Mankato, Minn. — January 30, 2012 — Dan and Angie Bastian, co-founders and owners of Angie’s Kettle Corn, have been named Connect Business Magazine’s 2012 Business Person of the Year. Winners are chosen on the basis of character, leadership, business results, and community involvement. Now in its ninth year, the award honors business leaders from companies all over Minnesota.

“We couldn’t be more honored to receive this award,” said Dan Bastian. “We’ve put our heart and soul into this company and to be recognized with this award truly is an honor.”

“We started this company in our garage with nothing but a stainless steel kettle and a dream,” said Angie Bastian. “It was important for us to show our children that with hard work and perseverance, you can accomplish anything you put your mind to.”

 And the Bastians have done just that. Since launching the company just ten years ago, Angie’s has gone from a part-time, family-run business to a 180-employee operation that manufactures up to 100,000 bags a day. Today Angie’s is the nation’s second best-selling kettle corn and can be found in leading grocery and natural food stores in 50 states.

 Dan and Angie are also known for giving back to the community. They remain involved with programs in support of youth and education, donate product to numerous area non-profits and give their employees paid time off to volunteer. A recent cause partner is Misfit Acres, a sanctuary for abused and neglected horses in Amboy, Minn., which recycles waste from Angie’s packaging operation.

“This award means a great deal to us,” said Angie Bastian. “And I hope it inspires others to see that it’s not only possible to pursue a dream but to actually see it comes true.”

About Angie’s Kettle Corn

Husband and wife entrepreneurs Dan and Angie Bastian founded Angie’s Kettle Corn in 2001 as a family-run, outdoor vendor operation. Today, Angie’s has increased in sales and popularity, moving the operation from outdoor festivals and events to a production facility with expanded distribution. Angie’s Classic, Caramel and Lite flavors are distributed to 50 states and found in locations that include Costco, SuperTarget, Target and Whole Foods as well as in co-ops, health food stores or ordered online.  Follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/angieskettlecorn or Twitter @AngiesKettle.

 Media Contact:

Jeanne Carpenter
612-803-1282
jcarpenter@perception-ink.com

]]> http://www.angieskettlecorn.com/angies-press-room/connect-business-magazine-angies-kettle-corn-founders-honored/feed/ 0 http://www.angieskettlecorn.com/angies-press-room/angies-kettle-corn-donates-to-misfit-acres/ http://www.angieskettlecorn.com/angies-press-room/angies-kettle-corn-donates-to-misfit-acres/#comments Wed, 18 Jan 2012 01:45:55 +0000 Angie's Kettle Corn Staff http://www.angieskettlecorn.com/?p=3289 Sanctuary for horses turns proceeds from recycled waste into feed and care

Mankato, Minn. — January 18, 2012 – Packaging waste from Angie’s Kettle Corn is now being donated to Misfit Acres Inc. in Amboy, Minn., a 501c3 horse rescue and sanctuary that provides a permanent home where horses live out their remaining years safe from abuse, neglect and live slaughter for human consumption.

Misfit Acres sends the waste to Michigan where TerraCycle Inc. “upcycles” it by using every aspect of the waste for a variety of products such as notebook covers, pencil boxes, carry bags, and fencing. Recycling proceeds come back to Misfit Acres and help to defray the expense of caring for the formerly neglected horses.

“One of our employees brought the program to our attention,” said Angie Bastian, co-founder and president of Angie’s Kettle Corn. “Each month, we send approximately 1,200 pounds of packaging waste to Misfit Acres for recycling. We’re excited to support a local program that is meaningful to our employees and inspires and educates our community.”

“The generosity of Angie’s enables us to give once ‘unlucky’ horses a safe, permanent home,” said Jody Thisted, Misfit Acres co-owner.” Misfit Acres was established in 2004 for the purpose of relieving the suffering of neglected horses. Founders Jody and Bruce Thisted have made it their mission to rescue horses at-risk of abuse, neglect, or slaughter and to provide the care and shelter needed to live out their days.

About Angie’s Kettle Corn

Husband and wife entrepreneurs Dan and Angie Bastian founded Angie’s Kettle Corn in 2001 as a family-run, outdoor vendor operation. Today, Angie’s has increased in sales and popularity, moving the operation from outdoor festivals and events to a production facility with expanded distribution. Angie’s Classic, Caramel and Lite flavors are distributed to 50 states and found in locations that include Costco, SuperTarget, Target and Whole Foods as well as in co-ops, health food stores or ordered online. Follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/angieskettlecorn or Twitter @AngiesKettle.

