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.

Economic Club of Minnesota

Kendall Qualls

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.

Walking the Talk of Diversity Investment

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.

Fireside Chat with Mary Daly & Neel Kashkari

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. 

Ambassador Jon Huntsman

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.

Amanda Brinkman, Chief Brand Officer, Deluxe

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.

Discussing Perseverance with Col. Bob Cabana

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.

Post-Pandemic Workplace Discussion

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!

YPC Virtual Happy Hour Event with Neel Kashkari

On December 17, 2020, the Economic Club of Minnesota partnered with Major Garrett, CBS News' Chief Washington Correspondent and host of "The Takeout," a weekly multi-platform interview show on politics, policy and pop culture available on CBSN, top radio stations across the country, and all podcast platforms. Garrett moderated a post-election discussion with Senator Amy Klobuchar and Congressman Tom Emmer. The conversation was lively and kept our several hundred attendees engaged!

Post-Election Discussion with Sen. Amy Klobuchar & Rep. Tom Emmer

A presentation of the U.S. Mexico Foundation Convocation and panel discussion with: Ambassador Gerónimo Gutiérrez Fernandez Ambassador Arturo Sarukhan Casamitjana Ambassador James R. Jones Moderated by Erik Paulsen 

U.S. Mexico Partnership

Learn tips and tricks on how to build a network on and off screen with Cathy Paper, from our recent Young Professional Club Event. Cathy is the founder of RockPaperStar, a boutique consulting firm that specializes in coaching, marketing and promotion for individuals, business owners or executives by offering creative ideas to improve process and performance.

How to Build a Network On and Off Screen with Cathy Paper

It was our honor to host Antony Phillipson, Her Majesty’s Trade Minister for North America on October 5, 2020. Mr. Phillipson addressed the club from his location in New York City. Hundreds of sponsors, members, and guests joined us virtually. Mr. Phillipson talked about how we address the overarching crisis we are experiencing due to COVID-19, but also how each of our governments have responded to help recover from the economic crunch. We heard about how the UK is planning to build back better by shoring up supply chain. A highlight was the audience Q&A. Tim Penny, Economic Club Founder and Vice Chair moderated. Mr. Phillipson addressed questions surrounding Free Trade Agreement, climate, and BREXIT, as well as the close ties the UK has with businesses in the state of Minnesota.

Antony Phillipson, Her Majesty’s Trade Commissioner for North America

Join our discussion on the evolution of work and business. What have we learned so far? What industries will thrive? How does work change?  Moderated by Chris Farrell, Senior Economics Contributor, Marketplace, American Public Media Featuring: Dr. Richard Migliori, EVP & Chief Medical Officer, UnitedHealth Group Christy Sovereign, Senior Managing Director, Accenture Jack Uldrich, Global Futurist, The School of Unlearning 

The Future of Work & Business

Colonel Robert Cabana, Director of NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, joined us to provide an update on space exploration and talk about what’s on the horizon for NASA and their commercial partners. He shared how the current COVID-19 pandemic is affecting how they work and the common motivation for every organization involved in space to continue moving forward. It’s an exciting time to be part of NASA!

NASA Update with Col. Bob Cabana

Anne deBruin Sample is an experienced business and HR leader, and the CEO and owner of Navigate Forward. Anne has an enviable track record of leading business-building transformation and developing top talent. Anne has engaged her passion for helping leaders find new destinations during times of transition. As both a Corporate client and an individual client of Navigate Forward, she is a strong believer in the power and impact of transition coaching and leadership development. In her early career Anne worked in a variety of HR and strategy roles for Whirlpool, PepsiCo, Walker Digital and Citibank. She has served as the Chief HR Officer for PepsiAmericas, SVP of Management and People Solutions at Thrivent Financial, and the Chief of People at Caribou Coffee and Bagels. Anne is a natural connector who is recognized for her ability to reframe problems, identify new solutions, manage through change and share her candid perspective. An engaging speaker, Anne is often asked to present at conferences, universities and professional events. She currently serves on Board of Directors of MyMeds, a MN-based startup that provides individuals with the digital health tools and real time data. Giving back is a top priority for Anne, as it was for the Founders. As a firm, Navigate Forward has and will continue to contribute at least 4% of corporate revenue to charitable causes in our community. When our clients land at their destination they designate the charity of their choice so that we can celebrate by making a donation in their name. Anne is personally active in several local charities including the Light of Hope Home and School for Girls in Kenya, Opportunity International, and she has been a mentor for ACES. Outside of work, you’re likely to find Anne on Lake Minnetonka or in the mountains of Colorado with her family, friends and dogs. She loves to be outside and is an avid skier, boater and hiker. She enjoys travel, entertaining and making connections. Connecting with people and helping them navigate towards a new destination inspires and motivates Anne. She shares her passion with clients, consultants and peers – always with the goal of helping people lead more fulfilling lives.

Anne Sample, CEO, Navigate Forward

The Economic Club of Minnesota (ECOM) provides a high-profile, non-partisan platform for national and international leaders in business, government and public policy to present their ideas on how Minnesota can better compete in the global economy and how America can most effectively provide world leadership on economic and strategic issues.

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Economic Club of Minnesota

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