The GreenSeam Awards have been established to honor businesses or organizations that have contributed to the betterment of life in southern Minnesota and northern Iowa by creating jobs or development opportunities for employees.
These recipients have demonstrated qualities of entrepreneurship and a commitment to their community through service, volunteerism or partnerships.
Seamed in Success Award
The Seamed in Success award recognizes an exemplary business, organization, community or individual who has made a large impact and added value to the region by highlighting the importance of agriculture.
Growing in the GreenSeam Award
The Growing in the GreenSeam award recognizes an outstanding business that has shown innovation, entrepreneurial spirit and contribution to our vibrant region.
2018 Honorees
Seamed in Success Award Winner
More About B.E.S.T. of Waseca County-Waseca Vision 2030
The organization is a collaborative leadership body together with the City of Waseca Economic Development Authority, Waseca Development Corporation, Waseca County Economic Development Authority, Waseca Area Chamber of Commerce, and cities of Janesville, Waldorf and New Richland, to advance, support, and promote economic development. This group is very forward-thinking. They hired “Future IQ”, a consulting and research company specializing in foresight and scenario-based strategic planning. Future actions include convening ag businesses in hopes of building partnerships with researchers in ag and biotech for practical applications and development purposes. Partnerships will also be happening with higher education for training programs and with the regional ag supply chain to expand business connectivity.
Growing in the GreenSeam Award Winner
More About Aker
Aker was founded in 2014 in Winnebago, MN by Orlando Saez (“size”) and Todd Golly. Aker is focused on improving regional crops by utilizing technology to help solve disease problems, which in turn – is creating new jobs opportunities and connecting and engaging bright young minds with agriculture.
While their drones have a 400-foot view of the land and crops they’re helping, their team is still deeply rooted in rural MN. In the past six months, their drones have flown more than 2,000 missions in 20 states, nationwide.
Hundreds of users across 21 countries worldwide have also downloaded and are using their mobile app called AkerScout, to help identify and prioritize crop damage to address problem areas, helping to ensure accurate treatment recommendation.
Previous Recipients
Seamed in Success Award
2018 – B.E.S.T. of Waseca County-Waseca Vision 2030
Growing in the GreenSeam
2018 – Aker – Orlando Saez and Todd Golly
Click below for more information about the Greater Mankato Business Awards & Hall of Fame and to view all of the 2018 honorees.
