Description

The Midwest Economic Outlook Summit convenes business leaders, policymakers and community stakeholders for a focused, data-informed look at where the regional economy is headed and what it means for decision-makers across the Upper Midwest. 

Designed to move beyond headlines, the Summit offers timely insight into the economic forces shaping 2026 — from interest rates, inflation and labor market conditions to workforce participation, housing and child care, technology adoption and global trade pressures. Through a mix of innovative insight sessions, industry perspectives and interactive dialogue, attendees will gain a clearer understanding of emerging trends and the signals that matter most for strategic planning. 

The Summit also features a fireside chat featuring Neel Kashkari, president and CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis and a voting member of the Federal Open Market Committee. President Kashkari will share insights from the Federal Reserve’s perspective on current economic conditions and the outlook ahead, grounding the conversation in data from across the Ninth Federal Reserve District, which includes Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, Northwest Wisconsin and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. His remarks and moderated discussion offer a rare opportunity to hear directly from one of the nation’s leading economic voices and to engage in audience-driven discussion on how the regional and national economy are positioned as 2026 approaches. 

A central feature of the Summit is its emphasis on engagement. Attendees are invited to submit questions and participate in thoughtful conversation, creating space for real dialogue around economic challenges and opportunities facing the Midwest. Throughout the morning, business and community leaders will also connect across sectors, strengthening relationships and exploring collaboration that supports regional growth and long-term resilience.

Introduction

Shannon Full, President and CEO, FMWF Chamber

Keynote Address and Fireside Chat
Your 2026 Economic Roadmap

Neel Kashkari
President and CEO, Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis

Fireside chat moderated by Jim Ryan, Chairman and CEO, Old National Bank

Neel Kashkari will deliver a data-grounded economic roadmap for 2026, offering insight into inflation, labor market trends and key indicators shaping business and community planning. His moderated discussion connects national economic signals to Midwest realities.

Panel Discussion
The Midwest Growth Equation: People + Business

Nigel Haarstad, State Demographer, North Dakota Dept. of Commerce
Arik Spencer, President and CEO, Greater North Dakota Chamber
Susan Brower, Minnesota State Demographer, Minnesota State Demographic Center
Kurt Zellers, CEO, Minnesota Business Partnership

Panel discussion moderated by Shannon Full, President and CEO, FMWF Chamber

Business outcomes are shaped by people, and people trends are shaped by business environments. Leaders from North Dakota and Minnesota explore how demographic realities and business strategy intersect to influence the Midwest’s economic future.

Sponsor Highlight
Premier Sponsor: Old National Bank

Jim Ryan, Chairman and CEO, Old National Bank

Industry Insights
From Economic Trends to Operational Reality

Health Care - Kristin Herrmann, Chief Financial Officer (Fargo), Sanford Health
Manufacturing - Jon Grandon, Vice President, Attachments, Parts & Service, Bobcat Company
Hospitality - Angie Whitcomb, President and CEO, Hospitality Minnesota

The Industry Insights segment provides a focused look at how key sectors are navigating today’s economic conditions. Leaders from health care, manufacturing and hospitality will have 10 minutes each to share what they’re seeing on the ground and how economic signals are influencing operations, investment and workforce decisions.

Speaker Presentation and Fireside Chat
Global Economy and Trade

David O'Hara
Managing Director, MKI Global Partners

Fireside chat moderated by Georges Tippens, VP of Finance & Administration, Minnesota State Moorhead

David O’Hara will bring a global trade lens to the economic outlook, unpacking how U.S. trade strategy, geopolitics and policy shifts are influencing North American markets. His insight connects global uncertainty to real implications for Midwest industries, including agriculture and manufacturing.

Closing

Shannon Full, President and CEO, FMWF Chamber