C12 News

Fall Conference Option

Mon, 12 Jul 2010 08:09:15 -0700

The C12 Group’s President & CEO, Don Barefoot, and Board Chairman & Founder, Buck Jacobs, will be among four C12 Christian CEO presentors at FCCI’s upcoming international conference in Tucson, AZ. Held from September 26-30, this conference will take place at Ritz-Carlton’s new Dove Mountain Resort, where excellent room rates have been negotiated. C12 is exploring ways to potentially collaborate with FCCI in a mutual effort to gain kingdom synergies in the hosting of leaders conferences on a national, international and regional basis.

To learn more about the upcoming late September conference, please click here to link to FCCI’s 2010 international conference.

To register for this conference, click here.

C12 Members and Tri-State Area Chair featured in Evansville Newspaper

Tue, 06 Jul 2010 09:47:46 -0700

Awards presented at Spring Chair Workshop

Tue, 27 Apr 2010 12:38:44 -0700

During C12’s annual Spring Chairs Training Workshop, held April 7-10 in Peachtree, Georgia, more than 60 C12 leaders and spouses gathered for a special time of targeted equipping, fellowship, prayer and sharing of best practices in serving our Christian CEO clients. In addition, several Area Chairs were recognized for their performance in serving their local members and for their longevity with C12 in this special calling to Christian CEOs and Owners. The following awards and milestones were achieved:

Chair of the Year – Scott Hitchcock (Tampa Bay)

Rookie of the Year – Troy Blackmon (Nashville, TN)

New Member Growth – Troy Blackmon (Nashville, TN)

Member Loyalty – Robert Beaman (East Carolina)

Best Development Follow-through – Grant Edwards (Upstate South Carolina)

Innovation – Dave Shoemaker (Philadelphia – North)

5-Year Service Awards – Chuck Frary (Tri-State IN/IL/KY), Randy Harrod (East Central Florida), John Netzel (South Central Virginia), Ed Philips (Tampa Bay)

C12 is honored and privileged have such committed brothers in Christ serving C12 members as they “Build GREAT Businesses for a GREATER Purpose”! Please check out the photo gallery for images of many special moments during our time together. “Only one life, ‘twill soon be passed; only what’s done for Christ will last!”

C12 Featured in the Providence Business News

Wed, 14 Apr 2010 09:16:04 -0700

The C12 Group and Rick Ferris, Area Chair, were recently featured in the Providence Business News (a publication serving businesses in Rhode Island and nearby Massachusetts). The article highlighted the benefits enjoyed by local members of the C12 Group. Click here to download a pdf of the article.

C12 Detroit “A Life in Order” Workshop

Mon, 12 Apr 2010 12:42:44 -0700

C12 Detroit presents workshop targeted at moving beyond productivity to “A Life in Order”

Detroit area Christian business leaders challenged to rethink their priorities in upcoming event

News Release

ROCHESTER, MI/Apr 12/ - C12, America’s leading Christian CEO roundtable and coaching resource is sponsoring a powerful, interactive workshop on April 29th in Rochester, Michigan. Aimed at business owners, CEOs and key staff from companies of all sizes and across all industries, the event will inspire leaders to focus on success from a Biblical perspective.

Buck Jacobs, Chairman and Founder of C12, author and former CEO will present the workshop, “A Life in Order – Living a Life God Can Bless.” He has a passion for seeing Christian leaders focus with intensity on what matters most. Jacobs cites Tim Kizziar who states “Our greatest fear … should not be failure, but of succeeding at things in life that don’t really matter.”

The workshop challenges leaders to go beyond thinking merely about productivity and doing more; to re-examine their core beliefs, how they spend their most precious resource – their time, and the life-changing implications of a life well led. Jacobs exhorts leaders to “raise the bar” in their business and their faith stating “what we believe to be important determines our priorities and priorities are what we do. Everything else is just talk.”

Workshop participants will learn how to harness the power of an ordered life in their business. The workshop includes a practical, proven system and tools to support participants in making necessary changes to move from “busyness” to “fruitfulness”.

Roger Norberg, Area Chair, C12 Group N. Suburban Detroit, is hosting the event. “Getting a handle on how to address the increasing need to achieve business results by getting more done was identified as a top issue by our local C12 members. This workshop takes the conversation to whole new level. We’re excited to have Buck (Jacobs) lead this workshop and to offer this opportunity to our members as well as the broader community.”

