How has your industry changed? How will it change in the future? Will your organization's position in the industry improve or deteriorate relative to existing and new players? How strong is your current competitive advantage or disadvantage? How sustainable is your overall advantage or how conquerable is your disadvantage? What is your next strategic move?

For owners, board members, executives, general managers, and strategy and marketing specialists, the Anderson Center's Strategy Forum presents real-world case studies on these strategic questions and others. The Forum spurs "strategic thinking" and informs "strategic planning." Join in the next Strategy Forum from August 16th through the 18th in St. Cloud.

In the meantime, check out the latest business research on getting to "One Strategy" and hear from three executives as they "Reflect on Strategic Decision Making" (note: this article, and many others on strategy and management, requires logging in as "a free member" to the McKinsey Quarterly online).

Enjoy the summer!

We're pleased to recognize Pat Mitchell as the second recipient of the Anderson Center Visionary Award.

(pictured:  Rick Bauerly, Board Chair; Pat Mitchell; Rollie Anderson, CEO Anderson Trucking Service, Inc.)

The Visionary Award, sponsored by Anderson Trucking Service, Inc.,  is presented to an individual who is seen as an advocate for the Mission of the Center – Management and Business Development; and a contributor to the Vision of the Center – economic prosperity in Greater Minnesota.

Pat exemplifies a leader who is a catalyst for economic growth in Greater Minnesota. As the former President of Cold Spring Granite, Pat was instrumental in bringing Anderson Center Forums and participant-centered learning to his organization. He also serves as a Discussion Leader for the Governance Forum and is an active volunteer Board Member for the Anderson Center, where he leads the Strategy Committee. 

Pat serves as the Board Chair for two private Minnesota companies, DeZurik, Inc. and Geotek, Inc.  He also serves on the Board for Cold Spring Granite, the Advisory Board for Granite Equity Partners, and on the Non-Profit Board for Africa Jam.

Pat is an alumni of St. Cloud State University, and lives in Cold Spring, with his wife Jane. He also has two children and three grandchildren. and is an active hunter and bicyclist.

The Anderson Center is honored to recognize Pat for his visionary leadership in Greater Minnesota. Congratulations Pat!