Educators, employers, economic developers, and community leaders are invited to join Southwest Minnesota partners, the International Economic Development Council (IEDC), and workforce expert, Mark C. Perna, to catch the vision for education with purpose, employment with passion, and the economic vitality that will result.
September 29, 2026 | Marshall, MN
Registration opening soon!
Let’s come together to spur conversations and collaboration to cultivate new partnerships that will move education and economic development to the next level.
This half-day experience will include a 20-minute table setting by Nathan Ohle, President and CEO, and a 2 1/2 hour dynamic presentation by workforce expert Mark C. Perna, which will cover:
- The Changing Landscape of Education and Workforce Development
- Education with a Purpose and Crafting a Competitive Advantage
- The “Why” Generation, including Connecting, Engaging, and Answering “Why”
- The Skills and Awareness Gaps
- Employment with Passion
- The Smart Age Machine
- Setting a Universal Rallying Point and Developing a Call to Action
After Mark’s presentation, we’ll transition to lunch, a 30-minute tabletop conversations and key insights, a 45-minute fireside chat with Nathan, Mark, and a local community leader, and a 15-minute wrap up by Nathan.
This exciting event will rally every stakeholder in Southwest Minnesota so that we can collaborate to drive economic prosperity throughout our region.
Questions? Contact Missy Maiers at [email protected] or (320) 583-0484.
Southwest Initiative Foundation is proud to host this event in partnership with SWWC and LYFT.
About Mark C. Perna
Mark is a recognized generational expert and international thought leader in education, workforce development, and economic development. A strong consensus builder, Mark delivers more than 90 keynotes annually to diverse audiences, including Harvard Univeristy and IEDC’s annual convention and leadership conferences. He is the bestselling author of Answering Why and writes weekly for Forbes.com, reaching 5+ million readers to date. Mark has appeared on 250+ radio, TV, and podcast interviews on how to empower today’s young people. His podcast, The Perna Syndicate, reaches listeners in 70 countries. Mark advises the Coalition for Career Development in Washington, D.C., as well as education and community leaders across North America. Learn more about Mark.
About the International Economic Develop Council and Nathan Ohle
The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) is a non-profit, non-partisan membership organization serving economic developers. Through bold leadership, collaborative partnerships, and innovative programs and solutions, IEDC equips economic developers to drive equitable and sustainable outcomes for the communities they serve as: the premier professional association for economic development worldwide; the best place to work; and the best place for economic developers to learn and connect. Nathan Ohle serves as the President and CEO of the IEDC and is an internationally recognized expert in economic development and a leader of public, private, and nonprofit organizations. He is an internationally known speaker and writer who has spoken to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development and Harvard University, testified in front of Congress, and regularly speaks in places across the globe. Learn more about Nathan.