Chamber Ambassadors Present Century Award to SROC

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Waseca Chamber Ambassadors Present Century Award to University of Minnesota Southern Research and Outreach Center

WASECA, Minn. — The Waseca Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism and the Chamber Ambassadors recently presented a Century Award to the University of Minnesota Southern Research and Outreach Center in recognition of more than 100 years of service, research and dedication to agriculture and the Waseca community.

The award was presented during a Business After Hours event hosted by the Southern Research and Outreach Center at its Waseca facility. Chamber members and community leaders gathered to learn more about the center’s history, current research and continued impact on agriculture throughout southern Minnesota and beyond.

The University of Minnesota’s Board of Regents purchased 246 acres near Waseca in August 1912, and the Southeast Demonstration Farm and Experiment Station began operations in 1913. The facility became known as the Southern Research and Outreach Center in 1999 and is now one of 10 Research and Outreach Centers within the University of Minnesota’s College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences.

Today, the center includes 926 acres dedicated to research, outreach and Extension activities. Its researchers study areas including agronomy, dairy heifers, horticultural science, nutrient management, plant pathology and swine production. The center also supports research involving corn and soybean production, crop development, soil fertility, water quality, vegetable production and the management of insects, diseases and weeds.

“The Southern Research and Outreach Center has been an important part of Waseca’s history and identity for more than a century,” said Robin Dulas, Executive Director of the Waseca Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism. “Its work has helped advance agriculture, strengthen our local economy and connect our community to the resources and expertise of the University of Minnesota. We are honored to recognize this remarkable milestone with the Chamber’s Century Award.”

While the center’s early work focused primarily on improving agricultural production, its mission has expanded over the years to include the development of practices and technologies that positively affect food production, human health, renewable energy and the environment. Its research is designed to improve agricultural productivity while promoting the responsible use of natural resources.

“The Century Award recognizes organizations that have demonstrated extraordinary longevity, resilience and commitment to our community,” said Jodie Thompson, President of the Waseca Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Board of Directors. “The Southern Research and Outreach Center has not only been part of Waseca for more than 100 years—it has helped shape the agricultural industry and provide valuable knowledge that benefits producers, families and communities across Minnesota.”

The Chamber Ambassadors present awards throughout the year to recognize local businesses and organizations for significant milestones, investments and accomplishments.

“It was a privilege for the Chamber Ambassadors to recognize the Southern Research and Outreach Center for more than a century of service,” said Katie Gonzales, Chair of the Chamber Ambassadors. “The center’s talented staff, researchers and community partners have built an incredible legacy. We appreciate the opportunity to celebrate their accomplishments and learn more about the innovative work taking place right here in Waseca.”

The Business After Hours event also provided guests with an opportunity to tour the facility, meet members of the Southern Research and Outreach Center team and connect with other Chamber members. Business After Hours events encourage networking while showcasing the businesses, organizations and institutions that contribute to the strength and vitality of the Waseca area.