Eric Black ,
MDI President & CEO
Senior Leadership
Board of Directors
2024 Highlights
MDI is a social enterprise, which means we operate like a business and are accountable to our mission. It’s not about growing revenue—it’s about developing people and expanding job opportunities for people with disabilities.
$1.8M
Raised in 2024
59
Higher education scholarships awarded
$750K
Invested into new ERP software
$7,650
Distributed by the MDI Cares Council through 18 grants to support the community
In the Community
Building Stronger Communities Through Purpose and Action
Community is at the core of everything we do at MDI. We are committed to living our mission and values every day, making a positive impact through workforce development, volunteering, advocacy, and building strong community relationships. Each year, we proudly give back, empowering individuals and fostering connections that strengthen our communities.
Giving Back to the Community
MDI employees used their volunteer day to give back by supporting the Special Olympics Minnesota Regional Metro Golf Competition at Victory Links Golf Course. Their time and energy made a positive impact, reflecting MDI’s commitment to community and great causes.
MDI Employees Engage with State Leaders at the Capitol
More than 70 employees from MDI locations in Hibbing, Grand Rapids, and Minneapolis engaged leaders at the Minnesota State Capitol, including the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development Commissioner Matt Varilek and Senator Aric Putnam.
Unified Work Academy Empowers Individuals Nationwide
In 2024, Unified Work expanded its impact nationwide, empowering 500 individuals through 26 classes to build skills, confidence, and career opportunities.
Unified Work and Transfr Introduce VR at Special Olympics Summer Games
Unified Work and Transfr brought an immersive VR career experience to the Special Olympics Minnesota Summer Games, highlighting paths in Construction, IT, Manufacturing, Medicine, and more—advancing inclusion!
MDI Employees Raise Over $6,000 for United Way
Together, MDI employees raised over $6,000 for the United Way of 1000 Lakes from October 28 to November 7! Our team came together in Grand Rapids and Cohasset, contributing to a fun and impactful campaign that supported our local community.
MDI Awards 59 Scholarships to Future Community Leaders
MDI invested in future leaders of our community through our annual scholarship programs, providing greater access to education and creating opportunities for youth to succeed.
MDI’s Polar Plunge Teams Raise $14,600 for Special Olympics
MDI’s Polar Plunge teams raised $14,600 for Special Olympics Minnesota, demonstrating our commitment to supporting athletes with disabilities.
MDI Cares Council Supports Local Homeless Shelters
MDI Cares Council, led by members Jennifer and Tanner, presented a check to the Hibbing Area Chamber of Commerce Leadership Program, funding hygiene supplies for homeless shelters in Hibbing and Virginia.
MDI Appoints James Pierce as First Chief Information Officer
MDI welcomed James Pierce as our new Chief Information Officer. His leadership will guide our strategic vision to modernize and enhance MDI’s technology for the future.
Celebrating Disability Pride at the Minnesota State Capitol
Thank you, ACT – Advocating Change Together and to everyone who visited our booth at the Disability Pride Festival in front of the Minnesota State Capitol. Self-advocates, caregivers, organizations, loved ones, friends, and legislators all came together to celebrate!
Unified Work Partnered with Junior Achievement Biztown
Junior Achievement BizTown immerses students in a simulated city, where classroom learning culminates in a day-long experience exploring careers, financial skills, civic duties, and teamwork while working in one of 18 shops with volunteers.
Unified Work: Paving the Way for Inclusive Employment
At Unified Work, we believe that employment is empowerment. A job is more than just a paycheck—it’s a path to independence, self-sufficiency, and a sense of purpose. Powered by MDI, Unified Work is dedicated to breaking down barriers and creating pathways to meaningful employment for individuals with disabilities.
As a leader in workforce development, we equip individuals with the skills, confidence, and opportunities they need to thrive. Our tailored training programs and partnerships help bridge the gap between talent and opportunity, ensuring that inclusivity is not just a goal, but a reality.
Through innovative learning experiences and direct workforce training, Unified Work is reshaping the employment landscape. Together, we are paving the way for a future where everyone has the opportunity to contribute and succeed. Learn more at UnifiedWork.com.
26 Classes
15 Virtual / 11 Mobile
Classes Offered
- Career Skills
1 & 2 - STEM
- Emotional
Intelligence
Impact Map
The State of Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) funded (or funded in part) this training through a grant. The grant recipient created this training. DEED does not endorse this publicity or training or make guarantees, warranties, or assurances of any kind, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, completeness, timeliness, usefulness, adequacy, continued availability or ownership of the information herein or elsewhere.
