Discussion with

Former Member of Congress (R-IN, 2013-2019)

 

Expert on Economic Issues and International Cooperation

 

Citizen & Convener of Salon

Monday, April 14, 2025 | 6:30 p.m.

 

Indiana, “the Hoosier State”, sits in the American heartland and counts as a “Red state”, having mostly favored Republican candidates in past national and state elections. Its capital city Indianapolis and Cologne in North Rhine-Westphalia have long been connected as sister cities, and Germany and Indiana share economic ties — particularly in pharmaceuticals, medical equipment, and manufacturing. How does the second Trump Administration affect Indiana’s political landscape, economy, and social fabric? How are policies on immigration, healthcare, and education influencing communities and daily life? What impact do deregulation efforts, tax cuts, and trade policies have on industries, workers, and small businesses? Beyond policy, we will examine the current atmosphere in the state—if and how political polarization, shifting demographics, and cultural changes affect how people live together and interact with one another. Join us as we explore how national decisions are shaping Indiana’s future and what lessons can be drawn for the German-American relationship.

 

We are looking forward to discussing these and other topics with: 

 

Congressman Luke Messer served three terms as U.S. Congressman for Indiana's 6th Congressional District from 2013 to 2019. He was the chairman of the Republican Policy Committee for four years where he led hearings on Conservative Clean Energy Agenda, Women in the 21st Century Workforce and other issues. From 2003 to 2006, he served at the Indiana House of Representatives. Messer currently is a principal at Bose Public Affairs Group, where he counsels clients on state and federal policy matters in Indiana and in Washington, D.C. 

Andrea Richter-Garry is a distinguished Indiana-based expert specializing in international engagement and economic development. She has held key roles in global business development, foreign investment attraction, and trade facilitation, helping to strengthen Indiana's international economic presence. Her previous experience includes serving as Advance Lead to President Barack Obama at the White House and as Chief of Staff of the Bureau of Energy Resources at the U.S. Department of State, where she worked on energy and national security matters. Richter-Garry holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, Global Studies, and German from Hamline University in Minnesota and a Master of Arts in European Studies from Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service.

Suzanne O'Shea, J.D., LL.M. is a graduate of IU Maurer School of Law, and the George Washington University National Law Center.  She served as a lawyer at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration headquarters in Rockville, Maryland for 21 years. She returned to Indianapolis in 2007 to join the FDA practice at the law firm of Baker & Daniels (now part of Faegre Drinker) and ended her career in the FDA practice of Navigant Consulting, now Guidehouse. O'Shea retired during COVID, and convened an informal Salon (study group) - a group of retired professionals, who have gathered every other week for about four years to undertake various courses of study, such as economics, history of corporations and capitalism in America, the U.S. Constitution, Project 2025, media literacy and Germany. 

Please register here!