Contact:Tim McNeilly, (202) 690-0498
tmcneill@rdmail.rural.usda.gov

USDA APPOINTS STEPHEN G. WENZEL TO HEAD RURAL DEVELOPMENT EFFORTS IN MINNESOTA

     WASHINGTON, August 3, 2001--The U.S. Department of Agriculture today appointed Stephen G. Wenzel as the Minnesota State Director for USDA Rural Development.

     Wenzel, a lifelong resident of Little Falls, Minn., was elected to the Minnesota State House of Representatives in 1972, and has served 14 consecutive terms. He has been a member of the Minnesota House Agriculture Committee since 1973, during which he served 16 years as the Committee’s Chair. He has also served on the Minnesota House Agriculture Finance and Crime Prevention Committees. Prior to joining the state legislature, he spent four years teaching junior high school social studies.

     Wenzel has received numerous awards and certificates for his work on agricultural and crime prevention issues including: the Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Association and Minneapolis Police Federation top award for major anti-crime legislation enacted into law, Honorary Star Farmer by the Minnesota FFA for leadership in agriculture, and an award for leadership in conservation efforts from the Minnesota Soil and Water Conservation Districts.

     Wenzel received his Bachelor of Science degree in political science and education from St. Cloud State University in 1968.

     USDA Rural Development serves as the lead federal entity for rural development needs, and administers program assistance through three agencies: Rural Housing Service, Rural Business-Cooperative Service, and Rural Utilities Service. Further information on USDA Rural Development programs can be obtained by visiting USDA's web site at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov.

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