International Commerce & Mobility Forums

We envision a future where our state's transportation systems and supply chains are the most resilient, sustainable, and adaptive in the nation.

Our Aspiration

ICM Forums are a “platform” for our strategic thought leaders from the private, public, academic, non-profit and consulting communities in Minnesota and beyond to come together and work on improving the transportation and supply chain options for our state and the Midwest region. Our goal is to ensure ICM Forums are inclusive. All who are interested and those who can contribute toward creating this public value in our transportation system are most welcomed to participate!

Become a Steering Comm Member

Steering Comm Members help shape ICM Forums. Send us an email so we can put you on the roster. Click the email link at the bottom of this page.

Bill Goins (Chair)
John Pournoor (Government Analytica, Co-Chair)
Tammy Heid (GE HealthCare)
Frank Douma (University of Minnesota)
Tessa Enns (Quandel Consultants)
Andy Mielke/Justin Scott/Mark Berndt (SRF)
Ben Zietlow (Quetica)
Mike Loney (Abbott)
TBD (Medical Alley)
Sallie Burke (formerly Best Buy)
Jan Bauer (UK Government Office)
Jack Johansen (Planner, MNDOT)
Jim Barton (formerly Met Council)
Joe Block (Aeronautics, MNDOT)

We are always excited to welcome new members!

Latest Steering Committee Minutes

Overview

ICM Forum Growth: Participation has surged from 15-20 to ~150 potential attendees on the two ICM Forum email lists, across sectors (public, private, academic, non-profit and consulting communities). Feedback is needed on merging ICM 11 with CTS fall event. Following discussion, complete agreement reached that this is a good idea. Upcoming events: ICM 10 on June 25 at SRF; ICM 12 tentatively in early December.
Air Freight Challenges: Focus on widebody air cargo & competitive pricing needed. Brian Peters (MAC) reports outreach to carriers like Abbott & Phillips Medical; emphasizes importance of direct MSP-China service. Case study by Michael Loney (Abbott): 200+ pallets processed in 3 days due to tariff response, saving $10-15M.
Expo 2031 Planning: Formalized through Canopy Collective to gather transport and supply chain experts. Andy Mielke (SRF) stresses need for early planning due to funding/approval timelines. A 10-minute update on transportation task force progress slated for ICM 10 by Wendy Meadley and Mielke.

️ ICM Forum Growth and Strategic Partnerships
• ICM forums have grown from 15-20 to ~150 potential participants across public, private, academic, nonprofit, and consulting sectors.
• Proposal to merge ICM 11 with CTS’s fall event focused on “Unpacking freight” ; steering committee to provided feedback and concept has been approved.
• Discussions underway with Kyle Shelton and CTS leadership for collaborative events.
• ICM 10 scheduled for June 25th at SRF location; ICM 12 tentatively planned for early December to align with other freight forums.

ICM 10 Agenda Development and Air Freight Challenges
• Recap of ICM’s origins: focus on international air freight between MSP and Chicago, and supply chain efficiency.
• Discussion of widebody air cargo connectivity and the need for forwarder support and competitive pricing.
• Brian Peters (MAC) updating on outreach to airlines and shippers, including Abbott and Phillips Medical; proprietary phase limits public info.
• Michael Loney shared a case study: rapid response to China tariffs, processed pallets in days highlighting need for direct MSP-China freighter service.

️ Advanced Air Mobility and Sustainability Initiatives
• Joe Block (MnDOT) recognized as a key resource for advanced air mobility; proposal to include this topic in ICM 10 or 12.
• Discussion of electric aircraft, rural connectivity, and integration with cargo platforms.
• Andrew Andrusko (MnDOT) highlighted alignment with state sustainability goals and potential collaboration with the Sustainable Transportation Advisory Committee.
• Wendy Meadley (Expo 2031) outlined new organizing structure: Global Horticulture Council and Canopy Collective, with a focus on early integration of supply chain/transportation expertise for Expo planning.

