We had the opportunity to do a little "networking" before the conference started.  At the top, left to right, we see Mary Weibel, Joan Reitsma, our Build Specialist, and Mary Pohl, Youth Director.  Lower picture, left to right, we have Harold Berman, board President, Erwin Vettel, web master and Mary Pohl.

Prior to starting the conference we enjoyed a delicious continental breakfast from Panera Bread.

Mary and Darlene touched on a wide variety of topics.

Some of the many topics covered were:

• The most recent Volunteer Excellence Award winners
• The current Chapter of Excellence winners
  Miami-Dade was one of only two chapters in Florida to receive this award for 2008 (we also received it in 2007 as well!)
• We learned that Thrivent serves only one of every three Lutherans.
• Steve Cochell touched on:
  • a Market Update
  • the Advisory Process
  • how to Grow Thrivent
  • and Membership
• We need to reach out and involve more people in our organization to achieve our mission.
• Additional requests for chapters in 2009:
  1. Host at least 4 (four) educational and/or member social activities.
  2. A new "Scorecard" available online will enable chapters understand the measures Thrivent Financial is pursuing as an organization to serve more Lutherans and meet more needs.
• Techniques we can use to evaluate requests for funding.
• How to properly report our results.
• Suggestions on ways we can grow as a chapter.
• Information about Habitat for Humanity and Thrivent Builds
• Thrivent Builds opportunities: Travel to foreign build sites.
• Q and A

After the discussions we enjoyed a great lunch followed by an afternoon at the Pembroke Pines Theater of the Performing Arts where they performed ...

Hello Dolly!
It was a fabulous way to finish the gathering!