Inspiration from your 2013 Roberta...

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1| Page . Inspiration from your 2013 Chair of the Board: Roberta Collins Chamber Connection Hibbing Area Chamber of Commerce Newsletter Vol 5 Issue 2 February/March 2013 UPCOMING EVENTS: Call/Email all RSVP’s to: 2182633895 [email protected] SME/RYP Lunch and Learn Is There More Ore? “Discussion of Sustainability of Iron Mining” March 14th, 2013 12:00 P.M. Amelia’s First Ave. Bar & Grill WIN Big Talk with Small Business Women April 11 th , 2013 5:00 P.M. Zimmy’s Restaurant & Lounge Healthy Lunch Club “Supplements, Vitamins, & Diet Pills April 25 th , 2013 12:00 P.M. Fairview Range Board Room On occasion, Lory asks members of the Chamber to write a testimonial or a tag line. I was reflecting the other day, thinking about becoming Chair of the Board, and our testimonials for the Chamber came to my mind. My husband Barry had sent one in. It said, “I’ve started three businesses in the City of Hibbing. Two failed and one was successful. Guess which one joined the Chamber?” I had always thought it was my involvement that made the third business, Advantage Billing Concepts, a success. Yes, it was me who ran into my former classmate who was a building owner, a CPA, and a computer geek. Yes, I could get him to marry me and open yet another business where I could utilize all his skills and mesh them with mine. But in all seriousness, as time has passed, I realize how true his statement was and how much help the Hibbing Area Chamber of Commerce has been. A few years later I was asked for a testimonial as to why I joined the Chamber. My response read “I couldn’t afford to NOT join the Chamber.” And I still strongly hold that belief today. We dove headfirst into working with the Chamber. I soon found a network of professionals to discuss business with, other professionals to work on projects and socialize with, and even others who have become dear friends. I attended the Chamber’s Leadership program and garnered value far beyond the small cost of the program. It inspired me to send all of my staff, a few every year, through the program and I have seen the confidence it has given to them. (Cont. on pg. 2)

Transcript of Inspiration from your 2013 Roberta...

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                  Inspiration from your 2013

                    Chair of the Board:

                        Roberta Collins  

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

   

   

   

 

 

 

 

Chamber Connection Hibbing Area Chamber of Commerce Newsletter                Vol 5  •  Issue 2    February/March 2013 

UPCOMING EVENTS:  

Call/Email all RSVP’s to: 218‐263‐3895 

[email protected]  

SME/RYP Lunch and Learn 

Is There More Ore? “Discussion of 

Sustainability of Iron Mining” 

March 14th, 2013 12:00 P.M. Amelia’s 

First Ave. Bar & Grill    

WIN Big Talk with Small Business Women April 11th, 2013 

5:00 P.M. Zimmy’s 

Restaurant & Lounge  

Healthy Lunch Club “Supplements, Vitamins, 

& Diet Pills April 25th, 2013 12:00 P.M. 

Fairview Range Board Room 

 

 

On occasion, Lory asks members of the Chamber to write a testimonial or a tag line.  I was reflecting the other day, thinking about becoming Chair of the Board, and our testimonials for the Chamber came to my mind. My husband Barry had sent one in.  It said, “I’ve started three businesses in the City of Hibbing.  Two failed and one was successful.  Guess which one joined the Chamber?”  I had always thought it was my involvement that made the third business, Advantage Billing Concepts, a success.  Yes, it was me who ran into my former classmate who was a building owner, a CPA, and a computer geek.  Yes, I could get him to marry me and open yet another business where I could utilize all his skills and mesh them with mine.  But in all seriousness, as time has passed, I realize how true his statement was and how much help the Hibbing Area Chamber of Commerce has been. A few years later I was asked for a testimonial as to why I joined the Chamber.  My response read “I couldn’t afford to NOT join the Chamber.”  And I still strongly hold that belief today.    We dove headfirst into working with the Chamber.  I soon found a network of professionals to discuss business with, other professionals to work on projects and socialize with, and even others who have become dear friends.  I attended the Chamber’s Leadership program and garnered value far beyond the small cost of the program.  It inspired me to send all of my staff, a few every year, through the program and I have seen the confidence it has given to them.  (Cont. on pg. 2)

 