Expo 2031 Task Force and Strategic Planning
• Expo 2031 organizing structure formalized; Canopy Collective to convene transportation/supply chain experts.
• Andy Mielke (SRF) emphasized need for early, strategic planning due to long lead times for funding and approvals.
• Wendy Meadley and Andy Mielke to meet and develop a version one approach for the Expo transportation task force, with a 10-minute update planned for ICM 10.

️ Freight Network Optimization Tool and Data Initiatives
• Update on Freight Network Optimization Tool: staff testing underway, aiming for prototype demonstration at ICM 10 (June 25th).
• Plan for 15 minutes of context and 20 minutes of demo at ICM 10; public test phase to run June-June.
• Discussion of budget constraints due to projected $6B state deficit; need for incremental improvements and stakeholder feedback.
• Charles Edwards (SASI) and Mark Berndt (SRF) discussed Minnesota’s multimodal/intermodal portals and the importance of business-led, low-cost platform implementation.
• Emphasis on visualizing supply chains and linking transportation to economic development; suggestion to involve Chamber of Commerce for economic growth insights.

Economic Development, Chamber Outreach, and Next Steps
• Strong support for visualizing supply chains and connecting transportation to economic growth.
• Plan to invite Sean O’Neill or Bentley Graves (Chamber of Commerce) for a 15-minute perspective at ICM 10 or future forums, (Mark Berndt has been requested to take for action).
• Discussion of additional topics for future forums: exporters, adoption programs, international portals (e.g., International Falls), and free trade zones.
• Bill Goins to recap notes, distribute to committee, and schedule another call before finalizing ICM 10 agenda.
• Bill Goins announced travel plans (May 5-17) but will remain available via email/call if needed.

Action items
Bill Goins
• Further discussion and inform CTS Leadership of the approval for merging ICM Forum 11 with the Center for Transportation Studies (CTS) fall event, and communicate decision to CTS
• Coordinate with Joe Block to integrate Advanced Air Mobility presentation into ICM 10 agenda, or plan for ICM 12 if timing does not fit
• Reach out to Sean O’Neill or Bentley Graves at the Chamber of Commerce to invite them for a 15-minute economic growth and transportation perspective at ICM 10 or a future forum, (Mark Berndt requested to take for action).
• Recap meeting notes and distribute to the steering committee, and schedule another steering committee call before finalizing ICM 10 agenda

Wendy Meadley
• Meet with Andy Mielke and other interested parties to develop a version of "one approach" for the Expo 2031 transportation/supply chain task force and prepare a 10-minute update for ICM 10

Andrew Andrusko
• Prepare a demonstration and overview of the Freight Network Optimization Tool prototype for ICM 10, including 15 minutes of framing/context and 20 minutes of demo

We are launching this new section to ensure sharing of important research ICM Forum participants come across or author. Please do send us your informative references so we can list them here.

Supply Chains

Presidential Executive Order on Supply Chains LINK

Sustainability & Environment

Weekday vs Weekend Heavy Truck Emissions: A study by Linsey C. Marr and Robert A. Harley found that motor vehicle emissions of NO and VOC are over 30% lower on weekends than on weekdays in neighboring communities. LINK
Weekday vs Weekend Heavy Truck Emissions: Houston analysis showed 30%-40% LINK
Emission & Inequality: Satellite data reveal that diesel trucking drives US air pollution inequality - Analysis of data from 52 major cities shows lower diesel traffic reduces NO2 exposure inequality along racial, ethnic, and economic lines. In Phoenix, people living in poverty who are part of marginalized racial and ethnic groups experience levels of NO2 46% higher other areas. The numbers are similar in Los Angeles, and in Newark, New Jersey. LINK
Additional citations: LINK

Equity & Inclusion

Executive Order 12898 (1994) - Federal Actions To Address Environmental Justice in Minority Populations and Low-Income Populations LINK
Justice 40 is shorthand for a federal government program with the goal of having 40 percent of the overall benefits of certain Federal climate, clean energy, affordable and sustainable housing, and other investments flow to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution. LINK
Executive Order 14008 focuses on Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad (2020)
Executive Order 14096 focuses onRevitalizing Our Nation’s Commitment to Environmental Justice for All (2023)
Improving Environmental Justice and Mobility in Southeast Los Angeles LINK