The NDSU Challey Institute for Global Innovation and Growth is scheduled to host Rob Grunewald, economist at the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis, for a public talk Wednesday, Feb. 12, at 2:30 p.m. in the AgCountry Auditorium at Richard H. Barry Hall.

Grunewald will discuss the economic and social impact of early childhood development. His talk, “Investing in the Region’s Workforce Infrastructure: Early Care and Education as Economic Development” is part of the Challey Institute’s Distinguished Speaker Series.

As an economist with the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis and past president of the Minnesota Economic Association, Grunewald conducts research on community development and regional economic issues. He co-wrote “Early Childhood Development: Economic Development with a High Public Return” in 2003 and has served on boards and advisory committees for organizations involved with early childhood development. He frequently speaks to community and business leaders, policymakers and media throughout the United States.

“Workforce development continues to be a top issue for North Dakota and Fargo-Moorhead,” said John Bitzan, director of the Challey Institute for Global Innovation and Growth. “We’re excited to bring Rob Grunewald to NDSU to talk about how early care and education programs can have long-term impacts on economic opportunity.”

The event is free and open to the public.

The Sheila and Robert Challey Institute for Global Innovation and Growth aims to advance understanding in the areas of innovation, trade and institutions to identify policies and solutions that enhance economic growth and opportunity.

As a student-focused, land grant, research university, we serve our citizens.