Thursday, December 11
5:00 PM                   Registration Opens
5:30 to 8:30             Vendor Exhibition and Roundtable Discussions (light refreshments provided, over 50 vendors, BINGO for door prizes)

‍Friday, December 12
7:00 AM                       Registration Opens
‍7:00 to 9:00                 Breakfast buffet, Vendor Exhibition and Roundtable Discussions
9:00                              General Session with speakers and mock township meeting
12:00 NOON                Lunch
1:00 to 4:30                 Breakout educational sessions  - 4 different rooms, with 4 time blocks (see more information on the "Breakout Topics" tab)
1:00 to 4:00                 Spouse/Guest Event –  a fun afternoon get-away to the Millner Heritage Winery in Kimball, MN - transportation, wine tasting, and tour included
5:00 to 6:00                 Social Hour with cash bar
6:00 to 7:00                 Banquet with MAT Scholarship Award presentation
7:00 to 7:45                 Entertainment - Magician David Farr

‍Saturday, December 13
8:00 AM                       Registration Opens
8:00 to 9:00                 Breakfast buffet
9:00                              MAT Business Meeting: Financials, Resolutions, Executive Director’s Report, Legislative Update
10:45                           Door prizes
11:00                           Adjourn


GENERAL SESSION SPEAKERS: (Friday morning): 

Presentation: Rural Living in 2025
‍The pandemic spotlighted migration into smaller rural communities, but this trend has been underway for more than fifty years. Since the 1970s, a steady “Brain Gain” of adults ages 30–60 has revitalized housing, economies, and community life in small towns. These movements tell a more nuanced story of change—one that challenges old assumptions about rural decline. As older generations step aside, rural communities will keep evolving, shaped by a new wave of residents and opportunities. 
Speaker: Ben Winchester, Rural Sociologist with the University of Minnesota For nearly 30 years, Ben has worked in and for small towns across the Midwest. His applied research explores economic, social, and demographic trends with a focus on “rewriting the rural narrative.” In 2021, he received the Rural Renewal Research Prize for this work. Ben was a founding employee of the University of Minnesota Morris Center for Small Towns and specializes in community development, demographic analysis, and data visualization—helping communities move beyond anecdotes toward informed, data-driven decision-making.


‍Presentation: Minnesota’s Demographic Future
‍The next few years will bring big changes to the Land of10,000 Lakes. Dr. Eric Guthrie, Minnesota’s Senior Demographer, will detail changing demographic patterns in Minnesota and explain how these shifts are likely to play out in the coming years. Dr. Guthrie will discuss emerging trends in aging, racial and ethnic diversity, and population shifts within the state, and explain how new demographic realities may impact Minnesota’s future workforce, healthcare, housing and rural areas. 
Speaker: Dr. Eric Guthrie, Senior Demographer with the Minnesota State Demographic Center Dr. Guthrie provides analysis and insight on Minnesota’s population trends, with expertise in migration, workforce, and community change. Eric works closely with state and local leaders to translate demographic data into meaningful context for planning and policy. With abackground in applied demography and public affairs, he is a frequent presenter across Minnesota, helping communities understand and respond to shifting demographic realities.


‍Presentation: From Graduation to Community: Retaining Talent in Rural Minnesota
‍Rural Minnesota faces the growing challenge of a shrinking labor force at a time of rising economic growth and service demand.Consequently, economic developers are turning their attention towards encouraging recent high school graduates to stay in the region. This session will explore research from the Center for Rural Policy and Development (CRPD),which examines the post-graduation paths of local students and identifies strategies that increase the likelihood of graduates staying in—or returning to—their home communities. 
‍Speaker: Julie Tesch, President & CEO of theCenter for Rural Policy & Development (CRPD)A native of rural Minnesota, Julie has dedicated her career to strengthening small towns and advancing rural vitality. At CRPD,Julie leads research on workforce, broadband, health care, and community development, providing data-driven insights for state leaders. She previously held leadership roles with agricultural and educational organizations ,including the National FFA Foundation, and is a recognized advocate and speaker on the future of rural Minnesota.    
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Speaker: Julie Blaha, Minnesota State Auditor
‍Auditor Blaha has served as Minnesota’s State Auditor since 2019. Her office oversees local government finances, including those of townships, cities, and counties, by conducting audits and providing financial oversight. Before being elected, she worked as a math teacher and served as secretary-treasurer of the Minnesota AFL-CIO. As State Auditor, she works with local officials to ensure transparency and compliance in financial reporting.  

Speaker: Steve Simon, Minnesota Secretary of State
‍Secretary Simon has served as Minnesota’s 22nd Secretary ofState since 2015 and is now in his third term. He previously represented Hopkins and St. Louis Park in the Minnesota House of Representatives. As Secretary of State, Simon oversees statewide elections, business and nonprofit filings, and the Safe at Home address confidentiality program. His office works closely with local officials, including township clerks, on election administration, voter registration, and maintaining public records.

