MDU Resources Foundation donates $100,000 to celebrate MDU Resources’ 100th anniversary

10 nonprofits from five states selected to each receive a $10,000 grant

 

To celebrate MDU Resources’ 100th anniversary, the MDU Resources Foundation is donating $100,000 to charities in communities where the company operates. This amount is in addition to the foundation’s nearly $1.8 million scheduled grants for 2024. And to broaden the impact, 10 charities will each receive a $10,000 donation.

“Rolland Heskett founded MDU Resources in 1924 on the value of ‘when communities thrive, we thrive,’” said Nicole Kivisto, president and CEO of MDU Resources. “One hundred years later, the company still embodies this value, and we can’t think of a better way to celebrate our 100th anniversary than by supporting charities that help make our communities better places to live.”

Employees with MDU Resources companies were invited to nominate their favorite charity to be considered for one of the grants.

The 10 nonprofits selected to receive a $10,000 grant are located in five states and include:

“These grants are special, not just because they commemorate MDU Resources’ 100th anniversary, but also because our employees had a role in the selection process,” said Cory Fong, president and director of the MDU Resources Foundation. “These grants reflect our employees’ community spirit and generosity.”

 

About MDU Resources
MDU Resources Group, Inc., a member of the S&P MidCap 400 index, provides essential products and services through its regulated energy delivery and construction services businesses. Founded in 1924, the company is celebrating its 100th anniversary; learn more at www.mdu.com/100th-anniversary. For more information about MDU Resources, visit www.mdu.com or contact the Investor Relations Department at [email protected].

About MDU Resources Foundation
The MDU Resources Foundation was started in 1983 as the philanthropic arm of MDU Resources Group. Since then, the foundation has contributed almost $45 million to worthwhile charities and organizations. The foundation considers grant requests in five categories: health and human services, education, civic and community activities, culture and arts, and environment.

 

 

Employees recognized with Einstein Award for exceptional process improvement ideas

Each year, MDU Resources honors employees who make outstanding contributions to our family of companies and the communities we serve.

Five employees have been recognized with the 2023 Einstein Award, which recognizes exceptional process improvement ideas that contribute in a measurable way to the bottom line.

 

Everus Construction Group recognizes Confer

Mike Confer, a foreman with Capital Electric Line Builders, is the recipient of the Einstein Award from Everus Construction Group. Confer fabricated and constructed a custom device for the safe removal and installation of traffic signal heads on existing, in-place traffic signal poles.

Confer’s device was fabricated to ratchet to a signal pole mast arm and uses Capital Electric Line Builders’ existing cordless tool batteries to power a winch that safely raises and lowers the signal head into place, allowing a person in a bucket truck to quickly install or remove the signal head from the signal pole mast arm.

Prior to Confer creating the custom winch, the job required the installer in the bucket truck to try to hold the signal head in place, outside of the bucket, while simultaneously trying to attach the connecting hardware to the signal pole. The previous practice was burdensome and created safety challenges as the installer needed to try to carry and hold a signal head with one hand while trying to make pole connections with the other hand.

Confer’s device has, first and foremost, improved safety by reducing the risk of injury to employees performing signal installations. It also has improved efficiency by reducing installation times and reduced the risk of damage to signal equipment by creating a more secure installation method.

 

Utility group recognizes Jorgenson and Nottestad

Shane Jorgenson, lead operator technician, and Tim Nottestad, supervisor, Combustion Turbine, were honored with the utility group’s Einstein Award.

The individual who nominated Shane and Tim touted their creative effort to install a safer way to climb the Heskett IV stack. By utilizing an existing staircase from the retired coal facility at Heskett, they were able to combine function with safety at a low cost to the company. Repurposing the staircase saved money on materials, fabrication and installation while making it safer for employees.

 

WBI Energy recognizes Lynn

Tim Lynn, a mechanic in Glendive, Montana, received WBI Energy’s Einstein Award. Lynn was recognized for his continued ingenuity in coming up with countless improvements during two recent compressor station projects. One of his best creations, a manually actuated gas detection head, was not only compliant, but was also safer and cheaper than alternatives. It eliminated the need to rent equipment or work from heights to change out a piece of equipment.

 

MDU Resources recognizes Dorwart

MDU Resources awarded its Einstein Award to Becky Dorwart, director of executive programs and projects.

During the process of spinning-off Knife River, Dorwart was involved in many facets of the employee benefits program. One of the most complex items was breaking apart the Benefit Protection Trust, which is made up of insurance policies that fund executive programs.

She realized the trust was overfunded in comparison to the needs of the program. Ultimately, she proposed that management extract $20 million in cash basis from the trust and return to company assets, while still leaving the fund in compliance with plan requirements.

