The Board of Directors of Dakota Granite Co. announced that effective January 1, Rick Dilts (Vice President of Sales and Marketing) has assumed the position of CEO/General Manager of Dakota Granite Co. They also announced the retirement of Chuck Monson, long-time General Manager, Chairman of the Board and CEO, as of December 31, 2010.

Dilts has been with Dakota Granite Co. for a total of 15 years, having started his career with the company as a territory representative. He later joined a family business as Chief Operations Officer of Dakota Style Chips. Rick came back to Dakota Granite seven years ago in his current position.

Dilts is married to Jody (Gefre) Dilts, originally of Aberdeen, SD, and they have two children, Austin and Erin. He is looking forward to the opportunity of managing the company, making changes to expand the marketing, production and efficiency aspects of Dakota Granite Co.

Along with the change in structure of the company, the following key people will be retiring from Dakota effective December 31, 2010: Jon Kampen, Production Superintendent; Bill Ruoff, Block and Commercial Sales Director; Dale Egan, North End Shop Foreman; and Nancy Fosheim, CFO.

Monson and Fosheim will retain their board positions with Dakota Granite Co. as Chairman of the Board and Secretary Treasurer. Both will be available to the company as consultants for a two-year period. Monson will also retain his stock interest in the company.

Along with Dilts’ promotion, Mick Redmond will be moving into the Block and Commercial Sales Director position, Curt Kunde will be responsible for maintaining financial and administrative information, Pat Raffety will be the Plant Superintendent, and Wayne VanHout will be placed in charge of quarry development and management.

“I feel this should be a smooth transition in the leadership of Dakota Granite Company,” said Monson. “In addition, the restructuring will position the company to continue to thrive in a challenging marketplace.”

Dakota Granite is a family-owned business, has been in business since 1925 and currently employs 72 people.