2007 Jobs for Life Leadership Conference a tremendous success

May 19, 2007

One word to describe the 2007 Jobs for Life Leadership Conference would be, “WOW!” What an incredible, uplifting experience for all!

Leaders and volunteers from Jobs for Life sites located in 25 cities across the country gathered in Nashville, TN, on May 3-5, 2007, at First Baptist Church for a powerful time of training, fellowship, and inspiration.  The conferees showed great passion for those in their communities who are broken and hurting from poverty, unemployment, and hopelessness.  They are extraordinary individuals laboring through their faith in the power of God to provide life for their neighbors in need.

As a result, there was an immediate sense of family among those who attended the conference.  Men and women from Arizona to Pennsylvania to Alabama connected quickly with one another as they discussed the various challenges and successes of their Jobs for Life efforts.  Those brand new to Jobs for Life or just learning about Jobs for Life were provided the tools and motivation they needed to get started in their communities.  The conference featured a number of workshops for conferees to learn best practices while inspiring them through speakers, testimonies, singing, an amazing dance performance, and even entertainment from some of Nashville's top musicians and songwriters.

Particular highlights included a business panel discussion by some of Jobs for Life's Business Partners in Nashville.  Bill Lee from Lee Company, Mary Anderson from Tennessee Bun Company, Scott McWilliams from Ozburn-Hessey Logistics, and Gregg Turner from Solomon Builders explained the growing challenges in their businesses to find people to fill their available positions who demonstrate the necessary character, values, and attitude to be successful.  In addition, the conference featured a panel addressing the unique challenges of helping ex-offenders highlighted by a powerful testimony from one young man whose life has been completely transformed through the principles and mentoring taught by Jobs for Life.

The response to the conference was overwhelmingly positive.  Here is a sample of what people said:

“The conference was like a spiritual “fill-up the tank” kind of thing…like a retreat  through the networking, messages and music.”

“This conference was a dip in a refreshing pool. It was exciting to see that you are excited about Christ. You communicated very clearly that your service is to our master. The entire conference was very God honoring.”

“To be able to meet people that have seen results, and who endorse this program so enthusiastically is exactly what I was hoping for.”

“I don’t get passionate about things right away, but I’ve grown a passion for Jobs for Life.”

“What I enjoyed the most was the networking and an instant feeling of community. The conference had such a warm and inviting atmosphere.”

“It was a great conference, one of true community with God's presence evident in many ways.”

"This was the best conference I have ever attended."

Plans are already being developed for the 2008 Jobs for Life Leadership Conference. Be on the lookout for details.  We look forward to seeing many more of you there. 

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