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Milestones 2016

An Anniversary Celebration of Minnesota Companies

AN ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT TO:

ContentsAgriBank | page 8

AgVantage Software, Inc. | page 15

Allée Creative | page 18

Analysts International Corporation | page 13

Anderson Trucking Service, Inc. | page 11

Association for Corporate Growth | page 19

Bay & Bay Transportation | page 10

Christopher & Banks Corporation | page 12

Concordia College | page 7

First Minnesota Bank | page 6

Gray Plant Mooty | page 4

Mary T. Inc. | page 16

MTS Systems Corporation | page 14

Rock On Trucks | page 17

United Properties | page 9

Valspar Corporation | page 3

2 Milestones 2016 Twin Cities Business tcbmag.com

Minnesota Milestones In this special supplement, we feature 16 Minnesota companies marking a milestone celebration of their business success. From 10 years to a remarkable 210 years, these organizations are taking the time to reflect on where they have been and where they are heading as they commemorate their business anniversaries.

They range in scope from trucking companies and law firms to lending institutions, colleges and purveyors of soft goods and software. But they all started out the same way—with a good business idea, lots of hard work and high hopes for achieving success.

We extend our sincerest congratulations to these companies on their milestone years and thank them for helping to grow and shape the Minnesota business community. Enjoy reading their success stories.

A Celebration of the Anniversaries of Minnesota Companies

210

Valspar. If it matters, we’re on it.®Valspar has been pushing the boundaries of science & innovation since 1806.

Valspar Corporation1101 South Third StreetMinneapolis, MN 55415612.851.7000valspar.com

Valspar is proud of many “firsts” throughout our 210-year history, from being the first paint company to hire an academically-trained chemist to the recent launch of innovative, sustainable formulations for our coatings and paints market. Our unwavering commitment to application expertise is paired with coatings that are designed and tested to ensure best-in-class appearance, productivity, performance and sustainability.

Valspar’s innovation in paints and coatings empowers customers to communicate with the power of color. We offer more distinct, long-lasting colors and finishes than any other paint company in the world using our knowledge of chemistry, the physical sciences and formulation experience.

Whether painting a room, staining a deck, refurbishing furniture, or customizing your automobile, Valspar offers consumers top-rated national brands such as: Valspar® paint, Cabot® wood and deck stain, Devine Color® paint, PlastiKote® specialty paint and House of Kolor® custom automotive coatings.

Valspar coatings protect food and beverage packaging, appliances and manufactured products, oil and gas pipelines, bridges and infrastructure, agricultural equipment and shipping containers, while enhancing the beauty of wood cabinets and furniture, homes and building exteriors. Valspar is a partner with leading companies and brands such as: Ace Hardware, CAT, Coca-Cola, John Deere, Ethan Allen, GE, General Mills, Georgia-Pacific, James Hardie, Herman Miller, Hormel, Lowe’s, MillerCoors, Nestle, Rexam, Pepsi, Toro and Whirlpool.

What started as Samuel Tuck’s “Paint and Color” store in 1806 in Boston has grown to become the fifth-largest paints and coatings manufacturer in the world with more than 10,800 employees operating in over 100 countries.

1806 1 Samuel Tuck Boston New England N/A

year employees executive leadership locations areas served gross revenues

2016 10,800 Chairman and CEO: Gary Hendrickson 30 Countries 100+ countries worldwide $4.5 billion(FY 2014)

Twin Cities Business tcbmag.com Milestones 2016 3

Locally, Valspar has 600 highly skilled employees working in Minneapolis at our Valspar Applied Science & Technology Center campus in East Downtown and in our downtown office. Valspar has a rich history of being an important community contributor. As the national paint partner for Habitat for Humanity since 2002, Valspar has provided the paint for every Habitat home built or refurbished in the United States. We are proud of our local partnership with Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity, which includes employee volunteerism, gift-in-kind paint and financial support.

Valspar is proud of its rich history and is committed to continuing its strong tradition of producing innovative coatings, safeguarding the environment and lending a hand to families in need in the communities where it operates.

YEARS

Gray Plant MootyGray Plant Mooty (GPM) is Minneapolis’ sixth-largest law firm and the oldest firm founded in Minnesota. The firm’s attorneys have been helping businesses thrive in Minnesota since the summer of 1866.

At 29 years old, a former captain in the Civil War by the name of Charles Woods set down his roots in Minneapolis and began to practice law. By 1875, he took on a partner and they operated the firm from the corner of Washington and Hennepin Avenues.

Success was imminent. Their roster of clients continued to flourish as many businesses in the ‘Gilded Age’ sought out the firm for their reputation in service, ethics and professional-ism. After decades of respectable business, the firm has accumulated a robust list of accolades and an impressive bench of client names.

Gray Plant Mooty is one of the top corporate firms in Minnesota and one of the top franchise firms in the world. The firm is both traditional and contemporary; leadership is key to that balance.

Steady Growth Current firm members are steadily building on models of client service that have helped the firm thrive for more than a century, keeping pace and thriving in a very competitive legal market. In fact, the firm is growing in more than 12 practice areas.

Attorneys say they find it very satisfying to have the combined experience of intellectual stimulation and feeling good about helping people who are doing exciting, creative

things in the world. The firm takes great pride in being invited to take on roles that help people achieve their personal and professional goals.

