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Rihm Family Companies in the Community
Minnesota Chamber of Commerce
Rihm Family Companies has been a member of the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce (MCC) since 1987. Currently, Rihm President & CEO Kari Rihm serves as a Board Member for the chamber. Rihm hosts legislative tours for the chamber, Kari has been a panelist at MCC/U.S. Chamber of Commerce on small business development and she attends legislative visits on business-related policy and proposed laws.
Kari is often recognized as a prominent speaker at events like the Women’s Conference hosted by the MCC. She speaks to audiences on various topics including leadership, being a woman in a male-dominated industry, family business, and having a “plan B” when it comes to succession.
River Heights Chamber of Commerce
Kari Rihm is also a Board Member and serves on the River Heights Chamber of Commerce’s (RHCC) Membership Committee. The RHCC serves Inver Grove Heights and South St. Paul communities (both south metro suburbs of the Twin Cities). Rihm’s headquarters has served as a site for this chamber’s meetings and local city issues meetings.
Other Local Chambers of Commerce
In addition to the Minnesota State Chamber of Commerce, and the River Heights Chamber of Commerce, Rihm is also a member of, and gets involved in events and sponsorships with the following: MetroNorth (MN) Chamber, Greater Mankato (MN) Growth, Sauk Centre (MN) Area Chamber, Superior-Douglas County (WI) Area Chamber, Winona (MN) Chamber, Owatonna (MN) Area Chamber, Red Wing (MN) Area Chamber and Barron (WI) Chamber. Through these area chambers, Rihm connects with the local communities in which it serves by participating in parades, job fairs, fundraising and philanthropic activities.
Dakota-Scott County Workforce Development Board
Rihm’s Marketing Communications Manager Kristin Ridley has served on the Dakota-Scott County Workforce Development Board since 2020, promoting trucking career opportunities in the local community. She is currently working with the Minnesota Department of Labor to initiate Kenworth Essentials training in local high schools through Minnesota’s Youth Skills Training program and the Tri-District Career & College Readiness Program.
Tri-District Career & College Readiness Program
Rihm provides internships for students in local school district programs, like the Twin Cities south metro Tri-District Career & College Readiness Program, allowing them to participate in meaningful work experiences and projects during their junior and senior years of high school.
United Hospital Philanthropic Advisory Board
Kari Rihm serves as an Advisory Committee Member and on the Major Gifts Committee for the United Hospital Philanthropic Advisory Board. Rihm supports the foundation with annual charitable donations (monetary and sports venue use for fundraising/auction). Every year, Rihm team members provide holiday cards of cheer for patients at the hospital.
Children’s Hospital, Minnesota
As a result of JB Rihm serving on the Children’s Hospital Association Board, Rihm spec’d two specialized ambulances on Kenworth chassis for children that can accommodate up to 8 emergency personnel and parents. The Rihm family provides philanthropic funds to support Children’s Hospital.
American Brain Tumor Association
Rihm participates in American Brain Tumor Association fundraising activities and local walks to raise money and awareness around brain tumors. This is especially dear to the Rihm team members’ hearts because John W. Rihm (Rihm’s 3rd president) passed away from a brain tumor.
Second Harvest Heartland and Feeding America
Rihm is a Second Harvest Heartland and Feeding America community supporter with corporate donations to help end hunger in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and South Dakota cities where Rihm facilities are located.
Ernst & Young LLP
JB Rihm serves in the Ernst & Young LLP (EY) Next Gen Academy and the family has participated in the Enterprise of the Future Workshop. Kari has been a panelist at the EY Strategic Growth Forum and served as a judge for the EY Entrepreneur of the Year Heartland competition for the past three years.
University of St. Thomas, Minnesota
Rihm participates in the University of St. Thomas Family Business Governance Class and Family Business Breakfast Series.
South Dakota’s Prairie Family Business Association
Kari Rihm has participated as a panelist on the topic of leadership for South Dakota’s Prairie Family Business Association.
Bethel University, Minnesota
Rihm hosts a select group of Bethel University’s freshmen women called “The 25” – a program that pairs them with female mentors in the business world. Kari Rihm is a founding member of “The 25”, which helps ensure the program remains self-sustaining. As a founding member, Kari connects with the group through speaking engagements, mentoring, and networking opportunities.
Minnesota Trucking Association
Rihm supports the Minnesota Trucking Association (MTA) initiatives and fundraisers like its Trucks & Toys annual Christmas time toy drive; has team members participate actively on the association’s committees; sponsors several events and conferences; and consistently advertises in its monthly magazine and annual directory. Rihm was also host to the annual Minnesota Truck Driving Championships competition for the MTA the past 3 years.
Rihm participates in ongoing engagement with Minnesota state and federal legislators on various trucking industry issues, most importantly in the Modernize the Fleet effort to repeal FET on trucks and trailers, lobbying MN Representatives (then) Colin Peterson (D) and (currently) Angie Craig (D) to be the lead bipartisan co-sponsor of the bills in their respective years. And Rihm frequently joins in “Truck to the Capital” events (Minnesota) and “Call on Washington” trips.
