That’s what you’d find out at the opening general session at the NAMA convention. The keynote speaker is Oren Hararii, author of a number of books including, “The Leadership Secrets of Colin Powell.” Oren is still speaking and I hope to interview him when he’s done. I’m sure his presentation is being recorded by NAMA and can be accessed after the convention.

Sarah Vacek, Monsanto, chaired this year’s Agri-Marketing Conference committee which included Lauri Christen, Colle+McVoy, Vice Chair and other NAMA members in a variety of business types.

Our national NAMA president this year has been Tom Taylor, High Plains Journal. Tom gave his report to the convention at the opening general session which is currently still underway.

At last night’s awards ceremony NAMA announced that Rick Turner, president, Gustafson, LLC, will receive this award.

NAMA named James Irwin, vice president, Case IH, the 2005 Agribusiness Leader of the Year. This award honors an outstanding leader in agribusiness, education, government service or other related area.

The Fleishman-Hillard reception featured a great band. I’ll update this post later since I didn’t get the band name (my fault).

At the entrance to the Fleishman-Hillard reception you could take a little trivia quiz. Winners announced later. I don’t think I did very good. If they give me the winners I’ll post them later.

Besides the silent auction going on we had a live auction tonight. It’s all to raise money for the Agri-Business Educational Foundation.

As I’ve said before, networking with your peers is a big benefit of attending the NAMA convention. In the trade show there’s plenty of opportunity to do that as these folks are doing.