Business People: The founder of Afro Deli was named Business Person of the Year

OF NOTE

The US Small Business Administration certain Abdirahman KahinCEO and owner of Afro Deli and Grilllike Minnesota’s Small Business Person of the Year for 2023. Kahin will compete for National Small Business Person of the Year during National Small Business Week the first week of May in Washington, DC Since opening its first location in 2010, Afro Deli has expanded to four locations in the Twin Cities.

ADVERTISING/PUBLIC RELATIONS

Primacy Strategy Groupa lobbying and business promotion firm in St. Paul has announced the following promotions and staff additions: Jake Blumpromoted to political director and public relations director; Calvin Bensonemployed in the government relations and regulatory affairs team and Heidi Esparza, employed as executive assistant to the CEO. Primacy Strategy Group is a PR firm partnership Synergistic efforts and Minneapolis law firm Lockridge Grindal Nauen.

AGRICULTURE

Ceres Global Ag Corp.a freight and energy logistics company in Golden Valley, announced that it has named Jennifer Henderson vice president, general counsel and corporate secretary, effective February 13. Henderson previously held similar executive roles at Believer Meats.

ARCHITECTURAL ENGINEERING

Wold Architects & EngineersSt. Paul, announced the promotions of Rachel Bartling, Tom Clark and Teng Vang to the management team of associates in St. Paul.

CONSTRUCTION

System panelsa California-based outdoor living design and installation company, announced the hiring Brent Schaefer as director of growth, based in the Twin Cities. Schaefer previously served as an investment professional at Houlihan Lokey and Morgan Stanley.

LAW

Winthrop and WeinsteinMinneapolis, announced that Michael A. Gale-Butto joined the firm as an associate in the litigation practice. Gale-Butto is a former assistant attorney at the city of Minneapolis.

MANUFACTURING

The Toro Company.a Bloomington-based manufacturer of lawn mowers and snow throwers for consumers and businesses, has announced that Renee J. Petersonvice president and chief financial officer, plans to retire in July 2023. Angela C. Drakecurrently vice president, finance, will succeed Peterson as vice president and chief financial officer, effective March 10. Peterson will continue to serve the organization as vice president, finance, to help with the transition.

MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY

Electromeda new brand of airway clearance technologies based in Prague, has announced that Kathleen Skarvan will retire as chairman and chief executive officer in 2023, after which Skarvan will serve as a non-employee member and chairman of the company’s board of directors.

NON-PROFIT

Angel Foundationa Mendota Heights organization that helps meet the financial needs of cancer patients has announced that Kirstie Foster was appointed chairman of the board of directors. Foster is the president and founder Promote modern PR. She previously held positions at CHS, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesotaand General Mills. … Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota announced the following employee recipients of the 2022 President’s Award of Excellence: Janelle Milling, Kelli Whisnant, Jody Shaskey-Setright, Jenni Carrier, Sheri Swopes, Stacy Abdouch, Taymara Montague, Alissa Dott, and Jennifer Kreps.

OPENINGS

IWGa global provider of branded hybrid workplaces Spaces and Regusannounced the opening of two flexible workspaces in Lakeville and Rochester in partnership with Ryan Semler and Reed Lifkaunder the Regus brand.

organizations

Minnesota Builders Exchangea trade group representing the commercial construction industry, has announced its board members and leadership for 2023: board president Greg Grazzini, The Grazzini Brothers, Eagan; Vice-President Michael Carlson, Max Gray Construction, Hibbing; Treasurer Heidi Sedlacek, Bituminous Roads, Mendota Heights; Secretary David SiegelMBEX Executive Director and Immediate Past President Randy LaFaive, Market & Johnson, Still water. Members of the Board of Directors: David Brandt, Jason DuVal, Chuck Geisler, Brian Kalla, Sean Ochis, Jason Rentmeester, Andrew Ristrom, Nate Sapik.

RETAIL

Twin Cities Premium OutletsEagan, has announced the following upcoming openings: jewelry retailer Lovis; Children’s Palacean indoor park and amusement center and Of luxurya health-focused personal care brand relocating from a previous downtown location.