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Mary Claire Wente receives BestPrep Service Award for dedicated mentorship of Minnesota students

MINNEAPOLIS March 15, 2024 — Mary Claire Wente, supervisor of client and customer services, today received the BestPrep Service Award from BestPrep, a Minnesota-based nonprofit organization that provides educational programs to students in grades 4-12 through professional mentorship opportunities.

“It is an honor to be recognized as a 2024 Service Award winner,” Wente stated. “I have really enjoyed this opportunity to help coordinate and support BestPrep’s mission to mentor Twin Cities youth, and I continue to learn and be inspired by the students I am paired with each semester.”

Wente has been a BestPrep mentor and volunteer classroom speaker for the last five years, and she coordinates the BestPrep volunteer efforts of North Star Resource Group. In 2024, she also became a member of the BestPrep Emerging Leaders Alliance (BELA), a subcommittee that helps coordinate volunteer initiatives, leadership opportunities and networking events with other Twin Cities professionals.

“I find great joy in partnering with other BELA professionals to improve volunteer numbers and opportunities while making connections professionally,” Wente added.

In the last two years, more than 150 students have partnered with professional mentors at North Star, and the firm has participated in six BestPrep events. These include BestPrep’s Annual Luncheon and Education Forum events.

“Wente’s dedication to making a positive impact on students across the Twin Cities cannot be overstated,” said Chase Brakke, DIA, DIF, CEPA®, vice president of business owner solutions. “Her commitment to driving volunteerism and maintaining North Star’s longstanding relationship with BestPrep is unparalleled, and her encouragement of others to give back to local students is exemplary.”

Wente will be honored at BestPrep’s Annual Luncheon event on May 22 in Minneapolis, alongside the other BestPrep award winners.

To learn more about how North Star gives back to communities nationwide, go to www.northstarfinancial.com/company/giving-back.

About BestPrep
BestPrep is a Minnesota-based nonprofit organization that provides educational programs to students in grades 4-12, with the mission of preparing students with business, career, and financial literacy skills through hands-on experiences that inspire success in work and life. BestPrep works with companies to bridge the gap between classroom learning and skills utilized in the workplace. To learn more about BestPrep, visit www.bestprep.org/about.

About North Star Resource Group
North Star Resource Group is a Minneapolis-based financial services firm that provides both individuals and businesses with the resources to help create, preserve, and protect their wealth. North Star has more than 192 full-time advisors and over 178 employees. In a network of 42 offices in over 20 states, they have contributed to the financial security and well-being of over 140,000 individuals and small businesses**. To learn more about North Star Resource Group, visit www.northstarfinancial.com.

**Data as of December 2023

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If you would like more information about this topic, please call Ian Rich at 612.617.6076, or email him at ian.rich@northstarfinancial.com.

2024 BestPrep Service Award. Issued to the top volunteers in the BestPrep volunteer programs for those that go above and beyond in their commitment to the students and teachers of Minnesota. Listing in this publication and/or award is not a guarantee of future investment success. This recognition should not be construed as an endorsement of the advisor by any client. No compensation was provided directly or indirectly by the recipient for participation or in connection with obtaining or using the third-party rating or award.

Securities offered through Cetera Advisor Networks LLC, member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory Services offered through Cetera Investment Advisers LLC, a registered investment adviser. Cetera is under separate ownership from any other named entity.