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DON URAM ON TOP OF THE PACK

IN THE CITY OF VICTORIA

“We have negotiated a salary and benefit package with Don Uram,” reported Mayor Mary Thun at the city council meeting on May 8th. “He has extensive experience in business. He came out on top of the pack. I’m pleased we can do a three-year contract, and I hope it will be much longer.”

Stated Councilmember Kim Roden, “I’m thankful to the mayor for getting a jump start on this.”

Stated Councilmember Jim Paulsen, “Mary did a wonderful job.”

“This council worked very well together,” said Mayor Thun. “Rick and I are both very pleased with the applicant.” Councilmember Richard Tieden serves on the Personnel Committee with the mayor and city administrator, former city administrator in this case.

Said Mr. Uram, who sat in the audience throughout this meeting, “It’s an honor to be here tonight.” His first day on the job is Monday, June 2nd.

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According to online information, Victoria’s new city administrator graduated from Cloquet High School in 1976. He graduated from the University of Minnesota-Duluth in 1981 with a Bachelor’s degree in Geography, then attended Texas A&M from which he graduated in 1984 with a Master’s degree in City Planning. In 1996 he earned an MBA in Finance.

Mr. Uram worked one year in a Dallas suburb as City Planner, than arrived in Eden Prairie where he worked for 18 years with various titles such as City Planner, Finance Manager, Community Development Director, Director of Management and Budget.

In 2003 he became Senior Finance Officer with the private company of Research Triangle Inc. His first assignment with RTI was in Iraq. He spent two months in Iraq as a civilian rebuilding services for the Iraqi people.

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According to conversation with Don Uram, he also worked as a public finance consultant for Bearing Point and that job took him to India. Since 2005 he has been the president of Insignia Development, a residential land development company in which Insignia developed projects in Lakeville, Savage, Brooklyn Park, Ostego, St. Michael, and other communities.

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Don lives in Eden Prairie, a short ten minutes from his new job in Victoria, Minnesota. How did he find out about this position in Victoria? “Your mayor contacted me along with the other eighteen people, or whatever that number was,” he replied.

What are some challenges he sees for Victoria? “I’ll know a lot more after I’ve been here a while,” he said. “Victoria is a developing community and I see transportation and provision of services as challenges. In a growing community, it’s work to make everything accomplished.”

What are his strengths to help accomplish Victoria goals? “Public finance,” he replied, “and anything development related, which is my background. Strategic planning is my most recent work.”

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A summary of Don Uram’s resume states: “Strategic, results-oriented executive with extensive and diverse experience in financial management, administration, and business operations. Strong team builder and facilitator with proven ability to impact business growth through productivity/efficiency improvements. Envisions new business trends and follows through with process development and implemtation.

“Uniquely qualified in financial planning and analysis, operating and capital budgeting, management reporting systems, organizational and staff development, treasury operations, debt and investment management, internal controls and auditing, strategic planning.”

Welcome to Victoria, Mr. Uram. It’s nice to meet you.

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