Manufacturing led the United States to become the richest nation in the world and has been the backbone of this country. But times have changed and today's economy values innovation and design over manual labor -- emphasizing mind over matter. This sea change has spurred many questions: Are the manufacturing jobs in the U.S. gone forever? Does an economy that doesn't produce anything have any real value and has 'Made in the USA' died, taking with it the soul of our country?

"Meeting of the Minds: Rebuilding America," hosted by CNBC's Maria Bartiromo from Carnegie Mellon University, a world-leading research university in Pittsburgh, PA, CNBC assembles some of the most influential leaders in the manufacturing industry and government to answer those questions and chart a path forward.

Broadcast in the heart of the nation, from the pride of steel country, and surrounded by the hope of this nation from students to steel workers to the local business leaders who make up the fabric of our economy, CNBC, First in Business Worldwide, addresses one of the toughest and home-felt issues raised by this new economic reality.

"Manufacturing companies have traditionally been a growth engine in the United States, but with unemployment at double digits, there is a growing concern whether or not that will continue to be true, said Bartiromo. "Americans are at a critical time wondering what their future looks like and it's vital we bring this issue front and center."

"CNBC's 'Meeting of the Minds' series has explored some of the biggest issues raised by this new economic reality including capitalism and healthcare," said Susan Krakower, Senior Vice President, Strategic Programming and Development, CNBC. "And now, CNBC gathers some of the country's most influential leaders to take on manufacturing...an industry that is a prized part of our economic history whose future is now in question."

In an unprecedented one-hour special event, CNBC brings together a panel of thinkers, visionaries and the people charged with rebuilding this nation's future including Bill Ford, Executive Chairman, Ford Motor Company; Daniel R. DiMicco, Chairman, President & CEO, Nucor Corporation; Leo W. Gerard, International President, United Steelworkers; Jeff Immelt, Chairman & CEO, General Electric; John Engler, President & CEO, National Association of Manufacturers; and Hilda Solis, U.S. Secretary of Labor; for a qualitative discussion on the future of manufacturing.

CNBC's Maria Bartiromo is the anchor of CNBC's "Closing Bell with Maria Bartiromo" (3-5 PM ET), and host and managing editor of the nationally syndicated "Wall Street Journal Report with Maria Bartiromo."

America's health care system is on the verge of a massive transformation, fueling a debate that has pitted neighbor against neighbor, patients against insurers, and the haves against the have-nots. We've demanded reform, but now THAT reform is raising more questions than answers.

In a CNBC Special, "Meeting of the Minds: The Future of Health Care," hosted by CNBC's Maria Bartiromo, CNBC assembles some of the biggest names in the industry and government to advance the conversation and propose solutions to America's healthcare crisis. Will universal access lead to lower quality of care? Will our efforts to health care for all stifle business and put America at a disadvantage in the global arena? And what will American health care look like for the next generation?

"Meeting of the Minds: The Future of Health Care" will crystallize what's at stake in this great debate and get to the heart of what reform will mean for America.

"As the country is hard at work trying to fix the economy, our leaders are also debating the next big item on the agenda – the future of our healthcare system," said Bartiromo. "America is in a battle to care for its citizens and it is vital we push this dialogue forward."

"CNBC is committed to qualitative debate and content," said Susan Krakower, Senior Vice President, Strategic Programming & Development, CNBC. "And as proposed changes in health care impact the country, the economy and American business, CNBC gathers the brightest names in the industry and government and brings this controversial issue front and center."

In an unprecedented one-hour special event, CNBC brings together some of the world's most brilliant decision makers, business leaders, policy makers and visionaries including Senator Bill Frist, Former Senate Majority Leader (R./TN); John C. Lechleiter, CEO & President, Eli Lilly; Angela F. Braly, President & CEO, Wellpoint Inc.; Dr. Steven Nissen, Chief of Cardiology, Cleveland Clinic; Jennifer M. Granholm, Governor of Michigan (D); and Michael Milken, Philanthropist and Financier; for a qualitative discussion on the future of the health care system.

CNBC's Maria Bartiromo is the anchor of CNBC's "Closing Bell with Maria Bartiromo" (3-5 PM ET), and host and managing editor of the nationally syndicated "Wall Street Journal Report with Maria Bartiromo."

CNBC PRESENTS "MEETING OF THE MINDS: THE FUTURE OF CAPITALISM"

America is suffering an identity crisis. The worst economic downturn since the Great Depression has made the American taxpayer an owner in some of the most storied companies in the United States, and in the process, given the Government unprecedented influence in the free market system.

In a CNBC Special, "Meeting of the Minds: The Future of Capitalism," hosted by CNBC's Maria Bartiromo, CNBC assembles some of the country's most influential leaders to explore and make sense of this new reality. What will capitalism look like going forward? What will prosperity mean? And ultimately, how will businesses navigate this uncharted landscape? With limited commercial interruption, CNBC will initiate this vital dialogue necessary to bring the country closer to economic recovery.

"The country is hard at work trying to fix the economy and regain financial stability," said Bartiromo. "And with this special, we have the responsibility and opportunity to ask the right people the tough questions."

"Only through the exchange of ideas can all sides of critical and financial issues be thoroughly debated," said Susan Krakower, Senior Vice President, Strategic Programming & Development, CNBC. "Throughout this crisis, viewers have turned to CNBC in record numbers and, now with this special, we have the opportunity to bring together some of the country's most influential leaders in one room and have them discuss and respond to the tough issues raised by this crisis."

In an unprecedented one-hour special event, CNBC brings together some of the world's most brilliant decision makers, business leaders and visionaries including Jack Welch, Former Chairman and CEO, General Electric; Larry Fink, Chairman and CEO, BlackRock; Mohamed El Erian, CEO, PIMCO; Vikram Pandit, CEO, Citi; Clifford S. Asness, Ph.D., Managing & Founding Principal, AQR Capital Management; Shelly Lazarus, Chairman, Ogilvy & Mather Worldwide; and Mark Morial, President and CEO, National Urban League; for a qualitative discussion on the most critical economic and financial issues of this historic crisis.

CNBC's Maria Bartiromo is the anchor of CNBC's "Closing Bell with Maria Bartiromo" (3-5 PM ET), and host and managing editor of the nationally syndicated "Wall Street Journal Report with Maria Bartiromo."