American Truck Dealers
Kari Rihm is the 2022-2023 American Truck Dealers (ATD) Dealer of the Year and serves the ATD by participating on the ATD Board of Directors; addressing various audiences on truck dealership operations including delivering dealer survey results to component suppliers; and supporting other activities tied to ATD. Kari is also “Dealer in Residence” at the Indiana State University Kelly School of Business for the ATD.
Minnesota Automobile Dealers Association
Members since 1932, Rihm attends the Minnesota Automobile Dealers Association (MADA)-led ATD legislative fly-in to lobby Congress on various trucking issues. Rihm’s founder, John B. Rihm, served as the MADA president in 1937.
Truck Rental & Leasing Association, PacLease & NationaLease
Rihm Leasing is a PacLease franchisee and NationaLease affiliate and participates in Truck Rental & Leasing Association (TRALA) conferences and events to support both companies. This year marked 30 years of Rihm being a member of NationaLease. JB Rihm, COO, has been a featured speaker at NationaLease’s conferences on EOS & Traction, branding, social media, and employee recruiting and retention.
American Truck Historical Society
Rihm provides the venue each year and volunteer support staff for the American Truck Historical Society’s Minnesota Chapter truck show.
Touch-A-Truck Community Events
Rihm participates in several community events each year with heavy equipment on display for young kids and their families to explore and learn about the transportation industry.
Women in Trucking Association (WIT)
Rihm supports Women in Trucking Association (WIT) initiatives, offers complimentary WIT membership to its team members, and has team members who serve on WIT committees. Kari Rihm was named WIT’s Most Influential Woman in Trucking in 2015 and Rihm has been named a WIT “Best Company for Women to Work for in Transportation” and a “Top Woman-Owned Business” for the past 6 years.
Girl Scouts
Rihm hosts groups of Girls Scouts at its facilities with a tour, truck inspection, and other activities that help the scouts earn their Women in Trucking patch.
John W. Rihm Memorial Scholarship Fund
Rihm provides scholarships to students pursuing post-secondary education in a heavy-duty diesel, trucking-related field to encourage youth to consider careers in trucking through the Minnesota Trucking Association Foundation.
Truckers Against Trafficking
Rihm is a Bronze Level Corporate Sponsor for Truckers Against Trafficking (TAT) - a nonprofit organization that trains the trucking industry to recognize and report instances of human trafficking. Rihm is committed to training all its team members on TAT.
St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund
Rihm is a corporate donor for the St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund, which is a 501(c)(3), truck driver charity that helps semi-truck drivers and their families when an illness or injury has caused them to be out of work.
Rihm Family Companies has been a member of the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce (MCC) since 1987. Currently, Rihm President & CEO Kari Rihm serves as a Board Member for the chamber. Rihm hosts legislative tours for the chamber, Kari has been a panelist at MCC/U.S. Chamber of Commerce on small business development and she attends legislative visits on business-related policy and proposed laws.
Kari is often recognized as a prominent speaker at events like the Women’s Conference hosted by the MCC. She speaks to audiences on various topics including leadership, being a woman in a male-dominated industry, family business, and having a “plan B” when it comes to succession.
River Heights Chamber of Commerce
Kari Rihm is also a Board Member and serves on the River Heights Chamber of Commerce’s (RHCC) Membership Committee. The RHCC serves Inver Grove Heights and South St. Paul communities (both south metro suburbs of the Twin Cities). Rihm’s headquarters has served as a site for this chamber’s meetings and local city issues meetings.
Other Local Chambers of Commerce
In addition to the Minnesota State Chamber of Commerce, and the River Heights Chamber of Commerce, Rihm is also a member of, and gets involved in events and sponsorships with the following: MetroNorth (MN) Chamber, Greater Mankato (MN) Growth, Sauk Centre (MN) Area Chamber, Superior-Douglas County (WI) Area Chamber, Winona (MN) Chamber, Owatonna (MN) Area Chamber, Red Wing (MN) Area Chamber and Barron (WI) Chamber. Through these area chambers, Rihm connects with the local communities in which it serves by participating in parades, job fairs, fundraising and philanthropic activities.
Dakota-Scott County Workforce Development Board
Rihm’s Marketing Communications Manager Kristin Ridley has served on the Dakota-Scott County Workforce Development Board since 2020, promoting trucking career opportunities in the local community. She is currently working with the Minnesota Department of Labor to initiate Kenworth Essentials training in local high schools through Minnesota’s Youth Skills Training program and the Tri-District Career & College Readiness Program.
Tri-District Career & College Readiness Program
Rihm provides internships for students in local school district programs, like the Twin Cities south metro Tri-District Career & College Readiness Program, allowing them to participate in meaningful work experiences and projects during their junior and senior years of high school.
United Hospital Philanthropic Advisory Board
Kari Rihm serves as an Advisory Committee Member and on the Major Gifts Committee for the United Hospital Philanthropic Advisory Board. Rihm supports the foundation with annual charitable donations (monetary and sports venue use for fundraising/auction). Every year, Rihm team members provide holiday cards of cheer for patients at the hospital.
