The two-day Fall Conference features speakers, presentations, and discussions focused on issues that matter to Greater Minnesota. This year, we'll recap the outcome of the 2024 election and the impact it will have on the upcoming legislative session. Attendees will also have plenty of opportunities to socialize and network with other city leaders from throughout the state. Finally, members will discuss and vote on the CGMC policy platform heading into 2025. 

The following agenda is tentative and subject to change. The agenda will be updated as it is confirmed.

Thursday, November 21

10am - Registration opens at Arrowwood Resort & Conference Center

11:30am - Lunch Buffet Open

12pm - Conference Welcome & Introductions 

Shelly Carlson, CGMC President & Mayor of Moorhead

12:05pm - Presentation: "Election 2024: What Does it Mean for Greater Minnesota?" 

Bradley Peterson, Executive Director, Coalition of Greater MN Cities

1:00pm - Presentation: "The State of Greater Minnesota Nonprofits" 

Nonoko Sato, Executive Director, Minnesota Council of Nonprofits

2:00pm - Panel: "Sharing the Best-Kept Secrets: Marketing Greater Minnesota Communities" 

Moderator: 

Lauren Bennett McGinty, Executive Director, Explore Minnesota

Panelists: 

Chris Dalton, City Manager, City of New Ulm

Nicole Fernholz, Director, Alexandria Area Economic Development Commission

Nick Leonard, Deputy Administrator, Otter Tail County

3:00pm - Presentation: "Child Care Case Studies from Greater Minnesota"

Moderator: 

Jessica Beyer, Associate Director - Minnesota, First Children's Finance

Presenters:

Holly Sammons, EDA Director, City of Luverne

Justin Ask, Councilmember, City of Willmar

Shannon Mortenson, City Clerk, City of Becker

4:00pm - Presentation: "Where Rural Health Care Intersects with Rural Communities"

Jodi Gertken, Director of State Government Affairs & Community Relations, CentraCare

Dr. Ulrika Wigert, MD, FAAFP, Physician Vice President - Regional Markets, CentraCare

5:00pm - Break: Hotel Check-In

6:00pm - Cocktail Reception

6:30pm - Dinner & Dialogue with Danger Boat Productions

Friday, November 22

7:45am - Breakfast for attendees at Arrowwood Resort & Conference Center

8:15am - Panel: "Employee Pay, Leave, and Leadership"

Moderator:

Christina Petsoulis, Senior Attorney, Flaherty & Hood, P.A.

Panelists:

Shaunna Johnson, City Administrator, City of Waite Park

Shawna Boomgarden, HR Director, City of New Ulm

9:15am - Discussion: "Fireside Chat with Commissioner Matt Varilek"

Matt Varilek, Commissioner, Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development

Darielle Dannen, Executive Director, Greater Minnesota Partnership

10:15am - Break & Snack

10:30am - CGMC Membership Meeting

Open to CGMC members only

11:30am - Conference adjourns

The deadline to book within the Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities room block has passed. However, there may still be rooms available at the Arrowood Resort & Conference Center. Call (320) 762-1124 to reserve a room. Attendees are responsible for their own room reservations and payment.

Please note that there are no sponsorship or exhibitor opportunities at the Fall Conference. More information about future opportunities is available here. Attendance at the Fall Conference is limited to CGMC members and invited guests only. Thank you!