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(Continued from page 1) There are many different committees, events, and projects to work on with the Chamber.  If one doesn’t appeal to you, you can always try another.  I became involved with the Chamber’s Government Affairs Committee.  The knowledge and confidence I obtained from that experience helped me immensely as I now serve as the National Legislative Committee Chair for a healthcare administrative management group of over 3000 members. Advantage has both gained from and given to the Chamber.  Our Vice‐President Dana Young oversees our in‐house wellness program and serves the Chamber by being on the Wellness Committee.  That has given her the opportunity to meet with other local companies and see their programs and collaborate with them on projects presented by the Chamber.  This is the kind of win‐win I see happening all the time with the Chamber.  My staff has worked on Habitat for Humanity Homes, helped hang the beautiful flower baskets downtown each spring; they’ve attended both learning and fun events, met our local representatives, and have been ambassadors for the Chamber.  Perhaps they have welcomed some of you into our business community and the Hibbing Area Chamber of Commerce. To serve all of you as the Chamber Chairperson this year is both an honor and a privilege to me.  I appreciate this opportunity to say thank you as you all are the Chamber of Commerce.    

 

 

 

1st Realty Range Wide A-1 Refrigeration Advantage Billing Concepts Algonquin Club All American Title Always There Staffing American Bank American Cancer Society AmeriPride Linen Supply Co. Ameriprise Financial Androy / BDC Management Anytime Fitness Apex Applied Industrial Technologies Arrowhead Economic Opp. Agency Assumption Catholic School Avon B & R Engineering B. Miller Products Bach Yen Garden Restaurant Baldwin Supply Baron’s Pharmacy Barr Engineering Company Bender’s Shoe & Sport Birch Court Apartments Bonner Eye Clinic Bounce House Party Rental Boy Scouts of America Braun Intertec

Bryan Lindsay C & B Warehouse Cast Corporation CENTER – yoga, massage, pilates Champion Charter Sales & Service Chisholm Baptist Church Chisholm Inn & Suites City of Hibbing Coaching by Dove Coca-Cola Bottling Co. Como Oil & Propane Compudyne Culligan Water Conditioning Custom Lettering David Simonson Detroit Diesel Reman - DMR Dom-EX Dougherty Funeral Home Dr. Dave Witschen DDS, PA Dr. Earnest T. Williams, Jr. Dynamic Garage Door Edward D. Jones-Connie Bird Edward D. Jones-John Buss Edwards Oil Company Electric Power Door/Div. of Broncho Ellefson Off Highway Inc. Essar Steel Minnesota LLC Essentia Health (Duluth Clinic) Excel Business Systems

Express Employment Professionals Express Print 1, Ltd. Fairview Range Fena Advertising Fort & Company Fraboni Sausage Company Furin & Shea Welding & Fabricators Gary Fox Insurance Agency General Waste Disposal & Recovery George Bougalis & Sons Const. Graybar Electric Company Great Northern Iron Ore Properties Greyhound Origin Center Guardian Angels Health & Rehab. H&L Mesabi Habitat for Humanity N St. Louis Co. Hank’s Woodworks Hardee’s Restaurant Hart Electric, Inc. Hecimovich Mechanical Contracting Hibbing Alliance Church Hibbing Bowling Center Hibbing Chisholm Breakfast Rotary Hibbing Chrysler Center Hibbing Community College Hibbing Co-op Credit Union Hibbing Daily Tribune Hibbing Dental Service Hibbing Elks Lodge #1022

Membership Renewals The following Chamber members have committed this month to continue their 

support of the business community by renewing their 2013 membership.  You are encouraged to patronize Chamber members when conducting your business.  Thank you to our renewing members for their continued investment. 

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(Continued  from page 2)

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Hibbing Fabricators Hibbing Family Medical Center Hibbing HRA Hibbing Park Hotel Hibbing Plumbing Hibbing Public Utilities Hibbing Salvage & Supply Co. Hibbing Taconite Co. Hillcrest Terrace Howard Crt. Horizon III Real Estate Iracore International IRC Electrical Contractors IRCS, Inc. Iron Mining Association of MN Iron Range Plumbing & Heating Iron Range Tire Service Iron Range Racing Association Iron Range Tourism Bureau IRRRB ISD #701 Jasper Engineering & Equip. Co. JC Penny Company J.N. Johnson Sales & Service Inc JPJ Engineering, Inc. KBJR – TV KFC (WRS, Inc.) Kiddy Karousel Child Care Center Kitzville Body Shop L & L Rentals L & M “Fleet” Supply L & M Radiator Laurentian Land Company Lee Center Lees Rental & Commercial Dev. Lily Lane Embroidery Lind Industrial Supply, Inc. Liquor Cabinet Louhi & Kivela Masonary Lucia, Peter O.D. Manpower Matetich Insurance Agency Max Gray Construction Co. MDI Mediacom Mediacom Business Memorial Blood Centers Mesaba Country Club Mesabi Glass, Window & Door Inc. Mesaba Heating & Air Conditioning Mesabi Radial Tire Company Metso Minerals Midwest Communications Mike Fay Insurance Agency

