Posted: 4/1/2010

NAMIC Agricultural Risk Inspection School, July 23-25, 2013, Minneapolis, Minn.

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Event Contact

Amanda Byrd
Meeting Planner & PFMM Administrator
317.876.4282

General Information

The Agricultural Risk Inspection School is a popular and intensive two-and-a-half day program for loss control specialists, underwriters, managers and supervisors. Both fundamental and advanced topics are offered to meet the varying educational needs of those working in loss control today. The highlight of the school is the farm inspection and tour where attendees go through a hands-on inspection of an area farm.

Farm Inspection & Tour

The Farm Inspection & Tour is always a popular feature of the school and this year is sure to bring enhanced learning opportunities for attendees. Please check back for more information about this year’s farm.

"I liked the visit to the farm to actually see the things that we need to look for when underwriting."

–Lois Eggebo, Secretary/Treasurer/Manager, Harding & Perkins Farm Mutual

This event is intended for:

Loss Control Specialists
Underwriters

Managers/Supervisors
Company Managers

Committee Members

Chairman Dean Kerfeld, CHI Manager Loss Control/Member Companies RAM Mutual Insurance Company	Immediate Past Chairman Eric Vanasdale, ARM, CPCU, ARe Senior Loss Control Representative COUNTRY Financial	Ronald Behrens, ALCM Director of Risk Management Services Hartford Steam Boiler Inspection & Insurance Company
Chris Buechle, AFIS Loss Control Senior Specialist American Family Mutual Insurance Company	Becky Deters, PFMM Office Manager/Secretary/Treasurer Home Farmers Mutual Fire Insurance Company	Jerimy Durcholz, AIC, AIS Regional Underwriting Specialist Shelter Mutual Insurance Company
Dirk Smith Vice President, Engineering Manager Mutual Boiler Re	Larry Gallagher, ALCM Corporate Loss Control Director Grinnell Mutual Reinsurance Company	Ward Henderson, CRM, WETT National Loss Control Manager, Special Lines Co-operators General Insurance Company
Steven Morris, PFMM Manager Dupont Mutual Insurance Company	Cindy Thompson Risk Manager Humboldt Mutual Insurance Association	Cory Weller, ALCM, CPCU Farm Ranch Underwriting Team Manager State Farm Insurance
FMC Board Liaison Brian Taylor, PFMM President Municipal Mutual Insurance Company	Staff Liaison Amanda Byrd Meeting Planner & PFMM Administrator NAMIC

School Registration Fees

Registrations recieved on or before Friday, June 21, 2013 are applicable to receive the early bird discount.

	On or before June 21, 2013	On or after June 22, 2013
PFMM	$436	$516
Member	$545	$645
Non Member	$745	$845
Optional Activity	TBD	TBD
*To qualify for the PFMM Designates registration rate, you must have earned the Professional Farm Mutual Manager (PFMM) designation and be current in the program. This discount only applies to individuals with the PFMM designation and is not transferable to others within your company.

First Time Attendees

We want to know if this is your first time to participate in the NAMIC Agricultural Risk Inspection School. We would like to get to know you and provide you with some insights to maximize your experience. Don’t be shy please indicate on your registration form if you are a first-time attendee. We are excited to meet you!

Registration Confirmation

You will receive a detailed e-mail confirmation upon successful completion of the registration process for this event; please make sure to enter a valid e-mail address on the registration form. If you have any questions regarding your registration, please e-mail registrar@namic.org or call (800) 336-2642.

Registration Cancellations

All registration cancellations and transfers MUST be made in writing. Cancellations received on or before June 24, 2013 are 100 percent refundable. After June 25, 2013, a $25 processing fee will be deducted. Refunds will be issued within 15 business days after receipt of the cancellation notice. No refunds are available after July 8, 2013, so please plan accordingly. You may substitute a participant at no additional charge. Please forward all requests to registrar@namic.org or fax (317) 876-6213. Cancelling a seminar registration with NAMIC does not cancel a hotel reservation.

