The Swartz Report: A Trip to Las Vegas While Missing the Royals This Postseason

Don SwartzPost written by Donald Swartz, President and Principal at Swartz + Associates, Inc. | Lover of Chiefs, Royals and golf | Avid “Cruiser” | Poker Enthusiast

MINExpo 2016 in Las Vegas

Recently, Gary Stone and I had the privilege of attending MINExpo 2016. This international convention occurs every four years in Las Vegas, bringing over 50,000 people together to learn more about the mining industry. As their website states, the expo “makes it possible for the mining industry to meet the challenges and capitalize on the opportunities in a rapidly changing world in need of metals, mineral and energy.”

The expo showcased new products, technologies and provided attendees the latest in governmental and regulatory proposed legislation. In a word, it was…AWESOME.

MINExpo 2016 (4)Awesome because of the sheer power and size of the equipment.

Awesome because of the volume of people who play a part in the industry and are affected by it on a daily basis.

Awesome because of the latest technology created for the benefit of efficiency and safety.

Awesome because of the interesting people we met during our days of continuing education prior to the expo as well as the people we met at the expo itself.

Our continuing education course, Valuation of Mining Equipment, was sponsored by the American Society of Appraisers.

Our classroom included 20 “students” from various parts of the world. Appraisers from Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia and the U.S. met for lively conversation and thoughtful discussion on valuation techniques relating to the mining industry.

The contacts made, as well as the course content itself, were extremely beneficial to us as our client base includes several mining entities. Additionally, attending events like these enables us to sharpen our skills when determining market valuations for property tax and other purposes.

MINExpo 2016 (3)No Royals Baseball in October?

For the first time since I purchased my practice back from CBIZ, I find myself with more time available this October and I feel particularly well rested.

Why, you ask?

Is it because we’re more efficient as a company? Have we created a new datebase to enhance business activities? Do we have a better understanding of our clients’ needs and expectations?

While the answer to those questions is most definitely, “YES”, I can’t help but think another reason is the fact that the Kansas City Royals aren’t in playoffs.

No late night stress of attending the games or watching with family and friends. No watercooler talk debating every pitch of every inning. No second guessing of managerial decisions. No shortened work weeks to prepare for the next important game.

Unfortunately, this is just another October similar to the Octobers from 1986 to 2013. While I’m a big fan of the Cubs, there’s no comparison to living and breathing the excitement in your own city. And to be completely honest, I MISS IT.  I look forward to the Chiefs causing the same inefficiencies in January. 🙂

Thank you again for your support of Swartz & Associates and our blog. As always, we look forward to serving the needs of our clients and prospective clients searching for ways to minimize their property tax valuations.

If you have questions about your property valuations, email me at  or call our office at (913) 766-8777.

MINExpo 2016 (6) MINExpo 2016 (1)

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