Pulling cash from our investments reduced the ongoing balance, which is sensitive to market fluctuations that affect the earnings of the business units that participate in the plan. Also, the timing was important because it reduced the corporation’s need to borrow funds and any interest that would have been charged.

 

MDU Resources employee, military veteran nominated for “Hidden Hometown Hero” award for volunteerism

Dennis Burdolski, an MDU Resources employee and Air Force veteran, is one of 10 volunteers in Bismarck-Mandan, North Dakota, nominated for Scheels Hidden Hometown Heroes. Burdolski was instrumental in starting the Western North Dakota Honor Flight.

Dennis Burdolski, MDU Resources manager of Facility and Administrative Services and Air Force veteran, is one of 10 volunteers in Bismarck-Mandan, North Dakota, nominated for Scheels Hidden Hometown Heroes.

Burdolski is a driving force behind the Western North Dakota Honor Flight. In fact, he was instrumental in starting this nonprofit, which provides World War II, Korean War and Vietnam War-era veterans a free trip to Washington, D.C. Burdolski currently serves as the president of the Western North Dakota Honor Flight Board of Directors.

“Many of these veterans did not get a proper homecoming or the respect they deserved when they came back from their service,” Burdolski said. “These honor flights finally give them that.”

Last month, Burdolski and the volunteer team for the Western North Dakota Honor flight took more than 100 North Dakota veterans to Washington, D.C.

During the veterans’ trip to the nation’s capital, they visited the memorials that honor those who have served and sacrificed for their country. They also visited Arlington National Cemetery to watch the Changing of the Guard and toured the U.S. Capitol.

“I enjoy making these flights happen, and this is a great honor to nominated,” Burdolski said. “I’m glad this is bringing even more publicity of the honor flight.”

Father-son Honor Flight experience serves as catalyst to create western North Dakota chapter

Burdolski’s first encounter with the Honor Flight was when he accompanied his dad, also a military veteran, on his trip.

“My dad was a World War II veteran and traveled (on the Honor Flight) in 2010,” Burdolski said. “He lived six more years and talked of his trip every day for the rest of his life. I wanted to share that with others.”

At the time of his dad’s trip, western North Dakota didn’t have an Honor Flight. A chapter existed in only eastern North Dakota to serve veterans from that part of the state. So, Burdolski took it upon himself to change that. He was instrumental in creating awareness and fundraising so that the trips are free to veterans.

Participation in Honor Flights continues to grow

The inaugural flight for Western North Dakota Honor Flight was in April 2022. With every trip since then, the interest continues to grow.

“Each time we go and take 100-plus veterans off the (waiting) list, the list grows even larger within a few weeks after the flight,” Burdolski said. “Obviously these veterans want to be part of this.”

Burdolski said that veterans of Operation Desert Storm will be able to join the Honor Flight once the corresponding memorial in Washington, D.C., is built. The memorial’s location has been determined, but it will be a few years before the memorial is completed.

Learn more about Burdolski’s work for the Western North Dakota Honor Flight and vote by May 16 for him here.

The top six vote receivers will be recognized at a Bismarck Larks baseball game this summer.

Employees recognized with corporate award for volunteerism, community involvement

 

Each year, MDU Resources honors employees who make outstanding contributions to its companies and the communities we serve.

For 2023, five employees have been recognized with the Community Spirit Award, which recognizes employees who are actively involved in their community. Each winner receives $1,000, plus $1,000 is given to a qualified charity of the winner’s choice. 

2023 Community Spirit Award winners


Nicole Carpenter
Project manager,
Bombard Electric, LLC
Las Vegas, Nevada

Carpenter, a project engineer, leads the charge when it comes to organizing and overseeing Bombard Electric’s commitment to the community. She is passionate about ensuring Las Vegas’ homeless are not forgotten, particularly around the holidays.

In 2023, Carpenter organized a company donation drive to collect clothing, food and basic essentials for the Las Vegas Rescue Mission. She also leads continual efforts to gather donations for Project 150, a local organization that focuses on helping homeless teens, providing everything from clothing to basic essentials.

 

Ben DeHart
Estimator,
ESI Electrical Contractors
Dayton, Ohio

DeHart is active with many organizations and volunteers his time to support their activities. He fixes and updates floats for the Dayton, Ohio, Christmas Parade and has even personally purchased tools needed to work on the floats.

Also during the holidays, DeHart organizes and leads the efforts to hang Christmas lights in downtown Dayton. Each year, he assembles a team of employees to volunteer on the weekends and leads the charge under a tight deadline. DeHart has been known to work alone in the rain, to hang lights when no other volunteers were available.

