Biography of Dr. Barry Asmus

Dr. Barry Asmus has been named by USA Today as one of the five most requested speakers in the United States. As a Senior Economist for the prestigious National Center for Policy Analysis, Dr. Asmus does more than just speak on policies, he is actively involved with their implementation. With over twenty-five years experience on the speaking platform, Dr. Asmus presents a powerful picture of America’s future, both here and abroad. Whether addressing thirty world bankers at the home of Harvard's President, 3000 farmers in Des Moines, or 7000 members of the Million Dollar Round Table at Radio City Music Hall, Dr. Asmus presents his commentary laced with humor, enthusiasm and solid business practices. Based on durable free market economic principles, his presentations analyze the current issues of the digital economy to help decision-makers formulate informed and effective choices in a global, e-commerce world. He has testified before the House Ways and Means Committee regarding our income tax system; was a featured speaker in a privatizing Social Security conference for Western European leaders; and has addressed the faculty for the Young Presidents Organization in Cape Town, South Africa. His appearance at the Forbes Chateau de Balleroy in France with former Czech Prime Minister Vaclav Klaus, members of British Parliament, and other Western European leaders focused on the importance of public policy decision in Europe and how they might integrate with the global economy. Dr. Asmus is the author of nine books. His latest is titled Bulls Don’t Blush, Bears Don’t Die, it provides an insightful summary of today’s economy, the problems facing it and proposed solutions to these problems. Another book of note, Crossroads: The Great American Experiment, was nominated for an H.L. Menken award and has been used in hundreds of University classrooms for international trade and comparative economies. As a Professor of Economics, he was twice voted University Professor of the Year and was honored with the Freedom Foundation Award at Valley Forge for Private Enterprise Education. A major highlight of Dr. Asmus’ career was the invitation he received to deliver his "Tribute to America" speech at the re-dedication of the Statute of Liberty by former chairman of the Board for Chrysler, Lee Iacocca. His client list reads like a who’s who in corporate America. He has presented to American Express, Microsoft, ATT, Wells Fargo Bank, McDonald’s, State Farm Insurance, Coca Cola, Fidelity Investments, AIG, Cardinal Health and hundreds of Associations. Barry’s ability to reach a diverse audience is one of his strongest attributes. Dr. Asmus states, "I try never to forget that the speech I am about to give prospers in direct proportion to the way my audience responds. Will they enjoy it? Will they laugh? Will they learn? Will they feel it? Is there something special about this presentation? Will they act upon it? Will it really make a difference? Exceptionalism is not a one-shot event. It is a process which starts with knowing your audience and then delivering with a complete commitment to the immediacy of the moment."

SPEECH TOPICS

America’s Economic Future: The Six Unstoppable Trends

Dr. Asmus identifies the "Six Unstoppable Trends" that are impacting America’s business and its economy. Some results of these powerful trends are: a strong stock market, low unemployment, low inflation, high labor productivity, record economic growth, and consumer net worth at all-time highs. Currently, 75 million Baby Boomers are in the high spending category and most productive stages of their lives. The Boom continues. Companies of the 21st century must be positioned to capitalize on these trends. Dr. Asmus’ presents his trends to audiences across America in an engaging and entertaining manner.

Globalization: International Prosperity and its Impact on America

Dr. Asmus’ presentation on International Economics stems from a lifetime of study and experience. His clear presentation of the why, where, and therefore of globalization’s considerable benefits and sometimes painful costs has informed business people throughout the world. His book, Crossroads: The Great American Experiment, has been used in hundreds of university classrooms for international trade and comparative economics. As a Senior Economist with the National Center for Policy Analysis, Dr. Asmus has helped monitor 160 countries over a period of 15 years on ten measurable criteria of economic freedom. Dr. Asmus is currently working with national leaders to transform Romania from communism towards freedom and prosperity.

Freedom: Still America’s Best Investment

The most vital force of our country has been freedom. Freedom unleashes more energy and genius than any alternative. America, the biggest island of freedom in the world, has always been the place people run to when, in hope or hopelessness, they are running from somewhere else. When freedom proceeds, prosperity follows. When freedom leads, the mutually beneficial exchange of capitalism moves nations forward. Dr. Asmus makes a compelling case for why America produces nearly a third of the world’s wealth, most of the world’s Nobel Laureates and a majority of the world’s inventions, with less than 5 percent of the world’s population.

Healing Health Care in America

How much would you buy if you went shopping with someone else’s credit card? Yet, this is how today’s health care system works. We are spending everyone’s money except our own. Is it sustainable? No. Can we do something about it? Yes. Health Savings Accounts create incentives for a competitive health care system. Reforming Medicare and Medicaid reimbursements would allow hospitals to overcome the governmental mandate of free health care, currently at $30 billion annually. Tort reform and limitations on medical liability are necessary to slow down the practice of defensive medicine and widespread use of electronic medical record keeping is imperative for cost and quality control. Dr. Asmus’ presentation offers real world solutions to run-away health care costs.

Powering America’s Energy Future

Dr. Asmus has extensive experience in energy economics. As President of Intermountain Consultants, his firm conducted various multi-state reviews and built models of energy use and supply and demand forecasting. His testimony on energy markets was presented before numerous state public utility commissions and was entered into the Federal Congressional Record. By 2020, Asmus estimates that America will consume 125 quads of energy, a 25 percent shortfall from the current supply. His presentation addresses how America can secure its future energy needs.