Accommodations

In accordance with Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act, we invite all registrants to advise us of any disability and any requests for accommodation to that disability. Please submit your request as far as possible in advance of the program.

What to Wear

The suggested dress code for this meeting is business casual for the classroom and networking sessions. For the farm inspection and tour, please wear something cool and comfortable, along with closed toe shoes, as we will be at the farm for several hours. Plastic shoe coverings will be available should you want them.

Questions?

If you have any questions regarding your registration, e-mail registrar@namic.org or call (800) 336-2642. If you have any questions regarding the seminar, e-mail abyrd@namic.org or call (800) 336-2642 ext. 1082.

Agenda

“This was a tremendously helpful school. The classes I took let me walk away more confident in my inspections that I do"

–Kathy Wilken, Inspector, Town & Country Mutual Insurance Company

Subject to change without notice.

Tuesday, July 23

7:00 a.m.	Registration Opens
7:30 - 8:30 a.m.	Breakfast (provided)
8:30 - 8:45 a.m.	Welcoming Remarks Dean Kerfeld, CHI Manager Loss Control/Member Companies RAM Mutual Insurance Company Sauk Centre, Minn.
8:45 - 10:00 a.m.	Keynote Address: The Relationship between Effort & Achievement In today’s ever-changing environment it can seem as if one is not in control of their destiny. During this motivational session, attendees will be reminded of several well-known, but often forgotten facts regarding the role effort plays in achievement. The goal at the completion of this session is for attendees to be more focused on areas of their life they can do more to determine outcomes, both professional and personal. Bob Loonan Minneapolis, Minn Ben Loonan Minneapolis, Minn Tommy Loonan Minneapolis, Minn
10:00 - 10:20 a.m.	Break
10:20 – 11:30 a.m.	Concurrent Sessions Solid Fuel This session will review National Fire Protection Association standards as they apply to common solid fuel burning appliances as well as review common areas of installations that are problematic and difficult to gain compliance with installation standards. Photos of losses will support the need for compliance and an inspection program to understand the risk you are insuring. Eric Vanasdale, ARM, CPCU, ARe Senior Loss Control Representative COUNTRY Financial Bloomington, Ill. Deep-Pit Foaming Control Foaming on the manure surface in deep-pit barns is not a new phenomenon but until recently spontaneous foaming was rare. Foaming incidence has increased significantly since 2008 and concerns over the potential hazards posed by foam have risen accordingly. This session will provide a better understanding of the agricultural sector on preventing fires, explosions, and animal building loss. Dr. Chuck Clanton, P.E. Faculty Member University of Minnesota St. Paul, Minn.
11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.	Lunch
12:30 – 1:30 p.m.	Concurrent Sessions Structural Integrity Issues: New Construction and Existing Business This session will discuss the important of a loss control program and bring attention to the importance of implementing pre-engineered buildings into a company’s underwriting guidelines on new construction and to enhance structural integrity of existing business. Other items to be discussed include: the ASCE 7-05 statute, balanced and unbalanced snow loads, and communication with policyholders, agents, contractors, and underwriters. Bert Tellers Vice President of Member Services RAM Mutual Insurance Company Sauk Centre, Minn. Work Comp in Agriculture In this session, attendees will learn the big picture of who “has to have” work comp in agriculture. The majority of the session will focus on a Basic Safety Program for an Agricultural Insured including: Loss Control, Hazard Communication Standard change to MSDS - SDS with the Globally Harmonized System (GHS), when might OSHA come into play in rural setting, and more. Additionally, brief information will be provided about why insured might choose to have work comp coverage for their employees, even if it is not required. Chris J. Buechle, AFIS Commercial Farm/Ranch Senior Loss Control Specialist American Family Mutual Insurance Company Lincoln, Neb
1:30 – 1:50 p.m.	Break
1:50 – 3:00 p.m.	Concurrent Sessions Steel Corrugated Grain Bins This session will provide an introduction to steel corrugated grain bin terminology, along with the basic operation of these types of bins. Attendees will learn how to identify common problems associated with steel corrugated grain bins, as well as some of the typical failures associated with grain bin operations and storm effects. Rob Danielson Associate Engineer Haag Engineering Burnsville, Minn. General Liability As an important piece of the business, hear from our presenter on some of the latest trends in general liability as it relates to farms. Roger D. Haist, CPCU, CIC Vice President – Assistant Manager Farmers Mutual Hail West Des Moines, Iowa
3:00 – 3:20 p.m.	Break
3:20 – 4:20 p.m.	Concurrent Sessions Understanding LP Gas and its Potential Hazards During this session a review of some of the typical safety controls that should be implemented to reduce the probability of loss will be reviewed. During this presentation a short clip will be shown where attendees will have the opportunity to view the recording of a LP gas demonstration where liquid LP gas will be used to display the physical properties of LP Gas – a very unique and effective way to learn about the associated risks. Larry Gallagher, ALCM Corporate Loss Control Director Grinnell Mutual Insurance Company Grinnell, Iowa Agritourism During this session attendees will learn the history of American agritourism, why it is growing, and how it can affect your business. Attendees will explore agritourism hazards and insurance industry challenges as well as discuss exposure management for agritourism hazards including site safety, products and services, employees, and emergency response. Lorie E. Graham, CPCU, ARe, AU, AIM, AIAF, ARM, ALCM, ARM, ARM-P, ARC, ARP Senior Underwriting and Corporate Risk Manager American Agricultural Insurance Company Schaumburg, Ill.
4:30 - 6:00 p.m.	Welcome Reception Enjoy this great networking opportunity! Drinks and light hors d’oeuvres will be provided.