Because of the firm’s nimble size and the innovative way in which they approach business and law, Gray Plant Mooty clients experience a number of advantages. For instance, Gray Plant Mooty’s business attorneys practice very closely with litigators. As a result, there are a number of ways they’ve helped clients resolve business disputes, such as through a sale, or a merger, or spinning off part of the business. In short, they have always found great honor in delivering that extra value their clients deserve.

Today, firm clients range from start-ups and middle-market companies to multinational and Fortune 500 companies. Attorneys manage intellectual property portfolios for international brands. They have one of the most prestigious trust and estate practices in the Upper Midwest. And they offer a world-class Franchise practice that serves franchisors throughout the world. No matter the practice area, it is their exceptional client service that keeps our clients and referral sources happy.

Many at the firm say it was the inspiring vision of past firm leaders, like John Mooty, that has kept the firm intact, thriving and true to its values. In addition to being a well-respected attorney and firm leader, John was one of the most successful community leaders and businessmen in Minnesota.


150YEARS

Gray Plant Mooty500 IDS Center80 South Eighth StreetMinneapolis, MN 55402612.632.3410gpmlaw.com


1866 1 Charles Woods 1: Minneapolis

year employees managing partners office locations

2016 350+ Sarah Duniway and Charlie Maier 4: Minneapolis, St. Cloud, Washington DC & Fargo

Pro Bono & Community InvolvementGray Plant Mooty believes the privilege of practicing law comes with a responsibility to ensure that everyone has access to the legal system, regardless of resources. To encourage a commitment to pro bono work, the firm sets a goal for its lawyers to devote at least three percent of their collective billable time to pro bono work each year. In 2014, 40 Gray Plant Mooty attorneys were recognized by the Minnesota State Bar Association for their pro bono legal services.

The firm is also deeply committed to community service. Through leadership and involvement in charitable organizations, Gray Plant Mooty’s lawyers, paralegals and staff strive to make a positive difference in local and national communities. The firm has participated in projects and organizations such as Hats for Hope, Jeremiah Program, Habitat for Humanity, United Way, Walk MS, Hearts & Hammers and Memorial Blood Centers.

In 2016, the firm commemorates 150 years of business, employment, pro bono work and community involvement. For updates on the 150th anniversary and all service ar-eas, please visit gpmlaw.com.

Charlie Maier

Sarah Duniway

Gray Plant Mooty (GPM) is Minneapolis’ sixth-largest law firm and the oldest firm founded in Minnesota. The firm’s attorneys have been

helping businesses thrive in Minnesota since the summer of 1866.

135

First Minnesota Bank

First Minnesota Bank4625 County Road 101Minnetonka, MN 55345952.933.9550firstmnbank.com

YEARS

1881 <5 A.H. Reed and Matthew Thoeny Glencoe 1 $50,000

year employees executive leadership area served locations capital

2016 96 Lowell G. Wakefield, Chairman and CEO, Cliff Simon, President and Chuck Blair,

Executive Vice President

Twin Cities Metropolitan Area 11 $53 million

The original First National Bank

of Glencoe

First Minnesota Bank’s current charter location in Minnetonka

FIRST MINNESOTA BANK’S BOARD MEMBERS

Sitting from left to right: Chuck Blair, Darlene Wakefield, Lowell Wakefield, Cliff Simon

Standing from left to right: Dave Heldt, Bruce McBride, Scott Wakefield, Bill Phelps, Cal Johnson


2016 marks the 135th anniversary of First Minnesota Bank. We are excited to celebrate this milestone with our employees and customers throughout the year.

First Minnesota Bank is an independent community bank striving to provide our customers with the best products and services available. Our motto is “Tradition at work since 1881.”

First Minnesota Bank was originally chartered as First National Bank of Glencoe on October 10, 1881, under the leadership of Captains A.H. Reed and Matthew Thoeny, who were Civil War friends. The Bank was organized by local investors to assist in development of the area. Many of the original investors’ family names are still recognized in the community today.

Soon after its inception, control and management of The First National Bank of Glencoe was assumed by the Thoeny family. Henry Thoeny built a solid reputation by assuring the Bank’s survival and retaining its sound financial status during the Great Depression. In 1956, he sold his interests to the Guy Bacon family, who owned and managed the Bank until May 1, 1981, when Lowell G. Wakefield assumed ownership. In 1995 the First National Bank of Glencoe merged with First Bank of Minnesota Hutchinson, acquired by Mr. Wakefield in 1984, to become First Minnesota Bank.

Since 1881 a lot has changed. We now have 11 operating branch locations in and around the Twin Cities metropolitan area. First Minnesota Bank serves the communities of Glencoe, Hutchinson, Stewart, Mayer, Monticello, Minnetonka, Mound, Buffalo, Champlin, Edina and Anoka. As a full service community bank, First Minnesota Bank provides business financing and consumer lending, as well as commercial and consumer real estate financing, including construction to perm loans. In our rural locations, we are a leading resource for farmers and have a history of strong support for this industry.

Community involvement is very important to First Minnesota Bank. We participate in a variety of community activities such as blood drives, local food shelves and parades throughout the year. One of our more recent events was the Walk to End Alzheimer’s that was held at Target Field in Minneapolis this past September. Our team of dedicated employees and loyal customers raised more than $34,000 in donations during our first year of sponsorship. We were also one of the top five fundraising teams overall.

First Minnesota Bank is proud to continue its tradition of financing local businesses and farmers in the communities surrounding the bank locations and will continue to do so for years to come.

