MEDA 2010 Convention
Unleashing Entrepreneurship
November 4-7 in Calgary Alberta
Christians in business from across North America come together every year to celebrate their calling at our annual convention, Business as a Calling. Watch our promo video below!
Call The Westin reservations at (403) 266-1611. Mention “Mennonite Economic Development Associates” to get our convention rate of $159 CAD, plus taxes per night for a traditional room. Or click here to access The Westin’s online reservation webpage.
Registration Registration includes all plenary sessions, seminars, Thursday evening dessert reception, coffee breaks, Friday and Saturday dinners, Friday, Saturday and Sunday breakfasts.
Full-time registration • $519 CAD/USD
First-time attender • $469 CAD/USD
Age 30 and younger • $369 CAD/USD
Pastor • $369 CAD/USD
International • $369 CAD/USD
Student • $269 CAD/USD
Late fee: Add $100 CAD/USD to all rates after October 1, 2010. (Does not apply to students.)
“Succeeding Without Selling your Soul: Moral and Ethical Grounding for Entrepreneurs” David Miller, Director of the Princeton University Faith & Work Initiative
David Miller will address current economic realities in light of the recent global financial crisis from his perspective as an academic and former business executive.
David serves as director of the Princeton University Faith & Work Initiative and as an associate research scholar and lecturer. Prior to this, he was at Yale University for five years, where he served as executive director of the Yale Center for Faith & Culture, and taught at both Yale School of Management and Divinity School.
Prior to academia, David lived and worked in London, England for eight years, where he was a partner in a private equity firm that specialized in international investment management, corporate finance, and mergers and acquisitions. Before that he was a senior executive and director of the securities services and global custody division of HSBC Group, having held the same position at Midland Bank PLC before its acquisition by HSBC. He moved to London as the managing director of the European operations of State Street Bank and Trust, a leading U.S. securities services bank. He started his management career in the United States, working for IBM for eight years in a variety of sales and marketing management positions.
David received his M.Div. and a Ph.D. in ethics from Princeton Theological Seminary. In addition to his research, writing and teaching, David serves as an advisor to several corporate CEOs and senior executives on questions pertaining to ethics, leadership and the role of faith at work. He is a frequent speaker at gatherings of business leaders, corporate events and academic conferences. His views are often cited in the media, including in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Fortune Magazine, radio, and on major television networks.
David’s book, God at Work: The History and Promise of the Faith at Work Movement (Oxford University Press, 2007), challenges business academics and executives, as well as theologians and clergy, to think differently about ethics, faith and work.
Friday evening, November 5, 2010
“Entrepreneurial Development in Ukraine: Small Holder Agriculture in a Former Mennonite Homeland”
A festive evening of Russian Mennonite food, Ukrainian music, personal stories and MEDA Ukraine program highlights
Several brief videos will highlight MEDA’s programs in the same area of Ukraine where Mennonites lived during the last century. MEDA’s projects with small-holder farmers who are producing table grapes, vegetables and other crops will be highlighted. There will also be a special focus on women producers and connections to former Mennonite communities.
Fred Wall, former owner of a manufacturing business in Winnipeg and member of MEDA’s board of directors, will describe his search for his family roots in the Ukraine, including visits to the ancestral homes of his father and mother. The Walls’ village is near Simpferopol in the Crimea and the Enns’ village is in the Molotschna Colony near Melitopol where the MEDA program is centered. Fred is an occasional consultant to MEDA projects, including Ukraine.
Steve Wright, MEDA’s field project manager, will highlight MEDA’s Ukraine Horticulture Development Program which will substantially and sustainably increase the incomes and competitiveness of at least 5,000 small farmers living in poverty in the Zaporiska and Crimea regions in southern Ukraine. The $10 million, five-year project was initiated in April 2008 with major support from the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA). Wright joined MEDA in 2008 and worked previously in Tajikistan and Ukraine. His expertise includes both agriculture lending and banking sectors.
