With economic development initiatives Journey to Growth (J2G) and Destination Medical Center (DMC) getting underway in 2015, the Chamber and Rochester Area Economic Development Inc., (RAEDI) are bringing together
regional leaders to examine SE Minnesota economic expectations for 2016. This event will feature keynotes from
Tim Penny, former U.S. Representative, now President and CEO of the Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF), and
Steve LOEHR, Vice President of Operations for Kwik-Trip. Two panels of economic experts and industry executives will also weigh in from their unique economic perspectives.
Economic Keynote Address
Tim Penny, President & CEO
Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation
Economic Panel
Moderator – Jennifer Libby, President & CEO,
Owatonna Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism
• Real Estate – Andrew Chafoulias, CEO,
Titan Development & Investments
• Banking – Susan Savat, CFO,
Merchants Financial Group Inc. & Merchants Bank
• Agribusiness – Gene Hugoson, External & Constituent
Relations Liaison, University of Minnesota
Industry Executive Panel
Moderator – Betsy Singer, News Anchor, ABC 6 News
• Manufacturing – Dick Pope, CEO,
Wincraft, Inc.
• Hospitality – Joe Powers, Chief Executive Director,
Powers Ventures
• Computer Technology – Walt Ling, VP of Technical
Services & Sr. State Executive, IBM
• Food Processing – Tim J. Fritz, Plant Manager,
Hormel Foods
• Medical Technology – James A. Rogers III,
Chair of Mayo Medical Ventures
Interview of Steve Loehr,
Vice President of Operations, Kwik Trip
Interviewer, Betsy Singer
Interested in staying in Rochester at a special rate?
La Quinta Inn & Suites, located at 4353 Canal Pl SE, Rochester, MN 55904, is offering Forum attendees a discounted room rate of $94 (valued at $109) for September 28th along with transportation to and from the Forum. Reserve your room today and save! Mention your attendance for the Southeast Minnesota Economic Forum when contacting La Quinta Inn & Suites at 507-289-4200.