Mining Minnesota Minnesota Discovery Center Minnesota Forest Center Minnesota Power Minnesota Twist Drill Mr. Nick's Corner Bar Nelson Williams Linings, Inc. NewCon Company Nick Bougalis Construction NORAMCO Engineering Corporation Northeast Technical Services, Inc. Northern Business Products Northern Foundry, LLC Northern Landscapes Northern Mining Services, Inc. Northland Village Northwood Mechanical, Inc. ODC Inc. Overhead Door Company P & H Mine Pro Services Palmer’s Tavern Papa Murphy's Parson’s Town & Country Electric Pathblazers Snowmobile Club Pepsi Beverages Company Perrella & Associates Plan-It Travel, Inc. PolyMet Mining Portable John Postmaster Richard Rusich Prebich Law Offices Premier Physical Health Care Primary Sensors & Controls Co. Project Care Free Clinic Pustovar Insurance Agency R.W. Larson Insurance Agency Radko Iron & Supply Range 11/KBJR 11 Range Artists Association Range Center, Inc. Range Cornice Heating & Sheet Metal Range Cornice & Roofing Co. Range Credit Bureau, Inc. Range Funeral Home Range Regional Airport Authority Range Reliable Agency Inc. Ranger GM Raukar, Steve - Commissioner Republic Bank Rhude & Fryberger, Inc. RLP Services LLC Rudi's Pizza Rupp Furniture

Ryan-Kasner-Bialke LLC Sammy's Pizza & Restaurant Scott Mescher O.D. Security Insurance Agency Security Investment Solutions Security State Bank Sellman Law Office Seppi Brothers Concrete Prod. Service Master of Hibbing ServPro Shubat Transportation Slumberland Clearance Center Snap Fitness South of Howard Arts - SoHo Southview Apartments Sportsmen’s Restaurant St. Louis County Fair Assn. Stephen Ward Associates Sterle & Company Sullivan Candy & Supply Subway Sandwiches & Salads Sunny Hill Distributors, Inc. Sunrise Bakery Sunrise Deli & Catering Super 8 Motel Super One Foods Superior Industrial Products Superior Mineral Resources T & B Pawn Shop TacTran, Inc. The Mane Salon Thirsty Moose Thrifty White Pharmacy TNT Airworks TriTec of Minnesota Triumph Twist Drill Tromco Electric Inc. UMD-Center for ED United Refractories, Inc. United Way of NE Minnesota US Bank of Hibbing USS Corporation Valvoline Instant Oil Change Village Glass & Supply Village Realty W.A. Fisher Company Wal-Mart WDIO-TV Wells Fargo Bank Westgate Apartments Wine Creations, LLC WP & RS Mars Company

 

 

 

 

 

WELCOME NEW CHAMBER MEMBERS! *The Well *Arrowhead Human Resources Association *The Gold Guys *Minnesota Section SME *VRDC, Inc. *Sod’s Four Seasons/Crown Ballroom *Undercover Wear – Kari Kilen

Members -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------(Continued  on page 3) 

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Who is worth his weight in gold after 12 long years of service as Treasurer of the Chamber.

Mark Gardeski served as Treasurer for the Hibbing Area Chamber of Commerce for 12 years. After accepting a promotion at his REAL job,

much to our dismay, Mark resigned his Treasurer’s post.

Mark has been involved with the Chamber as a volunteer leader at many levels and has received multiple awards including; Volunteer of the Year, Outstanding Leadership and President’s Award.