YEARS

125

Concordia College

Concordia College 901 8th Street SouthMoorhead, MN 56562218.299.4000ConcordiaCollege.edu

In the early 1890s, a small group of Norwegian Lutherans founded a college in a secondhand building on the edge of the prairie. These early settlers valued education and their religious heritage. Establishing a quality school was a top priority.

In the decades since, Concordia College in Moorhead, Minn., has become a dynamic, respected institution. Through the years, it has remained true to its calling as a global liberal arts college of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA).

Today, Concordia welcomes students from a variety of backgrounds who seek to understand what it means to live in a global society. Students who are passionate about making a difference are challenged to do so in their communities and around the world. The college’s mission statement continues to be a guiding force that connects Concordia’s past to its future.

The purpose of Concordia College is to influence the affairs of the world by sending into society thoughtful and informed men and women dedicated to the Christian life.

Our students experience an education where faith and intellect are active partners. We’ve created a safe learning environment where personal religious beliefs are examined and nurtured, and religious differences are embraced and explored.

We encourage and value global experiences—inside and outside the classroom, on and off campus. Concordia was one of the first 25 schools in the U.S.—and the first in Minnesota—to receive the NAFSA’s Senator Paul Simon Award for Campus Internationalization. And it is home to Concordia Language Villages, a language and cultural immersion program that has prepared young people for global citizenship since 1961.

We continue to hold up these strong traditions and values.

1891 3 12 Professor I.F. Grose 1 (Bishop Whipple) 4

year faculty students executive leadership buildings areas of study

2016 175 full-time

2,162 President William J. Craft More than 40 More than 60


Of students who start and finish their college career at Concordia, 91% graduate within four years.

The Offutt School of Business builds on Concordia’s success in preparing business leaders. It offers a blend of coursework and real-life opportunities all within the liberal arts curriculum. The student experience is rooted in leadership development, global engagement, ethics and an entrepreneurial perspective.

An updated science facility, opening in 2017, will create new opportunities for discovery. The building’s design will support students as they, along with faculty mentors, seek answers to big questions about topics as diverse as minerals on Mars and invasive species in regional lakes.

As the world changes quickly, Concordia College will ensure that all of our students are ready for their first job or graduate school through a four-year plan of self-discovery and applied learning.

Concordia welcomes students

from a variety of backgrounds who

seek to understand what it means to live

in a global society.

Students at Concordia’s Offutt School of Business study business within the liberal arts context.

YEARS

AgriBank is a proud member of the Farm Credit System, a national network of borrower-owned lending institutions. In 2016, Farm Credit will mark 100 years of supporting rural communities and agriculture with reliable, consistent credit and financial services. Farm Credit’s mission is to help these areas grow and thrive by financing vital infrastructure and communication services, and providing farmers with the capital they need to make their businesses successful. And because a steady flow of credit means more jobs and economic growth, Farm Credit also helps invest in the vibrancy of communities throughout rural America.

AgriBank plays a key role fulfilling the Farm Credit mission by:

• Providing funding and other solutions as the wholesale bank for 17 locally based Farm Credit Associations

• Supporting these Associations in meeting the financial needs of approximately 238,000 farmers, ranchers, agribusinesses and rural homeowners across 15 states in America’s heartland—an area that covers nearly 40 percent of all U.S. farmland and about half of U.S. cropland

• Operating from a foundation of financial strength, backed by more than $95 billion in assets

AgriBank has deep roots in the Twin Cities, where we began in 1916 as the Federal Land Bank of St. Paul. Originally covering four states, AgriBank has grown to support 15 states from Minnesota to Arkansas and Wyoming to Ohio. We became AgriBank in 1992 upon our merger with the Farm Credit Bank of St. Louis.

Throughout growth and change, our headquarters has remained in downtown St. Paul. In addition to rural America, we support the communities where we live and work through financial contributions and volunteer help for local nonprofit organizations such as the Greater Twin Cities United Way, Hmong American Farmers Association, Merrick Community Services, University of Minnesota and Urban Roots.

AgriBank maintains prudent business practices so that we’ll be here to help production agriculture succeed through market ups and downs. In 2015, Global Finance magazine named AgriBank the safest bank in the United States based on a methodology that includes total assets and an evaluation of long-term ratings from major rating agencies.

AgriBank—well-positioned to continue supporting rural communities and agriculture, today and tomorrow.

AgriBank Farm Credit BankCelebrating 100 Years of Supporting Rural Communities & Agriculture

AgriBank30 East 7th Street, Suite 1600St. Paul, MN 55101 651.282.8800AgriBank.com

1916 N/A President: Edward Guthorn Quamme 1

4 States: Michigan, Minnesota,

North Dakota, Wisconsin $21.2 million

year employees executive leadership locations areas served total loans

2016 188 CEO: L. William York 1 15 States: AK, IL, IN, IA, KY,

MI, MN, MO, NE, ND, OH, SD, TN, WI, WY

$80 billion


Farm Credit is “the gold standard in farm lending. They understand farming operations and how they work, and the capital input

the farmer needs.”—Natalie Gilbert, farmer

and Farm Credit customer,

Lafayette, Indiana

AgriBank supports rural communities and agriculture with reliable, consistent credit and financial services, today and tomorrow.

100YEARS

United Properties Celebrating a century of commercial and residential real estate...and setting sights on the next 100 years

United Properties3600 American Blvd. West Suite 750Bloomington, MN 55431952.835.5300uproperties.com

From some of the Twin Cities’ most well-known mixed-use real estate projects, to senior housing and more, United Properties’ signature places and dedicated people have shaped the Twin Cities for a century.

