Annual Report
2010-2011
Business
Career
Financial Literacy
Dear Friends of BestPrep,
This year, BestPrep celebrated its 35th
year of providing business, career and
financial literacy educational programming
to the students and teachers of Minnesota.
Much has changed since the early days of
the organization, but BestPrep has
remained true to its mission and core focus
areas.
In order to improve our ability to enhance all of our relationships, BestPrep is
undergoing a database conversion to a cloud-based contact management system.
This exciting venture has been made possible through funding support from
Cargill and the Wells Fargo Foundation Minnesota. We are thrilled to be able to
better serve our constituents and have one organization-wide database system.
BestPrep continued to grow this year, reaching more than 60,000 students and
teachers through our programs. In an effort to expand our outreach, BestPrep
created a new position this year and hired an Education Outreach Specialist to
further our growth. Thank you to all for the support you provide to ensure our
youth will be prepared for the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead.
Kim Christianson Board Chair, September 2009-August 2011
Human Resources VP, Global Healthcare
Ecolab Inc.
1
Robert H. Kaitz
President & CEO
BestPrep
Our mission is
to BEST
BEST PREPARE
PREPARE
Minnesota students
with business, career
and financial literacy
skills through
EXPERIENCES that
inspire SUCCESS in
work and life.
2
About BestPrep
B
estPrep was founded in 1976 after a successful three-year pilot project
led by Bob Kaitz, then an economics teacher at Breck School. Founding
members who provided funding and volunteers included 3M, Cargill, Ecolab,
General Mills, and Peavey. These five companies recognized the importance
of helping students improve their understanding of and attitude toward
business, as well as helping students better prepare for their futures. The pilot
project was at the forefront of what later became a national trend in which
educational institutions, businesses, labor, government and social service
formed partnerships for the purpose of educating students about business and
economics.
From the start of the pilot project in 1973 to becoming a statewide
organization, BestPrep has demonstrated an excellent record of connecting
the business and education communities. Our programs have now reached
more than 1.3 million students. For more than 35 years, BestPrep has
demonstrated a unique ability to engage and inspire business to educate and
mentor Minnesota students in grades K-12. BestPrep has a unique ability to
develop and implement innovative programs and to continually evaluate the
needs of Minnesota’s teachers and students. We are committed to our tradition
of new program development, while streamlining our programs to ensure
effectiveness, and reaching large numbers of students. BestPrep’s success can
be credited to an entrepreneurial spirit and represents a classic example of what
can be accomplished when business and education collaborate.
33
During 2010-2011, BestPrep reached:
60,207 students
and
809 teachers
from
567 schools
through the support of
3,781 volunteers
and
351 donors.
4
Classroom Plus
At a Glance
Students: 32,350
Schools: 143
Volunteers: 323
Highlight: Expanded program
to offer mock interviews
Today’s workplace offers a wide variety
of career opportunities for our youth
to begin planning for – including the
exciting world of sports marketing. Craig Anderson teaches a course on the topic at
Shakopee High School. This year, through Classroom Plus, John Maher, Vice President
of Brand Management for the Minnesota Wild, visited Craig’s classroom, sharing his
career experience with the students while explaining what they could expect from a career
in marketing.
Students impacted by Classroom Plus presentations have the opportunity to hear from
a professional who becomes a role model while learning about career opportunities
available. Craig said, “My students learned a great deal from Mr. Maher about how a
professional sports franchise is run and how they can pursue a career in Sports Marketing.
I had students come up to me later in the day and tell me how much they learned and how
much they enjoyed having Mr. Maher come in.”
Classroom Plus coordinates volunteers to make classroom presentations to students
across the state. Speakers, workplace tours and mock interview sessions are scheduled
upon teacher requests, and are offered free of charge. Classroom Plus also coordinates
special “Career Day” opportunities with selected companies and schools. By exposing
students to real world examples and experiences, volunteers help bridge the gap between
the classroom and the world of business.
5
Financial Matters
At a Glance
Students: 12,320*
Presentations: 385
Volunteers: 114
Highlight: Became an independent
BestPrep program
*Also included in Classroom Plus student numbers
Financial literacy is an established core
focus area of BestPrep and is critically
important for today’s students. “Young
people today are exposed to so many consumer messages. They need financial literacy
education in order to prepare them to make sound money management choices,” said Andy
Tate, Partner at Northstar Resource Group. Andy is an avid volunteer with BestPrep’s
newest program, Financial Matters. “As a professional in the financial services industry,
I feel compelled to teach students and prepare them to make wise financial decisions.
