Welcome from Chamber Board Chair

Thank you for coming today and on behalf of my fellow Board members, welcome to the Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce’s Economic Summit. It is our hope that you will find today’s virtual session rich with content.

We are facing a period of significant economic and physical stress due to the COVID 19 pandemic. With case counts rising and mixed responses from various agencies, the focus of this year’s Summit will be on the current state of affairs in our region, as well as forcasting what is to come.

We will hear from a leading economic figure in Minneapolis Federal Reserve Bank President Neel Kashkari. Given his position and responsibilities, President Kashkari will share policy insights and forecasting models, both for the nation and our region. We will also examine both local and county-wide trends and discuss the short-, medium-, and long-term implications that COVID-19 will have on our regional economy

The Chamber’s mission is straightforward. We are a service organization committed to promoting business success which in turn supports a thriving community. During COVID, the Chamber has pivoted its service model to continue to deliver valuable programming, information, and resources to members and the community.

Thank you for joining us today and investing your time in our business community. As this virtual summit wraps up, I urge you to stay informed about Chamber programming and events. There are many opportunities to engage with topics such as workforce development, public affairs, and the #ShopLocalSafely campaign.

Best wishes,

Lizzy Haywood CEO, Peoples Food Co-op Chair, Board of Directors

Board of Directors

AnJuanna Napue, Mayo Clinic Cathy Fraser, Mayo Clinic Chad Behnken, Hamilton Real Estate Christine Beech, Kabara Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies Christy Blade, Post Bulletin, LLC Dan Nistler, Merchants Bank Dave Pederson, Dunlap & Seeger, P.A. Emily Benner, Preventice* James Kelly, Construction Partnership* Jack Priggen, Cardinal of Minnesota Jessica Eidem, IBM Corporation John Eckerman, RSP Architects John Reed, Rochester Airport Co.* John Wade, RAEDI Joselyn Raymundo, Rochester Home Infusion Laurie Ackerman Opportunity Services Lizzy Haywood, People’s Food Cooperative* Dr. Lori Carrell, University of Minnesota Rochester Marge Kelley, Express Employment Professionals Matt Morehead, Carlson Capital Management Michael Munoz, Rochester Public Schools Nate Nordstrom, Brandhoot Omar Nur, Somali American Social Service Organization Sarah Miller, White Space Scott Eggert, Broadway Plaza Sharon Schneller, Olmsted Medical Center Steve Dunn, Taco Jed Teresa Czaplewski, Ranfranz & Vine Funeral Home