Wisconsin Ag Connection - Mike Rowe, Gov. Walker to Speak at Dairy Strong Conference

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Mike Rowe, Gov. Walker to Speak at Dairy Strong Conference
Wisconsin Ag Connection - 01/08/2015

Calling it the state's next biggest dairy producer gathering to World Dairy Expo, the Dairy Business Association is kicking off it's inaugural 'Dairy Strong' conference at the Monona Terrace in Madison next week. The January 13-15 forum will include keynote speeches from CNN's Mike Rowe and Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker, among others.

DBA Director Tim Trotter says the new event takes the place of its annual business conference, which used to be held each December, but aims to be larger in scope.

"Wisconsin has always been the backbone of our nation's dairy industry and it's only fitting that this inaugural event take place in our great state," Trotter said. "The goal is to foster collaboration between producers and industry leaders, which may begin at the event but will continue throughout the year."

This week, the DBA confirmed that Mike Rowe, host of CNN's new series 'Somebody's Gotta Do It' as well as his previous hit show 'Dirty Jobs,' will serve as the keynote speaker on the opening night. Rowe is also the CEO of the mikeroweWORKS Foundation, which provides scholarships and other assistance to those looking to pursue a career in the skilled trades.

Ken Schmidt, former director of communications strategy for Harley-Davidson Co., will also address the convention, along with finance guru Bruce A. Scherr, chairman and CEO of Informa Economics, Inc.; and one of the most highly-decorated veterans in modern history, Rob O'Neill, a Navy SEAL who has served in more than 400 combat missions in four different theaters of conflict. Gov. Walker will speak on Wednesday.

In addition to a vibrant trade show, break-out sessions and panels will explore a vast array of topics, ranging from the future of American dairies to the business implications of social media.

For more information, visit www.dairystrong.org.

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