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Presidents Welcome

Dallas will deliver the ultimate networking opportunity for Dames. Treat yourself to a pre-conference nutrition and spa experience at the Cooper Clinic. Work out, relax over tea or eat your way through the Texas State Fair.

Mingle with old and new friends and catch up on Green Tables and the LDEI cookbook plans while enjoying Texas hospitality at the homes of Dallas Dames. Experience Fort Worth as never seen before. Lasso a bargain; sip a Margarita and go behind the scenes in Fort Worth’s finest museums. Absorb cowgirl history and culture while talking to 2006 Cowgirl Hall of Famer, Minnie Lou Bradley.

Learn about Texas cheese or ramp up your media skills—choose your weapon: Blog, Podcasts, Webinars or create your own “Dame Space.” Celebrate style and culture during the 100th year Fortnight event at Neiman-Marcus. Salute our Grandes Dames at a sensational dinner hosted by Dallas Grande Dame Caroline Rose Hunt at the Hotel Crescent Court.

Dallas Chapter President Mary Kimbrough and all the Dallas Dames under the leadership of Conference co-chairs Deb Orrill and Sharon Van Meter have cooked up a scrumptious menu of activities that will delight the palate and excite the soul. All this and more await you in Dallas.

See you in October!

Toria

Photo credit to Donna Connor Photography

Chapter Welcome

Howdy! With the awesome help of our fellow Dallas Dames, we’ve roped a kick-ass conference for you and we look forward to welcoming you to North Texas. Often Dallas and Fort Worth are linked together as one (DFW or The Metroplex) but the two cities--rivals in the minds of their citizens--could hardly be more different. We’re excited about offering you this opportunity to compare and contrast, and especially to explore our less visited neighbor Fort Worth, “where the West begins.” We hope the legends and lore of Texas will come alive for you, and you will enjoy its remarkable range of culture—high, low, and agri-culture. And, as always, the conference is the best opportunity to network with other spirited and accomplished cowgirls. Dames, that is!

Deborah Orrill and Sharon Van Meter, Conference ChairmenMary Kimbrough, Chapter President

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Agenda Thursday, October 18

8:00 AM LDEI Board of Directors Breakfast

8:30 AM LDEI Board of Directors Meeting

8:30 AM Healthful Retreat at Cooper Fitness Center (Optional, $150) Start your LDEI weekend on the right foot at the Cooper Aerobics Center, a 30-acre health and fitness complex in Dallas founded by aerobics guru Dr. Kenneth Cooper. This idyllic wellness retreat will offer sessions on the latest in-vogue foods said to fight cancer and disease; diet and exercise routines that promote health for the busy professional; and tips for counseling others about nutrition. You’ll get a lunch that’s both nutritious and delicious, and a tour of the serene, beautifully landscaped Cooper campus. Instructors include Dallas Dame and nutrition consultant Georgia Kostas, MPH, RD, LD, founder and former director of the Cooper Clinic Nutrition Program and author of The Cooper Clinic Solution to the Diet Revolution; Michelle Kettles, MD, Cooper Clinic physician and author of Women’s Health and Fitness Guide; and Kathy Duran-Thal, RD, LD, nutrition director of the Cooper Wellness Program. Attendees get copies of both books, gratis, as part of the retreat. The bus will take you back to the Adolphus by 3 pm or you can stay after the program to use the renowned Fitness Center or indulge at the Spa, and catch a cab back to the Adolphus. If you want to stay overnight on Wednesday, the facility offers a discount rate of $135 plus tax, which includes free workout privileges at the Fitness Center. For reservations, call 800-444-5187 and mention Les Dame to receive this rate.(Minimum 15/maximum 30)

12:30 PM The Food Lover’s Tour of The State Fair of Texas (Optional, $50)Dame Dotty Griffith delves into the colorful culture of the great state fair with a spotlight on iconic fair foods, from the native (and traditional) corny dog to fried ribs. Meet Abel Gonzales, Jr., nicknamed the Fried Food King and self-proclaimed inventor of fried Twinkies and fried Dr. Pepper. “Talk to the animals” with a tour of the livestock area, and peruse the Texas Department of Agriculture’s Food and Fiber Pavilion, home to demos and samples of products grown, sewn, prepared, and processed in Texas.

