Awards & Recognitions

The City of Red Wing is pleased to announce having received the following awards.

2010 Awards

Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting Presented to the City of Red Wing

The Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting has been awarded to the City of Red Wing by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) for its 2008 comprehensive annual financial report (CAFR). The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting, and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by a government and its management. 

The CAFR has been judged by an impartial panel to meet the high standards of the program including demonstrating a constructive “spirit of full disclosure” to clearly communicate its financial story and motivate potential users and user groups to read the CAFR.

2009 Awards

Police Chief Awarded for Service Above Self

Police Chief Tim Sletten was selected recently by the Red Wing Rotary Club as one of two recipients of the annual "Service Above Self" Award. Sletten was nominated based on his high level of commitment to the community - particularly in law enforcement's role with abused and at-risk youth, domestic violence and underage drinking. He leads a department that has dealt with serious crimes and has a solid track record of solving them. Sletten has been recognized nationally for his efforts to combat crimes against women and is heavily involved with the Goodhue Chemical Health Initiative, the Environmental Learning Center, the Red Wing Human Rights Commission and Children First. With this honor, the Rotary Club is donating $300 in Sletten's name to Kids Count. He will appear in the River City Days parade in August as a Grand Marshal.

Red Wing Police Officer Receives Statewide Recognition for DWI Enforcement

Red Wing Police Officer Steve Loomis was named to the 2009 Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) Driving While Intoxicated Enforcement All-Star Team for his efforts to keep roads safe by arresting 42 impaired drivers in 2008. Loomis, a three-and-a-half year veteran of the agency, was named along with 30 other law enforcement representatives and three prosecutors from across Minnesota. The DWI Enforcer All-Stars were honored during pre-game festivities at the Minnesota Twins game July 8.

2008 Awards

Doug Alms received an award from Lisa Thorvig, manager of the MPCA's Municipal Division at the 71st Annual Wastewater Operations Conference in Brooklyn Center.

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) staff recently reviewed the performance of Red Wing's permitted wastewater treatment system from October 1, 2006 through September 30, 2007 and found that Red Wing met the criteria for recognition as an outstanding facility. Facility Manager Doug Alms accepted the award on behalf of the Waste Water Treatment staff. Doug and his staff were recognized for outstanding operations, maintenance and compliance of wastewater treatment system. Brad Moore, Commissioner for the MPCA said, "It is this kind of work that has enabled Minnesota to achieve a significant reduction of pollution coming from point sources.

National Trust for Historic Preservation Names Red Wing, Minnesota to it's 2008 List of American's Dozen Distinctive Destinations Perfect Combination of Architectural History and Natural Beauty Washington, D.C.

On February 7, the National Trust for Historic Preservation named Red Wing, Minnesota one of its 2008 Dozen Distinctive Destinations. Since 2000, the National Trust for Historic Preservation has annually selected communities across the United States that offer cultural and recreational experiences different from the typical vacation destination. From dynamic downtowns and stunning architecture to cultural diversity and commitments to historic preservation, the selected destinations boast a richness of character and exude an authentic sense of place.

Conveniently located only one hour south of the Twin Cities, Red Wing, Minnesota perfectly combines an impressive architectural history with an enviable natural environment. Historically and architecturally significant buildings dominate the community's landscape and reflect its mid-19th century beginnings as a riverfront trade point. This treasure trove boasts a total of 25 listings on the National Register of Historic Places while its downtown district retains the majority of the commercial buildings that were constructed during the city's early boom period of
1860 - 1910.

Red Wing has long been considered a leader in the historic preservation movement in Minnesota, maintaining and rehabilitating a wide range of structures throughout the city. Landmarks include the St. James Hotel, one of the region's most celebrated hotels and a member of the National Trust Historic Hotels of America, the Sheldon Theatre, a turn-of-the century cultural icon, and the west residential historic district, a neighborhood that retains much of its original character and architectural styles, including Italianate, Queen Anne, Classical Revival and Prairie School.

"This is a city that knows history matters," said Richard Moe, president of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. "With its historic river charm, Red Wing, Minnesota has sensitively preserved its heritage and natural resources to create a thriving and vital community that has much to offer residents and visitors alike."
"Preserving Red Wing's heritage has been a community-wide commitment for generations and continues to this day," said Red Wing mayor Donna Dummer. "Our mission, driven by residents, businesses and city officials, is to ‘capture the vibrancy of growth while preserving and enhancing the city's unique historic and natural environmental character.'"

Natural resources abound with Red Wing's riverfront, majestic bluffs, hiking trails and immaculately preserved city parks. The city's most famous landmark, Barn Bluff, showcases sweeping views of the area. From the top of the 340-foot bluff, miles of Wisconsin's and Minnesota's urban and rural countryside are visible against the backdrop of the Mississippi River. The city is also noted for a 19.7 mile paved bike trail that runs parallel to the Cannon River between Red Wing and Cannon Falls. With overhanging cliffs that allow for extensive views of nature's seasonal changes, the area is unsurpassed for its beauty and serenity. Red Wing is celebrated for being one of the Top Ten locations in the United States for its spectacular fall foliage.