Paid Family and Medical Leave: What Townships Need to Know
PRESENTER: Evan Rowe, Deputy Commissioner, Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED)
‍Starting Jan.1, 2026, Minnesota Paid Leave will offer payments and job protections to Minnesotans when they need time off work for some of life’s most important moments – like welcoming a child, recovering from a serious illness, or caring for a loved one. As an employer, you play an important role in helping your employees learn about and access the program. DEED Deputy Commissioner Evan Rowe will provide an overview of the program, share the latest updates, and answer to your questions. Learn how to set up your Paid Leave accounts, designate a Paid Leave Administrator, and make key decisions that will shape how Paid Leave works for townships.

Small City & Town Accounting System (CTAS) Presentation and Assistance
‍PRESENTER: Mark Albarado, Office of the State Auditor
‍Mark supports local government finance reporting and outreach. He has been deeply involved with CTAS—the Small City & Town Accounting System—for many years, providing training and presenting at Minnesota Association of Townships Short Courses. His expertise makes him a trusted resource for township clerks and treasurers, helping them produce accurate, compliant financial reports and serving as along-standing go-to contact for CTAS users. Mark will give a short presentation followed by Q&A. 

Creating an Employment Policy and Managing Employees
‍PRESENTER: Maddie Cash, MAT In-House Counsel
This session will highlight the basics of creating an effective employment policy and best practices for hiring, discipline, and termination to help township officers manage staff fairly and reduce risk.
 
Township Fire Contracts: Plan, Negotiate, Protect
‍PRESENTER: Graham Berg-Moberg, MAT In-House Counsel
‍Fire protection is one of the most important services townships provide — and one of the most complex to manage. This session will guide township officers through the key steps of planning for fire protection, negotiating fair and effective fire contracts, and protecting both your residents and your budget.
 
‍Ordinances and Resolutions: Establishing the Law and Policies for your Town
‍PRESENTER: Jason Hill, Town Law Center PLLP
Jason will provide an overall review of ordinances and resolutions, including the role of each, adoption procedures, drafting and preparation, and additional legal requirements. 
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The Ex Officio Notary Power: Uses & Concerns
PRESENTERS:Troy Gilchrist, Town Law Center PLLP and Steve Fenske, MAT General Counsel
This session describes the ex officio notary power given to town clerks, the proper use of the power and its limitations, and new threats of enforcement actions from the Dept. of Commerce. 
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‍Fire Incident Trends and Prevention Strategies for Safer Communities
PRESENTER: Doug Johnson, Deputy State Fire Marshal, Minnesota State Fire Marshal’s Office
This session will provide an overview of Minnesota’s statewide fire incident data, highlighting trends and areas of concern. Doug will share examples of how targeted fire prevention messaging, informed by aggregate data, can help townships strengthen public safety and reduce risks within their communities. 
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Township Roads: Gravel, Pavement & Beyond
PRESENTER: Mark Stordahl, engineer with Stonebrooke Engineering
This session addresses common township road challenges—from gravel quality and drainage to pavement upkeep and shared agreements. Learn when to upgrade gravel, how to use PASER ratings, and why proactive maintenance saves money. Matt Stordahl of Stonebrooke Engineering brings years of hands-on experience with Minnesota town boards and practical, cost-effective solutions. 
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The Broad Roles of the Minnesota Office of Broadband Development
‍PRESENTERS:Anna Norcutt Preuss, Community Engagement and Special Projects Coordinator, and Megan Messerole, Environmental and Land-Use Coordinator
Anna Norcutt Preuss will provide an overview of the Office of Broadband Development and its current grant activities, including the Line Extension Connection Program. Megan Messerole will share her new role assisting internet service providers with permitting and land-use challenges, supporting broadband deployment across Minnesota. 
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MAT Trainers on Key Common Questions for Clerks/Treasurers
‍PRESENTER:MAT Clerk/Treasurer Trainers
This presentation, followed by Q&A, will include information on Election judges are employees, when to do when a clerk leaves, and what information should be available for new clerks. 
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Living in the Middle of Everywhere
PRESENTER: Ben Winchester, Rural Sociologist with the University of Minnesota
The notion that rural residents live “in the middle of nowhere” continues a negative narrative that is not based on the reality of community life. Modern life is complex as we live, work, shop, and play in a wide region. At the same time, most of our planning is done at a city or county level. The implications for tourism, marketing, transportation planning, resident recruitment, and housing will be discussed. We can then better understand this web of regional activity as it varies by age and interest through an Asset-Based Community Development exercise that has some simple, but deep, learning outcomes. 
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‍Minnesota Changing Demographics
PRESENTER: Minnesota State Demographer Dr. Eric Guthrie
Description TBA
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‍Open Q&A with MAT Trainers
PRESENTER: MAT Clerk/Treasurer Trainers
This interactive session is your chance to connect directly with MAT’s experienced Clerk/Treasurer trainers. Bring your questions on township procedures, financial reporting, meeting requirements, or day-to-day responsibilities. Trainers will be available to discuss your specific situations one-on-one, provide practical guidance, and share best practices to help you feel more confident in your role.