BestPrep’s Financial Matters program allows me that opportunity.”
Andy is one of 44 members of the Financial Matters Ambassador’s Club, committed to
delivering the program’s presentations at least three times per year. “Financial Matters
provides a structured, consistent approach for teaching financial literacy to students. It
makes the process of giving back easy for volunteers,” Andy added.
During one of Andy’s volunteer presentations this year, he spoke to Patty Wright’s 7th
and 8th grade class at Plymouth Middle School. There he gave the Budgeting Matters
presentation, teaching students the importance of budgeting, needs versus wants, and the
importance of planning and preparation.
Previously an initiative of Classroom Plus, Financial Matters became a stand-alone program
in June of 2011. With funding from the Foundation for Financial Planning, PowerPoint
presentations have been created on the topics of money, budgeting, credit and investing. A
fifth presentation was funded by The Allstate Foundation, covering the economic effects of
driving. A sixth presentation on taxes, sponsored by the Minnesota Society of CPA’s,
will be ready for the spring of 2012.
6
6
eMentors
At a Glance
Students: 3,163
Schools: 53
Companies: 45
Highlight: The program grew
by 26% this year
Experiencing business in action has a
profound impact on the students reached
through eMentors. This spring, 34 students
from Heather Stohs’ Business 101 class at Chanhassen High School were paired one-on-one
with volunteer mentors from The Toro Company. For eight weeks, the pairs emailed back
and forth, using guiding questions on career skills as the framework for communication.
During the session, the students had the opportunity to view The Toro Company through
the eyes of its employees. A company tour was a part of the meet-and-greet session
which took place mid-way through the program. The students not only learned about
the products that The Toro Company makes and how they are made, but also about the
company itself and how it operates. The students gained an understanding of what it
would be like to work at a business like The Toro Company and were exposed to the
career options available. A Toro Company eMentors volunteer said, “My student was very
impressed with Toro and could potentially make a great employee someday! I think it is
important for companies to be involved in programs that encourage our youth to continue
education and better understand their potential future employers.”
eMentors has applications for many disciplines and can be integrated with many curriculum
models. Subject areas using eMentors include math, economics, marketing, personal
finance, business, English, science and others. The program is mutually beneficial for the
students, volunteers, teachers and companies involved. A Toro Company volunteer said,
“eMentors offers a chance to instill pride in our community through giving back to our
youth and hopefully building an appreciation for what we do.”
7
Minnesota Business Venture
At a Glance
Students: 344
Volunteers: 164
Schools: 105
Highlight: Refined curriculum and
delivery to students
Leadership development happens on two
levels at Minnesota Business Venture
(MBV). Both students and volunteers are
given personal and professional development opportunities during this weeklong summer
program.
Upon arriving at MBV, students are divided into “companies,” led by a business
professional, called a Resident Business Leader (RBL), and a returning student, called a
CEO. Throughout the week, RBLs and CEOs grow as leaders. Tim Mercil, an RBL from
Medtronic, has returned to lead a company of students for the past nine years. As an RBL,
Tim has learned many new ways to be effective as a leader. “This generation of students will
become the next coworkers to many of us. Learning to work with and effectively lead this
generation is crucial in today’s workplace,” said Tim. Each year, he learns something new
from the students. Tim said, “Connecting, leading, sharing, and just being a friend to many
of these students is something that I’ll always remember, and something I look forward to
every year.”
Tim’s leadership style and methods consistently resonate with the students. Funmi,
Tim’s 2011 CEO, now a high school senior, said, “Tim taught me how to be a better, more
effective leader with my peers, and I have already started applying that during the school
year!” She said that Tim showed her how to challenge and lead people, while having fun.
Tim knows the value that MBV can have on a student’s future – as he is an alumni of the
program. Since 1981, MBV has helped thousands of students learn about business, financial
concepts and career options. Partnerships with colleges allow students to experience
campus life. Students work together to create a business plan and attend sessions on
college admissions, entrepreneurship, philanthropy, money management, and more.
