THURSDAY, MAY 18, 2023
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 David Baker
Living a Legendary Life
David Baker's legendary career covers business, politics, and sports. He retired in 2021 as the President of the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, OH. While President, he promoted its mission and values and helped develop the initial vision to build the Hall of Fame Village as a "Disney World for Football". He also enhanced the announcement of the annual Enshrinees with his famous "Knock on the Door". Standing at 6'9", David served as an imposing and welcomed sight to many NFL players and executives.
His career highlights also include helping to bring to Canton the Black College Football Hall of Fame and in the development of the downtown Centennial Plaza. He is also the past Commissioner for the Arena Football League for 12 years, former Mayor and Councilman for Irvine (CA), and other business ventures.
Today he serves as President and CEO of Legendary Living, yet he is still quick to mention that his internal drive comes from beyond himself as he serves in the marketplace and at home to his wife, four children, ten grandchildren, and a great grandson.
Read More
Come hear his authentic story with highs and lows in pursuit of a true legendary life.
Celebrate with Us
31st Annual Cleveland Breakfast
and
21st Annual Akron Luncheon
THURSDAY, MAY 18, 2023
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”. This year’s keynote speaker 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?
45,000+ Attendees
31 Years of Prayer
Countless Connections
Two Events You Don’t Want to Miss
31st Annual Cleveland Breakfast
1000+ 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 I-X Center..
21st Annual Akron Luncheon
500+ 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
Thursday, May 18, 2023
Cleveland IX Center
1 I-X Center Dr., Cleveland, Ohio 44135
Networking & Breakfast
Enjoy breakfast while you get to know the people around your table.
Welcome & Program Begins
You will be welcomed by our MC and the program will begin.
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 David Baker
Hear David’s story about Living a Legendary Life.
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
Thursday, May 18, 2023
Todaro’s Party Center
1820 Akron-Peninsula Road, Akron, OH 44313
Networking & Lunch
Enjoy lunch while you get to know the people around your table.
Welcome & Program Begins
You will be welcomed by our MC and the program will begin.
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 David Baker
Hear David’s story about Living a Legendary Life.
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 500 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 2022
Registration Ends May 11, 2023
Reserve your seat today to attend the premiere gathering of local business leaders in Northeast Ohio. Seating is limited.
Cleveland Breakfast
Thursday, May 18, 2023
Cleveland IX Center
1 I-X Center Dr.
Cleveland, Ohio 44135
Akron Luncheon
Thursday, May 18, 2023
Todaro’s Party Center
1820 Akron-Peninsula Road
Akron, OH 44313