Imagine a city where the world is unfolding...where leaders engage in meaningful issues of faith, business, economic development and philanthropy. Thank you for joining us November 1-4, 2007 at the Hilton Toronto! Click here to find out more about Toronto.
Eric Pillmore is the Senior Vice-President in charge of Corporate Governance for Tyco International. They are a diversified manufacturing and service company operating in over 100 countries with over 40 billion dollars in operating revenue.
Eric was hired by Tyco in August of 2002 to restore integrity and values to the company after one of the largest corporate fraud scandals in the history of American commerce. Eric embraced the challenge, helping Tyco to return to the elite corporate status it once enjoyed.
Eric has witnessed first hand everything that is wrong and right in Corporate America. His plenary discussed the lessons he learned in shaping Tyco's governance strategy, some of the fundamental aspects of the company's ethics and governance strategy - including integrating leadership behaviours and accountability into the organization - and Tyco's progress on the governance and ethics front since 2002.
Friday evening, November 2
Debbie Sauder David: Preserving Values and Trust through the Generations
Debbie's plenary speech in mp3 format. (23.6MB) Debbie Sauder David is the Executive Director of Sauder Village in Archbold, Ohio, and oversees a team of 450 employees and 600 volunteers. Home to Ohio’s largest living history village, the operation includes a 350-seat restaurant, bakery, exhibition and performance centre, campground and a 98-room inn.
Debbie is leading Sauder Village into its third generation of leadership, following the values her grandfather and MEDA charter member, Erie Sauder, who founded Sauder Village in 1976. The Sauder family of businesses, including Sauder Woodworking, have intentionally preserved the values established by Erie.
Currently a MEDA board member and active community leader, Debbie shared how the values exemplified in the Sauder furniture and cultural tourism businesses have remained strong through changes of leadership and society.
Roger Martin has been Dean of the Rotman School of Management at the University of Toronto since 1998. In addition to his role as Dean, he is also a Professor of Strategic Management and former director of Monitor Company, a global strategy consulting firm based in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
During his 13 years with Monitor, he founded and chaired Monitor University, the firm's educational arm, served as co-head of the firm for two years, and founded the Canadian office. His research interests lie in the areas of global competitiveness, integrative thinking, business design and corporate citizenship.
Roger spoke of the essential role of trust in building an organization's sense of community and in turn, the role of a strong sense of community in enhancing organizational effectiveness. Even though the world is globalizing, building community remains as important as ever and that begins with building trust.
Sunday morning, November 4
Graham Snyder: The Power of Forgiveness
Roger's plenary speech in mp3 format. (32.5Mb) The news of NHL hockey player Dan Snyder's death shocked the sporting world in October of 2003. Dan was the passenger in Atlanta Thrasher teammate Dany Heatley's Ferrari when it hit a brick wall killing Snyder at the age of only 25.
Dan Snyder's family were led to respond in forgiveness and embraced the positives surrounding the tragedy. This profound display of grace in the face of heart-breaking loss resonated strongly with people across North America and the world. Their story has been an inspiration to many within the hockey world, setting an example of forgiveness for church communities.
Graham Snyder is also a financial advisor residing in Elmira, Ontario, with his wife LuAnn and daughter Erica. His is a member of the Elmira Mennonite Church.
Music Leaders Mark Diller Harder is on the pastoral team at St Jacobs Mennonite Church. He is a lover of church music, passionate about good congregational singing and frequently leads music in various settings.
Brandon Leis recently completed a year of Opera study at Wilfrid Laurier University University, where he holds an H.B.Mus in Vocal Performance. He is currently Director of Music at Stirling Avenue Mennonite church, Curator of the Brubacher House Museum, and Voice/Music History Teacher at Heritage College in Cambridge.
Emcees Laverne Brubacher: After 42 years in a design/build residential renovation company, Laverne is successfully transitioning the day to day operation to his management team. This frees him up to continue to volunteer on several boards and committees. He loves gardening, skiing, and golf.
Ella Brubacher: Retired from secretary, child-rearing and innkeeping, Ella is now enjoying watercolour painting, Scrabble, golf, reading, and community volunteering. Together in St Jacobs, Laverne and Ella take an early morning walk and enjoy two grandchildren.
Seminars:
Friday, November 2 Please note the time with each seminar description below and register online at businessasacalling.org (coming soon) or mail/fax enclosed registration form.
9:00 – 10:15 a.m.
1. Economic Forecast and Commentary. Join Chris Gingrich, Professor of Economics, Eastern Mennonite University, and Chuck Roth, Vice-President, Mackenzie Financial Corporation, for our annual analysis, critique and discussion of economic trends in the United States and Canada.
2. Handling Difficult Conversations. The workplace includes lots of social interactions that have the potential to create significant anxiety (e.g., addressing an employee’s performance problems, dealing with the failure of a partner organization to deliver on its promises, explaining why you can’t follow through on a promise of your own). This interactive session is designed to offer practical tools, approaches and frameworks for effectively handling those difficult conversations and reducing the anxiety associated with them. Presenter Mark Weber is an award-winning teacher, public speaker and researcher at the Rotman School of Management, University of Toronto. This seminar continues until 12:00 p.m. with a half-hour break.