For additional information and to register for the workshop: www.C12Detroit.com/eventinfo

C12 Member Company featured in Charlotte Observer

Thu, 18 Feb 2010 08:12:17 -0800

C12 Introductory Events Scheduled in FL, GA, IL, MN, NC, SC, NV & TN

Tue, 19 Jan 2010 10:07:16 -0800

C12 Area Chairs across America are hosting introductory events during the first half of 2010. Various events are scheduled throughout eight states to introduce Christian CEOs & Presidents to The C12 Group, America's leading resource for Christian CEOs, Owners and Presidents. Many of these informative events will feature our Founder & Chairman, Buck Jacobs, C12’s President & CEO, Don Barefoot or Vice President of Development, Steve Hase.

Event City

Event Info

Area Chair

Bur Ridge, IL                                 Feb 11 Breakfast                          David Lacine
                                                         May 12 Breakfast

Asheville, NC                                 Feb 16 Luncheon                        Bill Maddox
Johnson City, TN                           Feb 17 Luncheon

Las Vegas, NV Feb 24 Luncheon Ed Segalla

Greer, SC Feb 24 Luncheon Grant Edwards

Augusta, GA Feb 25 Luncheon Rick Laughridge

Knoxville, TN Feb 26 Luncheon James Luster
Mar 25 Luncheon

Oakbrook Terrace, IL Mar 4 Breakfast Mike Johnson

Charlotte, NC Mar 16 Luncheon Tony Tennaro

Knoxville, TN Mar 25 Luncheon James Luster

Columbia, SC Mar 30 Luncheon Rick Laughridge

Chattanooga, TN May 4 Luncheon James Luster

Orlando, FL May 5 Luncheon Kevin Respress

Randy Harrod

Johnson City, TN May 3 Luncheon Bill Maddox

Fletcher, NC May 18 Luncheon

Minneapolis, MN June 23 Luncheon Robert Sutter

Don Barefoot featured on World Talk Radio

Thu, 11 Feb 2010 16:19:09 -0800

Recent article in Nashville Business Journal

Wed, 10 Feb 2010 11:07:06 -0800

Seeing God’s Providence in San Antonio

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 11:16:15 -0800

In the middle of this extended recession, 215 C12 community members, friends and spouses enjoyed the 2009 C12 Leaders Conference, held in early November in San Antonio, Texas. This wonderful time of fellowship, equipping and inspiration was aimed at helping Christian business owners and CEOs Build GREAT Businesses for a GREATER Purpose. This year’s conference was our best ever with many superb plenary and breakout presentations, loaded with first-hand testimonies and best-practice sharing by C12 members from across America. We also enjoyed a keynote presentation from fellow Christian CEO, Doug Sherman, and enjoyed a bit of downtime in the Texas Hill Country along with a brief visit to San Antonio’s Alamo and Riverwalk.

According to attendees, the conference was hugely beneficial, uncommonly ‘on target,’ and a significant blessing. A survey of conference attendees revealed that two-thirds of attendees rated the event a ‘10’ on a 1-10 point scale. Further, 86% indicated that they would be likely to ‘strongly recommend’ the conference to their peers by rating the event either a ‘9’ or ‘10’ on a 0-10 point scale. No attendee rated the conference below ‘7.’ The resulting 86% Net Promoter Score (NPS) represents exceptionally positive feedback, given that it’s rare to see NPS scores above 50% with America’s best-run companies. In fact, no public company exceeded 82% during recent Bain and Company studies across all industry sectors. Here’s a sampling of feedback from conference attendees:

   - The quality of the experience was of the highest caliber… thanks for investing in us
   - God-honoring, high quality, relevant… thank you
   - Fantastic event… superb, A+, best ever… God bless you for the excellent work
   - Powerful, heart-warming experience… great conference with outstanding content
   - Leaving with lots of great connections and renewed inspiration… my wife loved it as well!
   - Wonderful, inspirational, encouraging, very practical in numerous ways
   - Excellent encouragement and provocation toward love and good works; thanks!”

Please browse the photos below for a few highlights of our special time together and plan to join us next time!

See photo captions at bottom. For even more photos of the conference, click here.