United Properties’ 100-year real estate story is intertwined with the stories of two Twin Cities families—the Hamm family of St. Paul and the Pohlad family of Minneapolis. The Hamm family, owners of the Hamm Brewing Company, formed a business operating under the name Hamm Realty Company in 1916 to manage their real estate assets, later renamed to United Properties. In 1998 the Pohlad family ac-quired the company from the Hamm family.

Today, United Properties is defined by its two core businesses of development and investment. United Properties’ signature projects include Centennial Lakes in Edina and its revitaliza-tion of the historic Ford Center in Minneapolis. The compa-ny’s investment portfolio includes nearly 50 office, medical, industrial, retail and senior living properties in the Twin Cities and beyond.

Dedicated and talented people have shaped United Properties history. During the 1970s, company leaders Ken Stensby and Austin Chapman took the company into the development business with a new team focused beyond investment. From there, a team formed—first including Boyd Stofer who led the company through turbulent real estate markets, and later expanding to include key people like Brian Carey who added senior cooperatives and assisted living to United Properties.

“That initial group built our reputation for quality,” said Frank Dutke, CEO. “All along the way, our team has taken great pride in creating special places and stronger com-munities.” After 23 years with the company, Dutke plans to retire this year with Eva Stevens and Bill Katter stepping in as co-leaders.

The focus on people and places will guide United Properties into the next century, say Katter and Stevens.

“Even with products and markets changing, how we operate has stayed the same—with integrity and with the stability of our private ownership,” said Katter, president and chief investment officer.

“We are not just building value; we are building the next generation of leaders,” said Stevens, president and chief operating officer. “And we are doing this while we diversify our portfolio of assets in addition to our day-to-day operations as an investor and developer.”

Thank you to our employees, clients and project partners who have supported us in our first 100 years. We look forward to working together as we continue to evolve, adapt and lead into the next century.

year employees executive leadership locations areas served

2016 52 CEO: Frank Dutke Minneapolis, Denver and Richmond

CO, IL, MN, VA and WI


100

One of the company’s signature projects is Centennial Lakes, which transformed a gravel-mining operation in Edina into a 100-acre site with office buildings, retail stores, restaurants, medical center, residential units, movie theater and 25-acre public park. A nationally-recognized model

for mixed-use development, the award-winning project took 13 years to complete.

The Hamm Building served as the company’s

headquarters until 1981 and was

also one of the properties the

company managed and owned.

YEARS

Bay & Bay Transportation2905 West Service RoadSuite 2000Eagan, MN 55121612.836.4560bayandbay.com

year employees executive leadership area served locations gross revenues

2016 750 Sam Anderson North America 4 $200 million


Bay & Bay Transportation75 Years of Providing Supply Chain SolutionsBay & Bay Transportation has become synonymous with delivering modern supply chain solutions to shippers across North America. However, the company’s name originated from a much older mode of transportation: a pair of bay horses. Today, Bay & Bay’s horsepower comes from over 500 trucks, a capacity network of over 50,000 licensed motor carriers and a championship team of supply chain professionals. Across industries and shippers of varying size, Bay & Bay provides the security of an asset-based carrier with the resources of a world class third party logistics provider.

Over the past 75 years there has been tremendous innovation in transportation technology. Recognizing the benefits to both drivers and customers, Bay & Bay

has been a technology leader investing in in-cab navigation for enhanced safety, the use of satellite communications for improved service and SmartTruck aerodynamic components to increase fuel economy.

Since the first shipment was delivered in 1941, Bay & Bay’s commitment to values, customers and the community has not changed. Over the last 10 years, Bay & Bay has grown from $20 million to $200 million in annual revenue. Proudly headquartered in the Twin Cities, Bay & Bay prepares for the next phase of growth with a move to a new state-of-the-art office in Eagan in 2016. Chosen as one of the Top 20 Best Fleets to Drive For in 2015, Bay & Bay fosters a culture where employees are family, service is good business and safety is always the top priority.

75

The company’s name originated

from a much older mode of

transportation: a pair of bay horses.

Today, Bay & Bay’s horsepower comes from over 500 trucks

YEARS

Harold Anderson, founder of Anderson Trucking Service, Inc., returned from World War II in 1945, as a highly decorated Captain in the Army Air Corps, having flown 29 successful missions in the European corridor. Upon his return from the war, he was eager to continue his career in transportation. On January 3, 1955, ATS commenced business with two active drivers, two usable trucks, five partial trailers and an old wooden warehouse with a 12 foot by 12 foot office. The employees consisted of two drivers, one mechanic and one dispatcher. Guided by his values, Harold commenced business with a passion for providing exceptional service to ATS’ customers.

Today, under the consistent leadership of Harold’s sons and grandsons, ATS has become a worldwide leader in trans-portation due to the success of its four divisions: Highway, Maritime, Projects and Logistics.

HighwayATS Specialized is one of the largest flatbed transportation companies in North America, with over 850 trucks and 2,500 trailers specializing in general legal flatbed cargo, construc-tion and agricultural equipment, power generation and wind energy components, oil and gas production, construction projects, aerospace and air handling equipment.

