Category: Recent News

SearchWide Global Welcomes Vice President Andrea Christopherson

by jsl_web_admin

St. Paul, MN, April 19, 2023 — Effective April 17, 2023, Andrea Christopherson joined SearchWide Global as a Vice President to assist with SearchWide Global’s Director and C-Level searches and business development initiatives in the experiential event marketing segment along with the tradeshow and convention industries.

 

“Andrea is an excellent addition to our team. With her experience in hospitality and talent acquisition, she will bring our recruitment efforts to a new level,” said Mark Gnatovic, Executive Vice President at SearchWide Global.

 

Based in the Dallas-Fort Worth, TX Metroplex, Christopherson brings over 20 years of experience leading talent acquisition, training, sales & marketing, event, and customer experience. She most recently served as a Chief Experience Officer with SalesBoost and was instrumental in building the brand and leading business development, marketing & strategic partnerships, content development, training programs, talent acquisition, and customer experience. She also has experience working with Omni Hotels & Resorts, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, and Aerotek (Allegis Group).

 

“I am honored to join the SearchWide Global team, and I look forward to helping the industry continue to thrive by connecting best-in-class talent with best-in-class organizations,” said Andrea Christopherson.

 

Christopherson’s keen understanding of business strategy, organizational effectiveness, change management, and talent acquisition will support SearchWide Global’s Executive Search and Organizational Strategy initiatives.

Christopherson graduated from Texas State University with an Organizational Communications and Media Studies degree. She serves on the UNT CMHT Advisory Board, the C.T. Bauer College of Business Customer Experience Advisory Board, and previously, the Visit Frisco Customer Advisory Board.

She lives in Frisco, Texas, where she enjoys coaching sports teams, volunteering at local charitable organizations, including NCL, spending time with her family, attending live events, and doing outdoor exercise.

 

About SearchWide Global: SearchWide Global is a full-service executive search firm, placing hundreds of executives, primarily for companies in the travel, tourism, hospitality, convention, trade association, venue management, and experiential marketing industries. Specializing in C-Level and Director level executive searches for companies ranging in size from Fortune 500 corporations to mid-sized public and private companies and associations. Headquartered in St. Paul, MN, USA, and several regional offices, SearchWide Global is able to serve clients and candidates nationwide. Founded in 1999, they have remained focused on their core values for more than two decades: INTEGRITY, ETHICS, PASSION, RESPECT, and INCLUSION.

 

For more information, please contact:

Cambria Jones | jones@searchwideglobal.com

2023 Sports Destination Leaders Salary, Compensation and Benefits Report

by jsl_web_admin

Sports ETA, SearchWide Global, and Northstar Meetings Group Present New Executive Compensation Report for the Sports Events and Tourism Industry

 

Sports ETA and SearchWide Global partnered to release the “2023 Sports Destination Leaders Salary, Compensation and Benefits Report” led by researchers from Stoll Strategies, sponsored by the Northstar Meetings Group.

 

The benchmark study provides an overall look at the employment landscape for the $39.7 billion sports events and tourism industry among sports destinations while offering a resource to organizations with actionable information.

 

The last industry Salary, Compensation and Benefits Report was conducted in 2013 by Enigma Research Corporation. The research for the 2023 report was led by Dr. Jennifer Stoll, and Dr. Blake Price, from Stoll Strategies.

 

Data from more than 200 sports destination leaders, with a majority of those employed by a Destination Marketing Organization or Convention & Visitors Bureau, was collected and organized in the six following areas of the report:

  • Organization Information
  • Performance Goals
  • Industry Experience
  • Employment Agreements
  • Salaries and Bonuses
  • Benefits

 

A tool kit is also included in the report and will serve as an advocacy tool to help organizations advance sports events and tourism in their destinations.

SearchWide Global Welcomes Executive Recruiter Kathryn Millard

by jsl_web_admin

(St. Paul, MN)  — Effective February 7, 2022, Kathryn Millard joined SearchWide Global as an Executive Recruiter to assist with SearchWide Global’s hotel and resort searches and business development initiatives.

 

“We are excited to have Kathryn join our team. She brings a wealth of knowledge and experience that will be essential in advancing our services in the hotel and resort sector,” said John Brich, Vice President, SearchWide Global.

