Crystal D celebrates Memory Makers at Wow Day event

Crystal D, a St. Paul, Minnesota-based supplier of awards and gifts, has announced its 2026 employee award winners, as revealed at the company’s annual “WOW Day” recognition event.

“We are a company dedicated to celebrating achievement, and we are so proud to spend a full day each year honoring our own people,” said President Jeanne Dahlgren. “WOW Day is all about recognizing our incredible Memory Makers who bring passion, creativity, and heart to everything they do, day in and day out. I love WOW Day and am grateful for our team!”

Crystal D fosters its culture of recognition through quarterly Values Weeks, during which Memory Makers recognize one another for exemplifying the company’s core values. Recipients are then considered for WOW Day honors, with winners chosen based on these peer nominations and manager input.

At this year’s event, which was held at the Mall of America in Bloomington, Minnesota, Crystal D recognized 18 employees across 13 award categories. The 2026 honorees are:

Value Champion Awards
Individuals are selected as Value Champions for the ways they embody the five company values, which are core tenets to who Crystal D is, and how the company does business each day—for our customers as well as with one another.

Integrity Value Champion: Abby Havrilla (Art Department) – “I do what I say I will do.”
Quality Value Champion: Richard Denn (Production) – “I have the unyielding persistence to improve.”
Respect Value Champion: Natalie Albers (Marketing) – “I treat others the way I want to be treated.”
Commitment Value Champion: Matt Boyles (Supply Chain) – “I am committed to the ongoing viability of the company.”
Passion Value Champion: John Schenk (Production) – “I have the burning desire to achieve, in all I do.”

Grand Value Champion Award: Brenda Peralta (Customer Service)
This honor, the company’s highest, was created to spotlight the individual who rises above all others in exemplifying all of the company’s core values in how they conduct themselves in their work and in their interpersonal interactions every day. An example for all to follow, the Grand Value Champion is a role model and an incredibly valued member of the Crystal D team.

Leadership Award: Tawauna Garner (Solutions)
This honor emphasizes the importance of leadership within Crystal D and recognizes that people will follow an individual not because they have to, but because they want to. This award is not based on position, but rather on the positive energy that draws others to this individual. This individual’s character is strong and integrity unquestioned, and they have earned the respect of others while reflecting the same respect back.

Rookie of the Year Award: Derek Fradenburgh (Marketing) & Wattana Yang (Production)
This honor goes to individuals who have joined Crystal D in the last year and recognizes them for their immediate contributions to the organization. They show great promise and potential in providing their skills, talents, and fit with the Crystal D team. They are honored for their energy and the difference they have brought to Crystal D in a short time.

Above & Beyond Award: Natalia Marin (Shipping) & Todd Phillips (Sales)
This honor was created in 2008 out of inspiration from the actions taken daily by a former Memory Maker, Martin Dove. On a daily basis, Martin never wanted to let anyone down. He would do more and put Crystal D first in order to help his fellow Memory Makers carry out their roles. Individuals recognized for the Above & Beyond Award are noted for their instinct to do what is not expected and to go out of their way to help others.

Rising Star Award: Michael Babcock (Sales) & Donna Rooney (Accounting)
This honor was created to recognize Memory Makers who consistently show great promise for their future at Crystal D. This award is given to those who have been with Crystal D for more than a year, align with core values, and are on a path of success in their career—with high potential for growth within the company.

Step Up Award: Shelley Bednarski (Sales) & Ava Imholte (Production)
This honor spotlights individuals with a strong level of personal accountability, the keystone for building trust with one another and with our customers. These Memory Makers will “Step Up” first, before anyone else, and take on more responsibility and ownership than is expected of them.

Kick Ass Attitude Award: Ann Kirch (Graphics & New Products)
This honor was created to spotlight those who make things happen, no matter what. They identify areas of improvement and initiate changes. They don’t accept things as they are, but work toward making them as they should be. Their edgy attitude positively influences other Memory Makers, who often seek them out for advice and guidance.

Expect Excellence Award: Mike Cygan (Production) & Erin Johnson (Sales)
This honor was created for individuals who work with a “not good enough” attitude, always looking out for what customers need and want, and never stopping at anything less than the best. They know that achieving excellence starts with expecting excellence, of themselves and of their teammates.

About WOW Day recognition
Winners of WOW Day awards receive a customized crystal award designed, created and produced under the veil of secrecy by company leaders. These individuals hold their titles for the next year, during which time they enjoy added perks as a reminder to themselves and their colleagues of the positive traits and behaviors Crystal D values in its people.

“WOW Day serves to remind us that taking time for recognition is important. Because when people feel seen and valued, amazing things happen,” Dahlgren said. “Congratulations to each of our winners. We are so lucky to call you Memory Makers!”