Ag Innovation Update-January 2016
AURI announces new mission statement
 
In an effort to best deliver results for Minnesota's ag-based sectors and bolster the economic impact of these industries within Minnesota, the AURI Board of Directors initiated a refresh of the organization's mission statement.
 
The Minnesota State Legislature established AURI in 1989 to help develop new uses for agricultural products. The revised mission statement acknowledges the original goals of the entity while also clearly communicating the organization's impact.
 
Conversations in 2015 with the AURI board and new Executive Director Shannon Schlecht focused on refining the scope of the mission statement and explaining how AURI's work with clients and industry initiatives acts as an economic development catalyst for the state.
 
"The new mission statement will guide AURI's future goals and objectives, while allowing us to effectively highlight the organization's importance," said Ron Obermoller, chair, AURI Board of Directors. "We're pleased to announce our new mission statement and the commitment to achieving stakeholder aims."
 
The new mission statement is:
 
Foster long-term economic benefit for Minnesota through value-added 
agricultural products.
AURI food agbioscience networking project takes off thanks to Initiative Foundation support
 
AURI received funding to implement an innovation networking model in southern Minnesota. The $20,000 award from the Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF) will be matched by AURI's cash and in kind efforts to fulfill entrepreneurial development and food agbioscience industry growth in the region.
 
The project will encompass a topic-based entrepreneurial network, establishment of a thought leaders group to provide direction on industry topics and include the launch of an opportunity symposium to present emerging industry trends. The symposium will provide a forum to share current research and discuss opportunities, as well as build collaborations.
 
The ultimate goal is to assist entrepreneurs within the region to better compete in the global economy. The project aims to enhance new and existing businesses, to form and/or further develop partnerships to cooperate on a regional basis, to identify and promote investment opportunities and to enhance the region's ability to innovate and grow wealth.
 
Latest Ag Innovation News online

The January-March issue of Ag Innovation News is now available online.

 
AURI names new board members

The AURI Board of Directors recently named two new board members
  • John Schafer, representing the Minnesota Beef Council
  • Jill Zullo, Cargill, representing Minnesota Agribusiness
AURI also thanks outgoing directors Kim Hintz and Richard Peterson for their dedication and service to the organization. 
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