Mark has been married to Michelle for 26 years and they have two daughters, Sarah (18) and Emily (13). Mark is a graduate of Business Administration from the University of Minnesota, Duluth (1983) and the Graduate School of Banking (2007) in Madison, WI. After several years in banking, Mark was hired by Security State Bank as VP/Commercial Lender in 1997. Today Mark is President of Security State Bank, a promotion that was announced at this event last year. We will miss you Mark.

For demonstrating the principles taught in the Chamber’s Leadership Program through his exemplary community work and achievements. His hard work at obtaining a grant to secure more firefighter and paramedics in our community has made Hibbing a safer place to live.

Scott was hired by the City of Hibbing May 10, 1988 as a Class B Pipeman at the Hibbing Fire Department. In 2003 he was promoted to Captain, in 2004 promoted to Battalion Chief, in 2005 promoted to EMS Director, and in August 2011 was promoted to Fire Chief. Scott has is very knowledgeable in his field and also cares very much about the health and safety of our citizens.

Scott has been married to his beautiful wife Diane for 36 years. They have three children Diane, Shea, and Cody, along with three grandchildren. When he has time to get away, he enjoys camping and spending time with family and friends. Scott is an avid hunter and spends time in the woods with his daughter Shea and his two dogs.

2012 Hibbing Area Chamber of Commerce Best Treasurer Ever! Award: Mark Gardeski

2012 Hibbing Area Chamber of Commerce Outstanding Leadership Alumni: Scott Nehiba

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        Outstanding New Member Award

IBEW local 294

A new member whose initial efforts have the potential to have substantial and lasting effects on the Chamber and Community.

Our relationship began with a few bus rides to support PolyMet and Essar Steel. Together along with many other organizations, unions and businesses we testified and organized support for future jobs for our region. Certainly this just proves that many great relationships start on a bus! (Especially in Hibbing Minnesota—where the Greyhound Bus Company was founded)

Soon after that Dan Hendrickson the business representative for local 294 agreed to meet with us and other community and regional leaders to work on the Business Energy Retrofit Program. We worked hard and eventually received funding from the IRRRB with help from local legislators and Commissioner Sertich. The Hibbing BER pilot will help businesses reduce costs by retrofitting their buildings with energy efficiencies…many of which are electrical. Through this program we help both our businesses and electrical contractors and workers.

This fall the IBEW Local 294 joined the Chamber. The look on Lory Fedo’s face when they requested an application was priceless. After some discussion Lory said that she hoped they would understand that at times the Chamber political positions may be in different than the unions and the two agreed that at times they would disagree, but that they had found a lot of common ground that would benefit us all.

This year and last the IBEW put up and took down most of the Christmas decorations in downtown Hibbing. The partnership between our organizations continues to grow and thrive. And we hope that it will continue for many years to come.

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2012 Hibbing Area Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year Award

Hibbing Taconite Company Managed by Cliffs Natural Resources

Hibbing Taconite History: Iron ore mining on the Mesabi Range began in 1892. At the turn of the century, high grade natural iron ores were mined and shipped directly to Midwestern or Eastern steel mills. However, with the depletion of natural iron ore, there was an awareness that low grade iron ore deposits would have to be developed to provide for future needs of the steel industry.

In the early 1920’s, mining companies began exploring ways of unlocking iron particles from a flint hard rock, called taconite. In 1942, a laboratory was established in Hibbing to experiment with taconite ores and develop a flow sheet for commercial operation. Laboratory work was further tested at a pilot plant and in Babbitt, and in 1956, the first successful commercial scale plant began operation in Silver Bay, Minnesota.

Plans for development of taconite reserves in the Hibbing-Chisholm area began in the late 1960’s. Early feasibility studies determined substantial reserves of taconite existed. Development and construction of Hibbing Taconite Company began in 1974. The $360 million concentrating and pelletizing operation was designed to produce 8 million tons of taconite pellets annually. The facility operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Hibbing Taconite Company is owned by ArcelorMittal (62.3%), Cliffs Natural Resources (23%) and US Steel (14.7%). The property is managed by Cliffs.

(contiunued on page 7)

 Ed LaTendresse, Former General

MGR 2005-2012. With Company 35 years

Jack Croswell, Interim General MGR 2012-present.