Ukraine’s current transition to a market economy is raising incomes, driving up domestic consumption demand and regional exports of high-value agricultural products such as table grapes, greenhouse-grown tomatoes and cucumbers, which are well suited for small-scale production. Yet few small farmers are equipped or positioned to take advantage of these market opportunities, and poverty levels among small farmers in Zaporiska and Crimea are among the worst in the country. They are limited by an absence of systems that add value at the farmer level (cleaning, grading, packaging, branding), a lack of post-harvest cool/cold storage; investment and working capital shortages and low penetration of financial services; outdated production technologies; and a lack of marketing and business management skills among small farmers.
Saturday morning, November 6, 2010
MEDA Year in Review: “Unleashing Entrepreneurship: Empowering Women”
President Allan Sauder and staff will highlight the major accomplishments of the past year, including stories from some of our nine million clients and 100 partners around the world. A special report from Fonkoze, our long-term partner in Haiti, will show how this microfinance program is helping more than 200,000 women and their families recover from the devastation of the earthquake. Officers of MEDA’s board and staff will present reports on MEDA’s finances, investments and strategic directions. Attendees are invited to pose questions to officers and staff. Voting members of MEDA will also take actions on several items of business.
Saturday evening, November 6, 2010
“From Homelessness to Entrepreneurship: The Power of Hope, Vision and Action” Frank O’Dea, Founder of The Second Cup
Frank O’Dea’s story of triumph over adversity and raw ambition and determination in the face of dire circumstances has inspired audiences around the world. His rags-to-riches story is truly inspiring.
From living on the street, and against all odds, O’Dea became one of Canada’s most successful and celebrated entrepreneurs, founding numerous businesses, including The Second Cup. In addition to his string of business successes, O’Dea’s achievements in the not-for-profit sector, both in Canada and worldwide, are extraordinary.
While he inspires audiences and leaves them with a renewed respect for the power of the human spirit, O’Dea does more than that. He shares with his audience the three keys that unlocked his success and shows his audiences how they can use these keys in their own personal and business lives.
Among his many honors, O’Dea is an Officer of the Order of Canada and holds two Honorary Doctor of Laws degrees, from Royal Roads University, Victoria, BC, and Carleton University, Ottawa, ON, respectively. A book about his inspiring journey, entitled When All You Have is Hope, was released by Penguin Canada in 2007.
Sunday morning, November 7, 2010
“Unleashing the Spirit of God in the Life of the Entrepreneur” Jane Hoober Peifer, Pastor of Blossom Hill Mennonite Church
The creative mind and spirit of the entrepreneur mirrors the creative energy of God in the world. Entrepreneurs often make old things new, see opportunities in desolate places, take risks and empower people. The Spirit of God, when unleashed in the life of the entrepreneur, has the potential to bring about much good ... which begs the question: What tethers the Spirit of God in the life of the entrepreneur?
Jane Hoober Peifer received her M.Div. from Eastern Mennonite Seminary and has nearly 20 years of pastoral experience in Virginia and Pennsylvania. She serves on the board of Everence Federal Credit Union and recently completed terms of service on Mennonite Central Committee bi-national board as well as on the Executive Board of Mennonite Church USA.
Jane grew up in a business family. Her father founded a farm equipment dealership in Intercourse, PA, in 1941. Hoober Inc. is operating in multiple Mid-Atlantic states, with two business locations in Pennsylvania and two in Delaware. Jane’s brother, husband and three nephews now provide leadership for the third-generation company.
She has written numerous children’s books, most recently, The Family Song, published by Mennonite Publishing Network in 2008.
1. Staircase out of Poverty: Fonkoze’s Unique Approach to Poverty Alleviation in Haiti. Ann Hastings, CEO of Fonkoze.
2. Mennonite History Meets Modern Ukraine. Steve Wright, MEDA Ukraine field project manager; Nigel Motts, MEDA’s director of Agriculture Market Linkages.