8
The Stock Market Game™
At a Glance
Students: 14,900
Schools: 237
Teachers: 264
Highlight: Experienced one of the
program’s largest growth years
For 18-year-old Jack Alexander, playing The
Stock Market Game (SMG) led him to New
York City. Jack, a senior at Wayzata High School participated in the program through
teacher Candee Lee’s business course. In addition to investing in stocks, conducting
research and working with a team for the traditional game, Jack also participated in the
InvestWrite essay competition. InvestWrite is an optional component of The SMG that
incorporates critical thinking and writing skills.
This year, students were asked to respond with their thoughts on how they would
invest $100,000 if they were about to embark on a 40-year space mission. Jack used
his understanding of the stock market from a young age and participation in The SMG
to answer the question in an essay format. Not only did Jack place first in the state of
Minnesota – but also first in the nation! For his efforts, Jack earned a trip for a parent and
his teacher to New York City. While there, they visited the New York Stock Exchange.
Through the traditional SMG program, students work in teams to invest a hypothetical
$100,000 in common stocks and mutual funds. Students increase their knowledge of the
American economic system, develop financial literacy skills and gain skills to help them
become financially independent. The program is offered in fall, spring and yearlong
sessions.
9
Technology Integration Workshop
At a Glance
Teachers: 63
Volunteers: 71
9,450 students impacted
Highlight: Largest teacher
participation ever
Seventeen teachers attending the
Technology Integration Workshop
(TIW) got the opportunity to be paired with volunteer business partners from Target
Corporation’s TWIST group, (Target Women in Science and Technology). BestPrep staff
worked with Liz Kostelc from Target to create a unique experience for the teachers. These
educators became part of a Target Science and Technology Day pilot project that will be
available to students during the upcoming school year, rotating through several areas at
Target while learning about technology in the workplace.
The reviews from the day were overwhelmingly positive. Participating teacher, Angela
Zappa from Irondale High School, shared, “The overall experience was a 10. My business
partner provided a business perspective and was clear about the skills students need to
enter the workforce. The job shadow day was structured and every scheduled activity was
insightful - a definite highlight!” Angela’s business partner, Lisa Baez, commented, “It was
a great way to connect with educators and let them know what we are looking for in the
workforce.”
Sixty-three teachers attended the workshop this year. This a four-day professional
development opportunity was hosted by the University of St. Thomas. The program
is designed for teachers from a variety of backgrounds and disciplines to learn how to
make their curriculum more engaging for students through the use of technology. Each
participant leaves with a technology-infused lesson plan and an enhanced skill set.
10
BestPrep Events
BestPrep held two special events in 2011. In total, the events brought in
more than $79,000 to benefit BestPrep’s educational programs.
“Birdies for BestPrep”
On January 22nd, 470 guests attended the 13th
annual “Birdies for BestPrep” event. This fun,
interactive evening featured a professionally
designed miniature golf course, caricature
drawings, long putt challenge, golf simulator
and fabulous food. New this year was the use
of BidPal for the silent auction which allowed
guests to bid on more than 200 silent auction
items using a handheld device.
A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Humanitarian
Award to Ecolab. A founding company of BestPrep in 1976, Ecolab
has remained committed to BestPrep and the youth of Minnesota.
Doug Baker, President & CEO of Ecolab, accepted the award on
behalf of the company.
Annual Luncheon
BestPrep’s Annual Luncheon was held on May
19th at TCF Bank Stadium. More than 450
guests representing education, business and
nonprofits were in attendance. Awards were
presented to several outstanding students,
teachers and volunteers. The keynote address
was given by Bill Austin, CEO of Starkey.
