Business notebook: Xcel makes list of military friendly employers

Xcel Energy has been designated as a 2013 Top 100 Military Friendly Employer by G.I. Jobs, marking the fifth year the company has been included on the list.

“Xcel Energy’s efforts to attract military veterans have resulted in a win-win for the company and our employees,” Xcel Chairman and CEO Ben Fowke said. “We value the skills, commitment and diversity that our veterans bring to the workplace. Their contribution is vital to our company’s success.”

Criteria for selection to the Top 100 list include the strength of a company’s military recruiting efforts, the percentage of new hires with prior military service and company policies on National Guard and Reserve service.

A statement from Xcel reports that the company aggressively seeks to hire “military alumni” who are innovative and responsible team players.

• South Country Health Alliance and PerformRX have partnered to bring pharmacy benefit management services to SCHA’s Medical Assistance and Medicare Advantage members in 12 Minnesota counties.

The contract is effective Jan. 1, 2013 and will cover about 23,000 eligible beneficiaries.

“South Country Health Alliance is pleased to contract with PerformRx, a pharmacy benefit manager that leverages the latest technologies to improve health outcomes,” SCHA CEO Leota Lind said. “We look forward to working with PerformRx to support access for our members to quality health care.”

• Sara Larson recently received two awards for her radio show, Senior Smarts with Sara.

Larson is a senior resource specialist for St. Brigid’s at Hi-Park. Since February, she has been discussing topics such as the importance of therapy, preparing for allergy season and learning about an endowment as part of her 10-minute weekly show on KCUE 1250 AM.

“Senior Smarts with Sara creates a look into life with seniors from the care provider perspective,” St. Brigid’s CEO and Administrator Mike Schultz said. “She backs up her program with support groups and clinics. Sara remains focused on the greater community and brings about the much-needed caring perspective of those who serve the elderly.”

Larson received the Benedictine Spirit Award-Community Focus in September and the Care Providers of Minnesota “Dare to Be Great” award earlier this month.

Tags: red wing, business, energy