Dennis Dotson Joins Board of Directors

Minneapolis, MN (August 12, 2008) – Robert H. Kill, president and CEO of Enterprise Minnesota, a non-profit that helps Minnesota manufacturers compete and grow, announced today that Dennis Dotson has joined the Enterprise Minnesota Board of Directors. As a board member, Mr. Dotson is responsible for providing oversight to the organization’s direction and progress.

Mr. Dotson is president of Mankato-based Dotson Iron Castings. Founded more than 130 years ago, Dotson Iron Castings is a supplier of gray and ductile castings. Today, they employ 130 workers and supply 3,000 different castings to a wide range of clients including transportation, agriculture, construction, recreation, and medical.

Dotson Iron Castings was named Foundry of the Year by the American Foundry Society’s Modern Casting magazine in 2006 and to Enterprise Minnesota (formerly Minnesota Technology) magazine’s “Ones to Watch” in 2007. Mr. Dotson’s focus on pursuing innovation fits well with Enterprise Minnesota’s goals said Robert H. Kill.

“Dennis Dotson has the industry knowledge and mindset to contribute to our continued success,” said Kill. “We focus on helping our state’s manufacturers grow and thrive. Not only has Dotson Iron Castings been in the forefront of implementing new practices, they’ve been successful by doing so. They are a leader in Minnesota’s manufacturing community.”

As a business owner, past Minnesota State Colleges and Universities (MnSCU) trustee, and active member in the Mankato community, Mr. Dotson brings a well-rounded perspective to continue Enterprise Minnesota’s success.

“You have to be world-class to survive in the U.S.,” said Dotson. “Enterprise Minnesota is one of the great tools that our state has to meet this challenge.”

In addition to Mr. Dotson, Enterprise Minnesota’s Board of Directors includes Board Chair Mr. Merritt Marquardt, 3M general counsel (retired), Vice Chair Mr. Lorin Krueger, Mr. Paul Flood, vice president & SBA division manager, Bremer Bank, Mr. Robert H. Kill, president & CEO, Enterprise Minnesota, Mr. Michael Orrick, vice president, large law sales & account management, Thomson Reuters, Ms. Kim Roden, vice president government affairs, Comcast, and Mr. Steve Thul, president, Whirltronics, Inc.

Enterprise Minnesota is a 501(c) (3) non-profit consulting organization that helps Minnesota manufacturing enterprises grow profitably. Chartered by the Minnesota State Legislature in 1987, Enterprise Minnesota is an affiliate of the U.S. Department of Commerce National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Manufacturing Extension Partnership) (MEP). Enterprise Minnesota offices are located in Minneapolis, Bemidji, Duluth, Moorhead, and Owatonna.

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