Trinity Western University

- 2010 News -

Fifth Annual Entrepreneur Forum & Conference

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Trinity Western University’s Centre for Entrepreneurial Leaders (CEL) will host its 5th Entrepreneur Forum & Conference on October 19th and 20th, 2010 at the Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre Hotel, featuring Australian entrepreneur and public speaker Mr. Peter J. Daniels.

Launched in 2005, the TWU Entrepreneur Forum is among the largest of its kind in North America and has attracted participants from across Canada, the U.S. and beyond. “For Christian entrepreneurs, this event provides affirmation and celebration of their calling to the marketplace,” says CEL Director, Rick Goossen, Ph.D. “It provides entrepreneurs a deeper understanding of how to be effective in their business relationships and inspires them to reach their God-given potential.”

In addition, the Forum has become a unique networking event for businesspeople and entrepreneurs from all denominations and backgrounds to connect with a larger circle of like-minded individuals. “Entrepreneurs are visionary and calculated risk takers,” says TWU President and Forum Advisory Committee Co-chair, Jonathan S. Raymond, Ph.D. “The Entrepreneur Forum brings people of like minds and ambition together to celebrate and learn, to be encouraged, affirmed and networked. This will be the fifth forum in six years and the best one yet.”

This year’s format features an all-day conference and networking reception, as well as the evening Forum. Mr. Daniels, who overcame extraordinary challenges on the road to success, will give an address entitled, “The Challenge of Change in Your Lifetime.” Mr. Daniels is the recipient of numerous honorary degrees, and has served in key leadership positions in several Christian organizations.

Other notable guest speakers include The Honourable Stockwell Day, President of the Treasury Board and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway, who is slated to provide introductory remarks, and Mr. Ben Sawatzky, founder and president of Spruceland Millworks of Edmonton, Alberta, keynote speaker at the luncheon. Past Forum keynote speakers such luminaries as Larry Farrell, Peter Legge and Ryan Walter.

 A portion of event proceeds will fund scholarships for TWU students. “Scholarships will allow more students to attend TWU and to become Christian-based entrepreneurial leaders who will have an exponential impact on their communities,” says Goossen. “The more students we teach, the greater the impact of the CEL.”   

For Dr. Raymond, the potential impact of the Centre on the nation and the world over time, “is incalculable—especially on the next generations of entrepreneurs.”

Goossen adds, “Entrepreneurs are passionate, resourceful and innovative; they are creators of value. These Forums have resonated with entrepreneurs because they affirm the calling of the entrepreneur to the marketplace and celebrate the positive ways in which they can make a difference in their communities.”

The most recent Forum hosted a sell-out crowd of 500, so interested individuals are encouraged to register early. Early bird registrants will receive the fifth volume of Goossen’s book, Entrepreneurial Leaders: Reflections on Faith at Work. For further information, contact Rick Goossen at rick.goossen@twu.ca or call 604.513.2121 ext. 3389. 

Langley Campus

Trinity Western University, in Langley, BC, is a provincially chartered, independent Christian liberal arts, sciences, and professional studies university, enrolling approximately 4000 students. TWU offers 42 undergraduate majors, ranging from biotechnology, education, theatre and music, to psychology, communications and biblical studies. TWU's 16 graduate degree programs include nursing, counseling psychology, marriage and family therapy, business, theology, linguistics, and leadership, and interdisciplinary degrees in English, philosophy and history. TWU holds Canada Research Chairs in Dead Sea Scroll Studies, Developmental Genetics and Disease, and Interpretation, Religion & Culture.