After reviewing dozens of applications from across the state, the Minnesota Retailers Association is pleased to recognize Kee Kong, Joe’s Sporting Goods, as our Retail Employee of the Year in the 2019 Minnesota’s Retail Champions program.

“There are thousands and thousands of Minnesotans working in retail, so that makes selecting a Retail Employee of the Year difficult, except when it comes to Kee Kong,” says Bruce Nustad, Minnesota Retailers Association president. “When interacting with Kee you can see his passion and love for what he does at Joe’s Sporting Goods. Customers are drawn to his positive attitude and helpful nature. His attitude is nothing short of contagious. Kee is a mentor, a teacher and a leader. In addition to running a department and interacting with customers in the store, he is instrumental in the retailer’s engaging social media interactions. We are not only pleased but honored to recognize Kee as the Retail Employee of the Year.”

“My favorite thing about working retail at Joe’s Sporting Goods is that I truly love what I do,” says Kee Kong. “I not only get to do what I am passionate about but I get to help and teach others where their passion lies. I love taking the time to get to know our customers and help them live their best dreams. I wake up every morning not viewing my job as work, but an opportunity to do what I enjoy best with the people I enjoy the most.”

Kee Kong will accept the award in person during the Retail Rally event on Wednesday, October 2, 2019, at Brookview in Golden Valley beginning at 2:00 p.m. The event features seven 20-minute practical, game-changing, cutting edge retail innovations strategies and ideas. Speakers include local favorite and award-winning news anchor-reporter Robyne Robinson with fiveXfive Public Art.

Kee Kong is the sole recipient of the Minnesota’s Retail Champions Retail Employee of the Year award. Seven other organizations will be recognized in other categories such as Outstanding Achievement, Retailer of the Year, Social Responsibility, Customer Experience, Best Place to Work, Vendor Partner of the Year, and Retail Innovation.

Retail Rally event information can be found at www.retailrally.com.

After reviewing dozens of applications from across the state, the Minnesota Retailers Association is pleased to award the Brainerd Lakes Chamber of Commerce with its Retail Innovation award in the 2019 Minnesota’s Retail Champions program.

“With more than 25 local business and organizations coming together to support the Brainerd Lakes retail community, we are pleased to recognize the truly innovative Destination Downtown project,” says Bruce Nustad, Minnesota Retailers Association president. “This initiative brings together the entire community around launching retail entrepreneurs and their dream of starting a business in the Brainerd area. As it accepts this award on behalf of stakeholders, we recognize the support that the Brainerd Lakes Chamber offers the entire area retail community as a true model of retail innovation in Minnesota. Never before have we seen a local initiative like this that brings a community together to support launching unique retailers that add to making the area a true destination for shoppers. Congratulations to the Brainerd Lakes community.”

“Our community was truly surprised and honored to be recognized for retail innovation, and the Chamber is excited to accept the award on behalf of this entire team,” says Matt Kilian President of the Brainerd Lakes Chamber of Commerce. “The Brainerd Lakes Area is fortunate to have an engaged business community that rallies together to address challenges in creative ways. We’re proud of our established retailers as well as those who are just starting their business journeys through this contest. They help make our area one of Minnesota’s premiere tourism destinations.”

Matt Kilian will accept the award in person during the Retail Rally event on Wednesday, October 2, 2019, the Brookview in Golden Valley beginning at 2:00 p.m. The event features seven 20-minute practical, game-changing, cutting edge retail innovations strategies and ideas. Speakers include local favorite and award-winning news anchor-reporter Robyne Robinson with fiveXfive Public Art.

The Brainerd Lakes Chamber of Commerce is the sole recipient of the Minnesota’s Retail Champions Retail Innovation award. Seven other organizations will be recognized in other categories such as Retail Community of the Year, Retail Employee of the Year, Social Responsibility, Retailer of the Year, Outstanding Achievement, Best Place To Work, and Retailer of the Year.

Retail Rally event information can be found at www.retailrally.com.

After reviewing dozens of applications from across the state, the Minnesota Retailers Association is pleased to award Hubert White its Retailer of the Year award in the 2019 Minnesota’s Retail Champions program.

“When you look at successful retailers and how they not only serve customers but how long they have been in business, Hubert White stands out,” says Bruce Nustad, Minnesota Retailers Association president. “From their admired helpful and respectful staff, to their quality products, to the fact that they have been in business since 1916, everything about the store is impressive. The storyline of the White family alone is awe-inspiring. We are honored to recognize Hubert White as our Retailer of the Year.”

“As a family-owned company, we focus on the relationships we can build in retail,” says Bob White, owner of Hubert White. “Our staff respects the customers and makes sure the environment in the store is warm, welcoming, and comfortable. Some of my best friends have been met through Hubert White. My grandfather started the store, passed it down to my father, and now to me. This company is not only my livelihood but my family’s legacy. We are so pleased to be recognized as the Retailer of the Year.”

Bob White will accept the award in person during the Retail Rally event on Wednesday, October 2, 2019, at Brookview in Golden Valley beginning at 2:00 p.m. The event features seven 20-minute practical, game-changing, cutting edge retail innovations strategies and ideas. Speakers include local favorite and award-winning news anchor-reporter Robyne Robinson with fiveXfive Public Art.

Hubert White is the sole recipient of the Minnesota’s Retail Champions Retailer of the Year award. Seven other organizations will be recognized in other categories such as Outstanding Achievement, Retail Employee of the Year, Social Responsibility, Vendor Partner of the Year, Customer Experience, Best Place to Work, and Retail Innovation.

Retail Rally event information can be found at www.retailrally.com.