 

Based in Amelia Island, FL, Millard brings 14 years of experience in hotels and resorts, including The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island, Omni Amelia Island, and most recently the W South Beach as a Senior Sales Executive. With her extensive knowledge of hotels and resorts, she will support SearchWide Global Vice President John Brich, who leads SearchWide Global’s hotel and resort practice.

 

“I am thrilled to be joining SearchWide Global and helping change lives by finding the perfect fit for both our candidates and clients. I’m looking forward to making a difference and changing the trajectory of one’s career, just like SearchWide Global did for me.”

Millard graduated from the University of Georgia with a degree in Business Administration – Marketing. She lives on Amelia Island with her husband, two sons, and their chihuahua, Daisy.

 

About SearchWide Global: SearchWide Global is a full-service executive search firm, placing hundreds of executives, primarily for companies in the travel, tourism, hospitality, convention, trade association, venue management, and experiential marketing industries. Specializing in C-Level and Director level executive searches for companies ranging in size from Fortune 500 corporations to mid-sized public and private companies and associations. Headquartered in St. Paul, MN, USA, and several regional offices, SearchWide Global is able to serve clients and candidates nationwide. Founded in 1999, they have remained focused on four core values for almost two decades: INTEGRITY, ETHICS, PASSION, and RESPECT.

 

For more information, please contact:

Cambria Jones | jones@searchwideglobal.com

Strategic Solutions Partner’s 2021 GIG STUDY: Rethinking the Recovery

by jsl_web_admin

This year, Strategic Solution Partners teamed up with SearchWide Global and SalesBoost to survey a steadily changing hospitality landscape as it pertains to talent and the Gig Economy and we found that, after an exhausting pandemic, the gap in talent acquisition and retention has widened. The talent crisis has been exacerbated with the max exodus of great talent to other industries.

[mkdf_separator class_name=”” type=”normal” position=”center” color=”” border_style=”” width=”” thickness=”20″ top_margin=”” bottom_margin=””]

Here are a few things you can expect to read about in this comprehensive report:

 

  • When executives expect to return to pre-Covid staffing levels
  • The impact of talent loss at property, regional and corporate teams
  • The evolving hospitality staffing model
  • Key characteristics of future talent and what to look for
[mkdf_separator class_name=”” type=”normal” position=”center” color=”” border_style=”” width=”” thickness=”20″ top_margin=”” bottom_margin=””]
Our 2021 study includes hard data from hotel executives that saw it coming. Adaptability and thinking outside the box in terms of staffing is how they are going to recover both talent and revenue.
[mkdf_separator class_name=”” type=”normal” position=”center” color=”” border_style=”” width=”” thickness=”” top_margin=”” bottom_margin=””][mkdf_separator class_name=”” type=”normal” position=”center” color=”” border_style=”” width=”” thickness=”20″ top_margin=”” bottom_margin=””]
[mkdf_button size=”” type=”” text=”Get the Gig Study Now!” custom_class=”” icon_pack=”font_awesome” fa_icon=”” link=”https://www.strategicsolutionpartners.com/ssps-2021-gig-study-rethinking-the-recovery/” target=”_blank” color=”” hover_color=”” background_color=”” hover_background_color=”” border_color=”” hover_border_color=”” font_size=”” font_weight=”” margin=””]
[mkdf_separator class_name=”” type=”full-width” position=”center” color=”5192a4″ border_style=”” width=”” thickness=”4″ top_margin=”” bottom_margin=””]

Strategic Solution Partners (SSP) is a full-service hospitality solutions provider specializing in strategic planning, revenue enhancement, and taskforce sourcing for the world’s leading hotels, hospitality businesses, and hotel groups. By delivering high-level solutions including revenue growth strategies, strategic consultancy on operations and sales, and sourcing of experienced task force professionals, SSP aims to shape the hospitality industry by maximizing business performance and operational efficiency. Through integrity, honesty, and ethics, SSP offers its consultants and partners the support, respect and freedom to make a positive impact on our world.

