Agenda - Economic Development Authority - 07/09/2015

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trusted and compassionate partner, Allina Health ensures community benefit and engagement is an integral part of our culture and strategic plan. We invest in these efforts, not because we have to, but because we believe in them. As a not -for profit health system, we partner and give back to the community in many different ways — all focused on improving the health of those we serve. Every October, Allina Health partners with Free Bikes 4 Kidz, a non-profit organization geared toward helping all kids ride into a happier, healthier childhood by providing bikes to those most in need. Kenneth H. Paulus, CEO of Allina Health, says, "Biking can be a life-long pastime. Many of our employees are avid cyclists, and we want to help make it possible for every child to participate in this healthy, fun and environmentally -friendly activity." Health Powered Kids' is a free community education program created by Allina Health and designed with a singular focus: to empower kids to make healthier choices about what to eat, how to stay active, staying clean and managing stress. At healthpoweredkids.org, you can access more than 50 on -and -offline lessons and activities for children and teens to be used at school, home, after-school programs, daycare and community groups (such as Girl Scouts and the YMCA). Neighborhood Health Connection improves the health of communities through social connections, healthy eating and physical activity through grants. We know that being active and eating healthy foods are good for us. Plus, research shows that we are more likely to stick with healthy activities if we do them with other people. Social connections are the relationships we have with others, either individually or through groups. These competitive grants support activities that promote social connections, healthy eating and physical activity. Any group of neighbors or organization can apply. Learn more at neighborhoodhealthconnection.org Volunteers at 28 Allina Health locations, helped fit and distribute over 10,000 new athletic shoes and socks to kids at the New Shoes, Healthy Kids event. Shoes are a basic necessity that many kids in our communities lack. Giving kids in need a pair of shoes that fit eliminates these concerns and also protects their feet. Mission Matters helps Allina Health employees get involved in their communities through volunteering and gives employee input on where Allina Health charitable contributions are made. Allina Health Ramsey Clinic has also been a sponsor of The Draw Summer Event Series, sponsors clinic staff volunteers at Feed My Starving Children, and supports the local food shelf through food drives. WHAT IS UNIQUE ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS, WHAT IS NOTEWORTHY OR WHAT MAKES YOUR BUSINESS DIFFERENT THAN YOUR COMPETITORS (I.E. INNOVATIVE PRODUCT/BUILDING, SIGNIFICANT JOB RETENTION/CREATION, OVERCOMING A SIGNIFICANT OBSTACLE, ETC.)? ZERO ZONE: XXXXXXX