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Workforce Development Inc., in partnership with the Workforce Development Boards of Southeast Minnesota and Winona, this week announced the unveiling of the “Best Places to Work” in Southeast Minnesota. Now in its 15th year, this respected regional initiative celebrates companies that go above and beyond in cultivating exceptional workplace cultures throughout southeast Minnesota.

After a thorough evaluation process led by national consulting firm Personnel Dynamics, 15 standout companies earned the distinction of being among the Best Places to Work across 11 counties: Dodge, Fillmore, Freeborn, Goodhue, Houston, Mower, Olmsted, Rice, Steele, Wabasha and Winona. These businesses have made meaningful investments in their people, championed inclusive and engaging work environments, and continue to lead with innovation, purpose and care, according to a press release.

The 2025 Best Places to Work winners are the following:

Small employer
City of Byron
Arcadian Bank
Rushford State Bank
Southeast Service Cooperative
Southern Minnesota Municipal Power Agency

Mid-size employer
Cooperative Response Center Inc.
Custom Alarm
New Age Tree Service
Pace International
People’s Energy Cooperative

Large employer
Benike Construction
City of Albert Lea
Gemini Inc.
Olmsted County
Strongwell

The 2025 winners were celebrated at the annual Workforce Development Forum held Thursday at the Rochester International Event Center. Attendees were moved by a series of powerful, heartfelt videos that gave an inside look at what makes these workplaces truly exceptional, according to the release. Workforce Development Inc. extends its sincere gratitude to all participating organizations.

“Your ongoing commitment to creating workplaces where people thrive is helping to shape a more resilient, innovative and people-focused economy across southeast Minnesota,” it stated.