Children’s Hospital, Minnesota
As a result of JB Rihm serving on the Children’s Hospital Association Board, Rihm spec’d two specialized ambulances on Kenworth chassis for children that can accommodate up to 8 emergency personnel and parents. The Rihm family provides philanthropic funds to support Children’s Hospital.
American Brain Tumor Association
Rihm participates in American Brain Tumor Association fundraising activities and local walks to raise money and awareness around brain tumors. This is especially dear to the Rihm team members’ hearts because John W. Rihm (Rihm’s 3rd president) passed away from a brain tumor.
Second Harvest Heartland and Feeding America
Rihm is a Second Harvest Heartland and Feeding America community supporter with corporate donations to help end hunger in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and South Dakota cities where Rihm facilities are located.
Ernst & Young LLP
JB Rihm serves in the Ernst & Young LLP (EY) Next Gen Academy and the family has participated in the Enterprise of the Future Workshop. Kari has been a panelist at the EY Strategic Growth Forum and served as a judge for the EY Entrepreneur of the Year Heartland competition for the past three years.
University of St. Thomas, Minnesota
Rihm participates in the University of St. Thomas Family Business Governance Class and Family Business Breakfast Series.
South Dakota’s Prairie Family Business Association
Kari Rihm has participated as a panelist on the topic of leadership for South Dakota’s Prairie Family Business Association.
Bethel University, Minnesota
Rihm hosts a select group of Bethel University’s freshmen women called “The 25” – a program that pairs them with female mentors in the business world. Kari Rihm is a founding member of “The 25”, which helps ensure the program remains self-sustaining. As a founding member, Kari connects with the group through speaking engagements, mentoring, and networking opportunities.
Minnesota Trucking Association
Rihm supports the Minnesota Trucking Association (MTA) initiatives and fundraisers like its Trucks & Toys annual Christmas time toy drive; has team members participate actively on the association’s committees; sponsors several events and conferences; and consistently advertises in its monthly magazine and annual directory. Rihm was also host to the annual Minnesota Truck Driving Championships competition for the MTA the past 3 years.
Rihm participates in ongoing engagement with Minnesota state and federal legislators on various trucking industry issues, most importantly in the Modernize the Fleet effort to repeal FET on trucks and trailers, lobbying MN Representatives (then) Colin Peterson (D) and (currently) Angie Craig (D) to be the lead bipartisan co-sponsor of the bills in their respective years. And Rihm frequently joins in “Truck to the Capital” events (Minnesota) and “Call on Washington” trips.
American Truck Dealers
Kari Rihm is the 2022-2023 American Truck Dealers (ATD) Dealer of the Year and serves the ATD by participating on the ATD Board of Directors; addressing various audiences on truck dealership operations including delivering dealer survey results to component suppliers; and supporting other activities tied to ATD. Kari is also “Dealer in Residence” at the Indiana State University Kelly School of Business for the ATD.
Minnesota Automobile Dealers Association
Members since 1932, Rihm attends the Minnesota Automobile Dealers Association (MADA)-led ATD legislative fly-in to lobby Congress on various trucking issues. Rihm’s founder, John B. Rihm, served as the MADA president in 1937.
Truck Rental & Leasing Association, PacLease & NationaLease
Rihm Leasing is a PacLease franchisee and NationaLease affiliate and participates in Truck Rental & Leasing Association (TRALA) conferences and events to support both companies. This year marked 30 years of Rihm being a member of NationaLease. JB Rihm, COO, has been a featured speaker at NationaLease’s conferences on EOS & Traction, branding, social media, and employee recruiting and retention.
American Truck Historical Society
Rihm provides the venue each year and volunteer support staff for the American Truck Historical Society’s Minnesota Chapter truck show.
Touch-A-Truck Community Events
Rihm participates in several community events each year with heavy equipment on display for young kids and their families to explore and learn about the transportation industry.
Women in Trucking Association (WIT)
Rihm supports Women in Trucking Association (WIT) initiatives, offers complimentary WIT membership to its team members, and has team members who serve on WIT committees. Kari Rihm was named WIT’s Most Influential Woman in Trucking in 2015 and Rihm has been named a WIT “Best Company for Women to Work for in Transportation” and a “Top Woman-Owned Business” for the past 6 years.
Girl Scouts
Rihm hosts groups of Girls Scouts at its facilities with a tour, truck inspection, and other activities that help the scouts earn their Women in Trucking patch.
John W. Rihm Memorial Scholarship Fund
Rihm provides scholarships to students pursuing post-secondary education in a heavy-duty diesel, trucking-related field to encourage youth to consider careers in trucking through the Minnesota Trucking Association Foundation.
Truckers Against Trafficking
Rihm is a Bronze Level Corporate Sponsor for Truckers Against Trafficking (TAT) - a nonprofit organization that trains the trucking industry to recognize and report instances of human trafficking. Rihm is committed to training all its team members on TAT.
St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund
Rihm is a corporate donor for the St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund, which is a 501(c)(3), truck driver charity that helps semi-truck drivers and their families when an illness or injury has caused them to be out of work.