Jim Marchessault, Business Card Services, Inc., Burnsville received the 2010 Bob Klas Sr. Entrepreneur Award at the Dakota-Scott Workforce Investment Board’s (WIB) annual legislative and awards event held Dec. 17 at the Burnsville Performing Arts Center. The award recognizes a local entrepreneur’s success story. The inaugural award was presented to Bob Klas, Sr. in 2008. Award winners are selected based on their success as evidenced by business growth; the individual’s leadership in the business and/or civic communities and the mentorship they provide to other entrepreneurs.
Business Card Services (BCSI) was started by Marchessault’s father Paul in 1954. Jim has been leading the company since 1978. The firm produces business stationery and has added promotional products for larger corporations. BCSI has grown from fewer than 50 employees in Burnsville in 1986 to more than 100 today. They also have a new facility in Agawam, Massachusetts with 22 employees.
Jim Marchessault (right) shown receiving the Bob Klas Sr. Entrepreneur Award from Cliff Reykdal, chair of the Dakota-Scott Workforce Investment Board’s Business Services Committee.Marchessault has served in various leadership roles for the Burnsville Chamber of Commerce, including serving as Chair of the Board. He lends financial support to many community based organizations and volunteers many hours to other groups. Marchessault also chaired the Burnsville Fire Muster, a community festival, for five years.
Robert Klas, Sr., is the founder and chairman of The Tapemark Company, based in West Saint Paul. Founded in 1952, Tapemark attracted its first customers with the ability to print on self-wound tape.
The Dakota-Scott Workforce Investment Board oversees employment programs and WorkForce Centers in Dakota and Scott Counties including sites in Burnsville, Shakopee and West St. Paul.