St. Paul (October 2, 2023) -- Join the Minnesota Retailers Association (MnRA) as we recognize twelve leading retailers and industry partners with the announcement of the 2023-2024 Minnesota’s Retail Champions.

Winners will accept their awards during Retail Rally (www.retailrally.com) on Wednesday, October 11, 2023, beginning at 2:00 p.m. in Bloomington. Retail Rally is changing the way retailers and their key business partners engage with today’s consumer. The event features practical, game-changing, cutting-edge retail innovation strategies and ideas, and the insights of Weber Shandwick, and their presentation “Predicting the Future: A Look Ahead at Top Cultural Trends Fueling Shoppers' Behavior in 2024.” There the team from Wisdom Gaming Studios will also be presenting on the intricacies of the metaverse and demonstrate how retailers can effectively reach and engage customers in this innovative space.

“We are proud to recognize twelve innovative retailers, communities and partners that are leading the way in connecting with consumers and today’s trends following a vigorous process to identify Minnesota’s Retail Champions,” said Bruce Nustad, Minnesota Retailers Association president. “The retail industry has a deep impact on Minnesota communities, and these award recipients are truly representative of what is great about retail across the state, how the industry is changing, and what it takes to attract customers today.”

The following is a complete list of the 2023-2024 Minnesota’s Retail Champion award recipients:

Vendor Partner of the Year
ShelettaMakesMeLaugh.com, Cottage Grove, MN
Click here to read more about this award, including quotes.

Customer Experience
Von Hanson’s Meats, Monticello, MN
*nominated by the Monticello Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Click here to read more about this award, including quotes.

Retail Collaboration
Amazing Grace Boutique, by Mae, Olita Gifts and Goods, Hutchinson, MN
*nominated by the Hutchinson Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism
Click here to read more about this award, including quotes.

Social Responsibility
CAP Carpet & Flooring, New Brighton, MN
*nominated by the Waste Wise, program of the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce
Click here to read more about this award, including quotes.

Family Business of the Year
Bridal Aisle Boutique, Osseo, MN
*nominated by the Metro North Chamber of Commerce
Click here to read more about this award, including quotes.

Community Partner of the Year
Walt’s, Willmar, MN
*nominated by the Willmar Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce
Click here to read more about this award, including quotes.

Advocacy Leadership
Charles Anderson, Marine on St. Croix, MN

Advocate Partner of the Year
Minnesota Organized Retail Crime Association, St. Paul, MN
Click here to read more about this award, including quotes.

Advocate of the Year
Walter Dillon, Minneapolis, MN
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Retail Mentor of the Year
Patricia Chinander, Love From USA Group, Shoreview, MN
Click here to read more about this award, including quotes.

Retail Community of the Year
Owatonna, MN
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Retail Entrepreneur of the Year
Adam Johnson, Pioneer Midwest, Osseo, MN
Click here to read more about this award, including quotes.

About the Minnesota Retailers Association: The Minnesota Retailers Association promotes, preserves, and enhances the retail industry in Minnesota by taking a leadership position in development of public policy and regulatory measures that impact members. MnRA also works to enhance the public image of the retail industry by providing information, services and support that adds value to its members. www.mnretail.org.

Contact: Bruce Nustad, Minnesota Retailers Association, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., (651) 227-6631

St. Paul (October 2, 2023) – The Minnesota Retailers Association is pleased to recognize Adam Johnson, co-owner of Pioneer Midwest, with its Retail Entrepreneur of the Year award as part of the 2023-2024 Minnesota’s Retail Champions program.

Bruce Nustad, president of the Minnesota Retailers Association, praised Adam Johnson's unwavering commitment to his customers and the industry, stating, "Adam embodies the entrepreneurial spirit that drives innovation and excellence within Minnesota’s retail sector. He has created an environment where customers can access great products and expert guidance, making Pioneer Midwest a true retail gem."

