The Dakota-Scott Workforce Development Board held its Legislative and Employer Awards event Dec. 10. Award recipients included:
Mark McAfee Friend of Workforce Development Award
Kati Bachmayer, City of Lakeville economic development director, received the Mark McAfee Friend of Workforce Development Award. It is presented to an individual who has championed workforce issues at the local, state or federal level.
Bachmayer's work includes economic development strategic planning, managing programs, working with businesses and promoting the city. She is also active in numerous organizations, many focused on workforce.
Bob Klas Sr. Entrepreneur Award
Esme Miranda of Squeaky Services received the Bob Klas Sr. Entrepreneur Award, which recognizes a local entrepreneur success story.
Miranda started the business in 2018 and offers commercial and residential cleaning services. The local, family-owned enterprise now has four locations, including its main office in South St. Paul. It has grown into a multi-million-dollar organization with more than 100 employees.
Business Champion Award
Friendship Manor of Shakopee received the Business Champion Award. It is presented to an outstanding company that uses CareerForce services such as job fairs, job postings or training.
The organization provided graduates of the Shakopee Chamber of Commerce's Career Lift program with eight-week internships.
Bob Killeen Award
MNGI Endoscopy of Lakeville received the Bob Killeen Award, which recognizes individuals or companies for their innovative or quality practices. The organization offers endoscopy services and procedural care, using a variety of practices to better serve patients.
Employer of the Year for People with Disabilities Award
Constellation Coffee in Apple Valley is the 2025 recipient. This award is presented to an employer who has improved the lives of people with disabilities through employment. The entire concept of the business was designed around hiring persons with disabilities in an environment that would amplify their different abilities and help the employees thrive.
Willis E. Branning Excellence in Youth Employment Services Award – Dakota County
Hope Fieldhouse in Rosemount received the Willis E. Branning Excellence in Youth Employment Services Awards for Dakota County. The award recognizes commitment to preparing young people to enter the workforce. The award was sponsored by Dakota Electric.
In 2025, the organization became an official worksite for the Dakota County WIOA program, and it provides a worksite for interns.
Willis E. Branning Excellence in Youth Employment Services Award – Scott County
Greystone Construction in Shakopee received the Willis E. Branning Excellence in Youth Employment Services Awards for Scott County. This award was sponsored by Cal Tex, Electric, Inc.
For nearly 40 years, Greystone has been opening doors for the next generation. Since 1987, they have partnered with Shakopee Public Schools to spark interest in the skilled trades. They mentor students and turn internships into lifelong careers. Their team has hosted job shadowing and classroom visits from preschool through high school. It also serves as the champion of Shakopee High School's Engineering & Manufacturing Academy.