The Northland Foundation was recently honored the Valspar Corporation with a "Valued Partner Award." The award was presented by Northland Foundation President Tom Renier in appreciation of a decade of partnership on the Minnesota Beautiful Program, a grant program implemented through the Northland Foundation in cooperation with Valspar to distribute paint and coating products for community restoration and beautification.
The Minneapolis-based paint and coatings manufacturer has donated more than 4,000 gallons of its products to communities and non-profit organizations in the seven-county Arrowhead Region alone.
"Valspar's long-term commitment to the Minnesota Beautiful Program is a tremendous example of good corporate citizenship in action," said Renier. "We wanted to formally recognize their generosity and dedication to helping brighten communities throughout northeastern Minnesota."
The Northland Foundation and its five counterparts, the Minnesota Initiative Foundations, have partnered with Valspar on the program since 1998. Among the projects in Carlton County that have benefited from past Valspar grants are: Carlton County Fairgrounds sheep barn and cattle barn; Wrenshall school exterior; Blackhoof Valley Senior Center; North Country R.I.D.E. outdoor riding area fence, Esko; Carlton County Historical Society building; centennial murals in Cloquet; Moose Lake Area Historical Society; Washington Community Center, Esko; and the Esko Historical Society.
