Mennonite Entrepreneurs Conference 2010

Soul Shelter for the Entrepreneur
A Conference for Business
Professonals and Entrepreneurs

February 25-28, 2010
Doral Desert Princess Resort
Palm Springs, CA

Register now by filling out our registration PDF
and submitting via email, fax or mail.
Please register by January 19!

Apart from what is written in the official documents about ownership, every business thrives on partnerships. This series of Bible studies examines the partnerships that can determine the spiritual and emotional health of a business environment. In the introduction and each session following, we will pay attention to the nurturing of spiritual friendships that help us develop a healthy spirit in the workplace. First, we will examine the spiritual influence of our family of origin, reflecting on the ways it affects our business values as well as the quality of our relationships. Next, we will focus on the various ways that spouses can work side by side as spiritual partners, whether or not they are employed by the same company. Finally, we will reflect on ways to cultivate spiritual peace in our relationships, whether in the past or the present.

Bible Study Leader
Dr. Ervin Stutzman (pictured at right), vice president and seminary dean at Eastern Mennonite University and future executive director of MC USA, will lead our sessions.

Business Leader Presenters
An important part of the conference is sharing by business and professional entrepreneurs. This year, Gene and Gloria Diener, LD&B Insurance, Harrisonburg, Virginia, will present on Friday and Wilbur Bontrager, Jayco, Inc., Middlebury, Indiana, will speak on Saturday.

Gene and Gloria Diener are from Harrisonburg, Virginia. In 1975, following seven years of volunteer work in Central America, Gene started
his career as a life insurance agent. The business evolved into LD&B Insurance, a full service agency that currently employs 55 in six locations. Gloria, a former high school English teacher, does freelance writing. Both are graduates of Eastern Mennonite University and active members of Park View Mennonite Church. They are the parents of two young adult sons.

Wilbur Bontrager is chairman of the Board/CEO Jayco, Corp., Middlebury Indiana. Manufacturers of recreation vehicles, their products include all Jayco, Starcraft, Entegra Coach, which have operations in Middlebury, Indiana and Twin Falls Idaho.

There are approximately 1,300 employees with an annual revenue exceeding $320 million. He is actively involved on a number of boards of directors in the RV industry and civic and church communities. Wilbur and his wife, Sarah, are members of the Clinton Frame Mennonite Church.  They are the parents of one married son, three married daughters, and six grandchildren.

Song Leader
Shirley Bestvater will once again lead singing during our sessions. She currently directs the Faith and Life Women’s Chorus in Manitoba and the Bethel Men’s Chorus at her church. Music gives voice to her faith, gives expression to her creative energy and provides tremendous joy and satisfaction.

Free Time
Golf outings will be organized for the group. Shopping is available in downtown Palm Springs via the complimentary Doral shuttle. Tours to places such as the Palm Springs aerial tram, windmills, Joshua Tree National Park, and Indian Canyons will be organized by planning committee members depending on interest.

Doral Desert Princess Resort
Come and relax in the comfortable setting of the Doral Desert Princess Resort in Palm Springs, California. Palm Springs lies at the foot of the Jacinto Mountains and the San Bernardino National Forest. The views of tall, snow-covered peaks and warm, desert golf courses make for a memorable visit to this unique area.

The Doral Desert Princess Resort is just 10 minutes from the airport. It is surrounded by spectacular desert beauty, yet secluded within a lush oasis. The facilities include two sparkling pools, ten tennis courts and a fitness center with racquetball. The hotel has a 27-hole, PGA-rated golf course on site.

Reservations
Make your hotel reservations by calling the hotel at 1-888-386-4677 by January 19, 2010 (indicate that you are attending the Mennonite Entrepreneurs Conference).

The conference cost is $265.00 U.S. per person or $199.00 U.S. for first-time attenders. (This includes the cost of seminars, materials, handouts, Thursday dinner, Friday lunch and Saturday night’s banquet.) Green fees are an additional cost. Some tours may involve an entrance fee or some transportation cost. Conference registrations are due by January 19, 2010 to MEDA, 1821 Oregon Pike, Suite 201, Lancaster, PA 17601, or fax 1-717-560-6549. Register now!.

The Mennonite Entrepreneurs Group is composed of Christian entrepreneurs who meet regularly to seek God’s direction, support one another and encourage the integration of faith and business activities. The group has met for over 25 years for Bible study, fellowship, support and recreation. The conference is organized under the umbrella of Mennonite Economic Development Associates (MEDA).

For more information contact: Carol Eby-Good, MEDA, Phone: (800) 665-7026, Fax: (717) 560-6549, E-mail: ceby-good@meda.org.