With Company 33 years

As a member in good standing which has Demonstrated growth and stability

Excellence and/or innovation in their field Dedication and service to the community

Longevity of business and loyalty to employees Special contributions of leadership and mentoring to others

Support and promotion of the region, chamber, and business community

 

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(continued from page 6)

Economic Impact: Since 2005, Hibbing Taconite has hired over 380 employees. It currently employs about 750 people with an annual payroll of about $107 million. Hibbing Taconite pays $23 million each year in state and local taxes, which includes $15 million for taconite production taxes. Hibbing Taconite’s total annual economic impact is $334 million.

Community: Hibbing Taconite considers its commitment to the community as one of its top priorities of doing business. “We owe the City of Hibbing and its people a great deal of gratitude for not only providing a safe and welcoming community for our employees and their families, but also for their long-standing support of Hibbing Taconite through good times and when we have faced significant challenges. Community is about helping each other out, and we are so appreciative to the City of Hibbing for its commitment to our company,” said Jack Croswell, interim general manager, Hibbing Taconite.

Last year, Hibbing Taconite contributed over $92,000 in donations to local non-profit organizations. This includes Hibbing Taconite’s match of employee donations during Cliffs Natural Resources’ annual United Way fundraising drive. Last year, Hibbing Taconite and its employees contributed $212,349 to the total contribution of $407,654 from Cliffs’ Minnesota properties to the United Way of Northeastern Minnesota. In addition to financial support, several Hibbing Taconite employees serve on the United Way’s Board of Directors and assist with fundraising campaigns for the organization.

Education: Hibbing Taconite feels that an important element of community is schools, and that educational tools are available to prepare students of all ages for future careers. That is evident at all levels of the organization from Ed Latendresse, Hibbing Taconite’s former general manager’s 13 years on the Hibbing School Board, to the employees who participate in classroom visits, presentations and offer mine tours to area youth. Hibbing Taconite’s employees are members of the engineering advisory board for the Hibbing School District and provide educational lessons for successful hands-on learning programs such as Engineering, Cool!, Lego League and First Robotics.

At the college level, employees serve as mentors for engineering students, participate in advisory boards that foster relationships between industry and education, and Hibbing Taconite offers dozens of good-paying internships to students. Hibbing Taconite and Cliffs Natural Resources contribute thousands of dollars in scholarships and equipment to benefit students at local community colleges and universities. Last year, the operation contributed $100,000 towards a heavy equipment simulator to provide training for students at Hibbing Community College.

Tours: Hibbing Taconite believes the best way for visitors to understand the iron mining industry is to show them what we do, so the operation facilitates countless tours each year to provide people with the opportunity to visualize the process. These tours are offered by Hibbing Taconite employees who feel strongly about connecting the community with the business of iron ore production. In addition, Hibbing Taconite and Cliffs provide financial support and materials to assist volunteers at the Hull Rust overlook, which offers visitors with a premiere view of the operation’s mining activities.

Land: Hibbing Taconite recently provided an easement to the Northern Traxx ATV Club for public use of its property for ATV/OHM trail. Approximately four miles of the 12-mile trail are located on Hibbing Taconite property. The trail runs from west of Chisholm and ends at the intersection of County Road 5 and 469 (Conner’s Road).

Military: In 2011, Cliffs Natural Resources was recognized by Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton as a Yellow Ribbon Company for going above and beyond the legal requirements to support service members and military families. Besides the recognition and support Cliffs provides for employees, Hibbing Taconite is involved in the Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Committee of Hibbing and Chisholm. (continued on page 8)

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(continued from page 7)

The operation’s employees have also assembled care packages for deployed military members and regularly participate in veteran job fairs in the region.

Employee Involvement: Additionally, Hibbing Taconite’s employees serve as board members for numerous community organizations (Hibbing Area Chamber of Commerce, MN Discovery Center, Fairview Range, Etc), coach and officiate numerous sports, they are members of clubs (Rotary, Lions, Range Young Professionals) and even put on Santa Claus costumes for area kids during the holidays.

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For encouraging, mentoring, and supporting the education of our youth with respect to developing future workforce skills. Recipients are chosen by these guidelines:

• Their business is well-established business within the community, • They have shown leadership within the industry by continually

integrating innovations with regard to current trends in their respective field, • They encourage and support the education of youth with respect to future employees in the

workforce by offering opportunities for students to further investigate their particular field through presentations, informational interviews, job-shadowing, mentorship or work-based learning

• They are a dependable partner in their effort to improve student experiences by emphasizing the importance of academic as well as hands-on learning.

