~Group will report to the Governor by Dec. 1 on improvements to Minnesota’s tax structure~

Saint Paul – Governor Tim Pawlenty today announced his appointments to the Governor’s 21st Century Tax Reform Commission. This commission, which the Governor announced in his State of the State address in February, was created by Executive Order to advise the Governor on reforming the state’s tax laws with the goal of making long-term improvements in the revenue system that reflect changes in business practices, demographics, and the economy that have occurred in Minnesota and other states.

“Our current tax system reflects the economy and demographics of the 1960s. It’s outdated and needs to be fixed,” Governor Pawlenty said. “This commission will specifically focus on improving our job climate, and is comprised of people who have direct experience in creating private sector jobs, including job providers, entrepreneurs, private sector employees, investors, CPAs, and others with expertise in finance and taxation.”

The Governor’s appointees are:

Michael M. Vekich (Chair), of St. Louis Park, a CPA who heads Vekich Associates, a management firm that specializes in strategic planning, acquisitions, mergers, refinancing and business consulting.

Philip J. Albert, of Circle Pines, vice president of corporate tax with Medtronic, Inc.

David Beito, of Thief River Falls, chairman, president and CEO of Northern State Bank of Thief River Falls.

William V. Belanger, of Bloomington, a retired businessman and former State Senator.

Danielle A. Buchberger, of Duluth, a CPA, with Eikill and Schilling Ltd. of Duluth.

David R. Carlsen, of Minneapolis, chairman and CEO of UMI Company, Inc, a manufacturing company in Hopkins.

Corey Haaland, of Bloomington, vice president and treasurer of Target Corporation.

Mark Haveman, of Woodbury, executive director of the Minnesota Taxpayers Association, a non-profit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to the advancement of efficient, economical government.

Joy Lindsay, of Oakdale, president of StarTec Investments, LLC, a private venture capital firm focused on early stage companies based in the Midwest.

Wendell Maddox, of Minnetonka, president and CEO of ION Corporation, an aerospace and technology company.

Gerald “Jerry” Morris, of Burnsville, assistant director of taxes and senior tax counsel of planning and litigation with General Mills.

Rebecca Paulsen, of Minneapolis, a CPA and vice president of state taxes with U.S. Bank.

Kate Rubin, of Plymouth, is president of the Minnesota High Tech Association (MHTA), the largest technology trade organization in the state dedicated to supporting the growth, sustainability, and global competitiveness of Minnesota technology-based economy.

John Spry, Ph.D., of St. Paul, an associate professor in the Department of Finance at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul.

David L. Welliver, of St. Paul, a CPA and director of practice development with Wilkerson Associates, where he has management responsibilities within the firm’s Financial Reporting Services team.

“I’m honored that Governor Pawlenty asked me to chair this important commission,” Vekich said. “He has brought together an impressive and diverse group of experts who are up to the task of recommending a tax system that supports Minnesota’s economic vitality. I expect that the innovative and strategic recommendations that emerge from the Commission will become the model for 21st century tax systems and will position Minnesota to be a leader in the global economy.”

The Governor’s 21st Century Tax Reform Commission, created by Executive Order 08-06, consists of 15 members, and will be provided support by the Minnesota Department of Revenue. The commission will report its recommendations to the Governor by December 1, 2008.