NAMIC Farm Mutual Forum | May 19-21, 2015 | Elkhart Lake, Wis.

Event Contact

Kristen Spriggs

Kristen Spriggs
Vice President - Member Development
317.876.4234

Stephanie Guagliardo

Stephanie Guagliardo
Sr. Meeting Coordinator
317.875.5250

General Information


New Name, Renewed Purpose.
The Farm Mutual Forum, formerly known as Leadership Forum, is a gathering place for farm mutual industry professionals to connect, engage, and advance. From the flash forum of state associations to the carefully designed Professional Farm Mutual Manager (PFMM) courses, the Farm Mutual Forum is where attendees can find networking opportunities and educational sessions that encompass the aspects of running and working with farm mutual companies. At Farm Mutual Forum – managers, directors, board members, state association leaders, service partners, and the up-and-coming – leaders of the industry can benefit from the technical and strategic education offered.

“The Farm Mutual Forum was jam-packed with many takeaway ideas and usable materials. It is hard to decide which to implement first.”

-Leslie Tintzman
Secretary/Treasurer/Manager, Bitterroot Farm Mutual Insurance

This event is intended for:


A gathering place for all farm mutual professionals, education and networking opportunities will be specifically targeted for:

  • Company Manager – the chief staff member or executive of the farm mutual insurance companies

  • Next Generation Leader – employees of farm mutual insurance companies who may or may not currently be in a management position; responsibilities are typically focused on one specific function for the company such as claims or underwriting

  • Directors – board members of farm mutual insurance companies

  • State Association Leaders – individuals who represent the state/provincial associations; individuals may be employed by the state association or may be in a volunteer leadership position, often working for an insurance company

Leadership Development Planning Committee


Chairman
Amy Johnson, PFMM
Manager
Steele Traill County Mutual Insurance Company

Immediate Past Chairman
Bob Abens, PFMM
Secretary/Manager
Humboldt Mutual Insurance Association

Vice Chairman
Jim Wellman
Manager/Secretary/Treasurer
German Farmers Mutual Insurance Company

Jared Carlson
Vice President
Heartland Mutual Insurance Association

Brian Dettmer
Company Manager
German Mutual Insurance Company of Indiana

Randy Druvenga, PFMM
President
First Maxfield Mutual Insurance Association

John Dunn
Director of Business Development
Priority Data

Vicki Hongerholt, PFMM
Assistant Manager
Mound Prairie Mutual Insurance Company

Rob Martin
Reinsurance Underwriter
Farmers Mutual Hail Insurance Company

Wes St.Clair
Senior Manager Information Systems
IMT Group

Susan Taggart, PFMM
Company Manager
Remington Farmers Mutual Insurance Company

FMC Board Liaison
Justin Lear, PFMM
CEO
Farmers Mutual Insurance Company

Staff Liason
Amanda Byrd
Meeting Planner
NAMIC

Staff Liason
Kristen L. Spriggs
Vice President – Member Development
NAMIC

Forum Registration Fees


Registrations recieved on or before Saturday, March 21, 2015 are applicable to receive the early bird discount.

 

On or before March 21, 2015

On or after March 22, 2015

PFMM*

$540

$540

Member

$575

$675

Nonmember

$775

$895

Sponsor

$575

$675

State Association Executive

$540

$540

Full-Day FMDC @ Farm Mutual Forum**

$150

$150

Half-Day FMDC @ Farm Mutual Forum***

$99

$99

Guest****

$100

$100

Guest including Cooking School*****

$225

$225

*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.

**FMDC Courses: Half Day – this includes three hours of FMDC coursework and refreshments. This option does not include lunch.

***FMDC Courses: Full day – this includes up to five hours of FMDC coursework, lunch, and refreshments.

****Guest - Includes Reception on Tuesday, May 19, 2015 and Breakfast on Wednesday, May 20, 2015.

*****Guest including Cooking School – includes Reception on Tuesday, May 19, 2015 and Breakfast on Wednesday, May 20, 2015. Also includes participation in a group cooking class at the resort.

First Time Attendees


We want to know if this is your first time to participate in the NAMIC Farm Mutual Forum. 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!

