MINNEAPOLIS (April 16, 2008) — Gary Gandrud, a partner in the Faegre & Benson LLP real estate practice, has been appointed as Norway’s honorary consul in Minneapolis effective August 1.
Working alongside former Vice President Walter Mondale, Gandrud will be part of an effort to maintain partnerships between Norway and the Midwest in the wake of a decision to downgrade the Minneapolis consulate to “honorary” status.
“We look forward to identifying new U.S.-Norway partnership opportunities and providing the resources to help them succeed,” says Gandrud. “Vice President Mondale and I are committed to offsetting any downside of this transition—and hopefully creating a net gain.”
Initiatives related to business, education and culture will be a primary focus for Mondale and Gandrud. They will also serve as official government representatives for issuance of visas, permits and other documents processed by the Norwegian Embassy in Washington, D.C.
Since his appointment was announced, Gandrud has been enthusiastically congratulated by colleagues throughout Faegre & Benson. “Promoting public service is part of our firm’s mission. And the support I received for this opportunity really affirms that,” Gandrud says.