Peoria, ILFebruary 18-20, 2018

www.gfai.org

Join us for a special commemorative celebration Sunday evening at 6:30pm.

7:15 — 8:30 am Legislative Council for Better Government Breakfast (Ticketed Event)

7:30 am — 5:00 pm Registration at the Peoria Civic CenterTrade Show Open Scholarship Silent Auction & Raffle Ticket Sales

Live Line Electricity Safety Demos will take place in the Trade Show every 30 minutes!

7:30 — 9:00 am Breakfast Buffet in the Trade Show 9:30 — 11:00 am General Session - Annual Meeting, Scholarship Program /Live AuctionJohn O’Leary - Inspirational LeadershipChallenges – like fire – can be destructive and uncontrollable. They can also spark passion, galvanize teams, inspire change, and forge a truly significant life. We’ve all been burned. Choose to see yourself and your business through the lens of possibility, a new perspective and the certainty that the best is yet to come.

12:00 — 6:00 pm Registration at Peoria Civic Center

3:00 — 6:00 pm Trade Show Open

5:00 — 6:00 pm Cocktail Hour in the Trade Show

6:30 — 9:00 pm SPECIAL EVENT!125th Anniversary Celebration (Ticketed Event)Join friends and associates for an evening of celebration including dinner, drinks, a special commemorative presentation and entertainment by The Second City! * On-Site Reservations will not be accepted for this event. Please use our standard registration form on page 7 to pre-register for this special, ticketed event!

For nearly 60 years, The Second City has been entertaining audiences and churning out North America’s most celebrated comedians. Join us the Sunday of convention for dinner, drinks and entertainment from The Second City at our 125th Anniversary Celebration. The world-famous, Chicago-style improv comedy program will leave you laughing as you witness this fun and spontaneous performance unfold!

9:00 - 11:00 pmDueling PianosLet the celebration continue with this extraordinary show! Dueling Pianos is where two people face two pianos together and play top hits, classics and even audience requests! Sponsored by Sikich

Sunday, February 18, 2018

Thank You to Our Generous Sponsors!

Monday, February 19, 2018

John O’Leary

Sponsored by CliftonLarsonAllen LLP

Platinum Sponsors

Gold Sponsors

Silver Sponsors Bunge N.A.Cargill, Inc.

CliftonLarsonAllen LLPCompeer Financial

Hasselberg Grebe Snodgrass Urban and WentworthHomefield Energy

Prairie Land Millwright ServiceRumbold & Kuhn, Inc.

Sikich LLPThomas E. Jennings and Associates Inc.

Bronze SponsorsAdvance Trading, Inc.

Agri Business Insurance ServicesAGRI-SEARCH, Inc.

Alimak Hek Inc.Arthur J. Gallagher

BerganKDVCCS Group, LLC

Farmers Grain of RosevilleGardiner Thomsen CPAs

Heiress PromotionsJMI Covers, LLC

John Stewart & AssociatesPeterson Structures, LLC

Rolfes @ BooneTopflight

Triangle Insurance Company, Inc.Continued on page 3.

A Message Regarding this Historical EventThis year marks GFAI’s 125th Annual Convention and Trade Show! Our association is celebrating this milestone year with an extra special program filled with entertaining and insightful speakers and timely topics. We have also provided some excellent opportunities for networking and fellowship, which honor the relationships that are at the heart of our association and our industry. We hope you will join us, along with your friends and colleagues, to reflect on the accomplishments and longevity of our industry and to enjoy a much deserved celebration of your association! Paul Crombie, Elkhart Grain Convention Committee Chair

2. OSHA Key Issues for 2018Brian Bothast, Lead Safety and Occupational Health Specialist, OSHABrian will provide an update on OSHA inspections and information on common OSHA violations. In addition, Brian will answer questions on the walking and working surface standards, fall protection, ladders, and other OSHA issues.

3. Navigation Infrastructure Challenges – Our Forgotten Rivers Tom Heinold, Deputy Chief - Operations Division, Rock Island District, US Army Corps of EngineersOur rivers were largely responsible for making our nation an economic power, and our competitiveness in regional, national and international markets depends on a reliable and efficient navigation system. Upgrading the Lock and Dam system has long been a priority of shipping and agriculture interests, yet it remains neglected in many areas and in dire need of upgrades. This session will focus on the future of the lock and dam system, including potential construction and closures that will affect the commercial navigation industry.

2:15 — 2:45 pm Break

2:45 — 4:00 pm General Session - Connecting the World’s Largest Group of Consumers to the Most Productive FarmlandTom Coyle, General Manager, COFCO InternationalIllinois is no stranger to global a g r i - b u s i n e s s companies. So it is no surprise to see COFCO International join the ranks of others here in the state. During the presentation you will learn more about the Chinese company COFCO International and their aim to create a vertically-integrated global supply chain strengthening their worldwide origination, logistics and trading capabilities.

