Brethren Business Network ends, with new initiative on the horizon.

The Brethren Business Network, begun in 2000-2001 with the dream of connecting Brethren business owners and helping Brethren identify services and opportunities available within the denomination, has come to an end. The network "never gained enough momentum to become a self-sustaining organization," director Wendi Hutchinson said in a Jan. 27 letter.
Earl Hess, a Lancaster, Pa., businessman, had the original idea for the network and assisted in its development until his death in 2001. Hutchinson, who is the church relations director for Manchester College in North Manchester, Ind., became director of the network when the college provided the energy and resources to get it off the ground.

The network had created an online directory of Brethren businesses, which Hutchinson said is being pulled from the Web "until such time as new focus and resources can be given to the directory."

Some interest in launching a new business-related initiative already is occurring. Seattle pastor John Braun sent a letter to "interested Brethren" in January, testing the waters. Braun, who also serves with a non-profit corporation called Good News Associates, has offered to do the initial recruiting and fundraising to start a new effort. Braun set Nov. 6-7 as target dates for organizational meetings, in conjunction with the Mennonite Economic Development Associates annual convention in Pittsburgh, Pa.

Source: Newsline 2/06/2004
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