Speakers set for Hi-Line Economic Summit

Some political and economic heavy hitters are set to come to Havre in May to talk about the Hi-Line’s economy.

Organizers of the inaugural Hi-Line Economic Summit Wednesday, May 14, which the organizers say was inspired by former U.S. Sen. Max Baucus’ annual Montana Jobs Summit, said Gov. Steve Bullock, Public Service Commissioner Travis Kavulla, Federal Reserve Bank of Minnesota Regional Economist Toby Madden and Vann Cunningham, BNSF Railway’s assistant vice president of economic development, are confirmed speakers.

“Many of our speakers have changed or cleared their schedules in order to participate in the summit, and we are thankful for that,” Ty Hedalen of Independence Bank, summit founder, said in a press release announcing the speakers. “It is an honor to have both Gov. Bullock and Lt. Gov. (Angela) McLean attending.

“The support we have received from across the state only serves to highlight the importance of this event,” Hedalen added.

Other speakers and roundtable participants include regional city, county, state, federal and tribal officials and members of the education and business community.

The event, sponsored by Independence Bank and BNSF Railway, is free of charge but people are required to register by May 7.

Registration and check in start at 8 a.m. in the Student Union Building Ballroom at Montana State University-Northern.

Master of ceremonies Webb Brown, Montana Chamber of Commerce president and CEO, is scheduled to start the summit at 9 a.m., with Northern Chancellor Jim Limbaugh and Havre Mayor Tim Solomon following as guest speakers.

A business roundtable moderated by Independence Bank President and CEO Miles Hamilton starts at 9:15 a.m., followed by keynote addresses by Kavulla and Madden.

Bullock is the keynote speaker following the noon lunch, followed by Cunningham’s keynote address.

McLean is scheduled to moderate an education panel discussion at 2:20 p.m., and Independence Bank Vice President Bill Keller will then moderate an agriculture panel discussion at 3:45 p.m.

Hedalen said the summit is an opportunity to showcase the vitality of the region, and the organizers have put together speakers and panelists who will discuss the broad themes of agriculture, education and renewable sources of energy both locally and in the larger scheme.

The intent of the summit is to evaluate the economic condition of the region and to explore new opportunities to maximize the Hi-Line’s potential to generate economic growth, the release says.

“It is imperative that we come together, engage with one another and critically analyze the future prospects for north-central Montana,” Hedalen said in the release.

For more information or to register, people can visit http://www.hi-linesummit.com/ or call Bear Paw Development Corp. at 265-9226.