ATS Heavy Haul is dedicated to moving over-weight and over-size shipments. For over 60 years, ATS Heavy Haul has been providing customers with the best in heavy haul and heavy equipment transportation, regardless of the dimensions, restrictions, routes or requirements.

ATS Vans specializes in providing full truckload regional and over the road Van, along with quality Pad Wrap and Crane Van services. Through state-of-the-art equipment, technology and service ATS Vans is a reliable carrier for demanding hauls.

MaritimeATS International, a global extension of Anderson Trucking Service, Inc., has complete resources to plan, manage and execute any size project —worldwide. Wherever heavy lift or break bulk cargo is going across the globe, ATS International can get it there.

ProjectsATS Projects specializes in massive hauling assignments, most notably, its service to the wind energy industry. With the proper logistics executed by drivers, dispatchers and project managers, utilizing thousands of trucks and trailers in a company-owned fleet, and comprehensive resources through ATS’ principal divisions, ATS Projects has the ability to sequence components and equipment coming from every corner of the globe.

LogisticsATS Logistics Services provides customized, integrated logistics and supply chain solutions that are designed to maximize efficiency and reduce costs. Its mission is to provide an array of options and solutions that are strategic, flexible and expandable in order to meet challenging supply chain needs. As a division of ATS, ATS Logistics Services, Inc., leverages ATS’ 60+ years in the transportation industry and can bring the power of 50,000 contracted carriers, ATS’ equipment assets, and valuable maritime partnerships.

Anderson Trucking Service, Inc.

Anderson Trucking Service, Inc.725 Opportunity Drive St. Cloud, MN 56301800.255.7400 atsinc.com

1955 6 Harold E. Anderson 1 St. Cloud, MN $65,000


2015 3,000 CEO: Rollie Anderson 17 Worldwide $862 million

60YEARS


When Gil Braun opened the first Braun’s Fashions at the Miracle Mile Shopping Center in 1956, he opened it with “her” in mind: local women who were full of life and wisdom, confident in their beliefs and in search of styles that made them feel fabulous at a price they would love. That spirit con-tinued when Braun’s Fashions became Christopher & Banks. Today, the women’s fashion retailer operates more than 500 stores nationally, and still focuses on putting “her” first.

In its first decade, Braun’s Fashions built a standard of customer service that the company stands on today. The retail experience was imbued with Midwestern trust—the salespeople knew the names and preferences of customers and fostered those relationships. This commitment to service helped Braun’s Fashions grow from one store to 20 around the Twin Cities. Expansion continued throughout the Midwest in the 1980s and then nationally in the 1990s.

In 2000, Braun’s Fashions opened its first stores under the Christopher & Banks banner, selecting the name from one of the retailer’s most popular clothing lines. That same year, the retailer took another step in putting “her” first, opening 20 stores under a newly created CJ Banks brand, designed to meet the need for sizes 14-24 in the underserved women’s apparel market.

Christopher & Banks has grown nationally, but the company remains committed to a strong sense of community, contributing both time and money to support causes close to the hearts of its customers. Christopher & Banks has part-nered with the National Society for Multiple Sclerosis for 16 years and raised over $2 million to fund research. It also has meaningful relationships with the Breast Cancer Research

Foundation, Lifeworks and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The brand recently extended its community sup-port with the introduction of its Amazing Women campaign, in which customers are asked to nominate the inspiring wom-en in their lives to recognize the contributions they make to their families, friends, communities and society.

While hemlines and fashions have changed, Christopher & Banks has remained true to its core customer by listening to her and honoring the tradition of putting her first. From this tradition comes the belief that Every Day, Women Do Amazing Things®. For 60 years, Christopher & Banks has proudly helped women feel confident and look fabulous for life’s amazing moments—and looks forward to many more, as empowering women is always in style.

Christopher & Banks Celebrates Sixty Years of “Putting Her First”The Minneapolis-born brand credits local women as the inspiration for its legacy

Christopher & Banks Corporation2400 Xenium Lane NorthPlymouth, MN 55441763.551.5000christopherandbanks.com

1956 N/A Founder: Gil Braun 1 Minneapolis, Minnesota N/A

year employees executive leadership locations areas served net sales

2015 4,576 President, CEO and Director: LuAnn Via 538 44 states; available online to contiguous U.S. $418.6 million*

60


When Gil Braun opened the first Braun’s Fashions at the Miracle Mile Shopping Center in 1956, he opened it with “her” in mind.

*fiscal year ended january 31, 2015.

YEARS

50

Analysts International Corporation

7700 France Avenue South Suite 200Minneapolis, MN [email protected]

In the mid-1950s, software development was focused on solving mathematical equations in large hardware systems. Within a decade, demand emerged for software development for business applications as well. At the time, Minnesota was home to a significant number of large computer engineering and manufacturing firms. And these firms now needed talent to staff their increasing number of software projects. Frederick W. Lang responded in 1966 by forming AIC.

Over these past 50 years, AIC has survived and grown in a marketplace of constant change and fluctuation of demand. In the early 1970s, the computer industry suffered a major economic recession. Contract cutbacks were abrupt and severe. Financial management and integrity of workmanship helped AIC through this period, even as many major industries scaled back their software development initiatives. Conversely, in the mid-1990s, the demand for software talent spiked in preparation for Y2K, and AIC successfully met this demand by attracting and developing talented professionals.

A common denominator is AIC’s long-term partnerships. “Clients in our marketplace choose their vendors carefully,” said Ken Koboldt, Managing Director of AIC’s St. Louis office and 33-year veteran of AIC. “Many of our clients have trusted us with their business for 30 years or more. Committed relationships, in good times and bad , make all the difference.”