11
BestPrep 2011 Award Winners
Each year, BestPrep honors our outstanding volunteers and teachers by
presenting them with awards. The 2011 BestPrep award winners included:
Bunzel Award
Barb Kaufmann, 3M
Leader of Vision Award
Kim Christianson, Ecolab
Board Member of Distinction
Dave Wilken, ING
Carpenter Award
Ryan Harrison, Rosemount High School
Larson Award (Financial Literacy)
Chris Peterson, Johnson High School
BestPrep Service Awards
Jenny Anderson, Deluxe Corporation
Gina Buchholz, St. John the Baptist School - Excelsior
Steve Finkelstein, Sterling Resource Group
Derek Hansen, American Funds
Viane Hoefs, TCF Bank
Berni Johnson-Clark, FamilyMeans
Tiffany Kirk, Wings Financial
Chris Long, Best Buy
Judson McNeil, The Toro Company
Jason Plank, Ameriprise Financial
Jason Semerad, 3M
Kate Stephany, UnitedHealth Group
Database Committee – Joe Inserra, Cargill; Kathy Havlik, Cargill;
Katie Catton, Boston Scientific; and Beverly Vignes, OptumHealth
Teacher of Excellence Awards
Laura Folven, Jonathan Elementary School - Chaska
Scott Hall, Harding High School - St. Paul
Sue Hoffman, Mahtomedi High School
Ray Lozano, Johnson High School - St. Paul
Denise Sullivan, Rosemount High School
12
Board of Directors
Jeffrey S. Betts
Viane R. Hoefs
Linda Odegard
Walter Bond
Anne Hofer
Marc Olson
Eric Carlson
Rob Jacob
David Owen
Paul Challe
Willie L. Jett II
Rick Pottratz
John Channon
Timothy P. Jordahl
Brad M. Robinson
Kim Christianson
Robert H. Kaitz
Mark D. Robinson
Andrew Cravero
Elisabeth A. Kline
David B. Sanford
Jay Dailey
Thomas J. Kopacek
Todd Schnobrich
Andy Darvell
Gretchen Korf
Deb Schoneman
Mindy J. Deardurff
Jean M. Kyle
David L. Schwartz
Deborah A. Ellingboe
Matthew L. Kyler
Brandon A. Landin
Michael J. Sherlock
James J. LoScalzo
Sonia D. Smith
Kimberly A. Lowe
Timothy A. Stoffel
Mark K. Mekler
Mary Streed
Eric Mesenburg
Danielle K. Swann
Nicole Middendorf
David J. Vrieze
Cathy Misko
Mark P. Weber
Dixie F. Nelson
Joseph M. Welle
Kenneth F. Niemi
John Wernz
Grant Thornton LLP
Walter Bond Seminars, Inc.
RBC Wealth Management
Boston Scientific
H.B. Fuller Company
Ecolab Inc.
Frontier Communications
CBS Radio
Travelers
Carlson School of Management
Faegre & Benson
Jeannie Fichtel
U.S. Bank
Martha Field
Thomson Reuters
Andrew B. Fishman
Affiance Financial
Karen A. Florez
Wells Fargo Private Bank
Alfred A. Galgano
Padilla Speer Beardsley
Jacqueline L. Grant
The Ken Blanchard Companies
David Harkness
Xcel Energy
Andy Hennig
3M
Michael A. Hirner
Hewlett-Packard Company
13
TCF Bank
HSBC Card and Retail Services
Allstate - Jacob Group Agency
St. Paul Public Schools
Wells Fargo Banks, N.A.
BestPrep
Thrivent Financial for Lutherans
Retired Educator
Allianz Life
Imation Corporation
Medtronic, Inc.
Robinson Rubber Products, Inc.
UnitedHealthcare
AT & T
M&I, a part of BMO Financial Group Cargill, Inc.
UnitedHealth Group
Minnesota Department of Education
Ernst & Young LLP
Hewlett-Packard Company
Fredrikson & Byron, P.A.
Raymond James & Associates, Inc.
C.H. Robinson Worldwide, Inc.
Strategic Financial, Inc.
Walmart
KPMG LLP
Xpand Corp
Piper Jaffray
Deloitte Tax, LLP
Colleen E. Simms
PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP
Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc.
Graco Inc.
Securian Financial Group
MetLife
Vrieze & Company
Weber Marketing/Promotions, Inc.
Bremer Bank
Wealth Enhancement Group
David P. Wilken
ING
BestPrep Staff
Sarah Bain
Program Associate, Classroom Plus, eMentors,
Financial Matters & Technology Integration
Workshop
Andrea Hanson
Vice President, Educational Programs
Director, Minnesota Business Venture
Elizabeth Johnson
Director, Development & Special Events
Bob Kaitz
President & CEO
Stephanie Malon-Rufi
Program Associate, eMentors
Laura Marvin
Program Manager, Classroom Plus &
Financial Matters
Janae Olinger
Program Associate, eMentors &
Minnesota Business Venture
John Schulte
Vice President Finance & Technology
Rachel Schwalbach
Program Manager, The Stock Market Game
Graphics Coordinator
Justin Simonson
Program Associate, Classroom Plus,
eMentors & Financial Matters
Public Relations Associate
Bonnie Vagasky
Vice President, Special Projects
Program Manager, eMentors &
Technology Integration Workshop
Meg McCracken
Education Outreach Specialist
BestPrep staff with Dr. Fareed Zakaria at BestPrep’s 2011 Educational Forum
14
Financial Summary
Dear Friends of BestPrep,
I often think of BestPrep as the “little nonprofit that could”. The organization has chugged
along for 35 successful years, expanding its outreach, increasing participation and creating and
delivering quality programming along the way. Though the staff and budget are relatively small,
the organization does SO much, reaching more than 1.3 million students since the organization’s
inception.
