In March, Koubsky picked up a new challenge: she joined AURI as program specialist for the Morris field office. There she will work with manager Michael Sparby and receptionist Deb Koehntop to counsel and nurture new ag-based businesses in the center of Minnesota.

Koubsky replaces Karen Beyer, who left AURI to become a senior consultant with Ag Evolutions, Inc., a business development consulting firm in Willmar, Minn. Beyer says she enjoyed her eight years serving AURI clients from the Morris field office.
"I admire the entrepreneurs I worked with -- especially their spirit and dedication," she says.

Koubsky obtained a degree in animal and plant systems this year from the University of Minnesota. She says attending college in St. Paul cemented her desire to live in rural Minnesota.

"I wanted to come back to a small town and I wanted to deal with agriculture," Koubsky says. "I like AURI's mission to bring jobs to rural communities and to strengthen local economies. It's very exciting to be working with the new technologies and new ideas, and it's fun to be on the cutting edge."

Schutt joined AURI in 1993, serving as resource specialist and manager of the Pesticide Reduction Options (PRO) program.

"It's been a good trip at AURI." Schutt said. "I learned a lot and always felt I was working for a worthwhile organization."

Kai Bjerkness is replacing Schutt as resource and development specialist. Bjerkness comes to AURI with a background in both the public and private sector, including marketing and research work with IBM and the state and federal governments. He is a native of the Red River Valley and is a graduate of Concordia Moorhead. Bjerkness joined AURI June 16. AURI contract specialist Donna Christianson will take over PRO management.

Pick up a guide

St. Paul , Minn. -- AURI programs and services are highlighted in a just-out 16-page AURI Resource Guide. The guide is a handy free resource for economic development organizations, commodity groups, cooperatives, agri-businesses and
entrepreneurs who want more details on AURI offerings.

"We're a unique organization with a wealth of knowledge and experience," says AURI communications director Dan Lemke. "We have a lot to offer residents of Minnesota, and this will help them understand exactly what we can do for them."

The resource guide details AURI programs, personnel and areas of expertise available to budding Minnesota businesses. Copies can be obtained by calling AURI's St. Paul office at (612) 603-8108.

Farmfest ahead

Redwood Falls, Minn. -- Once again, AURI will take part in one of the Midwest's largest outdoor farm shows. Farmfest '97 will be held August 5, 6 and 7 at the Gilfillan Estate near Redwood Falls.

Visitors to the AURI tent can check out the latest innovations in value-added ag products, from fertilizer to bird seed to barbecue sauce. AURI clients and staff will be on hand showcasing products, giving samples and answering questions.

The Gilfillan Estate is located 9 miles southeast of Redwood Falls on Highway 67.