 

 

 

SearchWide Global is a full service executive search firm primarily for companies in Destination Organizations / Hotels & Resorts / Venue Management / Experiential Marketing, Tradeshow & Exhibition / Industry Associations / Sports & Entertainment / Chamber of Commerce. Specializing in C-Level and Director level executive searches for companies ranging in size from Fortune 500 corporations to mid-sized public and private companies and associations. Founded in 1999, SearchWide Global is headquartered in St. Paul, Minnesota and operates worldwide. For more information visit SearchWideGlobal.com.

Tourism Diversity Matters Launches To Inspire And Create Change For Tourism And Events Industry

by jsl_web_admin

TOURISM DIVERSITY MATTERS LAUNCHES TO INSPIRE AND CREATE CHANGE

FOR TOURISM AND EVENTS INDUSTRY

Collective Impact Approach Commits to Eliminating Disparities Through Advocacy and Education; ConferenceDirect Foundation, Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau (PHLCVB), and

SearchWide Global Among Founding Partners

 

 

 

PAUL, MN — Elliott Ferguson, Chairman of the Board for Tourism Diversity Matters (TDM) and President and CEO, Destination DC, and Mike Gamble, TDM’s Founder and President and CEO of SearchWide Global today announced the collective impact model to inspire authenticity and inclusive leadership throughout the tourism and events industry. TDM’s mission is to be a resource to foster diversity, equity and inclusion practices that will educate, advocate, engage and empower in collaboration and cooperation with all industry initiatives.

 

Founding partners include ConferenceDirect Foundation, Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau (PHLCVB), and SearchWide Global.

 

Ferguson, one of the few Black leaders in destination marketing has been a long-time advocate for repairing diversity deficiencies and misrepresentations in the corporate environment.

 

“Addressing racism should impact how you lead – it’s an American issue,” said Ferguson. “As many are confronting these issues for the first time, we can’t turn a blind eye and we can’t turn back. The pandemic has forced us to slow down and focus on being human. We need to be comfortable with uncomfortable conversations and having these discussions not only at home, but also in the workplace.”

 

TDM’s four guiding pillars include Apprenticeship Programs; Workforce Development; Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), and Research and Data. The goal is to sustain and expand the platform by collaborating with associated organizations and industries and notable research institutions to develop impactful solutions for all involved.

 

“Tourism Diversity Matters is a dedicated resource focused solely on creating long-term solutions through complete industry engagement and participation,” said Gamble. “The intention is to not replace existing good work happening in this area, but rather to shine a light on it, and add value and insight where needed.”

 

Greg DeShields, CDE, CHE, a respected leader on behalf of DEI and regarded for initiatives to raise Philadelphia’s image as a multicultural visitor destination, has been named Executive Director. In addition to this new leadership role, he will continue to lead PHL Diversity, a division of PHLCVB.

 

 

The inaugural Board of Directors includes:

 

  • Brandi Baldwin, CEO, Millennial Ventures Holdings
  • Debra Blair, Director of Organizational Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Temple University School of Sport, Tourism and Hospitality Management
  • Ray Bloom, Chairman, IMEX
  • Cathy Breden, CAE, CMP, CEM, EVP & COO, International Association of Exhibitions & Events (IAEE); Chair-Elect, Events Industry Council (EIC)
  • Amy Calvert, CEO, Events Industry Council (EIC)
  • Gregg Caren, President and CEO, PHLCVB
  • Mark Cooper, CEO, International Association of Conference Centers (IACC); Chairman, Events Industry Council (EIC)
  • Melissa Cherry, COO, Destinations International
  • Roger Dow, President and CEO, US Travel Association
  • Christine Duffy, President, Carnival Cruise Line
  • Elliott Ferguson, President and CEO, Destination DC
  • Mike Gamble, President and CEO, SearchWide Global
  • Al Hutchinson, President and CEO, Visit Baltimore
  • Sherrif Karamat, President and CEO, PCMA
  • Michelle Mason, FASAE, CAE, CQIA, President and CEO, Association Forum
  • Brad Mayne, President and CEO, International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM)
  • Lynette Montoya, President and CEO, Latino Hotel Association
  • Carrie Freeman Parsons, Chair, Freeman
  • Leah Smiley, President, Society for Diversity, Inc.
  • Brian Stevens, CEO, ConferenceDirect
  • Paul M. VanDeventer, President and CEO, Meeting Professionals International (MPI)
  • Telesa Via, VP, Sales, Kimpton Hotels and Restaurants
  • Carl Winston, Director of the L. Robert Payne School of Hospitality & Tourism Management, San Diego State University

 

“Tourism Diversity Matters offers the opportunity to reset and heal from a year filled with the most challenging moments in modern history,” said Carrie Freeman Parsons. “I am honored to be part of this important collaboration moving all toward an inclusive environment with equitable access and participation.”

