Rebroadcasted Virtual Policy Summit

ABOUT THE EVENT

The Policy Summit is GNDC's flagship event that brings together business and government leadership to discuss policies impacting North Dakota 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.

ABOUT THE 2020 FORMAT

This year, COVID-19 upturned the planning of this event and because of that, GNDC overhauled the format. Going virtual allowed attendees to concentrate on the issues and worry less about social distancing and masks. The event featured 5 moderated panel sessions. Speakers were together around the same table, in the same location, to discuss various areas of impact. This year's Policy Summit, which was originally broadcasted Aug 25-27, cultivated conversations around topics that are important to the future of North Dakota. Attendees were given an exclusive behind the scenes view.

REBROADCASTING

Missed the event? It's okay, buy the recordings for yourself and/or your entire organization. Members can purchase the entire 5-part series for $50, Nonmembers $100. These are company-wide rates versus per individual.

PANELS

 

Reigniting our Economy
As COVID19 seeped across the nation, states issued shelter-in-place orders freezing their economies. Rule makers and government leaders are working to reopen the country in a safe, yet sound, manner. North Dakota has remained one of the most open states in the nation throughout the pandemic. Moving through 2020, it is vital for our state to continue being mindful of our position in the world market. This panel will discuss North Dakota's economic recovery. Panelists will touch on the current conditions but focus on steps moving forward to ensure our state remains strong.		Panelists: Michelle Kommer, Commissioner, ND Dept. of Commerce David Flynn, Economist, University of North Dakota Brenda Foster, Chairperson, President & CEO, First Western Bank & Trust Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring, ND Dept. of Agriculture Moderator: Matt Gardner, Director of Government Affairs, Greater North Dakota Chamber
ND's Hospitality Industry: Navigating Forward
COVID19's introduction of the phrase, "social distancing" slammed the brakes on progress and prosperity occurring in the hospitality industry. The vibrancy of hotels, restaurants, and bars impacts a community beyond food and beverage sales to resident attraction and engagement, adding to tax revenue, and employing North Dakotans. Quick pivots and shifts, with community support and ordinance changes, allowed hospitality businesses to survive despite pandemic restrictions. Panelists will discuss strategies moving forward to ensure this industry is able to creatively move past hurdles to a place of vitality again.		Panelists: Dusty Jensen, COO, Apple Core Enterprises Rep. Mike Lefor, Owner, Blue 42 Sports Grille & Bar Shannon McQuade-Ely, President, McQuade Distributing Co. Inc Lisa Hixson-Moltzen, Regency Hotel Management Moderator: Rudie Martinson, Executive Director, ND Hospitality Association
Occupational Licensure: Refinement or Reform
In recent years, occupational licensure reform has gained momentum at the federal level as well as the state level. In 2019, licensing affected 3 in 10 workers and more than 1,000 occupations. Some states have worked to repeal licenses while others are focusing on removing barriers or removing requirements for access. Each state has taken its own strategy, Idaho has reduced or removed associated fees, Connecticut has removed the need for certain licenses, and Arizona has offered universal reciprocity. While the goal is to address workforce challenges, there is a concern about the fine line between entry restrictions for workers and protecting the public from untrained/incompetent practitioners.		Panelists: Katie Ralston, Workforce Division Director, ND Dept. of Commerce Mike Krumwiede, COO, The Staiger Consulting Group Sen. Randy Burckhard, District 5 and Workforce Development Council Mark Hardy, Executive Director, ND Board of Pharmacy Moderator: John MacMartin, President, Minot Area Chamber of Commerce and Interim President, Minot Area Development Corporation
The Road Ahead for ND Energy
In 2019, North Dakota ranked second in the nation in crude oil production. The state was one of the top 10 ethanol-producing states, its five ethanol plants provided 3% of the nation's fuel ethanol. North Dakota contains the world's largest known deposit of lignite and currently is a top-10 coal-producing state, accounting for 4% of U.S. coal production. Last year, coal-fired power plants provided 63% of North Dakota's electricity generation and wind energy accounted for 27%, the fourth-highest share from wind power for any state. These facts demonstrate the position North Dakota has in the energy global market. Moving into the next decade, it is important for business leaders to be aware of the ongoing efforts and plans that this sector is currently developing.		Panelists: Kathleen Neset, Owner/President, Neset Consulting and Chair, ND Petroleum Council Justin Kringstad, Director, ND Pipeline Authority Nicole Kivisto, President and CEO, Montana-Dakota Utilities Co. Jason Bohrer, President and CEO, Lignite Energy Council Moderator: Lieutenant Governor Brent Sanford
Crisis Leadership
2020 has been a year of challenges for leaders at the helm. Decisions, which impact individuals and organizations, have been made under high-stress situations, often with little data available. Join Governor Burgum and panelists discuss their points of view during this tumultuous year, the decisions made, and the lessons learned.		Panelists: Monsignor James Shea, President, University of Mary Jill Berg, President/Owner, Spherion Staffing and Insight Consulting David Goodin, President, CEO, and Director, MDU Resources Group, Inc. Major General Alan Dohrmann, Adjutant General, ND National Guard Moderator: Governor Doug Burgum