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.

Registration Cancellations


All registration cancellations and transfers MUST be made in writing. Cancellations received on or before April 17, 2015 are 100 percent refundable. After April 17, 2015, 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 April 28, 2015, so please plan accordingly. Please note: Optional Dinners/Activities follow the NAMIC Cancellation Policy. 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.

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.

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.

What to Wear


The suggested dress code for this meeting is business casual.

Agenda


At Farm Mutual Forum, attendees have the opportunity to participate in educational sessions that are part of NAMIC’s two certification programs: Professional Farm Mutual Manager (PFMM) and Farm Mutual Director Certification (FMDC). Both certifications have credit hour/module requirements in order to become certified as well as maintenance requirements. NAMIC is the only provider of PFMM education, whereas FMDC education is offered at the state/regional level as well.

The agenda is created with these four specific features in mind:

  • Offer courses strategically designed to develop and educate the leaders and up-and-coming leaders within the farm mutual industry

  • Serve as a gathering place for representatives of farm mutual companies and the vendors, suppliers, and state associations that support them

  • Create a unique schedule of educational sessions, small group discussions, and networking events to provide resources to drive personal and company success

  • Connect attendees to peers, industry leaders, and service partners who can help them grow

“As a first time attendee I was very pleased with the learning environment and look forward to attending NAMIC events in the future.”

-Chad Schuettpelz
Claims Manager, Maple Valley Mutual Insurance Company

Subject to change without notice.

If you are working to earn your PFMM designation, it is required to attend all sessions marked as PFMM required. Please see the agenda below for required sessions. If you already have your PFMM designation, or are not pursuing it, you are welcome to attend any of the concurrent sessions.

Tuesday, May 19

8:00 - 11:30 a.m.

Flash Forum (Invitation Only)
This is a gathering to bring together insurance industry trade association staff members to discuss issues of mutual concern and opportunities for impact. Please contact Lauren Holdcroft for more information.

9:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Registration

10:30 - 11:30 a.m.

Committee Update

11:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Sponsor Showcase
Open throughout the seminar to provide convenient access to service providers and industry solutions experts.

12:00 - 12:15 p.m.

Welcome and Introductions

Kristen L. Spriggs
Vice President – Member Development
NAMIC
Indianapolis, Ind.

Amy Johnson, PFMM
Manager
Steele Traill County Mutual Insurance Company
Finley, N.D.

12:15 – 1:15 p.m.

Keynote Address: The Five Key Components of Building a Communication Game Plan
Assets and liabilities are part of everyday language in the insurance industry. What are your assets and liabilities as a communicator? Your customers exist because of your communication with them, and they’d rather be delighted than disappointed! In this session, you’ll evaluate how you communicate and connect with customers and initiate a game plan to captivate clients and grow your company.

Lynne Breil, CSP
Founder
The Professional Edge, Inc.
York, Pa.

1:15 – 1:35 p.m.

Break

1:35 – 2:35 p.m.

Concurrent Sessions

  1. Management and Leadership Principles
    This session is required for those working to earn their PFMM designation.

    Steering Your Mutual Toward Success… Or Just Out for a Joy Ride?
    Navigating the road to success for your mutual can indeed be challenging. However, by developing and following a written “roadmap”, which you plan in advance, you can more easily identify important points of reference and the direction you need to take. Your strategic plan can allow you to skillfully navigate the curves and winds of change and avoid many hidden potholes of financial setbacks.
    Join Jack for an insightful, interactive session where he will provide you with practical insights, tips, tools, and strategies you can use in developing an effective strategic plan for your mutual.

    Jack C. Randall, CIC, PCLA, PFMM
    Executive Vice President and Senior Consultant
    Randall Resources International
    Cameron, Mo.

  2. Developing an Online Marketing Plan that Works
    This session qualifies for 1.0 CPE credit in Marketing.
    In this session, learn how to create an online marketing plan that aligns with your company's business goals, has a clearly defined audience and calls to action, and sets benchmarks for defining success.