 

Tiered partnership opportunities are available.  For more information about TDM’s mission and how the industry can be involved, please visit Tourism Diversity Matters.

# # #

 

[mkdf_button size=”” type=”” text=”Learn More” custom_class=”” icon_pack=”font_awesome” fa_icon=”” link=”https://tourismdiversitymatters.org/” target=”_blank” color=”” hover_color=”” background_color=”” hover_background_color=”” border_color=”” hover_border_color=”” font_size=”” font_weight=”” margin=””]

 

 

 

Editor’s Note: Headshots available upon request

 

Media Contact:

Meghan Risch

R4 Communications Strategies, Inc.

312.388.1174

meghan@r4commstrategies.com

 

 

About Tourism Diversity Matters

Tourism Diversity Matters (TDM) is a 501 C (6) founded as the collaborative leader of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives and concepts that can address the blind spots of ethnic disparities and provide decision-makers in the tourism industry access, resources, and tactics to develop more effective Diversity & Inclusion strategies that will engage and retain a diverse workforce. At TDM, we focus on four primary pillars of activity to benefit the Tourism Industry: Apprenticeships, Workforce Development, Diversity Equity and Inclusion, Research and Data. TDM’s goal is to sustain and expand our platform by affiliating with fellow industry partners and notable research institutions, creating solutions that can be implemented, contributing to organizational success. Follow TDM @TDM_Matters on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter.

Board Diversity for Destination Organizations

by jsl_web_admin

“Recognize that diversity brings richness. Diversity brings new ideas.
Diversity brings growth. Diversity brings dynamism. Diversity brings
energy. And, lack of diversity means sameness, dullness, lack of growth.”
– Nonprofit Quarterly

 

In partnership with Destinations International and DMO Proz, please download and read the Board Diversity report here:

 

[mkdf_button size=”huge-full-width” type=”” text=”Board Diversity for Destination Organizations” custom_class=”” icon_pack=”font_awesome” fa_icon=”” link=”https://searchwideglobal.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/BoardDiversity_V1.pdf” target=”_blank” color=”” hover_color=”” background_color=”” hover_background_color=”” border_color=”” hover_border_color=”” font_size=”” font_weight=”” margin=””]

A NEW Vision for the TRAVEL Industry

by jsl_web_admin

“It is difficult, but it is possible.” -Althea Gibson

 

We stand with these industry leaders and are ready to do our part. 

-Mike Gamble, President and CEO, SearchWide Global

 

[mkdf_separator class_name=”” type=”full-width” position=”center” color=”004165″ border_style=”” width=”” thickness=”” top_margin=”” bottom_margin=””]

 

Read the letter here:

 

[mkdf_button size=”huge-full-width” type=”” text=”An OPEN LETTER to our colleagues & the world ” custom_class=”” icon_pack=”font_awesome” fa_icon=”” link=”https://searchwideglobal.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/An-OPEN-LETTER-to-our-colleagues-the-world.pdf” target=”_blank” color=”” hover_color=”” background_color=”” hover_background_color=”” border_color=”” hover_border_color=”” font_size=”” font_weight=”” margin=””]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SearchWide Global is a full-service executive search firm primarily for companies in Destination Organizations / Hotels & Resorts / Venue Management / Experiential Marketing, Tradeshow & Exhibition / Industry Associations / Sports & Entertainment. Specializing in C-Level and Director level executive searches for companies ranging in size from Fortune 500 corporations to mid-sized public and private companies and associations. Founded in 1999, SearchWide Global headquartered in St. Paul, MN, USA and operates worldwide.

 

Four Tourism Industry Companies Partner for Success

by jsl_web_admin

November 13, 2019, (ST. PAUL, MN) – Four well-respected companies in the destination marketing (DMO) industry partner to better to serve clients with the collaboration and alignment of services.