You’ll get $20 of coupons with time to go hog wild on midway rides, funnel cakes, or Shiner beer on tap. (Minimum 15/maximum 30)

1:30 PM Presidents’ ForumBack by popular demand, this afternoon session is designed for chapter presidents and president-elects. While the session is not mandatory for chapter presidents, it is highly recommended that a representative from each chapter be present. Jackie Henson, a Washington DC area attorney specializing in non-profits, will be on hand to answer questions concerning legal issues pertaining to chapters.

3:00 PM Tea at the Adolphus (Optional, $45)Pinkies up for a 3-course tea in the elegant, Old-World Adolphus Hotel. Hosted by Dame Dolores Snyder, this civilized tradition offers an opportunity to relax and catch up with colleagues while savoring sandwiches, scones, petit fours, and truffles. Includes a copy of her book, “Tea Time Entertaining: A Collection of Tea Themes & Recipes.” (Minimum 5/maximum 25)

5:00 PM First-Conference AttendeesThis is a special meet-and-greet with the LDEI Board of Directors for all first-time attendees. It is an excellent opportunity to meet the leaders of the organization, as well as other first timers, before attending the Opening Reception.

5:30 PM Opening ReceptionThe Board of Directors and conference chairmen welcome you to Texas and invite you to raise a glass to friends and colleagues. Cheers, y’all!

6:30 PM Board Buses to Dinner 7:15 PM Dinner with Dallas Dames (Optional, $65)Texas hospitality is legendary and here’s a demonstration of why the reputation is well-deserved. Several of our local Dames welcome you to their homes for a Texas-centric dinner catered by Dames Shelley Barsotti and Andrea Hagar, owners of Food Company, noted for upscale ingredients -- think barbecued Texas quail with corn salad – and museum-worthy presentation. Wines will be coordinated by Dame Susan Auler, owner of Fall Creek Vineyards, whose Texas Hill Country sauvignon blanc, chardonnay, and Meritus red have won numerous awards. Transportation provided.

9:30 PM Board Buses for return to The Adolphus

Friday, October 19

8:00 AM Board Buses to Fort WorthNo trip to Dallas is complete without a visit to its westerly neighbor, Fort Worth, a town where east meets old West in an exciting collision of cultures. You’ll start your day with a flashback to the 1800s at the historic Stockyards, where the cattle still run twice a day; then end on a high-art note with a tour of the city’s world-class museums, whose stunning architectural designs are as breathtaking as the Renoirs that hang on their walls. In between, you’ll talk beef with Tom Perini, owner of the renowned Perini Ranch Steakhouse in Buffalo Gap, and Minnie Lou Bradley, Angus beef rancher and Cowgirl-Hall-of-Fame inductee. By then, you’ll be ready for lunch and two sides of the Mexican coin: Will it be the Southwestern-Mex of Blue Mesa Grill or the unpretentious Tex-Mex of Joe T. Garcia’s? Such are the kinds of delicious dilemmas Fort Worthians get to face, every day.

9:15 AM Stockyards TourThe Stockyards National Historic District is a 125-acre sprawl filled with cattle pens and refurbished buildings from Fort Worth’s cattle-boom era Much of the original complex remains along Exchange Avenue, and the 10-block district is crowded today with galleries, restaurants, saloons, and Western shops -- along with the magnificent Livestock Exchange Building, Cowtown Coliseum (where rodeos are still held every weekend), and the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame, showcasing history’s top cowboys. Keep an eye out for the daily cattle drive as a herd of legendary longhorns – descendants of cattle Christopher Columbus brought over from Spain – is moved down the vintage brick streets twice a day.

