“As we face threats to the electric grid from our changing climate, we must all work together to ensure the electric grid remains reliable,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “The MID-GRID 2035 initiative is vital for not only that goal, but to the economic growth of the Midwest. As we transition to clean energy sources, we must all work together to ensure we are effectively utilizing the available energy resources across the region.”

While the association will continue the MID-GRID 2035 transmission planning and education initiative, which is also kicking off phase two with a meeting this week in Chicago, Governor Pritzker added some additional areas of emphasis, which include interregional transmission planning and ensuring reliability, particularly in the face of recent weather related challenges.

“Transmission planning is critical for Midwestern communities. I am grateful that Governor Pritzker will be taking the lead on these efforts,” said immediate past Chair, Governor Tim Walz.

Since the start of the MID-GRID 2035 effort in late 2019, the Midwest has made considerable progress toward the vision outlined by the states. Regional and interregional transmission planning is taking place at a scale not before contemplated, and new generation investments have provided economic development and other benefits.

“The Midwest is uniquely positioned to take advantage of the economic opportunities that the region’s energy resources can provide,” said Jesse Heier, executive director of the association. “It is equally important to maximize the energy resources and be able to move them throughout the region and to other parts of the country.”

More information about the Governor’s agenda and the upcoming meeting can be found online at www.midwesterngovernors.org/MID-GRID.

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“Towns and cities that have long hosted energy producers are learning from one another and looking at new ways to support communities and workers to ensure a smooth transition,” said Governor Walz.

The MGA led a year-long effort to craft recommendations to prepare Midwestern communities for energy transition in communities where the industry is moving toward clean energy. Midwestern Governors Association Initiative: Growing the Communities that have Powered the Midwest is both a summary of these activities and a set of recommendations at the federal, state, and local level that were developed based on participant conversations.

“This report, along with the generous Western Governors University Scholarship, will help communities better manage these challenges,” added Walz. I look forward to joining my fellow Midwestern governors in reviewing the recommendations in the report.”

“New economic and environmental realities have brought about many changes in energy generation, which have closed power plants, displaced workers, and severely impacted numerous communities throughout the Midwest,” said Alison Bell, WGU Regional Vice President. WGU was created by governors to support adult and underserved learners across the country, and this new scholarship fund—in collaboration with Governor Walz’s MGA Agenda—will provide a flexible and cost-effective way for displaced workers to get the skills and training they need for the next phase of their careers.”

“This chair’s agenda topic has been excellent and has brought together a phenomenal cross-section of Midwesterners from economic development groups, local leaders, educational institutions, power companies, NGOs and others to discuss and share information and advice,” said Jesse Heier, executive director. “We know that communities across the Midwest are working hard to create new jobs and opportunities for those affected by the national energy production transition. Luckily the Midwest is blessed with smart, hard-working, and innovative thinkers and workers who are facing this challenge head-on and with their typical “can-do” approach to problems.”

For more information about this initiative, please visit www.midwesterngovernors.org/Power-Plant-Closures.

### The Midwestern Governors Association (MGA) is a non-profit, bipartisan organization that brings together governors, their staff, and state agencies to address significant public policy issues and provide a vehicle to advocate for them. It focuses its efforts in four primary policy areas: economic development, agriculture, energy, and Midwest branding. Current members of the MGA include Gov. JB Pritzker (IL), Gov. Eric Holcomb (IN), Gov. Kim Reynolds (IA), Gov. Laura Kelly (KS), Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (MI), Gov. Tim Walz (MN), Gov. Michael Parson (MO), Gov. Pete Ricketts (NE.), Doug Burgum (ND), Gov. Mike DeWine (OH), Gov. Kristi Noem (SD), and Gov. Tony Evers (WI).

