2010 Spring Clinic Returns To A Favorite Location — Kansas City

It was ten years ago when, for the first time, this Association brought the Spring Management Clinic to a Midwestern location that was within driving distance for the majority of our members. The result was a record jump in attendance of both Regular & Supplier Members. Over the last decade, we have built on that success by holding our Spring Clinic in Midwestern locations, alternating every other year with warmer, resort locations.

This year’s Spring Clinic, April 8-10, will be held at the InterContinental Kansas City Hotel at the Plaza, where all of the guest rooms have recently been updated and the hotel staff aims to please. And of course, one great benefit that comes with this particular location, is the access to the Country Club Plaza entertainment district right outside our hotel’s doors.

Since our last Kansas City Spring Clinic in 2004, the city has undergone more than $9 billion in major improvements across the city — $4.5 billion of which has been spent in downtown developments. This includes the new downtown entertainment and nightlife district, making the city an even better host for our meeting.

Our Spring Clinic has been and continues to be, a great opportunity for members to visit with others in the industry, obtain knowledge and insight from our education programs, all while building stronger business relationships with fellow members.

We have an impressive speaker lineup in store for this meeting and are very please to announce that Dr. Barry Flinchbaugh will be our keynote speaker on Friday, April 9. As the Obama new administration enters an election year, with one less vote in the Senate, what is in store for the ag economy? Flinchbaugh, a long-time advisor on ag policy to politicians of both parties, and a prominent professor of Agricultural Economics at Kansas State University, will cover these topics in his usual tell-it-like-it-is approach, mixed with a sprinkling of humor. Additional speakers and sessions will be announced in the next issues of this newsletter and online at Farmequip.org.

One of the most popular events of each Spring Clinic is the Supplier Product Showcase & Brunch on Saturday, April 10. This event is a great place for manufacturers to find new supply sources and visit with their current vendors.

Our Spring Clinic’s success depends on the hard work of our Supplier Associate Section. They have been busy planning our Golf Tournament & Trap Shoot events for Thursday, April 8, the Walk/Run event for Friday, April 9, and a great Closing Reception on Saturday, April 10.

We have not forgotten the many spouses & guests who attend the Spring Clinic. In addition to the shopping opportunities offered at the Country Club plaza, we also have an optional event. On Friday, April 9, spouses & guests can choose to attend the cooking class at The Culinary Center of Kansas City in historic downtown Overland Park. Additional optional tours of the Harley-Davidson plant and the Boulevard Brew Company will also be available for both registered executives & guests.

Spring Clinic online registration is now open at FarmEquip.org, where you will also find details on everything planned for this year’s meeting.