3. 37 Outstanding Marketing Ideas (and 13 Really Bad Ones). Your marketing may be more diverse than you think. Get some colorful examples on how to take advantage of this new perspective. Presented by Grant and Janelle Unrau who recently founded Stun Marketing in Saskatoon several years after Janelle hopped off the corporate ladder at her publicly-traded firm and Grant sold his third company, one of the larger design firms in the United States.
4. Entrepreneurs Toolbox: A Panel Discussion on Tools for Hiring, Evaluation and Assessment of Employees. A practical and candid glimpse into human resources, offering valuable knowledge from a panel of experts: Alan Giagnocavo, President of Fox Chapel Publishing, Jennifer Helmuth, MEDA’s HR Administrator, and David Seyler, Co-President, Riverside Brass.
5. If It was Easy, It would have been Done Long Ago: Reflections on the Impact of Cultural Differences in Development Work. This session offers practical experience and valuable perspectives from two development consultants focusing on how trust and success can be bridged or breached through the level of cultural understanding and adaptation by the “helping” agencies. Participants will be invited to add illustrations from their own experience. Linda Wiens is the Executive Director of the Prairie Crossing Institute, a “lifelong learning” organization associated with an unusual conservation community near Chicago. Andrew Miller is pursuing an MDiv degree at Eastern Mennonite Seminary and is an Assistant Professor of Business at Eastern Mennonite University.
6. A Venture Christian in a Capitalist World. Bob Nally, Waterloo, Ontario, is a Christian seeking to live out his faith and beliefs through business as a “venture capitalist without borders” with Christ-centered values and principles. For the past seventeen years he has managed a small venture capital fund developing environmental and information technology companies and has been involved in about 20 start up companies.
7. Who are the People at MEDA? The directors of MEDA’s five product lines Howard Good (Member Services), Rachel Hess (Community Economic Development), Gerhard Pries (Investment Fund Development), Jerry Quigley (Production Marketing Linkages), and Julie Redfern (Microfinance) will talk about why they do what they do, their questions, cutting edges, successes, challenges.
8. Balance for Success: Combining Business, Marriage, Family and Friends. Join Elaine Shantz, VP of Health Care Operations, and Dale Shantz, Director of Retirement, both of R-B-J Schlegel in a relaxed, informal look at how to find that “balance” that is essential to keep relationships strong. In addition to working together to provide senior care, Elaine and Dale are married to each other, live together in Wellesley, Ontario, have two married daughters and three grandchildren.
9. The Maturation Process of Managerial Capability: Implications for Family Business Transitions. Why is it that some ‘succeeding generation leaders’ take the family business to new levels of prosperity while other ‘successors’ run it into bankruptcy? Join Ken Frey, Rockwood, Ontario, a management consultant specializing in organizational change. Learn about how to determine a match or a mismatch between the demands of the business and potential leaders; differing succession options for family businesses; and examples of successful family business leadership transitions.
10. Building Your Career: What Drives You? Our values motivate us, but as a young person you may be unsure how to employ this fact when pursuing your career. In this seminar, participants access a Web link that will help them assess their natural behavior style and values. Presenters will then demonstrate natural style will enhance or hamper your ability to work in various career choices you may be considering. Once you understand the gifts and abilities God has given you, you can better see the many ways you can use those to honor and serve God. Steve Martin, LLIF, is Senior Vice President of Marketing for MMA. Phil Mason, Certified Professional Behavior Analyst, is Western Regional Vice President for MMA.
11. MEDA in the Movies. Andrew Wall, Bottle Rocket World Entertainment Corp., will show videos he’s produced about MEDA’s work in Nicaragua, Tanzania, Uganda, and Tajikistan. Wally Kroeker will show old MEDA VHS videos on cocoa, micro-finance, and Member Services.
10:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
2. Handling Difficult Conversations. Seminar continued from 9:00 a.m.
12. Leading from the Inside: 5 Practices of Effective Leaders. Exemplary leadership is built on a foundation of credibility. Explore these five practices in the context of Jesus’ leadership and see how they apply in business, with Lee Schmucker, Schmucker Training and Consulting, and Allon Lefever, Director of the MBA program at Eastern Mennonite University, will lead from their knowledge and experience.
13. Ordinary Radicals: How to Incorporate Faith and Finance. This session focuses on the unique challenge at Mennonite Savings and Credit Union to integrate value imperatives and business imperatives (staff, service, profitability, etc.). Shawn Good, Manager Branch Operations MSCU, Waterloo, Ontario.
14. Work Relationships That Work: Nurturing a Culture of Trust. This workshop examines the importance of trust in workplace relationships and explores how to build and maintain a culture where trust is foundational. Wanda Wagler-Martin is Executive Director of Shalom Christian Counselling Services in Waterloo, Ontario.