Moving Into the FutureAIC remains a leader by adapting through each new generation of technology and buyer. “Not long ago, most of our buyers were technical. They knew exactly what technical skills they needed, for what tasks and for how long,” said Jeff Hoekstra, Vice President. “We saw an increased demand for services from the business side of the house as technology became more integrated into our everyday lives. Business requirements are stated more in terms of outcomes and shared responsibility, than in skill sets. Our approach to delivery serves the tech-savvy buyer and the business-savvy buyer equally.”

Technology demand continues to accelerate. “In the past, 80 percent of IT was about keeping the lights on, 10 percent was growth and 10 percent was transformational. Today, transformational IT investments are reaching 30 percent and continuing to trend upward,” said Rich Thomas, SVP and President of Branch Operations.

To best support these trends, AIC will be formalizing into two distinct business units in 2016: Analysts and AnalystsTech. Watch for announcements throughout 2016 as we celebrate this exciting next chapter in our history.

1966 60 Frederick W. Lang 5 Continental U.S. $670,000

year employees executive leadership number of locations areas served gross revenues

2016 3,000+ Rajiv Sardana 35 U.S. and International $350 million


Analysts International Corporation Fifty Years of Excellence, Integrity and Innovation

Our corporate headquarters in 1969, on Viking Drive in Minneapolis

Our founder,

Frederick W. Langwho created AIC in Minnesota in 1966.

Rajiv (Raj) SardanaCEO of American

CyberSystems, Inc. (ACS Group) parent company of aic.

YEARS

How quickly the time has passed. MTS Systems Corporation was founded in 1966 in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, which at the time was still a little-known and undeveloped Twin Cities suburb. News traveled fast about this new company’s reliable material testing systems and knowledgeable engineers, and business steadily grew throughout the region and beyond.

Fast-forward five decades. Today, industry leaders worldwide turn to MTS for the testing technology and systems they need to push the boundaries of R&D and product development.MTS has also become a global leader in position sensing technology, equipping manufacturers to design smarter machines that perform faster, more safely and more efficiently.

Truly Global in ScopeMTS is still headquartered in Eden Prairie down the street from its original location. More than 2,300 employees now operate from locations throughout Europe, Asia and the Americas, in addition to Minnesota. MTS technology and services are key innovation enablers for some of the most respected and well-known names in the automotive,

aerospace, biomedi-cal, civil engineering and industrial manu-facturing industries. The world needs new products today more than ever, and MTS and its customers are continuing to rede-fine what is possible.

These customer relationships have produced a long list of industry-changing technologies over the past 50 years. For example, MTS first made it possible to reproduce the real-world operating conditions of aircraft, cars and trucks in a laboratory environment, paving the way for major advances in durability, performance and fuel-efficiency. This same lab-based testing approach is now the industry standard for everything from orthopedic implant devices to buildings, bridges, wind turbines and space-age materials designed to withstand extreme forces and temperatures.

With the continued advancement of computing speed and algo-rithms, MTS is replacing more of its mechanical testing technol-ogy with virtual models, delivering even higher levels of speed and efficiency to customers. Meanwhile, MTS sensors continue to help more industrial and mobile hydraulics manufacturers automate their machine functions in new and beneficial ways.

Eagerly Looking AheadToday is an especially exciting time in MTS’ history, as the company finds itself deeply embedded in the world’s most vibrant centers for innovation and growth. With technology and expertise that are proving increasingly vital to the success of the world’s most celebrated researchers and developers, MTS looks forward to a next half-century of activity that will be every bit as fascinating as the first.

MTS Systems CorporationCelebrating 50 Years of Innovation and Growth

MTS Systems Corporation14000 Technology DriveEden Prairie, MN 55344952.937.4000www.mts.com

1966 120 Herbert C. Johnson 1 Midwest region of US $3.3 million


2014 2,180 Dr. Jeffrey A. Graves 21 offices 70+ Countries served $564 million


Aerospace structural test, image courtesy of Airbus Military.

Automotive durability test on an MTS 329 6DOF (Degrees of Freedom) test system.

50

MTS Systems Corporation Headquarters in Eden Prairie, MN

FROM END OF FISCAL YEAR 2014.

YEARS

40

AgVantage Software for AgribusinessesPowerful Relationships. Sophisticated Solutions.

AgVantage Software, Inc.107 Woodlake Dr. SERochester, MN 55904agvantage.com

Michelle BlombergPresident/[email protected]

To visit AgVantage Software, Inc.’s bustling offices today, or to attend one of its lively user conferences, you would never guess the position the company was in just 15 years ago.

But in 2000, AgVantage Software, Inc., which provides accounting and business software for cooperatives and other agribusinesses, was in turmoil, says Michelle Blomberg, president and CEO of the Rochester, Minn.-based company.

The founder and previous CEO passed away suddenly, and the company’s future was in doubt, says Blomberg, whose parents founded Be-Rich Software—an Iowan competitor that merged with AgVantage Software in 1995. Customers were dissatisfied and sales were flat—and no wonder: According to Blomberg, the company’s software offerings weren’t keeping up with the industry or with customers’ needs. As a result, the firm hadn’t had a new customer in three years and was surviving solely on customer-support fees from current customers.

Employee motivation was also low. Many long term employees had not been given an increase in their compensation in years. And attracting new talent was difficult with the unknown future.

