The 2000 Leadership Prayer Breakfast was moved to the Galaxy Restaurant and Banquet Center in Wadsworth. This event took place Saturday, April 15th.

The following participated in the program:

Troy Jarvis, Wadsworth-Rittman C.B.M.C. served as M.C. Pastor Bud Olzewski of the Rittman Grace Brethren Church offered the Invocation. Mayor Ceasar Carrino of Wadsworth and Mayor Bonnie Kindig of Rittman welcomed every one. Charles Calvert, Representative, State of Ohio offered the Old Testament reading, Joshua 1:6-9. Ron Amstutz, Representative, State of Ohio, offered the New Testament reading, Mark 4:14-20. Pastor Robin Hart of the Northside Christian Church, offered the prayer for state, local and national leaders. Special music was provided by Dan Pernod. Mr. Jarvis then followed by introducing the keynote speaker, Mr. John Beckett , President , R.W. Beckett Corporation, whose message was entitled "Faith in the Workplace" For more information about Mr. Beckett and his book, Loving Monday, Succeeding in Business Without Selling Your Soul, visit his website.

Rittman Sponsors

All Creatures Veterinary Clinic
Ambuilt Inc.
Atty Lee Winchell
Bauman Agency
Chippewa Valley Bank
Creative Images Floral
Dean Donaldson, Chaplain of Four Chaplins
Dr. Gary Unsdorfer
Dr. Wade Karhan, D.D.S.
First Merit Bank
Foxx's Pizza
H&R Building Materials
Milton Corporation
Mull Iron
P.J.'s Restaurant
Premier Pontiac & GMC
Rittman IGA
Rittman United Methodist Church
Rufener's Furniture
Strickland Mason Chevrolet-Buick
Wayne Savings Community Bank

John D. Beckett is the president of the R. W. Beckett Corporation located in Elyria, Ohio. This 60-year old company, along with its newer affiliates, is one of the world's leading producers of components for residential and commercial heating systems.

After graduating from M.I.T. in 1960, Mr. Beckett worked as an engineer in the aerospace industry. He became president of Beckett in 1965, following the unexpected death of his father, who also founded the company.

In addition to guiding the rapid expansion and diversification of the business, Mr. Beckett has been active in a variety of Christian endeavors. He helped found Intercessors For America, a nation-wide prayer organization, in 1973, and currently serves as its chairman. He serves on various business, religious, and public policy boards.

His first book, Loving Monday: Succeeding in Business Without Selling Your Soul, was published in 1998 by InterVarsity Press. The book is Mr. Beckett's account of how he has sought to practically integrate his faith and his work. In March 1999, he was named "Christian Businessman of the Year" by Christian Broadcasting Network.

Mr. Beckett has been featured on ABC News, The 700 Club, "Focus on the Family," Moody Broadcast's "Mid-Day Connection," America's Voice, 100 Huntley Street in Canada, and has spoken to groups in Europe and across North America. Articles by or about Mr. Beckett have appeared in The Wall Street Journal, Industry Week Magazine, AMA's Management Review and Christian Businessman's Magazine.

Mr. Beckett resides in Elyria, Ohio, with his wife, Wendy. They are the parents of six children and four grandchildren.