Buffalo Ridge Insurance, Luverne, was recently named Employer of the Year at the annual National Association of Insurance Women Appreciation Banquet. Pictured are Marilyn Bloemendaal, Cory Bloemendaal, Pam Haakenson, Lorie Gruis and Steve Smedsrud. The Employer of the Year Award recognizes excellence among employers who support their employees’ involvement in the insurance industry and in the community. NAIW is an association of insurance professionals dedicated to the development of leaders in the insurance industry through education, networking, industry alliances and community involvement.