Still, the company did have one thing going for it: loyalty. Customers and employees were staying put despite all the problems, Blomberg recalls. But clearly something had to change.

Dramatic TurnaroundFast forward to 2016, and AgVantage is thriving. Since 2001, the newly formed management team with Blomberg at the helm, has increased corporate gross sales revenues by over 100 percent, and the staff has grown by over 80 percent. The company has added a number of well-received software solutions that allow customers to run their businesses more efficiently and effectively. “We provide offerings for every

aspect of the agriculture business,” Blomberg says.

“We started listening to our customers,” Chuck Bohanon says. Bohanon, who has been with the company since 1979, rode the tide of the company wavering waters and is now the VP of Technology. “We sat down with them and asked them what we could do better.” The process elicited a “lot of good input,” which the company took to heart.

“We did plenty of soul searching and, even though we had been in business for 25 years, we basically started over from scratch,” Paul Hawes says reflecting on the year 2000. Hawes, the company’s CFO, has also been with AgVantage since 1979. With a new “no blame” corporate philosophy that emphasizes internal team building and customer input and feedback, Paul comments “We already had great people working here, but we were each doing our own thing and not working together to achieve bigger results, faster.”

Another important change: The decision to turn the National Conference over to customers. Now, customers have direct input into the session topics, dictate the agenda, help teach the classes and even vote on the enhancements for the products they want AgVantage to develop over the next year—the “Customer Driven Development” process—successful for over 15 years.

“Our culture today is based on genuine relationships and care for people,” Theresa Willems, the VP of Service says. Willems came to the company in 2004 and brought with her an uncanny ability to read people and connect with them at a deeper level. This philosophy applies to employees, business partnerships and to our customers. “Changing the culture of the company requires 100% teamwork and an ‘all in attitude’ from the people at the company.”

The AgVantage team—40 years and going strong.

1976 2 Owner/CEO: Don Udenberg 1 State: Minnesota $250,000

year employees executive leadership areas served gross revenues

2016 38 CEO/President: Michelle Blomberg; Executives: Theresa Willems, V.P. of Service, Chuck Bohanon,

Chief Information Officer and Paul Hawes, Chief Financial Officer

20 States; Specifically strong in MN, WI, WA,

OH, IN, MI, ND, IA

$5 million


YEARS

1976. Jimmy Carter was President. Gas was 59 cents a gallon. “Happy Days” ruled the airwaves. Apple was formed by Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak. And a spunky, independent, once math teacher turned community organizer from South Minneapolis decided she and her mother would form their own company too.

Mary Tjosvold, Founder and CEO of Mary T. Inc., had a vision, and along with her mother, Margaret Tjosvold and brother Dean, turned that vision into reality. Mary T. inherited land from her grandmother and decided the only logical way to use the land was to continue the legacy of her grandmother, a nurse, and care for others. Though Mary and Margaret faced many challenges throughout the development phase, mostly due to being women business owners, they persevered. Doors opened in October of 1976 to Camilia Rose Group Home, one of the first communi-ty-based homes for people with disabilities in the country. Mary T. Inc. was born.

Over the next two decades, Mary T. acquired additional group homes, and expanded services into hourly programs offering people who were able to live more independently the supports to meet their needs, while honoring abilities and preferences to live in an apartment or townhome, as opposed to a home staffed 24 hours a day. Additionally, services for older adults were developed, specifically in 1987, residents 55+ began moving into Margaret Place Senior Apartments. Through the years, assisted living sites were developed specializing in memory care and offering an alternative to traditional nursing home care. Through these programs, Mary’s vision of a continuum of care began to truly take shape.

Additional services were added through the years, such as home health care and hospice, more market rate rental townhomes were built, and Mary T. Inc. grew outside the state of Minnesota, setting up business in Wisconsin, Maryland and Arizona. In 2014, Mary followed another dream with her husband, Larry Dunsmore, and opened a restaurant and live music venue, Crooners Lounge & Supper Club. Crooners is emerging as one of the leading live music clubs in the Twin Cities area, located just north of 694 on Highway 65 on Moore Lake.

Fast forward to 2016. Barack Obama is three years into his second term of Presidency. Gas is $2.64 a gallon. “Big Bang Theory” rules the airwaves. And a spunky, independent, once math teacher turned community organizer from South Minneapolis has a national business with annual revenue of $35 million, and employs more than 800 people and ∑offers services to hundreds more.

Mary T. Inc.Celebrating 40 Years of “Yes We Can” at Mary T. Inc.

Mary T. Inc.1555 118th Lane NW Coon Rapids, MN 55448763.754.2505marytinc.com

1976 About 50 CEO: Mary M. Tjosolvd, PhD 1 Minnesota $2 million


2016 Over 800 CEO: Mary M. Tjosolvd, PhD 50 MN, WI, AZ, MD $35 million plus

40

Margaret Tjosvold (Mary’s mother and co-founder), Mary M. Tjosvold (CEO)


from left: Joelle Ridgeway’s Son, Margaret Tjosvold (Co-Founder), Joelle Ridgeway (Executive Director at Mary T. Inc. Maryland.), Angela Ogle (PHS and Marketing Coordi-nator), Kim Neal (Director of Housing), Jennifer Ehemann (Program Director of Maryland Clinical Services), Randy Leja (Director of Home Health and Hospice), Bob Johnston (Program Director), Krystal Dropps (Resident Relations Coordinator), Jessica Andrist (Advocacy and Marketing Coordinator), Courtney Carlson (Property Manager), Nakgon Koh (Director of Marketing and IT) and Mary M. Tjosvold (CEO)

YEARS

Rock On TrucksIt seems like yesterday when Rock On Trucks bought its first truck and trailer on August 20, 2001. Krystal Quade, (now Vierkant), a single woman, hired her first truck driver Kevin Vierkant, a single parent dad, to drive the truck.

