CONNECTING FAITH AND BUSINESS
17th Annual
October 23, 2025
ABOUT THE CONFERENCE
Once a year, entrepreneurs, speakers, faith leaders, and business professionals come together to connect, grow, and be inspired. Connecting Faith and Business is a celebration of purpose-driven entrepreneurship, and this year’s gathering promises to shine brighter than ever!
In times of economic pressure and spiritual fatigue, small business owners are uniquely positioned to be lights in their communities, illuminating integrity, hope, and opportunity. CFB "Illuminate" invites entrepreneurs to explore how faith can inform vision, guide decisions, and inspire meaningful impact through their business.
Shine Your Light. Share Your Impact.
Are you using your business to make a difference?
The Be a Light Challenge: Powered by The Barnabas Group - Inland Empire celebrates entrepreneurs whose faith inspires their work and uplifts their community.
Finalists will be recognized at the Connecting Faith & Business Conference and receive generous cash prizes to help expand their vision.
SPEAKERS
AGENDA
7:00 – 8:00 AM
Vendor Check-In / Setup
Exhibit Hall A Open for Vendors
8:00 – 8:45 AM
Attendee Registration & Expo
Exhibitor Hall A Open
8:45 – 8:55 AM
Opening Worship
Kevin Paul Henderson, Nuen Music
9:00 – 9:05 AM
Masters of Ceremonies
Erik Roark & Nefertiti Long
9:05 – 9:10 AM
Welcome
Hilda Kennedy, President – AmPac Business Capital
9:10 – 9:30 AM
Invocation / Inspiration / Opening Prayer
“Illuminate: Let Your Light Shine” – Pastor Marco Garcia, The Way World Outreach
9:30 – 9:35 AM
Pledge of Allegiance
Led by Bill Cortus
9:35 – 9:40 AM
Special Greetings
The Honorable Paul Leon, Mayor of the City of Ontario
9:40 – 9:45 AM
Special Greetings
The Honorable Norma J. Torres, United States Congresswoman, 35th Congressional District of California
9:45 – 10:00 AM
Illumination Tip: Cybersecurity
Presented by Eddie Darmawan, D1 Defend
10:00 – 10:20 AM
How Your Business Can Be Light
Interactive Session Moderated by Mary Barnett
10:20 – 10:30 AM
Introduction – Be a Light Challenge
Powered by The Barnabas Group
10:30 – 10:45 AM
Sponsor Tip
10:45 – 11:00 AM
Connection & Break
11:00 – 11:50 AM
Panel 1: Beyond the Bottom Line – Business as a Beacon
Panelists: Celeste Etheridge (We Care Daycare), Donald J. Scheffler (Donald J. Scheffler Construction), Tania Herbert (Herbert Financial Group)
Moderator: Tom Steele
11:50 AM – 12:30 PM
Lunch / Networking
Lunch is served; networking with vendors and attendees
12:30 – 12:50 PM
Special Recognition of Leaders Who Let Their Light Shine
12:50 – 1:10 PM
Special Prayer
Danica Raye Dedmon, Marketplace Chaplains
1:10 – 2:00 PM
Panel 2: Lighting the Way for Your Team
Panelists: Zachary Oliver (Dependable Breakroom Solutions), Matthew Thalmayer (Arrow Staffing), Chida Warren (Rebecca & Company, LLC), Mark Guirgius (Home Masters Intl.)
Moderator: Vikita Poindexter
2:00 – 2:30 PM
Keynote: Illuminating Business Resilience
Dr. Reggie Thomas
2:30 – 3:00 PM
Be a Light Challenge
Jeff Abbott & Michael Garcia, The Barnabas Group
3:00 – 3:15 PM
Opportunity Drawing / Closing Remarks
3:15 – 3:25 PM
And the Winner Is... Be a Light Recognition
3:25 – 3:30 PM
Final Blessings
Dr. Brian Kennedy, Sr.
3:30 – 4:30 PM
Bright Side Social – Networking Reception
Lite Bites & Meaningful Connections
BLOG
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
VENUE & PARKING
