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2024

September:
Kare11: Ability Bash to raise funds for career training

August:
Lake and Company: A Rising Tide Lifts All Boats
Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal: Juggling generations; the implications of AI, and attracting talent in a tight labor market

May:
Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal: Andriel Dees Joins MDI Board of Directors
Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal: Alan Hupp Joins MDI Board of Directors
Material Handling 24/7: MDI: Versatile Polypropylene Sheets

March:
Lake and Company; A Fair Shot: MDI’s inclusive program kick-starts success
Sun Sailor: Plymouth resident shows value of those with disabilities in the workforce

February:
Pioneer Press; Sunday Business round-up
StarTribune: Slower wage growth might be good for the economy, but not everyone is celebrating
ACCESS PRESS: MDI announces expansion to new Roseville location; program to grow
Material Handling 24/7: MDI: Plastic Hopper Bins
Modern Material Handling, Product Showcase: Hopper Bins: Where Durability Meets Efficiency in Storage Solutions

January:
ACCESS PRESS: Eglinton is promoted by MDI

2023

November:
Material Handling 24/7: Empower Your Warehouse Operations with MDI’s Premium Totes and Bins

October:
StarTribune: Autism Job Fair works to connect employers with people on the spectrum
WCCO: Sawkar Salute: Helping those with disabilities find job opportunities
MINNPOST: Employers, approach hiring of people with disabilities in creative, open-minded ways

September:
FOX-9: Ability Bash Coming Back to Minneapolis
WCCO-TV: MDI Hosts Ability Bash 2023
KSTP: INTERVIEW: Minnesota Diversified Industries Ability Bash

August:
Grand Rapids Herald Review: MDI Awards $57,000 in scholarships to area students
Riding Tandem Podcast Episode #33: How to get product into big-box stores: the inspiring journey of Christi Kmecik: (00:27:00 – 00:29:00)

July:
Material Handling 24/7: Empower Your Warehouse Operations with MDI’s Premium Totes and Bins

June:
Herald Review: MDI unveils new extruder
Herald Review: MDI furthers investments in northern Minnesota
ICTV: Community Matters – MDI Ribbon Cutting Celebration

May:
KSTP: MN State Academy for the Blind visits MDI to celebrate their graduation
Minnesota Chamber of Commerce: 2023 Leaders Lab featuring Director Katie Johnson

April:
MN House of Reps: Bill Seeks $1.9M to Provide Job Training for People with Disabilities

March:
Delta Dental: Delta Dental of Minnesota Kicks of Smiles@School Program
Grand Rapids Herald: MDI Employee Matt Christianson Leads by Example
CBS News: 40,000 Minnesota First Graders get help with their Smile

February:
Grand Rapids Herald: MDI Extruder Feature
MH 24/7: Featuring MDI Hopper Pick Bins
MSP Business Journal: 100 Top Black Leaders in Twin Cities
Linkedin: Eric Black Thought-Leadership

2022

December: 
Modern Materials Handling: Bins, totes and containers: A place for everything 

November:
IQS Directory: Contract Packaging
Materials Handling 24/7: The difference between plastic containers
Medical Alley: Eric Black, For the Record

October:
Hosted Roundtable: Creating Inclusive Workplace Webinar
Hibbing Chamber of Commerce: MDI participates in Trunk-or-Treat

September:
KELO TV: Unified Work (formerly Career Skills) hosts class in Sioux Falls, SD
Material Handling 24/7: Polypropylene Extruder Grows Jobs
WCCO TV: https://www.cbsnews.com/minnesota/video/help-those-with-disabilities-find-work-at-the-ability-bash/
KSTP TV (Live): https://fb.watch/fZt9goyWt0/

August:
Plastics News: Minnesota Diversified Invests $3.2M to add PP Sheet Extrusion
Business North: MDI names Diane Meyer as new Associate Director of Employment Services
Minneapolis Business Journal: Diane Meyer, People on the Move
Reusable Packaging News: State-of-the-art polypropylene extruder at MDI creates more product packaging options
MN Chamber: MDI Invests in $3.8M Extruder
Business North: MDI Invests $3.2 Million in Grand Rapids
Material Handling Network: MDI State of the Art Polypropylene extruder creates more product packaging options for market
Blandin Foundation: Giving Sponsor MDI to create jobs

