Hundreds challenged to invest in risky places
MEDA convention theme to “Trust in a World of Change”
Waterloo,
ON – Close to 500 people from across North America heard messages of
trust at the annual Business as a Calling convention of MEDA –
Mennonite Economic Development Associates – Nov.1-4 in Toronto. MEDA
called on convention attendees to trust in a world of uncertainty and
to act on that trust by investing in the poor around the world.
Delegates
heard a slate of high-profile plenary speakers. Eric Pillmore was hired
by Tyco to restore integrity and values to the company after one of the
largest corporate fraud scandals in the history of American commerce.
He noted the lack of functional leadership that led to Tyco’s downfall,
and challenged his audience to ask themselves, “What are the
non-negotiables in your life?”
Rotman
School of Management Dean Roger Martin addressed the essential role of
trust in building an organization’s sense of community. Martin pointed
to three key things about community as it relates to creating a
satisfied work force: being a valued member of a community, valuing
that community, and being part of a community that is valued by people
outside it.
Graham
Snyder, father of NHL player Dan Snyder, found grace through
forgiveness in the face of the heartbreaking loss of his son in a car
crash. In relating his experience, he said, “Where there is injury
there can be pardon. … There is tremendous power in the act of
forgiveness.”
Debbie
Sauder David, a member of the third generation of leadership of the
Sauder Furniture legacy, spoke on Preserving Values and Trust through
the Generations. Her memories of MEDA cofounder Erie Sauder, her
grandfather, struck a chord with the audience, who were so moved by her
remarks that she garnered a standing ovation.
David
quoted Sauder as saying, “If the Lord blesses you, then use it for His
glory.” Her grandfather’s wisdom and values have resonated with her and
her family. She said, “God can make miracles out of common people, and
we can all make a difference. … We are passing our heritage on to our
children so they know they, too, can make a difference.”
Business
as a Calling also offered more than 30 seminars on a wide variety of
topics, from economic trends in North America, and a project to
integrate Afghan women into horticultural markets, to how to
incorporate faith and finance. (Some seminar handouts are available to
download at www.businessasacalling.org )
Convention
goers also had the opportunity to visit area businesses, with tours to
St. Jacobs Village, St. Jacobs Farmers Market, Wallenstein Feed and
Supply, Voortman Cookies and the Village of Humber Heights. Trips
included Toronto attractions such as the Bata Shoe Museum, CN Tower and
the Distillery District.
Convention
organizer Howard Good, MEDA vice president for North American
operations and director of member services, notes, “Convention brings
together Christian businesspeople and challenges them to be a source of
salt and light in the corporate world. It provides opportunities to
learn and discuss how they can live their faith every day of the week.
Each year, our members look forward to coming to convention to learn
new ways to integrate their faith and business, feed their soul and
find renewal.”
Early
evaluations from convention goers have been glowing. MEDA’s member
services coordinator, Carol Eby-Good, reports comments included the
following: “It was a great learning experience and important for me to
be there as a pastor. It was good to see what members from my
congregation experience each year and why they are so excited about the
ministry of MEDA.”
Next
year’s Business as a Calling convention, with a theme of Dividends of
Hope, is scheduled for Nov. 6-9 in Columbus, Ohio. Keynote speaker is
Philip Yancey, recognized as one of the most widely read Christian
authors of modern times. Early registrants will be eligible for a draw
for three nights free at the convention hotel, The Columbus. For more
information, go to www.businessasacalling.org or call (717) 560-6546.
For more information, contact:
Linda Whitmore
Communications & Media Relations Manager
519-725-1633