    Daniel McCue
    Online Marketing Specialist – Social Media
    Grinnell Mutual Reinsurance Company
    Grinnell, Iowa

  3. Roundtable: Office Workflow

    Discussion Leader: Wes St. Clair
    Director of Software Services
    The IMT Group
    West Des Moines, Iowa

2:35 - 2:55 p.m.

Break

2:55 – 3:55 p.m.

Concurrent Sessions

  1. Management and Leadership Principles (continued)

  2. Effective Usage of NAMIC’s Mutual Brand Campaign
    In this session, participants will learn about the need and value of an effective advertising campaign. Information from the extensive consumer research that lead to the development of the Mutual Brand program will be shared as well. The presentation will include a review of the resources available to licensed users of the Mutual Brand program. The session will conclude with a demonstration of the brand-on-demand website.

    Terry Suttner
    Vice President – Membership
    NAMIC
    Indianapolis, Ind.

  3. Roundtable: Board Dynamics and Director Orientation

    Discussion Leader: Kristen L. Spriggs
    Vice President – Member Development
    NAMIC
    Indianapolis, Ind.

3:55 - 4:15 p.m.

Break

4:15 – 5:15 p.m.

Concurrent Sessions

  1. Management and Leadership Principles (continued)

  2. Finding and Retaining Talent in Small Communities
    This session qualifies for 1.0 CPE credit in Personnel/HR.

    Maury Hennessy, SCLA, CSAM
    Executive Recruiter
    The Carlisle Group

  3. Roundtable: Developing Leaders

    Lynne Breil, CSP
    Founder
    The Professional Edge, Inc.
    York, Pa.

5:30 - 6:30 p.m.

Networking Reception

Wednesday, May 20

7:00 – 8:00 a.m.

Continental Breakfast

7:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Registration

7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Sponsor Showcase

8:00 – 9:00 a.m.

Concurrent Sessions

  1. Human Resources and Personnel Management
    This session is required for those working to earn their PFMM designation.
    This session qualifies for 3.0 CPE credits in Personnel/HR.

    In this session attendees will learn the importance of having a basic set of human resource operational guidelines for small business. This workshop type session will provide high-energy lecture, small-group exercises, and large-group conversation to ground the topic in an effective way.

    Tom Meier
    Senior Leadership Consultant
    Equis Consulting
    Indianapolis, Ind.

  2. Board Reporting: To Go to the Board or Not Go to the Board - That is the Question
    This session will focus on the Role of the Board of Directors v. the Role of Management with a focus on the types of decisions that need to go to the Board of Directors for approval. It will include a refresher on the basic principles of corporate governance and how the Board of Directors and Management work together in a company and the authority and accountability of each group.

    Kevin M. Kinross
    Partner
    Bricker & Eckler LLP
    Columbus, Ohio

  3. Roundtable: Social Media

    Discussion Leader: James W. Northard
    Director of Web Services
    NAMIC
    Indianapolis, Ind.

9:00 – 9:20 a.m.

Break

9:20 – 10:20 a.m.

Concurrent Sessions

  1. Human Resources and Personnel Management (continued)

  2. Technology Needs for the Board

    John Dunn
    Director of Business Development
    Priority Data
    Omaha, Neb.

    James W. Northard
    Director of Web Services
    NAMIC Web Services
    Indianapolis, Ind.

    Wes St. Clair, CPCU, AINS, API, AIT
    Director of Software Services
    IMT Computer Services
    West Des Moines, Iowa

  3. Cooking School Featuring Teamwork Lessons

10:20 – 10:40 a.m.

Break

10:40 – 11:40 a.m.

Concurrent Sessions

  1. Human Resources and Personnel Management (continued)

  2. Catastrophe Modeling Impact to Reinsurance
    Severe thunderstorms are difficult to forecast, even on a daily basis. Even more difficult is the task given to catastrophe modeling firms to estimate losses from tornadoes, wind and hail. Steve Drews, Associate Director and Lead Meteorologist of Aon Benfield Impact Forecasting, will describe the severe thunderstorm peril, show what data is being used to develop models, and talk about some tools that are being utilized to allow insurers to better manage this peril.

