In Business: Stearns Bank community development coordinator appointed to state board

Stearns Bank Community Development Coordinator Mohamed Farah has been appointed to the Minnesota Emerging Entrepreneur Board.

The board "works to reduce disparities in small business ownership by people in minority groups, diversify the Minnesota economy and help shape the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development programming," Stearns Bank said in a press release.

Appointments are made by Gov. Tim Walz and Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan. Farah's term runs through January 2026.

“We’re honored that Mohamed will be able to contribute his expertise to the board where he can inspire other entrepreneurs, and we’re pleased that we can share our resources with others throughout the state,” Chief Marketing Officer Rory Bidinger said in the release.

Industry publication recognizes Mahowald Insurance Agency as a 2022 top employer

Mahowald Insurance Agency has been named a top insurance employer by an industry publication.

Insurance Business America has named the St. Cloud-based firm one of its Top Insurance Employers of 2022 for the third year in a row, Mahowald said in a press release.

Employers who receive this designation received a minimum 80% average satisfaction rating from employees.

Wells Concrete adds member to Albany legal team

Corporate counsel Melissa Staudinger is now a member of Wells' legal team in Albany.

In her job, Staudinger will be supporting the company's "commitment to risk reduction," Wells said in a press release. She'll work on contract negotiations, support dispute resolution and provide legal counsel on corporate matters.

Wells is a prefabricated building solution provider with a location in Albany.

Stearns Financial Services adds new board member

Dave Senger has joined holding company Stearns Financial Services' board of directors.

Senger has been an attorney for more than 40 years.

Dave brings tremendous experience in guiding businesses across a wide range of industries in planning and executing their growth plans and strategic options over decades of ever-changing economic conditions,” Stearns Financial Services Inc. President and CEO Kelly Skalicky said in a press release from the company. “His business acumen will keep us a step ahead."