4:00 — 5:00 pm Reception in the Trade ShowRaffle Ticket Sales and Silent Auction Close

11:15 am — 12:00 pm Educational Sessions 1. Understand the Pros and Cons of Using LNG to Dry

GrainTerry Bline, General Manager and Derek Payne, Location Manager, Roanoke Farmers AssociationJeff Brooks, General Manager and Lance Gehlbach, Operations Manager, Grainland CooperativeAdam Tracy, Director of Business Development, KinetrexEnergyMost would agree the preferred fuel of choice to dry grain is natural gas. But, what do you do when you need to increase your usage and the utility company indicates the system is maxed out? In the fall of 2017 some members piloted using liquified natural gas (LNG). Attend this session to hear from the LNG provider and two member companies about the pros and cons of this pilot project.

2. Set Your Company Up for Success Amidst a RetirementEric Fogel, Partner, SmithAmundsen LLCRich Sauder, Retiree, Tremont Grain CooperativePreparing to retire can be a challenge for Managers and organizations. But getting it right is crucial if the business is to remain successful - and early planning is key. Learn about two different exit strategies that can minimize business disruptions and provide a smooth transition – mergers/acquisitions and succession planning through retirement.

3. Weather and Technology Are Two Determinants of Yield - One You Can’t Control and One You Can

Jason Little, Director of Sales, AgribleThis session will reveal a special crop modeling system that combines the two to provide growers with field-level insights, helping them make the most informed decisions possible for their operation.

12:00 — 1:30 pm Lunch for all registered attendees in the Trade Show

1:30 — 2:15 pm Educational Sessions 1. Self-Help Techniques for Successful Property Tax Appeal

Mary O’Connor, Partner-In-Charge for the Forensic & Valuation service area Sikich LLPRising property taxes require more management attention than ever before. Lowering property taxes to your fair and legal share is a workable and understandable process. Learn about the system, the assessment and appeal calendar, as well as cost-effective informal techniques to correct the record, review the appraisal and successfully present an informal case to the Assessor.

8:00 — 10:30 am Closing Breakfast & General Session

President’s CommentsJoe Kapraun, Business Manager, GROWMARK, Inc.

Managing Weather Risk in AgricultureEric Snodgrass, Principal Atmospheric Scientist, AgribleUnderstanding weather sensitivity in agronomy is at the core of a successful operation. Adverse weather can form at any time and can turn a well-managed plan into a disaster. In this presentation we will learn how weather has influenced crop production in the cornbelt for the last 70 years, discuss changes in technology and how weather prediction has evolved then learn how to use the tools meteorologists use to predict both short term (2-week) and long term (month+) weather conditions and the influence these predictions have on commodity prices. In addition, we will learn how to predict and detect severe weather threats like severe winds, hail and flooding. Finally, we will forecast the weather for the remainder of winter 2017-18 for the US and South America and the upcoming 2018 growing season (including yield projections for corn and soybeans).

Messaging and Modern Communication TacticsAnthony LaFauce, Vice President, DigitalLearn how to use modern technology tools and communication techniques to improve business and help continue your right to operate.

Seasonal Labor – Have We Reached A Crisis?More and more grain companies are using temporary labor services for seasonal and part-time workers with mixed results. Some of the workers are great and others don’t even show up for the safety orientation. As we use more temporary labor, it is vital to know what you can expect from these firms and who is responsible for what. Learn more about ways to keep your facility fully-staffed.

Raffle Drawing and Prizes

Tuesday, February 20, 2018

Peoria Marriott Pere Marquette orCourtyard by Marriott

$132/night501 Main Street , Peoria IL 61602

Reservations: 800-228-9290

HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS

The Peoria Marriott Pere Marquette is connected to the Courtyard Marriott, and both are connected to the Civic Center via an enclosed, heated walkway.

Room rate for either hotel is $132 per night.

Please note: Check-in for both hotels is 4p.m. and every effort will be made to allow for an early check-in on Sunday. Contact the hotel directly to discuss early check-in.

ADVANCED DEPOSIT REQUIRED This block requires an advanced deposit. Guests will have until January 12, 2018 to cancel their reservations. On January 13th, each reservation will be charged for one nights room and tax. After this time, guests will not be able to get their deposit back; Only modifications will be accepted.

Sponsored by

Anthony LaFauceVice President, Digital

Grain and Feed Association of Illinois125th Annual Convention & Trade Show

February 18-20, 2018 • Peoria Civic Center • Peoria, Illinois

NOTE: Premium Spaces are exhibit booths with shaded areas(numbered 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 116, 117, 118, 119,

208, 211, 228, 231, 308, 311, 328, 331,402, 403, 404, 405, 406, 407, 408, 411, 412, 413, 414, 415, 416 and 417)

119

118

117

219

218

217

GRAIN AND FEED ASSN. OF IL 2016

The PeoriaCivic Center

Hall D

INDIANAPOLIS, IN

e o nco t ,r rs I c.

