The North Central Chapter is excited to welcome you to Minneapolis as it hosts this year’s 72nd Annual Convention & Tax Seminar. We are also host to the Electric Co-op Annual Chapter’s Finance, Accounting and Tax Seminar which is holding their chapter meeting in conjunction with the national convention.

The Marriott City Center in downtown Minneapolis is the convention hotel where all sessions will be held. Should the need arise, there is a small block of rooms being held at the flagship Radisson Hotel, directly across the street.

There are some changes in the air.  In years past, the Past Presidents Dinner was held on Sunday evening.  We will not be holding a dinner this year, but have opted for a Hospitality room for everyone to be open nearby the Registration Desk on Sunday afternoon from 4:30p.m. – 8:30p.m. for your convenience.  Stop by for a pop or beer and some snacks.  We may even have ice cream for the children (even those young at heart).  Several North Central Chapter Host Committee members will be in the room to meet and greet you. The Electric Co-op Chapter will have its own Welcome Reception at the hotel from 5:30p.m.-7:30p.m. Sunday evening.  It is sponsored by CFC.

On Monday night, everyone gathers for the Opening Night Gala (formerly called the President’s Reception) where we will have a sit-down dinner beginning at 6:00p.m. and entertainment provided by mentalist Christopher Carter following.

An addition to this year’s activities is the Tuesday night networking opportunity at Brit’s Pub.  This is an optional event, but attendees have mentioned in the past that they would like more networking time.  Stop by the Pub’s veranda for a drink and some appetizers before joining up with friends or family for dinner.
 
We have a full program on these two and half days.  We are excited you’re coming to town and wish to extend to you a warm and hospitable Minneapolis welcome!  So please join us “Under the North Star – Shining on Opportunity.”

Paul Julin
2007 Host Chair
North Central Chapter

 HOTEL

GETTING THERE / UPON ARRIVAL

Minneapolis Local Ground Transportation and Airport Information

Area Airport – Minneapolis-St. Paul (MSP) 612-726-5500
                       Hotel Direction:  8 mi NW
                       Driving Directions:  Take I-494W to 35W North.  Follow Downtown exit sign, follow 5th Avenue
                       three block to 7th Street, turn left on 7th.  Hotel is 5 ½ blocks on right.

Parking –       On-site parking fee:  $18 USD hourly, $18 USD daily
                      Valet parking fee: $25 USD daily
                      The front desk sells discount parking vouchers, special weekend and hourly rates for self off-site
                      parking

Taxi Fare – Estimated taxi fare: $25 USD (one way)

Train Station – Metro Transit Light Rail Trail (.1 mi north of hotel)

Map of Downtown Minneapolis and Hotel location.  “M” marks the spot of the hotel.

SCHEDULE AND PROGRAM

The complete schedule and program features will be posted by the end of March.

Continuing Professional Education (CPE) Credits
Following the guidelines specified in individual state regulations, up to 22.5 hours of continuing professional education credits will be available from the pre-conference session, tax seminar, convention sessions and Electric Co-op Chapter sessions. The National Society of Accountants for Cooperatives 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 addressed to the National Registry of CPE Sponsors, 150 Fourth Avenue North, Nashville, TN, 37219-2417. Telephone: 615.880.4200. Web site: www.nasba.org. Upon course and evaluation completion, participants attending the 2007 National Conference, desiring CPE credit will earn up to 22.5 hours. The seminar and convention does not require advance preparation or prerequisites.

SPONSORS

On behalf of the 2007 NSAC Convention Fund-Raising Team, we are continuing to look for sponsors.  As you are aware, the National Society of Accountants for Cooperatives (NSAC) is a volunteer organization that supports a wide array of professionals across the United States. These professionals are employed in industries such as finance, insurance, agriculture, hardware, accounting, auditing, computer services, distribution, and rural utilities, just to name a few.

NSAC is asking for organizations to again assist us with financial support in continuing to provide the high level of quality educational programs at its convention. The annual meeting is an excellent venue for suppliers, vendors and consultants to be recognized in the cooperative arena and show support.

All sponsors will receive recognition on their behalf at the convention, in the event’s formal published program, as well as special signage at the respective function and through announcements made during the convention from various organizers. NSAC hopes to be able to recognize your organization.

NSAC has developed a sponsorship list (click here) designed to accommodate all industry suppliers.   Your company will receive national publicity and exposure, with the level of participation you desire. NSAC welcomes sponsorship and contribution budgets of all sizes and will work with companies and individuals to customize sponsorships to ensure maximum exposure and advertising opportunities.

NSAC would like to receive sponsorship commitments no later than April 30, 2007 to ensure proper promotion and recognition. Please send your sponsorship contribution acknowledgement to the NSAC National Office. If you have questions don’t hesitate to contact the NSAC office at 937-222-6707.

