ADVERTISING / PUBLIC RELATIONS

Padilla, a Minneapolis-based public relations firm, announced that it has named Julie Batliner president, succeeding Matt Kucharski, who will transition to a planned retirement at the end of 2026. Kucharski joined Padilla in 1989. Batliner most recently was president of Carmichael Lynch. … The Social Lights, a Minneapolis-based woman-owned social-first agency, announced it has named Dave Bullen vice president of creative. Bullen joins from MONO, where he most recently was group creative director.

FINANCIAL SERVICES

U.S. Bank, Minneapolis, announced that Chris Peary has been named chief private banking officer for Wealth Management. Peary most recently served as national banking lead and West region banking manager for Ascent Private Capital Management of U.S. Bank while continuing in his role as a client adviser. … The Public Employees Retirement Association, a St. Paul-based pension administrator for employees of counties, cities, school districts and other government entities, announced that its board of trustees has selected Amy Strenge as executive director, succeeding Doug Anderson, who plans to retire in 2026. Strenge has served as PERA’s policy coordinator for the past seven years, and previously was the primary pension resource for a Minnesota Senate caucus.

HONORS

The U.S. Small Business Administration’s Minnesota District announced it will honor 10 lenders for their commitment to helping small businesses succeed at the Minnesota Small Business Lenders Conference on Sept. 22: Credit Union: Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union; Lender with less than $250 million in assets: Prime Security Bank; Lender with between $250 million and $500 million in assets: Granite Bank; Lender with $500 million to $1 billion in assets: BankVista; Lender with less than $1 billion in assets: Frandsen Bank & Trust; National Lender: U.S. Bank; District Director Award: Bank of Elk River; Certified Development Company (Job Creation): AMPLIO Economic Development Corp.; Certified Development Company (Loan Volume) Midwest Business Finance Corp.; Microlender: Entrepreneur Fund. … Unidos MN, a Minneapolis-based social-justice organization, announced it has received the following local, national and international awards this year: 2026 Kettering Democracy Prize; Aachen Peace Prize 2026; 50th Annual Letelier-Moffitt Human Rights Domestic Award; U.S. Servas 2026 Peace Award; 2026 Tortuga Award; Hubert H. Humphrey Award; Puffin Prize for Creative Citizenship and the Omar Bonderud Human Rights Award.

MANUFACTURING

Protolabs, a Maple Plain-based online and technology-enabled manufacturer for businesses, announced the appointment of Sam Ramahi as chief operations officer, effective Aug. 31. Ramahi most recently served as vice president of North America operations at SIG Group, and has served in executive positions at Jacuzzi Group, nVent, Eaton, Cooper Industries, Honeywell and GE Healthcare.

NONPROFITS

Big Brothers Big Sisters Twin Cities, Minneapolis, announced the appointment of Shana Ford as chief executive officer, effective Sept. 1. She succeeds Pat Sukhum, who is concluding five years of leadership. Ford most recently served as chief executive officer of NorthStar Public Schools. … One Village Partners, a Minneapolis-based organization focused on aid to Sierra Leone, announced it was named a finalist in the 2026 .ORG Impact Awards by Public Interest Registry, the group behind the .ORG domain, recognizing outstanding mission-driven individuals and organizations globally for their contributions to society. All finalists receive donations of $2,500. One Village Partners is a finalist in the Community Building category.

OPENINGS

Simon, a national real estate investment trust focused on retail, announced the additions of retail brands Hollister Co. and JD Sports to its Twin Cities Premium Outlets in Eagan. … Sweetgreen announced its opening in the North Dining Hall at Mall of America in Bloomington on Sept. 8.

RECREATION

The YMCA of the North announced the opening of the YMCA Peter J. King Family Foundation Center for Child and Family Wellbeing, located at 530 N. Wheeler St. in St. Paul’s Midway neighborhood, across from the Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation Midway YMCA.