15. Truth-telling: The Hidden Profit Booster. In this provocative seminar you will discover practical ways to nurture truthfulness in your workplace and how this shift in thinking could add significantly to the organization’s bottom line. Interactive activities will encourage you to explore your own truth-telling practices in society and business cultures that often devalue the truth. Presenter: Ken Byler, of Higher Ground Consulting Group in Souderton, Pennsylvania.
16. How I Got My Start in Business. Gary Leis, Leis Pet Distributing and Waterloo MEDA chapter chair, will facilitate a discussion with Sheri Bender, Vintage Soul; Charles Conrad, Geneva Merger & Acquisition Services; and Cam Shapansky, Blue North; discussing questions like: How they got their businesses started and how they’ve grown over the years. Why did they choose the business they’re in? Who have been their mentors and what have they learned from them. What things would they do differently? How do they live out their faith in their day-to-day work?
17. How the Light Gets In: Development as Story. There is a tendency to focus on the technical aspects of development work, which are important. However, technical interventions are ineffective and meaningless without a good, collective, story. Based on experiences in Nepal, Peru, and elsewhere, David Waltner-Toews, Guelph, Ontario, will tell about how he discovered this and will include readings from his poetry and fiction. David is an epidemiologist, essayist, poet, fiction writer, veterinarian, and a specialist in the epidemiology of food and waterborne diseases, zoonoses (diseases other animals share with people) and ecosystem health.
18. Women’s Economic Empowerment in Islamic Countries. Social isolation, conflict, illiteracy, deeply entrenched gender roles, and socio-cultural and religious barriers present formidable barriers to women entrepreneurs in Pakistan and Afghanistan. In the face of such hurdles, MEDA has found innovative ways to work with partners and successfully apply private sector strategies to surmount these barriers. MEDA staff and partners will share stories on how our work empowers rural-based women entrepreneurs to successfully integrate into their local, regional and national economies. Presenter: Pauline Achola, Manager, Technical Services.
19. The Waterloo Region ASSETS+ Story. Hear about how MEDA, The Working Center, Mennonite Savings and Credit Union, and Waterloo MEDA chapter members are partnering to teach individuals how to start their own micro-business or if they already have on operating business, how to expand it. Bob Shantz, Local Project Coordinator, and Kathy Gilman, Microbusiness Development Specialist for MEDA.
20. Come and Sing Some New Songs! Mennonite Publishing Network has recently published two new supplements to go with the Hymnal: A Worship Book: Sing the Journey (2005) and Sing the Story (2007). These hymnals provide some new music and texts to use in worship. Have fun singing them and hearing about their history with our music leader for this weekend, Mark Diller Harder and some of the house band musicians.
2:00 – 3:15 p.m.
20. Come and Sing Some New Songs! Seminar repeated.
21. Electronic Collaboration. What does Wikipedia have to teach us? What is going on with all the social networks like Facebook? What does it mean for an idea or product to go viral? Why do blogs have a level of influence that seems greater than their readership? George Lehman, director of Graduate Programs in Business at Bluffton University, will present this seminar.
22. Business People Need Pastors and Pastors Need Business People. The church isn’t run like your business and your business isn’t run like the church, nevertheless churches and business can thrive as they rely on each others’ areas of expertise and strength. Presenter: Brian Bauman, Mission Minister, Mennonite Church Eastern Canada, with Waterloo MEDA chapter members.
23. Partnering for Leading-Edge Programming: MEDA’s Experience with International Development Enterprise (IDE). MEDA is recognized as an industry leader in value chain development, including financing of stakeholders in input supplies, production and output markets. IDE recognized MEDA’s commitment to innovation and excellence, and invited us to provide expert support for their $20 million “Rural Prosperity Initiative” funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the Dutch Government. Working in Zambia, Ethiopia, Nepal, Bangladesh and Vietnam, MEDA is pioneering next generation models for poverty alleviation in agricultural communities. Presenter: MEDA’s Linda Jones, Director of Technical Services.
24. Through the Garden Gate: Integrating Afghan Women into Horticultural Markets. The women of Parwan province in Afghanistan face a myriad of hurdles in their ongoing subsistence farming activities in a country decimated by war and upheaval. In this seminar, you will learn of the challenges and methods used in this project for improving the diversity of crops that the women grow as well as increasing the quality and quantity of their yields. Join us to hear about MEDA’s training, the introduction of technologies and best practices, and the unique method of engaging and communicating with the women farmers who are so isolated from the outside world. Lana Mo is MEDA’s Horticulture Development Manager in Afghanistan.
25. No Margin, No Mission: Environmental Enterprise for the Kingdom. This session will discuss the power and responsibility of business to operate restorative enterprises. Presenter Brent Alderfer is Executive Vice President of Iberdrola Renewable Energies USA, the largest owner of wind energy generation in the world. He has led the development of new markets for wind energy generation and expanded development in the eastern and mid-western United States.
26. Mennonites in Ontario: A Quilt with Many Pieces. Ontario is the site of the first Mennonite settlement in Canada over two hundred years ago. Today, the Mennonite church community in this province is one of the most diverse in North America, with well over 25 identifiable subgroups. This seminar will survey the history of Mennonites in Ontario, with attention to the diversity of custom and culture that exists within a context of shared beliefs. Marlene Epp is associate professor of History and Peace & Conflict Studies at Conrad Grebel University College at the University of Waterloo, Ontario.