About Misfit Acres

Misfit Acres in Amboy, Minn., is a 501c3 dedicated to equine welfare. Horses at Misfit Acres live out their remaining years being well cared for and without the risk of being neglected or slaughtered. The love of horses combined with the research co-founders Jody and Bruce Thisted conducted led to founding and incorporating the sanctuary in 2004. Visit www.misfitacres.com for additional information.

Media Contact
Jeanne Carpenter
www.perception-ink.com
612-803-1282
Download Logo and Product Images

Mankato, Minn. — January 16, 2011 — There is a new treat for classroom Valentine’s parties that kids will love giving as much as receiving. Sold exclusively at Target, Angie’s Kettle Corn Valentine’s Snack Packs are a sweetheart of an all-natural treat, packaged in portable and convenient packs.

“Being able to offer parents a new option that their children can share with friends during Valentine’s parties is nothing short of heartwarming,” said Angie Bastian, namesake and co-founder of Angie’s Kettle Corn. “As a mom, I wanted to be able to provide other moms with a healthier alternative to artificially colored and flavored candies and those containing high amounts of sugar and saturated fat.”

At 70 calories per .5-ounce snack-sized bag, Angie’s is a cholesterol-free treat made with whole grain and four simple—and simply irresistible—sweet-and-salty ingredients: popcorn, corn oil, sea salt and sugar.

The whimsically Valentine-themed snack pack retails for $5.99 and includes 20 treat-sized bags and customizable message stickers for easy and fun gifting. “With no trans-fats, artificial flavors, preservatives or cholesterol, our snack packs are a naturally delicious treat that Cupids of all ages will love from the inside—out,” said Bastian.

About Angie’s Kettle Corn

Husband and wife entrepreneurs Dan and Angie Bastian founded Angie’s Kettle Corn in 2001 as a family-run, outdoor vendor operation. Today, Angie’s has increased in sales and popularity, moving the operation from outdoor festivals and events to a production facility with expanded distribution. Angie’s Classic, Caramel and Lite flavors are distributed to 50 states and found in locations that include Costco, SuperTarget, Target and Whole Foods as well as in co-ops, health food stores or ordered online.

Learn more and follow us on Facebook  or Twitter.

Media Contact
Jeanne Carpenter
www.perception-ink.com
612-803-1282
Download Logo and Product Images

This traditional style snack mix is sure to score points at any party. The lightness of Angie’s Kettle Corn, combined with crunchy cereal and salty peanuts covered in caramel coating, will keep partygoers coming back for more. (download recipe)

Angie’s Holiday Cranberry Walnut Mix

For a more gourmet snack, this mix simply can’t be beat. Angie’s Kettle Corn tossed in a sweet cinnamon glaze with walnuts and tart cranberries is sure to be a party favorite! (download recipe)

10-year-old Mankato business is named best in “Emerging Category”

Mankato, Minn. — Nov. 10, 2011 — Twin Cities Business magazine will honor Angie’s Kettle Corn with the 2011 Minnesota Family Business Award in the Emerging Category at an event to be held in Minneapolis on Thursday, Nov. 10.

“We are honored to receive this award,” said Angie Bastian, namesake and co-founder of Angie’s Kettle Corn. “We started the company because of family—we wanted to find a side business that would help us start a college fund for our kids.” After launching the business 10 years ago by perfecting their recipe and making batches of kettle corn in their Mankato garage, the couple sold the product during weekend festivals and events, many times accompanied by their two children. Today Angie’s product line of Classic, Carmel and Lite can be found in leading grocers and natural food stores in 50 states.

Bastian and her husband Dan continue to run the operation that today employs 180. Dan’s brother Greg is the CFO and their father, Bernard, joined the company after retiring from a career in banking. “Without the support of our extended family, we never could have grown the company at the pace and level we’re experiencing today,” said Bastian.

Twin Cities Business sought to recognize businesses with strong records of success, family involvement, community service and philanthropy, multi-generational culture, and positive family business structure. According to Dale Kurschner, editor-in-chief, each of this year’s honorees brings significant value to Minnesota’s economy. He cites Angie’s Kettle Corn as emblematic of the pursuit of the American Dream.

“This award means a great deal to us. We try to use family as a business model by encouraging collaboration and flexibility. We respect that our employees also have families and that their families take priority,” said Dan Bastian, co-founder of Angie’s Kettle Corn.

