The Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Winona, a district that includes Austin, received the Alfred P. Sloan Award for Business Excellence in Workplace Flexibility for the fifth year in a row. The prestigious award was announced in May 2012 and presented by the Winona Area Chamber of Commerce.

Sloan Award recipients are employers who offer flexibility programs, policies, and practices that exceed the standard of excellence established by the National Study of Employers. The Families and Work Institute performs the study. The rigorous evaluation process includes employee verification that these policies and practices are carried out effectively in the organization. Award recipients successfully use flexibility to meet both employee and employer goals.

Charities of the Diocese of Winona serves the 20 southernmost counties of Minnesota, spanning the territory from the Mississippi River to the South Dakota border. Catholic Charities’ staff have a mission to serve the poor and vulnerable, the marginalized, the alienated and the stranger. Volunteers serve over 4,400 people a year without regard to religion, race, gender, or ability to pay. Offices within the diocese are located in Winona, Rochester, Mankato, Worthington, Albert Lea, Austin and Owatonna. For more information, visit www.ccwinona.org.