FINALISTS FOR BEST BRACTICES in Community Impact have incorporated corporate outreach into their everyday operations. Some have donated elbow grease and the sweat of their brow to existing nonprofits; others have used their connections and resources to create new funds to help the causes they hold dear.

Reaching out
Avant Energy, a Minneapolis-based energy management company, knew it was dealing with an uphill battle when it was named the designer and construction manager for a new electric power-generating plant in Faribault.

“Many communities are skeptical about any power plant coming to their community,” says Derick Dahlen, president. “They wonder about emissions, noise, water use and even unsightliness.”

Only 50 percent of these projects get off the ground, usually due to NIMBYs, those “not-in-my-backyard” critics.

Although the odds weren’t exactly in the company’s favor, it nevertheless managed to complete the energy plant in 2007. The entire project ultimately cost $180 million to build, but perhaps more importantly, says Dahlen, Avant Energy built up goodwill among the residents of Faribault by answering their questions directly and being transparent with its entire process.

“From day one we had it in our mind the idea of a partnership with the community, not just a place to put a power plant.”

The company held multiple meetings with community organizations, and didn’t hesitate to answer any and all questions. Half the battle was putting together an attractive building plan.

Without a doubt, designing a facility with clean-burning natural gas was a popular feature that generated enthusiasm, Dahlen says. A heat-recovery steam generator produces additional power from the main turbine’s waste heat. Next year, a wind turbine will likely be added. The company also incorporated continuing education; a “working classroom” allows school children and other visitors the chance to learn about energy efficiency and renewable energy onsite.

Avant Energy also has an eye for aesthetics. The facility was built to look like an Italian villa, and includes a park-like recreation area where people can go to relax and fish in ponds.

Naming the plant after the community was another popular gesture. More than 5,000 residents attended Faribault Energy Park’s grand opening, Dahlen says.

Personal cause
Michelle Morey had logged almost 15 years at Magnetic Products and Services Inc., her family-owned, Brooklyn Park-based distributor of computer backup tapes, when she was diagnosed with breast cancer.

After four surgeries and eight rounds of chemotherapy, and three months missed from work, Morey returned part time. Then two months later she returned full time.