Monday, July 14

Keynote Session

Realizing the Experience Dividend: How We Can Make the Most of Longer Working Lives

Mr. Marc Freedman, CEO, Civic Ventures

For over half a century, America has encouraged and enabled individuals to leave the workforce earlier and earlier. Today that strategy has run its course. A combination of circumstances — beginning with personal finances, but including fiscal imperatives and labor shortages — will lead to longer working lives for the baby boomer generation. But what work will boomers do, in a period that could easily amount to the second half of their working lives? As 10,000 boomers turn 60 each day, it is a question that policymakers at all levels must urgently address.

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Concurrent Sessions

What sectors are experiencing labor shortages in the Midwest and what can states do to improve workforce availability? This session will explore demographic and labor market trends, including an aging workforce, and offer strategies for responding to policy challenges.

Panelists:
Dr. Timothy J. Bartik, Senior Economist, W.E. Upjohn Institute for Employment Research
Ms. Josie Huber, Senior Manager for Recruiting and Retention, Kelly Services, Inc. Ms. Jacqueline Midkiff, Regional Economist, Mountain Plains Economic Analysis and Information Office, Bureau of Labor Statistics

Engaging Seniors

How can states, provinces and their communities tap into the potential benefits and advantages of an aging population? This session will explore ways to better engage seniors in activities such as volunteerism and civic involvement, as well as how communities can be made more attractive to older citizens.

How are states transforming their long-term care systems to improve services for the elderly and reduce government costs? This session will examine how states and provinces can help meet the myriad challenges associated with an increased demand for long-term care services.

Panelists:
Ms. Lisa Alecxih, Vice President, Center on Long Term Care, The Lewin Group
Mr. Robert Mollica, Senior Program Director, National Academy for State Health Policy

Luncheon Featured Presentation

The Culture and History of the Black Hills

Dr. Gerard Baker, Superintendent of Mount Rushmore National Memorial

A full-blood member of the Mandan-Hidatsa Tribe, Baker grew up on his father’s cattle ranch on the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation in western North Dakota. During his 30 years with the National Park Service, Baker has worked to bring a broader historical interpretation to the sites he manages. Baker’s presentation will explore the rich, diverse culture and history of the Black Hills.

Fiscal Leaders’ Roundtable

Guest experts will present a regional economic forecast and an update on the fiscal condition of the states. Participants will also take part in a roundtable discussion of recent developments in the Midwestern states and provinces.

Moderator:
Sen. Jean Hunhoff, South Dakota

Presenters:
Mr. Tobias C. Madden, Regional Economist, Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis
Mr. Scott Pattison, Executive Director, National Association of State Budget Officers

Public Policy Roundtable Discussions

Campus Safety and Security: The Role for States and Their Legislators

Facilitator:
Dr. Christopher Rasmussen, Director of Policy Research, Midwestern Higher Education Compact

State Strategies To Curb Prisoner Recidivism Rates

Facilitator:
Mr. William D. Burrell, Corrections Management Consultant, New Jersey

The Path to Success for Rural Schools in the 21st Century

Facilitator:
Mr. Marty Strange, Policy Director, Rural School and Community Trust

Technologies That Hold Promise for Cleaner Energy Generation

Facilitator:
Mr. Brad Crabtree, Program Director, Great Plains Institute

Tuesday, July 15

Plenary Sessions

Health Care Reform

During this session, a panel of experts will explore the current condition of our nation’s health care system and the states’ role in reforms. The panel will share state strategies to decrease costs, increase value and expand coverage to more uninsured residents.

Panelists:
Ms. Shelly Ten Napel, Senior Associate, State Coverage Initiatives
Dr. Kenneth E. Thorpe, Robert W. Woodruff Professor and Chair, Department of Health Policy and Management, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University

Funding Transportation and Infrastructure

States are facing growing transportation needs and are increasingly taking a multimodal approach to help move people and goods more efficiently. This panel will discuss both federal and state options for structuring and financing a strong transportation system for the future.

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Panelists:
Mr. Jack Basso, Director of Management and Business Development, American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials
David Horner, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Transportation Policy, U.S. Department of Transportation
Mr. Jack Schenendorf, Vice Chair, National Surface Transportation Policy and Revenue Study Commission and Of Counsel, Covington Burling

Featured Presentation

How Being American Shapes Us

Mr. David Brooks, Author and New York Times Columnist

As an op-ed columnist for the New York Times and regular analyst on “NewsHour with Jim Lehrer” and NPR’s “All Things Considered,” David Brooks is a savvy and often humorous analyst of politics and foreign affairs. Brooks’ presentation will draw from his books on American life and social relationships and other recent social observations to illuminate how being American shapes who we are and how we see life.

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Plenary Session

Ms. Rhonda Hilyer, President and Founder, Agreement Dynamics, Inc.

Making the Most of Your Communication Style: Creating Positive Relationships and Results Can different communication styles get in the way of finding solutions to difficult issues? Find out how you can use your own style most effectively to reach agreements. Using easy-to-remember and proven techniques, veteran labor negotiator and trainer Rhonda Hilyer will help participants assess their own unique styles and begin to use them more effectively.

Closing Session