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.

After reviewing dozens of applications from across the state, the Minnesota Retailers Association is pleased to award Boulay the Business Resource of the Year award in the 2020 Minnesota’s Retail Champions program.

“Boulay has been a true leader in helping its clients and many other Minnesota businesses during the COVID pandemic,” says Bruce Nustad, Minnesota Retailers Association president. “When many are putting their heads down to ride out this difficult time, Boulay has doubled down on providing advice and resources to retailers and businesses looking to navigate the pandemic. We are deeply appreciative for the countless sleepless nights the team at Boulay has put in as they help organizations make decisions on the Paycheck Protection Program and other key programs, and we congratulate the firm on being named the retail industry Resource of the Year.”

“Throughout the pandemic, Boulay has stepped up and offered information to help people navigate the new normal,” said Dan Markowitz, partner at Boulay. “In addition to working tirelessly with clients, we have helped associations like the Minnesota Retailers Association and its members understand pandemic relief efforts like the Paycheck Protection Program. While it’s hard to see the impacts of the pandemic on retailers and our other clients, we are proud to be a resource.”

Markowitz 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.

Boulay is the sole recipient of the Minnesota’s Retail Champions Business Resource 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, Vendor Partner of the Year, Customer Experience, Best Place to Work, Retail Community of the Year, Advocate 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 recognize Minneapolis Mart with its Vendor Partner of the Year award in the 2020 Minnesota’s Retail Champions program.

“Retailers need every advantage they can get today, and one of those important, strategic advantages is the Minneapolis Mart,” says Bruce Nustad, Minnesota Retailers Association president. “As a partner to retailers, Minneapolis Mart gives retailers an opportunity to see and touch products from multiple vendors through locally-owned curated experiences. And the ability to see products, ask questions and place orders through Minneapolis Mart’s exhibitors is unmatched not only in Minnesota, but throughout the Midwest. We congratulate Minneapolis Mart as our well-deserved Vendor Partner of the Year.”

“At Minneapolis Mart, we strive to make our retailers and buyers feel welcome and at ease,” says Kate Jenson, board member at Minneapolis Mart. “We are very approachable, easy to navigate, and friendly as we bring unique products to retailers across the Midwest. We are proud that Minneapolis Mart is doing its part in fueling the economy and providing connections between suppliers, representatives and retailers at a time when that is needed more than ever.”

Kate Jenson 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.

Minneapolis Mart is the sole recipient of the Minnesota’s Retail Champions Vendor Partner 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, Retail Community of the Year, Advocate of the Year, and Retail Innovation.

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