    Steve Drews
    Associate Director & Lead Meteorologist
    Aon Benfield
    Chicago, Ill.

  3. Cooking School (continued)

11:40 a.m. – 12:40 p.m.

Lunch Buffet

12:40 – 1:40 p.m.

Concurrent Sessions

  1. Agency Relations
    This session is required for those working to earn their PFMM designation.
    This session will focus on developing and maintaining a positive working relationship between the company and the agency force. Attendees will discuss key issues that will assist in keeping the lines of communication open. Also to be discussed is how using contracts, products, technology, and team learning can benefit everyone involved in the company-agent relationship.

  2. Developing a Business Plan
    Learn some practical steps for setting direction and keeping your business on course over time. More than just financial goals, we’ll discuss a “holistic” approach to planning across all of the dimensions of your business that makes sense and is easy to understand and implement.

    Mike Ulmer, MBA
    Vice President – Business Development
    NAMIC
    Indianapolis, Ind.

  3. FMDC Course: Board Meeting Procedures

    Kevin M. Kinross
    Partner
    Bricker & Eckler LLP
    Columbus, Ohio

1:40 – 2:00 p.m.

Break

2:00 – 3:00 p.m.

Concurrent Sessions

  1. Agency Relations (continued)

  2. Structuring Staff and Workflows: Who Are They and What Are They Doing Here?
    Everyone today is straining to find and maintain a competitive advantage in their marketplace. The reality is that your competitive advantage resides somewhere in your people. Are your people achieving all that they can? Just as importantly, do you have the right people in your organization? Too often leaders seem to be merely guessing at the answers to these questions. This session will provide attendees with a more tangible process for getting the right people “on the bus” and helping them become everything their talents will allow them to be.

    Matthew R. Heemstra, CPA, AMSF+
    Cain Ellsworth & Company
    Sheldon, Iowa

  3. FMDC Course: Understanding & Analyzing Financial Statements

    David L. Lehman
    President & CEO
    Mennonite Mutual Insurance Company
    Orrville, Ohio

3:00 - 3:20 p.m.

Break

3:20 – 4:20 p.m.

Concurrent Sessions

  1. Agency Relations (continued)

  2. Prepping for a Catastrophic Loss and Testing the Plan

    Randall Druvenga, PFMM
    President
    First Maxfield Mutual Insurance Association
    Denver, Iowa

    John Paul, PFMM
    President
    Western Iowa Mutual Insurance Association
    Council Bluffs, Iowa

  3. FMDC Course: Mergers/Consolidations – Financial Implications
    This session qualifies for 1.0 CPE credit in Finance.

    David L. Lehman
    President & CEO
    Mennonite Mutual Insurance Company
    Orrville, Ohio

5:30 - 8:30 p.m.

Optional NAMIC PAC Activity

Thursday, May 21

7:00 – 8:00 a.m.

Continental Breakfast

7:00 – 11:40 a.m.

Registration

8:00 – 9:00 a.m.

Concurrent Sessions

  1. Marketing for Results
    This session is required for those working to earn their PFMM designation.
    Establish a company image and leverage your brand and image with customers. Karl Newman will help you learn strategies for developing a mission statement, marketing and advertising your product to your target audience and the importance of retention of customers in your marketing plan.

    Karl Newman
    CEO
    Envision Leadership, LLC
    Tacoma, Wash.

  2. Agent Compensation Trending & Methodology

    Kurt Eaves, CPCU, ARMM
    Vice President of Direct Underwriting & Production
    Grinnell Mutual Reinsurance Company
    Grinnell, Iowa

  3. Cooking School Featuring Leadership Lessons

9:00 – 9:20 a.m.

Break

9:20 – 10:20 a.m.

Concurrent Sessions

  1. Marketing for Results (continued)

  2. Agent Technology Wish List
    This session will provide attendees a broad range of technology tools that agencies would like to see available from their representing carriers. Also to be discussed is emerging tech enhancements that should be considered by carriers based on agency demand as well as an honest look forward as to what may be around the corner for efficiency in the agency.

