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

Bruce Nustad, president of the Minnesota Retailers Association, commended MNORCA for its outstanding work. "MNORCA's dedication to bringing all of the stakeholders to the table in the effort to combat Organized Retail Crime has been invaluable. Their commitment to creating a safe retail environment has been crucial to our efforts to support and protect retailers, workers, and customers across the state."

Cody Johnson, president of MNORCA, emphasized the organization's commitment to making a real impact in the battle against Organized Retail Crime. "MNORCA is making a difference in bringing the private and public sectors together in our battle against Organized Retail Crime," stated Johnson, highlighting the importance of collaboration in combating this growing threat to retailers.

MNORCA has played a pivotal role in uniting various stakeholders, including law enforcement agencies, retailers, financial investigators, prosecutors, and legislators, to address the complex issue of ORC effectively. Their partnership was instrumental in the successful passage of the Organized Retail Crime definition bill during the 2023 legislative session.

MNORCA is the sole recipient of the Minnesota’s Retail Champions Advocate 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, Advocacy Leadership, Community Partner of the Year, Retail Collaboration, Vendor Partner of the Year, Customer Experience, 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 9, 2023) – The Minnesota Retailers Association is pleased to recognize Charles Anderson, a commander with the St. Paul Police Department, with its Advocacy Leadership award as part of the 2023-2024 Minnesota’s Retail Champions program.

Bruce Nustad, president of the Minnesota Retailers Association, commended Anderson for his exceptional leadership. "Commander Anderson's relentless dedication to addressing Organized Retail Crime demonstrates the importance of collaboration between law enforcement and the retail industry. His leadership has played a significant role in making a safer and more secure retail environment for workers, customers, and communities in Minnesota."

"Organized retail crime is a phenomenon that affects all of our communities, our businesses, business owners, and really has an impact on public safety in all respects," Commander Anderson emphasized, highlighting the far-reaching consequences of Organized Retail Crime. “Doing what I do on a day-to-day basis is ultimately satisfying because its about service with a purpose,” he reflected.

Commander Anderson's tireless commitment to combatting Organized Retail Crime has made a profound impact on local communities, businesses, and public safety. His invaluable expertise played a pivotal role in the successful passage of the Organized Retail Crime definition bill during the 2023 legislative session.

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

Anderson 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 Walt’s with its Community Partner of the Year award as part of the 2023-2024 Minnesota’s Retail Champions program.

"Walt's embodies the true spirit of community partnership, and their generosity sets an inspiring example for all retailers in Minnesota," praised Bruce Nustad, president of the Minnesota Retailers Association, commending Walt's for their outstanding dedication to community service.

Scott Barney, co-owner of Walt's, reflected on the spirit of giving passed down from the founder and namesake, Walt Gislason, saying, "I don't think there's ever been someone who's walked through these doors that's said 'We have a fundraiser,' that we've ever said no to."

“Walt’s is a key community partner and a great example of what makes the Willmar Lakes Area an exceptional community,” said Willmar Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce retiring President Ken Warner. “The team at Walt’s shows up every day to make a difference, and at the Chamber we couldn’t be more grateful for the example they set for others.”

Walt's has gone above and beyond in contributing to the well-being of their community. They have actively participated in numerous fundraisers, charitable donations, and acts of kindness. Their commitment to saying "yes" to opportunities to support their community has made them a cornerstone of goodwill in Willmar.

Walt’s is the sole recipient of the Minnesota’s Retail Champions Community 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, Retail Collaboration, Customer Experience, Vendor Partner of the Year, Social Responsibility, and Retail Community of the Year.

Barney and Walt’s other co-owners 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