2026 Economic Summit

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Name: 2026 Economic Summit
Date: February 3, 2026
Time: 7:30 AM - 11:30 AM CST
Registration: Register Now
Event Description:

The Economic Summit provides a current snapshot and forecast of the year ahead for the local, regional, and national economy, including insight into the economic trends impacting businesses in the Rochester region. Join us for this premier event on Tuesday, February 3, 2026 to learn from industry leaders and our keynote speaker.

AGENDA
7:00am | Registration & Breakfast

7:30am | Welcome

7:35am | Small Business & Entrepreneur Panel Discussion 
Moderator - Zoey Jantsan, Realtor, Edina Realty and Chair of the Women's Roundtable
  • Michelle Fagan, Owner, Cafe Aqui 
  • Colleen Foehrenbacher, Executive Director, Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center
  • Ashley Moberg, Owner, Real Deals Rochester NEW
  • Nick Sargent, Owner, Sargent's
 
 8:30am | Industry Panel Discussion (additional panelists TBA)
Moderator - Ryan Parsons, President, Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce
  • Bridget Avikainen, Bold. Forward. Unbound in Rochester Administrative Lead, Mayo Clinic NEW
  • Scott Eggert, General Manager, Broadway Plaza
  • Mike Paradise, President, Bigelow Homes LLC

9:30am | Business Outlook Survey Results Presentation 
  • Aiden Opatz, Community Economics Educator, University of Minnesota Extension​  

10:00am | State Demographer Forecast 
  • Susan Brower, Minnesota State Demographer 

10:30am | Featured Keynote on Managing Through Economic and Political Instability: The 2026 Business Outlook
  • Bernard Baumohl, Chief Global Economist, The Economic Outlook Group

ABOUT KEYNOTE SPEAKER: BERNARD BAUMOHL
Bernard Baumohl is the Chief Global Economist at The Economic Outlook Group. He is well known for being ahead of the curve in assessing the direction of the U.S. and world economy. The Wall Street Journal has twice recognized him (2019 & 2025) as the nation’s top economic forecaster.

Mr. Baumohl began his career with the Council on Foreign Relations, a think tank specializing in international affairs and national security. He later served as senior economist at European American Bank with responsibilities to monitor the global economy. Mr. Baumohl was also an award-winning journalist with TIME magazine who covered the White House, Federal Reserve and Wall Street. He is the author of an international best seller, The Secrets of Economic Indicators: Hidden Clues to Future Economic Trends and Investment Opportunities. The book is in its 3rd edition and has been translated into multiple languages, including Chinese, Japanese, Russian, and German.

Mr. Baumohl is a member of the Wall Street Journal Economic Forecast Panel and his projections on the economy and geopolitical risks are frequently cited in the news media. He holds an M.A. in International Affairs and Economics from Columbia University. 



By attending a Chamber event, you consent to the Chamber Event Policy.
Event Sponsors:

Presenting Sponsor

Host Sponsor

Gold Sponsor

Production Sponsor

Bronze Sposnor

Table Sponsor

Location:
Mayo Civic Center
Ballrooms 2 & 3
30 Civic Center Dr SE
Rochester, MN 55904
Date/Time Information:
Doors open at 7:00am. Program begins at 7:30am.


The date, time, location, and agenda of this event noted is subject to change. All attendees will be made aware if anything changes. 
Contact Information:
Shannon Gowen
Send an Email
Fees/Admission:
$50 for members
$60 for general admission
$550 for a table of 8 (includes company name in event promotion and program)
Registration is required by Friday, January 23, 2026
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