    Larry Johnson, CPCU, AIC, AIM, AAI, AIS
    Vice President – Agency & Support Services
    North Star Mutual
    Cottonwood, Minn.

  3. Cooking School (continued)

10:20 – 10:40 a.m.

Break

10:40 – 11:40 a.m.

Closing Power Session: Pinnacle Leadership
This session is required for those working to earn their PFMM designation.
This session qualifies for 1.0 CPE credit in Personal Development.

Learn to lead yourself and your team more effectively by learning the Power of Modeling the Way, Demonstrating a Passion for Excellence, and Inspiring Yourself and Others. Karl Newman will help you learn practical ways to grow through the 5 Levels of Leadership: Position, Permission, Production, People-Development, and Pinnacle Leadership.

Karl Newman
CEO
Envision Leadership, LLC
Tacoma, Wash.

11:40 a.m.

Meeting Adjourns

CPE Information for Farm Mutual Forum


Prerequisites:
There are no prerequisites for this convention.

Advance Preparation:
There is no advance preparation required for this convention.

Delivery Method:
This convention will be conducted in a Group-Live Setting

Farm Mutual Forum has been certified for a total of 7 CPE credits in the fields of Finance, Personnel/HR, Marketing and Personal Development

Program Level:
This program level is an overview.

NAMIC is registered with the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) as a sponsor of continuing professional education on the National Registry of CPE sponsors. State boards of accountancy have final authority on the acceptance of individual courses for CPE credit. Complaints regarding registered sponsors may be submitted to the National Registry of CPE Sponsors through its website: www.learningmarket.org.For more information regarding administrative policies such as refunds, cancellations and complaints, please contact NAMIC at 800-336-2642.

Session Proposals


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

Where to Stay


The Osthoff Resort

The Osthoff Resort
101 Osthoff Avenue
Elkhart Lake, WI 53020-0151
(800) 876-3399

Hotel Overview


Voted one of Travel + Leisure’s 2013 World’s Best Resort in the Continental U.S., The Osthoff Resort opened its doors in 1995 and quickly established itself among the top echelon of luxurious properties receiving the AAA Four Diamond Award. Osthoff Resort offers 245 spacious suites, each featuring a kitchen, dining and living room, TV, fireplace and private balcony.

Other resort amenities include a cooking school, indoor and outdoor pools, saunas and whirlpools, fitness centers, and game room. Rent a bike, kayak, canoe, hydro-bike or sailboat for hours of fun. Beachfront volleyball, basketball, tennis or nearby golf offers even more recreation.

Event Hotel Rate and Cut Off Date


Rate: Each standard room is $139 per night based on single/double occupancy. Two bedroom suites are available for $159 per night.

Farm Mutual Forum attendees are responsible for making their own travel and hotel arrangements. NAMIC has contracted a room block for attendees at the Osthoff Resort. A set number of rooms are available at the group rate until April 25, 2015 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 a reservation, call the hotel directly at (800) 876-3399 and be sure to mention you are attending the NAMIC Farm Mutual Forum when making your reservation.

Please contact Julie Motyka if you encounter any problems with making hotel reservations.

 

 

 

 

Travel Information


Getting to the Osthoff Resort

Located within three hours of five major airports, the Osthoff Resort is convenient for all travelers.

For customized driving directions, please click here or visit your preferred mapping website.

Airport Information

The closest major airport to Elkhart Lake is General Mitchell International Airport (MKE), located in Milwaukee which is 68 miles from the Osthoff Resort. It is the largest airport in Wisconsin with nonstop or direct service to approximately 90 cities.

Airlines serving General Mitchell International Airport include:

Austin Straubel International Airport (GRB) is the third largest airport in Wisconsin and is located in Green Bay. General Mitchell International Airport, Austin Straubel International Airport and Outagamie County Regional Airport (ATW) in Appleton are all approximately one hour from Elkhart Lake. Attendees interested in flying into Madison can do so at the Dane County Regional Airport (MSN), which is a two hour drive to the Osthoff Resort. Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport (ORD) provides flights to and from nearly every destination in the world. Attendees flying into O’Hare are approximately three hours from Elkhart Lake.

