After reviewing dozens of applications from across the state, the Minnesota Retailers Association is pleased to recognize Scott Farrell, Down In The Valley, as our Retail Manager of the Year in the 2020 Minnesota’s Retail Champions program.

“There are so many great retail managers in Minnesota that it’s hard to find one that really stand out, until you met Scott Farrell on the floor of his store,” says Bruce Nustad, Minnesota Retailers Association president. “When interacting with Scott and observing his work you can immediately see if passion and love for what he does at Down In The Valley. Scott is one of those people that is a mentor to so many, and he doesn’t event know it. We are not only pleased but honored to recognize Scott as the Retail Manager of the Year.”

“My favorite thing about working retail is that I love what I do and there are so many opportunities that come with it,” says Scott Farrell. “I get to help customers, help employees, and as a result the business thrives. It’s also been fun to share Down In The Valley’s story with the media, especially during this pandemic. The connections and experience I have gotten from being a manager at this store is irreplaceable.”

Scott Farrell will accept the award virtually during the Retail Rally event on Wednesday, October 7, 2020, beginning at 2:00 p.m. The event features seven 20-minute practical, game-changing, cutting edge retail innovations strategies and ideas.

Scott Farrell with Down In The Valley is the sole recipient of the Minnesota’s Retail Champions Retail Manager of the Year award. Nine other organizations will be recognized in other categories such as Lifetime Achievement, Business Resource of the Year, Retail Innovation, Vendor Partner of the Year, Customer Experience, Best Place to Work, Retail Community of the Year, Advocate of the Year, 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 recognize the Metro North Chamber of Commerce with its Retail Community of the Year award in the 2020 Minnesota’s Retail Champions program.

“When it comes to raising up a community during the pandemic, the MetroNorth Chamber of Commerce stands out thanks to the work of Lori Higgins and her team, along with a great board of directors,” says Bruce Nustad, Minnesota Retailers Association president. “As a partner to retailers and businesses in the north metro, the Chamber was quick to launch MetroNorth Cares at the onset of the pandemic to help businesses connect with the community, share information, and keep business going. When we say chambers have been at the front line saving mainstreet during the pandemic, MetroNorth Cares is a leading example of just that. We congratulate the MetroNorth Chamber, its members, and each of its communities on being named Retail Community of the Year.”

“MetroNorth Cares began as a way to help those business sectors hit the hardest by the pandemic and initial mandates,” says Lori Higgins, president of the MetroNorth Chamber of Commerce. “What started as an effort to support our restaurants and retailers by sharing their updates and promotions became a much larger and broader catalyst to support our entire community. At the core of the initiative is a strong desire to see each and every one of our north metro businesses and nonprofits succeed.”
Lori Higgins with the MetroNorth Chamber of Commerce will accept the award virtually during the Retail Rally event on Wednesday, October 7, 2020, at 2:00 p.m. The event features seven 20-minute practical, game-changing, cutting edge retail innovations strategies and ideas.

The Metro North Chamber of Commerce is the sole recipient of the Minnesota’s Retail Champions Retail Community of the Year award. Nine other organizations will be recognized in other categories such as Lifetime Achievement, Retailer of the Year, Retail Manager of the Year, Business Resource of the Year, Customer Experience, Best Place to Work, Vendor Partner of the Year, Advocate of the Year, and Retail Innovation.

The Minnesota Retailers Association is pleased to recognize Christine Ward with Patina with its Advocate of the Year Achievement award in the 2020 Minnesota’s Retail Champions program.

“Christine has been a tremendous leader and advocate for the retail community for many years,” says Bruce Nustad, Minnesota Retailers Association president. “In 2020 Christine has successfully used her voice and story during the COVID-19 pandemic to help elected officials and the Governor understand the Minnesota’s retail industry can open and operate with the safety of workers and customers at the top of the priority list. We are so grateful that Christine took a weekend to write a letter to Governor Walz about the importance of reopening doors of retail stores to customers at a make-or-break time. It’s with great appreciation for Christine that we present her with our Advocate of the Year award.”

"As a co-owner of a small business I know how important it is to tell your story,” says Christine Ward, co-owner of Patina. “Retail is always changing and this year has been an extreme example of that with the pandemic. Not only for my operation, but for all of retail, it has been so important to tell the story of how retail can be done safely. I appreciate that my willingness to reach out to the Governor and others has contributed to the confidence elected officials have in this industry.”

Christine Ward will accept the award virtually during the Retail Rally event on Wednesday, October 7, 2020, beginning at 2:00 p.m. The event features seven 20-minute practical, game-changing, cutting edge retail innovations strategies and ideas.

Christine Ward with Patina is the sole recipient of the Minnesota’s Retail Champions Advocate of the Year award. Nine other organizations will be recognized in other categories such as Retail Manager of the Year, Business Resource of the Year, Retail Innovation, Vendor Partner of the Year, Customer Experience, Best Place to Work, Retail Community of the Year, Lifetime Achievement, and Retailer of the Year.

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