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WEST FARGO — Cyril and Louis Keller, the brothers who invented the world’s first compact loader (later named the Bobcat® skid-steer loader), have been selected as 2023 inductees for the
National Inventors Hall of Fame
.
In a press release, Bobcat shared the following history about the brothers and the birth of the skid-steer loader:
In the 1950s, brothers Cyril (April 8, 1922-Oct. 28, 2020) and Louis (May 9, 1923-July 11, 2010) operated a small machinist-blacksmith shop in Minnesota together, building and repairing machinery for local farmers. A farmer approached them with a need for a self-propelled loader light enough to be lifted to the second floor of a turkey barn and small enough to clean around the barn’s upright poles. In 1957, the Kellers built a three-wheeled loader with two drive wheels in front and a caster wheel in the rear – the precursor to the modern skid-steer loader.
The loader came to the attention of Melroe Manufacturing Company (now
), which invited the Kellers to demonstrate their invention in their booth at the Minnesota State Fair in 1958. After a successful demonstration at the fair, the Melroe Manufacturing Company was awarded exclusive manufacturing rights to the machine on a royalty basis and hired the Keller brothers to refine the design and put the machine into production.
To improve on the design of the loader, a second set of drive wheels was added to the back of the loader in 1960. With this four-wheel drive, the M400 became the world’s first true skid-steer loader. “Skid-steer” describes the unique steering system, which enables the machine to turn within its own length. Later, the Bobcat brand name was established because of the machine’s toughness, quickness and agility.
Mike Ballweber, president of Bobcat Company North America, said via statement, “We are proud of our inventors’ spirit of innovation, and while we remain grounded in our humble roots, we continue to push the boundaries to offer customers increased choice, improved performance and advanced technology to work smarter.”
MSUM and FMWF Chamber to host internship event
Minnesota State University Moorhead, in partnership with the Fargo Moorhead West Fargo Chamber of Commerce, will host a networking event for local businesses to help them understand the process of recruiting international students to fill available internships. The event will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. Jan. 25 in the university’s Comstock Memorial Union room 105.
Employers will hear from businesses that have recruited international students for internships and learn about the value of OPT/CPT work authorization and what it can mean for long-term employment.
Workshop speakers include Minnesota State’s immigration attorney Michelle Easton, Erick Roder, Director of People and Nerd Culture at Codelation, Source Manager Katianne Brockpahler and Talen Acquisition Supervisor Megan Sneddon, both from Sanford Health, and representatives from Concordia College and MSUM.
Workshop cost, including refreshments, is $15. Register at
.
2023 Homeownership Forum to focus on current state of mortgage industry
North Dakota Housing Finance Agency’s 2023 Homeownership Forum will focus on the current state of the mortgage industry including what regulators are thinking, the market’s next 6-12 months, the latest on loan officer compensation, RESPA, fair lending and more.
The event’s featured speaker is Ken Perry, president and founder of The Knowledge Coop, a training and consulting firm that specializes in mortgage education. Perry will also address how to win in today’s market.
The forum will be held from 9 a.m. to noon Feb. 22 at the Doubletree by Hilton in West Fargo, with registration and a continental breakfast from 8 to 9. The event is targeted to lenders, real estate agents and related professions.
Register online by Feb. 3, 2023, to receive the early bird rate of $50. After Feb. 3, the fee increases to $60. Registration closes at 4 p.m. on Feb. 17, 2023. The registration fee includes the program, continental breakfast, and refreshments. To register or learn more,
.
A continuing education program application has been submitted to North Dakota’s Real Estate Commission. Credit will be offered upon the approval of the program by the licensing organization. The event website will be updated when the credits are approved.
NDHFA’s conferences and trainings provide housing industry professionals and community leaders with opportunities to hear from recognized experts, develop new skills, learn about available resources, and make real face-to-face connections.
Information about NDHFA is available online at
.
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