WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 2022
Cleveland Leadership Prayer Breakfast
&Akron Leadership Prayer Luncheon
A unifying, uplifting event (in 2 locations) providing great networking with local leaders and an inspiring message of hope.
This is a can’t miss event for business and professional people.
Keynote Speaker Michael Franzese
Mafia, Money, Love, Loyalty, & God
Michael Franzese grew up as the son of the notorious Underboss of New York’s violent and feared Colombo crime family. At the peak of his affluence, he generated an estimated $5 to $8 million per week from legal and illegal businesses. It was a life filled with power, luxury…and deadly violence.
In 1986, mafia boss, Michael Franzese was named one of the biggest money earners the mob had seen since Al Capone, by Vanity Fair. At the age of 35, Fortune Magazine listed him as number 18 on its list of the “Fifty Most Wealthy and Powerful Mafia Bosses”, just 5 behind John Gotti.
Avoiding traditional mob domains, Michael masterminded brilliant scams on the edge of the legitimate business world. From auto dealerships and union kickbacks, to financial services and the sports and entertainment industries, to a multi-billion dollar gasoline tax scheme, he earned millions in cash every week at his peak. Not surprisingly, Michael quickly became the target of Manhattan’s famed federal prosecutor, Rudy Guiliani. After promising Michael 100 years behind bars after indicting him on racketeering charges, Rudy only came up empty-handed. Escaping four more indictments, it seemed Michael Franzese truly was invincible.
While producing Knights of the City, a breakdancing movie filmed in Florida, Michael met a beautiful dancer from Anaheim, California, named Camille Garcia, whose innocent beauty and faith turned his world upside down. After falling in love and eventually marrying Cammy, Michael took the rap on racketeering charges. Michael pled guilty, accepted a 10-year prison sentence and vowed to do the unthinkable – walk away from the mob. Nobody of his rank had ever just walked away – and lived. Until now. Michael Franzese is the only high ranking official of a major crime family to ever walk away, without protective custodies, and survive.
Learn more at michaelfranzese.com
Read More
For anyone who has ever felt like they were in a “no way out situation,” Michael Franzese has a powerful story to share for you.
Celebrate with Us
30th Annual Cleveland Breakfast
and
20th Annual Akron Luncheon
WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 2022
Network and be encouraged
People are always amazed at how many friends and business contacts they meet at these events. Join us to connect with a diverse group of local business and community leaders.
Listen to key leaders pray for our city & nation
Before the presentation from our keynote speaker, three leaders from the business and community sector will briefly pray for the leaders of our nation, city, and all of us.
Dr. Rachel Talton – CEO of Synergy Marketing Strategy and Research Inc. praying for our mayor, state, and local leaders.
Hear a powerful message of hope
Every year attendees say, “that was the best speaker yet”. Our keynote speaker, Michael Franzese will surely satisfy your curiosities and leave you feeling inspired.
Be a friend – invite a friend
Countless local business and professional people have been surprised to find greater hope and life-changing purpose at one of these events. So, why not share this good news with others?
44,000+ Attendees
30 Years of Prayer
Countless Connections
Two Events You Don’t Want to Miss
30th Annual Cleveland Breakfast
1200+ people attended our last breakfast in Cleveland, OH. New and old friends alike joined us for a message of hope for our city and nation. Join us this year at the Renaissance Cleveland Hotel.
20th Annual Akron Luncheon
400+ people attended our last luncheon in Akron, OH. New and old friends alike joined us for a message of hope for our city and nation. Join us this year at The Todaro’s Party Center.
Cleveland Breakfast Schedule
Wednesday, May 4, 2022
Renaissance Cleveland Hotel
24 Public Square, Cleveland, Ohio 44113
Networking
Take a few minutes to find your seat, grab a cup of coffee, and chat with some like-minded business and professional people.
Welcome and Breakfast
You will be welcomed by our MC and then given some time to eat breakfast while you get to know the people around your table.