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Governor Walz announces his MGA Chair’s Agenda “Empowering Midwestern Communities,” which focuses on bringing Midwestern policy leaders together to create economic opportunities in the energy sector. The first area of concentration is collaboration with states to strengthen and grow the communities that have been or will be impacted by power plant closures throughout the region. Plants that produce large amounts of energy are often major employers and serve as hubs for communities’ economic and commerce activities. With the transition currently underway in the energy sector, many power plants across the Midwest are scheduled for retirement. Governor Walz knows these planned closures will impact communities and workers across the region. By bringing together utilities, community leaders, workers, and energy advocates, we can better understand the impact these closures will have on communities and workers and how we can plan for a just, beneficial transition and a successful future. “Communities and workers that have long fueled our energy needs are in a transition period, and we must do everything in our power to ensure that they have the tools and supports to manage the transition in a way that position them for success” said Walz. The other main emphasis of Gov. Walz’ agenda is the continuation of the MID-GRID 2035 Initiative. MID-GRID 2035 is a regional transmission education and planning effort to position the Midwest as a modern energy producer and low-cost energy provider, with the goal to establish a long-term transmission grid vision for the region. “As energy production and consumption changes, we want the region to be in the best possible position to power our communities and have the energy resources to attract new businesses,” added Walz. “Without a robust regional transmission plan, the region is at risk of being left in the dark.” Through these programs Walz wants the MGA to focus on cultivating the energy economy of the region, so that the Midwest remains a national leader in energy production and technology innovation. For more information, please visit www.midwesterngovernors.org/Chairs-Agenda ###  Should your organization be interested in sponsoring this effort, please contact Jesse Heier from the MGA at 202-367-1226 or via email.  Should your organization be interested in participating as a sponsor, please contact Jesse Heier via email at jheier@midwesterngovernors.org.
 ### The Midwestern Governors Association (MGA) is a non-profit, bipartisan organization that brings together governors, their staff, and state agencies to address significant public policy issues and provide a vehicle to advocate for them. It focuses its efforts in four primary policy areas: agriculture, economic development, energy, and Midwest branding. Current members of the MGA include Gov. JB Pritzker (IL), Gov. Eric Holcomb (IN), Gov. Kim Reynolds (IA), Gov. Laura Kelly (KS), Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (MI), Gov. Tim Walz (MN), Gov. Michael Parson (MO), Gov. Pete Ricketts (NE.), Doug Burgum (ND), Gov. Mike DeWine (OH), Gov. Kristi Noem (SD), and Gov. Evers (WI).

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In phase one, participating states met in-person and via conference calls to collaborate on the development of a regional Vision Statement that lays out the benefits of an effective grid, articulates what is needed to achieve the grid vision, and identifies states’ energy policy objectives.

This week, the MGA along with participating states, sent a letter to the chief executive officers of the three regional transmission organizations (RTO)s within the MGA footprint. This letter was signed by Governors Reynolds and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and conveyed the MID-GRID states’ appreciation for the planning work done to date by the RTOs, the impact of the Vision Statement on short-and-long-term planning, and the importance of continued collaboration in the future.

“We appreciate Governor Reynolds’ leadership on the MID-GRID 2035 initiative and thank her and her team for getting this project off to such a good start,” said Jesse Heier, executive director of the MGA. “We look forward to continuing to convene states and stakeholders to discuss transmission planning and help states meet their state energy goals.”

Now in phase two, the MGA has begun to engage more with the stakeholder community and is planning virtual public meetings for this fall and winter. These meetings will be an opportunity for states and stakeholders to engage in discussions on goals and objectives, important regional issues, and cutting-edge topics in the industry. The next MID-GRID event will take place on the morning of October 20^th. To register and view the draft meeting agenda, please visit the meeting webpage.

For more information about MID-GRID and upcoming events, please visit http://www.midwesterngovernors.org/Mid-Grid.

Should your organization be interested in participating as a sponsor, please contact Jesse Heier via email at jheier@midwesterngovernors.org.

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The Midwestern Governors Association (MGA) is a non-profit, bipartisan organization that brings together governors, their staff, and state agencies to address significant public policy issues and provide a vehicle to advocate for them. It focuses its efforts in four primary policy areas: agriculture, economic development, energy, and Midwest branding. Current members of the MGA include Gov. JB Pritzker (IL), Gov. Eric Holcomb (IN), Gov. Kim Reynolds (IA), Gov. Laura Kelly (KS), Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (MI), Gov. Tim Walz (MN), Gov. Michael Parson (MO), Gov. Pete Ricketts (NE.), Doug Burgum (ND), Gov. Mike DeWine (OH), Gov. Kristi Noem (SD), and Gov. Evers (WI).