Steve’s Story
2024 Empowering Achievement: Increasing Access and Unlocking Opportunity
At Unified Work, we celebrate changemakers—those who go above and beyond to champion equal opportunities and pave the way for inclusive employment. Their dedication transforms workplaces, opens doors, and creates lasting impact.
Caleb’s Story
Celebrating 60 Years of Impact:
Caleb Woolley’s Journey at MDI
As we celebrated MDI’s 60th anniversary this year, we were proud to highlight the inspiring stories of individuals who have found opportunity and success through our mission. The theme, “Access to Good Jobs for All: Increasing Access and Unlocking Opportunity,” resonated deeply with the experiences of our employees.
MDI Workforce Documented Disability
- 31% of MDI employees receive support from Employment Services (155)
- 52% of MDI employees identified with having a disability (260)
- Total MDI employees (499)
Employment Services
* Results measure the satisfaction, efficiency, and effectiveness of services to employees and participants working in the community who receive support from MDI’s Employment Services team.
The most frequent comment regarding how MDI could do better was to improve communication.
Driving Impact Through Innovation
At MDI, the more we deliver, the more opportunities we create. By providing high-quality plastic packaging and service solutions, we help our customers overcome business challenges while fostering job creation. We offer cost-effective, customized solutions with short lead times, saving our clients time and money while driving meaningful employment for individuals with disabilities.
Financials
Unaudited Statements of Financial Position
Assets
Current assets
$28,504,996
Other assets
$293,520
Property and equipment net
$16,339,910
Total assets
$41,138,426
Liability and net assets
Current liabilities
$5,257,088
Long-term debt and other liabilities
$2,332,324
Net assets without donor restrictions
$37,266,820
Net assets with donor restrictions
$282,194
Total liabilities and net assets
$45,138,426
Unaudited Statements of Activities
Revenue
Expenses & Reserves Totals
MDI is pleased to share our fiscal year 2024 unaudited financial statements. The complete consolidated and audited financial statement is available in the button below. Previous year financial statements are available at mdi.org. Audited by CliftonLarsonAllen LLP, certified public accountants.
Ability Bash IX
The 2024 Ability Bash was a tremendous success, surpassing attendance and sponsorship records—all thanks to the unwavering support of individuals like you! Whether you sponsored, attended, or generously contributed, your involvement has fueled MDI’s mission and is making a lasting, positive impact on the people we serve.
PK Kriha
It was with immense admiration and gratitude that we presented PK Kriha with the 2024 Advocate Impact Award. As Senior Vice President of Employee Benefits at Marsh McLennan Agency, PK and her exceptional team have collaborated with MDI since 2004 to support our benefits and business insurance needs.
In 2018, PK joined MDI’s Business Development Committee, demonstrating unwavering commitment to our mission of empowering individuals with disabilities.
Written Hugs Designs
We were excited and proud to award Written Hugs Designs with our 2024 Business of the Year Award. Founder Christi Kmecik’s heartfelt greeting cards connect people through life’s toughest moments, making individuals feel more seen and less alone—a mission that reflects our own at MDI. We were thrilled to support the Written Hugs journey by kitting these beautiful cards before they reached store shelves. We celebrate Written Hugs’ achievements and look forward to watching the business grow to touch more lives.
Ability Bash Sponsors
Advocate Sponsor
Partner Sponsors
Ambassador Sponsors
Thank you to our supporters
In 2024, $1.8 million was raised by community events, grantors, donors, sponsors, vendors, and volunteers making MDI’s mission possible.
$500,000+
- State of Minnesota
$250,000+
- Fred C. & Katherine B. Andersen Foundation
$10,000 – $24,999
- Arrowhead Economic Opportunity Agency
- Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation
- Otto Bremer Trust
- Xcel Energy Foundation
- Enbridge
$5,000 – $9,999
- SourceAmerica
- Minnesota Bank & Trust
- Eric & Tawanna Black
- Fastenal
- Atlas Staffing
- Marsh McLennan Agency
- SFM – The Work Comp Experts
$2,500 – $4,999
- Patricia Kaiser
- PK Kriha Family Giving Fund
- Jeanne & Bryan Eglinton
- Barr Engineering Co.
- Doherty Staffing Solutions
- ExxonMobil
- Goff Public
- L-S Industries
- Laka Coolers
- Medica
- Midwest Staffing Group
- Mutual of America
- NorthPro Rep
- Nucor LMP
- Pivotal Advisors
Ways to Donate
MDI is dedicated to providing inclusive employment opportunities and services for people with disabilities.
Through job coaching, training, and skill development, people with disabilities cultivate tools for lifelong personal development and growth. Your donation will help provide the services needed to achieve these goals for people with disabilities.