GOLF OUTING
Sunday August 5, 1:00p.m. – 6:00p.m.    
Price: $110 per player

The Wilds premier golf club offers impeccable service, breathtaking views and outstanding attention to detail.   They pride themselves on catering to the needs  of their clients, making The Wilds the perfect location for our golf outing.  They are an upscale public facility located in Prior Lake, Minnesota.  Designed by Tom Weiskopf and Jay Moorish, The Wilds offers a natural setting and an abundance of wildlife just a short drive from the twin cities.   They are ranked 56th in the country by Golf Magazine for courses you can play and currently ranked a 4 ½ Star course by Golf Digest . 

As an upscale golf facility,  they provide their customers with an event they will be proud to host and exceptional complimentary event management.   They want every participant to have a great experience at The Wilds.   Making our event a success is The Wilds priority.




STILLWATER…BIRTHPLACE OF MINNESOTA
Monday, August 6, 10:00 AM Depart the Minneapolis Marriott City Center
30 South Seventh Street, Minneapolis with uniformed metro Connections tour guide via deluxe minicoach transportation.

A trip to Stillwater is a trip to Minnesota’s yesteryear. Located on the sparkling blue St. Croix River, Stillwater lays claim to being Minnesota’s oldest town, and it was the birthplace of the Minnesota Territory in 1849. Stillwater is steeped in history and beautiful natural surroundings. It’s close enough to the Twin Cities to be practical, yet far enough away to feel like country living.

Our tour guide will provide a riding tour of this enchanting old rivertown and take us behind the scenes of history. Anecdotes and incidents from bygone years will illuminate the lives of immigrants and entrepreneurs as we view mansions built by wealthy lumber barons, beautiful old churches on the “Street of Spires,” landmarks on the National Register of Historic Places, and the beautiful St. Croix River.

Next, we’ll enjoy the sights along the scenic St. Croix River as we board a replica of an 1890’s paddlewheel riverboat, “The Andiamo.” A delicious buffet lunch will also be served on board.

There will be time after lunch to enjoy the variety and quality shopping on Stillwater’s historic streets. Boutiques, specialty shops, antiques and art galleries offer abundance for the discriminating shopper. On your strolling shopping experience, discover original works of art, jewelry, pottery, eclectic gifts/crafts, books, gourmet utensils, clothing, home furnishings and wine.
 
4:00 PM Tour concludes at the Minneapolis Marriott City Center
Tour Length: 6 Hours
Price: $69.00 per person
20 person minimum
Includes: Deluxe minicoach transportation, metroConnections tour guide, riding tour of Stillwater, riverboat cruise and buffet lunch, and time to explore Stillwater on own.

TWIN CITIES HIGHLIGHTS TOUR
Tuesday, August 7, 9:00 AM Depart the Minneapolis Marriott City Center
30 South Seventh Street with uniformed metroConnections tour guide via deluxe minicoach transportation.

We’ll experience a sampling of just what it is that makes the Twin Cities so “fantastic.” Our tour of the area includes both downtowns of St. Paul and Minneapolis. While in Minneapolis, we’ll experience the famous Nicollet Mall, skyway network of downtown Minneapolis and the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden.

We’ll continue our journey and make our way through the Kenwood residential area to see the television home of Mary Tyler Moore, and around sparkling lakes and lagoons on our way to the legendary Minnehaha Falls, where we’ll make a short stop. We’ll follow the Mississippi River past Fort Snelling. While in St. Paul, our guide will provide commentary on Rice Park, the Ordway Music Hall, the State Capitol and Landmark Center. We’ll drive along stately Summit Avenue (the longest stretch of restored Victorian homes in the country!) to see the Governor’s Mansion and the home and haunts of F. Scott Fitzgerald and many mansions once owned by wealthy lumber and railroad barons.

Lunch stop will be made at Café Minnesota.  Also included in the tour is the University of Minnesota and St. Anthony Falls area —    the birthplace of Minneapolis.   Stops (Sculpture Garden, St. Paul Cathedral, City Hall, etc.) will be made along the route as time, interest and weather allow.

1:30 PM Tour concludes at the Minneapolis Marriott City Center
Tour Length: 4.5 Hours
Price: $45.00 per person
20 person minimum
Includes: Deluxe minicoach transportation, metroConnections uniformed tour guide, three hour tour, tour guide gratuity, lunch voucher, all applicable taxes and meal gratuities.

VALLEYFAIR FAMILY AMUSEMENT PARK
Tuesday, August 7, 9:30 AM Depart the Minneapolis Marriott City Center
30 South Seventh Street, Minneapolis via deluxe minicoach with driver

New in 2006 is Xtreme Swing – a 100-foot air launched thrill ride. Extreme Swing will take riders up to 125 feet in the air, while reaching speeds of 60 miles per hour! For coaster lovers, there are six thrilling roller coasters that will get your heart pumping including Wild Thing, with its intense 200-foot drop and Steel Venom’s 450 degree spiraling corkscrew. Be sure to check out the classic wooden coaster, High Roller. If wild isn’t your style, check out the milder collection of thrills including the classic Carousel, Flying Trapeze, Antique Autos and much more.

