On the Street - 01-02-09

Talk about it

•Mary Jo Brandt is a recipient of the Knute Nelson’s (KN) “Tree of Excellence” award.

This award is the highest level of recognition through the KN Employee Recognition Program. Brandt has been employed at Knute Nelson for almost 21 years in the nursing department and is currently the assistant director of nursing.

Brandt was nominated by her peers who had this to say about her, “Reacts quickly and efficiently under stress… Willing to go the extra mile for everyone… Comes in early to help and is always available… Always displays ownership in her work and abilities… Is very committed to the residents and staff at Knute Nelson.”

•Tastefully Simple received Employer of the Year and Web site of the Year awards at the 5th annual Stevie Awards for Women in Business.

Tastefully Simple Founder and CEO Jill Blashack Strahan was also honored as a finalist for Best Entrepreneur at the awards ceremony held in New York on November 14.

The Stevie Awards for Women in Business is an international competition recognizing the accomplishments of outstanding women executives, business owners and their organizations.

As a winner in two categories, Tastefully Simple surpassed many top finalists, including Weber Shandwick, DRT Strategies Inc. and Women Owned New York. More than 1,200 entries from organizations in virtually every industry were submitted for consideration.

Blashack Strahan and founding partner and COO Joani Nielson accepted the awards on behalf of Tastefully Simple. Blashack Strahan said, “It’s truly an honor to be recognized among such amazing companies and business leaders. I think the reason why Tastefully Simple stood out is simple – it’s the passion and dedication of our consultants and headquarters team. They inspire us to do more – and do it better – every single day.”

For the past four years, Tastefully Simple has been ranked in the top 5 percent of employers nationwide (Center for Values Research, Inc.). In 2006, the company launched its new and improved, award-winning Web site at tastefullysimple.com – resulting in a 56 percent increase in online sales within a single year.

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