3. Economic Forecast and Commentary. Chris Gingrich, professor of Economics, Eastern Mennonite University; Derek Beatty, associate director and investment counselor with BMO Harris Private Banking.
4. Winning Through Quality. Jack Swaim, consultant and retired HP executive.
5. Father, Son and Company. Paul Tiessen and Brent Tiessen, Action Office Interiors, Saskatchewan.
6. A Practical Theology of Generosity. Beryl Jantzi, Everence (formerly MMA) director of stewardship education.
Friday, November 5 • 10:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
7. Local Capacity and Local Ownership: Partnering with local NGOs in Afghanistan and Pakistan. Aysha Saifuddin of Kaarvan Crafts Foundation, Lahore, Pakistan; Mahbooba Waizi of Afghan Women’s Business Council (AWBC), Kabul, Afghanistan.
8. Bequests: Including Charity in Your Will or Trust. Marlin Hershey, MEDA; Michael Miller, MMA Trust Company/Mennonite Foundation; Bob Kroeker, MEDA; Gary Sawatzky, Mennonite Foundation Calgary.
9. Oil and Gas in Alberta: Boom or Bust. Mark Little, senior vice president, International and Offshore for Suncor Energy.
10. Three Generations of Entrepreneurship. Dennis Neufeldt, president; Kevin Neufeldt, VP Operations; Dave Neufeldt, VP Sure Flame Division; Haul-All Equipment Ltd., Lethbridge, Alberta.
11. From the Tractor to the Boardroom. Myrl Nofziger, real estate development and management, Goshen, Indiana.
12. Sing Together from Sing the Journey and Sing the Story. Kim Thiessen, MCC Alberta; Darryl Neustaedter Barg, Mennonite Church Manitoba. (repeats - see #31)
13. Unleashing Entrepreneurship: Creating New Businesses from Innovative Ideas. Panel including Dale Brubacher-Cressman, Vigor Clean Tech; Jeremy Showalter, Microsoft (facilitator).
Friday, November 5 • 2:00 – 3:15 p.m.
14. Opportunities in the Business of Health: Managing the Health Care Supply Chain in Developing Countries. Tim Piper, Director of Health Programs for MEDA. (repeats - see #23)
15. Of This Earth: A Conversation with Rudy Wiebe. Award-winning novelist and biographer Rudy Wiebe.
16. Consulting and Networking Opportunity for Students and Young Adults. Janelle and Grant Unrau, Stun Collective, Saskatchewan; Jeremy Showalter, senior product manager, Microsoft; Henry Rosenberger, former owner, Rosenberger’s Cold Storage and Transport.
17. Discussion about a Recent Business Book. Jerrell Ross Richer, associate professor of economics, Goshen College, Goshen, Indiana.
Friday, November 5 • 3:45 – 5:00 p.m.
18. Investing in Youth: MEDA in Egypt and Morocco. Jennifer Denomy, MEDA’s director of Youth and Financial Services.
19. Introducing MEDA to Your Congregation. Howard Good, vice president of Association Engagement.
20. Current Issues in Microfinance. Jeff Huebner, assistant professor of International Business, Ambrose University College; Julie Redfern, MEDA’s vice president for Financial Services.
21. Royal Ridge Fruits: How a Family Business Grew into a National Fruit Producer and Processor. Kevin Dorsing, Bryce Dorsing, Les Dorsing, Terry Dorsing, Washington.
22. Faith, Life, and Witness: Mennonites in Western Canada. Theodore D. (Ted) Regehr, historian and retired University of Saskatchewan professor.
Saturday, November 6 • 2:00 – 3:15 p.m.
23. Opportunities in the Business of Health: Managing the Health Care Supply Chain in Developing Countries. Tim Piper, director of Health Programs for MEDA. (repeat of #14)
24. Women’s Economic Strengthening: Peace-building. MEDA staff: Scott Ruddick, director of ISS; Rachel Hess, senior consultant/project manager for Pakistan; Helen Loftin, director Women’s Economic Development.