3:45 – 5:00 p.m.
27. Seven Things Young Adults Need to Know about Money. Everyone needs to know how to tie their own shoes, ride a bicycle, and manage their money wisely. The first two are easy but many people never learn the third one. Wise money habits are not difficult to learn. This workshop will outline the basics of money management in the areas of debt and borrowing, credit cards, housing, vehicles, generosity, lifestyle, and saving for retirement. Co-presented by Darren Pries-Klassen, a Stewardship Consultant with Mennonite Foundation of Canada, and Madalyn Metzger, Communication Manager for Mennonite Mutual Aid.
28. The Speed of Trust: The One Thing that Changes Everything. Join a book discussion of a highly rated 2006 title by Stephen M. R. Covey and Rebecca R. Merril. The book draws on anecdotes and business cases in a down-to-earth approach to nurturing trust in professional and personal lives. Covey outlines 13 behaviors of trust-inspiring leaders. The book discussion will be led by Alan Weldy, Associate Professor and Chair of the Business Department at Goshen College, and Vickie Andres, Chair and Student Advisor of the Business Department at Hesston College.
29. Hesitant Entrepreneurs. Barefoot Creative began with a vision of 2 creative entrepreneurs. Eight years later, with a team of 18+ we face the challenge of passing the passion on to our team, building an organization based on talent, experience and knowledge and not just the personality of the owners. Barefoot Creative is a communication agency in Kitchener, Ontario owned by Kevin Hawley and Gayle Goossen. Presenter: Gayle Goossen.
30. Best Practices in MEDA Chapters. Carol Eby-Good, MEDA’s Member Services Coordinator, will lead a discussion with Marion Good (Waterloo), Randy Schweitzer (Shenandoah), Paul Tiessen (Saskatchewan), and Janette Yoder (Michiana) on programming and events that have worked well for their chapters. Learn how they address the business issues of their chapter participants, create value for MEDA members in their regions, and how they have succeeded in getting new people to attend their events.
31. Human Rights, Business and Development. This presentation will explore the changes that have occurred in the last ten years in how human rights are viewed by the business and development communities. It will specifically examine the impact of the UN Global Compact on the business community and the emergent development paradigm utilized by MEDA in Egypt, a rights-based approach to development. Lowell Ewert is the Director of Peace and Conflict Studies at Conrad Grebel University College in Waterloo, Ontario.
32. Meeting in Peace: Bases for Christian-Muslim Cooperation. This seminar will examine similarities as well as differences between Christianity and Islam, and provide a space for exploring strategies and precedents for respectful interfaith cooperation. Particular emphasis will be given to challenges of effective peace and development practice in regions of actual or potential conflict. Nathan Funk is Assistant Professor of Peace and Conflict Studies at
Conrad Grebel University College, University of Waterloo, where he
specializes in issues related to religion and peacebuilding.
33. Exploding the Retirement Myth. Learn an exciting approach to going beyond North American culture’s idea of retirement to a “Next Chapter” way of life, built on your passion, mission and values. Presenter Leon Hoover serves as the Eastern Region Vice President for MMA and also developed a business partnership for his entrepreneurial interests.
Tours:
Tours depart from the Hilton Toronto foyer and return at the times listed. Cost includes admissions, applicable taxes and gratuities.
Thursday
Journey to St. Jacobs
7:15 a.m. departure, 5:00 p.m. return.
COST: $149 CAD/$140 USD
Take a tour of MEDA member businesses in gorgeous St. Jacobs. Meet the Shantz family of St. Jacobs Country, visit the Market, shop in the Village, have lunch at Benjamin’s Restaurant and Inn, tour the countryside with Del Gingrich and visit Wallenstein Feed & Supply owned by the Martin Family.
More details: As you leave the Hilton Toronto in our chartered coach, you will be able to enjoy a muffin, piece of fruit and bottled water.
The first stop will be the St. Jacobs Farmers Market (www.stjacobs.com) where you will be welcomed by Sheila Lobrutto, a member of the Shantz family. You’ll have time to explore the outstanding array of food vendors, including some who bring their home-grown produce and preserves by horse and buggy from local Old Order Mennonite farms. You’ll also find an abundance of crafts, home décor and gifts. In fair weather, the market spills outdoors will row upon row of fresh Ontario produce and items of every description at a giant quality flea market! On-site businesses offer the stunning handmade quilts and solid wood furniture this area has become known for.
Next, board the coach again for a short ride to the St. Jacobs Village. Delmar Gingrich will meet the group at the Visitor Center for “The Mennonite Story,” a guided multi-media presentation, explaining the culture and history of Mennonites locally and around the world. Look for references to MEDA’s work! Delmar will then take the group on a Mennonite Countryside Tour. Experience the serenity and beauty of the rolling farmland that the Old Order Mennonites call home. Become acquainted with the culture and history of the Mennonites of Waterloo County.
