One of the biggest things for this conference was the announcement of the new project (MEDA Trust). That was the highlight of everything. It's new, it's innovative and it's just that connection. I've been on several MEDA tours and there is something special about connecting with people receiving the loans. It makes you want to give more.
- Dale Classen, Salem, OR

Number one is always seeing friends we've made through MEDA. I highly value those times of being able to connect again. The other thing is I get to hear in-depth about the MEDA stories. When they show us specifics of how MEDA is touching lives around the world. These things are invaluable.
-Anita Classen, Salem, OR

"I was very impressed with the First Lady from Paraguay and the testimony that she lives and what she's doing for her country. It was neat to see her mingle with MEDA. Her group was always with her but people could feel very free to go talk with her.
-Diane Nafziger, Goshen, IN

"I think the speech of the first lady of Paraguay and the speech from Keith Reinhard (Chair Emeritus of DDB Worldwide) were very meaningful. We have a lot of responsibility to help the poorest of the poor. She has a real passion for helping the poorest of the poor. It was neat to hear that and to affirm that we need to do the same thing.
-Lowell Nafziger, Goshen, IN

The announcement at the AGM of the MEDA Trust really caught our attention of something we want to do with our boys aged 9 and 12. They can see where the dollars are going.
-Rick and Ruth-Ann Shantz, London, ON

Before I became a member of MEDA, I thought MEDA was all about donations but the investment side is very interesting. I will definitely plan to go back to the next conference. It allows you to network with other business people who have the same thinking as you have.
-Abe and Lisa Fehr, Leamington, ON

"I'm a college student, a senior, a business major. It was a really good time to see what MEDA is doing and a good chance to get to know the business people. I really liked The Microfinance Story with Bill Herrington (MEDA's microfinance investment advisor) and he talked about it not being just for the poor. It was really promoting self-employment and providing chances for people to get out of poverty.
-Jenna Liechty, Bluffton, OH

What I really enjoy about MEDA is that it is directly affecting people all over the world. Someone like me who doesn't have a whole lot of time or money to invest, can volunteer or participate and still feel like I'm changing the world.
-Luke Johnson, Denver, CO (High School Student)

The highlight for me was the address of Keith Reinhard. He spoke directly with some of the concerns I have with some of our businesses being adversely impacted by our government's foreign relation policies. Twenty years ago 70% of overseas buyers preferred US suppliers. Today 83% of overseas suppliers prefer not to deal with US suppliers. It made me aware that I cannot afford to be uninvolved in the foreign policy decisions of our government.
-Wilmer Otto, Arcola, IL

I was impressed with the range of MEDA programs. Even though I've been getting the magazine, I'm not sure I really grasped it all. There was a session by Hope Witmer, a session on resiliency (Resiliancy: Bouncing Back!). What I appreciated about it was the emphasis on family and church community as being one of the supports for resiliency in business and personal life. You don't hear that just anywhere.
-Allan Giagnocavo, Manheim, PA

I really didn't know much about MEDA before I went down. But I was really impressed with who MEDA is. The idea of being able to sponsor people on-line (Through MEDA Trust) is so great. I like the idea of giving money to entrepreneur to start a business and empowering people.
-Carole Giagnocavo

We were first timers and there were a couple things we noticed. One that struck me was the collegial atmosphere. People came from around the world, but they all spoke the same language - a belief in using capitalism as a tool to beat back the injustices of poverty. People were delightfully warm.
-Grant and Janelle Unrau, Saskatoon, SK/Austin, TX