On Tuesday, March 8th, the Economic Club of Minnesota had the distinct honor of awarding The Bill Frenzel Champion of Free Trade award to Jon M. Huntsman, Jr., former Ambassador to China and Russia. Devry Boughner Vorwerk, Chair of the COFTA selection committee presented the award. In her remarks, she focused not only on the incredible list of accomplishments but on Jon Huntsman’s work for people of all nations. He truly is a champion. Following Huntsman’s remarks, Erik Paulsen moderated a discussion that included trade and focused on recent events in Russia, specifically whether Putin has an ‘off ramp’ and how will the Russian invasion of Ukraine affect global trade and global security. He was clear in his message that no other nation in the world can do what the United States of America can do. It’s imperative we work together. A united America is one weapon dictators fear most.