The Inn on the Lake Superior was the site of the 31st Annual NAFBAS Conference. The motel which was located in Duluth's historic Canal Park area offered attendees the chance to view the Duluth-Superior harbor and the incoming and outgoing of huge ships along with a commentary of information on those ships.

Topics included:

1) Advanced Tax Strategies by Andy Biebl of Biebl, Ranweiler and Associates, CPA Accounting firm. Tax strategies for individuals, partnerships and corporations. How to structure today’s farm businesses, how to transfer to the next generation, how to minimize tax consequences. Andy will deal with complex issues that our family farm operations face.

2) Multi-family Farm Businesses-“How Relationships Can Interfere with Good Business Decisions” by Dr. Val Farmer, Psychologist, a counselor of farm families around marriage problems, family farming operations, and farm stress.

3) Special topics from the FINPACK people at the Center For Farm Financial Management of the University of Minnesota.

4) Discussions with the American Society of Farm Managers and Appraisers and the Farm and Ranch Education Association.

Spouse and children’s Activities:

1) 4.2 miles of Lakewalk along thee magnificent shore of Lake Superior. Walk, jog, bike it or scoot down the walk to the 1859 Fitger’s Brewery shops and Museum. The Lakewalk is right outside your doorstep from The Inn on Lake Superior.

2) 15 of the best restaurants across the street or within walking distance from your hotel including Red Lobster, TimberLodge Steakhouse, Grandma’s Saloon and Grill, Old Chicago Pizza, Bellisio’s Italian Restaurant, Tradewinds, and Burger King to name a few.

3) Shops galore right across the street for gifts, antiques, art galleries, bookstores, candy shops (The Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory and others), and a casino in downtown Duluth

4) An organized tour of the 39 room Jacobean style Congdon Mansion called “Glensheen” --- on the beautiful shores of Lake Superior. Built in 1905-1908 by the wealthy Congdon family, the furnishings are the original, the grounds are breathtaking, and there is a 1977 murder mystery that took place at the mansion—the weapon used?---- a candlestick holder. You will love this tour, but keep your back to a corner.

5) Carriage Service- Take a horse drawn ride of Canal Park’s many sights and attractions.

Family Fun:

The NAFBAS group will be guests on the VISTA FLEET for a harbor cruise with pizza and ice cream and live entertainment.

For the Kids:

1) 4.2 mile of hard surface Lakewalk along Lake Superior. Your hotel provides complimentary bike, trikes, and wagons for your children’s use on the Lakewalk. Bring your skateboards or roller blades

2) Museums and other activities: To name a few within walking distance, Lake Superior Maritime Visitors Center, SS Wm. A. Ervin Ore Boat Museum, Duluth Omnimax Theatre, (New) Great Lakes Aquarium, and the Lake Superior Railroad Museum.

3) Bananaz Family Entertainment Complex: A block from your hotel. This place is loaded with everything a family may want to do inside four walls.

4) Watch some of the largest ships in the world pass through the canal harbor – right next to your hotel.

5) At the hotel each day:

7:00 – 8:00 p.m. Story time on the lakefront.

8:00 – 10:00 p.m. Complimentary “Smore’s on the Lake front.