On Thursday, November 10^th Madelia Community Hospital received word they had been chosen as the small business "Child Friendly Employer of the Year" for Minnesota, MedTronix was named the large employer recipient. In August, employee Vicki Rosenberg nominated MCH for the award. Early in November, Rosenberg was contacted saying that MCH was a finalist for the award and that she was required to write an essay as to why Madelia Community Hospital was deserving of this award and specific situations as to how individual employees have benefited.

In her essay, Rosenberg wrote, "As a professional for 20+ years I can honestly say that I have never worked in such a caring, family friendly environment. I feel the support and family environment at MCH is outstanding and noteworthy, it is often an important factor for employee retention and/or recruitment."

MCH management prides themselves in having a "family environment" and it is quite evident when one understands the flexible and supportive environment that employees are granted to meet the needs of their family. But MCH also "walks their talk" whereas genuine concern and care for each employee is portrayed from administration and department heads to fellow employees.

On Friday, November 18^th Rosenberg and a MCH management representative were invited to an awards ceremony in St. Paul. The award was presented at the "2^nd Annual Business Forum on School Readiness". CEO Candace Fenske was unable to attend due to JACHO inspection taking place at that time. Barb Overlie, MCH Board Director of Lake Crystal, joined Rosenberg in accepting the award for MCH. Upon receiving the award Overlie remarked, "We believe by encouraging our employees to take care of their health and families, in return they can be their best for our patients."

The selection committee chaired by Pam Willard, Taylor Corporation, reported that Medtronic and Madelia Community Hospital had been selected among a number of finalists who had been nominated by employees. "This is a credit to all employers who are doing some important things to support parents with young children," she said.

"Hospitals tend to have high turn over, this one hardly has any---and this is why…"

Rosenberg shared the following remarks in her essay, Madelia Community Hospital could not be more deserving of receiving this Child-Friendly Employer Award, even if MCH does not have the ability to offer some of the big city amenities. More importantly as employees we know that our employer will do anything possible to support our role as a parent, we greatly appreciate the empathy and genuine concern for our personal needs.