Ground Transportation from Milwaukee

Shuttle service is available through GoRiteway. The cost is approximately $19 one way. The “shared ride” shuttle may make several stops at other destinations depending on the number of passengers. To schedule transportation with GoRiteway, please click here.

Parking

Complimentary self-parking is available at the Osthoff Resort.

Driving Directions

From General Mitchell International Airport (MKE)
Exit the airport onto I-43 N/I-94 W/U.S. 41 N.
Continue onto 1-43 N. Take WI-57 N to Kettle Moraine Scenic Dr/E Rhine St.
Turn left onto Kettle Moraine Scenic Dr/E Rhine St.
Take the 1st left onto Washington St.
Continue straight onto Osthoff Ave.

From Green Bay
Take I-43 South to Hwy 42
Turn onto Hwy 42 and follow into Howards Grove
Take Hwy A West into Elkhart Lake
Proceed straight at the four-way stop
Turn left onto Osthoff Ave.

From Appleton/Oshkosh
Take Hwy 41 to Hwy 10 East
Follow Hwy 10 East to Hwy 57 South
Follow Hwy 57 South to Kiel then Hwy 67 to Elkhart Lake
Turn right on Hwy A
Turn left on Osthoff Ave.

From Madison
Take Hwy 151 North to Hwy 23 East
Exit onto Hwy 23 East (Johnson St. Exit)
Follow Hwy 23 East to Hwy 67 North (right-hand exit)
Follow Hwy 67 North into Elkhart Lake
Turn left at the four-way stop onto Rhine Street
Turn left onto Osthoff Ave.

From Chicago
I-94 will turn into I-43 North just outside of Milwaukee
Continue on I-43 North out of Milwaukee
Veer left to Exit #97, which turns into Hwy 57 North to Plymouth
Turn left onto Hwy 23 West
Exit onto Hwy 67 North
Turn left onto Hwy 67 North
Follow Hwy 67 North into Elkhart Lake
Turn left at the four-way stop onto Rhine Street
Turn left onto Osthoff Ave.

Area Attractions


While visiting the Elkhart Lake, you will want to be sure to visit many of the area's local attractions. Please click here for more information.

Museums & Galleries

  • Wade House State Historic Site: A refurbished stagecoach inn dating from 1850 is the highlight of a historical complex that also features the Wesley Jung Carriage Museum and Herrling Sawmill. The site offers a glimpse of life in the area around the time of the first white settlers through tours, a theatre with wide screen presentations, and horse-drawn carriage rides through the grounds.
  • Kohler Design Center: A video presentation, art gallery, and museum provide a glimpse into the rich heritage of Kohler Co. and the Village of Kohler. The Design Center also features a collection of innovative Kohler Co. products, services, and resources that contribute to the gracious living ideal. More than 25 kitchen and bath exhibits showcase the talents of nationally-recognized designers and offer imaginative settings for decorating ideas.
  • Abler Art Glass Gallery: A contemporary gallery of creative concepts in glass with works by more than 60 artists.
  • Two Fish Gallery: This gallery, set in an Arts & Crafts bungalow and gardens, features art and crafts in all mediums by 50 regional and national artists.
  • John Michael Kohler Arts Center: JMKAC features fresh exhibitions of contemporary art in all mediums as well as an ongoing schedule of the performing arts.

Shopping

  • Village of Elkhart Lake: The Village of Elkhart Lake and the surrounding areas offer an interesting mix of eclectic shopping experiences. A haven for artisans, you'll find shops offering many one-of-a-kind gifts and artwork in a variety of mediums.
  • The Shops at Woodlake Kohler: Nestled at lake’s edge, The Shops at Woodlake Kohler has more than 20 specialty shops and boutiques featuring men's and women's apparel, toys, collectibles, restaurants, home furnishing and design stores, and a demonstration kitchen.

