Minneapolis: NCEL

Apr. 18-19, 2012. NCEL stands for the North Central Electrical League, and it “unites the Upper Midwest’s Electrical Industry by providing inter-industry commerce, educational discussion forums and venues for development while delivering unique benefits to members”.  This industry has to supply the power, products and services, and also create the most favorable image possible in demonstrating electricity’s positive benefit to the public, government, and to business and industry.  League membership includes utilities, agents and direct representatives; distributors; contractors — union contract and independent; voice and data communication firms; inspectors; engineer and architectural firms; allied trade associations; industry associates and individuals. NCEL works across Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin.  Okay, electric guy, throw the switch!

Minneapolis: GEAPS

Mar.03-06, 2012. GEAPS is “The Knowledge Resource for the World of Grain Handling Industry Operations”.  GEAPS members are grain-industry professionals.  This year’s show broke records, with over 450 booths manned by 276 companies.  Some were new to the GEAPS Expo, and others had been exhibiting  for over 40 years. From the largest manufacturers to the smaller independent businesses, they were all in one place, ready to meet the thousands of grain operations professionals who come to the GEAPS Exchange every year. Visitors could browse stands showcasing agribusiness products, equipment and services, including the newest technology and innovation.  Not to be taken with a “grain” of salt…

Minneapolis: Education Minnesota

Oct. 20-21, 2011. Education Minnesota is, we hear, “the union of 70,000 educators”, and judging by the agenda for this event, retirement planning is the hot topic on all those educators’ minds right now.  You can imagine the questions:  What is your financial vulnerability with long-term illness?   How can you protect your assets and savings?  What can you expect from Social Security?  Tax-deferred and tax-free savings.  Asset allocation and asset management/diversification/performance and fees.  403(b) match and severance payment options.  Medicare options.  Understanding your pension.  Happily for delegates, reassurance was on hand from expert speakers on all those pressing topics.  So everyone could heave a sigh of relief and get back to the actual education part of the job.