Wednesday, July 24

7:30 a.m. - 8:30 a.m.	Breakfast (provided)
8:30 - 9:30 a.m.	Concurrent Sessions Inspection Tools & Technologies This session will discuss the basic requirements in inspecting agricultural properties and what skills and tools you should possess in order to complete a successful inspection such as attire, tools, and technologies. At the completion of this session attendees should be prepared to plan for and execute an inspection. Ward Henderson, CRM, WETT National Loss Control Manager, Special Lines Co-operators General Insurance Company Calgary, Alberta, Canada Electrical This session will focus on helping to better understand the common electrical hazards found on a farm, how they affect the quality of the risk, and steps that can be taken to help reduce the probability of loss. The speakers will cover the basics of the typical electrical distribution system and provide examples of hazardous conditions to look for during an inspection. Attendees will also learn about how positive and negative factors found during the inspection can be used to help evaluate the risk quality of the property. The session will be helpful to those working in loss control, underwriting or claims who want to broaden their knowledge on this common exposure. John Hudock, ARM, AFIS Engineering Exposure Analyst Mutual Boiler Re Malvern, Pa. Dirk Smith Vice President, Engineering Manager Mutual Boiler Re Malvern, Pa.
9:30 - 9:50 a.m.	Break
9:50 - 10:40 a.m.	Concurrent Sessions Farm Safety Attendees of this session will gain a better understand of overall safety measures employed on farms today. The focus of this session will be on machinery and recreational/utility vehicle safety, confined spaces, and proper fencing and barriers. Also, attendees will learn how to identify concerns and understand the hazards associated with equipment found on farm properties. Cory Weller, ALCM, CPCU Farm Ranch Underwriting Team Manager State Farm Insurance Lincoln, Neb. Spotting Red Flags can $ave Money This session will provide attendees a pictorial journey through farms and ranches, both big and small. The goal of this session is to help focus on the little things that might reveal larger than normal risk. Whether you are in agency, underwriter, loss control or claims; you are sure to pick up a tip or two that can save you and/or your insured losses. The photos will educate and entertain and questions are encouraged throughout. Chris J. Buechle, AFIS Commercial Farm/Ranch Senior Loss Control Specialist American Family Mutual Insurance Company Lincoln, Neb. Larry Gallagher, ALCM Corporate Loss Control Director Grinnell Mutual Insurance Company Grinnell, Iowa.
10:40 - 11:00 a.m.	Break
11:00 - 11:30 a.m.	General Session: Farm Preview Attendees will receive the necessary documents needed in order to complete the inspection of Oloughlin Farms as well as a quick preview of the types of structures located on the property. This session is required for anyone participating in the Farm Inspection and Tour. Dean Kerfeld, CHI Manager Loss Control/Member Companies RAM Mutual Insurance Company Sauk Centre, Minn.
11:30 a.m.	Break/Pick-up Boxed Lunches
12:00 a.m.	Buses Depart
12:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.	Farm Inspection and Tour Charter busses will transport attendees to and from Oloughlin Farms in Shakopee, Minn. for an inspection and tour. Please Note: Shoe coverings will be provided by NAMIC. Bottled water and snacks will also be provided.
4:15 p.m.	Return to the Hotel
5:30 p.m.	Optional Activity TBD

