NWMF seeks outstanding "community builders"

 

Since 1998, the Northwest Minnesota Women's Fund has honored 35 women who have demonstrated leadership for improving the quality of their own lives or those around them. In our increasingly complex society, the Women’s Fund seeks to applaud the efforts of the women who have made Northwest Minnesota a better place to live, work, raise families, and have fun.

The Women’s Fund is asking for your assistance in recognizing these women who live in the counties of Beltrami, Clearwater, Marshall, Hubbard, Pennington, Polk, Kittson, Red Lake, Norman, Mahnomen, Roseau and Lake of the Woods.  Nomination forms can be obtained from the Northwest Minnesota Foundation web site (www.nwmf.org) or by calling 218-759-2057 or 1-800-659-7859. 

All nomination forms must be submitted by June 1, 2012. After the selections, the Advisory Committee will plan and host receptions in the recipients’ hometowns, to be held in late summer or early fall.

“Community Builders” awards are given based on the following criteria:

Leadership:  A woman who through leadership roles has made significant contributions to her community; and through volunteerism, citizenship or community service has significantly improved the lives of women and girls.   

Outstanding Mentor: A woman who has demonstrated wisdom and devotion to helping others; a role model and mentor who has supported and encouraged positive development in young women, and who also shows the characteristics necessary for success while actively sharing her skills.

Professional Excellence: A woman who has demonstrated leadership and excellence in her work, and whose leadership has benefited her community and/or her company; and outstanding entrepreneur; a role model for other women in achieving success in traditional or non-traditional positions.

The Northwest Minnesota Women’s Fund, a component of the Northwest Minnesota Foundation, serves as a catalyst for improving the quality of life for women and girls by focusing on women’s initiatives, leadership and philanthropy to build successful communities.

Stars of Energy Efficiency Awards

Since 1993, the Alliance to Save Energy has illuminated the best and brightest stars in energy efficiency. Esteemed award winners have included Ted Turner, Arthur Rosenfeld and many innovative companies paving the way to an energy-efficient future.

The 2012 Evening with the Stars of Energy Efficiency Awards Dinner is especially meaningful, as it will be the 20th commemoration of these prestigious awards, and also will celebrate the Alliance's 35th anniversary.

Don’t miss your chance to shine, and join the the esteemed list of award winners who've been crowned "Stars of Energy Efficiency" over the last 20 years.

2012 Star of Energy Efficiency Award Categories
Charles Percy Award for Public Service
Recognizes an individual for an outstanding public service contribution and/or a lifetime commitment to EE.

“Galaxy” Star of Energy Efficiency
Recognizes outstanding achievements in EE for entities earning more than $150 million in annual revenue.

“Super Nova” Star of Energy Efficiency
Recognizes outstanding achievements in EE for entities earning less than $150 million in annual revenue.

“Andromeda” Star of Energy Efficiency
Recognizes outstanding achievements in EE for entities earning less than $10 million in annual revenue.

“I-Star” Award for Energy Efficiency
Recognizes the outstanding contributions to EE achieved through special projects or activities overseas that are led by nominees based outside of U.S. territories.


“Innovative” Star of Energy Efficiency Award
Recognizes an emerging technology or service that has the potential to transform a sector of the EE market but which, given the early stage of the innovation, has yet to generate proven savings.
Submit your nomination by Friday, Feb. 10 and receive $50 off the nomination fee! Final deadline for all nominations is Friday, March 30, 2012.

Save the Date:
October 3, 2012
Andew W. Mellon Auditorium
Washington, D.C.

NOMINATIONS SOUGHT FOR NORTHWEST MINNESOTA WOMEN’S HALL OF FAME

Nominations will be accepted until January 3, 2012 for women to be considered for induction into the Northwest Minnesota Women’s Hall of Fame. Nominees, who may be living or deceased, must demonstrate a connection to the area of northwest Minnesota that includes the counties of Beltrami, Cass, Clearwater, Hubbard, Kittson, Koochiching, Lake of the Woods, Mahnomen, Marshall, Norman, Pennington, Polk, Red Lake and Roseau.

A selection board will review the nominees based on the person’s significant contribution to art, athletics, business, government, philanthropy, humanities, science or education. In particular, the nominee’s achievements and contributions must be of enduring and lasting value to society, significant groups within the region, or to the progress and freedom of women.

In addition to the individual’s contributions, the nomination should include the person’s accomplishments, biographical data, educational background and awards. Additional items such as evidence of a lasting legacy, including the nominee’s impact in the region, news articles or publications written either by or about the nominee, and letters of support are strongly encouraged.

Previous inductees include: Norma Hanson, Goodridge; Laddie Elwell, Bemidji; Dolores Clack, Park Rapids; Patricia Rosenbrock, Bemidji; Winona LaDuke, Ponsford; Dr. Roxanne Struthers, Mahnomen; Marilyn Heltzer, Bemidji; Neen Lillquist, Laporte; Dr. Kathleen Annette, Bemidji; Susan Mills, Crookston; Olga Peterson, Clearbrook; Velma Oakland, Red Lake Falls; Nancy Burggraf, Roseau; Esther Fieldman, Park Rapids; Paula W. Bruss Bauck, Roseau; Mae Barness, Bagley; Dr. Mary Chapman Ghostley, Puposky; Anne M. Dunn, Cass Lake; Margaret Marvin, Warroad; Esther Burnett Horne, Waubun; Gretchen Urnes Beito, Thief River Falls; Ruth Edevold, Bagley; Coya Knutson, Oklee; Helen Gill, Bemidji; and Hazel Wahlberg, Roseau.

Individuals and groups wishing to recommend outstanding women for this award may read about these inductees and download application materials online at www.nwmf.org – navigate to component funds/designated component funds/NW MN Women’s Fund. Contact Lisa Peterson, Northwest Minnesota Foundation, at 218-759-2057 or 800-659-7859 with questions.

Induction ceremonies will take place on Saturday, March 17, 2012 at the Beaux Arts Ballroom, Bemidji State University.