Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation Appoints John Monson to Board of Trustees

Owatonna, Minn. (July 6, 2009) – Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF) has appointed John Monson of AgStar Financial, Apple Valley to its board of trustees. Deborah Dove, a Brown County Commissioner and Bukata Hayes of Mankato’s Greater Mankato Diversity Council also joined the board on July 1st. Trustees are responsible for providing vision, direction, and strategic focus to the Foundation within its emerging Workforce and Business areas.

In November of 2006, John Monson was named Vice President of the AgStar Rural Capital Network, a new unit of the longtime agricultural lender. Under this mandate, Monson invests in rural development across the country, manages a team of seven employees, and oversees a portfolio of rural investments. Prior to this, Monson held two positions with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and as an aide to Congressman Arlan Stangeland. Monson holds a B.A. in Speech Communications from University of Minnesota- Moorhead and has been a supportive partner of SMIF since joining AgStar in 2006.

“I am honored to be joining the Board of Trustees of the Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation to help them carry out their mission,” said Monson.  “In my term I hope to see the Foundation continue to be a resource to the region and a catalyst for economic growth.

“We are fortunate to have John joining our board as we work to create a stronger economic future for southern Minnesota,” says Tim Penny, President & CEO of Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation.  “I am confident the Foundation will benefit from his commitment to the region and his business leadership experience.”

About Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation:
Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF), a donor-supported foundation, invests for economic growth in 20 Minnesota counties. The Foundation has provided more than $40 million in grants and loans within the region during the past 23 years.  SMIF's key interests include early childhood programs, workforce readiness, and economic development with a focus on emerging bioscience and renewable energy businesses.  To learn more about our work and mission call 507-455-3215 or visit www.smifoundation.org.

Contact: Julie Muehlberg, Communications Coordinator
JulieM@smifoundation.org
507-455-3215 x136

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