Julian Currie, human resources business partner at Minimizer, has been honored with the Rochester, Minnesota, Chamber of Commerce Volunteer of the Year award.

Currie shares the honor with the 10 other members of the Steering Committee for Leadership Greater Rochester (LGR). LGR is a 10-month program that targets and recruits experienced professionals with the goal of developing business and community leaders.

“I completed the program myself in 2015 and have been volunteering with the organization ever since,” said Currie.

The Rochester Chamber surprised the Steering Committee at its annual awards banquet in January.

“It’s humbling and gratifying to share this award with the other members of the Steering Committee,” said Currie. “It’s a program that was very beneficial for me, personally, so serving on the Steering Committee is my own way of giving back.”

“We couldn’t be prouder to have such a fantastic business partner and person here at Minimizer,” said Minimizer Chief Visionary Craig Kruckeberg. “Julian is an incredibly selfless person who deserves this award.”

LGR and the Steering Committee meet every month throughout the 10-month program, with the group’s focus designed to improve Rochester and the surrounding areas.

“During my year in the program, we helped raise funds for the United Way and Rochester Public Library,” said Currie. “The end result expanded the number of mini libraries across Rochester. Our goal was to encourage the area’s youth to read. We ended up with so many books that the surplus will enable the program to continue for the foreseeable future.”

In the future, Currie hopes to lead a class, serving as the group’s guide and mentor as it works its way through the 10-month program.

“This is a family. You build lifelong friendships and bonds not only with your fellow classmates, but with other alumni, as well,” said Currie.