerce welcomes Kristin Rehkamp to the Chamber staff, as Special Projects coordinator. The Chamber staff is growing to meet the needs of the increasing membership of local businesses and programs & services offered by the Chamber, in addition to a variety of community events that are produced by the Chamber. Kristin is a high energy leader with expertise in business strategy, organizational

Matthew Schuerger

  (St. Paul, MN) — March 10th, 2022 — Minnesota Public Utilities Commissioner Matthew Schuerger was appointed as the Chair of the National Association of Regulatory Commissioners (NARUC) Committee on Electricity. Commissioner Schuerger will lead efforts to develop and advance policies that promote a reliable, adequate, and affordable supply of electricity. Through collaboration with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and related agencies, the Committee on Electricity seeks ways to

MN Broadcast Hall of Fame

(St Paul, MN) — March 17th, 2022 —  The Pavek Museum of Broadcasting has announced the 2022 Minnesota Broadcast hall of Fame winners.   Five familiar names in Minnesota Broadcasting will be added during a ceremony on September 17, 2022. This years inductees include: Dan Barreiro – Host on “The Fan” (KFXN-FM/100.3 Minneapolis) and also heard on the Fan Network Freddie Bell – Radio executive, author and speaker.   Also hosts 3

Kari Rihm ATD National Truck Dealer of the Year

(St. Paul, MN) — March 11th, 2022 —  Rihm Family Companies is pleased to announce that its president and CEO Kari Rihm has been named the National Truck Dealer of the Year by the American Truck Dealers Association (ATD). The ATD Truck Dealer of the Year is a national award that recognizes commercial truck dealers for business performance, industry and civic leadership, and service to their community.  It is sponsored by

David Schmidt

(Orlando FL) — March 14, 2022 — Red Lobster® announced David Schmidt will join its Senior Leadership Team as Chief Financial Officer. Schmidt comes to Red Lobster from Bloomin’ Brands where he has served as Group Vice President and CFO of Casual Dining Brands since 2019. “Growing up in Minnesota, the place to go for great seafood and to celebrate life’s big events was always Red Lobster, including my own high school and college

Mike Rowe

Moorhead, Minn. (January 17, 2022) – The Fargo Moorhead West Fargo Chamber announces TV icon and New York Times best-selling author Mike Ro­we as keynote speaker for the 2022 Voices of Vision event on Thursday, April 21 from noon to 1:30 p.m. at the Sanford Health Athletic Complex. Presenting sponsor: Nodak Insurance Company. From the Baltimore Opera to QVC shopping channel, executive producer, host, best-selling author, and chart-topping recording artist

New Commanding General - Red Bull Division

(Arden Hills, MN) March 15th, 2022 — Army Maj. Gen. Michael Wickman, who has led the division since November 2019, has relinquished command to Army Brig. Gen. Charles Kemper, in a ceremony in Arden Hills on March 12, 2022. “During his tenure as the commanding general, General Wickman was instrumental to the overall success of the 34th Infantry Division during an unprecedented time of operational requirements, social turmoil, and unique

Kevin Lee Minnesota Department of Commerce

  (Minnesota)  February 22nd, 2022 — Minnesota Commerce Commissioner Grace Arnold announced new leadership for the Commerce Division of Energy Resources, appointing Kevin Lee as deputy commissioner. Lee brings experiences in energy resource policies, regulation, technology, and economic development that are essential in his new role.   “Commerce is fortunate to have Kevin Lee stepping into this leadership role at a time when the State of Minnesota has tremendous opportunities

Earl and Sonya Anderson

(Alexandria MN)– February 28th, 2022 — Alexandria residents Earl and Sonya Anderson have been named the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Volunteer Snowmobile Instructors of the Year for 2021. The award typically goes to one person, but the Andersons have worked together for years to certify nearly 6,500 students in snowmobile safety. Earl and Sonya Anderson committed to providing foundation for lifetime of safe riding Going Above and Beyond The

Command Sgt. Maj. Katie Blackwell

(Cottage Grove, MN) – February 16, 2022 — The percent of women in the Minnesota National Guard has increased in the last 10 years. In 2011, only 16 percent of the force were women. Over the years, that percent has grown to nearly 21. Not only are women more prominent in the Guard, but they are also filling key leadership roles. “I have never seen before in my career as

2022 Outstanding Teacher Tiffany Kobbermann

(Glenwood, Minnesota) February 23, 2022 —  Press Release MN Dept of Agriculture Tiffany Kobbermann, a Family and Consumer Science teacher at Minnewaska High School in Glenwood, MN, has received the Minnesota Agriculture in the Classroom (MAITC) 2022 Teacher of the Year award. In her application, Kobbermann shared that “all of my lessons are agriculturally based. I believe that students need a well-rounded perspective of agriculture. My hope is that my

My Mom Your Dad - Stephanie Varone

(Minneapolis MN) February 22, 2022   — Stephanie Varone and her son Brennen, a Wayzata High School graduate and USAF Veteran, shake things up in the current hit, HBOMax Original reality dating series MY MOM, YOUR DAD, hosted by Emmy®-nominated actress and stand-up comedian Yvonne Orji (HBO’s “Insecure”), debuts with all eight episodes Thursday, January 13, 2022. Produced by ITV Entertainment (“Love Island,” “Queer Eye”), the series format was created by

North Country Food bank

(Feb – 2022)   The Hunger Hero Award is the highest honor awarded by North Country Food Bank each year. This award is given to someone who has had a significant, positive, and lasting impact on North Country’s work and ability to distribute food to people in need across our region.Congratulations to John Thorson — the 2021 recipient! John dedicated countless hours to our board of directors and our building project