As a volunteer with his church, DeHart has helped wire the electricity in a home for people in need. He is also an instructor at the local Joint Apprentice Training Center, where he goes above and beyond by spending time with apprentices outside of class to help those who need additional coaching and training.

 

Mark Haag, manager of project Maximo
Shane Wothe, manager of enterprise endpoints and technical service
MDU Resources
Bismarck, North Dakota

Both Haag and Wothe are involved in Rebuilding Together, a non-profit that helps people with physical or income limitations make essential repairs to their homes. Haag and Wothe serve on the Executive Committee: Haag as the president and Wothe as the treasurer. They volunteer year-round in preparation for Rebuilding Together doing tasks ranging from conducting meetings, fundraising and reviewing applications to touring and selecting homes, coordinating volunteers and purchasing materials for the annual event. Last year, more than 20 homes in the community received improvements.

 

Matt Heinz
Working lead – Linecrew, Montana-Dakota Utilities
Dickinson, North Dakota

The individual who nominated Matt touted his tremendous commitment to organizations in his community, including giving time to youth hockey, football and baseball teams, as well as the Ronald McDonald House and the Roughrider Commission.

MDU Resources partners with agencies to learn how to enhance employment opportunities for people of all abilities

Young adults who have Down syndrome shared their work experiences and needs, as well as challenges they face in a job. Their presentation was part of a collaboration with MDU Resources’ human resources team, Designer Genes and North Dakota State Council on Developmental Disabilities. Five managers from MDU Resources served as panelists who asked the presenters questions.

 

In recognition of World Down Syndrome Day, MDU Resources’ human resources team collaborated with Designer Genes and the North Dakota State Council on Developmental Disabilities to learn what employment supports are important to people who have Down syndrome.

Designer Genes is a Down syndrome support network in Bismarck, North Dakota. Its mission is to strengthen opportunities for individuals with Down syndrome and those who support them to learn, earn and belong.

During the lunch-and-learn session, young adults who have Down syndrome shared their work experiences and needs, as well as challenges they face in a job. Five managers from MDU Resources served as panelists who asked the students questions following their presentations.

“It was a very insightful event,” said Laura Lueder, MDU Resources manager of communications and public relations who served on the panel. “They explained tools and approaches that support people with Down syndrome and help them be successful in the workplace. This type of knowledge can help us identify future work opportunities in the company for people who have Down syndrome or other special needs.”

The four presenters shared various insights, including:

  • They work hard and take pride in their work.
  • They learn best by being told how to perform a task and then being shown how to do it.
  • Periodic sitting breaks help alleviate foot pain.
  • Time management tools, such as timers or clock alarms, can be helpful.
  • Let them do the job at their pace.

Lunch was provided by The Gifted Bean, a Bismarck-based coffeehouse that was started by parents to give their son and other individuals who have Down syndrome a place to work.

At the end of the event, Lueder presented Designer Genes a grant from the MDU Resources Foundation.

 

MDU Resources provides customized employment through internal initiative

According to Terese Schneider, senior human resources generalist, the lunch-and-learn session is part of the organization’s DEI initiative, Energize Diversability, to enhance employment opportunities for people of all abilities. The human resources team plans to partner with other local organizations for continued learning on how to meet the needs of all people.

Currently, MDU Resources’ human resources department in Bismarck employs a young adult who has special needs. Through the customized employment program, he works part time and has been helpful with various projects, such as taking inventory and other tasks.

Andrea Aldinger, senior human resources generalist, said the company hopes to continue offering customized employment opportunities in the future, as well as expand this to different regions of the company.

 

 

North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum congratulates MDU Resources on 100th anniversary

North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum extended a special congratulatory message to MDU Resources and its employees in honor of the company’s 100th anniversary. MDU Resources is the oldest publicly traded company headquartered in North Dakota. It has been listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker MDU since 1948.

 

 

About MDU Resources’ 100 years
MDU Resources was incorporated on March 14, 1924, as a small utility serving rural communities along the Montana-North Dakota border. Over the past century, MDU Resources has grown into a corporation with operations across the United States.

Today, MDU Resources’ utility operations serve nearly 1.2 million electric and natural gas customers across eight states. Its pipeline business has approximately 3,800 miles of regulated natural gas transmission lines and is home to the largest underground natural gas storage field in North America.

The company’s success includes growing two businesses to be large enough to be spun off to stand on their own as publicly traded companies. MDU Resources’ construction materials subsidiary, Knife River Corporation, was spun off in 2023. MDU Resources’ construction services subsidiary, MDU Construction Services Group, is expected to be spun off in late 2024.