Other Attractions

  • Road America: Surrounded by the rolling hills of Wisconsin’s Kettle Moraine lies Road America, a four-mile road course considered by the motorsports community as not only the best in the United States, but also one of the world’s premier circuits. No longer just a summer destination, Elkhart Lake’s Road America is a year-round venue with unique activities for groups of all sizes. In its 59 years of experience, Road America has put the State of Wisconsin and the Midwest on the map, and grown into a premiere destination for families and fans of all ages. Continually raising the state’s profile nationwide in the promotion of tourism and the betterment of motorsports and quality entertainment, Road America now cultivates worldwide acclaim and is affectionately known as America’s National Park of Speed.
  • Victorian Village Theater: Year-round entertainment in 100-year-old theater includes musicals, dinner theatres, and internationally famous musicians. Call for a schedule or visit online.

Resort Attractions

  • Beach: The Osthoff Resort offers the finest lakeshore setting in southeastern Wisconsin with 500 ft. of sand beach on beautiful Elkhart Lake. Formed by retreating glaciers, Elkhart Lake has a natural sand bottom that keeps our water clear year-round. Our lakefront features picnic areas complete with watersports, grills, bonfire area, a playground, volleyball courts, and a concession stand.
  • Aspira Spa: The resort’s on-site space offers a complete range of treatments to soothe the mind, body, and soul at the end of the day. Private spa suites are designed to complement nature, taking in the tranquility, beauty and energy of the lake.
  • Outdoor Sports An on-site tennis court and outdoor basketball area is available for the use of the Osthoff Resort guests. Also, two outdoor volleyball courts are located on the lakefront
  • L’ecole de la Maison: Whether you love to cook and want to enhance your culinary skills, or you just enjoy learning about French Cuisine and other great food, L'ecole de la Maison is a great environment to develop your passion. The courses are faithful to traditional recipes, yet geared to you and your kitchen. You'll find our chef instructors welcoming and helpful and the custom kitchen a joy to learn in.

Sponsorship Opportunities


Interested in reaching influential farm mutual insurance executives and managers? 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 Farm Mutual Forum, contact Aaron Lifford, Sponsorship and Advertising Specialist at (800) 336-2642, ext. 1055 or at alifford@namic.org. If you would like to learn more about NAMIC's sponsorship and advertising program, please click here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions


“The Farm Mutual Forum is great investment of one's time.”

-Randy Druvenga
President, First Maxfield Mutual Insurance Company

What is the suggested attire for business and social gatherings?
Conference Sessions – Business casual
Social Gatherings – Business casual

Do I have to be a Profession Farm Mutual Manager (PFMM) to attend this seminar?
You do not have to be a PFMM to attend this seminar. However a majority of attendees have either earned their PFMM designation or are working toward earning the designation. If you are interested in the topics that are being presented at this seminar and have not enrolled to be a PFMM, you can download the application here, There is a one-time $50 fee associated with the application. Please click here to learn more about the PFMM designation or you may email pfmm@namic.org with questions.

If I already have my PFMM designation, do I have to go to the PFMM sessions?
If you are attending the Farm Mutual for PFMM maintenance, you are welcome to attend any of the concurrent sessions.

Do I have to attend the same type of session during every time slot?
No you do not. The only sessions that are required are the PFMM courses for those who are working towards their PFMM designation. There does not have to be consistency in the types of sessions you choose to attend. We encourage you to attend courses that you will find most beneficial.

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 Osthoff Resort to make a room reservation. NAMIC has contracted a room block for attendees at the Osthoff Resort. A set number of rooms are available at the group rate until April 25, 2015 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. Refer to the NAMIC Farm Mutual Forum group rate when making your reservation at the hotel.

What is the weather like this time of the year in Elkhart Lake?
In May, the average daytime high is 66 F with average evening lows of 45 F.

How do I obtain an advance copy of the registration list?
In an effort to provide our sponsors, speakers, and attendees the best level of service, we will send an electronic list of current registrants for events to the attendee or to the e-mail listed as the main contact as follows:
Attendees: At least 7 days in advance of the event with the pre-conference communication.
Sponsors: 60 days, 30 and 15 days in advance of the event, once payment has been received.
Speakers: 60 days, and 30 days in advance of the event.

If you have any questions regarding this policy, e-mail abyrd@namic.org or call (800) 336-2642 ext. 1082.