Oct. 22, 2010

Federal official visits NDSU Research and Technology Park

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Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development John Fernandez visited the NDSU Research and Technology Park Oct. 11 for a tour and roundtable discussion with university researchers and local business leaders.

Fernandez was in Fargo-Moorhead to participate in the Red River Valley Research Corridor: Milestones and Horizons II Summit, sponsored by Sen. Byron Dorgan. He took the opportunity to view NDSU’s nationally known Research and Technology Park.

Fernandez, who is the administrator of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA), spent nearly two hours at the park. He toured the Technology Incubator and participated in a roundtable discussion with NDSU President Dean L. Bresciani; Phil Boudjouk, vice president for research, creative activities and technology transfer; park administrators; and representatives of the Greater Fargo Moorhead Economic Development Corporation  (GFMEDC) and Lake Agassiz Regional Council.

“Secretary Fernandez offered a refreshingly candid perspective on economic development opportunities for the nation and our region,” said President Bresciani. “It was obvious to me that NDSU is in sync with emerging priorities, and our conversation further confirms my vision for the future potentials of NDSU.”

Tony Grindberg, executive director of the Research and Technology Park, said, “The EDA’s investment here has been significant over the past eight years. EDA provided $1.75 million for our incubator project and a total of $2.4 million during that time. The park is a shining example of economic development through entrepreneurship, innovation and partnerships – the kind of growth and advancement the GFMEDC wants for our region’s economy.”

Grindberg said NDSU alumnus Robert Olson, who is the EDA regional director based in Denver, encouraged Fernandez to tour the park’s facilities to see the results of EDA’s investment firsthand.

Among his duties, Fernandez leads the federal economic development agenda by promoting innovation and competitiveness for success in the global marketplace. The former mayor of Bloomington, Ind., he was sworn into office on Sept. 14, 2009. Fernandez earned his bachelor’s degree, Master of Public Affairs degree and law degree from Indiana University.

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