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PRESS RELEASE: 2025 Best Places to Work Survey Results in Southeast Minnesota


Workforce Development, Inc. (WDI), in partnership with the Workforce Development Boards of Southeast Minnesota and Winona, are thrilled to announce the unveiling of the “Best Places to Work” in Southeast Minnesota. Now in its 15th year, this respected regional initiative celebrates companies that go above and beyond in cultivating exceptional workplace cultures throughout Southeast Minnesota.

After a thorough evaluation process led by national consulting firm Personnel Dynamics, fifteen standout companies earned the distinction of being among the Best Places to Work across our region’s eleven counties — Dodge, Fillmore, Freeborn, Goodhue, Houston, Mower, Olmsted, Rice, Steele, Wabasha, and Winona. These businesses have made meaningful investments in their people, championed inclusive and engaging work environments, and continue to lead with innovation, purpose, and care. The 2025 Best Places to Work winners are:

Small Employer

(Under 50 Employees)

City of Byron

Arcadian Bank
Rushford State Bank

Southeast Service Cooperative

Southern Minnesota Municipal Power Agency

Mid-Size Employer

(50-150 employees)

Cooperative Response Center, Inc.

Custom Alarm

New Age Tree Service

Pace International

People’s Energy Cooperative

Large Employer

(Over 150 employees)

Benike Construction

City of Albert Lea

Gemini, Inc.

Olmsted County

Strongwell


Winners of this prestigious designation receive more than just recognition — they earn the right to proudly display the “Best Places to Work” logo in their marketing materials, receive a custom event banner to showcase at their workplace, and gain year-long bragging rights across their communities and industries. The award also signals to job seekers that these employers are committed to putting people first.

The 2025 winners were celebrated at the annual Workforce Development Forum held April 3rd at the Rochester International Event Center. Attendees were moved by a series of powerful, heartfelt videos that gave an inside look at what makes these workplaces truly exceptional. Workforce Development, Inc. extends its sincere gratitude to all participating organizations. Your ongoing commitment to creating workplaces where people thrive is helping to shape a more resilient, innovative, and people-focused economy across Southeast Minnesota.

More photos from the event can be viewed by clicking here! 

Workforce Development, Inc. (WDI) is an independent, non-profit agency with a long history of serving the needs of career seekers and employers in Southeast Minnesota. Reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities provided, upon request, by calling 507.292.5152 or by using your preferred relay service. Workforce Development, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Program Provider and a proud partner of the American Job Center Network.

PRESS RELEASE: 2025 Workforce Development Forum – featuring Keynote Speaker, Krista Ryan!

“Adapt & Advance: A Workforce Built to Thrive”Workforce Development, Inc., CareerForce, and the Workforce Development Boards of Southeast Minnesota and Winona are excited to be hosting the annual 2025 Workforce Development Forum on Thursday, April 3, 2025 at the Rochester International Event Center.

This year’s event will host keynote speaker Krista Ryan, a Southeast Minnesota native, dynamic business coach, HR expert, and published author. Krista’s presentation will offer actionable strategies to navigate change, foster belonging, and inspire forward momentum for teams and leaders alike. Drawing on her local roots and national expertise, Krista travels the country delivering impactful talks on leadership, change, and collaboration.

 

Date: Thursday, April 3, 2025

Time: 11:30 AM – 4:00 PM

Registration: $35 person | $250 table |  Register via Eventbrite.

Location: Rochester International Event Center, 7333 Airport View Dr. SW, Rochester, MN 55902

 

The forum will also celebrate and recognize the 2025 Southeast Minnesota Best Places to Work survey winners and host an insightful employer panel, making this a can’t-miss event for anyone invested in workforce development. Lunch will be served. Reserve your spot today!

Interested in sponsoring?  Join us in supporting workforce development and our local economy while gaining valuable exposure for your business. We are accepting a limited number of sponsorships until February 28th. Contact Samantha Draisey at sdraisey@wdimn.org or CLICK HERE to inquire.

PRESS RELEASE: 2024 Best Places to Work WINNERS!

Workforce Development, Inc. (WDI) is thrilled to announce the unveiling of the “Best Places to Work” in Southeast Minnesota for the year 2024, and our 14th year bringing the survey to the area. As the region’s leading advocate for workforce development and engagement, WDI takes pride in spotlighting organizations that prioritize employee satisfaction, well-being, and professional growth.

After a rigorous evaluation process, seventeen outstanding companies have emerged as the cream-of-the-crop, representing the counties of Winona, Freeborn, Mower, Rice, Steele, Goodhue, Olmsted, Houston, Dodge, Fillmore, and Wabasha. These companies have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to fostering positive work environments, nurturing talent, and driving innovation. The 2024 Best Places to Work Winners include:

Small Employer
(Under 50 Employees)
Southeast Service Cooperative
Peterson, Kolker, Haedt & Benda, Ltd.
IBI Data
Southern MN Municipal Power Agency
Arcadian Bank
Mid-Size Employer
(50-150 employees)
Albert Lea Seed House
People’s Energy Cooperative
Custom Alarm
K&G Manufacturing
Cooperative Response Center, Inc.
Large Employer
(Over 150 employees)
Gemini, Inc.
Knutson Construction
Olmsted County
Riverland Community College
Benike Construction

To celebrate their achievements and the collective dedication to workforce development in Southeast Minnesota, Workforce Development Inc. invites the community to join us at the 2024 Workforce Development Forum celebration scheduled for Thursday, April 25th at the Rochester International Event Center. This event promises to be an inspiring gathering of industry leaders, stakeholders, and professionals committed to shaping the future of the region’s workforce and sharing their best practices.

Don’t miss this opportunity to celebrate excellence and be part of the conversation that drives innovation, growth, and prosperity in Southeast Minnesota. For questions about the 2024 Workforce Development Forum, contact Samantha Draisey at sdraisey@wdimn.org or register through this link!

A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO OUR 2024 FORUM SPONSORS:

Workforce Development, Inc. (WDI) is an independent, non-profit agency with a long history of serving the needs of career seekers and employers in Southeast Minnesota. Reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities provided, upon request, by calling 507.292.5152 or by using your preferred relay service. Workforce Development, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Program Provider and a proud partner of the American Job Center Network.
 

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