In August, MNRAAA staff and board members were finally able to get together for our staff retreat. The retreat was held at Painted Prairie Vineyards in Dovray, MN. With the picture-perfect weather, we were able to hold the retreat outside to accommodate guidelines. Or perhaps it was outdoors so our feline-adoring staff could play with and spoil the numerous kittens that ran around.

This retreat provided an opportunity for staff for some of our newer staff and board members to meet each other for the first time. The day started with a light breakfast followed by department meetings. That was followed by our speaker, Kit Welchlin, whose presentation was entitled, Communication, Emotional Intelligence, and Dealing with Stress. Kit’s presentation was terrific and provided a lot of well-needed laughter. Everyone was able to have some takeaway, professionally and personally. Cory Becker, a staff person from Congresswoman Michelle Fischbach’s office, provided an update on what is happening in Washington D.C. This was followed by Dr. Andrew Kopperud of Sanford-Westbrook, who gave an update on COVID-19.

At the end of the retreat, Dr. Kopperud and his wife Krista (proprietors of Painted Prairie Vineyards) gave tours and talked about their winery with staff and board members. All had a great day, and we look forward to getting together soon!