2021 Award Winners
ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR AWARD
Independent Packaging Services Inc
Delivering peace of mind is the motto at Independent Packaging Services Inc. The company focuses on the shipment processes of heavy industrial machinery, food processing equipment, medical equipment, and more. The current and second-generation owners are siblings, Joseph and Andrea Wallace. This past year, an incredible success for the company has helped keep all of their employees with a job at IPSI. Many of IPSI’s clients transitioned to ship Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) during the pandemic.
Innovative Client of the Year
Ceiling Pro International
Ceiling Pro began working with Meda in 2012 and our assistance has been extremely valuable to the company’s growth. 2020 during the pandemic was difficult as their outside contractors were not able to work on-site. Their National and International division of the business was halted and no new companies were allowed to visit the business for training purposes. In the true entrepreneurial spirit, Oscar, the general manager, and his managers, Matt and Elio, decided to begin selling disinfecting services. This was a big adaptation in the business but it paid off immensely.
2020 Community Builder of the Year
Estes Funeral Chapel
The Estes Funeral Chapel opened in 1962 by Richard C. Estes. His vision was to provide an organization to help African American families in their time of need, after the loss of a loved one. The mission of Estes Funeral Chapel is to serve all families, all faiths, all backgrounds and all ethnicities. The Estes’ have seen all walks of life come through their North Minneapolis doors and they are here for anyone that needs them in a time of grief.
2020 Resilient Client of the Year
The pandemic hit long-term care facilities in a profound way. Our most vulnerable citizens, the elderly, needed immense protection from Covid-19 during the lockdowns. This year, we are honoring Meda’s long-term care facility clients as Resilient Entrepreneurs of the Year. These organizations provide everything from homelike environments to assisted living services for your loved ones in need. Join us in celebrating the fortitude and resilience it takes to withstand a pandemic and provide exceptional care to our most vulnerable.
Assured Care / Benjamin Coleman & Caressse Coleman
Millineum Health Services / Hassan Ali
Sister Care / Kayla Xiong
Peaceful Lodge / Bao Vang
Anoka Health Center / Nasir Budul
SMC Care, Empowerment Healthcare / Roger Bonny
Olu's Home Care / Gloria Freeman
Nagomi / Ayodele Awoleye
Prime Time, Assisted Living / Aisha Aboker Kassim & Hohamoud Hamud
