GSDC Announces I-Award, Employer of Choice Recipients

(KNSI) – The Greater St. Cloud Development Corporation handed out its I-Awards, recognizing innovative local companies, and the Employer of Choice Award at a recent ceremony.

Four organizations were chosen for an I-Award, ranging from finance to public safety. Stearns Bank was honored for its new Islamic banking division. The religion has several tenets that are at odds with common lending practices. It bars interest payments and excessive risk taking. Islamic law also prohibits investing in businesses that sell forbidden products like alcohol or pork. The new division is called Stearns Salaam Banking.

Pinnacle Climate Technologies was recognized for its Heat Hog heater. It provides warmth efficiently outdoors while still managing a wide coverage area.

St. Cloud Technical and Community College’s Advanced Manufacturing Center helps train students on the latest technology and allows workers to master new machinery to keep themselves competitive in the job market.

Lastly, the Sartell Police Department is being noticed for its K-9 therapy dog, Kimber. She provides a pick-me-up for public safety staff and helps support trauma victims. You can see Kimber helping with community engagement by welcoming lots of attention from the public at events around town.

DeZURIK is the 2024 Employer of Choice. The GSDC cites its Dual Training Grant program which allows workers to earn machining degrees while on the job and its exceptional retention rate. About 96% of employees stick around at the company.

___