BestPrep continued to prove its merit this year. As the Treasurer, I am proud to report that we ended
2010-2011 with a $38,300 surplus. I am delighted to report that our funding has allowed us to hire an
Education Outreach Specialist, who will focus on expanding BestPrep’s program participation across
the state.
Thank you for your continued support of BestPrep’s efforts to prepare students with business, career
and financial literacy skills.
Best,
Timothy Jordahl
BestPrep Treasurer
Senior Vice President
Wells Fargo
Total Revenues
3%
1%
10%
Total Expenses
5%
7%
8%
8%
5%
87%
80%
87%
Contributions
Fees
Special Events
15
Inkind and Interest
Other Revenue
Program Expenses
Management and General
Fundraising
Financial Summary
Statement of Financial Position and Activities for Fiscal Year Ended August 31, 2011
Support and Revenue
Contributions
Fees
Special Events
Inkind & Interest
Other Revenue
Total Support and Revenue
$933,075
$114,896
$79,155
$8,459
$34,753
$1,170,338
80%
10%
7%
1%
3%
100%
Expenditures
Program Expenses
Management and General
Fundraising
Total Expenses
$986,888
$58,159
$86,798
$1,131,845
87%
5%
8%
100%
Surplus/(Deficit)
$38,493*
Assets
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Contributions Receivable
Fees Receivable
Other Current Assets
Net Fixed Assets
Total Assets
$370,647
$80,025
$2,971
$100,473
$20,489
$574,605
Liabilities and Net Assets
Accounts Payable
Accrued Expenses & Other Current Liabilities
Unrestricted Net Assets
Temporarily Restricted Net Assets
Net Income
Total Liabilities and Net Assets
$54,778
$148,301
$209,715
$123,318
$38,493
$574,605
*Reporting on unrestricted funds only
16
BestPrep Donors
BestPrep thanks the following 2011 fiscal year donors
for their generous contributions!
3M Foundation
Affiance Financial, LLC
Affinity Plus Foundation
Allianz Life
Becky Alsop
American Bank of the North
American Family Insurance
American Funds
Ameriprise Financial Employee Gift
Matching Program
Ameriprise Financial, Inc.
Anchor Bank - Arden Hills
Anchor Bank - Wayzata & Plymouth
Kristi Andersen
Ankeny Foundation
on behalf of Pete & Margie Ankeny
Anonymous
APG Cash Drawer
Assurant Inc.
AT&T
Avon State Bank
Rodney Bacon
Doug and Julie Baker
Bank Midwest
Baratz Family Foundation
Vicente Barreiro
Dean Barton
Beacon Bank
Charles P. & Mary E. Belgarde Foundation
Heidi Benedict
Bernick’s Beverages & Vending
Best Buy Children’s Foundation
The Blanchard Foundation
Boston Scientific
Tamara Bratland
17
Bremer Bank
Charles Buck
Laida Bunzel
Eugenie Burns
The Business Bank
Ted Cadwell
Christopher Campbell
Cargill, Inc.
Cargill Corn Milling Division
The Carlson Family Foundation
Todd Carlson
Castle Rock Bank
Cetera Financial Group
Kevin Champion
John and Lisa Channon
Kim Christianson and Paul Slininger
Darin Ciavarella
Citizens Independent Bank
Community Foundation
John and Donna Comer
John Conlin
Copeland Buhl and Company
Marilyn Corrigan
Cale Coughlan
Doug Cozad
Andy Cravero
Crown Bank
Peter Cullen
Culligan Water Conditioning Company
Gregg Cummings
Jay and Susan Dailey
Andy Darvell and Sarah Cash-Darvell
David Hottinger and Mary Kaul-Hottinger
Deerwood Bank
Dellwood Foundation
BestPrep Donors
Deloitte Services “Jeans for Charity”
Campaign
Deloitte Tax, Inc.
