Business Notebook: WCCO names Hanisch Bakery best in Minnesota

It’s official: Hanish Bakery & Coffee Shop is the best bakery in Minnesota. At least that’s according to WCCO’s Saturday Morning Show.

The Red Wing bakery was the top vote-getter in an online contest the show held late last month. Viewers weighed in via Facebook, Twitter and email, telling WCCO reporter Matt Brickman what bakery should win the title.

With more than 300 votes, Brickman said Hanisch’s beat out all the other bakeries and earned more than half the total votes.

Bill Hanisch said he may have has something to do with that: the bakery owner posted on Hanisch’s own Facebook page and encouraged fans to cast votes in his favor.

“Sometimes business owners catch wind of it,” Brickman said, adding that it’s all part of the game.

Hanisch said he commonly uses Facebook to get people in the shop, posting about special promotions, new items being offered and encouraging customers to say certain silly things to get a discount.

“It’s about having fun and enjoying what you’re about to consume,” he said.

Brinkman and a videographer visited Hanisch Bakery Wednesday morning and shot interviews with Hanisch and got a tour of the treats in the display case.

The segment aired during WCCO’s “Saturday Morning” show this past Saturday and again on Sunday morning.

The best bakery contest was part of the show’s weekly “Best of Minnesota” feature. The segment featuring Hanisch Bakery can be seen on WCCO’s website at Minnesota.cbslocal.com.

• Red Wing Shoe Co. CEO Bill Sweasy recently was awarded with the Outdoor Inspiration Award for his efforts in motivating others to get outdoors.

“As I enter retirement, I feel immense gratitude to know that what I have done over the years has been so meaningful to so many,” Sweasy said while accepting the award during the 2013 Outdoor Retailer Winter Market Jan. 24. “This award is truly one of the highlights of my career."

During his career with the Shoe, Sweasy helped grow the Vasque brand, which is dedicated to providing hiking footwear. Sweasy will retire later this year and said he is looking forward to continuing his volunteerism as well as getting out and experiencing the wilderness even more.

The Outdoor Inspiration Award annually recognizes one individual, one group and one company for their efforts in motivating others to get outdoors through personal achievement, volunteerism and an inspirational passion for the benefits of outdoor activity. Sweasy was among four people nominated for the Outdoor Inspiration Award in the individual category.

• Two organizations with local ties were named to Fortune’s “100 Best Companies to Work For.”

The magazine ranked Edward Jones financial investment firm as No. 8. This marked the company’s 14th year on the list. Forty-four percent of new hires from the employee referrals and the firm offers a close-knit culture.

The magazine ranked Mayo Clinic as 41st. The health care provider offers many resources to help employees cope with work issues. The clinic also was commended for its use of social media.

Tags: business, minnesota