(continued on page 9)

 

2012 Hibbing Area Chamber Commerce in Partnership with the Hibbing Public School District 701

With the Business Education Partnership Award Recognizes: Tom Sullivan, Sullivan Candy and Supply

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(continued from page 8)

This year’s recipient of the Business Education Partnership Award is Sullivan Candy and Supply. Entrepreneur, Tom Sullivan, a Hibbing High School alum has volunteered to speak and work with the Basic Business class at Hibbing High School for several years. His presentations about the history of his business and how important it is for the students to think about their futures are always informative. He knows quite a few students in the classes and he has a genuine affection for Hibbing High School.

As a class each semester, the students decide on an actual business to operate. Tom is a great person to use as a consultant for any problems that arise, and he is very generous with his time.

One unique aspect of Tom Sullivan as a partner in Basic Business classes is that he was a student in Basic Business the first year the present instructor, Shirley Burritt, taught at Hibbing High School.

Tom Sullivan has been supportive of the Business program and Sullivan Candy and Supply is a worthy recipient of the Business Education partnership award.

2012 Chamber Champion Wayne Kangas,

Thrivent Financial The purpose of the Chamber Champion Award is to recognize a member for enthusiastic and often contagious support for the Chamber. We are truly proud to be represented by such an extraordinary individual.

Wayne was born in Seoul Korea and grew up in Cherry, Minnesota. Since then he has married and moved to Hibbing and has shed a positive light on friends, family, co-workers and co-volunteers. He joined the Hibbing Area Chamber’s Range Young Professional network and committee when he became a Financial Advisor for Thrivent Financial on Howard Street in Hibbing. It was not long before Wayne was co-chair of the group. He also is in the Chamber’s Leadership program last year, and has been elected to the Chamber’s Board of directors. Wayne received our Outstanding New Member Award last year. Chamber President Lory Fedo says, “Wayne’s hardworking and enthusiastic volunteer spirit motivates all who are around him. He is smart and charismatic. But most importantly with Wayne---you get a “twofer”….Nina Kangas, Wayne’s wife, is just as amazing. It is terrific having such vibrant young professionals as part of our chamber! Wayne and Nina are expecting their first child this spring.” Congratulations Wayne!

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2012 Volunteer of the Year Kacey Donahue For her passion to volunteer her time and talents for a more positive and inclusive community. Kacey Donahue graduated from Hibbing High School. She earned her Associate’s Degree from Hibbing Community College where she was a women’s softball league stand-out. Kacey is currently finishing her Bachelor’s Degree from Bemidji State University.

Most of Kacey’s career has been spent working with people with disabilities. As the Wage and Hour Specialist for Range Center, she ensures individuals with disabilities are paid commensurate with workers without disabilities for performing the same type of work. She is the originator for the Range Center, Inc. client annual softball game where every person, regardless of disability, gets to “play ball”! Kacey’s first love is to promote inclusiveness through volunteerism. She works nonstop for groups such as Beyond the Yellow Ribbon, Miracle League Baseball, and the Hibbing Area Chamber of Commerce. For her outstanding efforts and unselfish giving of time & talents, Kacey Donahue is awarded Volunteer of the Year. Congratulations Kacey! _______________________________________________________________________________________________   

 

For her work helping other young professionals in our community and chamber grow and achieve.

Jessica Schuster has been involved with the Chamber’s Range Young Professionals for the last couple of years. Wayne Kangas, Co-Chair of the Chamber’s Range Young Professionals says, “It has been great having Jessica as a part of Range Young Professionals Committee. She has taken part in several events and has most recently organized a Business After Hours event at Fairview Range in conjunction with the Chamber. She brings a lot to our group with the skills that she has developed in her profession. She is an asset to RYP

and area as a whole.” Jessica is the Marketing and Communications Specialist at Fairview Range. Also this year Jessica has worked with Kim Johnson and the Chamber to create and host the Healthy Lunch Club, which helps professionals and employees to learn more about healthy life styles. Jessica is a graduate of the Chamber’s 2012 Leadership Class. And in fact went through the class with her “best friend” and now husband, Jake Schuster, who works at Hibbing Taconite. Jake and Jessica reside in Hibbing. Congratulations Jess!  