Next, the group will gather for a three-course lunch at Benjamin’s Restaurant and Inn, a refurbished stage coach inn from 1852, specializing in contemporary cuisine skillfully prepared using the finest ingredients, presented with flair by friendly staff. Milo Shantz will be on hand to tell the story of St. Jacobs Country and answer questions.
There’s time after lunch for shopping in St. Jacobs Village or touring Wallenstein Feed and Supply.
St. Jacobs Village is one of Ontario’s best shopping destinations with over 100 shops. Canadian crafts, such as pottery, glassblowing, weaving, etc., are made on location. Home décor, clothing and gift boutiques abound. Don’t miss the Mill, where you can see the model railway panorama of St. Jacobs circa 1940, the maple syrup museum, the quilt museum, and the history of home hardware and a history of electricity.
Wallenstein Feed and Supply (www.wfs.ca) is owned by the Martin family. Rick Martin will tell about the Martin family’s history of service to the community which dates back to the 1940’s when Lloyd sold feed from his father’s general store in Wallenstein. In 1958, Lloyd purchased Riverside Feed Mill and began serving the agricultural community with two small trucks and five employees. The original mill was destroyed by fire in 1963, but a new one emerged from the rubble with major involvement from local farmers. In 1981, Lloyd’s son, Rick, joined the family business. Over the years, sales grew, expansion continued, and by 1987, with production facilities stretched to the limit, the decision was made to build a second mill. This high tech mill began manufacturing feed in 1989 and has had several retrofits since that date. By 1999, with production facilities again stretched to the limit, a third mill was designed. With all three mills up and running by May 2001, they offer their customers a consistent, high quality product.
The coach will return to the Village to pick up any people who stayed to shop and then it’s back to Toronto in time for dinner on your own before the evening plenary!
The Toronto City Tour
9:15 a.m. departure, 5:00 p.m. return.
COST: $169 CAD/$160 USD
Experience an all-day excursion in “The City of Imagination.” Toronto is a city filled with hundreds of architectural gems and thousands of unique corners. Visit century-old churches, modern landmarks, dynamic theatres, St. Lawrence Market and the fairy tale castle, Casa Loma, and enjoy a three-course lunch at three ethnic restaurants.
More details: Toronto, Canada’s largest city with an incredible mix of people from all over the world, welcomes you with open arms and unmatched hospitality. Toronto is a city filled with hundreds of architectural gems and thousands of unique corners. Our tour guide will take us through the financial district, featuring the country’s tallest skyscrapers, which make up Toronto’s powerful skyline. The beautiful Royal Bank building has its windows coated in pure gold dust; it literally glows in the sun!
Our group will enjoy free time to shop at the St. Lawrence Market. With over 600 specialty vendors, it’s Toronto’s premier market!
The Toronto restaurant scene is filled with delicious dining options. Our group will have the opportunity to visit three of Toronto’s great restaurants in a dine-around format where each course will be served at a different ethnic restaurant.
Bright Pearl Restaurant will be the first stop for appetizers. This Chinatown mainstay features two floors of dining with a casual atmosphere. The large menu has something for everyone, including all-day dim sum, and fresh fish and seafood.
Next we had to Penelope’s. Whether it’s flaming Kefalotiri cheese or succulent roast lamb, lightly seasoned and spiced, the chefs recapture the culinary style of authentic Greek cooking, and the result is a wonderful myriad of tastes and textures.
Finally it’s off to Joe Badali’s Italian Ristorante for a delicious dessert! Stepping into Joe Badali’s is like walking into an Italian Piazza. Large and open, with beautiful wrought iron decorating the interior and a large wooden bar, this spot is inviting and relaxed.
No tour of Toronto’s architectural treasures would be complete without seeing century-old churches, modern landmarks, our dynamic theatres, and the fairy tale castle, Casa Loma. Casa Loma, Canada’s famous medieval-style castle is situated in the heart of mid-town Toronto. Today our group can take a self-guided tour through the former estate of Sir Henry Pellatt, a prominent Toronto financier, industrialist, and military man.
Niagara Falls and a Local Winery
7:15 a.m. departure, 5:00 p.m. return.
COST: $179 CAD/$155 USD
See the Falls in all their glory with a tour that includes a Journey Behind the Falls and the gorge. After seeing the Falls, visit the Hillebrand Estates winery and see how grapes are harvested and processed into wine and relax over lunch provided at their restaurant.
More details: As you leave the Hilton Toronto in our chartered coach, you will be able to enjoy a muffin, piece of fruit and bottled water. Observe the beautiful Canadian landscape as the coach transports our group from downtown Toronto to the picturesque Niagara Falls. No trip to Ontario would be complete without a visit to Niagara Falls and the surrounding region. A brief stop at this natural wonder is a must. Participants will venture down below the Falls and feel the thundering water pour over them when they experience Journey Behind the Falls. Capture a few pictures and feel the rush of nature’s own beauty and wonder. Participants will be given free time to explore and admire the Falls before boarding the coach for their winery lunch.