10:00 AM WelcomeTrue Texas Tales- Past, Present & FutureGet an up-close perspective of the beef industry’s rich, storied heritage with Tom Perini, renowned cowboy cook and owner of Perini Ranch Steakhouse in Buffalo Gap, TX. He’ll share the deep culture associated with cattle drives, stockyards, and ranching, taking you back in time with a few Texas tales of his experience bringing chuckwagon fare to customers at his restaurant, including a long line of Texas and world leaders.

11:00 AM Board Busses

11:30 AM LunchEnjoy an informal lunch at one of two Fort Worth restaurants offering different facets of our regional cuisine: the bold, colorful flavors of the Southwest at Dame Liz Baron’s Blue Mesa Grill, where signature dishes include blue corn enchiladas and adobe pie; or classic Tex-Mex – fajitas, refried beans -- at Joe T. Garcia’s Mexican Restaurant, family-run since 1935 and recipient of the James

Beard Foundation Award as a regional classic.

1:15 PM Board Buses to Cultural District

1:30 PM Concurrent Tours

Please note: you must make a selection for a tour on your registration form. Selections will be honored on a first come, first served basis.

Amon Carter MuseumDesigned by Philip Johnson, the Amon Carter Museum houses an extraordinary collection of American art, including works by early nineteenth-century artist-explorers, mid-twentieth-century modernists, and contemporary photographers. In addi-tion to the most comprehensive collec-tions of work by Frederic Remington and Charles M. Russell, the Carter is also home to the Erwin E. Smith Pho-tography Collection, comprising more than 2,000 negatives and 700 vintage prints from the photographer/cowboy whose art between 1905 and 1912 cap-tured images of roundups and other romantic and hard-living cowboy scenes on Texas, New Mexico and Arizona ranches. Smith’s stirring images of cowboys at work with cattle and eating at the campfire appear in The Texas Cowboy Kitchen, a cookbook co-written by Dame June Naylor, a Fort Worth native. Join June in a tour of the collection and the magnificent museum. (Maximum 30)

Kimbell Art Museum TourDesigned by Louis Kahn, the visually-arresting Kimbell has won numerous accolades including an award from the American Institute of Architects. Its vaulted, bunker-like ceilings usher in natural light for the museum’s century-spanning collection of Picassos, Rembrandts, and Renoirs. Dame Shelby Schafer, Manager of Food Services at the Kimbell’s renowned Buffet Restaurant and author of The Kimbell Cookbook, will host a brief culinary tour, followed by a session with Patricia Loud, Curator of Architecture. Cap it off with a tour of the galleries and the Museum Shop. (Maximum 30)

Fort Worth Convention & Visitors Bureau

State Fair of Texas

Modern Art Museum of Fort WorthDesigned by Japanese architect Tadao Ando, the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth embodies the pure, unadorned elements of a modern work of art. Surrounded by a brilliant reflective pond, the museum is comprised of five glass pavilions that seem to float on the surface of the water. Following a docent-

led tour of the superb collection of postwar art that includes works by Jackson Pollock and Andy Warhol, join Dame Dena Peterson, chef of Café Modern, for a behind-the-scenes look at her stunning facility. Called “a thrill-ing site for artful food,” Café Modern was named one of Amer-ica’s Best Restaurants by Gourmet Magazine. (Maximum 30)

National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of FameChannel your inner cowgirl and honor your heroines on this docent-led tour of the National Cowgirl Museum, the only institution in the world dedicated to preserving and teaching the history of the remarkable women who shaped the history and culture of the American West. Test your mettle with a ride on the Bucking Bronc and become part of history--an experience that may be recorded for posterity. You’ll be greeted at the museum by Dame Carol Ritchie and an authentic chuckwagon where you’ll learn all about cowgirl cookin’. (Maximum 30) 2:30 PM Travel or walk to National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame

3:00 PM Welcome by Kit Moncrief,

Fort Worth Philanthropist and Museum Founder“From Ranch to the Table”Minnie Lou Bradley, Texan, owner of Bradley 3 Ranch and recent Cowgirl-Hall-of-Fame inductee, will describe her remarkable life, from her trailblazing ac-complishments as a female livestock judge in a male-dominated field to her pioneering role for women in ranching and her contribution to the high stan-dards of the American Angus Association.

