There is nothing quite like the
satisfaction of finding a bargain — especially saving on
a big ticket item or getting way more than you paid for.
AURI is a bargain for Minnesota.
In our past fiscal year, AURI
provided more than 15,000 hours of technical service to
245 different value-added projects. Based on a survey of
those clients, nearly 200 new jobs were created and over
$16 million was invested in equipment, infrastructure
and other items.
Thousands of producers were
directly impacted by AURI’s work. And we didn’t even
figure in the jobs, investments and producers indirectly
affected by this value-added activity.
Our survey asked clients about the
impact of AURI’s assistance: 55 percent said they saved
money, 40 percent realized increased revenue, and 60
percent avoided costly mistakes because of AURI
guidance. We, like our clients, believe this service is
valuable to Minnesota. Nearly 90 percent of respondents
reported AURI lab and pilot plant facilities were
valuable to their projects. AURI significantly addressed
business concerns for 85 percent, and improved a product
or process for 70 percent.
And 60 percent say AURI services
are more valuable now than when they first began working
with us. More than 80 percent say AURI is needed by
rural Minnesota businesses and processors.
This client feedback tells us that
the vast majority of our clients have received something
of value from AURI that increased their chance at
success. And it’s more likely their projects will
positively impact producers.
AURI services are a bargain that
offer Minnesota businesses a competitive advantage.
By
Edgar Olson