MOHR is proud to announce the 2025 Outstanding Disability Employer Award recipients. Recognizing employers that go above and beyond to create inclusive workplaces where employees with disabilities can thrive, award recipients range from small local businesses to large corporations, representing a wide variety of industries and regions throughout the state. The Outstanding Disability Employer Awards also coincide with National Disability Employment Awareness Month. “The employers we partner with through MOHR are champions of the value and talent people with disabilities bring to the workplace,” said Robin Harkonen, president of MOHR. “This National Disability Employment Awareness Month, we celebrate their leadership and invite more businesses to discover how inclusive hiring strengthens teams, sparks innovation, and drives success.”
Kowalski’s Excelsior Market, a family-owned grocery store in Excelsior, MN, has been named a winner of the award for their ongoing commitment to creating meaningful employment opportunities for people with disabilities. Nominated by Opportunity Partners, the Excelsior Market has built an inclusive workplace where employees of all abilities can grow, learn, and thrive. Staff are encouraged to explore new opportunities within the store, and leadership demonstrates flexibility and commitment to long-term success. Through thoughtful training, personalized support, and a genuine dedication to inclusion, Kowalski’s Excelsior Market exemplifies how local employers can create workplaces where everyone has the chance to shine.
South Koochiching School District 363 Northome School in Northome, MN, has been recognized for their exceptional efforts in supporting employees with disabilities. Nominated by ITA BEL KOO DAC, employees gain valuable skills and teamwork experience by serving, dishwashing, and receiving on-site training. Lunch and transportation are provided, and they develop social and leadership skills, often mentoring new employees. Principal Lehn has even ensured their participation by offering rides if transportation is difficult. These experiences enrich their daily lives as they connect with students and become an integral part of the school community. “Our kids look forward to seeing them every day,” says Principal MacKenzie Lehn. “They have really joined our Mustang family.”
Nominated by Rise, Finley’s, a natural dog treat company from Minneapolis, MN, creates opportunities with dignity. Began as a classroom concept to help 10th and 11th-grade students build real-world skills through hands-on learning, Finley’s has created over 200 jobs for people with disabilities across the country, primarily through its public-facing ambassador program. Ambassadors work as teams and go into stores to help promote and educate shoppers about Finley’s products. From communication devices to setup help to cheat sheets to aid memorization, ambassadors have access to the tailored solutions they need to be successful. “It's super fun to watch their confidence come alive,” shared co-founder Angie Gallus, “they work so hard and they love their jobs so much.”
A MSS partner, Jerry’s Foods in Woodbury, MN, has been recognized for their commitment to equal opportunity employment and to creating a positive working environment for employees with disabilities. Jerry’s Foods includes employees with disabilities in every department. From bagging to maintenance to checking, Jerry’s Foods provides a positive learning environment and custom training for each of the 10 MSS-supported employees at the Woodbury location. “We try to understand the person we are working with and what we can do to help them succeed,” says Chue Vue, assistant store director. At Jerry’s Foods, everyone belongs - customers and employees alike. “You need everyone to make it successful,” says Dawn Johnson, store director.
Cub Foods Silver Lake in St. Anthony Village, MN, has been named a winner for their long-standing commitment to inclusive employment and community connection. Nominated by Partnership Resources, Cub Foods Silver Lake has proudly employed individuals with disabilities as part of its “clean team” for the past 28 years, demonstrating an enduring dedication to creating meaningful, lasting careers. When the longest-serving employee reached his 25th anniversary, Cub and Partnership Resources celebrated the milestone with a special party and invited current and former managers, employees, and community members to join the celebration. Cub Foods Silver Lake has also shown exceptional compassion and flexibility in supporting employees’ evolving needs. Through nearly three decades of commitment, Cub Foods Silver Lake has shown how inclusion strengthens not only a workplace but an entire community.
Kids Abilities, an outpatient pediatric therapy clinic in Hugo, MN, has been recognized for exemplary care and commitment to employees with disabilities. They have consistently gone above and beyond to create a safe and productive work environment for their TSE, Inc.-supported employee with disabilities. “At Kids Abilities, the support is so natural for them,” shares Jim Freeman, chief business development officer at TSE, Inc. Together, they established routines, refined skills, and created growth opportunities tailored to his needs, such as caring for the resident therapy dog Lilly. The employee has gained self-confidence, learned new skills, and improved his speech and vocabulary, and applies these abilities at home. Parents and families who use Kids Abilities’ services interact with him and see potential opportunities for their children. Carol Gilligan, co-owner of Kids Abilities, shares that, “It's been wonderful to hear comments from parents and witness the interactions - it gives parents inspiration and hope to see him working.”
These employers have gone above and beyond in their commitment to inclusive hiring and in providing meaningful employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. Their efforts extend far beyond the job site, fostering inclusive cultures, strengthening their organizations, and enriching the communities they serve. As we celebrate their excellence, we know that their example will continue to inspire other employers to build workplaces where everyone has the opportunity to succeed.
