MILESTONES
Dan Derfler
MarineMax, a global retailer and servicer of recreational watercraft, announced that Dan Derfler has reached 50 years of service as a marine technician at MarineMax Nisswa. His career with the company began as a summer job repairing outboard motors when he was 16. … WSB, a Golden Valley-based engineering firm, announced it celebrate its 30th anniversary in business on Oct. 3.
AIRLINES
Sun Country Airlines announced the appointment of Twin Cities businessperson Wendy Schoppert to its board of directors, effective Oct. 1. Schoppert currently chairs the board at The ODP Corp./Office Depot and is a member of the Davita Inc. and Fossil Inc. boards. Her executive career includes Sleep Number Corp., U.S. Bank, American Airlines, Northwest Airlines and America West Airlines. Sun Country Airlines is based at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport.
ADVERTISING/PUBLIC RELATIONS
Spotlight Media Relations, a New York-based PR agency with offices in Rosemount, announced it is working with MEDA – Metropolitan Economic Development Association, a Minneapolis-based business development organization.
FINANCIAL SERVICES
SFM, a Bloomington-based workers’ compensation insurer for business, announced the promotion of Amanda Aponte to executive vice president. Aponte began her career with SFM in 2007 as an actuarial intern and most recently was chief financial officer.
HONORS
Southview Design, a Mendota Heights-based landscape design firm for commercial and residential clients, announced it has received two Awards of Excellence from the National Association of Landscape Professionals for two residential projects: Silver Award for Waterlogged to Welcoming 2025, and Silver Award for Landscape Rewritten 2025. … The Minnesota Grocers Association, St. Paul, announced the following honors: Outstanding Grocer Award: Andrea Teal of Teal’s Management, Cold Spring; Outstanding Vendor Award: Tom Hall, Kemps, and Hall of Fame inductee Jim Almsted, Almsted’s Market, Crystal.
LAW
Fredrikson, Minneapolis, announced that attorney James C. Praley, III, has joined the firm’s real estate and construction group as a senior associate in the Minneapolis office. Praley previously worked at Lessans Praley & McCormick, a boutique law firm in Maryland. … Faegre Drinker announced that Angie Snavely has rejoined the firm’s corporate group as a partner in the Minneapolis office, where she will be a part of the public companies and governance practice team. Snavely most recently had an in-house career with Teradata Corp. She previously was with Faegre Drinker’s Minneapolis office from 2008-2013.
MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY
Cirtec Medical, a Brooklyn Park-based outsourcing manufacturer of implantable devices and precision components, announced that Chris Cleary has been appointed to its board of directors. Cleary currently serves as chief executive officer of Biomergence Capital and previously led global acquisition and investment strategy at Medtronic. … Nextern, a Maple Grove-based designer, developer and manufacturer of medical devices, announced the appointment of John Hastings as chief executive officer, succeeding Rich Farrell, who transitions to executive chairman. Hastings most recently served as CEO and board member at Nonin Medical.
ORGANIZATIONS
John Rheinberger of Stillwater announced his election as district governor for the Minnesota Dakotas District Area Kiwanis for 2025-2026. He is a currently a member of the Stillwater Area Kiwanis Club.
RETAIL
Winmark Corp., a Plymouth-based franchisor of retail resale chains, announced the hire of Lisa Hake as chief marketing officer, effective Oct. 1. Hake most recently served as vice president of marketing and communications at Great Clips, and has held senior roles at Best Buy, 3M and The Pillsbury Co. Winmark’s franchised brands include Plato’s Closet, Once Upon A Child, Play It Again Sports, Style Encore and Music Go Round. … Miller Hill Mall, Duluth, announced the addition of The Wildflower Boutique, a locally owned business that features a selection of women’s, plus-size, and men’s apparel.
SPONSORSHIPS
The Minnesota Wild NHL franchise and Old National Bank announced a new multi-year partnership in which Old National Bank becomes the official bank of the Minnesota Wild and the official suite level entitlement partner at Grand Casino Arena, the Wild’s home ice in St. Paul. The partnership follows Old National Bank’s acquisition of Bremer Bank, which previously held the sponsorship.
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