The ELO Forum Winnipeg Online held yesterday (November 9th) featured seven expert presenters from the US, Canada and Asia and received an enthusiastic response from participants!
Hans E. Boge, Boge & Boge (1980) Ltd. exclaimed, “Great job! The information was concise, straightforward and practical. It was a very, very good day and well worth it,”
Albert Krahn, President, Quarks Shoes / Urban Trail noted, “The inaugural virtual ELO Forum was well presented and successfully connected attendees to a group of experts from all over the globe. The speakers were of high calibre and covered a range of relevant topics. This allowed everyone to leave the Forum with something tangible to help them become better equipped as Christian leaders in the business community and their personal lives.”
Heidi Spletzer, Vice President, Crystal Developers Ltd., commented that: "The Forum presented some great talking points on positive opportunities to improve the way we think, work and live through our current health crisis. Despite all the disruption in our world today, the speakers presented encouraging, Christian based perspectives to more toward a more compassionate way of building the economic culture."
Paul Dueck, Owner, Rivercity AV Production Services said: “The ELO Forum Winnipeg, which has been an excellent live event for several years, has now entered the realm of amazing online events. The ability to experience great presenters from all over the world AND have small intimate breakout sessions with colleagues is inspiring. The technology and timing of this event are great. Many great nuggets to propel our businesses at this time.”
The overall theme of the Forum was to “rethink,” especially given the economic, social and personal upheaval during this year. The audience was challenged to rethink its approach to meaning and faith, the economy, diversity, innovation, leadership and relationships.
ELO adapted to the present COVID circumstances and moved its annual (in-person) Forum to an online half-day format (please view the Winnipeg Entrepreneurial Leaders Review, the Forum digital magazine, for information on the Forum and its sponsors).
Jerry Bowyer, a US economist, media commentator and author, helped the audience make sense of the financial markets especially in light of the recent US election. Ron Haik, Nicola Wealth, Toronto, complemented that presentation with a Canada perspective. Ron discussed the big picture and how it impacts Canadians individually.
Brian Grim, President, Religious Freedom & Business Foundation, Washington, DC., USA, talked about the importance of diversity in the workplace. He provided context for the overall trends of diversity, why it is important, and the advantages it provides to companies. He provided suggestions as to how Christian leaders can navigate creating an inclusive work environment.
Scott B. Rae, Senior Advisor to the President, Biola University, La Mirada, CA, USA, focused on “Rethink: Meaning.” The COVID-19 pandemic has spiritual implications, and not just an economic impact. The pillars of people’s lives have been shaken. Scott shared some thoughts on rethinking how Christian leaders can effectively impact the marketplace in the present circumstances.
Rob Wildeboer, Executive Chairman & Co-Founder, Martinrea International Inc. (TSX: MRE) Vaughan, ON, talked about navigating the challenges of the present pandemic. Rob explained that challenges bring opportunities. Shortly after the pandemic began, he laid off 13,000 of 17,000 employees. He has navigated the challenges and is now back at close to full capacity.
Barry Rempel has served as President & CEO of Winnipeg Airports Authority Inc. since 2002. The travel industry has been thrown into turmoil as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Winnipeg’s airport, a well-run and innovative organization, has been severely disrupted. Revenue plummeted to 13% of projections. Barry discussed his faith and entrepreneurial journey and offered insights on rethinking leadership in the midst of an ongoing COVID-9 pandemic.
Lastly, Bill Foo, Chairman, Tung Lok Group, Singapore, with over 30 years’ experience in financial services in Asia, spoke about “Rethink: Relationships.” Bill is involved in the launch of ELO’s Peer Advisory Groups in Singapore. Connecting with and learning from others is part of the faith and entrepreneurial journey. Bill talked about the benefits of great peer interaction. In light of our present situation, he focused on the importance of in-person interaction to combat spiritual lethargy and dealing with the economic disruption by connecting with others. This is not the time to be isolated.
Overall, the ELO Forum Winnipeg Online achieved the vision of ELO to connect, equip and celebrate Christian marketplace and entrepreneurial leaders.
Recordings of all sessions are available to Forum registrants.
To receive more information on our speakers or sponsors please view this year's conference magazine, The Winnipeg 2020 Entrepreneurial Leaders Review>>