Post-Conference Feedback

The ELO World Conference in Toronto on November 18th provided an outstanding opportunity to connect, equip, inspire and celebrate Christian marketplace and entrepreneurial leaders. The all-star roster of speakers provided an international and varied perspectives on entrepreneurial leadership.  Here's some feedback and the there is a brief report below:

FEEDBACK:

“This conference is so unique and so needed. I highly recommend it as an excellent investment. It will pay for itself in your business, your spiritual life and your fellowship with other entrepreneurs.” Gary Lindblad, Dean, Crowell School of Business, Biola University, La Miranda, CA

“On behalf of the team at Super Sucker Hydro Vac Service, thank you for a fantastic event yesterday.  I found the conference to be inspiring and affirming; it was great to be a part of entrepreneurial leaders in a ‘cloud of witnesses’.” - James M. Stieva, Dir. – Marketing + Communications, Super Sucker Hydro Vac Service Inc., Ancaster, ON (www.supersucker.ca)

“Great event and I would recommend it. Great way to see how many Christians work in so many ways and how God works through them.” – Rob Wildeboer, Chairman, Martinrea, Vaughan, ON

“ELO is the Cadillac of leadership development conferences in North America. Good news spreads quickly so next year’s event will double in size.” – Keith Knight, Director, Canadian Christian Business Federation, Guelph, ON

“I would strongly recommend this [ELO Conference] in our area to business people. Great balance of worldview and personal stories about God’s transforming work.” – Richard Van Egmond, Director of Venture / Co-operative Education Program, Hamilton District Christian High, Hamilton, ON

“I would recommend this event to others based on the quality of the speakers, networking opportunities and the focus of the event in terms of advancing Christian leadership in the world.” – Gary Vander Laan, Business Development Manager, Aquifine Canada, London, ON

“Great conference! I would recommend it. It is good to be reminded that it is okay to be a Christian in business, to have courage and to remain humble. Thank you!” P.J. Vermeer, President & CEO, Westbrook Floral Ltd., Grimsby, ON

“I would recommend this conference. I really enjoyed the day and in many ways found it encouraging.” – David Rice, Partner, Rice Development Corp., Brampton, ON

“Good content, excellent communicators, good audio & video handling. Humble testimonies to God’s mercy and grace in multicultural settings.” – Roger Wingfield, Vice President, Brokerforce Insurance Inc., Toronto, ON

“I would recommend this event. Good to be reminded of why we are here and to learn from other Christian business leaders.” – Albert Grin, Rockhaven Homes, Georgetown, ON

“I would highly recommend this event.” – Ted Sikkema, Maple Leaf Nurseries, Jordan, ON

“A well done event! It’s encouraging to be among other Christian business leaders.” – Harry Reinders, President, R & M Construction, Halton, ON

“I will happily recommend this event. Encouraging, mission focused, Christ at the centre of our lives personally. Not what we do but who we are.” – Reg Andrews, Visitation Pastor, The People’s Church, Toronto, ON

“I would recommend this event. It was encouraging, insightful and refreshing. All the speakers were excellent.” – Dale Menken, Part Owner, Diamond Tree Care & Consulting Inc., Georgetown, ON

“I would highly recommend this event. There are not enough forums like this for Christian business leaders to be inspired to integrate their faith into their vocation.” – Trevor Clark, COO, Central CCOC, Newmarket, ON

 

CONFERENCE SUMMARY:

The ELO World Conference in Toronto on November 18th featured a wide range of speakers in the afternoon session. Datuk Edward Ong of Singapore was the first speaker. He shared the highs and lows of his entrepreneurial and faith journey. Datuk Edward has undertaken massive resort development projects such as Sutera Harbour Resort in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia. Next Paul Stevens, Professor Emeritus of Marketplace Theology, Regent College, talked about the theological foundation of entrepreneurial creativity. Rick Goossen then interviewed Clive Lim on “The Family Business: East Meets West.” This was a fascinating discussion of understanding Confucian and other influences behind Chinese thinking, including concepts of face, guan-xi and familial piety. Ted Malloch, of Said Business School, Oxford University, addressed the notion of spiritual enterprise and the importance of a virtue-based approach to ethics. The final speaker was Cheryl Bachelder, CEO, Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, with 2,500 outlets worldwide, who spoke on “Dare to Serve.” Lorna Dueck, Host, Context With Lorna Dueck, interviewed a number of the speakers after their presentations.

During the evening gala, various sponsors were recognized. The Entrepreneurial Leaders Award was presented to Bobby Gruenewald, Pastor of Innovation, Life Church, Oklahoma City, OK. Bobby was the featured keynote speaker. His presentation was in the form of an interview style with Dr. Richard J. Goossen, Chairman, ELO. The event was held at the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel, a central location for guests coming from throughout the GTA. A number of guests came from throughout Canada, the US and beyond.