Norm Monsen of Stoughton has been selected by Leadership Wisconsin as the 2010 Outstanding Alumni Award winner.
 

Leadership Wisconsin presents this award to an individual whose professional and volunteer efforts have improved the lives of their fellow citizens, who serves as a role model, and who looks after the best interests of their community, even when it is not politically expedient.

 

As the 2010 recipient, Monsen serves as the lead client manager for The Dairy Business Innovation Center, a nationally recognized resource for dairy entrepreneurs. Since its start in 2004, 43 new dairy plants have opened in Wisconsin and nearly 70 plants have expanded. Monsen works to engage and listen to the needs of both very small start up entrepreneurs and established large clients. The DBIC has served nearly 200 clients during Monsen’s tenure.  

 

Rod Nilsestuen, Secretary of the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, noted that  “Every dairy plant operator, big or small, that I encounter in my travels, knows of Norm Monsen and his abilities to help connect them to the great resources that Wisconsin has configured to help dairy plants with new ventures. Norm is the true ‘ambassador’ for dairy development in Wisconsin.  His role is vital and irreplaceable.”

 

Monsen’s work has also resulted in the creation of the Wisconsin Dairy Artisan Network. The network provides a forum for small dairy entrepreneurs to share information, seek regulatory reforms, publicize their offerings and to better market their products. The network is unique in that it combines cow, sheep and goat milk producers into a single purpose organization, the first of its kind in the nation.  

 

Dan Carter, Founder and Chairman of DBIC, has high praise for Monsen: "Every day, in every case, Norm has broken every barrier that may have previously inhibited the many parts of the dairy industry from working together toward a common aim. He can make big deals seem not so big, and small ones seem so important. When a DBIC client is on the path to success, we all know the difference Norm's approach makes. He is a person truly committed to farmers, consumers, communities and the greater good for Wisconsin.”