Convention Time Is Getting N-E-A-R

The question we have around here — “Where has the summer gone?”  Seems that it was just yesterday that we were at Memphis’ Peabody Hotel for the annual spring ritual Clinic, looking forward to a warm, relaxing summer with tea on the veranda.  And already it’s, get the kids ready for school, start thinking about putting up the Christmas lights and what football team might have a chance of beating mighty Missouri?

Topping all that — it’s definitely time to begin thinking about our upcoming Fall Convention and begin scheduling appointments with wholesalers and reps while you’re in Reno.

If you haven’t already, take a look at the our website, www.FarmEquip.org/FC.  Reno, Nov. 5-8, John Ascuaga’s Nugget Casino Resort is this year’s exciting venue.  (And if you’re afraid to pronounce the word to the taxi driver, it’s “A-Squaw-Ga’s.”)  A 1,600 room delight in the middle of western Nevada, there really is a John Ascuaga.  In fact, in addition to his hotel properties, in real life he’s a cattle rancher near Reno and he visits the hotel almost every day.

“The Shortline Advantage, Competing in a Global Market,” is the theme for this year’s confab.  As last issue’s “Ag Connect Expo” indicated, the agricultural equipment industry is becoming one of the bright spots in the U.S.’ world trading picture.  And this year’s Fall Convention will take up on the world of global marketing.

Thomas Murphy, Executive V.P. of Manufacturing and Wholesale Distribution for RSM McGladrey, takes a close look at the worldwide supply chain in the session “Forging New Partnerships: How to Thrive in Today’s Global Value Chain.”  He discusses replacing a mere global supply chain with a global value chain.   As many of these global supplier’s prices have begun ratcheting up, more than ever it behooves North American OEMs to seek those suppliers offering value instead of just low prices.

And while we hate throwing around industry jargon trying to make it look like we know what we’re talking about, manufacturers had better get used to ANSI A535.6.  This is the new ANSI standard on operator’s manuals with which we’d strongly recommend all members comply.  Steve Hall discusses the scope of the new standard and the types of safety messages which should appear in “collateral material.”  Hall serves as the Vice-Chairperson for the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Z535.6 Subcommittee, the group that formed Z535.6.

While global marketing and global ramifications will take the spotlight, there are plenty of other subjects that you’ll want to be part of.  Jon Doggett, Vice President of Public Policy for the National Corn Growers Association, addresses the “Food vs. Fuel” issue.  In an entertaining way, you’ll be able to impress your friends during cocktail parties of the “facts and figures” your local media distorts in this media circus.

Are you ready to laugh about future corn, wheat, soybean and livestock prices and the effect of the global market on agriculture?  If you’re thinking that “this is not a laughing matter,” better give a listen to Mark Pearson.  Mark, indeed, knows what he’s talking about.  A farmer, former Assistant Secretary of Agriculture for the State of Iowa, stockbroker, and host of the TV show, “Market to Market”, you’ll get your monthly quota of laughs along with a meaningful message.

These speakers are just a part of the entire convention program.  Product Councils, Committee Meetings, Section Meetings, Wholesaler and Rep Contact Sessions, Receptions — they’re all part of a busy, busy week in Reno.

If you haven’t made your air reservations, if you haven’t yet registered for the convention (which, in turn, enables you to reserve your hotel room), in short, if you haven’t yet made your plans to be with other members in Reno — now is the time to do so.  Remember — our hotel block fills very quickly.  You don’t want to be on the outside looking in.