Robert L. Thurston joins Southwest Initiative Foundation board

Robert L. Thurston, president of Olivia-based Thurston Genetics, was recently elected to the Southwest Initiative Foundation Board of Directors and began his three-year term in January 2010.

SWIF President/CEO Sherry Ristau said Thurston "has an incredible passion for the agricultural industry, entrepreneurial spirit and global business perspective that make him an excellent addition to our Board of Directors. He is committed to southwest Minnesota and, along with the entire board, will help steer our organization in a direction that best serves our region.”

Thurston grew up on a small family farm near Brewster, Minn. After graduating with a degree in agriculture business from Willmar College, he held manager and executive positions with a number of seed companies in Olivia, Minn., and Mason City, Ill.

He has founded two Olivia-based businesses including Thurston, Inc.