 

The consortium provides a suite of services and long-time expertise to similar clients and helps DMO leaders operate more successfully and profitably. The partnership includes; SearchWide Global, CFO by design, Civitas, and Fired Up Culture.

 

“This collection of companies and their teams have earned universal respect in the DMO sector. We believe that our four companies can collaborate in a way that will allow DMO leaders to focus on what they do best, sell and market,” said Mike Gamble, President and CEO, SearchWide Global.

 

 

“We couldn’t be more excited about this partnership.  We are honored to work with these companies that we’ve respected for years.  At CFO by design, we’re committed to strengthening DMOs and our industry by supporting executives and their organizations through financial accountability, board excellence and community alignment,” said Julie Hart, President, CFO by design.

 

 

“We are thrilled to be a part of such a dynamic team of leaders! Each company brings a degree of skill and talent to this industry that is simply unparalleled. At Civitas, we specialize in igniting local economies, creating jobs, and establishing stable funding for destination promotions and downtown improvements throughout the United States,” said John Lambeth, President & CEO, Civitas.

 

 

“We are inspired by this alliance! The level of excellence and specialized expertise each partner brings to the group is a perfect blend for the industry we serve. Fired Up! Culture is focused on elevating the DMO industry through strengthened culture, leadership development and building high-performance teams,” said Chris Ihrig, CEO, Fired Up Culture.

 

 

SearchWide Global is a full service executive search firm primarily for companies in Destination Organizations / Hotels & Resorts / Venue Management / Experiential Marketing, Tradeshow & Exhibition / Industry Associations / Sports & Entertainment. Specializing in C-Level and Director level executive searches and founded in 1999, SearchWide Global is headquartered in St. Paul, MN, USA and operates worldwide.

 

CFO by design works with clients to uncover opportunities to strengthen financial and organizational practices and priorities. They provide industry leading solutions to establish a solid operational foundation, exceptional community alignment and to provide accountability to stakeholders while allowing leadership to focus on the core of running the organization.

 

Civitas specializes in developing long term funding strategies for destination marketing organizations. Civitas is the nation’s leading firm in Tourism Improvement Districts. The Civitas team has helped form over 100 districts throughout the United States and in many cases have doubled or tripled the DMO budget.

 

Fired Up Culture innovative tools and solutions help companies understand how to care for their team members, foster a culture of excellence, and experience business breakthroughs like never before.

 

 

 

 

###

 

 

KARA RYAN | MARKETING DIRECTOR  

 

SEARCHWIDE GLOBAL

680 Commerce Dr., Suite 220, St. Paul, MN 55125

P: (651) 275-1370

ryan@searchwideglobal.com

SEARCHWIDEGLOBAL.COM

SearchWide Global Partners with R4 Communications Strategies, Inc.

by jsl_web_admin

Adds Strategic Communications to Suite of Services for Executive Searches

 

Mike Gamble, CEO of SearchWide Global announced a partnership with Chicago-based R4 Communications Strategies, Inc., a boutique strategic communications firm specializing in the travel and tourism industry. This new alliance provides SearchWide Global clients with the opportunity to engage a proven industry leader for a variety of communications strategies, including media relations, advocacy and crisis management support, especially during times of executive transition.

 

R4 Communications Strategies, Inc. is owned by Meghan Risch, a communications strategist with more than 25 years in the hospitality, economic development, and travel and tourism industries.  She launched R4 in April 2016 after leading the public relations and corporate communications teams at Choose Chicago, Chicago’s destination marketing organization (DMO), for 12 years.

 

“There are very few communications strategists who are well versed in the DMO industry. Meghan has the experience and the measurable results we are confident our clients are seeking,” said Gamble.  “In many cases, searches are confidential and the Board of Directors may not be in a position to rely upon the internal communications team.  As a result, R4 is a solid and respected resource for our clients as we work to maintain confidentiality during the change of leadership within an organization.”

 

Earlier this year, SearchWide Global and R4 collaborated to support Puerto Rico’s first privatized DMO, Discover Puerto Rico. R4 developed and implemented a multi-tiered external communications plan to inform stakeholders, including media and customers on the mainland, how the creation of the newly established DMO would positively impact the Island’s economic growth through business and leisure visitation.  Additionally, R4 worked with Discover Puerto Rico to officially unveil the DMO’s new name at Destination International’s Annual Convention in Anaheim.