Thursday, July 25

7:00 – 8:00 a.m.	Breakfast
8:00 – 9:00 a.m.	Concurrent Sessions Confinements This session will highlight all aspects of insuring the risk and hazards that are unique to confinements. Attendees will examine the specifics when it comes to inspecting and underwriting this type of risk. Items to be discussed include fire walls, fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) paneling, electrical, heating, air quality control, and liability concerns. Attendees will also have the opportunity to view burn videos of FRP and urethane insulation. Dean Kerfeld, CHI Manager Loss Control/Member Companies RAM Mutual Insurance Company Sauk Centre, Minn. Renewable Power Exposures – What Can Go Wrong? How does renewable energy technology change traditional farm exposures? Attendees will be provided an overview of photovoltaic solar panels and wind turbine energy. The scope will include: incentives, key equipment, systems, and applications, including “Net Metering”. The session will also cover property and liability exposures and typical loss experience. Ronald G. Behrens, ALCM, ARe, CEA, PE (inactive) Director of Risk Management Services Hartford Steam Boiler Inspection & Insurance Company Lisle, Ill.
9:00 – 9:20 a.m.	Break
9:20 – 10:20 a.m.	General Session: Weather Weather patterns seem to be shifting, effecting both farmers and insurance companies. Hear from an expert on the latest weather trends and how it impacts your business.
10:20 - 10:40 a.m.	Break
10:40 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.	Closing Session: Impact of Illegal Activities on Loss Control The frequency of illegal activities in rural areas is on the increase. For loss control specialists, this means it is also a growing risk. A police detective with more than 20 years’ experience will share his knowledge on this problem including stories, demonstrations, and safety tips.
12:00 p.m.	Meeting Adjourns

Session Proposals

Interested in speaking at this seminar? Submit your session proposal to Amanda Byrd.

Where to Stay

Minneapolis Airport Marriott
2020 American Boulevard East
Bloomington, Minn.
Ph: (952) 854-7441

Hotel Overview

Among the top hotels near the Mall of America and the Minneapolis St. Paul International Airport, the Minneapolis Airport Marriott offers complimentary shuttle service to both Airport and the Mall of America. The Marriott guest rooms, with luxurious amenities and high-tech business services, make it the perfect destination for business and leisure.

Event Hotel Rate And Cut Off Date

Rate: Each room is $126 plus taxes per night for single/double occupancy.

Agricultural Risk Inspection School attendees are responsible for making their own travel and hotel arrangements. NAMIC has contracted a room block for attendees at the Minneapolis Airport Marriott. A set number of rooms are available at the group rate until June 28, 2013 or until the group block is sold out, whichever comes first. While NAMIC works hard to secure a sufficient number of rooms, we cannot guarantee rooms will be available. Please plan ahead and secure your reservation as soon as possible to receive the group rate.

Hotel Reservations

To make your reservation for the Agricultural Risk Inspection School, contact the hotel directly at (952) 854-7441. Refer to the NAMIC rate when making your reservation. You may also call Marriott central reservations at (800) 228-9290.

Please contact Amanda Byrd if you encounter any problems with making hotel reservations.

