May 4, 2016 – Versique was recently awarded a 2016 “Social Entrepreneur” award by the Champions of Business, an awards program designed to recognize the importance of the nearly 500,000 small businesses in Minnesota and to celebrate distinct and exemplary independently owned businesses and leaders in the Twin Cities Metro Area. The award was presented during Twin Cities Small Business Week 2016.
As the recipient of the “Social Entrepreneur” award, Versique was recognized for “creating social change for the world and the community around them” and for believing in “people over profit.”
“We’re honored to be recognized as a company that gives back to the community. It’s our passion and one of our Core Values,” said Tony Sorensen, CEO of Versique. “We provide our employees a variety of ways to give back throughout the year, from interview prep workshops to family food drives.”
Each year, Versique participates in a numerous community outreach activities to demonstrate its commitment to its core value of Community Impact. Activities Versique has participated or orchestrated within the last year include:
Simon Says Give
An organization founded by a seven-year old, which strives to provide children with items every child deserves, including school supplies, birthday parties, etc. Versique recently helped the organization inventory and pack thousands of school supplies for its High Five for Supplies effort, creating more than 1,000 filled backpacks for local students.
Dress for Success
Versique hosted its 5th Annual Dress for Success Clothing Drive as well as a happy hour/final donation drop-off/celebration event for more than 200 business professionals who supported the drive. The 5th Annual DFS event resulted in the donation of $10,000 and 130 bags of clothing.
Movember/Prostate Cancer Foundation
A little light-hearted competition became a fundraising effort when all of Versique’s male employees participated in a Movember activity to support the Prostate Cancer Foundation. Employees were encouraged to vote, via donations, for the best/worst moustaches and beards in the company. (Categories included Baby Face, Silver Fox, McPatchy, etc.)
About the Champions of Business Awards
To celebrate National Small Business Week, Calhoun Companies, Thompson hall and C-Level magazine co-sponsor an awards program called Champions of Business Awards. The Champions of Business Awards celebrate distinct and exemplary independently owned businesses and leaders in the Twin Cities metro area. The five award categories honor the people who support, own or work for small business and make significant contributions to their companies and communities.
