On a beautiful October evening, community members gathered to plant 10 oak trees just south of the Â鶹ӳ» World Headquarters building in Austin, Minn., to honor of each of the company’s 10 presidents during the its first 125 years. Spruce Up Austin, a local volunteer group, organized the event, which included a ribbon-cutting ceremony with Jeff Ettinger, CEO, and Jim Snee, COO.
Jeff Ettinger, Â鶹ӳ» CEO and Jim Snee, COO, participate in the ribbon cutting at the Â鶹ӳ» World Headquarters.
“It’s exciting to be a part of such an amazing history; it really is an honor to be part of that leadership and vision,” Snee said.
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Volunteers helping at the event, including Jeff Ettinger and Mike Ruzek, a Spruce Up Austin member.
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Jim Snee planting his tree after the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
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Volunteer planting a tree after the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
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Spruce Up Austin Volunteers.
“This is special,” Ettinger continued. “It’s a neat thing, being a part of the 125th, being part of that legacy.”
In addition to Ettinger and Snee, trees were planted to honor past presidents George A. Hormel, Jay C. Hormel, H. H. Corey, R. F. Gray, M. B. Thompson, I. J. Holton, R. L. Knowlton and Joel W. Johnson.