Join us for a special, pivotal, high-level gathering focused on next steps for the Council and its flagship initiative, the “National Commission on Innovation and Competitiveness Frontiers” – including launching an effort in America’s Heartland to advance the future of the U.S. bioeconomy; as well as the build-up to the Council’s 40th anniversary in 2026.
We will gather in Lafayette, Indiana. Jim Stutelberg, CEO of Primient, and Council Member and National Commissioner will host us onsite at one of the world’s most innovative producers of food and industrial ingredients made from plant-based, renewable sources.
Set against the backdrop of Primient’s newly announced $400M co-located partnership with Sustainea, Primient’s current facility is rated the most energy efficient plant in the industry, worldwide, and U.S. EPA Energy Star Certified since 2016 – this meeting will frame one of the next major Council on Competitiveness initiatives.
Under the auspices of our overarching “National Commission”: the future of America’s bio-based economy, spanning farms and food, fuels, and pharma, we will feature keynote speakers, facilitated roundtable discussions, and an immersive tour of the Primient plant.
The goals of this meeting will be to define the parameters of the overall bioeconomy project and set the next, executable steps and deliverables – leading up to a major regional and national edition of our “Competitiveness Conversations Across America” the Council will co-host with the University of Nebraska System in Omaha, April 29-30, 2026.
We will also review lead up to the December 2025 National Competitiveness Forum in Washington, DC – and 2026 Council 40th Anniversary.
For information about this event, contact Council on Competitiveness EVP & COO Chad Evans at [email protected].
September 17, 2025 (Eastern Time)
5:00 pm – 6:00 pm: Networking and registration
6:00 pm: Welcome remarks and plated dinner featuring keynote programming
September 18, 2025 (Eastern Time)
8:00 am – 8:45 am: Registration and Breakfast
8:45 am – 2:30 pm: Programming
2:30 pm: – 3:45 pm: Primient plant tour
3:45 pm: Closing remarks and event conclusion
