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2021 Policy Summit
GNDC invites you to attend the 2021 Policy Summit on Thursday, August 12, 2021, in Bismarck. This annual event brings together business and government leaders to discuss policies impacting North Dakota's business climate and address issues impacting our state's future growth.
This premier public policy forum is a non-partisan event open to members and non-members of the Greater North Dakota Chamber. Attendees have cited that the event's success is due to GNDC's commitment to ensuring various views are represented on the presented issues.
AGENDA
8 AM: Registration Opens
9 AM: Welcome with Leadership Remarks from Governor Doug Burgum
Sponsored by: Midco
9:45 AM: PANEL: Is Constitutional Measure Reform Needed?
10:45 AM: Networking
11 AM: PANEL: Too big, too small, just right - Views on ND's $16.9B Budget
12 PM: Lunch
Sponsored by: Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota
1:15 PM: PANEL: ESG's Influence on ND
2:15 PM: Networking
2:30 PM: PANEL: ND's Changing Political Dynamics & Policy Implications
3:30 PM: Closing statements
PANEL DESCRIPTIONS
Leadership Remarks from Governor Doug Burgum
Governor Burgum will discuss how our educational system can be the best in the world and meet the needs of our business sector, and how we can leverage innovation to strengthen and diversify our economy. While the feds continue to dish out generations? worth of stimulus dollars, Burgum will also share his vision for how we can strategically use federal funding to support workforce development and economic growth without growing government.
Is Constitutional Measure Reform Needed?
The North Dakota Constitution has faced a proposed amendment by initiated measure in every election cycle over the past decade. Due to the frequency of these proposed adjustments, there is a perceived assumption that alterations to our state?s charter are being done easily, with out-of-state interests and dollars. Over the past couple of years, the initiated measure process has begged review from various audiences, including the 2017 Legislative Assembly. An interim study examined the process; yet, no substantive structural changes resulted from this work leaving the question remaining on whether constitutional measure reform is needed.
Opponents to reform state that this constitutional change violates freedoms outlined in the Constitution. Voters have a right to place issues on the ballot and will educate themselves on the issues presented. Supporters of reform believe that alterations to our state?s framework shouldn?t be done with haste; the Constitution should be held to a high standard. Additionally, good amendments shouldn?t have trouble facing scrutiny. While both sides agree that citizens have a right to initiate constitutional amendments, it?s the process by which these revisions are done that has people divided.
Moderator: Rick Clayburgh, North Dakota Bankers Association
Panelists:- Sen. David Hogue
- Jonathan Sickler
- Ellie Shockley
Too big, too small, just right - Views on ND's $16.9B Budget
This past year, Governor Doug Burgum unveiled a budget plan totaling $15B. However, when the dust settled the Legislature approved the largest budget in state history, $16.9B. While some of these dollars are due in part to federal dollars related to COVID-19 relief, there has been great debate on whether this amount was too much, too little, or just right.
GNDC is excited to host this goldilocks discussion between legislators who all have previously voiced opinions on the final ink that was signed into law by Governor Burgum.
Moderator: Nick Hacker - GNDC Board Member,
Panelists:- Senator Rich Wardner
- Senator Tim Mathern
- Representative Rick Becker
ESG's Influence on ND
ESG (environmental, social, and corporate governance) criteria, which promote the ideals of sustainable business practices, are garnering the attention of businesses across all sectors in Corporate America. Shifting from CSR (corporate social responsibility), decision-makers are incorporating ESG policies and practices to appeal to local, national, and global stakeholders, investors, and insurers.
This panel discussion will drill down past the initial concept to look at ESG policies influencing business decisions in North Dakota. Panelists will provide their perspective on ESG effects and also discuss how to prepare for these influential policies. A specific discussion point will focus on the ways ESG is impacting energy producers and their suppliers, including access to capital and insurances needed to operate.
Moderator: Lt. Gov. Brent Sanford
Panelists:- Nicole Kivisto - President and CEO, Montana-Dakota Utilities Co.
- Blu Hulsey - Sr. VP Government & Regulatory Affairs, Continental Resources
- ND State Treasurer Thomas Beadle
ND's Changing Political Dynamics & Policy Implications
In recent years, North Dakota has witnessed visible political shifts during elections. The ND GOP?s hold on the congressional representation, state elected officials, and the state legislature has been coined as a super supermajority. Only 21 Democrats hold office, these seats are held between both the ND Senate and the ND House of Representatives with no representation held beyond this level. Despite this Republican stronghold, the political scene is not as cut and dried as it seems. These evolving, un-fixed situations are beginning to, and continue to, see policy implications that will guide the path of our state?s future.
This panel discussion will provide an objective look at what is driving the political change in the state and more importantly how policy decisions are being impacted by the changing landscape. Issues to be covered will include redistricting, ideological platforms creating factions or subdivisions, district decisions, and national trends.
Moderator: Dave Thompson, Prairie Public
Panelists:- Mike Jacobs, columnist
- Mark Johnson, M State Political Scientist
- Ron Rauschenberger, former governor chief of staff (2007 ? 2017)
Refund policy: Full refunds are available prior to July 31. After this date, you may send an alternate from the same organization to the event without additional charge. To request a cancellation or to make a change, please email amanda@NDChamber.com.2021 Policy SummitDate and Time
Thursday Aug 12, 2021
8:00 AM - 3:30 PM CDTThursday, August 12, 2021
8AM Registration, opens with networkingFees/Admission
Registration is no longer available online - please call 701.222.0929 or email ndchamber@ndchamber.com.
Walk-In/Day of Rates: $195 (Virtual: $175)
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