Economic Club of Minnesota

The Economic Club of Minnesota celebrated the annual Bill Frenzel Champion of Free Trade Award event on March 12, 2025. Devry Boughner Vorwerk, chair of the award advisory committee, presented the award to the Honorable Kevin Brady, former congressman and former Chairman of the Joint Ways and Means Committee. Chairman Brady was chosen based on his dedication and consistent advocacy and leadership in advancing policies that promote free trade and economic growth. The audience was fortunate to hear perspectives on trade agreements, tax, and tariffs during a fireside chat between Chairman Brady and the Honorable Erik Paulsen, former congressman from Minnesota. Some key quotes were, "America first does not mean America alone, and America needs to get back on the trade field." Chairman Brady's comments were very timely!

On December 18, 2024, Major Garrett, Chief Political Correspondent, CBS News, returned to the stage at the Economic Club of Minnesota. Major provided the audience with an interesting historical perspective by comparing two non-consecutive seated Presidents, Grover Cleveland and Donald Trump. While President Grover Cleveland's term was during the Gilded Age, President Trump's terms are both happening during the Digital Age. Both are animated by massive economic shocks and high expectations, both internally and externally. Major has vast experience and knowledge from covering 5 presidents in his career. He concluded his remarks, leaving the audience with this thought, "History tells us, sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. One thing we know, the Gilded Age and the Digital Age have a lot to tell us about where we're headed." The Honorable Tim Penny moderated Q & A with Major. Tim posed a few questions about Major's books, the recent presidential election, the transition, and the change in candidates from Biden to Harris. Major addressed some poignant questions from the audience. It's worth taking the time to listen to or watch the recording of this event!

The healthcare ecosystem in Minnesota is a dynamic and complex network that influences the well-being of its residents and impacts the state's economic landscape. As one of the most health-conscious states in the nation, Minnesota has long been a leader in healthcare innovation, access, and quality. On October 9, 2024, the Economic Club of Minnesota hosted a discussion centered on the Economic Ecosystem of Minnesota Healthcare. The discussion featured Andrea Walsh, President and CEO of HealthPartners and Dr. Rahul Koranne, President and CEO of Minnesota Hospital Association and was moderated by retired EVP UnitedHealth Group; Director & Secretary, Economic Club of Minnesota, Jeannine Rivet. The conversation was informative and robust. Andrea Walsh emphasized the current state of healthcare versus actual wellness. Dr. Koranne talked about how community infrastructure is critical to being able to release patients from hospitals to either home or a care facility. Boarding patients in hospitals is not a sustainable model. Another discussion point was staffing. The nursing shortage that was exacerbated during and following the COVID pandemic has been eased slightly. Dr. Koranne explained that the shortage of Primary Care Physicians and Pediatricians is a challenge facing the state of Minnesota.

The Economic Club of Minnesota concluded the 2023-2024 season on May 10th with a lively conversation between Austan Goolsbee, President and CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago and Steve Liesman, Senior Economics Reporter for CNBC. One of the focal points of the interview was the examination of various economic indicators and what they signify for the overall health of the economy. Goolsbee and Liesman dissected metrics such as GDP growth, employment figures, inflation rates, and consumer spending, providing nuanced interpretations of their implications. The interview with Austan Goolsbee and Steve Liesman on CNBC provided a compelling glimpse into the multifaceted world of economic analysis and policymaking. Through their insightful commentary and probing questions, they illuminated key trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping the global economy. The conversation also ventured into the realm of economic policy, with Goolsbee and Liesman offering insights into the efficacy of current policies and the challenges facing policymakers. They analyzed the impact of fiscal stimulus measures, monetary policy decisions, and regulatory changes on economic outcomes.

Devry Boughner Vorwerk presented Senator Pat Toomey with the 2023 Bill Frenzel Champion of Free Trade award on Tuesday, March 19, 2024. The audience was treated to a lively conversation between former Senator Toomey and former Congressman Mark Kennedy. Toomey aptly explained how protectionism and nativism will ultimately undermine prosperity in the United States. The award recognizes national and international leaders who have made significant contributions to the expansion of international trade. The award highlights the importance of free trade for global prosperity and security. Pat Toomey was chosen due to his consistent advocacy and leadership in advancing policies that promote free trade and economic growth.

Hundreds of members, sponsors and guests of the Economic Club of Minnesota gathered Friday, December 15th to listen to a crucial discussion regarding U.S.- China Strategic Competition. Experts Zongyuan Zoe Liu and Sahra English were joined by former Congressman, Mark Kennedy to discuss the dynamic situation in China regarding the economy, supply chain changes, and trade. The audience was rapt with attention as the trio navigated this challenging yet important subject. We look forward to discussing a number of the topics in further detail in the future.

The Economic Club of Minnesota hosted industry experts on October 18th to discuss the balance between returning to in-person and remote work. The panel was moderated by Jeanne Crain, President & CEO, Bremer Financial Corporation. Steve Cramer, President & CEO of the Minneapolis Downtown Council, Doug Fulton, Principal at Avison Young, and Kelly Baker, CHRO at Thrivent, had a lively discussion about the current state of commercial real estate, how companies are managing back to the office mandates, and the mental health considerations of employees. The conversation touched on several factors regarding full-time return to the office and the future of work.