OWATONNA, Minn. –Former Minnesota Congressman Tim Penny is retiring as president of the Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation, which creates partnerships and issues grants for a wide range of projects. Penny, age 73, has held the post 18 years. The Foundation has put $1 million toward training child-care workers. A partnership with publishers distributes 20,000 books annually to schools, libraries and community organizations. An entrepreneur fund has expanded by $1 million to help small businesses and startups. “Whether visiting breweries, cafes or food trucks, I can proudly say SMIF has played a role in supporting these entrepreneurs,” he said.
Penny. Represented MN-1 in Congress six terms. Earlier in state Senate.