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& exposition services217-528-4024

FAX 217-528-4026SPRINGFIELD, IL

LOCATION

108 - 10’ X 10’ BOOTHSINCLUDING 2 DINING AREAS

AND A SILENT AUCTION AREA

400 339

401 338

402 337

403 336

404 335

405 334

406 333

407 332

408 331

411 328

412 327

413 326

414 325

415 324

416 323

417 322

418 321

419 320

300 239

301 238

302 237

303 236

304 235

305 234

306 233

307 232

308 231

311 228

312 227

313 226

314 225

315 224

316 223

307 222

318 221

319 220

200 100

201 101

202 102

203 103

204 104

205 105

206 106

207 107

208 108

211 111

212 112

213 113

214 114

215 115

216 116

217 117

218 118

219 119

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LOADINGDOCK

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MEN'SRESTROOM

LADIESRESTROOM

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115215

102Fumigation

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101PrairielandMillwright

100PrairielandMillwright

208C-TEC

207Raven

206Tri State

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205CIH

204GHSC

203MCL-LTD.

202Central Life Sciences

201Ag

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200Compu-weigh

108AGRI-

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107CCS

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106JMI

Covers

105DecaturAeration

104AdvanceTrading

103AdvanceTrading

231KC

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232Extron

233Seedburo

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234SCADAWare

235Metro

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236Southern IL Scale

237Southern IL

Scale

238Nutra-Blend

239

AGI

308MIDCO

307MIDCO

306GROW-MARK

305GSI

Group

304KDJ

303KDJ

302KDJ

301Triangle

Insurance

300Warrior

Mfg.

331MidwestEnergy

332SafeGrain

333K & LEquip.334

Central ILScale

335Central IL

Scale

336Central IL

Scale

337Peterson Structures

338ABIS

339ABIS

4084 B

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4074 B

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406Tritech Fall ProtectionSystems405

Rolfes @Boone

404R.J.

O’Brien

403Painters

USA

402Brock Grain

401SoftwareSolutions

400John Stuart

220WalzScale

221WalzScale

222Myriad Mobile

223AgVisionSoftware

224Grain

Journal

225N.A.

Equipment

226DunbarBreit.

227Electro

Sensors

228Alimak

Hek

319RN

ConveyanceCo.

318KinetrexEnergy

317DTN

316Arnold

Co.

314Greenfield

313J.L.

Hubbard

312Compeer

311Compeer

315StraightUp

Solar

320Koehl Bros.

321Koehl Bros.

322Hi Roller Conveyors

323PetersonPotential

324CMC

IndustrialElectronics

325DeckerConsult.

326Midwest

Publishing

327GardinerThomsen

328Sukup

419MerrillLynch

418Nostaw

417IL Soy

416LewisGoetz

415WieseUSA

414Hoffmann

413Tapco

412Food

Protection

411ClearCreek

119Vertical

Software118

VerticalSoftware

117Arthur J.Gallagher

116HarrisCos.115

PepperMaint.

114Macon

GeneralContractors

113Inland Tarp112

GFAIEnergy

111Clifton LarsonAllen

219Premier

Components

218Black &

Company

217Smith

Amundsen

216Chadco

215Grain Flo

Inc.

214Grain Flo

Inc.

213Albsmeyer

Electric

212A & J

Construction

211Heiress

Promotions

GFAI Historical Display Area

Arrow Truck

GFAI reserves the right to determine whether each auction item is placed on either the live or silent auction.

Item: ____________________________________________________ Estimated Value: ___________________

Donor Name or Company as you’d like it advertised: _________________________________________________

Contact Name: _________________________________________ E-mail: ______________________________

Item Description: _____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________

Visit www.gfai.org for other event information and thank you for your generosity!

Please complete and return this form to info@gfai.org or fax to (217)787-8671. If you plan to send your donation to the GFAI office, please ensure delivery by February 14, 2018.

- jewelry - themed baskets

- antiques- photographs and paintings

- time shares- outdoor equipment- sports memorabilia

- sporting event tickets- travel vouchers, hotel stays

- concert tickets- homemade items

- discounted services- gift certificates

- toys

Please consider donating an item to the live or silent auctions, which will occur during GFAI’s Annual Convention and Trade Show, February 18 - 20, 2018 in Peoria.

Money raised here will be used to promote career opportunities and awarded in scholarships to students pursuing a career in the grain and feed industry.

To participate, simply complete the form below and you can bring the item to convention or send it to the Association office and we will bring it for you!

The Silent Auction items will be inside the trade show and the auction will run from 3:00 - 6pm Sunday, February 18th and 7:30am - 5pm Monday, February 19th.

GFAI Silent Auction Donation Form

The GAC 2500-UGMA

All proceeds of the sale of this moisture tester will go to the Scholarship Fund!

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