Chamber News: Owatonna Businesses Announce Awards

In a recent edition of the Tuesday Talk e-newsletter, the Owatonna Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism shared news of a couple of local business award announcements.

Federated Insurance was named a Top 150 workplace by the Star Tribune according to a news release from the Owatonna-based insurance company. The Top Workplace program, "recognizes Minnesota companies with outstanding organizational health based on employee opinions regarding company vision, leadership, benefits, satisfaction, connection, and more," states the release.

Federated Insurance CEO and Chairman Jeff Fetters said, "We are proud to once again be recognized for the tremendous culture and team here at Federated." The Star Tribune ranking placed Federated seventh among large companies in the state.

Profinium announced that loan officer Jannell Tufte is their spring Community Service Award winner. The news story indicated, "Jannell donates her time to For a Day Foundation, which offers joyful activities and fun for children battling chronic illnesses. She also volunteers her time at Transitional Housing of Steele County, which provides tools and resources to those that are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. She is also involved with Junior Achievement and Realtor/Affiliate Member Services."

Junior Achievement announced their new District Manager for Steele and Waseca Counties. Kerri Lynch was named to the post effective June 24. The news release quotes Lynch, "Being an advocate for educating and inspiring our youth and continuing to share Junior Achievement's mission with our community members and leaders each day is right where I want to be."

Lynch spent the past seven years with Tri-M Graphics as a graphic designer. She has been a member of the Owatonna Business Women since 2013 and is a past president. Lynch has also worked with the United Way of Steele County, St. Mary's School and Healthy Seniors. Her time with Junior Achievement covers the last six years.

The chamber invites residents to this week's Downtown Thursday event on July 11. Owatonna's own Travis Thamert will perform in the green space downtown at 5:30 pm. The Owatonna Community Band will play on the Central Park stage at 7 pm.