Travel Information

Getting to the Minneapolis Airport Marriott
Located near both the Mall of America and the Minneapolis St. Paul International Airport, the Minneapolis Airport Marriott is conveniently located for all travelers. For customized driving directions, please visit their website or your preferred mapping website.

Airport Information

The Minneapolis Airport Marriott is located 2.4 miles, or 8 minutes, from Minneapolis St. Paul International airport.

The Minneapolis St. Paul International Airport is a hub for Delta Airlines and may provide increased flight availability. Please click here for other airlines servicing the Minneapolis St. Paul International Airport.

Complimentary Shuttle

The hotel provides a complimentary shuttle between the airport and the hotel. Once you arrive in Minneapolis and get your baggage, follow the signs for Ground Transportation, and then to Hotel Shuttle pick-up. The Minneapolis Airport Marriott shuttle picks up people every 30 minutes. Their van is all white with red letters.

Below are the estimated costs for transportation to the hotel if you do not utilize the complimentary shuttle.

Taxi: $15 one way
Shared-ride shuttle: $12 one way
Subway/rail: $3 one way

Convenient Parking
Surface lot parking is complimentary at the Minneapolis Airport Marriott.

Driving Directions

From Minneapolis St. Paul International Airport
Head Southwest on Glumack Drive
Keep right at the fork and merge onto MN-5 West
Merge onto 1-494 West
Take exit 2A for 24th Ave.
Keep left at the fork, follow signs for 24th Ave. South Turn right at 24th Ave. South
Take the first left onto 24th Ave. South
Turn right onto American Blvd. East

From the South
Take I-35 North to 1-35 West
Take exit 9A to merge onto 1-494 East/MN-5 East
Take exit 2A for 24th Ave
Keep right at the fork, follow signs for 24th Ave. South and merge onto 24th Ave. South
Turn right onto American Blvd. East

From the North
Take I-94 East to exit 216. Merge onto I-494 South.
Take exit 2A for 24th Ave
Keep right at the fork, follow signs for 24th Ave. South and merge onto 24th Ave. South
Turn right onto American Blvd. East

Area Attractions

The Twin Cities area of Minneapolis St. Paul is cosmopolitan at its heart and small town along its perimeter. Not identical twins, but different in architecture and ambiance, these twin cities each offer their own approach to an exciting arts scene, landmark architecture, terrific restaurants, and intriguing museums. The Mississippi, Minnesota and St. Croix rivers pass through the region, winding by smaller towns with quaint main streets and fascinating history.

Professional teams in all major league sports and collegiate athletics draw enthusiastic sports fans to cheer them on. The Minneapolis St. Paul area is family-friendly too, with museums and attractions that are educational, enlightening and sometimes simply exhilarating.

Additional attractions can also be found at the Explore Minnesota Tourism website.

Check out these links below for more information:

Culture

Mall of America
Mall of America is the nation’s largest retail and entertainment complex. At 4.2 million square feet, MOA is home to more than 520 world-class shops; Nickelodeon Universe®, the nation’s largest indoor family amusement park; SEA LIFE Minnesota Aquarium, a 1.2 million gallon walk-through aquarium; Moose Mountain Adventure Golf; Theatres at Mall of America® - a 14-screen movie theater with VIP theatre and more.
Target Field
Spectacular and intimate; breathtaking views; dazzling amenities; and a staggering array of special features! Those are just a few things you can find in your experience at Target Field, the new world class home of Twins Territory.
Minneapolis Institute of Arts
A free, non-profit museum of visual arts from around the world. Travel through 5,000 years of world history as you view more than 80,000 works of sculpture, photography, paintings, drawings and prints.
Riverview Theater
The Riverview Theater has survived for decades and looks much the same as it did in the 1950’s, with the same furnishings, including imported Italian marble tables and an auditorium that features a backlit proscenium. You can have your choice of over 700 seats on either the main floor or in the stadium seating section. The house retains its 1950’s style and the walls of the lobby are lined with vintage photographs, many in full color, taken of the theatre in 1956.
North West Company Fur Post
Step into the recreated world of 1804, where you can stop at the Ojibwe encampment and learn how the seasonal living of the Ojibwe changed when Europeans arrived. Meet a fur trade clerk who explains the system of barter that moved beaver fur from the hands of Indian hunters onto the heads of fashionable Europeans.