 

“It is an honor and a privilege to work with Mike and his team to support an industry that I am so fortunate to be part of,” said Risch.  “R4 is committed to delivering effective and transparent communications strategies to help elevate brand image and reputation for destinations and their respective communities.”

Gamble added, “We believe the time is right to offer a strategic communications component that ensures confidentiality, allows for a smooth transition and conveys appropriate messaging for our client’s goals and objectives.”

 

R4 currently works with Destinations International, Discover Puerto Rico and DuPage Convention & Visitors Bureau.  In 2016, R4 collaborated with Discover PHL on its bid to host the 2017 NFL Draft, an event which it successfully hosted with record-setting attendance.

# # #

 

 

CONTACTS:

Kara Ryan

SearchWide Global

ryan@searchwideglobal.com

480-570-5272

 

Meghan Risch

R4 Communications Strategies, Inc.

meghan@r4commstrategies.com

312-388-1174

 

About SearchWide Global

SearchWide Global is a full-service executive search firm primarily for companies in Destination Organizations / Hotels & Resorts / Venue Management / Experiential Marketing, Tradeshow & Exhibition / Industry Associations / Sports & Entertainment. Specializing in C-Level and Director level executive searches for companies ranging in size from Fortune 500 corporations to mid-sized public and private companies and associations. Founded in 1999, SearchWide Global headquartered in St. Paul, MN, USA and operates worldwide.  Visit SearchWideGlobal.com for more information.

 

About R4 Communications Strategies, Inc.

R4 Communications Strategies, Inc. is a boutique strategic communications firm specializing in the travel and tourism industry.  The team develops effective and transparent communications strategies that ultimately build connections and resonate with the stakeholders who matter most to an organization. R4 not only represents the four Rs associated with strategic communications – Relevance, Reputation, Respect and Results, it’s also an homage to what keeps our founder Meghan Risch grounded – her family of four.  Visit r4commstrategies.com for more information.

 

 

 

IAVM 30|UNDER|30 Nominations Now Being Accepted

by jsl_web_admin

The venue industry’s future success will be a direct result of the retention and development of our young professionals.

 

Six or seven years ago, we approached IAVM about developing a 30|UNDER|30 program. We felt that with the support of the IAVM Foundation, SearchWide Global, Ungerboeck and plenty of volunteers, we had the opportunity to build for the future. The program is designed to engage the best and brightest young professionals and expose them to the industry at a level they could not achieve from the 4-walls of their venue.

 

The program selection process is not easy. Those that earn the right to be recognized, truly earn the right. It’s inspiring and gratifying to see how creative and passionate these young professionals are. It is fascinating to watch them as they develop into the future leaders of the venue industry.

 

Now, headed into its fifth year, SearchWide Global is still thrilled to sponsor such a remarkable program. We encourage industry leaders to nominate a diverse slate of applicants with great leadership potential. Anyone can be recognized but this program recognizes the very best young professionals under 30. We ask that current leaders from any venue type, shape or size, take the time to recognize those that have made you look good over-and-over again. Not only does the program bring incredible value to our industry, but it brings unlimited opportunity to shape the future.

 

The IAVM Foundations 30|UNDER|30 program is simply investing in the future. How have you invested? Who have you nominated?

 

[mkdf_button size=”large” type=”” text=”Nominate now!” custom_class=”” icon_pack=”font_awesome” fa_icon=”” link=”https://iavm.formstack.com/forms/iavm__30under30_nomination” target=”_blank” color=”” hover_color=”” background_color=”” hover_background_color=”” border_color=”” hover_border_color=”” font_size=”” font_weight=”” margin=””]

 

Mark Gnatovic
Executive Vice President
SearchWide Global

 

SearchWide Global is a full service executive search firm primarily for companies in Destination Organizations / Hotels & Resorts / Venue Management / Experiential Marketing, Tradeshow & Exhibition / Industry Associations / Sports & Entertainment. Specializing in C-Level and Director level executive searches for companies ranging in size from Fortune 500 corporations to mid-sized public and private companies and associations. Founded in 1999, SearchWide Global headquartered in St. Paul, MN, USA and operates worldwide.