By inournature on July 19, 2011
Employees at Andersen’s Corporate Administrative Offices are stepping away from their desks to tend a garden planted earlier this season on the grounds of the Oak Park Heights, MN offices. Whether a short stroll through the garden inspecting the progress of the produce or an official weeding and watering session, the benefits are many. The smell of fresh air, the feel of rough leaves and dirt, and the overall connection with nature can lower blood pressure, relax strained muscles and improve ones overall mood. All this and we haven’t even eaten the healthy bounty yet!
In addition to engaging employees, the goal is to utilize scrap material where possible, avoiding the purchase of new items. Thanks to the hard work of some key employees within Facilities Management, a half dozen or so raised vegetable beds, tomato cages and bean trellises were built from spare Fibrex® boards and other reclaimed materials found on site. Employees even offered up extra herbs, flowers and seeds from their personal gardens.
Employee Horticulture Club Garden - Andersen Corporate Administrative Office, MN
While supported by top management, the design and planning of the garden is in the hands of the employees. Ideas ranging from self pick-and-eat, to local food shelf donations, to supplying our own cafeteria have all been discussed. For now however, we’re content digging in the dirt and watching what grows!
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By inournature on July 12, 2011
First day of journey - Solon Springs to Gordon Dam. Photo courtesy of Deb Ryun.
Last week kicked off a 173 mile paddle down the St. Croix River honoring of the 100th anniversary of the St. Croix River Association (SCRA). The association is the longest standing citizen-based conservation organization in Wisconsin and Minnesota. Their mission is to protect, restore and celebrate the St. Croix River and its watershed.
Andersen Corporation values the work and mission of the SCRA and is honored to sponsor this historic celebration. The company is a long-standing steward of the St. Croix River, having done business within steps of its banks for 108 years.
Approximately 35 canoes and kayaks splashed into the waters at Solon Springs, WI July 6. Some paddlers plan to partake in all seventeen legs of the journey, ending in Prescott, WI on July 22 at the confluence of the St. Croix and Mississippi Rivers. “Day Trippers” are joining in the fun for a day or two. River enthusiasts preferring motors over paddles are encouraged to join in the celebratory journey as well!
Conserving and preserving natural resources, whether it be water, land or raw materials, ensures they’ll be around for the use and enjoyment of future generations.
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By inournature on July 7, 2011
Andersen employees had a chance to connect with retirees and old friends during last week’s Andersen Antiques RoadShow at the Corporate Administrative Offices in Oak Park Heights, Minnesota. The winning entry was awarded two free tickets to the real Antiques RoadShow coming to Minneapolis this Saturday, July 9.
Over 108 years of rich history and commitment to employees instills a sense of stewardship in those working at Andersen Corporation, making it more than just a job. This was evident as retirees and employees eagerly perused the list of beautifully hand scrolled names on the pages of a large, worn payroll book from the1920’s in search of familiar names, some whose family members still work at Andersen Corporation.
Entries were judged by a three person panel consisting of fourth generation Andersen family member Sarah Andersen, retiree Ron Kuehn and current employee Tim Langness.
Judges Tim Langness, Sarah Andersen and Ron Kuehn holding winning entry
The winning entry was a metal dealer sign from the 1920’s advertising Andersen White Pine Frames. Photos and employee handbooks were among other favorite entries. There’s a special connection between past and present employees when sharing treasured Andersen memorabilia together; it’s also one way we preserve and share our strong history.
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By inournature on June 29, 2011
The Pacific Coast Builders Conference (PCBC), held in San Francisco June 22-24, provides innovative and inspirational ideas to the homebuilding industry. For over five decades the show has served as a learning laboratory for the California Building Industry Association as it encourages new and informed perspectives in building.
Andersen Sales Representative Scott Rumpakis - PCBC Show
This year, Andersen Corporation sponsored the Green Pavilion – offering solutions tailored to achieving California’s Green Building Standards Code. Informative presentations addressed mandatory code areas including Planning and Design, Energy Efficiency, Water Efficiency and Conservation, Material Conservation and Resource Efficiency and Environmental Quality.
Andersen sales representative Scott Rumpakis explained to the audience how Andersen products help achieve LEED points in addition to meeting the requirements of California’s green building codes. Andersen products hold third-party certification in Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) and recycled content among others.
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By inournature on June 24, 2011
This week more than 50 Andersen employees and retirees volunteered their time and effort swinging hammers and securing shingles on a Habitat for Humanity home for the organization’s St. Croix Valley Chapter in Wisconsin. The three day blitz crew had luck on their side as rain, wind and even tornados threatened nearby skies but steered clear of the site.
