The FedTalk series brings the Cleveland Fed together with industry experts, local businesses, community organizations, policymakers, and engaged citizens to discuss issues affecting the communities and people we serve.
The Crises That Led to the Fed's Creation: Monetary Policy in American History
The Federal Reserve (or "the Fed"), America's central bank, was established by Congress in 1913 mainly to conduct monetary policy. But how were these policy decisions handled before the Fed existed? Join us for a journey through the history of American monetary policy—including the crises that led to the Fed's creation—with Owen Humpage, Cleveland Fed economist emeritus.
What you'll discover
Humpage will take guests across the tumultuous monetary policy landscape of the 19th and early 20th centuries, including
The institutions that conducted monetary policy before the Fed's creation such as the nation's first quasi-central banks, the US Treasury, and even a private bank organization—and why all of them were unsuccessful.
The various economic and political crises that forced America's monetary function to evolve.
How the Fed was designed to help prevent future crises, including the importance of credibility, clear guidelines, and Fed independence to monetary policy.
Whether you're curious about pre-Fed monetary policy or just into history, this is your chance to hear from an expert who spent his career at the Fed and who's still studying its origins. No economics degree required—just bring your curiosity!
Humpage will answer questions during the question-and-answer portion of the event. Attendees can also submit questions in advance through the registration form.
Speaker
Owen F. Humpage, economist emeritus, Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland
Moderator
Chuck Soder, senior media relations specialist, Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland
16 Apr 2026
Amplifying Voices with the Small Business Credit Survey
Join us for a discussion of the latest Small Business Credit Survey (SBCS), administered in fall 2025, and the key findings from the recently released 2026 Report on Employer Firms: Findings from the 2025 Small Business Credit Survey.
Through the presentation, you will discover the key trends impacting small businesses, including
Their revenue and employment growth and expectations for future growth
Where owners are seeking funding and whether they can meet their financing needs
The impacts of changes in international trade and availability of artificial intelligence (AI) tools
The SBCS has been administered nationally since 2016 by the 12 Federal Reserve Banks in collaboration with community and business groups throughout the country. The survey gathers information from thousands of small business owners on business conditions and characteristics, credit experiences, and owner demographics. It continues to be the largest national dataset of its kind.
Speakers will take your questions after the presentation.
Speaker
Hal Martin, Policy Economist and SBCS Director, Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland
Ann Marie Wiersch, Senior Policy Advisor, Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland
Moderator
Allison Clark, SBCS Project Manager, Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland
Who has been a guest on FedTalk
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Brian Williams
Brad Smith
Cyndi King
Kristin Hamblin
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