Thursday, April 26th

Dick Beardsley

So you think you've had some tough times at work or at home? Minnesota's most famous marathon runner will astound you with his life story of seemingly never-ending extreme obstacles and how he has overcome tragedy,heart break, and personal demons time and time again. His story is evidence of just how much can be endured no matter how long and arduous the race—and the value of what is learned along the way. Beardsley is a recipient of the Minnesota Meeting & Events Association's Best Speaker Award. Dick's comfortable style and inspiring message has endeared him to audiences all over the world.

Visit the Midtown Global Market - an internationally-themed public market featuring over 40 vendors of fresh and prepared foods, restaurants and a selection of arts and crafts representing the diverse communities of South Minneapolis. You'll have a chance to talk with vendors, and while you eat, learn of the efforts and economics of making healthful food more available in the city's neighborhoods.

Friday, April 27th

Joan Dye Gussow, MS, MEd,EdD, Professor Emerita, Teachers College, Columbia University, New York

A long-standing advocate for the environment and eating locally, Joan will take us through the history and her experiences with the local food movement. She will also share her suggestions for shifting the U.S. attitude toward locally produced foods.

Barbara Hartman, MS, RD, LD, Chief, Nutrition and Food, VA Hospitals Martinsville, Virginia and Jamie Harvie, Executive Director, Institute for a Sustainable Future Duluth, Minnesota

Funded, in part, by grant from the Hunger and Environmental Nutrition (HEN)DPG Jamie, through his work with ISF, has helped St. Luke's hospital in Duluth to add more sustainably produced foods to their menus and to consider environmental impact of their foodservice operations to make changes for the future. Barb, past Chair of HEN, is on the same journey at the VA hospitals in the state of Virginia. Bring your questions!

Mary Pat Raimondi, MS, RD, Principal, The Milestone Group

As chair of the ADA Legislative and Public Policy Committee, Mary Pat has become an expert on the Farm Bill 2007. Hear how the Farm Policy affects your nutrition practice. In addition, she will identify ways to get involved to achieve good policy decisions.

HEN member Lynn Mader has been working with the hotel chef to procure a sustainable, organic and local menu for Friday's luncheon. This will be a special treat for all in attendance.

Funded by grants and assistance from Organic Valley Dairy Cooperative, Health and Environmental Nutrition DPG and Minnesota Sustainable Farming Association

Through generous sponsorship from Organic Valley Dairy Cooperative, HEN, and the MN SFA we have the opportunity to tour a farm that is using sustainable practices. The farmers will discuss the basics of organic and sustainable farming and HEN and SFA members will be there to answer all of your questions. You MUST pre-register for this session and the tour will last the entire afternoon. Bus transportation is provided. Participants will arrive back at the Marriott at approximately 5 p.m.