Showing strong growth over 2006, this year’s Mid-America Labor/Management Conference brought together more than 150 regional leaders in business, labor and government to learn and build relationships.
The 22-year-old conference featured workshops, networking opportunities and family recreation at the Lodge of the Four Seasons in Lake Ozark, Mo. July 4-6. Plans are underway for the 2007 conference; the tentative dates are July 1-3, check this blog for final dates and location information.
Astronaut Story Musgrave gave an inspired opening to the conference by recounting his role in the design, launch and eventual repair of the Hubbell Telescope. Musgrave, holder of seven advanced degrees including an M.D., demonstrated that his remarkable technical skills are matched with an ego less philosophy that inspires outstanding work from his co-workers as well as himself. Dramatic photos Musgrave took from space awed the audience that included both conference participants and their family members.
Workshops included a public sector track, changing workplace demographics, how to prevent and prepare for workplace violence, collective bargaining tips, changing the culture of organized construction, apprenticeships, alternative dispute resolution, arbitration training, health care, the future of pensions and others. Presenters included regional and national experts and practitioners. The Missouri Nurses Association provided free blood pressure and blood glucose checks.
The conference is put together by a volunteer planning committee led by Bob Stacks of the Kansas Department of Transportation. Sponsors included Brotherhood Bank, CISCO Systems, Hewlett-Packard, Illinois AFL-CIO, Integrated Solutions Group, Kansas Department of Transportation, Kansas United, Northeast Kansas Building & Construction Trades Council, the Heavy Constructors Association, United Teachers of Wichita and Westar Energy, Inc. Numerous other organizations provided assistance as well, including the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service, Ford Motor Co./United Auto Workers Local 249 and M & I Taft-Hartley Trust Services.
Conference participants came from throughout the Midwest, particularly Missouri, Kansas, Illinois, and Iowa.