4:00 PM Return to the Adolphus arriving by 5:30

6:30 PM “Legends of Neiman Marcus”Raise a toast to the 100th anniversary of Neiman Marcus in the flagship store in downtown Dallas, dressed in the splendor of its much-loved Fortnight cel-ebration, including lavish window displays rivaling those in New York. Kevin Garvin, Vice President of Neiman Marcus Restaurants and co-author of Neiman Marcus “Taste: Timeless American Recipes”, will mingle and sign books.

7:15 PM Dine in the renowned Zodiac Room, famous for its chicken salad and warm popovers with strawberry butter, and the ultimate ladies-who-lunch spot. Pay special tribute to the late Helen Corbitt, the original director of the restaurant who set its elegant, innovative tone, one that lingers to this day. Deemed “the Balenciaga of food” by Stanley Marcus, she reigned at Neiman’s from 1955 to 1969 – making this the ideal occasion to don your white gloves and pillbox hat.

10:00 PM Dames Who Drink (Optional, “Dutch treat”)Dame Shari Carlson leads a stroll across the street to Fuse, the hip restaurant-lounge located in the newly renovated Dallas Power & Light urban loft building. The lounge includes a 10,000-square-foot water garden patio with breathtaking views of adjacent high-rises and the sky above.

Saturday, October 207:30 AM Continental Breakfast

8:30 AM General Session Welcome

8:45 AM Keynote Presentation 9:45 AM Networking Break

10:00 AM Concurrent Seminars: (Please note: you must make a selection for a session in each group on your registration form. Selections will be honored on a first come, first served basis.)

(A) Grass- vs. Grain-fed BeefJoin Wendy Taggart of Burgundy Pasture Beef and Shalene McNeill of the Texas Beef Council for an informative panel discussion comparing grass-fed beef to grain-fed counterpart. Ms. Taggart, who raises 100% grass-fed beef on her ranch in Grandview, and Ms. McNeill, senior manager of nutrition communications for the Austin-based Beef Council, will discuss the production, nutritional makeup and flavor profiles of naturally pastured beef, along with that of cattle finished on feedlots. The seminar will include side-by-side taste comparisons of grass-fed and grain-fed beef and will include plenty of opportunity for questions and answers with both experts. Moderated by foodwriter and Dallas Dame Kim Harwell.(B) Connecting the Dots: Linking Regional Producers with Food ProfessionalsChapters interested in supporting Green Tables Initiatives by helping to improve distribution chains between local food retail and restaurants and regional food suppliers need look no farther. This session will highlight best practices, including our host Chapter, Dallas, recent Farmers’ Market Roundtable. Additionally, a turn-key ‘toolkit’ has been developed by Ecotrust in Portland for just such a Roundtable. An Ecotrust representative will walk members through this toolkit so Chapters can be several steps ahead to hold similar events to foster Farmer-Chef relationships in their communities.

11:15 AM Networking Break

11:30 AM Concurrent Seminars:© Texas Cheese Comes of AgeExperience an array of artisanal Texas cheeses made from cows’ milk as well as (surprise!) goats’ milk. You’ll hear the stories of the creative individuals who craft the cheeses, and you’ll learn how to taste and evaluate cheese like a pro. The panel will be led by Dame Janet Fletcher, a native of Dallas and member of LDEI San Francisco. Fletcher is the weekly cheese columnist for the San Francisco Chronicle and the author of two books on cheese: the just-published “Cheese & Wine: A Guide to Selecting, Pairing, and Enjoying” and “The Cheese Course” (both Chronicle Books).

