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How Boston Scientific PRIDE Thrives As An Influential ERG
One of the biggest economic drivers in the state of Minnesota is medical technology. Specifically, in medical devices. According to the state of Minnesota, there are more than 470 medical device establishments employing more than 32,600 people. No wonder why it is called Medical Alley. Boston Scientific is one of the top companies in this…
Rethinking Retirement Through Re-Entering The Workforce
Similar to an increasing number of Americans, local community member Jeff Schloegel emerged from retirement to reenter the workforce. Jeff retired in June 2017 from FedEx sales support around age 65, then found a new job at Washburn-McReavy Funeral Homes two years later. He had to go back to work after going through HSI savings…
A Transformation At Amazon – Luv-Luv’s Story
When you think of Amazon, what are the first things that come to mind? They are not just a leading online retailer, they are also a leading employer anywhere they establish a physical presence. Amazon’s presence in Shakopee, among other communities, also means that they carry a progressive stance when it comes to their employees. …
The Queen of Co-op-etition – Renda The Roofer
“I got a new tattoo and it’s a pause button,” says Renda Baird, owner of local contracting business Renda the Roofer and RTR Teams. She laughingly explains the philosophy behind the tattoo: “Lord/Buddha put your arm around my shoulder and your hand over my mouth.” Talking to (and I would imagine working with) Renda Baird…
How The Pandemic Changed The State Of The Older LGBTQ Adult In The Workplace
The challenge of living well into your best years has been compounded by the COVID-19 Pandemic. As workplaces were shut down – even some have closed for good – that caused a number of older adults to either stop working or working with reduced hours. In December of 2021, the AARP (American Association of Retired…
Biz Buzz – Malinda Launert, Coldwell Banker Realty
Business: Coldwell Banker Realty Your Name: Malinda Launert Job Title: Realtor Give us a brief overview of your business and what services you provide the community: I am a Full-Service Solo Realtor who works directly to help the first-time home buyers find their dream home to the move up process as well as sellers who are ready for…
Melanie Willingham-Jaggers: Beauty in the Margins
In 1990, a group of teachers formed an organization called GLSEN (pronounced like “glisten”) with the intention of making schools a safer place for LGBTQ children. Over forty years later, GLSEN has authored resources for educators, conducted research on LGBTQ students, lobbied Congress for safer schools, and has been instrumental in the creation of GSAs…
Innovation From Within: 3M Pride
What is the first thing that comes to mind when you drive by the 3M corporate headquarters along Interstate 94 in Maplewood? Scotch tape? Post-it Notes? Maybe a film coating protecting your vehicle? Since 1902, 3M has been a cornerstone of Minnesota’s business community. Today, it is diversified corporation providing goods and services to a…
Constant Inequity: A Look at Trans & BIPOC Workplace Discrimination
Workplace discrimination continues to impact marginalized people across the world and within our country. According to 2022 State of the Gender Pay Gap, released by Payscale, women now earn 82 cents to every dollar that men earn, a discrepancy that is only worsened for black, indigenous, and other people of color. And the LGBTQ population continues to…
A Dream Deferred: Captain Nic Wiswell
We don’t deserve the kindness and service of Captain Nic Wiswell of the Minnesota National Guard. She believes, “If you want somebody to get on your side and understand where you’re coming from, then you have to go to them first.” To understand the intensity of Captain Wiswell’s resilience and unrelenting need to serve with…