About Angie’s Kettle Corn

Husband and wife entrepreneurs Dan and Angie Bastian founded Angie’s Kettle Corn in 2001 as a family-run, outdoor vendor operation. Today, Angie’s has grown in sales and popularity, having moved from sales at outdoor festivals to the shelves of national and local supermarkets. Angie’s Classic, Caramel and Lite flavors are distributed in 50 states and found in locations that include Costco, SuperTarget, Target and Whole Foods.

Media Contact
Jeanne Carpenter
www.perception-ink.com
612-803-1282

Mankato, Minn. — October 10, 2011 —There is a special treat for Halloween this year, and it’s lurking quietly in the shadows of a nearby Target.  POP!  STOP!  And look out trick-or-treaters!  A new Angie’s Kettle Corn snack pack has arrived, filled with 24 ghoulishly gluten-and guilt-free bags.

“We’re excited to offer parents a delicious, all-natural treat for Halloween,” said Angie Bastian, namesake, nurse and co-founder of Angie’s Kettle Corn. “Our kettle corn is a healthier alternative to artificially colored and flavored candies.  At 70 calories (.5 oz) our product is made with four simple – sweet and salty – ingredients that kids will love:  popcorn, corn oil, sea salt and cane sugar.”

Angie’s Kettle Corn Halloween Snack Pack, sold exclusively at Target, is on shelves now.  The Halloween-inspired packaging includes 24 snack-sized bags that retail at $6.99.  And there’s nothing spooky about it:  Angie’s Kettle Corn has no trans-fats, artificial flavors or preservatives.  It’s naturally delicious.

“When moms hear that our product is naturally gluten-free, they tell us we’re a welcome change to usual Halloween candy options because it’s a treat they will feel safe providing to every little ghoul and goblin at their doors,” said Bastian.

About Angie’s Kettle Corn

Husband and wife entrepreneurs Dan and Angie Bastian founded Angie’s Kettle Corn in 2001 as a family-run, outdoor vendor operation. Today, Angie’s has increased in sales and popularity, moving the operation from outdoor festivals and events to a production facility with expanded distribution. Angie’s Classic, Caramel and Lite flavors are distributed to 50 states and found in locations that include Costco, SuperTarget, Target and Whole Foods as well as in co-ops, health food stores or ordered online.  Follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/angieskettlecorn or Twitter @AngiesKettle.

Media Contact
Jeanne Carpenter
www.perception-ink.com
612-803-1282

Listen to the interview

MINNEAPOLIS, MN — SEPTEMBER 20, 2011 — Free tickets to a Vikings home game, a game-day parking pass and a prize package loaded with snacks from Angie’s Kettle Corn await lucky fans who enter to win “A Sweet Giveaway,” a contest sponsored by Angie’s, the official kettle corn of the Minnesota Vikings. The deadline for entering the contest is December 15th.

To enter, click the “Sweet Giveaway” button on Angie’s Kettle Corn Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/angieskettlecorn and submit the entry. Fans from all 50 U.S. states may participate.

For each home game during the season, one winner will receive two lower-level game tickets, a player-autographed Vikings mini-helmet, an Angie’s Kettle Corn swag bag filled with Angie’s Classic, Caramel and Lite Kettle, hat and t-shirt plus a game-day parking pass

“Vikings fans are the best in the League,” said Angie Bastian, namesake and co-founder of Angie’s Kettle Corn. “Whether we’re playing in the midst of a blizzard or in the comfort of the Metrodome, Vikings fans never want to miss a touchdown or tackle. In celebration of their loyalty and rousing team spirit, we’re offering this sweet giveaway.”

Angie’s has been the official kettle corn of the Minnesota Vikings since 2003. In addition to the Vikings, Angie’s Kettle Corn also sponsors the Minnesota Twins, the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Minnesota Lynx.

About Angie’s Kettle Corn
Husband and wife entrepreneurs Dan and Angie Bastian founded Angie’s Kettle Corn in 2001 as a family-run, outdoor vendor operation. Today, Angie’s has increased in sales and popularity, moving the operation from outdoor festivals and events to a production facility with expanded distribution. Angie’s Classic, Caramel and Lite flavors are distributed to all 50 states and found in locations that include Costco, SuperTarget, Target and Whole Foods, as well as in co-ops, health food stores or ordered online.

Media Contact
Jeanne Carpenter
www.perception-ink.com
612-803-1282