St. Paul (October 2, 2023) – The Minnesota Retailers Association is pleased to recognize Amazing Grace Boutique, by Mae, and Olita Gifts & Goods with its Retail Collaboration award as part of the 2023-2024 Minnesota’s Retail Champions program.

Bruce Nustad, president of the Minnesota Retailers Association, complimented these retailers for their exceptional teamwork. "Amazing Grace Boutique, by Mae, and Olita Gifts & Goods exemplify the true spirit of collaboration in the retail industry. Their commitment to supporting one another and their entire community not only strengthens their businesses but also enriches the Hutchinson shopping experience for customers."

Courtney Orwoll, owner of Amazing Grace Boutique, highlighted why their collaboration has worked so well, stating, "I think the key to collaborating is community over competition." This ethos has been at the heart of their partnership and has allowed all three retailers to flourish. One of the hallmarks of this collaboration is their unwavering support for each other. Orwoll noted, "We are always sharing each other's posts, and we make sure to say to each customer, 'hey, you should stop by these other great shops.'"

“There are so many great things about Hutchinson, including how we work together to improve the community. The collaboration between Amazing Grace Boutique, by Mae, and Olita Gifts & Goods is a shining example of what we can do together,” said Mary Hodson, Hutchinson Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism president. “The collaboration among Emily, Jill and Courtney along our mainstreet benefits the entire community.”

In an industry where competition often takes center stage, these retailers have embraced a different approach, viewing retail as a team sport. They have gone above and beyond to foster a sense of community over competition, creating a thriving retail ecosystem in the heart of Hutchinson.

Amazing Grace Boutique, by Mae, and Olita Gifts & Goods were nominated by the Hutchinson Area Chamber of Commerce and will be the recipients of the Minnesota’s Retail Champions Retail Collaboration 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, Advocacy Leadership, Advocate Partner of the Year, Community Partner of the Year, Vendor Partner of the Year, Customer Experience, Social Responsibility, and Retail Community of the Year.

Orwoll will be joined by Jill Hass, owner of Olita Gifts & Goods, and Emily Reck, owner of by Mae, to 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 Von Hanson’s Meats, Monticello with its Customer Experience award as part of the 2023-2024 Minnesota’s Retail Champions program.

Bruce Nustad, president of the Minnesota Retailers Association, praised Von Hanson’s Meats, Monticello for its commitment to customer satisfaction, "From the moment you step in the doors and are greeted with a ‘hello’ from the employees, it's evident there’s a clear emphasis on caring for their customers." Nustad remarked, “The level of care is evident throughout the entire shopping experience at Von Hanson’s.”

"Our customers are the heart and soul of our business," said Jon Tennessen, one of the proud owners of Von Hanson’s Meats, Monticello. "From the moment they walk through our doors to the time they leave with our products; our goal is to ensure that each person feels valued and appreciated. This commitment to exceptional customer service extends to our catering business, where we work tirelessly to meet and exceed our customers' expectations."

“Von Hanson’s is a much deserving company of this award and we are proud to have the team we have at the Monticello location,” remarked Monticello Chamber of Commerce & Industry Executive Director Marcy Anderson. “I have worked with them personally and professionally and would recommend them to anyone looking for quality food and service. They treat every event with special care and a positive attitude.”

The owners of Von Hanson’s Meats learned the importance of outstanding customer service from the very creator of Von Hanson's Meats, Pete Von Bank. These principles were ingrained in them from the outset, and when the opportunity arose for them to open their own store, they seized it with enthusiasm. Today, they continue to impart these values to their dedicated team of employees, ensuring that every interaction with Von Hanson’s Meats, Monticello, is marked by attentive and respectful service.

Von Hanson’s Meats, Monticello is the sole recipient of the Minnesota’s Retail Champions Customer Experience 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, Vendor Partner of the Year, Social Responsibility, and Retail Community of the Year.

Tennessen and his other partners 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 Sheletta Brundidge and ShelettaMakesMeLaugh.com, a podcast and multimedia company, with its Vendor Partner of the Year award as part of the 2023-2024 Minnesota’s Retail Champions program.

Bruce Nustad, president of the Minnesota Retailers Association, applauded ShelettaMakesMeLaugh.com owner Sheletta Brundidge’s dedication to promoting diversity and collaboration within the retail sector. "Sheletta and her team at ShelettaMakesMeLaugh.com exemplify the spirit of partnership and community engagement that we value with partners within the retail industry. Their commitment to spotlighting BIPOC-owned businesses and communities and fostering positive change is truly commendable."

“It's great to work with our partners to do positive work in our community," Brundidge remarked. Reflecting on this honor, Sheletta expressed her gratitude, "It's so nice when someone else comes and shines a light on my work. As a black woman in business, oftentimes I have to come into the room with my own light."

In partnership with numerous retailers, ShelettaMakesMeLaugh.com has undertaken various community initiatives, including a notable collaboration with Hy-Vee to provide Thanksgiving meals to families in north Minneapolis. Brundidge's work not only showcases the positive impact that retailers can have on their communities but also underscores the importance of working in collaboration with great community partners.

ShelettaMakesMeLaugh.com is the sole recipient of the Minnesota’s Retail Champions Vendor Partner 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, Social Responsibility, and Retail Community of the Year.

Brundidge 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