ND Future Forum

Building on the momentum of its inaugural year, the GNDC's Future Forum returns for its second year. This event is not just about recognizing past achievements; it's about looking ahead to the next century. At GNDC, we recognize that the business community is leading the way towards the future, guaranteeing North Dakota's global competitiveness.

The forum will bring together thought leaders to delve into trends, technologies, and strategies that will drive North Dakota's future progress.

AGENDA
Session Details

8:30: WELCOME and Host Kickoff

8:45: Housing Solutions to Solve Workforce Challenges

(bios & description)

Moderator: Michael Hoagberg – CEO/Founder, Headwaters Development, Advanced Volumetric Alliance

Nick Phillips – Vice President of Strategic Partnerships, Applied Digital
Matt Naugle – Workforce Development Specialist, Essentia Health

9:30: Agency Response: Chris Schilken – Commissioner, North Dakota Department of Commerce & Andrea Pfennig – VP Gov Affairs, GNDC

9:45: The Future of Higher Education
(bios & description)

Moderator: Matthew Chaussee – CEO and Co-founder, CareerViewXR

Brent Sanford – Interim Chancellor, North Dakota University System
Dr. Steve Shirley – President, Minot State University & Dakota Community College at Bottineau
Dr. Polly Peterson – President, University of Jamestown

10:30: Networking BREAK

10:50: Four Generations in the Workplace
(bios & description)

Moderator: Heather Ostrowski – Senior Organizational Development Specialist, Gate City Bank

Jill Berg [Baby Boomer Representative]
- Consultant, Insight Consulting, Inc. (formerly Owner/President, Spherion ND/SD/West-Central MN)
Andrea Pfennig [Generation X]
- VP, Greater North Dakota Chamber
Kyle Niess [Millennial Representative]
- CEO, Odney
Maija Davis [Gen Z Representative]
- Director of Marketing & Experience, West Acres Development

11:40: Business Response: Kent Kolstad (Livewire) & Andrea Pfennig (GNDC)

11:50: LUNCH

1:00: FIRESIDE CHAT
(bios & description)

Mike Heger (President - BNI Energy) & Arik Spencer (GNDC)

1:45: BREAK

2:00: Advancing Community Through Tech Innovation
(bios & description)
Moderator: Dan Inman – Senior Vice President & Chief Information and Technology Officer (CITO), Minnkota Power Cooperative

Cassidy Hjelmstad – Chief Executive Officer/General Manager, SRT Communications
Kent Hartwig – Director of State Government Affairs, Gevo, Inc.
Matt Steele – Director of Operations, Packet Digital

2:50: Agency Response: Corey Mock – Chief Information Officer, North Dakota Information Technology & Andrea Pfennig – VP Gov Affairs, GNDC

3:00: CLOSING Remarks

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