2016 Outstanding Directors Awards
It’s not exactly breaking news that businesses of all kinds are continually facing major change. Big data, new technologies, new regulations, new competition—these challenges require companies to re-evaluate and recalibrate strategy.
Management teams are typically so busy with the day-to-day aspects of their businesses that they often rely on their directors to step back and grasp the big picture. That’s where a strong board plays a crucial role. Directors have the ability to look at long-term trends and industry headwinds, then provide the counsel that leaders need. They also make sure that companies are doing things right. That’s particularly true today, as post-Great Recession regulations have placed more responsibility on public company boards to ascertain that their businesses are meeting regulatory requirements.
This year’s Outstanding Directors honorees understand all this very well. They’ve made it a point to understand in depth and detail their industry and the challenges it’s facing. And they leverage experience in their own companies to bring penetrating and practical insights to the executives of the businesses they serve. These directors know they aren’t there to run the company. Rather, they are there to offer useful guidance, constructive criticism and fresh ideas.
This is the 21st year that Twin Cities Business is honoring corporate directors in Minnesota. As always, the magazine worked with a remarkable group of judges: Linda Hall, entrepreneur in residence, University of Minnesota Carlson School of Management; George Kehl, managing partner, KPMG Minneapolis; Mark W. Sheffert, chairman and CEO, Manchester Cos. Inc.; and Michael Vekich, president, National Association of Corporate Directors, Minnesota Chapter. They were joined by Dale Kurschner, the magazine’s editor-in-chief.