Nature

Lake Harriet
As one of the picturesque lakes in the renowned Chain of Lakes, Lake Harriet features 67 acres of land and 344 acres of water. It is noted for biking and walking trails, a variety of water activities and summer concerts at the stunning band shell. Trails around the lake are 2.99 miles for bikers and skaters and 2.75 miles for walkers and runners. Visitors can purchase refreshments at the concessions building, pump fresh drinking water at the well, and enjoy nightly concerts from early June to Labor Day.
Lake Calhoun
Lake Calhoun is the biggest lake in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and part of the city's Chain of Lakes. Surrounded by city park land and circled by bike and walking trails, it is popular for many outdoor activities. The lake is popular for canoeing, kayaking, and windsurfing and it has three swimming beaches.
Stone Arch Bridge
The Stone Arch Bridge is the only bridge of its kind over the Mississippi River. It is made of native granite and limestone, and measures 2100-feet long by 28-feet wide. The bridge consists of 23 arches, and spans the river below St. Anthony Falls in Minneapolis, MN.
Minnehaha Park
Overlooking the Mississippi River, Minnehaha Park is one of Minneapolis’ oldest and most popular parks, attracting over 850,000 thousand visitors annually. Located at the intersection of Hiawatha Avenue and Minnehaha Parkway, the 193-acre park features a 53-foot waterfall, limestone bluffs and river overlooks. The park contains oak, elm, silver maple, basswood, hackberry and cottonwood trees, as well as native and prairie woodland wild flowers.

Sponsorship Opportunities

Interested in reaching influential loss control professionals? Consider partnering with NAMIC through our educational events. Your partnership helps keep registration fees to a minimum for member companies and make our industry stronger. Several options are available for your consideration and we are happy to create something unique to meet your needs.

For more information on sponsoring at the Agricultural Risk Inspection School, contact NAMIC's Advertising, Sponsorship, & Exhibit Hall Manager, Amy Thornburg at (800) 336-2642 ext. 1026 or visit the sponsorship information page.

Frequently Asked Questions

"I enjoyed this years school. It refreshed a lot of things I had forgotten and taught me many new things as well."

–Jim Silver, Underwriting Supervisor, Wayne Mutual Insurance Company

What is the suggested attire for meetings and the farm inspection & tour?
Business casual is suggested for all meetings and networking events. For the farm inspection and tour, you are encouraged to wear cool and comfortable clothes that you would not mind getting dirty along with closed toe shoes. Plastic shoe coverings will be provided.

What registration payment options are available?
The online registration system accepts credit card payments, check payments and multiple registrations under the same payment method.

When and how is registration confirmation sent?
Confirmation is sent via email so please enter a valid email address. If registering more than one person at a time you will need to forward the confirmation email to each delegate. You will receive your confirmation the quickest if you are paying online. Confirmation will be sent immediately after you submit your credit card information.

Does my registration include a hotel reservation?
No, you will need to contact the Minneapolis Airport Marriott to make a room reservation. NAMIC has contracted a room block for attendees at Minneapolis Airport Marriott. A set number of rooms are available at the group rate until June 28, 2013 or until the group block is sold out, whichever comes first. While NAMIC studies past attendance trends and the needs of our members, we cannot guarantee rooms will be available. Please plan ahead and secure your reservation as soon as possible to receive the group rate. To make your reservation, contact Marriott central reservations at (800) 228-9290 or the hotel directly at (952) 854-7441. Refer to the NAMIC rate when making your reservation.

What is the weather like this time of the year in Minneapolis?
In July, the average daytime high is 84 F with average evening lows of 63 F.

Questions can be directed to Amanda Byrd or the Vice President of Member Development.