The Dakota-Scott Workforce Development Board (WDB) recently recognized Uponor North America (Uponor) as an Employer of Excellence award winner in the large-company category. Uponor was selected based on answers it provided in a survey designed to analyze several key employment practices: turnover, rate of growth, promotion rates, diversity of management, benefits and more.

“Uponor is honored to be a recipient of this year’s Employer of Excellence award,” Uponor Vice President of Human Resources Kara Hayft said. “Our recognition and participation in the survey provided us with a new level of self-awareness and also more visibility among our industry peers and community. Despite our rapid growth, we’ve managed to preserve our positive and collaborative culture, which is a crucial attraction piece for us in this tight labor market. The opportunity to be recognized for our success in this area is something that we’re very proud of.”

“As low unemployment rates continue to challenge employers to create innovative ways to attract and retain employees in Minnesota, our organization elevates the efforts of area employers by providing an overview of employment data, trends and best practices to maintain an engaged workforce,” Workforce Development Board Business Services Committee Chair and Workforce Summit Planning Committee Co-Chair Mark Lofthus said. “In addition, each year we enjoy recognizing the best employers in the two-county area with our awards program. In total, 10 employers in Dakota and Scott counties were honored this year.”

In other Uponor news, the company hired three new senior directors. Chris Budion will serve as senior director of sales operations, Doug Futon was named senior director of corporate strategy and segment marketing and Linda Novitt is the new senior director of brand, corporate communications and marketing communications.