1) Sharing peer best practices, 2) Settling in for the keynote banquet, 3) Robert Barker contemplating his presentation, 4)Riveted by authentic testimony, 5) Waiting to be "fed", 6) Laser-like focus, 7) Keynote speaker Doug Sherman on the move, 8) Robert Barker sharing lessons learned, 9) Ministry panelists: Janet Ward Black, Bart Azzarelli, Mike Wheelock, Barry Brown, and Mark Dillon with Don and Buck, 10) Friday fellowship and Texas BBQ, 11) The winners of the C12 Golf Open: Don and Linda Light (Bradenton, FL) and Chuck and Jane Frary (Newburgh, IN), the only truly co-ed team in the competition with Buck Jacobs Perhaps we all use the red tees next time!, and 12) Our C12 Hawaii team, proving that it’s possible to end up in the rough even during a scramble event!

Corporate Chaplains of America Dedicate New Campus

Mon, 07 Dec 2009 12:24:39 -0800

Corporate Chaplains of America Gives Thanks for the First Permanent Workplace Ministry Home

C12 is a long-time supporter of workplace chaplaincy with nearly 1/3 of our member companies offering some form of on-site chaplaincy. We are pleased that our national strategic affiliate, Corporate Chaplains of America, has just dedicated its new campus, a beautiful facility dedicated to serving companies and communities with Christ-centered chaplains and related services. Please enjoy the press release and photos displayed below and join us in thanking our Lord for His amazing provision to American businesses!


Front of Building	Back of Building

News Release
Contact: Cindy Rice
919-570-0700 ext. 209

Wake Forest, North Carolina - November 10, 2009 - Corporate Chaplains of America (CCA), was honored today to welcome more than 350 friends and supporters to the milestone Campus Dedication event celebrating the first permanent home for a national workplace ministry. The meaningful dedication ceremony, emceed by Founder and President, Dr. Mark Cress, included CCA board members and other ministry partners, such as Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, The C12 Group, Dr. and Mrs. Steven Scott, along with CCA’s entire chaplain staff. The festivities consisted of a private VIP open house for major project donors, building tours and a guest reception.

Located just north of Raleigh, the 24,000 square foot building marks the completion of phase one in the development of the 16+ acre campus. A considerable landmark, the structure includes headquarter offices for Corporate Chaplains of America and its Lanphier Press and Community Chaplains of America divisions. The location is complete with a training room and distribution center, as well as a lodge - ideal for meetings, prayer path and a greenway, accessible to local residents. The balance of the land is ear-marked for future campus expansion which will contain a learning center, 250-person capacity pavilion, amphitheater and chaplain retreat home.

“CCA is privileged to serve Christ daily by caring for people in workplaces across the country. And we now look forward, with great anticipation, to how He will use this new location to grow His Kingdom for generations to come.” Dr. Mark Cress, CCA President.

Founded in 1996, Corporate Chaplains of America serves thousands of employees in businesses nationwide in more than 40 states. CCA’s mission is “to building caring relationships with the hope of gaining permission to share the life changing Good News of Jesus Christ in a non-threatening manner.”

C12 Announces Expansion in Chicago Area

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 12:51:09 -0700

C12 Group President & CEO, Don Barefoot announced the expansion of C12’s coverage in the Chicagoland area with the addition of new C12 Area Chair Dave Lacine, a resident of Downers Grove, to serve in the southwestern suburbs including the area from Hinsdale west to Naperville and Aurora, east to Orland Park, and south to Joilet. Dave will serve alongside C12’s existing Chicagoland Area Chair, Mike Johnson of Palatine, who covers the western and northwest suburbs, including western Cook County, southern Lake and McHenry Counties, and northern DuPage County.

“We are seeing a wonderfully positive impact as Christian CEOs and Owners apply C12’s life and business-enhancing resources,” says Don Barefoot, President & CEO of C12 Group, America’s leading Christian CEO equipping resource since 1992. “C12’s mission is to help its members build thriving businesses while providing their employees with godly encouragement and a working environment that couples performance excellence with ministry to stakeholders. C12 hopes to be a growing influence for progress and transformation through the Chicagoland marketplace for years to come.”

At a time when so much of the news about corporate America can be negative, C12 stresses integrity, excellence and character by applying Biblical principles and proven best-in-class methods in the daily decisions of serving customers, stewarding resources, building up employees, dealing fairly with suppliers, balanced planning and execution, and so much more.

If you are a Christian Chief Executive in metro Chicago, please consider being our guest at an upcoming C12 monthly meeting and perhaps becoming a member to engage in lifelong learning in the pursuit of Building a GREAT Business for a GREATER Purpose.

For more information:

http://www.c12chicagosw.com/

Learn about the C12 Difference

C12 Announces Expansion in NC Capital Area

Tue, 24 Mar 2009 11:23:44 -0700

C12 Group Area Chair, Will Dixon announced the expansion of C12’s coverage in the North Carolina Capital area with the addition of new C12 Area Chair Jim Doherty, a resident of Raleigh to serve alongside himself as C12 Chairs in this growing practice.

