Business Briefs

Jennie-O promotes Dierenfeld
WILLMAR — Jeff Dierenfeld has been promoted to the position of product development manager in the research and development department at Willmar corporate offices.
In this newly created position, he will be leading the research and development product developments for all the Jennie-O Turkey Store business units.
Dierenfeld has been with the company for more than 19 years. He has held the positions of manufacturing engineer, senior food technologist, research scientist and development leader for retail product development.
He is a 1992 graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Stout in manufacturing engineering.
Christianson hires Fransen, Rettmann, Welsh
WILLMAR — Christianson and Associates of Willmar has hired Stephanie Fransen, Jordan Rettmann and Cody Welsh as staff accountants.
Fransen is a staff accountant in the assurance and advisory services department. She graduated with a degree in accounting from Southwest Minnesota State University in Marshall.
Rettmann is a staff accountant in the assurance and advisory services department. He graduated with degrees in accounting and finance from Southwest Minnesota State University in Marshall.
Welsh is a staff accountant in the assurance and advisory services department. He graduated with degrees in accounting and corporate finance from Minnesota State University in Mankato.
Award
Martin Cruz, counterman at the Willmar Auto Value parts store, was recognized in the December 2012 issue of Counterman magazine as a finalist for the 2012 Counter Professional of the Year award. Since 1985, the staff of Counterman magazine has honored the Counter Professional of the Year.
“Martin always provides the highest level of service to his customers,” said Kevin McCarthy, Willmar Auto Value parts store manager. “His ability to speak English or Spanish has allowed our business to reach out to a broader customer base and make everyone feel right at home the moment they walk into the store. He has also dedicated countless hours to better himself as a parts professional and truly earned this recognition.”
Cruz has been a part of the auto parts business for more than 22 years. He has a degree in automotive parts merchandising from Willmar Technical College and is an ASE certified parts specialist. In 2007, he was awarded Counterperson of the Year by Automotive Parts Headquarters.
Calendar
2013 Chamber Connections
7:30 – 8:30 a.m.
March
Friday: Late Bloomers, 1303 First St. S., Suite 8.
29: Quality Title of Willmar, 1109 Highway 12 E.
April
5: Community Christian School, 1300 19th Ave. S.W.
12: Excel Overhead Door, 514 Pacific Ave. S.W.
19: West Central Tribune (held at Civic Center for Life Connections), 2707 Arena Dr.
26: United FCS, 4401 Highway 71 S.
May
3: The Happy Sol, 30 Main St. N., New London.
10: The Barn Theatre, 321 Fourth St. S.W.
17: Loffler Companies, To Your Health and Universal Printing, 501 First St. S.
24: No Connection.
31: Willmar Fests (held at Heritage Bank), 310 First St. S.
After-hours schedule
May
9: Goodwill/Easter Seals, held at new location.