International Dairy Queen and Normandale Community College Awarded $300,000 Training Grant from State

MINNEAPOLIS-International Dairy Queen, Inc. (IDQ), a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Inc. and leader in the quick-service restaurant (QSR) industry, announced today that together with Normandale Community College (Normandale), they have received a $300,000 training grant. The grant, awarded by the Minnesota Job Skills Partnership (MJSP) grant program, is administered through the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). MJSP aims to develop skills in Minnesota's workforce to keep and grow jobs in the state.

IDQ President and CEO, Troy Bader, stated, "As the QSR industry becomes more competitive and consumers' expectations continue to evolve, it is imperative that we focus on training and developing our workforce. Collaborating with Normandale allows us to give our employees the high-quality, specialized training they need to understand the unique complexities of our business and to continue to deliver on our promise of creating positive memories to all who touch DQ."

IDQ and Normandale will work together to develop and implement three categories of training courses. The first courses focus on preparing the organization to learn by building foundational knowledge. The next group of courses will help the organization develop customized processes and enhance employee skills in such areas as data analytics, lean process methodology and project management. The final group of courses center on helping IDQ sustain learning by preparing coaches and trainers within the organization.

"We are excited to partner with IDQ. They are one of Minnesota's most iconic and well-loved companies," said Normandale Community College President, Joyce Ester. "Normandale takes great pride in our work with local and regional businesses. This project is another example of how a grant through DEED will enable the college to design learning programs which will support growth and innovation for the employees and the organization."