Deluxe Corporation Foundation
Amanda and Jacob Dettmann
Steve Dixon
Tom Domini
Donaldson Company, Inc.
Gregg Dorazio
Scott Dorow
Cindy and Jim Drahos
Ecolab Foundation
Jerry and Pat Elliott
Emerson Process Management
Sarah Erickson
Ernst & Young, LLP
F & M Bank Minnesota
Faegre & Benson Foundation
Faribault Foods
Farmers & Merchants State Bank New York Mills
Federated Insurance
Fidelity Bank
Martha Field
Financial Planning Association of Minnesota
Anne Finch
Fingerhut Family Foundation
Steve Finkelstein
First Bank & Trust N.A. - Pipestone
First Farmers & Merchants National Bank Pipestone
First National Bank of Bemidji
First National Bank of Milaca
First National Bank of Osakis
First State Bank & Trust
First State Bank Southwest
Andrew B. Fishman
Karen A. Florez
Foundation for Financial Planning
Fredrikson & Bryon Foundation
Mark Fritsch
Karen Gemmill
General Mills Foundation
Jerry and Joyce Golden
GoodSearch
Graco Inc.
Great River Energy
Kristie Greve
Jason Grosz
Michael Groth
V. Ione Guyer
H.B. Fuller Company Foundation
Derek Hansen
Andrea Hanson
Jim Hanson
Suzanne Hanson and Jon Crumpton
David Harkness
Ken and Mary Pat Hauck
Echo Haung
Andy Hennig
Heritage Bank - Willmar
Megan Herzog
John R. Hinz
Michael A. Hirner
Hiway Federal Credit Union
Susan Kay Hoffman
HSBC Bank USA, N.A.
Hubbard Broadcasting Foundation
Lori Hume
Imation
Doug and Nancy Imholte
ING Employee Matching Gifts Program
ING Foundation
Initiative Foundation
Mindy Isaacs
Timothy Jackson
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BestPrep Donors
Shawn and Jen Jacobson
Jenessa Jensen
Elizabeth and Harold Johnson
Melissa Johnson
Dave and Kris Jones
Timothy P. Jordahl
JRA Financial Advisors
Laura Juergens
Cathy Juilfs
Bob and Candee Kaitz
Steven Kalin
Sidney and Joy Kaplan
Todd Kelzenberg
Orrin and Judy Kessel
Barbara Kirby
Jason Kley
Elisabeth A. Kline
Katie Kloster
Koochiching Economic Development
Authority
Tom Kopacek
Gretchen Korf
Sid Kossowsky
KPMG, LLP
David Krause
Matthew L. Kyler
Kevin Laing
Brandon A. Landin
Leonette M. and Fred T. Lanners Foundation
Joe Larkin
Leah Lawrence - Star Tribune
Steve Lear
Candy Lee
Doug Lennick
Ross Levin
Christa and Scott Ley
Dick and Peg Lidstad
Lockheed Martin
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Kris Lolling
Jim LoScalzo
Nick Lowe
Eric Lucas
Sara and Craig Lyons
M&I Foundation
Kathy Malek
Brian Mallaro
John and Lisa Manders
Marfield Charitable Foundation
Margaret Rivers Fund
Mary Marion
Martin County Youth Foundation
Valerie Martinson
The Marvin Warroad Area Foundation
Laura Marvin
Daniel and Kris May
Wally May
Mike McConnell
Rachelle McCord
Malcolm and Wendy McLean
McVay Foundation
The Medtronic Foundation
Kevin and Lynne Megan
Stephanie Mehta
Mark and Sara Mekler
Tom Menzel
Tim Mercil
Eric Mesenburg
Microsoft Volunteer Hours Program
Minneapolis Public Schools
Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal
Minnesota Security Dealers Association
Minnesota Society of Certified
Public Accountants
Brad and Diane Minske
Kristine and David Mogollon
Eric Moleski
BestPrep Donors
Michael Moore
Steve Morawetz
Curt Morgan
Jeanne Myrkle
Bruce Nathanson
Dixie and Brooks Nelson
Jennifer Nelson
Mike and Deb Newman
Norseman Apparel
North Second Street Steel Supply Inc.