25. My Experiences on Wall Street and as a Farmer in Saskatchewan. Richard Pedde, Indian Head, Saskatchewan.
26. What’s in a Name? Larry Miller, president and CEO of Everence (formerly MMA); Steve Bowers, Everence vice president of marketing.
Saturday, November 6 • 3:45 – 5:00 p.m.
27. Investment Reporting. Gerhard Pries, president of Sarona Asset Management Inc., MEDA’s investment arm.
28. Why MEDA Does What We Do and Works Where We Work. Kim Pityn, chief operations officer; Jerry Quigley, vice president, Market Linkages; Julie Redfern, vice president, Financial Services.
29. Human Resources and the Corporate Pastor. Lorne Willms, former Mennonite Brethren pastor, now human resources manager, Haul-All Equipment Ltd., Lethbridge, Alberta.
30. Balancing the Pressures of Business and Family Life. Bob and Sue Miller, Dutchman Hospitality Group; Ann-Michele and Steve Ewert, Jolica and Vero Construction.
31. Sing Together from Sing the Journey and Sing the Story. Kim Thiessen, MCC Alberta; Darryl Neustaedter Barg, Mennonite Church Manitoba. (repeat of #12)
Beautiful Banff and Lake Louise: Welcome to the Canadian Rockies! Enjoy a fireside chat with a naturalist, see towering mountain peaks, and more. 7:30 a.m. departure, 4:30 p.m. return. Box lunch included. COST: $139 CAD/USD
Alberta Mennonite Businesses and History: Visit a Hutterite colony, Haul-All Equipment, and Tradesman Manufacturing with historian Ted Regehr and MEDA member Kevin Neufeldt. 7:30 a.m. departure, 4:30 p.m. return. Box lunch included. COST: $119 CAD/USD
Friday, November 5
Alberta Boots and Hats: Go behind the scenes at Alberta Boot Company and Smithbilt Hats to see how they’re preserving Western heritage and values in Calgary. 1:00 p.m. departure, 5:00 p.m. return. COST: $79 CAD/USD
Art Scene Walking Tour: Downtown Calgary isn’t all concrete and glass – join our local guide on an excursion to fantastic art studios and museums. 1:00 p.m. departure, 5:00 p.m. return. COST: $49 CAD/USD
Alberta Oil and Gas Industry: Mark Little, executive vice president, International and Offshore, will host our group at Suncor’s global headquarters for a tour, videos and questions and answers. 12:15 p.m. departure, 3:30 p.m. return. Lunch included. COST: $49 CAD/USD
Chocolaterie Bernard Callebaut: Bernard Callebaut has been crafting delectable chocolates since 1983. Visit the factory and taste some chocolates! Choose either 1:30 p.m. departure, 3:00 p.m. return or 3:30 p.m. departure, 5:00 p.m. return. COST: $49 CAD/USD
Curling – “Chess on Ice”: Go curling for the afternoon! Learn the fine art of delivering stones across the curling sheet towards the house. 1:00 p.m. departure, 5:00 p.m. return. COST: $79 CAD/USD
Saturday, November 6
Canada Olympic Park: The roar of the crowd, the rush of adrenaline and the thrill of competition is the legacy of Canada Olympic Park, the site of the 1988 Games. Optional add-on: Bobsleigh ride.1:00 p.m. departure, 5:00 p.m. return. COST: $99 CAD/USD
Lunch atop Calgary Tower: Take in outstanding views of the city, the Rocky Mountains and the prairies while dining with your friends. 12:30 p.m. departure, 2:30 p.m. return. COST: $79 CAD/USD
Art Scene Walking Tour: Downtown Calgary isn’t all concrete and glass – join our local guide on an excursion to fantastic art studios and museums. 1:00 p.m. departure, 5:00 p.m. return. COST: $49 CAD/USD
Curling – “Chess on Ice”: Go curling for the afternoon! Learn the fine art of delivering stones across the curling sheet towards the house. 1:00 p.m. departure, 5:00 p.m. return. COST: $79 CAD/USD
Kim Thiessen and Darryl Neustaedter Barg will lead music and perform several times during the MEDA convention. They will:
• Lead group singing during plenary sessions
• Perform several original songs during the sessions
• Perform at a late night "Coffee House" on Saturday
• Lead a sing-a-long from Sing the Journey and Sing the Story during the seminar track
Kim and Darryl have performed music together since 2002 and have produced four CDs. Their music will be available for purchase in the convention bookstore.