It was going to be a one truck company to put her friend to work and to add income into Krystal’s life. Within days of purchasing that first truck and trailer they went to work and began attract-ing drivers that wanted help in trucking. They wanted a better life and Rock On’s leadership knew how to help them get it.

In five years Rock On Trucks grew into Rock On Companies with six separate Minnesota businesses that supported a diversified customer base.

Today Rock On has 60+ trucks, 75+ trailers with 60 employees and limitless ITOs, working in five states. If you have seen a theme truck on the highway it is possibly one of ours

as we love to dress up our trucks and go to parades and raise money for local charities. We believe in giving back to our commu-nities and country!

Rock On drivers and ITO’s are known as some of the best aggregate haulers in the five-star area, because we have helped solve their problems by making them more profitable.

We are always seeking new drivers and creating innovate ways to make their careers in trucking better with open communication, benefits and company events to show our appreciation for all they do.

To our customers “we say what we do and do what we say.” This is the company motto and WE live by it! The people we do business with have values similar to ours and we believe it is the reason we are successful. We believe in hard work, dedication, pride, integrity, honesty, Our Country and God.

Our customers are #1. Our employees are second to none. Our drivers and owner operators are the best in the business. Our vendors go the extra mile.

And to everyone that currently works with or has worked with us we share 15 years of progress and success! 15 years of growth and 15 years of the best customers, employees, drivers, owner operators and vendors!

We would not be where we are without your contribution! Thank you for being a part of an extraordinary 15 years.

Rock On Trucks3100 7th St S, Waite Park, MN 56387320.230.2998rockontrucks.com

2001 1 Krystal Vierkant 1 home office Twin Cities, MN

year employees executive leadership locations areas served

2016 63 Krystal Vierkant 1 with 9 acres and 3 separate buildings

MN, ND, SD, IA, WI (will go anywhere)

15


“If you have seen a theme truck on the highway it is possibly one of

ours as we love to dress up our trucks and go to parades and raise money

for local charities.”

YEARS

Allée Creative A Partner in Marketing

Allée CreativePO Box 515Saint Michael, MN 55376612.964.7144alleecreative.com

2006 1 Melissa Harrison, Founder & CEO 1 Twin Cities Metro $21,000


2016 4 Melissa Harrison, Founder & CEO 1 Headquarter Office& Virtual Offices

Global $350,000

Allée Creative founder and CEO, Melissa Harrison

The Allée Creative team in 2014: Melissa Harrison, Alyx Grabinger, Shannon Neeser, Ashley Steiner & Kris Adkins

“Our clients are not numbers.

They are family and team

members.”


10

Allée Creative’s ‘Fun in the Sun’

team building day, summer 2015: Kris Adkins,

Melissa Harrison, Alyx Grabinger &

Abigail Crider

Harrison shares some of the secrets of the company’s success:

Allée Creative, which celebrates its 10th anniversary in 2016, is a full-service marketing company that provides successful planning and implementation in the areas of marketing strategy, content, branding and online communication. The company’s CEO and founder, Melissa Harrison, is a nationally respected businesswoman and marketing expert, having been named a “Top Content Marketer” by the Content Marketing Institute, a “Mover & Shaker” by the Star Tribune, and one of the “Top Young Entrepreneurs” by Minnesota Business Magazine. She is a four-time recipient of the Hermes Creative Award and a national speaker on content-marketing, business strategy and entrepreneurship.

What sets you apart as a business owner?We made a decision early on to pursue clients interested in a long-term relationship. It helps sustain us financially, but more important, it helps us serve our clients better because we develop such a deep knowledge of their company. Our clients are not numbers. They are family and team members. Everything is worked on collaboratively and cross-function-ally. What we do for a social strategy affects what we do in print, what we design visually, what our clients give to theirsales leads and so forth. We communicate constantly and

are always looking out for the best interest of our clients. We tackle all their marketing needs so they can concentrate on what they are good at.

For companies who want a taste of how we can use marketing and social media to improve their bottom line and customer relationships, we offer a variety of workshops as well as down-loadable guides, including “Best Practices in Social Media.”

What successes has Allée Creative celebrated in the past 10 years?We’ve had continued growth year after year, even during tough times. Since the 2008 recession, we’ve averaged a 64 percent year-over-year increase in gross revenue, allowing us to grow from a one-person business to a full-time, salaried staff.

On the customer side, our successes include creating and executing international digital campaigns for clients with offices across the globe. We’ve seen brand engagement and website traffic increases, and ultimately, sales lead increases by double-and triple-digits. We’ve also worked with associations to grow their organizations and events, including one client that experienced triple-digit increas-es in digital traffic as well as a 66 percent increase in event attendance due to new marketing strategies we implemented.

What’s the story behind your name?Allée is French for “a path between trees” and creatively, we act as a guiding path for our clients, lined with expertise and support along the way.

YEARS

Milestones 2016 Twin Cities Business tcbmag.com

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