Join us on February 6 for an exclusive conversation with Governor Gretchen Whitmer. Governor Whitmer will dive into the priorities she laid out in her State of the State address and preview the values that will guide her executive budget proposal. She will provide Econ Club members insight into plans for Michigan’s future, and her focus on lowering costs, bringing jobs and supply chains back home, and investing more in our children and our communities.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer
Building a Brighter Future
February 06
11:30 am – 1:30 pm
International Ballroom, JW Marriott
*For this event, members must register their guests in addition to themselves. The virtual option is open to members only.

Sheryl Connelly
Leading Futurist & Global Consumer Trends Expert
Legendary Chief Futurist at Ford Motor Company
Confessions of a Futurist - How Businesses Can Learn to Expect the Unexpected
All too often, companies are surprised by disruption. While no one can predict the future, many of these events can be anticipated. As the former Chief Futurist for Ford Motor Company, Sheryl Connelly has nearly two-decades of experience helping organizations plan for the future by building resilience into their business plans and strategies. Connelly has a keen ability to recognize signals of change, deliver unique consumer insights and anticipate a range of plausible futures that help the enterprise navigate uncertainty. Tracking changes across social, technological, economic, environmental, and political arenas and shifts in consumer attitudes and behaviors, she shares insights on the emerging trends that will most affect business in the years to come. Connelly begins by breaking down broad, “bird’s-eye view” trends like declining fertility rates, the global talent shortage, China and India, and the rising female frontier. She then moves to ground-level trends like ethical consumption and access versus ownership to assets. She takes these concepts and applies them to anticipate shifts in consumer behavior. Her unsurpassed grasp on the future of business proves invaluable as she helps audiences take advantage of what’s next.
February 27
11:30 am – 1:30 pm
International Ballroom, JW Marriott

Mahendra Ramsinghani
Founder, Secure Octane
Web 3.0 is Here. Is Grand Rapids Ready?
Join Mahendra Ramsinghani uncover the trends and developments occurring in the technology landscape. After a wave of data and machine learning, many business leaders are left with questions on what this new web looks like. Mahendra will simplify the jargon of the complex world of GPT3, decentralized networks, and blockchain as he gives insight that will help drive the talent and entrepreneurial energy in West Michigan for the coming decade.