"Networking," that's the first answer you'll get out of someone when you ask them why they're attending the annual North Dakota Association of Counties conference and exposition.

The conference, which has been around in some manner for more than 30 years, gathered in Bismarck at the Ramkota this week, kicking off on Sunday and wrapping up this morning.

More than 650 county officials were in attendance, said Mark Johnson, NDACo executive director, who has been a part of the conference for the past 23 years.

Johnson said the format of the conference was changed this year. It was more open, allowing for an exchange of ideas. NDACo even contracted with a sound and light company out of Fargo to set the mood for the conference.

"We've had a good opportunity to talk about anticipated legislation for the upcoming state legislative session,"Johnson said. "There is a lot of concern over the initiated measure for shared parenting."

The conference passed 40 resolutions as the counties took positions on legislative and nonlegislative issues.

When Johnson first started putting together these conferences, they attracted 250 to 300 people.

"We've seen a lot of change since. The numbers have changed dramatically," Johnson said. "The one thing that hasn't changed, is that it is really an opportunity to share knowledge and experiences. We've got people who have been coming for 30 years and some who are just starting."

This year's conference is titled "Counties Work: A Showcase of Proven Success." County officials were given a chance to share their best practices concerning a number of issues facing all of the state's counties, according to Johnson.

"It's an opportunity to do a lot of networking and learn a lot of good information," Ramsey County Commissioner Arne Berg said. "They've sort of changed the concept this year, and it's been very educational. We've had some great speakers, and we even heard from the president of the Twins professional baseball organization. Even if you didn't like baseball, he put you into a mood to go to a game."

Burleigh County Commissioner Claus Lembke is a past president of NDACo and attending his last as an elected county commissioner, having decided not to seek re-election this year.

"Basically, you come to this convention for two reasons. First, there are things that have happened in your county that you've found a solution to and can share with other counties," Lembke said. "Secondly, you come here to learn about what other counties are wrestling with and what they can share with you."

For Lembke, it's also a chance to catch up with old friends, and he plans to return in the future.

"Half the things you take from this conference are learned in the hallways and socials," Lembke said. "In fact, I sat down with a couple of Morton County commissioners this morning and I think we've found an answer to a problem we're both having regarding the county school district."

Vendors play an important role in the convention and more than 30 had booths at the Ramkota.

Ulteig Engineer's Steve Windish also said that networking with the counties is important to the vendors.

"The first thing they do is come up and ask what we do," Windish said. "When we explain to them that GIS (Geographical Information System) is among our offerings, they really perk up. GIS is a very good tool for counties."

North Dakota Parks and Recreation also was represented, providing information on trails and all-terrain vehicle use. At the last legislative session, lawmakers allowed the use of ATVs on paved roads and gravel, which has led to a lot of questions.

"The first thing county officials want to know about is grants," Recreation Division manager Arik Spencer said. "Over the past 40 years, the Land and Water Conservation program has provided over $30 million in grants for pools, ball fields, playgrounds and other recreation facilities."

Ramsey County Commissioner Joe Belford is a longtime NDACo member and past president. The conference provides a lot of information on federal programs and available grants to counties, Belford said.

"This isn't a conference just for commissioners, but for all county employees. They've got things for auditors, treasurers and engineers," Belford said.

"Through the resolutions, we get to address the issues that are affecting the counties."

Johnson said that the Morton and Burleigh human resources departments put on presentations regarding employee relations and classifications. Other presentations included homeland security, technology, communications and child support enforcement issues.

The conference concludes this morning, following a farewell breakfast starting at 7:30.

(Reach reporter Gordon Weixel at 250-8255 or gordon.weixel@;bismarck-tribune.com.)