Avera named to Forbes’ Best-In-State Employers List

Avera has been named to the inaugural Forbes list of America’s Best-in-State Employers 2019. Avera is ranked No. 1 in South Dakota and in the Top 20 in Minnesota.

Based on an independent survey, researchers made the list from a vast sample of more than 80,000 U.S. employees working for companies employing at least 500 people in their U.S. operations.

“To be given this distinction certainly makes us proud, yet humbled. The recognition is even more special coming from our employees — especially since it is based on what they actually say about their workplace,” said Kim Jensen, chief human resources officer. “Our leaders strive to be make Avera an employer of choice through the training, daily management and respectful interactions they have with our most important resources, our employees. That’s the Avera difference, and it shows.”

Nationwide, employees were asked to rate their willingness to recommend their own employers to friends and family; participants were also prompted to evaluate other employers in their respective industries that stood out either positively or negatively.

For a complete list of the businesses named, visit Forbes.com/best-employers-by-state.

U.S. Bank invests in Marshall with $20,000 in grants

Through its Community Possible giving and engagement platform, focused on the areas of Work, Home and Play, U.S. Bank kicks-off its 2019 grant making with $6 million in Play investments to fund recreational spaces, arts and culture initiatives. Last year, U.S. Bank invested $25 million in total corporate contributions and grants to fund Play in the communities it serves.

“Play is not something most people would associate with a financial institution,” said Kate Quinn, vice chairman and chief administrative officer for U.S. Bank. “We know however that communities are stronger when they are connected through the arts, cultural opportunities, and safe and accessible recreational play spaces. Much of our giving in the community focuses on areas with historic and consistent economic gaps. It is our goal that these grants will help make our communities stronger and more vibrant.”

Play grants were distributed across the country to multiple organizations, including: Boys & Girls Clubs, YMCA/YWCA branches, arts institutes and several colleges/universities. Nationally, U.S. Bank is a proud supporter and partner with many organizations focused on arts, culture and recreation. For example, U.S. Bank is a lead sponsor of the Americans for the Arts Annual Convention this month in Minneapolis. Additionally, U.S. Bank continues its partnership with the Country Music Association (CMA) and the CMA Foundation with the U.S. Bank Places to Play and Music Made Possible programs.

“Through the power of play, U.S. Bank and the CMA Foundation have come together to help ensure all students have access to a quality music education, and our educators have the support they need to cultivate a thriving program in their community,” said Tiffany Kerns, executive director, CMA Foundation. “With music education still being underfunded across the country, it’s vital that we continue to identify partners like U.S. Bank who share our same passion and drive to help shape our next generation into creative leaders.”

U.S. Bank will continue its giving with the next grant round supporting Work followed by Home. U.S. Bank giving initiatives are focused on improving economic outcomes for women, people of color and low-income communities by utilizing the entire bank, delivering necessary products and services and investing to help communities and individuals succeed.

Learn more about our social responsibility work here: www.usbank.com/community.

2019 Employment Law seminar: What Minnesota Employers Need to Know

Cory A. Genelin, senior human resource attorney and associates with Gislason & Hunter LLP, will be sharing employment law updates with area employers during the upcoming Employment Law Seminar: What Minnesota Employers Need to Know.

Seminar topics include what’s new and essential in employment policies and handbooks, social media for hiring practices, drug testing, non-compete, bonuses, incentive pay, contracted vs employee issues and more. The agenda also includes time for questions and answers. CEUs and contact hours available.

The seminar will be Wednesday, June 26, at the Marshall Golf Club in Marshall from 9 a.m.- 2:30 p.m. Cost is $40 which includes lunch and seminar materials. Contact Denise Myhrberg at denise.myhrberg@state.mn.us or phone 507-476-4042 for registration information. The seminar is sponsored by the Southwest Human Resource Association, DEED/CareerForce, Minnesota West Community & Technical College, Southwest Small Business Development Center, and Southwest Minnesota Workforce Council