Prayer for Local and National Leaders
Join our diverse group of executives, business owners and community leaders as we pray for our city, state, nation and the officials that serve us in government and the military. We invite you to pray silently with them.
Keynote Speaker Michael Franzese
Hear Michael’s story about Mafia, Money, Love, Loyalty and God.
Wrap Up
We will officially dismiss at 9am but you will have time to continue networking until 10am. We encourage you to continue to make important connections before you head back to work.
Akron Luncheon Schedule
Wednesday, May 4, 2022
Todaro’s Party Center
1820 Akron-Peninsula Road, Akron, OH 44313
Networking
Take a few minutes to find your seat, grab a cup of coffee, and chat with some like-minded business and professional people.
Welcome and Lunch
You will be welcomed by our MC and then given some time to eat lunch while you get to know the people around your table.
Prayer for Local and National Leaders
Join our diverse group of executives, business owners and community leaders as we pray for our city, state, nation and the officials that serve us in government and the military. We invite you to pray silently with them.
Keynote Speaker Michael Franzese
Hear Michael’s story about Mafia, Money, Love, Loyalty and God.
Wrap Up
We will officially dismiss at 1:30pm but you will have time to continue networking until 2:30pm. We encourage you to continue to make important connections before you head back to work.
Sponsor the Event
The price we charge per person does not cover the total cost of the event. Your sponsorship helps us bring in great speakers and keep the cost of the events affordable to all.
About Us
Leadership
Getting Involved
If you’d like to get in touch with our staff or help us work behind the scenes, please email us at neohio@cbmc.com.
Our events are made possible by our generous sponsors, hardworking volunteers and dedicated steering committee members.
The Cleveland Leadership Prayer Breakfast event is co-chaired by:
Anthony M. Ciepiel – CEO, Step2 Discovery
Joe DiRocco – Regional President of Northeast Ohio, Fifth Third Bank
Fred Koury – President and CEO, Smart Business Network
Brenda Leisinger – President, Right Team, Inc.
Marilee MacAskill – VP & Area Director, Dale Carnegie Training
The Akron Leadership Prayer Luncheon event is co-chaired by:
Roger Emerson – Intellectual Property Attorney, Emerson Thomson Bennett, LLC
Steve Conzaman – Area Director, CBMC NE Ohio
Brenda Leisinger – President, Right Team, Inc.
Erica Howard – Good Place Holdings, Community Impact Business General Manager & Empower Her Network, Advocate Social Worker
Mission
To provide a community gathering event that includes an encouraging message from a guest speaker, scripture readings, and prayer for our city and nation given by a diverse group of local business and community leaders.
To convene a yearly breakfast/luncheon emphasizing the importance of invoking the direction and blessing of God on NE Ohio, offering an invitation to all who would desire to attend.
To foster goodwill between the various facets and groups of our community, encouraging mutuality of trust by the acknowledgement of the higher authority and leadership of God.
Organizers
Our breakfast and luncheon events are organized by Northeast Ohio’s Christian Business Men's Connection (CBMC) and Christian Business Women's Connection (CBWC). We also have a volunteer steering committee, consisting of a variety of business and community men and women.
History
Based on past attendance, we are expecting over 1200 people at this year’s Cleveland breakfast, and over 400 at the Akron luncheon. Past speakers have included well-known movers and shakers in the community, such as Adolph Coors IV, Elizabeth Dole, Cal Thomas, Chuck Colson, Pat Williams, Sam Rutgliano, Ken Blanchard, and many others.
Registration Will Open November 2021
Registration Ends April 29, 2022
Reserve your seat today to attend the premiere gathering of local business leaders in Northeast Ohio. Seating is limited.
Cleveland Breakfast
Wednesday, May 4, 2022
Renaissance Cleveland Hotel
24 Public Square
Cleveland, Ohio 44113
Akron Luncheon
Wednesday, May 4, 2022
Todaro’s Party Center
1820 Akron-Peninsula Road
Akron, OH 44313