GOLDEN VALLEY, Minn. (May 8, 2026) – Three companies were honored during the fourth annual Meaningful Capitalism Awards reception held May 5 at the Metropolitan Ballroom in Golden Valley.
This year’s award recipients were Aagard, Authentic®, and Storm Creek®
At the award ceremony seven exceptional companies were recognized for their commitment to business success and benefit to the community. The seven finalists for the 2026 Meaningful Capitalism Awards, listed alphabetically, were:
Aagard
Authentic®
Cloud for Good
Dedicated Financial GBC
Prosperwell Financial
Storm Creek®
The Next Step Inc.
The Meaningful Capitalism Awards recognize privately held companies that demonstrate strong financial performance while making a measurable difference in the lives of employees, families, and communities. They maintain sustainable profitability while actively supporting the personal and professional development of their employees. They also contribute a portion of their profits to charitable causes that promote dignity, respect and thriving communities. In short, these companies strive to benefit multiple stakeholders.
The event is produced by Minnetonka-based business advisory firm Platinum Group.
This year also marks the launch of a new philanthropic component connected to the awards. The beneficiary of that focus, Wallin Education Partners, was selected because its mission augments and promotes those values recognized by the Meaningful Capitalism Awards through direct community investment. For over 30 years, Wallin Education Partners has been providing financial aid assistance, individual advisory services, and expanded access to personal development opportunities to Minnesota scholars.
“Platinum Group is proud to sponsor this program to honor our founder, Dean Bachelor, who passed away in 2021. Dean defined and trademarked our firm’s mission of Meaningful Capitalism™,” says Platinum Group Partner Bob Stewart. Dean’s passion was to bring significant meaning to all stakeholders of every business we work with. He believed that, through capitalism done right, our society can foster innovation, promote personal freedom, and generate shared prosperity. We want to celebrate businesses that live that out and shine a spotlight on them through this recognition.”
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About Platinum Group
Platinum Group provides customized services for middle market, privately owned businesses in need of problem solving, including transition and succession planning, turnaround, buy or sell-side assistance, and family business issues. For 45 years Platinum has served more than 1,500 clients in a wide range of industries, including agri-business health care, manufacturing, media, professional services and distribution.