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Conversations on critical issues. 

  1. 1d ago

    The State of Ag: A Conversation with Representative Paul Torkelson

    With decades of firsthand agricultural experience both on the farm and in the State Capitol, retiring Representative Paul Torkleson offers indispensable perspective on where Minnesota's ag policy has been and where it needs to go next. Moderated by Blois Olson, this session features a candid, forward-looking conversation with retiring Representative Torkelson, a longtime champion for Minnesota agriculture and farmer.

  2. 1d ago

    The Stage of Ag: Federal Landscape and Minnesota's Ag Economy

    Navigating shifting national policies, federal farm bill dynamics, and broader macroeconomic pressures requires a strong, unified strategy across Minnesota's agricultural sector. Moderated by former CFANS Dean Brian Buhr, this panel focuses on the Federal Landscape and Minnesota's Ag Economy, featuring insights from Compeer Financial Vice President of Legislative Affairs Perry Aasness, Minnesota Biofuels Association Executive Director Brian Werner, and Minnesota Pork Board President Todd Marotz as they examine how national policy decisions directly impact local producers, processors, and rural communities.

  3. 3d ago

    The State of Ag: The Next Legislature & Administration

    With the upcoming election bringing an entirely new governor, a reconfigured Minnesota Legislature, and a new leadership team at the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, this timely panel addresses how Minnesota’s ag sector must adapt its advocacy and strategy. Moderated by government affairs expert AJ Duerr, the discussion features leaders from across Minnesota agriculture: Wes Beck representing the Minnesota Corn Growers Association, Minnesota Farm Bureau President Dan Glessing, and Agricultural Utilization Research Institute (AURI) Executive Director Shannon Schlecht. Together, they discuss building early relationships with incoming public officials, educating new state leaders on farm economic realities, and setting agricultural policy priorities for the next administration.

  4. 3d ago

    The State of Ag with Minnesota Department of Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen

    In this conversation hosted by Blois Olson, Minnesota Department of Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen provides a comprehensive look at the state’s agricultural economy, farm safety nets, and rural development priorities. Drawing on his background as both a lifelong farmer and public advocate, Commissioner Petersen joins Olson to break down the immediate opportunities and challenges facing Minnesota producers, agribusinesses, and rural communities.

  5. 3d ago

    A Conversation on Aging with U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar

    In this featured conversation hosted by Blois Olson, U.S. Senator and gubernatorial candidate Amy Klobuchar lays out her executive vision for addressing Minnesota’s aging population and long-term care crisis. Bridging her federal legislative experience with her platform for the governor's office, Senator Klobuchar discusses how state-level leadership can partner with communities and providers to stabilize senior care, support family caregivers, and ensure older Minnesotans can age with dignity. Nisswa, MN September 18, 2026

  6. 3d ago

    A Conversation on Aging with Speaker Lisa Demuth

    In this featured discussion hosted by Blois Olson, Minnesota House Speaker and gubernatorial candidate Lisa Demuth addresses the critical issues facing Minnesota’s aging population and long-term care infrastructure. Speaker Demuth shares her policy vision for elder care, workforce retention, and rural health sustainability as Minnesota approaches the 2026 election.  Nisswa, MN  September 18, 2026

  7. Apr 24

    The Twin West Legislative Breakfast

    The latest Fluence Forum in partnership with the Minneapolis Regional Chamber of Commerce is a relaunch of the Twin West legislative breakfast.  It included Sen. Nick Frentz (DFL) , Sen. Mark Johnson (R) Rep. Jamie Long (DFL) and Rep. Harry Niska (R) discussing key legislative issues.

  8. Mar 6

    Bridging the Gap: Higher Education and Minnesota's Workforce

    Welcome back to the Fluence Forum, hosted by Fluence Advisory! In this episode, we continue our coverage from the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce's 2026 Workforce Summit, recorded live on March 4, 2026. Following our discussions on state labor force data and skills-based hiring, we turn our focus to the critical role of higher education in shaping the future of work. This panel of leaders from our colleges and universities explores how educational institutions are adapting to meet the evolving needs of the state's economy. If you are looking to understand the intersection of academic development and talent retention, this conversation is essential listening. To hear more insights from the summit, visit fluence-advisory.com or subscribe to the Fluence Forum in your favorite podcast app!

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Conversations on critical issues. 

Information

  • Creator
    Fluence Forum
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    18
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Fluence Forum
  • Show Website
    Fluence Forum