While MDU Resources branched out into other industries, it has throughout its history remained committed to its core business of regulated energy delivery.

 

MDU Resources rings closing bell at NYSE in honor of 100th anniversary

The New York Stock Exchange welcomed executives and guests of MDU Resources Group, Inc. (NYSE: MDU) to celebrate its 100th anniversary of founding. To honor the occasion, Nicole Kivisto, President & Chief Executive Officer, joined by Chris Taylor, Vice President, NYSE Global Head of Advisory, rang The Closing Bell®. Photo Credit: NYSE

 

MDU Resources rang the closing bell at the New York Stock Exchange on March 13 to kick off a yearlong celebration of its 100th anniversary.

MDU Resources President and CEO Nicole Kivisto was joined by members of the company’s executive management team at the bell ringing. MDU Resources was incorporated on March 14, 1924.

MDU Resources’ 100th anniversary celebration will continue throughout 2024, and additional information can be found at www.mdu.com/100th-anniversary.

 

About MDU Resources’ 100 years
MDU Resources was incorporated on March 14, 1924, as a small utility serving rural communities along the Montana-North Dakota border. Over the past century, MDU Resources has grown into a corporation with operations across the United States.

Today, MDU Resources’ utility operations serve nearly 1.2 million electric and natural gas customers across eight states. Its pipeline business has approximately 3,800 miles of regulated natural gas transmission lines and is home to the largest underground natural gas storage field in North America.

The company’s success includes growing two businesses to be large enough to be spun off to stand on their own as publicly traded companies. MDU Resources’ construction materials subsidiary, Knife River Corporation, was spun off in 2023. MDU Resources’ construction services subsidiary, MDU Construction Services Group, is expected to be spun off in late 2024.

While MDU Resources branched out into other industries, it has throughout its history remained committed to its core business of regulated energy delivery.

MDU Resources celebrates 100 years with Analyst and Investor Day, ringing closing bell at NYSE

MDU Resources (NYSE: MDU) is preparing to kick off a yearlong celebration of its 100th anniversary by ringing the closing bell at the New York Stock Exchange on March 13. MDU Resources was incorporated on March 14, 1924.

MDU Resources President and CEO Nicole Kivisto will be joined by members of MDU Resources’ executive management team at the bell ringing to commemorate the milestone, in conjunction with an analyst and investor day event at the exchange on March 13. Watch coverage of the closing bell ringing at www.nyse.com/bell.

“Celebrating 100 years is a remarkable milestone, made possible by our team of talented employees — past and present — and we’re excited to share our story with analysts, investors, stakeholders and customers,” Kivisto said. “We are proud of what we’ve accomplished in our first century and are excited about the next 100 years.”

 

About MDU Resources’ 100 years
MDU Resources was incorporated on March 14, 1924, as a small utility serving rural communities along the Montana-North Dakota border. Over the past century, MDU Resources has grown into a corporation with operations across the United States.

Today, MDU Resources’ utility operations serve nearly 1.2 million electric and natural gas customers across eight states. Its pipeline business has approximately 3,800 miles of regulated natural gas transmission lines and is home to the largest underground natural gas storage field in North America.

The company’s success includes growing two businesses to be large enough to be spun off to stand on their own as publicly traded companies.

MDU Resources’ construction materials subsidiary, Knife River Corporation, was spun off in 2023. MDU Resources’ construction services subsidiary, MDU Construction Services Group, is expected to be spun off in late 2024.

While MDU Resources branched out into other industries, it has throughout its history remained committed to its core business of regulated energy delivery.

“The company has seen a lot of changes over the past 100 years, but our commitment to safely and reliably serving our customers and communities has remained constant,” Kivisto said.

Analyst and Investor Day
MDU Resources will host an Analyst and Investor Day at 10 a.m. EDT March 13 at the NYSE. During the event, executive management will provide updates on operational strategy, the corporation’s financial outlook, and the expected tax-free spinoff of MDU Construction Services Group.

Those interested in participating can register to attend the event in person or via webcast at www.mdu.com/investor-day.

MDU Resources’ 100th anniversary celebration will continue throughout 2024, and additional information can be found at www.mdu.com/100th-anniversary. Among the celebratory events, the MDU Resources Foundation, MDU Resources’ philanthropic arm, will donate $10,000 each to 10 charities nominated by its employees.

Read entire news release: https://investor.mdu.com/news/news-details/2024/MDU-Resources-Celebrates-100-Years-With-Analyst-and-Investor-Day-Ringing-Closing-Bell-at-NYSE/default.aspx