AgStar gives donation to SMIF
$2,500 given to Owatonna organization
MANKATO, Minn. (May 18, 2011) – The AgStar Fund for Rural America, a corporate giving program of AgStar Financial Services, recently contributed $2,500 to the Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF) of Owatonna to support its economic development programs.
“We are very pleased to be working with SMIF to help support worthwhile projects,” said Melanie Olson, Fund Administrator. “AgStar appreciates the important work they are doing, making a difference in the lives of rural Minnesotans.”
Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF), a donor-supported foundation, invests for economic growth in 20 Minnesota counties. The Foundation has provided more than $44 million in grants and loans within the region during the past 25 years. SMIF's key interests include early childhood programs and economic development with a focus on emerging bioscience and renewable energy businesses.
“We appreciate this generous donation from AgStar and its ongoing partnership with SMIF,” said Tim Penny, Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation President/CEO. “This kind of collaboration promotes economic vitality in southern Minnesota.”
The AgStar Fund gave a total of $10,000 to the four Initiative Foundations in AgStar’s 69 county service area. The other three Initiatives are the Northland Foundation of Duluth, the Initiative Foundation of Little Falls and the Southwest Minnesota Foundation of Hutchinson. The monies have been offered annually since 2007.
Since its inception in 2001, the AgStar Fund has donated more than $3 million to organizations working to improve the future of rural America.
About AgStar:
AgStar Financial Services, ACA, headquartered in Mankato, Minn., employs more than 600 full-time team members. The company is part of the national Farm Credit System and has a public mission to serve 69 counties in Minnesota and northwest Wisconsin. AgStar’s industry specialization, client segments and market delivery systems result in diversification nationwide. The company has expertise in the corn, soybean, swine, dairy and bio-energy industries. AgStar has developed successful programs in loans, leases, crop insurance, tax services, accounting, consulting and rural home mortgages. As a value-added financial services cooperative, AgStar allocates patronage dividends to its more than 13,000 stockholders. Visit www.AgStar.com for more information.
Contact:
Melanie Smith
952-997-1255
Melanie.Smith@AgStar.Com
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