Ecolab has been designated one of the Best Workplaces for Commuters by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Department of Transportation. Best Workplaces for Commuters is a voluntary partnership program designed to cut traffic congestion and traffic-related air pollution. Offering environmentally friendly commuter benefits identifies Ecolab as an organization committed to reducing pollution, commuting costs, traffic congestion and employee stress caused by single-occupant vehicle commuting.

General Mills was named one of the 10 best places to work by Working Mother Magazine. According to Working Mother, companies that win a place in the top 10 are those that scored highest among hundreds of applicants in the categories of flexibility, advancement of women, compensation, leave for new parents, child care and work/life culture. The company received high marks for child-care options, including emergency back-up child care, sick child care and discounts at daycare providers. General Mills has been honored by the magazine for 10 consecutive years in the annual "100 Best Companies" feature.

Securian Financial Group is the only Minnesota employer on the AARP's 2005 list of the nation's "Best Employers for Workers Over 50." Securian, a financial services company that employs 2,200 people at its St. Paul headquarters, also appeared on the 2004 list. The AARP scored companies on seven criteria: recruiting, workplace culture, continued opportunities, benefits, retirement, age comparison of the work force, and overall screening score. In a profile of Securian, the AARP said, "Securian Financial Group's Life Balance Program illustrates the company's commitment to its employees and their evolving needs by providing flexible work options such as modified work hours, job sharing, telecommuting, and voluntary unpaid time off which does not affect benefits."

Allianz, Ameriprise Financial, Best Buy, Leonard, Street and Deinard, Securian Financial Group and Wells Fargo Bank Minnesota are among 35 Minnesota companies cited by the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal as "2005 Great Places to Work." Companies listed were evaluated through employee surveys about topics such as work environment, manager effectiveness, vacation policy, rewards programs and health insurance coverage.   

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