Andersen volunteers, New Richmond American Legion and the future homeowner with her two daughters
Andersen volunteers have built hundreds of Habitat homes, but this one was different. Located in a quiet neighborhood nestled among the trees and wildlife, this New Richmond, WI, three bedroom, one bath home is constructed of insulated concrete forms (ICFs). The 10” ICF walls offer solid, secure construction that makes for a highly energy efficient building envelop. The home’s utility, heating and cooling bills will average around $15 a month. In addition to the ICF wall construction, Andersen donated and installed energy efficient windows in the home.
Energy efficient homes contribute to the affordability and overall strategic plan of Habitat for Humanity. The longstanding partnership between Habitat for Humanity and Andersen Corporation is one way we support the communities where we live and work.
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By inournature on June 17, 2011
Andersen Corporation has a long history of supporting Junior Achievement (JA). Since 1969, Andersen employees have volunteered their time and shared their knowledge educating students in our communities around real life business operations. Along with affordable housing, youth education is among our top focus areas.
This year approximately 75 Andersen volunteers worked with kindergarteners through 6th graders in three elementary schools near the company’s Bayport, MN facility. Across the Andersen enterprise employees like Mark Neal of Houston, TX, volunteer in their own community.
Andersen Corporation's Research and Development team - Andersen Elementary School Bayport, MN
Curriculum ranges from Global Economy and World Trade to basic STEM skills – science, technology, engineering and math. These programs engage and inform students and volunteers alike.
Community engagement as well as mentoring, guiding and educating kids often pays greater dividends to those making the effort than it does to those receiving it. Andersen Corporation is fortunate to have employees ready and eager to volunteer.
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By inournature on June 15, 2011
Deb Moe, Amy Christiansen, Sarah Veenendall, Julie Keilen ride for Team Andersen. Photo by Larry Retzlaff
For over a decade, dedicated employees and Andersen Corporation have supported efforts to find a cure for Multiple Sclerosis. Team Andersen, comprised of employees, friends and family members, raised over $36,000 in support of MS during the MS150 bike ride June 11-12. The 150-mile ride began near Duluth, MN and ended just north of St. Paul.
Team Andersen Captain Stacey Kostman said, “It was one of the best years ever! There were over 230 teams and over 3,300 riders.” The cool but sunny June weather kept riders from overheating. A slight tail wind Saturday and no wind Sunday was welcomed as previous years have seen challenging head winds!
In addition to employee participation, Andersen Corporation sponsored the ten hydration stops throughout the ride. Water refills and energy replacement drinks, along with fruit and other energy-packed snacks support riders at rest stops every 12 to 15 miles.
The event is a great opportunity for employees to connect with each other outside of work, all while supporting a great cause!
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By inournature on June 8, 2011
A recent article in the Minneapolis Star Tribune highlights the multifaceted bike culture within Andersen Corporation. From the bright yellow industrial bikes used in production, to employees commuting to work, to a team of more than 60 riding to find a cure for Multiple Sclerosis, they all contribute to the culture. Read more…
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By inournature on June 2, 2011
In partnership with National Geographic, The Aspen Institute hosts Aspen Environment Forum in Aspen, CO May 30 to June 2. This year’s forum addresses the projected increase in global population to 7 billion by the year 2050. According to the Forum, 2011 “looks at ways to reorganize urban ecosystems, preserve biodiversity and provide a stable climate, clean air, clean water and food for a growing global population.”
Monday’s opening session entitled “Coping with Calamity: The Art of Looking Ahead” discussed the multitude of natural disasters facing the world today. From tsunamis to tornados, the panelists conversed on the degree to which natural disasters are natural versus how the economic and social toll are magnified due to where and how we construct our buildings and homes.
Discussions addressed the effects of excess carbon in our atmosphere and what the implications may be. Panelist Stewart Brand summed it up quite simply stating, “Managing the planet means managing ourselves.” The choices we make as individual consumers as well as organizationally and politically all play a role in the issues we face regarding energy demand and consumption, and the resulting effects on our environment and ourselves.
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By inournature on May 27, 2011
Minnesota Environmental Initiative (MEI) held their annual awards dinner May 26 along the banks of the mighty Mississippi River in Minneapolis, MN.
Mississippi River - Minneapolis, MN
MEI supports collaborative, innovative partnerships that work towards solving environmental problems. They bring together nonprofits, businesses and government agencies to find consensus on critical issues and implement solutions. This year’s award categories included Energy and Climate Protection, Environmental Education, Green Business and Environment Management, Natural Resource Protection and Restoration and Sustainable Communities. A list of finalists and winners can be found on the MEI website.
MEI Awards Dinner Nicollet Island Pavilion - Minneapolis, MN
Along with the awards, MEI announced their new name, Environmental Initiative, chosen to more accurately describe their efforts beyond Minnesota’s borders. The new name will be officially adopted in the coming weeks. Andersen Corporation has been a sponsor of MEI for 14 years. Their work and mission aligns well with the environmental responsibilities and sustainable business practices we aim to achieve.
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