It’s Time

MRF Rep Report

By the time you read this, the Heartland S.T.E.A.M. conference will be only weeks away! ABATE of Wisconsin is hosting this conference on March 26-27th, at the Sheraton in Brookfield.

The primary goal of the S.T.E.A.M. Conference is to make us all better, stronger, more motivated people who can then become better leaders for the biker community. By collaborating with the other S.T.E.A.M. states in the Heartland area, we all become better at what we do.

We have a spectacular line-up of guest speakers this year! Jiggs from South Dakota will be teaming up with Chubby to give our first-time attendees an overview of what to expect and to introduce all the S.T.E.A.M. states and learn what they have been up to. Mark Buckner, Executive Director of the Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) will be flying in from Colorado to discuss “Why We Fight”. Our very own Hardtail, who just happens to also be President of the MRF, will be giving us an update on what’s going on biker-related in DC, “How to Put the Right Person to the Task”, and he will also be teaming up with our own Steve Panten to share how we are so effective at grassroots lobbying. Jazz from Minnesota will be presenting one of my favorite sessions “Principles of Leadership”, Cathy Brush from Illinois will be offering tips on “Public Relations in a Changing World”, Jodi Right from Iowa has a new, very interesting session on “Unintended Consequences”, our own Seven will be teaching us how to “Bridge the Gap between SSMRO’s and Clubs”, and Ron Braaskma will let us learn how to be a better rider on the SMART Trainer and will be reviewing “The Three Rs of Responsibility”.

There are over 50 people signed up to help make the S.T.E.A.M. Conference a success. I can’t thank everyone enough for all the hard work you’ve already put in and will continue to do, until the last light is turned off and the check is written to support the MRF. Here’s a small list of some of the people that have been working hard behind the scenes to make all this possible. Stash has lots of fun planned for the Friday night fundraiser in the hospitality room. Krissy has been collecting donations for the bucket raffles and live auction, along with posting updates on Facebook. PeeWee, Dr. Vern, and Cheryl are gathering food and drinks to share with everyone in the Hospitality room. Betty, Doris, and Damon have been keeping all the sponsor and registration information current on our website, social media, and newsletter. Laurie Thompson has been keeping a fine handle on the financials and spreadsheets for the event. Mikey Mueller and Dawn will be overseeing the sale of ABATE and MRF products throughout the weekend. Tiger and Bob Tieberg have been out recruiting volunteers in the area and John has been helping us keep in contact with the other states to make sure everything runs smoothly.

And one more fun thing: we are going to be lightening things up with a comedian during the Saturday night banquet instead of a legislative guest speaker.

Don’t forget to follow our Facebook page “Heartland STEAM” for the most up-to-date information on the event.
Please reach out to me via email at MRFRep@ABATEWis.org or call or text 920-207-4679 with any questions about the Heartland S.T.E.A.M. Conference.

See you on the 26th!
And as always, stay vigilant, my friends!