(D) From Blogging to Podcasts and Beyond: Understanding the Maze of On-Line Media Options

There are dozens of new media opportunities out there. What are they and how can you use them to your own and your company’s best advantage? This workshop panel will identify and educate Dames about the wide range of me-dia options available. On-line examples of the various media will be discussed and, where appropriate, actual examples will be shown. You will learn the “what” (exactly the terms mean!), “when” (it’s appropriate to use them), “how” (they work and how much they cost), “where” (to get more info) and “why” (it’s important to keep up and understand) the power of these resourceful on-line communication tools. Moderated by Dame Suzanne Brown, three panelists, Dames Lisa Ekus-Saffer, Pam Williams and Virginia Willis, will present a range of new media options and how you can use them to maximize visibility and marketing of you and your business.

12:45 PM Partner LuncheonOur national business partners will be on hand to serve up some of their products, as well as display their wares. This is an informal grazing luncheon designed to showcase our national partners. We also urge you to keep our national partners in mind when making purchasing decisions.

2:30 PM Council of Delegates MeetingThis is the annual business meeting of the association. Delegates chosen from each chapter have the opportunity to craft LDEI policy. Non-delegates are encouraged to attend as well.

6:15 PM Shuttle to Hotel Crescent Court

6:30 PM Grande Dame ReceptionDallas Grande Dame Caroline Rose Hunt, founder and Honorary Chairman of Rosewood Hotels and Resorts, extends a welcome to the Garden Room and Terrace of the elegant Hotel Crescent Court, a Rosewood property located in the fashionable Uptown district. With its limestone walls, marble floors, and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking acres of formal gardens, the Crescent serves as an elegant oasis in the inner city. Cocktail attire.

7:15 PM Grande Dame Dinner & ProgramThis dinner in the Crescent Ballroom marks the first collaboration between Dallas Dames and the World Master Chef Society, an international chefs’ organization with teams that compete around the world, of which two Dames, Sharon Van Meter and Shari Carlson, are members. Together, 16 chefs will prepare an 8-course dinner featuring Texas products and flavors. The program will honor Alice Waters, 2007 recipient of the Grande Dame Award; she will not be able to attend due to a prior obligation. Cocktail attire.

10:00 PM Bus Shuttles to Adolphus

Sunday, October 211:00 PM Check-out Time

Fort Worth Convention & Visitors Bureau

Hotel InformationThe Adolphus Hotel1321 Commerce StreetDallas, TX 75202Telephone (214) 742-8200Fax (214) 651-3588

Guest Amenities:Complimentary High Speed Wireless Internet in Guest Rooms and public areasBusiness CenterComplimentary Fitness CenterGift ShopFloristComplimentary sedan transportation within 3 mile radius

Accommodations Amenities:32” Flat Screen Remote-control TV with DVD playerTwo Dual-line speaker phones with voice mailGourmet mini-barCoffee makerIron/ironing boardSpacious baths with terry robes, hair dryers and make-up mirror

Making Your ReservationTo reserve your room, either1) Go to www.hoteladolphus.com, click on reservations, and use the Group Code 32307 to receive our group rate; or2) call the hotel directly at 214-651-3550.To receive the special group rates, call prior to September 24, 2007, identify

LDEI, “Cowgirls & Culture” conference and the dates of the conference. After September 24, 2007, all unreserved rooms in the block will be released. Any reservation requests or changes after the cut-off date will be accepted on a space available basis at the current available rate.

The following rates have been secured for the LDEI conference, October 17 through October 20, 2007:

Run of House: Single $155/Double $165/Triple $175Junior Suite: Single $205/Double $215/Triple $225

Weather/DressOctober weather in Dallas is mild but can be quite warm; average temperatures range from 56°F to 79°F. Friday in Fort Worth is casual (boots and hats optional); the Neiman Marcus event dressy (vintage ‘50s-‘60’s optional); and the Grande Dame gala is cocktail attire, please.

