Saint Paul -- Governor Tim Pawlenty today announced the appointment of Brenda Colston, Theresa Upton and Tzianeng Vang to the Urban Initiative Board.

Colston, of Brooklyn Park, is the president and owner of K. L. Title, Inc. in Brooklyn Center. She replaces Rebecca DeMers to complete a four-year term that expires on January 5, 2004.

Upton, of Minneapolis, is a regional emerging market development manager with American Family Mutual Insurance Company in Eden Prairie. She replaces Georgina Stephens for a four-year term that expires on January 1, 2007.

Vang, of Maplewood, is the owner of, and an instructor with, S.A.F.E. Driving School Corporation. He replaces Fred Perez for a four-year term that expires on January 1, 2007.

The Urban Initiative Board investigates and evaluates methods to enhance urban development, particularly methods relating to economic diversification through minority business enterprises and job creation for minority and other persons in low-income areas. The board oversees the Department of Employment and Economic Development's Urban Initiative Program. The board consists of 11 members, including eight appointed by the Governor.