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“Today was the start of a broader dialogue between states and stakeholders about what the electric grid in the Midwest should look like 15 plus years from now,” said MGA executive director, Jesse Heier. “A secure, optimized and modern transmission grid not only allows the region to deliver low-cost energy, but it enables our Midwestern entrepreneurial spirit to thrive as we develop new technologies and products linked to the grid.“ In Phase 1 of MID-GRID 2035, Gov. Reynolds convened state policy leaders from the MGA region to develop a vision for the grid of the future. This vision statement can be found here. In Phase 2, stakeholders from industry, academia and NGOs will join the conversation. These stakeholders, along with state energy policy leaders, will work to identify key opportunities to achieve the MID-GRID 2035 goals and vision. During today’s meeting, participating state government staff got to share what they have been working on during Phase 1 and stakeholders were able to react to that and provide some high-level feedback on what industry and the broader stakeholder community believe needs to be part of future plans. Please visit www.midwesterngovernors.org/mid-grid for more information about MID-GRID 2035 and this meeting. Should your organization be interested in participating as a sponsor, please contact Jesse Heier via email at jheier@midwesterngovernors.org.
 ### The Midwestern Governors Association (MGA) is a non-profit, bipartisan organization that brings together governors, their staff, and state agencies to address significant public policy issues and provide a vehicle to advocate for them. It focuses its efforts in four primary policy areas: economic development, agriculture, energy, and Midwest branding. Current members of the MGA include Gov. JB Pritzker (IL), Gov. Eric Holcomb (IN), Gov. Kim Reynolds (IA), Gov. Laura Kelly (KS), Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (MI), Gov. Tim Walz (MN), Gov. Michael Parson (MO), Gov. Pete Ricketts (NE.), Doug Burgum (ND), Gov. Mike DeWine (OH), Gov. Kristi Noem (SD), and Gov. Evers (WI).

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“Serving as MGA chair is another opportunity to spearhead important policy discussions and make a difference for Iowans. It ensures our voice is heard and our state’s innovative thinking becomes a model for others to follow,” said Gov. Reynolds. “When it comes to energy, advanced manufacturing, international trade, and agricultural production, it’s crucial that America’s Heartland remains aligned to advance our priorities.”

Governor Reynolds’ agenda will focus on creating a more secure and modern electric grid in the Midwest. The effort was initiated because of the promise, and the related problems, in delivering more energy from source to load (i.e., energy consumers) in the region. Under Governor Reynolds, the association, will bring together the energy policy and utility regulatory staffs, as well as the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) and stakeholders, to establish a long-term transmission grid vision for the region. 

“It is vital to the region that our governors collaborate across states,” said Governor Walz. “By working together, our Midwestern states can face challenges and share successes together. Gov. Reynolds initiative to focus on long-term transmission planning will be key to ensuring continued economic success for the Midwest.”

“Providing high-level state energy and transmission policy guidance for the region will provide benefits for decades” said MGA executive director Jesse Heier. “The Midwest has tremendous energy resources and creating workable plans that will support the construction of interstate transmission lines has the potential to provide great economic output for the Midwest by facilitating renewable energy generation resources development while maintaining transmission reliability.” 

For more information, please visit www.midwesterngovernors.org/Chairs-Agenda

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The Midwestern Governors Association (MGA) is a non-profit, bipartisan organization that brings together governors, their staff, and state agencies to address significant public policy issues and provide a vehicle to advocate for them. It focuses its efforts in four primary policy areas: economic development, agriculture, energy, and Midwest branding. Current members of the MGA include Gov. JB Pritzker (IL), Gov. Eric Holcomb (IN), Gov. Kim Reynolds (IA), Gov. Laura Kelly (KS), Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (MI), Gov. Tim Walz (MN), Gov. Michael Parson (MO), Gov. Pete Ricketts (NE.), Doug Burgum (ND), Gov. Mike DeWine (OH), Gov. Kristi Noem (SD), and Gov. Evers (WI).

