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Wrapping Up a Successful VGM Heartland Conference & State Leader Summit

Published in VGM Government Relations on June 12, 2026

One of our busiest and without a doubt, one of our favorite weeks of the year is the VGM Heartland Conference. This year kicked off with a special opportunity to bring together DME state association leaders from across the country for a dedicated pre-conference State Leader Summit. The focus was simple but impactful: collaboration, idea sharing, and real conversations about the challenges and opportunities facing our industry today. 

These leaders are truly at the heart of the DME industry. They are the ones advocating at the state level, supporting providers on the ground, and finding ways to move the industry forward despite ongoing challenges. Bringing them together in one room created an energy you just can’t replicate, built on shared goals, mutual support, and a commitment to doing better. 

As Heartland Conference officially got underway, that same energy was carried throughout the week. From educational sessions to networking conversations, the focus remained on connection, learning, and strengthening the industry as a whole. 

We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who participated in both the State Leader Summit and Heartland Conference. Your engagement, insights, and willingness to collaborate are what make these events so meaningful. 

The best part? Beyond the ideas and takeaways, this group continues to build something even stronger: relationships—the kind of relationships that turn colleagues into trusted resources and, over time, great friends. 

Thank you to the dedicated leaders and healthcare advocates who made the not-always-easy trek to Iowa. If you’re not a member of your state’s DME association, you’re truly missing out and highly encourage you to join.

State Leader Summit

(L to R back Nancy Nittler of CAMPS, Stephanie Legree of AAHomecare, Bill Fredericks of HOMES, Barb Stockert of PAMES and Big Sky AMES, Mindy Eberhart of PAMS, Mary Schafhauser of MAMES, Jeremy Stolz CEO of VGM)

VGM Group State Leader Summit

(Front Adam Miller of VGM, Larry Dalton of OMEPA, Emily Kettman of VGM, Leigh Ann Matthews of ADMEA Ike Isaacson of VGM and Beth Bowen of ACMESA, FAHCS, and NEMEP)

State Leader Summit

(Stephanie Robinson of VGM, Laura Williard of AAHomcare, Emily Kettman of VGM, Mindy Eberhart of PAMS, Barb Stockert of PAMES and Big Sky AMES, Stephanie Legree of AAHomecare.)

State Leader Summit

(Legislative Update with Adam Miller of VGM, Wayne Grau of NCART, Jay Witter of AAHomecare and Ike Isaacson of VGM)

State Leader Summit

(Lobbying at the state level with guests former Senator Jeff Danielson, Rep. Timi Brown-Powers and lobbyist Justin Humpfer of Policy Works)

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