Next, travel through the Niagara region to uncover the mysteries behind the making of Ontario wine. There are some 15,000 acres of vineyards in the Niagara area producing a glorious range of wines to delight all palates. Its temperate climate, blending of soils, and warm summers nourish and mature grapes for these superb wines. There are now more than forty Ontario wineries in the Niagara region, the first of which was established in 1873.
Today, learn about the making of wine through discussion and tasting as the group visits the world-class Hillebrand Estates winery. The winery restaurant chef will create dishes, using local ingredients to leave our group with an unforgettable memory of wine country.
After lunch, experts will guide our group through the vineyard, the underground barrel cellar, as well as a structured tasting of three VQA wines.
Whether wine novices or connoisseurs, our group is sure to increase our knowledge today. Relax on the way back to Toronto as you reflect on a day well spent.
Friday
Cooking School at the Hilton Toronto
11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
COST: $119 CAD/$112 USD
Learn how to prepare Carrot and Stilten Cheese Soup, Spinach and Goat Cheese Risotto, and Petite Filet Mignon, Butter Bok Choy with King Oyster Mushrooms, Natural Pan Jus with Hilton Toronto’s Culinary Team. Participants will work in groups and experience the joy of cooking together. Savor the results of your efforts with others in this popular convention option. A platter of tarts and fresh fruit and berries will bring the meal to a sweet conclusion.
A Visit to Voortman Cookies
1:30 p.m. departure, 5:00 p.m. return.
COST: $59 CAD/$56 USD
See how consumers across North America are delighted by the 20-million cookies produced each day at the family-owned business in Burlington. Led by MEDA member, Ken Frey.
More details: Join this afternoon tour and learn about the financial consequences of leading the marketplace. Harry Voortman, Co-founder and President, will welcome our group and present the Voortman Cookie Story, and then lead the group in a plant tour. Cookies will accompany the concluding comments and time for questions and answers.
Harry Voortman says, “As a Christian, I cannot knowingly provide the public with products that are known to be injurious to people’s health. In 1999, my daughter, who is a naturopathic doctor, introduced me to the research on trans-fats. I became convinced of the problem – the findings were consistent. We began work to learn how to make our cookies without hydrogenated oils. In December 2004 we announced that all our products would be zero trans fat by March 2005. We achieved our promise and became the first quantity manufacturer to provide zero trans-fat cookies.”
William and Harry Voortman founded the company in 1951. The two brothers started their business from a house in Hamilton, Ontario and after trying different types of baked goods they decided to concentrate on cookies. In 1956, a grocery chain agreed to give the Voortman products shelf space and by the next year the brothers were able to build a facility in Burlington that employed 12 people.
From its mere beginnings to today, Harry Voortman has seen the bakery grow to its impressive “state of the art” 250,000-sq. ft. facility - with a capacity of 20 million cookies a day, housing 7 cookie lines, 3 wafer lines, 10 ovens and employing over 400 people. Over 60 different cookie varieties and sugar wafers are available to the consumer in packages or from the self-serve bulk Cookie Huts.
Voortman Cookies Limited delivers throughout North America to over 500 distributors, who operate as independent businesspersons, servicing over 50,000 stores. The distributors receive their cookie orders every other week and are responsible for direct store deliveries, their own inventory control, and product code freshness at the stores.
The Village of Humber Heights
1:30 p.m. departure, 5:00 p.m. return.
COST: $59 CAD/$56 USD
See the latest innovations in senior and retirement home living. The unique Main Street design and neighborhood setting provides lifestyle and personal care options that promote a sense of community, ensuring quality of life for seniors. Tour the Village, enjoy afternoon refreshments and entertainment with owners Ron and James Schlegel and other members of the Oakwood Retirement Communities team.
The Toronto City Tour
1:30 p.m. departure, 5:00 p.m. return.
COST: $59 CAD/$56 USD
See “The City of Imagination” in all its glamour. Toronto is a city filled with hundreds of architectural gems and thousand of unique corners. See century-old churches, modern landmarks, dynamic theatres and the St. Lawrence Market.
More Details: Toronto, Canada’s largest city with an incredible mix of people from all over the world, welcomes you with open arms and unmatched hospitality. Sit back and enjoy the sights as the city’s fascinating past and vibrant present unfold.
Toronto is a city filled with hundreds of architectural gems and thousands of unique corners. Though the CN Tower is our most famous sight, the city rewards the curious with charming secrets at every turn.
Just steps away from your hotel is Campbell House, built in 1822, a fine example of Georgian architecture and is the only existing brick residence from the town of York. Up the street from Campbell House is the Canada Life Building, designed to symbolize the company’s stability when built in 1931. At 17 stories and 276 feet, it was the tallest building on University Avenue when completed.
Our group will go through the financial district, featuring the country’s tallest skyscrapers, which make up Toronto’s powerful skyline. The beautiful Royal Bank building has its windows coated in pure gold dust; it literally glows in the sun!
The Ontario College of Art and Design is one of the most exciting architectural landmarks in Toronto. Its unique table top design stands 26 meters above ground on 12 multi-colored legs!
No tour of Toronto’s architectural treasures would be complete without seeing century-old churches, modern landmarks, our dynamic theatres and the fairy tale castle, Casa Loma. First-time visitors will be delighted by what they see and those familiar with the city will be pleasantly surprised!
Our group will also have free time to shop at the St. Lawrence Market. With over 600 specialty vendors, it’s Toronto’s premier market!
Tour the Distillery District
1:30 p.m. departure, 5:00 p.m. return.
COST: $69 CAD/$65 USD
Enjoy a historical and architectural tour before taking free time to explore the many galleries, theatres, retail shops, and restaurants within the district. Don’t miss the Sandra Ainsley Gallery, featuring some of the finest glass art in the country.
More Details: The Gooderham & Worts buildings were constructed between 1859 and 1928. They range from single-story brick warehouses with dirt floors to fanciful structures with charming dormer windows, shutters and belvederes. The complex was designated a national historic site in 100- when the breweries closed. Since 1990, the space has been closed to the public and only film crews have had the pleasure of exploring these historic spaces.
In 2003, this fabulous district underwent a massive redevelopment project. Taking precious care to preserve the historic charm of this are, the developers created a chic and inviting entertainment district that focuses on art and culture. As a testament to their commitment to the arts, Artscape, a city organization devoted to finding low-income studios for artists, will occupy two of the building, creating studios for 50 artists.
Today our group will enjoy a historical and architectural tour of the site and then enjoy free time exploring the many galleries, theatres, retail shops, and restaurants within the district. Notable shops include the Mill Street Brewery, which produces Ontario’s first all-organic beer, The Sandra Ainsley Gallery, featuring some of the finest glass art in the country, and Balzac’s Roastery, the city’s best coffee house.
Enjoy a breath-taking view of Toronto from high in the sky while enjoying a fabulous three-course lunch in the revolving restaurant. Dine with other convention attendees in Toronto’s most famous landmark.
More Details: Join your convention friends at 360-The Restaurant at the CN Tower, one of Toronto’s finest, which features unforgettable food combined with a magnificent revolving view of Toronto more than 351 meters (1,151 ft) below. 360 offers market-fresh cuisine, featuring regional ingredients to ensure an incomparable culinary experience. 360 also features an award-winning wine selection of over 550 international and Canadian wines from its “cellar in the sky.” 360 is the recipient of several awards and is a wonderful place to celebrate any special occasion.
The 360 restaurant completes a full rotation in 72 minutes. All seats offer a breath-taking view. Some are located against the window and others are on a raised platform. All seats in the restaurant are on the rotating floor and receive spectacular 360 degree views.
Elevation to the restaurant, the Lookout and Glass floor levels is included with the lunch.
Lunch menu
Appetizer: Hearts of romaine with garlic croutons, crisp pancetta, parmesan cheese and Caesar vinaigrette
Entrée: Choice of maple glazed boneless half chicken with whole grain mustard mashed potatoes, thyme infused jus OR grilled fillet of Atlantic salmon with fresh snipped chives, tomato and caper beurre blanc.
Dessert: Quebec maple syrup cheesecake with Newfoundland partridgeberries
Freshly brewed coffee and tea
Wine and other beverages may be purchased separately
Canadian Sports Central
12:15 p.m. departure, 5:15 p.m. return.
COST: $139 CAD/$131 USD
Start the afternoon off with a delicious three-course lunch at Wayne Gretzky’s famous restaurant. After dining at the Great One’s, tour the Rogers Center, home of the Toronto Blue Jays and take a journey through the magnificent Hockey Hall of Fame.
More Details: Our group will enjoy a delicious three-course lunch at Wayne Gretzky’s. The Great One may not be playing hockey anymore, but he has created a restaurant to keep the memories of his hockey career alive. Wayne Gretzky’s restaurant pays homage to #99 – Canada’s fastest, most agile man on ice.
For the aficionados of Canada’s national sport, ice hockey, this unique restaurant plays host to Wayne’s personal collection of souvenirs, trophies and mementos from his years as a hockey legend. The uniquely designed décor combines museum-like surroundings with the warmth and comfort of home.
Next, our group will tour the Rogers Center, beginning with a spectacular fifteen-minute, giant screen, multi-image film presentation of the hundreds of intriguing facts on the Dome and how it was built. A fascinating artifact centre and demonstration area showcases pottery shards, antique full-sized cannons, and glassware that were unearthed during the construction dig. We will proceed on a walking tour of the stadium beginning at field level. Look up, 55 stories up, at the massive domed roof. Take in the press box, team dressing rooms, the stands, and the private boxes. Marvel at the monolithic size of Rogers Center, and the magnificent video screens.
We will visit the Hockey Hall of Fame after that. In Canada, hockey plays an integral role in the development of our cultural identity. The Hockey Hall of Fame was founded in September 1943 to establish a memorial to those who have developed Canada’s National game.
Entering the Hockey Hall of Fame, you will instantly relive hockey’s magic moments. An action-packed theatre with a multi-image screen offers a presentation focusing on the game. You can also have your picture taken with the Stanley Cup!
Tour the Bata Shoe Museum and Yorkville
1:30 p.m. departure, 5:00 p.m. return.
