Award Sponsor
OUTSTANDING YOUTH
Jennifer Schmidt, St. Cloud
Want hope for the future? Meet Jennifer Schmidt, representing the next generation of leadership and community service. Her countless hours of volunteerism include working with the St. Cloud Hospital, Kids Against Hunger of Central Minnesota, and the regional Social Justice Conference for youth.
Award Sponsor
OUTSTANDING NONPROFIT
Central Minnesota Habitat
for Humanity, St. Cloud
One simple mission-to help people help themselves. In 2008, Central Minnesota Habitat for Humanity doubled its construction and restoration efforts to provide hope for those who could only dream of homeownership. Powered by volunteers, Habitat will share the story of one family you can cheer for.
Award Sponsor
OUTSTANDING LEADERSHIP
Dr. Glen Palm, St. Cloud State University
A champion for our youngest children, Dr. Palm has been one of the central figures in the national fatherhood and early childhood revolutions of the past two decades. With a legacy inside and outside of the classroom, Palm's inspirational work includes transforming incarcerated men into better fathers.
Award Sponsor
OUTSTANDING GREEN VENTURE
Rural Renewable Energy Alliance, Pine River
Harnessing the power of the sun to help families in poverty, RREAL installs its original solar panels to reduce winter heating expenses by 30 percent. We'll share the before-and-after story of a single mother who endured Minnesota winters in a rundown trailer that could only be heated to 46 degrees.
Award Sponsor
OUTSTANDING ENTERPRISE
LINDAR Corporation, Baxter
From berry containers to paint trays, Tom Haglin's thermoformed plastic products represent central Minnesota's best in innovation and global competition. In the wake of our economic crisis, meet a hometown company that also manufactures high-quality jobs for working families.
Award Sponsor
OUTSTANDING COMMUNITY
Pine City, Minnesota
Legions of volunteers came together to revitalize their downtown area, attract high-tech companies, preserve local lakes, promote early childhood education efforts and restore community pride. Welcome to Pine City, an all-American hometown that's worth fighting for.