1/24/02
Grindberg to lead NDSU Research and Technology Park
Tony S. Grindberg, executive vice president of the Fargo/Cass County Economic Development Corp., has been appointed executive director of the North Dakota State University Research and Technology Park. NDSU President Joseph A. Chapman made the announcement at a Jan. 24 news conference.
"Tony has enjoyed a successful career in economic development and marketing," Chapman said. "His leadership abilities and experience fit well in the development and direction we envision for the park, which is a place where entrepreneurs, technology-based businesses and university researchers work side by side on cutting-edge projects."
Grindberg said his business plan for the Research and Technology Park includes efforts to create a financially self-sufficient operation, move forward with an incubator building for emerging businesses, build a strong marketing and community relations campaign and seek access to venture capital.
"The park will serve as a catalyst for innovation in science and technology, leading to discoveries that contribute to North Dakota's economic development," Grindberg said. "Our purpose is to create more jobs through the process of commercializing ideas generated from research. In doing so, we expand our state's economy and create exciting new job opportunities for young people."
Grindberg said he envisions successfully completing the business incubator building with 75 percent occupancy by 2005, with eight to 10 successful business ventures in operation at that time.
Philip Boudjouk, vice president for research, creative activities and technology transfer, said Grindberg is an excellent choice for the position because of his strong background in local economic development.
"As I've gone around the country and attended many research park meetings, it became very clear that the success of a university's research and technology park is based on strong leadership," Boudjouk said. "We needed someone who could work very positively with the local people who are involved in economic development and is familiar with the complexity of city and state governmental activities. No one is better suited for that than Tony Grindberg."
Grindberg, a state senator representing District 41 in Fargo since 1992, has been with the Fargo/Cass County Economic Development Corp. since 1995. He led the establishment and then directed operations at the Skills and Technology Training Center, Fargo.
Grindberg earned his bachelor's degree in business administration from Minnesota State University Moorhead, his associate degree in business aviation from North Dakota State College of Science, Wahpeton, and a certificate from the Economic Development Institute of the University of Oklahoma, Norman. He also holds a private pilot's license.
He received the 1999 U.S. Small Business Administration "Small Business Award-Rural Economic Development," 1998 Guardian of Small Business Award from the National Federation of Independent Business and the North Dakota Jaycees' 1998 Outstanding Young North Dakotan.
Grindberg is a board member of the Dakota Medical Foundation, Excel Energy-North Dakota and the Economic Development Association of North Dakota.
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