July:
Grand Rapids Herald Review: MDI awards $22,500 in scholarships to Minnesota students
Medical Alley: MDI, A Pioneer in the Development of Medical Alley 

June:
BusinessNorth: MDI appoints new Human Resources Director
Fox47 (5:38): MDI hosts mobile Unified Work Academy
KIMT3: MDI hosts workshop for people disabilities
KKALTV: Workshop helps people with disabilities in Rochester

May:
Minneapolis Biz Journal: Laura Joins MDI
Goff Public Newsletter: MDI hosts day at capital

March:
Lake and Company Magazine (page 94-95): A Rising Tide Lifts All Boats
Grand Rapids Herald Review: MN Appoints Northern MN Higher Education Leader Michael Riach as Chair of Board of Directors
Lake and Company Magazine (page 94-95): A Rising Tide Lifts All Boats
Grand Rapids Herald Review: MN Appoints Northern MN Higher Education Leader Michael Riach as Chair of Board of Directors

February:
Star Tribune: https://www.startribune.com/article/600147403/

January:
KSTP: MDI assembles Delta Dental Backpacks

2021

December:
Minnesota Chamber: Minnesota Chamber Business Insights Report

October:
Minneapolis Regional Chamber, Oct 11 Edition: MDI Features Ability Pioneers
Johnson Foundation: Helping Tovino Get One Step Closer to Dream Job 
MN Chamber Insider October 18
Star Tribune: More than ever, jobs for disabled are vital
Minneapolis Regional Chamber, Oct 18 Edition: Ability Pioneer, Boston Scientific
Minneapolis Regional Chamber, Oct 25 Edition: Ability Pioneer, DPI
MN Chamber: Morning Digest Week of Oct 4: More than ever, jobs for disabled are vital
MN Chamber: Morning Digest Week of Oct 10: More than ever, jobs for disabled are vital
Hibbing Chamber of Commerce (featured on radio & print ads): Trunk or Treat Event

September
KSTP: Minneapolis noprofit that empowers people with disabilities through employment set to host  2021 Ability Bash
Minneapolis Regional Chamber, Sept 7 Edition: MDI Production Assembly Services
Minneapolis Regional Chamber, Sept 13 Edition: MDI Production Assembly Services

August
Minneapolis Regional Chamber, Aug 30 Edition: MDI Production Assembly Services
Minneapolis Regional Chamber, Aug 26 Edition: MDI Production Assembly Services
Grand Rapids Herald Review: MDI Hosts Minnesota Chamber Leaders Lab
Material Handling 24/7: Custom Packaging Solutions at MDI
BusinessNorth: When the links break
Johnson Foundation: JSF Visit Grantee Partners in Minnesota

July
Mesabi Daily Tribune: Frankie Rice Tribute Race at Hibbing Raceway
KSTP-TV: Brett Hoffland to Host 2021 Ability Bash
Hibbing Area Chamber of Commerce:  MDI Employees Volunteer at Jubilee
Hibbing Area Chamber of Commerce:  Chamber Members Tour MDI Hibbing Facility

June
Enterprise Minnesota: Deft Management, Eric Black takes reins at MDI

May
Material Handling 24/7 – Plastic Trays a Solution to Warehouse Needs 

April
Material Handling 24/7 – MDI Plastic Trays Product of Month
Twin Cities Business – New Hire, Manufacturing – Eric Black
Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal – People on the Move, Eric Black

March
Enterprise Minnesota: MDI, a pioneer in workforce inclusion, seeks further expansion
Star Tribune: MDI, a pioneer in workforce inclusion, seeks further expansion
Minnesota Chamber of Commerce: MDI, a pioneer in workforce inclusion, seeks further expansion
Representative Julie Sandstede E-Newsletter: Investing in MDI

