| Annexstad embodies Alger award |
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Posted: Wednesday, December 16, 2009 11:07 pm
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The Horatio Alger Association formally announced this week that Al Annexstad, chairman of the Owatonna-based Federated Insurance Companies, would be one of 11 recipients of the 2010 Horatio Alger Award. It is a well-deserved honor.
Horatio Alger, you may recall, was the 19th century novelist most known for writing “rags to riches” stories — stories about children who started from humble beginnings and rose to great heights of success through their hard work, courage, determination and concern for others. The Horatio Alger Association awards its honor to those individuals who exemplify the spirit seen in those stories.
Mr. Annexstad certainly meets that criterion. Born on a small dairy farm near St. Peter, Mr. Annexstad lost his father when young Al was but 5 years old. When he was not in school, he worked in his off hours to help his mother with expenses and learned the meaning of sacrifice and fortitude from watching his mother strive to raise the family alone. When he was still a senior in college, he took a job with Federated as a sales representative and within three years was promoted to district marketing manager. Eventually, he rose to become the president, CEO and chairman of Federated and has, under his guidance, enabled the company to become one of the nation’s largest and most financially successful insurance companies.
But it is not simply his business acumen for which Mr. Annexstad is being honored. The Horatio Alger Association also has a mission to encourage young people to pursue their dreams through education — something which Mr. Annexstad has done as well. His support of youth mentoring programs, such as Big Brothers Big Sisters, is an inspiration. And his leadership in that area is nothing short of outstanding.
In receiving the recognition, Mr. Annextad joins an elite group of Americans that includes three past presidents, a Supreme Court justice, two former secretaries of State and even Oprah Winfrey. Among the recipients with whom Mr. Annexstad will receive the award this year are former Secretary of State Condolezza Rice and former Commander-in-Chief of U.S. Central Command Gen. Tommy Franks. It is good company to be in, and Owatonna should be proud not only that he is receiving this award, but especially for what he has done in and for our community.
Owatonna People’s Press editorials are the opinion of the Press editorial board. Other editorials, columns, letters and cartoons appearing on this page are the opinions of the authors and artists and not necessarily the People’s Press.
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