On January 22-24, 2015, members from across the state gathered at the Hilton Garden Inn in Columbia, MO to share in one of the best Winter Conventions we’ve ever held! The theme, “Building a Better Business,” was thoroughly explored as contractors learned about how GPS systems work with federal programs, when a “hired-hand” becomes an “employee”, how to use contracts, how to read financial statements, and more. But the Convention wasn’t all about learning in the classroom. We had a wonderful exhibit hall, supported by our Associate members; a tremendous auction which raised over $5,000 to help our scholarships and MLICA; and then we wrapped up the Convention with the Awards Banquet. We awarded Nelson Wilson an Honorary Membership in recognition of his years of service to both Missouri LICA and National LICA. And, the final event of the Convention was a hypnotist show where a few of our members explored their imaginations, while the rest of us doubled over in laughter! Below are some memories from those wonderful days. (Click on the picture for a larger view.)
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Andrea Powell and Bruce Mosier at the exhibit hall
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A few of the auction items
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Some more generous contributions for our auction
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Rebecca and Bryan McDaniel
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Bryan McDaniel tests his skills at the MFA booth.
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Chris and Lindy Grier
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When the hypnotist said “relax, ” MLICA President Chris Brauer took it to heart!
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Along with the fun, we even learned a thing or two.
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LICA members concentrating on “Building a Better Business”
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Dick Purcell, NRCS State Engineer, reviews how GPS systems work with the NRCS programs.
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Dave and Pat Gass with Altorfer, Inc.
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Dean and Debra Rainey
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Learning about the latest industry products and services at the exhibit hall
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Our brave hypnotist volunteers
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Jake Gilbert, Jim Bledsoe, and Josh Gilbert
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Jake Gingerich
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Joan and Greg Muenks
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The Ladies Auxiliary enjoyed a little shopping on their “Saturday Adventure.”
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MLICA Ladies show their talent while making trivets.
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Some of the ladies on the Auxiliary Tour
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Matt Kujath and Andrea Johnson
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Matt Kujath demonstrates his hidden talents as an auctioneer.
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Debbie and Mike Beam
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Mike Folk, the hypnotist, Mona Bledsoe and Chris Brauer
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Nelson Wilson and Worthin Grattan
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Nelson Wilson, our newest Honorary Member
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National LICA President Bob Clark from Indiana LICA updates the membership.
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Stephanie and Larry LaFollette
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Terri Kile and Lin Reed