In the fall of 2008 three Catholic business men met to discuss the idea of a Catholic business organization to accomplish several critical goals (see below). Those three were Michael Shirley (Founder of Michael Shirley Associates-a retained executive search firm), Jim O'Laughlin (A real estate developer and Founder of Kansas City Catholic Radio-a multistation Catholic radio network) and Dan Spencer (Founder of Pegasus Delivery-a local courier firm and Founder of the St. Joseph Center-a national Catholic apostolate promoting Unity of Life for Catholic men).
The three collaborated on a plan to launch what would become the Heart of America Catholic Business Network. It's first networking meeting was held in October 2008 and has grown monthly in both corporate benefactors, membership and attendance since that time. Meetings are a combination of networking, speaking, discussions and mutual support.
If you are like many business leaders the idea of a faith-based business network can appear to be an oxymoron. In reality, however, faith and work are not only compatible but necessary and complimentary in building a more free and just society for all in our community. Further, our life of work is to be a part of our vocation-a "calling" which, when faithfully lived out brings sanctification to the individual, the organization and those with whom we work.
As practicing Catholics we are in a unique position to be a public witness to our Faith by exemplifying the highest standards of personal and professional practices.Mission
The Mission of the Catholic Business Network is to be a catalyst in exhorting, promoting and facilitating financial
opportunity, spiritual growth and moral courage for both Catholic individuals and organizations serving the workplace.
To accomplish this mission, the Catholic Business Network supports three strategic goals:
Professional: To provide the opportunity to network with fellow Catholic leaders, professionals and organizations for greater
economic and professional success.
Spiritual: To more effectively live out our lay vocations through understanding, embracing and demonstrating the teachings
of Christ as expressed by the social teachings of the Catholic Church as they apply to the people and structures serving
the workplace.
Legal Status
The Heart of America Catholic Business Network is a 501(c)6 not-for-profit business membership organization organized in
the state of Missouri. It is designated by The Catholic Church as a private lay organization as encouraged by Vatican II. Please consult your accountant for tax implications of any dues, donations, etc. given to the organization.
