Commerce Dept Welcomes Strotheide and Metzger
Posted on September 26, 2001

BISMARCK, ND - The Economic Development & Finance (ED&F;) division of the Department of Commerce recently named Michael Strotheide as vice president of business development and Tracy Metzger as vice president of marketing.

�Metzger and Strotheide are valuable assets and have the experience and knowledge to make great things happen for our state,� said Lee Peterson, Commissioner of the Department of Commerce. �We look forward to incorporating their fresh perspectives and ideas.�

Strotheide graduated from Minot State University with a bachelor�s degree in psychology. Since graduating, he spent 13 years working in Texas, Georgia and Arkansas. Most recently, he served as president of Ouachita Partnership for Economic Development (OPED) in Camden, AR. Under his guidance, the OPED was formed, incorporated and gained funding.

Strotheide has also served as manager of business development for KMC Telecom in Atlanta, GA, and as executive director for Longview Economic Development Corporation in Longview, TX.

As a result of his work, Southern Business & Development Magazine honored Strotheide as one of the top 15 economic developers of the southern United States in 1997.

Metzger has an associate�s degree from Bismarck State College and a bachelor�s degree in mass communications from Moorhead State University. She has 15 years experience in the public relations and marketing fields. In 1989, she formed Pearce Metzger Communications, Inc. for which she serves as president and lead consultant.

Metzger has done extensive public speaking, is a past president of the IABC (International Association of Business Communicators) Great Plains chapter and currently serves on the eight-state district IABC board of directors.

The Department of Economic Development & Finance provides strategic direction and quality products and services that stimulate and support local economic growth and diversity for North Dakota communities. For more information on ED&F;, visit the web site at www.growingnd.com.

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Contact: Lee Peterson, Commissioner, 701-328-5300