GreenSeam Global Workforce Event

Agenda + Speakers

2:45 – 3:00 PM – Registration

3:00 PM – Welcome from Jim Heilman (Partner, CliftonLarsonAllen),  Chair of GreenSeam’s Business Retention & Expansion Committee

3:10 PM – Community Leader Keynote presented by Joe McCabe, Former City Administrator for Madelia (20+ years) and City Manager of St. James (2006 – 2016)

Joe McCabe has committed his life to serving communities, the region, and our country. As a native of Madelia and graduate of Mankato State College, Joe returned ‘home’ to Madelia. Mr. McCabe served on the Madelia City Council or as City Administrator (1970-2006), St. James City Manager (2006-2016), and is currently Executive Director of St. James Chamber of Commerce. Joe is a dedicated volunteer and member to over 10 local organizations and is excited to share more about the Uniting Cultures organization in St. James.

3:40 PM – Company/Industry Keynote presented by Santo Cruz, Senior Vice President / General Counsel at CentraCare

Santo joined CentraCare in April 2018 as Associate General Counsel and Vice President of Community and Government Relations. In June 2020, Santo accepted the position for Senior Vice President / General Counsel. Prior to CentraCare, Santo was Deputy Commissioner of the MN Department of Human Services. Earlier state service included roles as Assistant Commissioner and General Counsel for the MN Department of Agriculture, and Attorney for the MN Department of Commerce. He is currently an adjunct professor at the University of St. Thomas, St. Paul. Before moving to the Cities, Santo grew up in rural Stearns County, and along with his wife, is now busy raising 5 daughters(!) in rural Wright County.

4:10 PM – Company Case Study presented by Val Johnson, VP, Human Resources and Administration at Christensen Farms

Valerie (“Val”) Johnson leads teams focused on creating differentiated Team Member engagement. This includes all areas that empower a positive, unique employee experience. She is Vice President of Human Resources (talent, leadership, culture, total rewards) and Administration (office, aviation). Ms. Johnson joined Christensen Farms in April 2015 and possesses a comprehensive, strategic view of the functions she leads along with the connection of employee experience to achieve business goals. Click to view more.

4:40 PM – International Professional Experience presented by Victor Martinez, Production Improvement Specialist at Schwartz Farms

Victor Martinez brings a unique perspective to a ‘Global Workforce’. Originally from Mexico City, Mexico, Victor has relocated several times from Mexico to the U.S. and has spent the last 20 years working in the swine industry. He has taught at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (10 years), was a food safety officer for the Mexican Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development in processing plants and held positions as an assistant manager, farm manager, department leader, on-boarding trainer and more. Victor is currently responsible for the development, deployment and continuous improvement of Schwartz Farms, Inc’s training program focused on new hires and current international team members.

5:00 PM – Speaker Panel & Open Dialogue moderated by Garrett Lieffring, Program Manager at GreenSeam: Where do we go from here? How can businesses, communities, and the region come together?

5:25 PM – Event Wrap-Up

5:30 PM – Networking + Happy Hour