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DSU to Host “SOUTH DAKOTA AT A CROSSROADS:  THE KNOWLEDGE ECONOMY”

Several leading South Dakota entrepreneurs will be at Dakota State University on Tuesday, October 23 to examine how research at the state's universities can make a global impact, lead to commercialization opportunities, and transform local and regional economies. The lectures are free and open to the general public.  Presentations will be held at 9:00 a.m. in the Technology Classroom Building, Room 203.  Following the presentations, an informal mixer will be held at the Mundt Foundation from 10:00-11:00.  The event is sponsored by Genesis of Innovation for South Dakota, a partnership between private enterprise and public universities within the state, helping entrepreneurs with business development, startup capital, and other assistance. 

Presenters include several South Dakotans with personal experience in entrepreneurial endeavors.  Dennis Anderson is the current president of Genesis of Innovation.  Mr. Anderson is partner/co-manager of Anderson Brothers Farms, partner/co-manager of Anderson Investments, and managing partner of Lazy BS-LLP, a farm and ranch company.  Dr. Stephen Hall is founder and president of AlphaGenix, Inc. of Sioux Falls.  This life science company recently moved to Sioux Falls from San Diego and develops novel products for basic and clinical research.  Dr. Kathryn Johnson is a geochemist and environmental scientist with expertise in applying geochemistry, geohydrology and environmental technology to a broad range of issues.  Dr. Johnson is a member of the Board of Regents and serves on the 2010 Research and Commercialization Council.  Dr. Paul Gnirk co-founded RE/SPEC, Inc. and built a national/international science and engineering firm.  In 1992 he also founded Table Top Ranch, Inc. and began a cattle ranch business near New Underwood.  In addition, Madison entrepreneur Darin Namken, president of CreditSoup of Madison, will address the audience.

For more information, contact the DSU President’s office at 605-256-5112.