 

2012 Range Young Professional Award Jessica Schuster

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Worksite Wellness Awards

From Biggest Loser contests to biometric screenings to smoking cessation programs to walking challenges and having recess in their parking lots - employers across our region are helping employees get active and healthy. This year we are highlighting some of these programs so that others can learn and replicate their models. Our chamber has a very active Worksite Wellness Program. If you would like to get involved let us know! Watch future newsletters for more information on wellness programs at our winning businesses. We have three categories - Bronze, Silver and Gold. This year we awarded 2 winners in each category—one smaller and one larger. Gold Division winners: Jasper Engineering and Minnesota Twist Drill Silver Level winners: Advantage Billing and Hibbing Taconite Company Bronze level winners: Delta Airlines, Iron Range Reservation center and Fairview HomeCare Hospice

     

Gives Back Big Time!! When Camille Nasi, 2nd Vice Chair of the Chamber Board invited former Hibbing High class alum and childhood friend, Joe Beasy to be the keynote speaker at this year’s dinner--little did she know what a HUGE impact he would make on our chamber.

Joe not only delivered a keynote that was inspiring and memorable, Joe vowed to match funds raised at the dinner for the chamber. And he challenged the crowd to do the same. Joe’s matching contribution to the chamber ended-up being in excess of $31,000.

Chamber Leaders are considering multiple options to use the funds to benefit members and the Chamber organization. Chamber President, Lory Fedo said, “For years we have scrimped and saved ---to have this happen feels almost miraculous. We are in such dire need of technology, training and marketing and member benefit programs. It is exciting but we want to make sure we do the right thing. Regardless, we are thankful and excited to see what the year will bring.”

Joe Beasy, one of the “Gold Guys”, recently opened a store in the Iron Gate Plaza in Hibbing along with 17 other stores across the country. This April he will hand deliver his contribution to the Chamber in person.

Thank you, Joe! Your generosity is unsurpassed!

Joe Beasy:

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HIBBING TACONITE 

 

Connie Bird, John Buss,

Kelle Degnan, Troy Loeb 

 

 

  

 

 

 

     Jennifer Bougalis     Lory Fedo 

Roberta Collins      Samantha Moberg

Kristin Renskers      Kimberly Shlecht 

Jennie Damjanovich    Kacey Donahue 

Shari Erickson 

 

   

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Upcoming Events & Meetings-----------------------------------------------------  

March 2013  

Board of Directors  11th  12:00 PM ‐ Barr Engineering Leadership Committee Meeting  12th  8:00 AM ‐ Sportsman’s WIN Committee Meeting  12th  3:45 PM ‐ Zimmy’s RYP Committee Meeting  13th  12:00 PM ‐ Sammy’s Pizza Lunch & Learn  “ Is There More Ore?”  14th  12:00 PM ‐ Amelia’s First Ave, Bar & Grill Government Affairs  18th  12:00 PM ‐ Old Mexico BTYR Committee Meeting  20th  11:00 AM ‐ Chamber Office Worksite Wellness  20th  12:00 PM ‐ Chamber Office BR & E/Economic Development  21st  8:00 AM ‐ Chamber Office  Leadership Class Session 3  21st  12:00 PM ‐ Room G‐10, HCC Ambassador Retreat  26th   12:00‐3:00 PM ‐ Range Center 

    

Chair of the Board Roberta Collins Advantage Billing Concepts First Vice Chair Camille Nasi Liquor Cabinet Second Vice Chair Rachel Sullivan Prebich Law Office Treasurer Bill Lowry Max Gray Construction Past Chair of the Board Rally Hess Hibbing Taconite Co. Brad Anderson Essar Steel MN Chris Bergum Triumph Twist Drill Deb Boardman Fairview Range Aaron Bonelli Range Credit Bureau Wayne Kangas Thrivent Financial D’Arcie Malsam US Bank Rian Burkes Nelson Roofing/KBC Joan Cotton 1st Realty Rangewide Gary Flesland MDI Jeannie Nobens Minnesota Twist Drill Shaun Germolus Range Regional Airport Krystal Glad Range Center Brian Grzybowski Nelson Williams Linings Jason Janisch Jasper Engineering Jeremy Rodorigo Wells Fargo Kathy Salmi Delta Air Lines Bill Thurman Mesaba Heating  PROFESSIONAL STAFF  President, CEO Lory Fedo Manager of Operations Jennie Damjanovich Administrative Assistant Kristen Carlson

-------------------------------------------------------Your 2013 Chamber Leaders