Press and Media Coverage

2024

October:
Grand Rapids Herald Review: MDI celebrates 60 years during National Disability Employment Awareness Month

September:
KSTP: Ability Bash celebrates people of all abilities
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