In 2002, Mennonite Central Committee Alberta and Foothills Mennonite Church in Calgary, Alberta invited Kim Thiessen and Darryl Barg to produce a CD,“To Such as These…Songs and Lullabies for Children of the World” as a fundraiser for MCC's initiative called Generations at Risk. The initiative, now known simply as the Generations program, is MCC’s AIDS program, which supports 70 partner organizations in 30 different countries around the world through: AIDS prevention education, orphan care, home based care, and medical supplies for clinics and hospitals.
Last year Kim and Darryl -- and their families -- spent three weeks in Kenya living, singing, and getting to know the Maasai community of Najile. The goal was to collaborate with local Maasai choirs, and record music together. “Take Your Place,” Kim and Darryl's fourth CD, was the end result with a focus on the beginning of rich friendships and connections; of taking our place at others' table and being inspired, challenged and humbled by the generosity and grace of a community, and singing together.
Kim lives in Calgary, AB, with her husband Byron, and two daughters, Jesse and Meghan. Kim works at MCC Alberta as the Peace and HIV/AIDS Program Development Coordinator.
Darryl lives in Winnipeg, MB, with his wife Krista, and their two children, Joshua and Natasha. Darryl works with Mennonite Church Manitoba as the Media Ministries Coordinator.
Both Kim and Darryl volunteer their time to promote the music and the cause of the Generations program.
David Miller will address current economic realities in light of the recent global financial crisis from his perspective as an academic and former business executive. 
Fred Wall, former owner of a manufacturing business in Winnipeg and member of MEDA’s board of directors, will describe his search for his family roots in the Ukraine, including visits to the ancestral homes of his father and mother. The Walls’ village is near Simpferopol in the Crimea and the Enns’ village is in the Molotschna Colony near Melitopol where the MEDA program is centered. Fred is an occasional consultant to MEDA projects, including Ukraine.
Steve Wright, MEDA’s field project manager, will highlight MEDA’s Ukraine Horticulture Development Program which will substantially and sustainably increase the incomes and competitiveness of at least 5,000 small farmers living in poverty in the Zaporiska and Crimea regions in southern Ukraine. The $10 million, five-year project was initiated in April 2008 with major support from the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA). Wright joined MEDA in 2008 and worked previously in Tajikistan and Ukraine. His expertise includes both agriculture lending and banking sectors. 
President Allan Sauder and staff will highlight the major accomplishments of the past year, including stories from some of our nine million clients and 100 partners around the world. A special report from Fonkoze, our long-term partner in Haiti, will show how this microfinance program is helping more than 200,000 women and their families recover from the devastation of the earthquake. Officers of MEDA’s board and staff will present reports on MEDA’s finances, investments and strategic directions. Attendees are invited to pose questions to officers and staff. Voting members of MEDA will also take actions on several items of business.
Frank O’Dea’s story of triumph over adversity and raw ambition and determination in the face of dire circumstances has inspired audiences around the world. His rags-to-riches story is truly inspiring.
The creative mind and spirit of the entrepreneur mirrors the creative energy of God in the world. Entrepreneurs often make old things new, see opportunities in desolate places, take risks and empower people. The Spirit of God, when unleashed in the life of the entrepreneur, has the potential to bring about much good ... which begs the question: What tethers the Spirit of God in the life of the entrepreneur?
Kim Thiessen and Darryl Neustaedter Barg will lead music and perform several times during the MEDA convention. They will: