The United Way of Freeborn County recognized the top giving workplaces in each division based on employee number. In front from left are United Way of Freeborn County Executive Director Ann Austin, Jane Knutson of Freeborn County, Abbey Bergstrom of Cedar Valley Services, Robin Joel of Freeborn-Mower Cooperative Services, Fabian McCord of Larson Manufacturing, Sue Berg of Innovance and Louanna Pederson of Ventura Foods. In back are John Double of Albert Lea Area Schools, Charles Newton of Albert Lea Select Foods, Mark Heinemann of Farmer’s State Bank, Jeremiah Olson of Cedar Valley Services, Tristan Tufte of Larson Manufacturing and Beth Birch of US Bank. Other companies recognized were Alamco Wood Products Inc., Albert Lea Electric, Alliance Benefit Group, American Bank, Cargill Meat Solutions, Crossroads Trailer, Diamond Jo Casino, Herberger’s, ISC Financial Advisors, Mayo Clinic Health System in Albert Lea and Austin, Minnesota Corrugated Box, Mrs. Gerry`s Kitchen, ShopKo, Streater and the United Postel Service. –Submitted

The United Way recently recognized businesses with 100 percent employee participation. Pictured in front are Kim Nelson, left, of The Children’s Center and Beth Birch of U.S. Bank. In back are Gina Frank of Community Technologies & Services, Mark Heinemann of Farmer’s State Bank and Anna Rahn and Jay Paul of Power 96/Hometown Broadcasting. Other companies with 100 percent participation were Adams & Winter, Albert Lea Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce, Americana Insurance, Alliance Benefit Group, American Bank, Home Federal Savings Bank, ISC Financial Advisors, Rofshus Precision Machine, Security Bank, United Employee’s Credit Union, US Bank, and Zenk, Read & Trygstad. –Submitted

Larson Manufacturing was recognized with the Live United Award for going above and beyond the call of duty to give, advocate and volunteer. Pictured from left are Steve Wagner, Fabian McCord and Tristan Tufte of Larson Manufacturing and United Way Executive Director Ann Austin. Lori Bagley, of Americana Insurance, not pictured, was recognized as Volunteer of the Year. –Submitted