COST: $59 CAD/$56 USD
From royalty to religious figures, from sports heroes to artists, the Bata Shoe Museum gives a fascinating glimpse into people’s choice of footwear throughout history. Next, explore the trendy Yorkville shopping district and see how developers have spent millions transforming the Victorian-Gothic houses into prime commercial space. A tour guide will provide an overview of the area and then allow free time for shopping.
More Details: Would you believe there’s a museum dedicated to shoes?
Shoemaking is one of the oldest crafts in the world. Shoes provide history about the owners’ social status, habits, culture, and religion. Illustrations of the sandal-makers have been depicted on the walls of ancient Egyptian tombs that are over 4,000 years old, and for the past few centuries basic shoemaking tools have hardly changed. In footwear we see evidence of technical innovations and human ingenuity.
The Bata Shoe Museum Foundation has been collecting footwear that belonged to famous people. From royalty to religious figures; from sports heroes to artists; the museum has a wide variety. With a little imagination, a peek at the footwear of the famous can bring their personalities to life. See what they chose to wear on their feet, and how these choices can reveal certain character traits!
Our group will also explore the trendy Yorkville shopping district. A step away from the Bata Shoe Museum, Yorkville is one of the most pleasant shopping districts in the city. Developers have spent millions transforming the Victorian-Gothic houses into prime commercial space. Our guide will provide an overview of the area and then allow free time for shopping.
The Toronto City Tour
1:30 p.m. departure, 5:00 p.m. return.
COST: $59 CAD/$56 USD
See “The City of Imagination” in all its glamour. Toronto is a city filled with hundreds of architectural gems and thousand of unique corners. See century-old churches, modern landmarks, dynamic theatres and the St. Lawrence Market.
More Details: Toronto, Canada’s largest city with an incredible mix of people from all over the world, welcomes you with open arms and unmatched hospitality. Sit back and enjoy the sights as the city’s fascinating past and vibrant present unfold.
Toronto is a city filled with hundreds of architectural gems and thousands of unique corners. Though the CN Tower is our most famous sight, the city rewards the curious with charming secrets at every turn.
Just steps away from your hotel is Campbell House, built in 1822, a fine example of Georgian architecture and is the only existing brick residence from the town of York. Up the street from Campbell House is the Canada Life Building, designed to symbolize the company’s stability when built in 1931. At 17 stories and 276 feet, it was the tallest building on University Avenue when completed.
Our group will go through the financial district, featuring the country’s tallest skyscrapers, which make up Toronto’s powerful skyline. The beautiful Royal Bank building has its windows coated in pure gold dust; it literally glows in the sun!
The Ontario College of Art and Design is one of the most exciting architectural landmarks in Toronto. Its unique table top design stands 26 meters above ground on 12 multi-colored legs!
No tour of Toronto’s architectural treasures would be complete without seeing century-old churches, modern landmarks, our dynamic theatres and the fairy tale castle, Casa Loma. First time visitors will be delighted by what they see and those familiar with the city will be pleasantly surprised!
Our group will also have free time to shop at the St. Lawrence Market. With over 600 specialty vendors, it’s Toronto’s premier market!
Tour the Distillery District
1:30 p.m. departure, 5:00 p.m. return.
COST: $69 CAD/$65 USD
Enjoy a historical and architectural tour before taking free time to explore the many galleries, theatres, retail shops, and restaurants within the district. Don’t miss the Sandra Ainsley Gallery, featuring some of the finest glass art in the country.
More Details: The Gooderham & Worts buildings were constructed between 1859 and 1928. They range from single-story brick warehouses with dirt floors to fanciful structures with charming dormer windows, shutters and belvederes. The complex was designated a national historic site in 100- when the breweries closed. Since 1990, the space has been closed to the public and only film crews have had the pleasure of exploring these historic spaces.
In 2003, this fabulous district underwent a massive redevelopment project. Taking precious care to preserve the historic charm of this are, the developers created a chic and inviting entertainment district that focuses on art and culture. As a testament to their commitment to the arts, Artscape, a city organization devoted to finding low-income studios for artists, will occupy two of the building, creating studios for 50 artists.
Today our group will enjoy a historical and architectural tour of the site and then enjoy free time exploring the many galleries, theatres, retail shops, and restaurants within the district. Notable shops include the Mill Street Brewery, which produces Ontario’s first all-organic beer, The Sandra Ainsley Gallery, featuring some of the finest glass art in the country, and Balzac’s Roastery, the city’s best coffee house.
Gain a deeper understanding of the reality of life in the inner city and explore a faith-based response. Take a “street life awareness walk” with street pastor Doug Johnson of Lazarus Rising, a group of Mennonites, who are responding to homelessness and marginalization on the streets of Toronto in real ways.
Eric Pillmore: Restoring Trust and Building and Ethical Culture at Tyco
Debbie Sauder David: Preserving Values and Trust through the Generations
Roger Martin: Trust, Community and Leadership
Graham Snyder: The Power of Forgiveness
Mark Diller Harder is on the pastoral team at St Jacobs Mennonite Church. He is a lover of church music, passionate about good congregational singing and frequently leads music in various settings.