February
Access Press: New leader named for MDI
Scenic Range NewsForum: MDI appoints Northern Minnesota Entrepreneur Megan Kellin
Grand Rapids Herald Review: MDI: Leading By Example

January
Enterprise Minnesota: Nonprofit manufacturer MDI announces new CEO, Eric Black
Minnesota Chamber: MDI CEO announces retirement, Eric Black as new President and CEO
Disability Minnesota Podcast: Disability Landscape with MDI
BusinessNorth: MDI CEO announces retirement, successor Eric Black appointed
Grand Rapids Herald Review: Eric Black to Success Peter McDermott as President and CEO
Minneapolis Business Journal: MDI CEO Peter McDermott announces retirement, successor is appointed
Business North: Eric Black to succeed Peter McDermott as MDI’s president and CEO
Duluth KBJR6: Jobs coming to Northern Minnesota
Itasca Public TV: MDI Expands in Grand Rapids

2020
December
MN Department of Iron Range Rehabilitation and Resources: MDI to expand jobs in Northern MN
Grand Rapids Herald Review: MDI to expand offering, add 75 northern MN jobs over the next decade

October
BusinessNorth: IRRR Board moves to support rural broadband projects
Minnesota Reformer: Hiring people with disabilities can pay big dividends
Grand Rapids Herald Review:  Blandin Awards $2m in Grants

September
Twin Cities Business Magazine: Nonprofit Pivots To PPE, Stays True To Mission
Johnson Scholarship Foundation: Keeping the Doors Open During COVID

August
Hibbing Area Chamber: Hibbing Chamber Donates Masks to Local Businesses
Grand Rapids Herald Review: Keeping the doors open during COVID-19: Lessons learned from an employer of people with disabilities

July
Hibbing Chamber: MDI on Iron Range Open for Business 

June
SourceAmerica: Delivering the mail and connecting Americans during COVID-19
Medical Alley: For the record with Peter McDermott and Barbara Majerus
Plastics Technology: Corrugated sheets…all boxed up

May
Grand Rapids Herald Review: Don’t let COVID-19 disrupt Minnesota’s support system for people with disabilities
Hibbing Daily Tribune: Don’t let COVID-19 disrupt Minnesota’s support system for people with disabilities

April
ItascaStrong: MDI Essential Business Video Feature

March
MinnPost: Expanding the diversity and inclusion conversation: Don’t overlook people with disabilities

February
Hibbing Chamber Connect: MDI installs new doors to provide easier access
Johnson Scholarship Foundation (Eblast): When discussing diversity and inclusion, include people with disabilities

January
Grand Rapids Herald Review: MDI transitions away from recycling
Grand Rapids Herald Review: MDI installs new doors to provide easier access
Hibbing Daily Tribune: Easier access for people with disabilities
Minnesota Precision Manufacturing Journal: Local Nonprofit in the Manufacturing Supply Chain
Grand Rapids Herald Review: Blandin 2019 Itasca Area Grants

2019
December
Hibbing Daily Tribune: MDI Hibbing Holiday
Grand Rapids Herald Review: MDI Hosts Roundtable Discussion
Material Handling 24/7: MDI Reusable Corrugated Plastic Box

November
Access Press: Unified Work Coalition is announced
Johnson Scholarship Foundation (Eblast): 
When discussing diversity and inclusion, include people with disabilities  
Hibbing Daily Tribune: MDI’s Career Skills Program: “Upskilling” Today’s Workforce
Hibbing Daily Tribune: Career Skills at MDI 
Barr Engineering: Turnkey Solution Enables Manufacturer to Focus on Production
Insight into Diversity: Work Experience, Specialized Services Are Key to Reducing Unemployment Among People with Disabilities

October
Johnson Scholarship Foundation: When discussing diversity and inclusion, include people with disabilities  
Grand Rapids Herald Review: When discussing diversity and inclusion, include people with disabilities
Star Tribune: MDI, Medtronic, others form coalition to support hiring workers with disabilities – Blog & Print
KAXE/KAXB: National Disability Employment Awareness Month
MOHR: October Newsletter
Grand Rapids Herald Review:  Minnesota companies, nonprofits announce coalition
Pioneer Press: When discussing diversity and inclusion, include people with disabilities  
Goff Public: October Newsletter
Minnesota Department of Economic Development: Commissioner of Employment & Economic Development, Steve Grove, & Minnesota Chamber President, Douglas Loon, visit MDI.