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Personal Robotics & Technology Exhibit Will Showcase Technologies that Disrupt and Improve the Ways We Live, Work, and Learn Washington, D.C. – The first day of MGA’s upcoming summit: The Smartland: Prepared, Agile and Empowered for the Future will begin with a Personal Robotics & Technology Exhibit. The summit takes place September 19-20, 2018 in Columbus and serves as the capstone for Governor Kasich’s agenda as MGA Chairman. The Personal Robotics & Technology Exhibit will showcase technologies that are disrupting and improving the ways we live, work, and learn. Exhibitors will showcase technologies such as ReWalk Personal, a robotic exoskeleton that allows wheelchair-bound individuals to walk, the Industrial Badger App, which provides augmented reality (AR) solutions for the workplace, and AskMyClass, a voice-controlled classroom assistant for teachers, among other technologies. A “Drone Zone” will feature indoor Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) demonstrations, and autonomous vehicles will be on display. Exhibitors will provide hands-on opportunities for Summit guests to interact with and learn about the technologies they showcase. This demonstration will launch a series of conversations about the impact of technology on the region and the ways leaders in public policy, business, and education should think about and prepare for the future. “Technology is the driving force behind the tsunami of disruption we’re seeing in our country,” said Kasich. “We must embrace new technologies, and that means educating our youth and helping individuals upskill and reskill to remain relevant and competitive in the global economy.” More information, including a draft meeting agenda and registration, is available online at www.midwesterngovernors.org/Agile-Workforce. The summit will feature leading thinkers in energy, transportation and learning who will explain how the Midwest and the country can navigate changes in these areas to emerge stronger and ready to succeed. ###The Midwestern Governors Association (MGA) is a non-profit, bipartisan organization that brings together governors, their staff, and state agencies to address significant public policy issues and provide a vehicle to advocate for them. It focuses its efforts in four primary policy areas: economic development, agriculture, energy, and Midwest branding. Current members of the MGA include Gov. Bruce Rauner (IL), Gov. Eric Holcomb (IN), Gov. Kim Reynolds (IA), Gov. Jeff Colyer, M.D. (KS), Gov. Rick Snyder (MI), Gov. Mark Dayton (MN), Gov. Michael Parson (MO), Gov. Pete Ricketts (NE), Doug Burgum (ND), Gov. John Kasich (OH), Gov. Dennis Daugaard (SD), and Gov. Scott Walker (WI). 

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 Washington, D.C. – Today the Midwestern Governors Association (MGA) and Ohio Governor John R. Kasich announced that the Ambassador of Canada to the United States David MacNaughton will give the closing address at the MGA’s 2018 summit. The summit takes place September 19-20 in Columbus and serves as the capstone of Governors Kasich’s agenda as MGA Chairman. “Canada and the United States are outstanding partners in every sense of the word. Our shared values stem from our shared history and experiences and are expressed in our close economic, cultural and security relationships. As we look ahead to the disruption and opportunity that looms ahead from exciting new technologies, the Midwest – and our nation – only benefits from strengthening ties with those so close to us who will also experience these changes, which is why Ambassador MacNaughton’s thoughts will be so welcome later this month. I appreciate that he is taking time to join us and I look forward to welcoming him to Ohio,” said Kasich. “America has no better friend, partner or ally than Canada,” said Ambassador MacNaughton. “The Canada-U.S. relationship is grounded in our desire to continue building a prosperous future for citizens on both sides of the border, while also strengthening our mutual security at home and abroad. A lynch pin of our bilateral relationship is certainly Canada’s relationship with the states of the American Midwest and I appreciate Governor Kasich’s invitation to speak to the summit and to celebrate those ties.”  Ambassador MacNaughton has served as ambassador to the United States since 2016. His previous service includes work at the federal departments of Transport, Industry and Foreign Affairs, and as principal secretary to the Premier of Ontario from 2003 to 2005. He has served on the boards of the North York General Hospital, the Stratford Festival, the National Ski Academy, TV Ontario, the Toronto French School and the Toronto International Film Festival. More information, including a draft meeting agenda and registration, is available online at www.midwesterngovernors.org/Agile-Workforce. This summit will highlight the ways we are adapting education and workforce training, infrastructure, energy and quality of life assets to navigate and emerge stronger from the coming wave of disruption that emerging technologies will inevitably bring.

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UDACITY CHAIRMAN SEBASTIAN THRUN TO LEAD OFF DAY TWO OF MGA’S UPCOMING SUMMIT

The Mind Behind Google’s Self-Driving Car & Udacity Will Discuss How Learning and Teaching Must Change in the Age of the Superhuman

Washington, D.C. – Today the Midwestern Governors Association (MGA) and Governor John Kasich of Ohio announced that Sebastian Thrun, the founder and President of global online educator Udacity, will be the lead-off speaker on day two of the MGA’s annual summit: The Smartland: Prepared, Agile and Empowered for the Future.  The summit takes place September 19-20, 2018 in Columbus and serves as the capstone for Governor Kasich’s agenda as MGA Chairman.