For an exciting adventure where the entire family can play together, visit KidWorks featuring the Foam Ball Factory and Rockin Tug.

Don’t forget to pack your beach towel and head over to Valleyfair’s Whitewater Country Waterpark. Whether you just want to get wet or get wet and wild, this water park has something, even for the big fish (Panic Falls Speed Slides, Hurricane Falls Raft Slide, Panic Falls Water Slides, Raging Rapids Whitewater Raft Ride and Ripple Rapids).  Great ways to cool off after
a hard day of playing or an all day treat. Just don’t forget your swimsuit!

Valleyfair also has numerous other indoor and outdoor attractions and entertainment, including the IMAX Theater.
  
3:30 PM Tour concludes at the Minneapolis Marriott City Center
Tour Length: 6 Hours
Price: $66.00 per person
$48.00 per person 3 years and older and LESS than 48” tall 20 person minimum
Includes: Deluxe minicoach with driver, Valleyfair admission, metroConnections uniformed on-site staff to assist with boarding and all applicable taxes.

CULTURAL EVENTS
For those of you interested in some cultural activities while in Minneapolis, check out the  following theatres:

The Orpheum, State & Pantages at www.hennepintheatredistrict.org.
The Guthrie at www.guthrietheater.org and
The Theatre de La Jeune Lune. www.jeunelune.org 

Also, you can access the website www.minneapolis.about.com, which has a lot of great information on Minneapolis things to do and see.

MINNESOTA TWINS BASEBALL
Looking for something to do with the family Sunday afternoon while in Minneapolis? Like hot dogs, crowds and fun? Then we have just the ticket! Baseball tickets that is. We have obtained 20 tickets to a Minnesota Twins game. These will be on a first-come, first-serve basis.

A limited number of $44 season tickets are available to our convention attendees and their families. These are premium seats located between home plate and first base. Rain or shine (Twins play in a dome). Go to www.twins.mlb.com to view a seating chart and to obtain additional Twins information. All tickets @ $30/piece (a $14 discount courtesy of the North Central Chapter).

Minnesota Twins vs. Cleveland Indians
Sunday, August 5, 2007
1:10 PM

Section 121, Row 15, Seats 11, 12, 13, 14

Section 123, Row 18, Seats 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7,-8

Section 123, Row 23, Seats 5, 6, 7, 8

Section 123, Row 24, Seats 5, 6, 7, 8

FEES

Early Bird On or Before 06/30/07 / After 07/01/07

* Includes 12 months of NSAC membership
** Spouse/Guest and Child Monday Only Registrations include continental breakfast and Opening Night Gala.
*** Spouse/Guest and Child Full Registrations include three continental breakfasts and Opening Night Gala.

REGISTRATION

Brochures with registration forms are scheduled to be mailed to all NSAC members in early May and can be accessed via this website. Non-NSAC members who wish to receive a printed piece should contact the NSAC office at the address below.

On-line registration

Registration
Your registration fee covers all sessions, course materials, refreshment breaks, continental breakfasts, lunches and reception/dinner on the days registered. Hotel accommodations and other meals are not included. Information about hotel reservations and arranging transportation appears elsewhere in the brochure that comes out later in the Spring.

Spouses, guests and children are encouraged to attend the variety of social activities. There are two types of registration fees for spouses, guests and/or children with one including Monday’s continental breakfast and gala and the other including three continental breakfasts and the gala.

Payment
All registrations must be accompanied by payment in the form of a check or credit card (Visa, MasterCard or American Express). Checks must be drawn in U.S. funds and made payable to NSAC. Registrations cannot be processed without full payment or a purchase order. The society’s Taxpayer ID number is 56-6045918.

Confirmation
Please make a copy of your conference registration for your own records before submitting it.  Upon submitting your registration, you will receive a notice that it has been sent to the National office.  Badges and materials will be available at the registration desk.

Cancellation Policy
Notification of cancellation must be submitted in writing to NSAC headquarters. Cancellations received by mail, fax or email by Friday, July 6, 2007, will be subject to a $25 cancellation charge. No refunds will be given after Friday, July 6, 2007.  Substitutions are allowed at any time, but must be submitted in writing and be for the same registration category.

Special Assistance
NSAC’s staff will be happy to assist you with any special needs. If you require special assistance, please notify NSAC in writing prior to Friday, July 6, 2007 or indicate assistance is needed on the registration form so that your needs can be properly accommodated.

Attire
Convention participants should wear casual business attire, defined as dress slacks or casual dress wear. No jeans, please. The reception dress is casual dress. Please be sure to bring a sweater or light jacket as meeting room temperatures tend to vary.

CONTACT US

NSAC NATIONAL OFFICE
136 South Keowee Street
Dayton, OH 45402
Phone: 937.222.6707
Fax: 937.222.5794
info@nsacoop.org