Representative Walz's July 20 Economic Summit in Austin

Representative Walz will host an economic summit to “address energy security, opportunities for local farmers and ranchers, thriving main street businesses, critical needs in transportation infrastructure and the exciting opportunities in our health care and education systems” at the Austin Holiday Inn, 1701 4thStreet NW on Friday, July 20, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

The economic summit is free and open to the public. Same-day registration begins at 8:30; however, those who wish to purchase lunch at $14.50 (check payable to the Holiday Inn) should register and get their check in by July 14.

The skinny from an e-invitation we received:

The 2007 Economic Summit will convene southern Minnesota business community, renewable energy experts, local and state level policy makers, transportation professionals, healthcare experts, and innovation and technology developers to discuss the opportunities and challenges associated with our regional economic prosperity.

9:00 a.m.   PANEL: Agriculture, Energy, Conservation, and Rural Economic Development

Moderator: Dr. Alan Levine,  Dean, College of Agricultural, Food and Natural Resource Sciences, University of Minnesota
Loni Kemp,  Senior Policy Analyst, Minnesota Project
George Crocker, Director,  Community Based Energy Development
Thom Peterson, legislative representative,  Minnesota Farmers Union
Kevin Paap, President, Minnesota Farm Bureau
Doug Tiffany, Research Fellow,  University of Minnesota
Bob Worth, President, Minnesota Soybean Growers

10:15 a.m.  PANEL: Transportation, Infrastructure, and Technology

Moderator: Bob Johns, Director, Center for Transportation Studies, University of Minnesota
Red Arndt, Chair, Lewis and Clark Rural Water System
Mark Troutman, Vice President,  Benchmark Electronics
Amy Fredregill, Managing Director, Minnesota Association of Cooperatives
Jack Geller,  President, Center for Rural Policy and Development
Wes Urevig, President,  SE Minnesota Buildings and Trade Council
Bill Arndt, General Manager-Plainview,  Lakeside Foods

11:45 p.m.    Lunch* and Keynote address by U.S. Congressman Tim Walz

Menu: Soup, Sandwich Bar, Relish Tray, Pasta Salad, Potato Chips, and a Brownie or Cookie

1:00 p.m.    PANEL: Addressing Health Care access and quality

Moderator: Dr. Glenn Forbes, CEO,  Mayo Clinic-Rochester
Dr. Zigang Dong, Executive Director,  Hormel Institute
Dr. Mark Matthias, Chief Medical Officer,  Mankato Clinic
Dr. Noel Peterson,  past president, Olmsted Medical Group
Drew Flaada, Director,  IBM-Mayo Collaborative
Mary Bliesmer, Professor and Chair, School of Nursing,  Minnesota State University--Mankato

2:15 p.m.   PANEL: Linking our Education system to local Economic Development

Moderator: Dr. Bob Hoffman, Vice President of Strategic Business, Education and Regional Partnerships, Minnesota State University-Mankato
Dr. Terry Leas, President, Riverland Community College
Barb Embacher, School to Work Program, Mankato Public Schools
Valerie Pace, Central Region Manager, IBM
Rene Lara,  Education Minnesota

3:30 p.m.    CONCLUSION

*Those who want lunch should please RSVP and send a $14.50 check for your meal payable to the Holiday Inn by July 14, 2007. Participants who do not RSVP and pay by July 14th will not have a meal ordered for them.

Please mail RSVP and check payable to the Holiday Inn to:
Matthew J. Wohlman
Office of Congressman Tim Walz
227 East Main Street, Suite 220
Mankato, Minnesota 56001