"I love that I get to take a passion of mine and provide a retail experience for customers that fits the model of what I think it should be having been that customer," shared Adam Johnson, reflecting on his journey as an entrepreneur.

Adam Johnson has transformed Pioneer Midwest into a destination for cross-country skiing enthusiasts of all levels, from beginners to seasoned professionals. His commitment to delivering a personalized and exceptional retail experience is evident in every aspect of his business, from product selection and expert advice to customer care.

Adam Johnson is the sole recipient of the Minnesota’s Retail Champions Retail Entrepreneur of the Year award. Eleven other organizations and individuals will be recognized in other categories such as Retail Mentor of the Year, Family Business of the Year, Advocate of the Year, Advocate Partner of the Year, Advocacy Leadership, Community Partner of the Year, Retail Collaboration, Customer Experience, Vendor Partner of the Year, Social Responsibility, and Retail Community of the Year.

Johnson will accept the award during the Retail Rally event on Wednesday, October 11, 2023, beginning at 2:00 p.m. in Bloomington. The event features practical, game-changing, cutting-edge retail innovations, strategies, and ideas. Retail Rally event information can be found at www.retailrally.com.

Click here to see all the 2023-2024 Minnesota's Retail Champions award winners.

About the Minnesota Retailers Association: The Minnesota Retailers Association promotes, preserves, and enhances the retail industry in Minnesota by taking a leadership position in development of public policy and regulatory measures that impact members. MnRA also works to enhance the public image of the retail industry by providing information, services and support that adds value to its members. www.mnretail.org.

Contact: Bruce Nustad, Minnesota Retailers Association, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., (651) 227-6631

St. Paul (October 2, 2023) – The Minnesota Retailers Association is pleased to recognize the community of Owatonna  with its Retail Community of the Year award as part of the 2023-2024 Minnesota’s Retail Champions program.

"Owatonna's dedication to fostering a dynamic and supportive business environment exemplifies the essence of a Retail Community of the Year,” said Bruce Nustad, president of the Minnesota Retailers Association, praising Owatonna for their outstanding achievements. “Their commitment to collaboration, growth, and community well-being serves as a model for communities across Minnesota."

Brad Meier, president of the Owatonna Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism, emphasized the community's collective spirit, stated, "Everyone comes together to make Owatonna a great place to live, work, and do business." He added, "Being recognized as the Retail Community of the Year is a huge feather in the cap for Owatonna and for our retailers who put in the hard work to run their businesses and do such great work for our community."

Owatonna's success is a testament to the dedication and collaboration of various organizations, including the Owatonna Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism, the Owatonna Business Partnership, MainStreet Owatonna, the city of Owatonna, and many other partners. Together, they have created an ecosystem that fosters community growth and prosperity.

Owatonna is the sole recipient of the Minnesota’s Retail Champions Retail Community of the Year award. Eleven other organizations and individuals will be recognized in other categories such as Retail Entrepreneur of the Year, Retail Mentor of the Year, Family Business of the Year, Advocate of the Year, Advocate Partner of the Year, Advocacy Leadership, Community Partner of the Year, Retail Collaboration, Customer Experience, Vendor Partner of the Year, and Social Responsibility.

Community members representing several retailers and community organizations will accept the award during the Retail Rally event on Wednesday, October 11, 2023, beginning at 2:00 p.m. in Bloomington. The event features practical, game-changing, cutting-edge retail innovations, strategies, and ideas. Retail Rally event information can be found at www.retailrally.com.

Click here to see all the 2023-2024 Minnesota's Retail Champions award winners.

About the Minnesota Retailers Association: The Minnesota Retailers Association promotes, preserves, and enhances the retail industry in Minnesota by taking a leadership position in development of public policy and regulatory measures that impact members. MnRA also works to enhance the public image of the retail industry by providing information, services and support that adds value to its members. www.mnretail.org.

Contact: Bruce Nustad, Minnesota Retailers Association, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., (651) 227-6631