Holy bait buckets! The 2002 AGR Convention is just around the corner. We’ve planned an exciting convention with tours, workshops and off-site events designed to give adventurous AGR alumni, delegates and guests a taste of this upper Mississippi River region and its thriving agricultural industry.

So, gather up your gear and set your sights on Minnesota.

Program highlights

The convention steering committee has developed an exciting program for the 2002 gathering of AGR in Minnesota. Bill Manwarren of Agriliance, and chair of the program committee, says the 2002 convention program is designed to create a high-value experience. “We wanted to offer something unique to the agriculture industry and culture of this region that’s tied so closely to the northern Mississippi River. We’re also bringing in national agribusiness leaders and prominent AGR alumni,” says Manwarren. “One of our goals was to offer a variety of opportunities for delegates, alumni and guests to interact with these leaders and one another,” he says.

The program gets kicked-off Sunday evening with an exciting welcome to Minnesota at the new McNamara Alumni Center adjacent to the convention hotel as Goldy, the University of Minnesota’s talented rodent mascot, and his special guests set a championship pace for the 2002 convention. Following dinner, entertainers Lena & Tina serve a heaping helping of fun, and a little taste of “up north” humor.

On Monday delegates dig into current issues with an in-depth look at industry trends featuring a panel of national agribusiness leaders and close the day with a reception and tour at the world headquarters of Cargill.

Tuesday features a “Mississippi River power and agriculture” tour sandwiched in between a morning address from AGR alumnus and U.S. Congressman from Florida, Adam Putnam, and a blowout evening BBQ and Auction at the “AGR Pioneer Village.”
On Wednesday delegates discuss future technology in production in workshops hosted by agribusiness leaders, and enjoy a luncheon with Monsanto’s U.S. Markets Leader, Kerry Preete. Everything wraps up Wednesday night with the awards banquet AGR Hall of Fame induction and the AGR Education Foundation auction.

See the detailed program in your registration packet, or visit the convention web site (www.AGR2002.com) for additional updates.

Just for Alumni

The convention committee has planned several special events that honor the contributions of our alumni, and offer opportunities for alumni to visit with one another and meet convention delegates. Alumni should make note of these special program dates:

Monday, August 12 (3:00-5:00 p.m.) – Special Ceremonies
Kick off the convention with Vespers, the Opening Ceremony and Distinguished Service Member Initiations. Lambda brother, the Reverend Kevin Woestehoff, will officiate.

Tuesday, August 13 (9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.) – Tour through Hiawathaland
This special outing is packed with sites and attractions unique to the upper Mississippi River Valley, including the Red Wing Pottery factory, Såbyland Swedish Church and tracker organ, America’s Dairyland, Laura Ingels Wilder’s birthplace, lunch at Alma’s Buena Vista overlooking Lock & Dam No.4, Kellogg’s Lark Toys carved carousel, “Grumpy Old Men” sites at Wabasha and the Wabasha Eagle Observatory. Alumni will then rendezvous with the convention delegates at the historic “Little Log House” for the AGR Pioneer Village, BBQ and Auction. For background information on this tour, visit the Mississippi River Valley Online Travel Guide (www.mississippi-reiver.org).

Tuesday, August 13 (4:00 – 8:30 p.m.) –AGR Pioneer Village BBQ & Auction
This is the signature regional alumni event of the convention. The “Little Log House” recreates a turn-of-the-century village and gardens. We will be steam thrashing, shingle making, blacksmithing and generally carrying on Main Street business as usual. After the BBQ, we will close out the past century and the evening with an old-fashioned farm auction.

Wednesday, August 14 (5:30-10:30 p.m.) – Closing Banquet
Close out the convention in style with the reception, Awards Banquet and AGR Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony.

Explore Minnesota

Plan to arrive a few days early, or stay a few days after and explore greater Minnesota. It’s called “going out-state.” There are dozens of outdoor recreational sites in—and within an hour’s drive—of the Twin Cities. To find the perfect spot for your own Minnesota adventure, visit the Explore Minnesota Trip Planner at www.exploreminnesota.com.

Getting There

The Twin Cities is within a day’s drive (or two) from many Midwestern AGR chapters. For those from farther reaches, direct flights to the Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport are available from most major cities at reasonable prices (but book your flights soon!).
The address for the Radisson Hotel Metrodome is:

Radisson Hotel Metrodome
615 Washington Ave SE.
Minneapolis, MN
Phone: (612) 379-8888
Fax: (612) 379-8682
The Radisson is located just off I-35 West at the East Bank exit. You’ll find driving directions and a map on the Radisson Hotel Metrodome web site (http://www.radisson.com/minneapolismn_metrodome).

If the Dairy State is on your travel itinerary, check with the Wisconsin Department of Tourism (800-432-8747)

Visit the convention web site (www.AGR2002.com) for Minnesota road construction schedules and maps, as well as directions to the Radisson Metrodome/Campus Hotel and Lambda chapter house, information on low-cost parking, last-minute air fare links, campus parking locations and other handy travel logistics.
Convention registration

If you haven’t already registered for the convention, visit www.AGR 2002.org to download a printable registration form and mail in your registration today!
If you have questions about registration, call the AGR Home Office at (816) 891-9200, or send email to agr@AlphaGamma Rho.org.
If you have any questions, contact the Home Office
at agr@AlphaGamma Rho.org, phone (816) 891-9200 or FAX your questions to (816) 891-9401.
 

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