September
Channel 5: MDI Assembles Delta Dental Backpacks in Minneapolis
WCCO: Nonprofit CEO Talks Shares Mission To Hire Individuals With Disabilities
FOX-9: MDI Featured on Morning Blend
FOX-9: Courtney Godfrey to Host Ability Bash
Grand Rapids Herald: MDI Employees Win United Way Lumberjack Pancake Cook-Off

August
Grand Rapids Herald Review: Celebrating Philanthropy – 25 Years of Impact
Grand Rapids Herald Review: MDI Celebrates Career Skills Graduates

July
IRRRB features MDI Career Skills. View here.

June
Johnson Scholarship Foundation: MDI Honors Career Skills Graduates

May
Grand Rapids Herald: MDI awards $8,000 in scholarships to students across the state 
KSTP Channel 5 News: Minneapolis Mayor Visits MDI
KSTP Channel 5 News: Minnesota 
Manufacturer Celebrates 

April
Grand Rapids Herald Review: Partnership between MDI and local artists highlights creativity in the workplace  
Grand Rapids Herald Review: Quest Transition Program to Host Open House
Hibbing Daily Tribune: Sandstede: Focused on education, mining and the environment 

March
Grand Rapids Herald: Discussing Career Opportunities for People with Disabilities MDI
Hibbing Area Chamber of Commerce: Business of the Year MDI

February
District #318 Newsletter: District Opens Transition Learning Center at Local Business
Grand Rapids Herald Review: MDI wins Hibbing’s 2019 Business of the Year award
Grand Rapids Herald Review: ISD 318 opens transition learning center at MDI
Mesabi Daily: MDI wins 2019 Hibbing Business of the Year award
Hibbing Daily Tribune: MDI Wins 2019 Business of the Year Award
Star Tribune: Minnesota’s MDI expands with model that mainstreams workers with disabilities

January
MPLS Regional Chamber Insider: Plastics Manufacturer MDI Completes Expansion at Minneapolis HQ
Twin Cities Business Magazine: Plastics Manufacturer MDI Completes Expansion at Minneapolis HQ
TCB Briefcase: Plastics Manufacturer MDI Poised for Growth After Minneapolis HQ Expansion
Minnesota Chamber of Commerce: Minnesota Diversified CEO: Disabilities belong in the diversity discussion 
Minneapolis/St Paul Business Journal: Minnesota Diversified CEO: Disabilities belong in the diversity discussion 
Workplace Pub: Bins and baskets for all storage needs

Press Releases

For media inquires or questions, contact Katie Johnson, Director of Marketing, at katie.johnson@mdi.org or call 612-760-0720.

Download MDI announces expansion to new Roseville location; program to grow
Download MDI elevates Jeanne Eglinton to Vice President of Employment Services
Download Minneapolis-based disabilities employer receives 2023 Supplier Performance Award from United States Postal Service
Download Northern Release: MDI furthers investment in northern Minnesota with new, fully operational polypropylene extruder
Download State-of-the-art polypropylene extruder at MDI creates more product packaging options for market

Download Delta Dental Brings Oral Hygiene to Classrooms Across United States
Download MDI appoints northeastern MN entrepreneur Megan Kellin to board of directors
Download Eric Black to succeed Peter McDerfmott, who is retiring as MDI’s
president and CEO
Download MDI to expand offering, add 75 northern MN jobs over the next decade
Download CAREER READY 100: MDI to celebrate 100th graduate of Career Skills Program
Download Saint Paul Mayor Melvin Carter to visit local nonprofit manufacturer
Download MDI joins leading global trade organization
Download MDI adds 11,000 square feet and 40 new employees to Minneapolis facility to accommodate growth in commercial sector work