The Dakota-Scott Workforce Development Board recently held its Legislative and Employer Awards event. Honorees included:
Mark McAfee Friend of Workforce Development Award
Tim Zunker, Shakopee Chamber of Commerce president, received the Mark McAfee Friend of Workforce Development Award. It is presented to an individual who has championed workforce issues at the local, state or federal level.
Bob Killeen Award
Dalsin Industries, Lakeville, received the Bob Killeen Award, which recognizes individuals or companies for their innovative or quality practices. The company offers contract metal manufacturing and assembly capabilities.
Business Champion Award
Lena Garcia received the Business Champion Award. It is presented to an outstanding company that uses CareerForce services such as job fairs, job postings or training.
Garcia participated in numerous hiring events at the West St. Paul CareerForce site. She was recognized, in part, due to her willingness to help job seekers.
Bob Klas Sr. Entrepreneur Award
Mark Reese, of B-52 Burgers and Brew, received the Bob Klas Sr. Entrepreneur Award, which recognizes a local entrepreneur success story.
B-52 Burgers and Brew began in 2011 with a single restaurant generating annual sales of $1.5 million. The business has expanded to four locations with total sales exceeding $11 million. This success is largely due to their strong commitment to both their customers and their local community.
Employer of the Year for People with Disabilities Award
Grant VanWyngeeren and Neil Byce, owners of CW Metals, are the 2024 recipients. This award is presented to an employer who has improved the lives of people with disabilities through employment. CW Metals is a Minnesota-based leader in metal recycling.
The company is committed to hiring, recruiting, supporting and retaining employees with disabilities. It does so in many ways, including by working with community partners.
Willis E. Branning Excellence in Youth Employment Services Award – Dakota County
Abbie Torbert, of BTD Manufacturing in Lakeville, received the Willis E. Branning Excellence in Youth Employment Services Awards for Dakota County. The award recognizes commitment to preparing young people to enter the workforce. The award was sponsored by Dakota Electric.
Torbert, a senior Human Resources generalist, connects with students in the Lakeville and Farmington school districts and provides them with information on careers as well as employment opportunities.
Willis E. Branning Excellence in Youth Employment Services Award – Scott County
Kim Wodtke, the Scott Carver Dakota CAP Agency Food Shelf manager, received the Willis E. Branning Excellence in Youth Employment Services Awards for Scott County. This award was sponsored by Cal Tex, Electric, Inc.
Wodtke has been involved with Scott County youth programming for several years. Over the past year, she supervised 11 youth program participants. She demonstrates a willingness to give all youth a chance to learn and succeed and takes time to ensure that each participant is properly equipped with the knowledge and skills needed for the job.