Transportation to and from downtown Dallas is provided by Super Shuttle, sedan service, or taxi 18 miles/approximately 25 minutes from DFW International Airport to the Adolphus7 miles/approximately 15 minutes from Dallas Love Field Airport to the Adolphus

LDEI 2007 CONFERENCE REGISTRATION FORM

Name: Chapter

Company Name

Title

Address

City State ZIP

Phone

E-Mail

Spouse/Guest Name

Check here if representing your chapter as a delegate:

REGISTRATION Full registration includes all conference materials, meals and events scheduled Friday, Saturday, and Sunday except optional tours. One day registration includes materials, meals and events for that day only (except op-tional tours). Cancellation policy: Full refund, less $50 processing fee if cancelled by October 12. No refund after October 12, 2007. $450 Full Registration if faxed or postmarked by September 14, 2007 $475 Full Registration if faxed or postmarked after September 14, 2007

$275 FRIDAY One-day Registration includes evening event $275 SATURDAY One-day Registration includes Gala dinner

OPTIONAL TOURS/EVENT REGISTRATION FOR GUESTS: Healthful Retreat at Cooper Fitness Center - $150 Presidents Forum (for current and incoming chapter leaders) – N/C Food Lover’s Tour of State Fair - $50 Tea at the Adolphus - $45 Opening Reception - $50 Dinner with Dallas Dames (includes transportation) - $65 Legends of Neiman Marcus - $100 Grande Dame Reception and Dinner - $125

FRIDAY MUSEUM TOURS (select one…included in registration fee) Tour 1: Amon Carter Museum

Tour 2: Kimbell Art Museum Tour 3: Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth Tour 4: National Cowgirl Hall of Fame

CONCURRENT SESSIONS REGISTRATIONPlease select ONE session in each group.

Option A: Grass- vs. Grain-fed Beef Option B: Connecting the Dots: Linking Regional Producers with Food Professionals Option C: Texas Cheese Comes of Age Option D: From Blogging to Podcasts and Beyond

TOTAL DUE

Check Enclosed Charge Mastercard VISA

American Express Account # Expiration

Signature Required:

SEND REGISTRATION: By Mail: By Fax:Greg Jewell Greg JewellLDEI 502/456-1821P O Box 4961Louisville KY 40204 If you require special accommodations to participate fully, please attach a written statement of your needs. The hotel is fully ADA accessible, but we need advance notice for off-site locations and transportation. Further questions? Contact Greg Jewell ldei@aecmanagmegment.com

Hats off to all our LDEI Partners!

SilverChampagne Veuve ClicquotGrand Marnier

Bronze E&J Gallo WineryGallo Family VineyardsMacMurray Ranch Mountain Valley WaterWente Vineyards

Copper All-Clad MetalcraftersThe Beef Checkoff through the National Cattlemen’s Beef AssociationDFW Wines Patron Tequila

FriendChipotle Mexican Grill Fairytale BrowniesMelissa’s World ProduceNiman RanchPeter’s ChocolateRiviana FoodsWhole Foods

A note about the cowgirl images and www.bobwade.comBob “Daddy-O” Wade collects vintage black and white photo postcards of cowgirls, Tex-Mex, rodeo, or simply “unusual” subjects. These images are cropped and scaled according to Wade’s sensibility and enlarged onto photo-sensitized fabric.

Once stretched, Wade utilizes his academic training as a painter by airbrush-ing transparent layers of acrylic color over the surface images thus “bringing them to new life” with respect and affection for the original photo.

By employing muted tones reminiscent of pre-technicolor movie films Wade achieves a remarkable number of visual effects with his large scale photo works. Humor and irony also pervade the work. [Text from www.cowgirl.net/Shop]

Thanks, Daddy-O!

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