St. Paul (October 2, 2023) – The Minnesota Retailers Association is pleased to recognize CAP Carpet & Flooring with its Social Responsibility award as part of the 2023-2024 Minnesota’s Retail Champions program.

"CAP Carpet & Flooring's commitment to environmental sustainability is truly commendable,” stated Bruce Nustad, president of the Minnesota Retailers Association. Praising CAP Carpet & Flooring for its exceptional dedication to social responsibility, “They have demonstrated a high standard for environmentally conscious practices in their industry, and we are proud to recognize their efforts."

"The efforts that we're making reduce the impact on the landfills. Everything that we can do to get those products in the recycling chain reduces waste. The more we can do that, the better," explained Bruce Quitter, owner of CAP Carpet & Flooring, highlighting the company's mission to minimize its waste and maximize recycling efforts.

“CAP Carpet & Flooring is a great example of a business committed to sustainability”, said Minnesota Waste Wise Foundation Executive Director Rob Friend. “Working with Waste Wise, Bruce and the team discovered ways to reduce their environmental impact through recycling, but that isn’t the end of their journey. They continue to look for creative reuses for what would normally go to a landfill.”

With the help of the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce’s Waste Wise program, CAP Carpet & Flooring has implemented several recycling programs aimed at reducing waste and promoting responsible environmental practices. Through these initiatives, the company has successfully diverted over 11,500 pounds of recyclable materials from landfills, contributing significantly to a more sustainable future.

CAP Carpet & Flooring is the sole recipient of the Minnesota’s Retail Champions Social Responsibility 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, Advocacy Leadership, Community Partner of the Year, Retail Mentor of the Year, Retail Collaboration, Customer Experience, Vendor Partner of the Year, and Retail Community of the Year.

Quitter 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 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