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2022 Regional Economic Conditions Conference

January 14, 2022 | 9:00 a.m. â€“ 12:00 p.m. CT
Virtual video event

2022 Regional Economic Conditions Conference

Corie Barry CEO, Best Buy

The Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis hosted its fifth annual Regional Economic Conditions Conference on January 14, 2022. The half-day conference focused on the Minneapolis Fed’s recent efforts to diversify its economic intelligence gathering, with an emphasis on the unique challenges faced by workers and minority- and women-owned business enterprises.

The event featured Best Buy CEO Corie Barry, who participated in a fireside chat with Minneapolis Fed President Neel Kashkari and shared how Best Buy has adapted to a changing pandemic labor market and its recent commitments to supply chain diversity. The conference also featured presentations and panel discussions with representatives of each state in the Ninth Federal Reserve District, which includes Minnesota, the Dakotas, Montana, northwestern Wisconsin, and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.

Event Details

Virtual video event

Event Agenda

Friday, January 14, 2021

9:00–9:05 a.m. CT Welcome by Minneapolis Fed President Neel Kashkari
9:05–10:00 a.m. CT Discussion between Neel Kashkari and Best Buy CEO Corie Barry
10:00–10:55 a.m. CT Minority- and Women-Owned Business Enterprise Panel [Slides]
Panelists:
  • Immanuel Bassey, Agency Manager/Owner
    Allstate, Sioux Falls, SD
  • Maysee Herr, Executive Director
    Hmong Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce
  • Mike Mabin, Owner/President
    Agency MABU
    Bismarck, ND
Presenter: Ron Wirtz
Moderator: Joe Mahon
10:55–11:00 a.m. CT Break
11:00–11:50 a.m. CT Worker Experience Panel [Slides]
Panelists:
  • Scott Eychner, Administrator
    Workforce Services Division
    Montana Department of Labor & Industry
  • Brianne Farr, Market Manager
    Manpower, Marquette, MI
  • Joe Hobot, President and CEO
    American Indian OIC
  • Wade Luneberg, Recording Secretary and Political Director
    UNITE HERE Minnesota
Presenter: Erick Garcia Luna
Moderator: Joe Mahon
11:50 a.m.–12:00 p.m. CT Closing remarks

Our Partners

US Small Business Administration
St. Paul Chamber of Commerce
Women’s Foundation of Montana
State of Minnesota Department of Administration
Independent Community Bankers of Minnesota
7 Rivers Alliance
Montana Economic Developers Association
Minnesota Council on Foundations
African Career Education and Resources, Inc. (ACER)
Women’s Business Development Center – Twin Cities