FALCON HEIGHTS, Minn.–Blaze Credit Union has been honored with the 2024 HERBIE Award as the Inclusive Employer Champion by the St. Paul Area Chamber of Commerce (SPACC) and Ramsey County.
This is the first year SPACC has awarded a HERBIE to an Inclusive Employer Champion.
Named after famed hockey coach Herb Brooks, the HERBIE award recognizes individuals and businesses who exemplify the traits inspired by its namesake: Humanitarian, Enterprising, Resilient, Bold, Inspirational, and Ethical.
“This is a tremendous honor and to be named during the inaugural year of the award makes it even more memorable,” Blaze CEO Dan Stotz said in a statement. “Blaze Credit Union has deep roots in the city of St. Paul, and we take great pride in that. We are also driven to create an environment where every individual feels valued, respected, and empowered and to have those efforts recognized is a testament to the outstanding team of individuals that make up our Blaze staff.”
Blaze Credit Union employs nearly 700 associates, representing many different communities across Minnesota. Blaze’s MILE (Maximizing Inclusion, Learning, and Equity) committee helps to lead initiatives focused on ensuring diversity and practicing inclusivity among its workforce. A proud partner of the Ramsey County Workforce Innovation Board (WIB), Blaze also works to support the WIB’s value that everyone who wants to work deserves the dignity of having career choices.
A" longtime active member of the St. Paul community, Blaze has a genuine commitment to making a positive difference for the city’s residents, neighborhoods, and organizations,” the credit union said. “That commitment is illustrated in many ways, including Blaze’s sponsorship of many free community events including Lowertown Sounds, the Twin Cities Jazz Festival, the Hmong Festival, and the St. Paul Pride Festival, as well as being a long-time proud partner of St. Paul institutions like the Ordway Theatre, the Como Zoo, the St. Paul Saints, and the Minnesota Wild.
“Blaze also has a strong relationship with St. Paul Public Schools, operating four high school branches (at Johnson, Como Park, Harding, and Highland Park) and Blaze associates are regular classroom presenters, delivering important content and lessons to further financial empowerment and well-being in our youth,” it continued. “In addition, Blaze supports many St. Paul non-profits including Gillette Children’s, Cookie Cart, Urban Roots, and the Sanneh Foundation.”