Economic Club Of Minnesota

Ambassador Marc Nathanson, U.S. Ambassador to Norway, made a stop at the Economic Club of Minnesota during his recent visit to Minnesota. Ambassador Nathanson spoke to a full house during a luncheon on February 3rd. Senator Amy Klobuchar was in attendance and was honored to introduce the Ambassador. He discussed the strong ties between Norway and Minnesota, including his own family. Minnesota is home to the highest number of Norwegians, second only to Norway.  The purpose of Ambassador’s visit to Minnesota was to celebrate the collaboration between the National Guard and the Norwegian military. The audience had some wonderful questions for the Ambassador, including an inquiry about the Seed Vault, the transition to the Green Economy, and Norway’s economy.

The Economic Club of Minnesota was honored to host Hiroyuki Nemoto, Chief Executive Director, Japan External Trade Organization Chicago, and Ralph Inforzato, Special Advisor, Japan External Trade Organization Chicago, to discuss the Current Business Conditions and Impact of U.S. Based Japanese Investment. Hundreds of attendees were surprised by the data the duo shared on Japanese investment in the U.S. and specifically, in the Midwest. Ralph also talked about Expo 2025, enticing audience members to attend this exciting event in Osaka.

On December 8, 2022, Major Garrett addressed a large group of sponsors, members, and invited guests at the Economic Club of Minnesota. Major talked about the recent release of Brittany Griner, the mid-term election, and some topics he covers in his new book, The Big Truth. Garrett has an esteemed career and has a way of boiling down the facts so no matter your political leaning, you understand what he’s saying. The audience had a chance to participate in Q&A, moderated by Tim Penny. Major is a well-respected journalist and author, and we look forward to hosting him again! 

A large audience had the pleasure of hearing from national experts on energy on November 18th. Emma Bishop of Venn Strategies, Jim Bowyer a former professor and researcher at the University of Minnesota, and Brittany Zwierzchowski Tisler of Conservative Energy Network had a lively discussion led by Blois Olson of Fluence Media. The panel helped the audience think about energy issues and the future of energy in some new and interesting ways. We stretched our perspective on how to replace current modes of energy and how to safely and economically move in the direction of clean energy.

October 27, 2022, we hosted a panel of global experts about food insecurity and the Global Food Crisis. Hundreds of sponsors, members, and guests joined us in person while dozens joined the livestream as moderator Devry Boughner Vorwerk led a discussion with Peter Ceretti of Eurasia Group, Ambassador Ertharin Cousin, and former Secretary of Agriculture, Dan Glickman. The audience learned where things stand today with global, national, and local food insecurity. The panelists talked about how humanitarian efforts are funded and how the investment in global hunger is growing. The discussion helped to inform how companies, not just food companies, can address hunger issues. Ambassador Cousin made a very important statement, “There has never been a famine in a country where there was a functioning democracy.” Devry also introduced HUNGHRI, a 501c3 formed to address hunger from the heartland.

Hundreds of sponsors, members, and guests joined us on May 10th as we welcomed Dr. Chris Waller, Governor, Board of Governors for the Federal Reserve and Neel Kashkari, President and CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis. Governor Waller and President Kashkari had a fireside chat regarding the structure of the Federal Reserve, inflation, and monetary policy. The audience was engaged and asked some wonderful questions about employment numbers, real estate investing, and regulation.   Governor Waller and President Kashkari were a perfect highlight to end our 2021-2022 season! 

On Thursday, April 14th The Economic Club of Minnesota hosted James Cleverly, Minister of State (Minister for Europe and North America) in the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). The Minister covered crucial topics surrounding the valuable partnership between and coordinated sanctions by both the UK and US to cut off Putin’s war machine. Support of Ukraine is not only a support for a war-torn entity, but also a support of democracy. We will all feel the economic pinch of sanctions, but they are so necessary. The address and subsequent Q&A, moderated by 5-Eyewitness News Chief Political Correspondent, Tom Hauser also touched on the incredibly valuable trading partnership between the UK and the US, specifically with the state of Minnesota.

On Tuesday, March 8th, the Economic Club of Minnesota had the distinct honor of awarding The Bill Frenzel Champion of Free Trade award to Jon M. Huntsman, Jr., former Ambassador to China and Russia. Devry Boughner Vorwerk, Chair of the COFTA selection committee presented the award. In her remarks, she focused not only on the incredible list of accomplishments but on Jon Huntsman’s work for people of all nations. He truly is a champion. Following Huntsman’s remarks, Erik Paulsen moderated a discussion that included trade and focused on recent events in Russia, specifically whether Putin has an ‘off ramp’ and how will the Russian invasion of Ukraine affect global trade and global security. He was clear in his message that no other nation in the world can do what the United States of America can do. It’s imperative we work together. A united America is one weapon dictators fear most.

