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Jason Edens, executive director (left) and Tim Olhoff VISTA Worker
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The Rural Renewable Energy Alliance (RREAL), based in Pine River, is recipient of the Initiative Foundation's "Outstanding Green Venture," award.
The Initiative Foundation selected RREAL among the six winners of its 2009 Initiative Awards, which recognize outstanding leadership and community service in central Minnesota.
RREAL will be honored April 17 at the St. Cloud Civic Center.
The Pine River nonprofit organization helps low-income families heat their homes by manufacturing and installing solar heating systems. The clean-energy systems save up to 30 percent on monthly heating expenses, which reduces the need for public assistance and helps families to make ends meet.
RREAL founder, Jason Edens, also volunteers his time to educate young people about renewable energy. Over the past two years, RREAL has worked with youth from the Red Lake and Leech Lake reservations, installing solar heating systems for tribal elders and low-income homes.
LINDAR Corpor-ation, the largest manufacturer in the Brainerd area, will receive the foundation's Outstanding Enterprise Award, sponsored by Bremer. Located in the Baxter industrial park, LINDAR makes plastic products like berry containers, medical packaging, and paint tray liners. Its clients include General Mills, Pillsbury, Sherwin Williams and Toro.
Brainerd native Tom Haglin started the company in 1993, and despite tough international competition and volatile oil prices, he has managed to position LINDAR as a strong competitor in the "thermoforming" industry. The company provides living wages and benefits for its 95 employees, making a significant impact on the local economy.
"In tough economic times, our award winners represent what is possible to achieve with hope, creativity and perseverance," said Kathy Gaalswyk, Initiative Foundation president. "We're inspired by each of them, and we're proud to bring their accomplishments to light."
Other foundation awards include:
Outstanding Community- Pine City
Outstanding Nonprofit - Central Minnesota Habitat for Humanity, St. Cloud
Outstanding Leadership - Dr. Glen Palm, St. Cloud State University
Outstanding Youth - Jennifer Schmidt, St. Cloud
Winners were selected by volunteer committees based on their leadership, innovation and community impact. Each will receive a recycled glass sculpture by artist, Michael Tonder, and $1,000 for the charity of their choice. In late March, the recipients will also be featured in print and online editions of IQ Magazine (www.iqmag.org).
The foundation's star-themed awards event, "A Constellation of Community Service," is scheduled for 5 p.m., April 17 at the St. Cloud Civic Center's Terry Haws Ballroom. Tickets may be purchased online at www.ifound.org/awards or by calling Anita Hollenhorst at 877-632-9255.