North Star Resource Group
NorthMarq Capital
Jamice and Chudi Obianyo
Linda Odegard and Harlan Cavert
Curt Okerson
Marc and Laurie Olson
Michael and Sherrie Overton
David Owen
Padilla Speer Beardsley
The Pentair Foundation
Jay Petersen
Brenda Peterson
Pine Island Bank
Piper Jaffray Employee Gift Matching
Program
Piper Jaffray Foundation
Jason and Hillary Plank
Polaris Industries
Craig Pratt
PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP
Private Bank of Minnesota
David Purdy
Qwest Foundation
Stacey Raaf
RBC Foundation - USA
RBC Royal Bank Employee Volunteer
Grant Program
Red Wing Shoe Company Foundation
Alice Richter
Rochester Commercial Banks Association
Roundbank
Robert Rutscher
Clifford Sackett
David B. Sanford
Janet Sassone
Laura Scanlon
Angela Schema
Dave Schimke
Lisa and Jay Schlosser
Kelly Schmidt
Tanya Schmitt
Todd and Jenni Schnobrich
Debbra and Lee Schoneman
Schott Foundation
Bill Schramm
Rick Schroeder and Wendy Wampach
Rachel Schwalbach
David Schwartz
Scott Richards North Star
Charitable Foundation
Securian Foundation
Security State Bank - Warroad
Spenser Segal
Share Save Spend, LLC - Nathan Dungan
Michael J. Sherlock
Lonnie Sievert
Sigature Bank
Ed Silberman
Colleen E. Simms
Sit Investment Associates Foundation
Sean Smith
Sonia D. Smith
Janet Stanzak
State Bank of New Prague
Mary Steed
Steele-Waseca Cooperative Electric
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BestPrep Donors
Paul Stein
Catherine Stemper
Kate Stephany
Dyne Stephenson
Michael Steward
Timothy A. Stoffel
Denise Sullivan
SUPERVALU Northern Region
Sarah and Andy Tate
Adam and Marika Taylor
TCF Foundation
Think Bank Rochester
Karyn and Steve Thompson
Thomson Reuters
Thrivent Financial Employee
Gift Matching Program
Thrivent Financial for Lutherans Foundation
Thrivent VOLUNTEERS! Employee
Volunteer Program
Lee and Susan Tollefson
Toro Giving Program
Travelers Foundation
TruStone Financial
U.S. Bancorp Foundation
U.S. Bancorp Foundation Employee
Matching Gift Program
U.S. Energy Services, Inc.
Union Bank and Trust
UnitedHealthcare
Todd Utecht
Venture Bank
Voyager Bank
David J. Vrieze
W.C. Rasmussen - Northeast Bank Foundation
Ron P. Wacks
Walmart Foundation
Walmart Store - Forest Lake
Walmart Store - Midway St. Paul
Walmart Store - Oak Park Heights
Walmart Store - St. Anthony
Walmart Store - Vadnais Heights
Walmart Store - West St. Paul
Walmart Store - Woodbury
James Walsh
Warner Properties
Kyle Watkins
WCCO Radio
Joseph M.Welle
Wells Fargo Foundation Minnesota
Wells Fargo Greater Minnesota Region
Wenger Foundation
John and Kim Wernz
Western Bank
Western Graphics
Mark Whitelaw
Dave Wilken
Bob Williams
Lorraine Williams
Wings Financial
David and Lisa Wolfe
Jacob Wolkowitz
Wolters Kluwer Financial
Xcel Energy Foundation
Xcel Energy Foundation Matching
Gifts Program
Alan and Marilyn Youel
David and Carol Zaudtke
Suzanne and Greg Zeller
The above list of financial donors represents contributions received through August 31, 2011 and does not include our
generous supporters through event sponsorship or raffle ticket sales.
We have done our best to ensure this list is accurate. If you see an error or omission, please contact
Elizabeth Johnson at ejohnson@bestprep.org.
21
“Being a volunteer and financial supporter
of BestPrep satisfies my sense of purpose
to the highest degree possible. No other
nonprofit in the country provides career
and financial education to the depth and
breadth like BestPrep, reaching thousands
of Minnesota students annually.”
- Steve Lear
President, Affiance Financial
2010 BestPrep Volunteer of the Year
7100 Northland Circle N., Suite 402
Brooklyn Park, MN 55428
763.398.0090 fax: 763.398.0391 www.bestprep.org info@bestprep.org