AURI news

Larson joins southwest office

AURI's southwest field office landed a new program specialist in August. Nancy Larson, who replaces eight-year veteran Pam Stassen, holds a B.S. degree in public administration and a master's in urban and regional studies from Mankato State University. The Hutchinson native is also certified as an Economic Development Professional by the National Development Council.

"Being raised on a farm, I've always had an interest in agriculture," Larson says. "This position helps tie my economic training with that farm background."

Larson also brings experience working with loan fund programs. Over the past three years, she worked at the Mid-Minnesota Development Commission, where she established a revolving loan fund for businesses, cities, counties and development organizations.

"Nancy certainly understands the nature of economic development," says Steve Olson, manager of AURI's Marshall office. "Plus, she is familiar with our region and its resources."

Stassen, the former program specialist, has taken on a position as national sales administrator for a Marshall-based electronics company.

New face in St. Paul office

North Mankato native Jennifer Eggersdorfer came on board in July as administrative assistant for AURI's St. Paul office.

Eggersdorfer, who holds a degree in sales and business management from Rasmussen College in Mankato, says "I was attracted to the job because of its varied duties. But I've also learned a lot about the new ways that agricultural products are being used. It's very exciting."

Eggersdorfer brings a strong background in computer software and desktop publishing to AURI, assisting with communication efforts, database maintenance and resource development.

AURI at the Capitol

By Dan Lemke

St. Paul, Minn. -- A new Minnesota Legislature subcommittee, set up to investigate the impact of publicly funded research institutions, heard testimony from AURI staff on September 4.

AURI was one of the first agencies to testify before legislators on the status of its work and its effect on Minnesota's ag businesses, as well as its research into hybrid poplars and biodiesel.

The Subcommittee on the Economic Impact of Public Research Institutions wants to see if state-funded

research is an effective and economical use of state funds. As one such group, AURI has 10 technical staff in three locations around the state, researching subjects from food and animal products to waste utilization, microbiology, fibers and oils technology.

"It was a very positive experience," says David Bartholomay, AURI deputy director for planning and development. "It's good for us to have the opportunity to inform the committee members about the technical assistance we provide to Minnesota entrepreneurs and businesses and the work we do in applied research."

Other agencies testifying before the subcommittee included the Natural Resources Research Institute, Minnesota Technology, Inc., Minnesota State Colleges and Universities, and the University of Minnesota.