On Monday, November 1 from 10:30AM to 1PM Midwest Staffing team members, Chris Kratochvil, Justin Smith, Dan Webinger and Mary Verdeja along with Firstat's Brian Thoemke, attended “Celebrate Opportunity” an Opportunity Partners event. The event was an executive networking and business recognition luncheon to celebrate and learn how people with disabilities enhance our workplace. Midwest Staffing and Firstat donated $1,250 to help people with disabilities add value to the Twin Cities area.

The “Celebrate Opportunity” networking luncheon was hosted by Frank Vascellaro from WCCO-TV with keynote speaker Randy Lewis, Senior Vice President of Supply Chain Management for Walgreens. Walgreens the largest pharmacy chain in the United States is one of the strongest supporters of Opportunity Partners by integrating people with disabilities into their workforce, marketplace and supplier chain. Randy discussed the success Walgreens has had by integrating Opportunity Partners workers into their distribution channels. They plan to increase the employment percentage of employees with disabilities by 20 percent. This is Walgreens secret to success; with this in mind your business should consider contacting Opportunity Partners.

Other than having the privilege of listening to Guest speaker Randy Lewis, the luncheon also included a speed networking session. Speed networking is similar to speed dating, a timed round robin where professionals meet to exchange contact information and their companies goals and history. Afterwards professionals decide on whom they will connect with or where they can utilize their product or service. A few businesses that Chris Kratochvil of Midwest Staffing connected with were Graybow HD, Minnesota Life College and Anchor Insurance Agency.

Besides a great networking event Midwest Staffing and Firstat fully intend to participate in this event again November 1, 2012. Not only to connect with other business professionals but to support the added value and the impact Opportunity Partners has on our community.

On Thursday September 22, 2011 Midwest Staffing held their Second Annual Golf Classic. This year's Golf Classic was located at the Oak Marsh Golf Course in Oakdale, MN. To enhance our fundraising efforts for SafeJourney this year, Midwest Staffing has partnered with their sister company Firstat Nursing and raised $1170 for this great cause. SafeJourney is a nonprofit organization at North Memorial Medical Center focusing on assisting domestic abuse victims and has helped 1,295 victims in 2010.

Chris Kratochvil, Director of Sales for Midwest Staffing Group, is a volunteer for SafeJourney and a benefit board member for SafeJourney. Chris is on call once per month to assist and support victims of domestic violence. Chris provides guidance and counseling to help the victims, and free their life from violent situations and most importantly he listens to them.

The Golf Classic consisted of teams of 4 at different hole starting with shotgun start simultaneously and was a best ball scramble. The men's team had a course breaking record score of 53 and won the grand prize of 4 lower level tickets to the Minnesota Vikings vs. the Denver Broncos donated by Michael Thoemke and Midwest Staffing. Other prizes were awarded for longest drive by a woman and a man, the longest putt and ball closest to the pin on a drive.

Participating donors:
Minnesota Timberwolves and Jim Buffo - 4 Lower Level Timberwolves tickets and a team signed basketball.
Oak Marsh and Midwest Staffing - 4 gift cards to the Oak Marsh Pro Shop.
Health Partners - Notebooks, toothbrushes, cell phone disinfectant and pens.

If you missed this opportunity to help SafeJourney another opportunity is coming up at their annual fundraiser "A Celebration for Courage". On Thursday, November 17th, 2011 at The Hyatt Regency in Minneapolis the event entails an elegant dinner, social hour, silent and live auction and a SafeJourney presentation. If you would like to attend, donate or contribute to the auction, please contact Jenny Kratochvil at 763-520-4151 or by emailing safejourney@northmemorial.com for more information.

To see photos from the event visit our facebook page. Also if you want to be notified about future events sign up to our monthly newsletter. Finally a special thank you, to all participants, sponsors and Oak Marsh Golf Course that made this event successful.

On June 4, 2010 Midwest Staffing and Firstat raised $832.90 for Opportunity Partners at the first annual "Rock & Raise" event. The event was located at the Medina Entertainment Center in Medina, Minnesota. The event consisted of local bands, Ekoflo, Earth to Tolley, Wylee, and a special guest appearance of KISS (impersonators).

Jon Thompson, President of Opportunity
Partners rocks with special guest KISS at the
"Rock & Raise" fundraiser.

The event opened with Ekoflo and was followed by Earth to Tolley who performed until 9 pm. During the short intersession, Opportunity Partners President Jon Thompson gave special thanks to all the attendees supporting Opportunity Partners’ mission of taking "dis" out of disability. Then after months of great anticipation, Jon Thompson introduced the mysterious guest, KISS. KISS performed one song, "Rock and Roll All Nite," and fans and supporters went hysterical. Immediately after the performance, KISS indulged the paparazzi while enjoying a few cocktails with fans.

Just when fans enthusiasm began to deteriorate, Wylee stepped up and jolted the crowd until the end of the night. Also, fans of Brett Michaels flowed in after their show, thirsty for more entertainment. Wylee tunes were satisfying Brett Michaels’ fans, the KISS dance moves drew curiosity, and in a short period of time the vacant dance floor was flooded. Wylee showed no interest of exiting the stage, but at 12:30 a.m. Medina Entertainment Center needed to close the doors which they already graciously left open 30 extra minutes.

Midwest Staffing and Firstat would like to give a special thanks to the bands, attendees, and supporters who help make this event possible. To see photos from the event or upcoming events visit Midwest Staffing or Firstat on their Facebook page and you can follow them both on Twitter.

Visit our facebook page for more details.

On June 4th from 6pm to 12am Midwest Staffing will be rocking to raise money for Opportunity Partners. Opportunity Partners is a dedicated non-profit organization that provides people with disabilities with the skills to gain independence for greater self-sufficiency. These skills allow them to be successful in the workforce and involved in their communities.

The rocking bands will consist of local legends like “Wylee”, “Earth to Tolly” and more along with a surprise special guest appearing at 9pm. This rocking event will be located at the Medina Entertainment center in Medina MN, food and beverages will be available at Roberts Bar & Restaurant located inside the center.

Purchase your tickets begining April 12, 2010 through June 3rd at http://www.medinaentertainment.com/shop/rock-and-raise/ for only $20, or at the door on the day of the event for $30 . If there are any further questions or concerns please contact Jen Granner at Midwest Staffing by phone 612-269-5686 or e-mail jgranner@midweststaffing.com. We hope to see you there !