MRA, a Midwest-based employers association, will host a ceremony recognizing the finalists and the award winners. The public is invited to the 2014 Business Appreciation & Awards Reception, to be held 5 p.m. Monday, October 27, 2014, at the iWireless Center, Moline, Illinois. The theme of the event will be Celebrating Our Past, Growing Our Future.
The event will start with gourmet appetizers, cocktails, and music provided by Ellis Kell and the Friends of the River Music Experience. At 6:30 p.m., keynote speaker Jim Edgar, former Governor of Illinois, will share his vision on exploring future opportunities in the Midwest. Master of ceremonies Kai Swanson will begin the awards presentation at 7 p.m. Admission is $75 per person, $550 for groups of eight. Dress will be business attire. To register for the awards reception, call 888-516-6357 or email awards@mranet.org.
15 Finalists
For the MRA Business Community Award, the finalists are (in alphabetical order):
Arndt Chiropractic Center, Inc.
Bush Construction
DHCU Community Credit Union
Modern Woodmen of America
Royal Neighbors of America
For the MRA Regional Impact Award, the finalists are (in alphabetical order):
For-Profit Finalists:
Alcoa-North American Rolled Products
Group O
KJWW Engineering Consultants
Missman, Inc.
Tennant Truck Lines
Not-For-Profit Finalists:
Ascentra Credit Union
Career Cruising Quad Cities
Greater Quad Cities Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
Quad City Botanical Center
Renew Moline
"The finalists are all companies that have touched people's lives and shown support for the community," Roberts said. "Based on the many responses we received, we determined that the Regional Impact category would be better served if we separated it into For-Profit and Not-for-Profit finalists. Anyone interested in entrepreneurship, business growth, networking and leadership will want to attend this inaugural event."
The MRA Business Community Award recognizes a business that has created an impact in the Iowa/Illinois region in three or more of the following areas:
- Recognized in the community for its 'give back' attitude.
- Has benefited the community by its presence.
- Participates in a variety of volunteer roles within the community.
- Known for outstanding customer service.
- Supports charities that benefit Iowa/Illinois area communities.
The MRA Regional Impact Award recognizes an organization that has created an impact in the Iowa/Illinois area in three or more of the following ways:
- Provides or has influence on the growth of jobs in Iowa/Illinois area communities.
- Recognized as a leader within its industry or service area.
- Recognized outside the Iowa/Illinois area for products, services, and/or changes.
- Provides a positive influence in the Iowa/Illinois area regarding transportation, environment, education, quality of life, and other community issues.
- Has shown commitment to the Iowa/Illinois area through new construction, redevelopment, or expansion.
At the event, MRA will present Visionary Awards to their charter members, who created the association in 1948. MRA will also honor the retirement of employee Debra Carlson after 19 years of dedicated service.
Headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, MRA is one of the largest not-for-profit employers associations in the nation. Organizations join MRA as corporate members for the latest information, resources and guidance on recruiting, compensation, benefits, compliance and talent management. Members are supported with a 24/7 HR Hotline and InfoNow e-mail, access to crucial survey data, and HR, management and leadership training. To find out more about MRA, call 888-516-6357 or visit www.mranet.org.