City of Red Wing Recognized for Communications

The City of Red Wing received two Minnesota Association of Government Communicators (MAGC) top honors - Awards of Excellence - on May 22 for its communications efforts. Its Sesquicentennial Communications Plan was chosen for the top award among state-level government agencies in the Marketing Plans category. The Award of Merit in that category went to the Minneapolis/St. Paul Metropolitan Council Marketing Department. Red Wing's sesquicentennial logo was also granted the Award of Excellence in the Visual Design - Logos/Illustrations/Graphics category. Award of Merits for that category were presented to the City of Eden Prairie and the City of Minneapolis.

Red Wing's sesquicentennial celebration in 2007 involved many volunteers and city staff led by Mayor Donna Dummer and Council Member Steve Castner. Its Communication Plan was developed and executed by a Publicity Committee directed by Chairperson Diane Dingfelder; staffed by Deanna Sheely; and consisting of the following volunteers: Denise Alt, Heather Leiferman, Craig Livingstone, Lavergne Manuel, Clare Pavelka, Maureen Shipley, Kathy Silverthorn and Lisa Woletz. Through the plan, the committee obtained more than $21,000 in free publicity through local, regional and Midwest publications...the celebratory events - ticketed and free-of-charge - resulted in full attendance...the performing arts theatre was full for the kick-off birthday party...the outdoor Guess Who concert was sold out...the Chicken Que had the Lion's Club scouring all the grocery stores in the area for more chicken to grill for the lines of waiting customers...the streets along the parade route were packed and there were hundreds of volunteers and funders who committed time, talent and resources to create this community celebration.

The full-color sesquicentennial logo, designed by resident Lydia Anderson of Snow Dog Design, replaced the standard City of Red Wing logo for the year. The logo successfully engaged interest in Red Wing's sesquicentennial events and activities. It provided the Fundraising Committee an identity upon which to successfully request private support for the celebration. It became the foundation for building brand awareness for this small community celebrating 150 years of doing great things for the people who work and live in it and leadership that takes pride in the economic, environmental and historic attributes the community offers.

Many merchandise items sported the logo and many local businesses supported the sesquicentennial merchandise committee by displaying it. Groups such as the Red Wing Arts Association, Downtown Main Street, ArtReach and United Way featured the logo in their materials and events throughout the year. Due to high demand, a Merchandising Committee was formed to develop items displaying the sesquicentennial logo which were sold to help fund sesquicentennial activities and create awareness about the celebration. This committee's efforts generated $17,000 in revenue from sesquicentennial merchandise to help fund the celebration.

City employees from the Communications Division, Deanna Sheely and Megan Amsden, attended the MAGC event and accepted the awards at the Minnesota History Center in St. Paul, 345 Kellogg Boulevard West.

The Minnesota Association of Government Communicators (MAGC) is a peer organization of communications professionals who are dedicated to improving public sector communications. Members represent all levels of government - federal, state, regional, county, and local - as well as school districts, universities and colleges, nonprofits, and agencies serving these organizations. In their work, members serve as writers, editors, graphic designers, publications staff and managers, marketing and public relations specialists, web designers, public information officers, media relations specialists, teachers and professors, photographers, and more. For more information about MAGC, visit www.magconline.org.

For more information about MAGC, visit www.magconline. org., and for more information about Red Wing's Communications Division, please visit www.red-wing.org.

2007 Awards

City Employee Recognized with State Award

Deputy Director Jay McCleary was recently awarded the 2006 Distinguished Member of the Year Award from the Minnesota Chapter of the National Institute of Governmental Purchasing (NIGP.) Fellow NIGP member Barb Paul, from Olmstead County, nominated McCleary and he was presented the award January 12 by the local NIGP Chapter. Paul's nomination stated she nominated him "...not only because of his contributions in 2006, but his relentless contributions he has made throughout the previous years. He is a major contributor in all discussions and programs. In doing so, Jay serves as a mentor to everyone in attendance. His networking capabilities are outstanding; his longevity in the purchasing field and his experience working with the national organization are tremendous assets that the chapter lacks at times when those with a lot of purchasing experience cannot attend the meetings. The mission of the chapter is education and, without having mentors like Jay standing before us, the newcomers in the field seriously lack the advantages others may have had in the past."

McCleary is responsible for making sure that all large purchases by every city department are done professionally, ethically and that they comply with the laws of the State of Minnesota and the rules set forth by the City Council.

The City of Red Wing received two Awards of Excellence from the Minnesota Association of Government Communicators (MAGC)

Red Wing's Current was chosen for the top award among state-level government agencies in the category of Periodical Printed Publication - External Audience. It was granted the Award of Excellence among publications including "Briefing" by the City of Bloomington, and "About Town" by the City of Edina. Red Wing's Current is mailed to every address within city limits monthly and highlights local government news.