A conversation with experts thriving in rural America.  Moderated by Kerri Miller, Journalist, Minnesota Public Radio Featuring: Kelly Asche, Research Associate, Center for Rural Policy and Development  Benya Kraus, Founder & Executive Director, Lead for Minnesota  Teresa Kittridge, Founder, 100 Rural Women

Our Executive Director, Kate Reschenberg sat down with Dr. Paul Campbell, co-founder and managing partner of Brown Venture Group. Paul was a panelist during the Walking the Talk of Diversity Investment event in September 2021.   In this podcast, Kate and Paul dig deeper into Paul’s story and how communities of color can be players in the venture capital world. They talked about minimizing the use of labels and starting specifically with beginning with and broadening relationships. 

On November 16th, we welcomed Amanda Brinkman, Chief Brand Officer for Deluxe Corporation, Renay Dossman, President, Neighborhood Development Center, Tameka Jones, Founder & CEO, Lip Esteem, and Kenya McKnight Ahad, Founder, Black Women’s Wealth Alliance, to the stage for a candid discussion about the hurdles and roadblocks that black and brown-skinned entrepreneurs face in their quest to build a business. The stories from Small Business Revolution Season 6 and the stories shared by the panel were both a wake-up call and inspiring for the audience. The common theme was to begin with relationships. If you want to make a difference for diverse businesses, patronize them. Utilize your gifts and experience to help elevate businesses. Teach, train, engage.

The Economic Club of Minnesota hosted Ville Skinnari on October 20, 2021. The Minister for Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade of Finland addressed the club prior to signing a Letter of Understanding with Minnesota Governor Tim Walz paving the way for more trade between Finland and Minnesota. Skinnari covered crucial topics such as Finland’s goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2035, how Minnesota is a close trade partner for Finland, and how public private partnerships are crucial to getting things accomplished. 

Faith, family, and education. These three words are at the foundation of TakeCharge Minnesota, an organization founded by Kendall Qualls. We sat down with Kendall to talk about how he and his team, volunteers, and supporters are beginning to make change in our society. Kendall shares a glimpse into his journey to leading TakeCharge. He’s a husband to Sheila and father to 5 children. Kendall has an extensive resume. He served as an officer in the U.S. Army, has earned 3 graduate degrees, and has worked in the executive ranks of several Fortune 500 healthcare companies.

Our season opener was a wonderful opportunity to hear from an amazing panel of experts and activators. Mark Irvin from Best Buy, Sri Zaheer, Dean of the Carlson School at the University of Minnesota, and Paul Campbell of Brown Venture Group discussed the challenges facing minority communities but also the opportunities that exist if we start with relationships. Moderated by: Roshini Rajkumar, Executive Crisis Coach, Roshini Multi-Media.

On Tuesday, May 4, 2021, we concluded our season by hosting Mary Daly, President and CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco in a fireside chat with Neel Kashkari, President and CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis. The two colleagues discussed everything from monetary policy, to inflation, to childcare, and education. The several hundred virtual attendees were delighted with the rapport and synergy that Daly and Kashkari brought to the conversation. A high point was the time they took to answer audience questions.

It was our honor to host Ambassador Jon Huntsman, former Governor of Utah and former U.S. Ambassador to China and former U.S. Ambassador to Russia. The ambassador addressed the Club from his location in Utah. Hundreds of sponsors, members, and guests joined us virtually. The event started with a tribute to Walter Mondale both from former Congressman Tim Penny and Ambassador Huntsman. The audience was rapt with attention while Ambassador Huntsman provided a historical and current day perspective of diplomacy and trade. 

Hundreds of sponsors, members, and guests joined us virtually on March 24th to welcome Amanda Brinkman Chief Brand Officer of Deluxe and is creator, producer, and host of their hit series “Small Business Revolution.” Amanda addressed business and government leaders, as well as students and representatives from partner schools.  Her remarks included a historical perspective of Deluxe corporation and great overview of the journey of a now 106-year-old company. Amanda shared how the 100-year anniversary presented Deluxe and Amanda, along with her staff, the opportunity to Do Well by Doing Good. Thus, was launched the movement of Small Business Revolution.

Back by popular demand, Colonel Robert Cabana, Director of NASA’s Kennedy Space Center joined us to talk about Perseverance and perseverance. We discussed how the Perseverance Mars Mission has progressed and the perseverance he exhibited during his career journey. He also filled us in on all of the current and future goals of NASA and their strategic commercial, government, and academic partners.

In partnership with the Minneapolis St. Paul Business Journal, we hosted a panel discussion featuring Craig Samitt, President & CEO, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota, Angela Christman, Sr. Director, HR Strategy, Marvin, and Darin Lynch, Founder & CEO of Irish Titan.  Several hundred audience members viewed the online event. The panel covered a lot of ground, with the common theme being putting people first as plans are put in place for the post-pandemic workplace.

Neel Kashkari, President and CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis, spent time with our YPC members in a virtual fireside chat on Thursday, February 25th. Neel shared some brief remarks, followed by an engaging Q&A session with attendees. It was a great interactive event!