Medical Research Center’s Research Support Services department
 will focus on Technology Needs for Cancer Research

June 24, 2010, Austin, Minn. – After 15 years and accomplishments including being first to bring internet service to Austin residents and companies, Southern Minnesota Internet Group (SMIG) will be transitioned out of The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota-Mayo Clinic.

“We are very proud of our history and partnership with SMIG and the groundbreaking work it accomplished by being one of the first in the country to provide internet service to rural areas,” said Dr. Zigang Dong, Executive Director of The Hormel Institute.

“It is our belief the community and The Hormel Institute are better served by transitioning SMIG to an internet service provider who can focus on this work exclusively.”

The Hormel Institute will help with the transition of SMIG, operated by Craig Jones who also supervises Research Support Services for The Hormel Institute, to make the change go as smoothly as possible for the community.

“It has been an honor to serve southern Minnesota with internet service during the past 15 years,” said Jones.   “In reflection, we’re proud of our contributions to the community and in reducing the digital divide.  We have every confidence SMIG and the ISPs in the area will be able to continue to serve the internet needs of the community.”

The Hormel Institute is a world-renowned cancer research center, specializing in research leading to cancer prevention and control. The Hormel Foundation’s  2006-2008 Expansion Project tripled the size of the research facility and more than doubled its faculty and staff.  Currently, The Hormel Institute has 11 cancer research departments and 130 faculty and staff.