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Mark Kennedy, Tim Penny and Bill Frenzel Launch Economic Club
Monday, September 15, 2008
CONTACT: Kristin Robbins
612-432-6790
----- Minneapolis, MN. Former Congressmen Mark Kennedy, Tim Penny and Bill Frenzel joined forces today to launch a new speakers’ series to raise awareness of global economic issues.
The Economic Club of Minnesota (ECOM) will provide a high-profile, non-partisan platform for national and international leaders in business, government and public policy to present their ideas on how Minnesota can better compete and win in an increasingly global economy and how America can most effectively provide world leadership.
“We want to give Minnesotans more opportunities to engage with business and government leaders from around the world. Minnesota’s competitive position in the US and global economies will be strengthened by these opportunities to network and discuss ideas that impact both small businesses and Fortune 500 companies,” Kennedy stated.
ECOM will host a luncheon speaker every month from September through May. As the group grows, they will offer other opportunities to members, such as workshops on specific issues, an economic book club and trade missions to countries of strategic importance.
Frenzel noted that, “Minnesota has long been a leader in technological and policy innovation. We want to provide a forum that links the great ideas, products and people of Minnesota to the rest of the world.”
ECOM’s kick-off speaker is Brian Gunderson, Chief of Staff to Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice. Mr. Gunderson will speak on Tuesday, September 16, 2008, at the Minneapolis Club at 12:00 p.m. Prior to joining Secretary Rice’s staff in 2005, Mr. Gunderson, a Minnesota native, was Chief of Staff to United States Trade Representative Robert B. Zoellick. In that capacity, he helped manage USTR as the agency completed free trade negotiations with ten countries and launched negotiations with twelve others. Before joining the Bush Administration, Mr. Gunderson held many senior positions on Capitol Hill, including Chief of Staff in the Office of the House Majority Leader Dick Armey, where he advised the congressional leadership on foreign policy, defense and international economic issues.
On October 16, 2008, ECOM will host Dr. Liam Fox, a member of the British Parliament and the Shadow Secretary of State for Defense. A rising star in the Conservative Party, Mr. Fox has held a number of influential portfolios during his tenure in Parliament.
“We hope ECOM will provide a significant platform for Minnesotans to exchange ideas and strengthen their networks for leadership in the global economy,” Penny said. “The future of our state depends on our ability to navigate effectively in this arena.”
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