Speakers
Our keynote speaker promises to entertain and enlighten. Dan Ariely, Duke professor and author of the best-selling book, Predictably Irrational, will join us for an interactive presentation on his remarkable work in the field of behavioral economics. He'll offer us some very useful insight into where human nature fails us in pricing and other negotiations and what we can do to counterbalance our own predictably irrational behavior.
"Moving comfortably from the lab to broad social questions to his own life, an M.I.T. economist pokes holes in conventional market theory." - The NY Times
Dr. Elam will join us for a thought-provoking discussion on the economic implications of the changing relationship between food and fuel. Dr. Elam has been working in the area of grain and livestock economics for over 35 years. His professional career spans service to the University of Illinois, the Economic Research Service of USDA and Elanco Animal Health. Dr. Elam is a much sought-after speaker on a variety of topics related to global commodities and outlook.
As president of protein business units for Hormel Foods Corporation, Gary Ray oversees all of Hormel Foods' protein businesses, including Hormel Foods refrigerated products, Jennie-O Turkey Store and Farmer John. Ray began his career at Hormel Foods in 1968 in which he rapidly progressed through various positions. Gary recently announced his retirement effective Dec. 31, 2008 and will continue as a member of the board of directors for Hormel Foods.
