Sandy Keith Downtown Impact Award
In downtown Rochester, we are fortunate to have so many people, organizations, businesses, and initiatives dedicated to making downtown a better place to live, work, lead, invest, eat, sleep, play, heal, learn, grow, and more.
The late A.M. “Sandy” Keith was one of those people. Sandy was the driving force behind the genesis of the Rochester Downtown Alliance (RDA) back in the early 2000s. To honor Sandy’s work and encourage more people to explore ways to make an impact on downtown, the RDA created the “Sandy Keith Downtown Impact Award.”
This award is presented to a person or group whose efforts have made or are making a substantial impact on the downtown community. The goal is to recognize those who continue to demonstrate passion for urban growth and community development and encourage others to do the same.
The inaugural “Sandy Keith Downtown Impact” Award was given to Sandy himself in 2017. Continue reading below to learn more about Mr. Keith.
Past Sandy Keith Downtown Impact Award Recipients
2024: John Sievers of the D'Sievers
2023: John Kruesel of John Kruesel's General Merchandise
2021: Shawn and Michelle Fagan of Fagan Studios
2018: Cafe Steam and Ardell Brede
2017: Sandy Keith
A Man Serving His Country - His State - His Community
A.M. “Sandy” Keith was a remarkable figure in Minnesota's history, known for his extensive and impactful service in all three branches of the state government. Born in Rochester on November 22, 1928, Keith's career was marked by his commitment to public service and his hometown. After graduating from Amherst College and Yale Law School, he served as a First Lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Korean War.
Keith's career in public service began in 1959 when he was elected to the Minnesota State Senate and served as the Lieutenant Governor of Minnesota from 1963 to 1967. Keith continued to make significant contributions to his community and state. He practiced family law at Dunlap and Seeger in Rochester, a firm he co-founded, before being appointed to the Minnesota Supreme Court in 1989, where he served as an Associate Justice and later as Chief Justice until 1998.
In addition to his judicial and legislative roles, Keith played a pivotal role in the revitalization of downtown Rochester. In 2005, he helped form the Rochester Downtown Alliance (RDA) and served as its first executive director for five years. His efforts in breaking down barriers for women to serve as judges, unifying the state court system, and revitalizing Rochester left a lasting legacy.
Keith's passion for public service, collaborative spirit, and strategic vision for growth made him a beloved figure in the community. His work in bringing people together to address important issues, whether in law, politics, or community development, showcased his dedication to improving the lives of those around him. Sandy Keith's legacy is honored through the "Sandy Keith Downtown Impact Award," recognizing individuals who make significant contributions to the vitality and growth of downtown Rochester.
(The above information from the Rochester Post-Bulletin and Med City Beat.)