Thrun will discuss how the coming wave of technological changes—artificial intelligence, the increased use of robotics and self-driving vehicles—will require profound changes to how students and workers acquire the skills they need to master these and other new workplace resources.  In 2011 Thrun co-founded Udacity, a global, online education company aimed at democraticizing learning that advances careers in the digital economy.  Thrun is also known for his work on self-driving cars, Google X, Google Glass, and various other inventions. In addition to his work in industry, Thrun was a professor at Stanford University, where he taught computer science and artificial intelligence.  He is an adjunct professor at Stanford University and Georgia Tech.

“We are facing a tsunami of job disruption and creation in our country and we must challenge the status quo in education or risk our young people being left behind,” said Kasich. “That’s why I’m so excited to have Sebastian join us at the MGA Summit to address this important topic.”

More information, including a draft meeting agenda and registration, is available online at www.midwesterngovernors.org/Agile-Workforce. The summit will feature leading thinkers in energy, transportation and learning who will explain how the Midwest and the country can navigate changes in these areas to emerge stronger and ready to succeed.

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The Midwestern Governors Association (MGA) is a non-profit, bipartisan organization that brings together governors, their staff, and state agencies to address significant public policy issues and provide a vehicle to advocate for them. It focuses its efforts in four primary policy areas: economic development, agriculture, energy, and Midwest branding. Current members of the MGA include Gov. Bruce Rauner (Ill.), Gov. Eric Holcomb (Ind.), Gov. Kim Reynolds (Iowa), Gov. Jeff Colyer, M.D. (Kan.), Gov. Rick Snyder (Mich.), Gov. Mark Dayton (Minn.), Gov. Michael Parson (Mo.), Gov. Pete Ricketts (Neb.), Doug Burgum (ND), Gov. John Kasich (Ohio), Gov. Dennis Daugaard (SD), and Gov. Scott Walker (Wis.). 

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Jim Hackett to Discuss the Future of Transportation and Ford’s Vision for It

Washington, D.C. – Today the Midwestern Governors Association (MGA) and Governor John Kasich of Ohio announced that Jim Hackett, president and chief executive officer of Ford Motor Company, will deliver the keynote speech at the MGA’s summit: The Smartland: Prepared, Agile and Empowered for the Future. The summit takes place September 19-20, 2018 in Columbus, Ohio and serves as the capstone for Governor Kasich’s agenda as MGA Chairman.

Hackett will discuss Ford’s belief that freedom of movement is fundamental for human progress, and how smart mobility solutions and automated technologies will be key to helping people move freely through this new era of transportation.

“Ford has played an important role in Ohio’s renaissance because of its ability to see what’s coming next, plan for it and then execute with precision. That ability will serve the company well in the face of this coming wave of technological change and Jim Hackett’s leadership will be key to the company’s success,” said Kasich. “I’m grateful to Jim for agreeing to take time out to share his thoughts on these monumental changes ahead.”

More information, including a draft meeting agenda and registration, is available online at www.midwesterngovernors.org/Agile-Workforce. The summit will feature leading thinkers in energy, transportation and learning who will discuss how the Midwest and the country can navigate changes in these areas to emerge stronger and ready to succeed.

### The Midwestern Governors Association (MGA) is a non-profit, bipartisan organization that brings together governors, their staff, and state agencies to address significant public policy issues and provide a vehicle to advocate for them. It focuses its efforts in four primary policy areas: economic development, agriculture, energy, and Midwest branding. Current members of the MGA include Gov. Bruce Rauner (IL), Gov. Eric Holcomb (IN), Gov. Kim Reynolds (IA), Gov. Jeff Colyer, M.D. (KS), Gov. Rick Snyder (MI), Gov. Mark Dayton (MN), Gov. Michael Parson (MO), Gov. Pete Ricketts (NE), Doug Burgum (ND), Gov. John Kasich (OH), Gov. Dennis Daugaard (SD), and Gov. Scott Walker (WI). View the MGA’s America’s Smartland video by clicking here. 

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