The City Scoop was also granted the Award of Excellence in the category of Periodical Electronic Publication - Internal Audience. The Award of Merit went to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency for its MPCA eNews. The City Scoop is produced and distributed electronically to all employees of the City of Red Wing, the Sheldon Performing Arts Theatre, the Red Wing Port Authority, and the Red Wing Housing and Redevelopment Authority.

City employees from the Communications Division, Deanna Sheely and Megan Amsden, accepted the awards at the annual MAGC Northern Lights Banquet held May 23 at the Dakota

Lodge in Thompson County Park, 1200 Stassen Lane, in West St. Paul. Both publications are written and edited internally and designed by Lydia Anderson with Snow Dog Design, 154 Tower View Drive, Red Wing. The Minnesota Association of Government Communicators (MAGC) is a peer organization of communications professionals who are dedicated to improving public sector communications.

Members represent all levels of government - federal, state, regional, county, and local - as well as school districts, universities and colleges, nonprofits, and agencies serving these organizations. In their work, members serve as writers, editors, graphic designers, publications staff and managers, marketing and public relations specialists, web designers, public
information officers, media relations specialists, teachers and professors, photographers, and more. For more information about MAGC, visit www.magconline.org.

The City of Red Wing won two awards at the America in Bloom competion in Rockford, Ill.

Red Wing was recently awarded top honors in a national contest sponsored by America in Bloom (AIB). AIB is an independent, non-profit organization encouraging nationwide beautification programs, personal and community involvement, educational programs, and the challenge of a friendly competition among participating communities across the country.

Red Wing was led to this victory by a group of volunteers who began meeting in February 2007. In June, AIB judges traveled to Red Wing to judge the community on its efforts related to eight criteria - floral displays, urban forestry, landscaped areas, turf and groundcover, tidiness, environmental awareness, heritage conservation, and community involvement.

Overall AIB awards were given in seven population categories. Red Wing won this competition against three other cities in the 15,001 to 25,000 population category. In addition, Red Wing was presented one of eight "best of the best" Criteria Awards. A Criteria Award was given across all population categories for each of the eight judging criteria. The judges' comments identified Red Wing as the winner of the Environmental Awareness Award due to its unique Environmental Learning Center program and its environmentally conscious approach to managing municipal solid waste.

The AIB awards were announced during the sixth annual AIB Symposium and Awards Program in Rockford, Illinois. There were 39 communities from all regions of the country participating in this year's competition.

The AIB committee presented the awards to the City Council at its October 8 meeting. The committee is made up of Dave and Diane Hallstrom (co-chairs), Terry Yockey, Bob Lewis, Dave and Nikki Lewis, Koryl Magnuson, Rick Seyffer, Deanna Sheely, Bill Rooney, Steve Kohn, Carl Evans, Kathy Silverthorn, Deanna Gearhart, Tris Danielson, Judith Williams, Nancy Swanson, Dawn Wettern, Anne Jacobson, LaVonne Lommel, and Jason Jech. Plans are underway to utilize this award to continue Red Wing's beautification efforts and promote the community as a desirable place to live, work and play.

The City of Red Wing's communications efforts garnered two awards recently from the nation's leading organization for improving local government communication with constituents

Red Wing's Solid Waste Communications Plan was awarded first place nationally with a Savvy Award in the Communications Plan - Jurisdictional & Departmental Communications category. In addition, Red Wing's sesquicentennial logo was chosen to win with the Silver Circle Award in the Marketing Plans and Tools - Branding/New Logo category. There were a total of 781 Savvy entries. City employee Deanna Sheely accepted the awards on behalf of the City of Red Wing at the 3CMA annual conference October 25 in Kansas City, Missouri.

Sheely worked with Public Works Director Denny Tebbe and Deputy Public Works Director Rick Moskwa to create the Savvy-award winning communications plan to provide accurate information about the City Council's solid waste initiatives to the community and other stakeholders.

Red Wing's sesquicentennial logo was granted 3CMA's second place award, the Silver Circle. The logo, being used only during the 2007 calendar year, depicts a four-color view of the community's signature view of the river and bridge. It was designed by local artist Lydia Anderson from Snow Dog Design. Anderson said, "I am a proud resident of Red Wing, both my parents grew up here, as well as my grandparents and great-grandparents. It was an honor to work on the project - I loved contributing to the sesquicentennial celebration." Judges for this category of wrote, "Eye-catching logo clearly conveys its message and is well-executed in sample materials. Nice use of limited funds." The City of Red Wing unveiled the new logo at the March 4 kick-off event for its year-long celebration. This special logo is featured on limited, commemorative sesquicentennial merchandise including a poster, pottery pieces, a screen saver CD, wine and several apparel items. For more information on sesquicentennial merchandise, visit www.red-wing.org and click on the award winning logo.

Sheely said, "We are honored to receive this national recognition which compares our work to other communities across the country. This type of outside evaluation helps provide direction and validation for the City Council's commitment to communicating with the community in a healthy manner."

For more information on 3CMA, visit www.3cma.org