If you are a Christian Chief Executive in Metro Raleigh, please consider being our guest at an upcoming C12 monthly meeting and perhaps becoming a member to engage in lifelong learning in the pursuit of pursuing performance God's Way and living a life of eternal impact.

For more information:

http://www.c12nccapital.com/

Learn about the C12 Difference

C12 Start Up 09 - A Great Success!

Thu, 10 Sep 2009 11:07:13 -0700

The C12 Start-Up 09 event (a free Entrepreneurial Start-Up seminar offered to the public) on August 29, 2009, was a smashing success with nearly 200 in attendance. The Piedmont Triad C12 Group sponsored and hosted the event to provide a number of helpful seminar topics relevant to launching small businesses. These presentations covered topics ranging from developing a business plan to legal structure, banking relationships, marketing and vital "lessons learned." Various C12 members participated by giving individual presentations, participating in panel discussions and providing their personal testimonies.

Steve Andrews, Area Chairman of the Piedmont Triad C12 Group, said, "What started as a conversational idea, was expanded at our Annual Member Appreciation Banquet, later developed fully by our volunteer planning group, and exploded into reality on Saturday, August 29, 2009." Don Barefoot, CEO of the C12 Group said, "The event was put on to bless the local community and reflects the vision and hard work of 30 C12 members over several months."

Some of the comments by the attendees include:

"I have been praying for a forum like this. Christian CEO's helping others is wonderful!"

"Don't change it! This was perfect. It has been awesome and changed my life."

"I like the idea that you can incorporate your religion while being successful."

"Impressive group of diverse members."

"Great, relevant speakers."

"Excellent, well-organized presentation."

"Liked the format, short and sweet; loved the moderator."

For more information regarding this event, please email Steve Andrews at steve.andrews@c12group.com.

C12 Receives Franchise & CEO Roundtable Organization Award

Thu, 10 Sep 2009 14:06:13 -0700

The C12 Group, LLC has recently been recognized by the US Commerce Association as an outstanding marketer in the category of Franchisors and CEO Roundtable Organizations. USCA is a Washington, D.C. based business advocacy firm which recognizes noteworthy small to midsized companies across America.

C12 Introductory Events Scheduled in CA, NC, SC, TN & TX

Fri, 04 Sep 2009 08:16:34 -0700

C12 Area Chairs across America are hosting introductory events during September and October. Various events are scheduled throughout four states to introduce Christian CEOs & Presidents to The C12 Group, America's leading resource for Christian CEOs, Owners and Presidents. Many of these informative events will feature our Founder & Chairman, Buck Jacobs, or C12’s President & CEO, Don Barefoot.

Event City

Event Info

Area Chair(s)

Knoxville, TN Sept 8 Luncheon James Luster

Greer, SC Sept 29 Luncheon Grant Edwards

Greensboro, NC Sept 29 Luncheon Steve Andrews
Winston-Salem, NC Sept 30 Luncheon

Goldsboro, NC Sept 30 Luncheon Robert Beaman &
Wilmington, NC Oct 1 Luncheon Jim Steele

Columbia, SC Oct 14 Luncheon Rick Laughridge
Oct 15 Breakfast

Dallas, TX Oct 20 Breakfast Tom O'Dwyer
Oct 21 Breakfast

San Diego/Del Mar, CA Oct 29 Breakfast Joe Durkin

C12 Group Gives Back

Tue, 18 Aug 2009 07:23:10 -0700

Members of the Piedmont Triad C12 Group were highlighted in a recent WFMY news broadcast as they described their upcoming C12 Start-Up 09 event. The seminar is at the Embassy Suites in Greensboro (204 Centreport Drive) on Saturday, August 29th fom 8:30 to 1:30pm and includes four sessions for those considering starting their own business: Will Your Idea Work?, Set-up 101, Getting the Word Out and Pittfalls & Surprises (click here for a pdf containing event details).

C12 member Janet Ward Black, from The Ward Black Law Firm, and Steve Andrews, the C12 Piedmont Triad Area Chairman, were interviewed on the station's morning show. You may view the broadcast by clicking here.

The seminar quickly filled up and additional space was secured to accommodate the extensive interest.

For more information regarding this event, please email Steve Andrews at steve.andrews@c12group.com.

New C12 Groups in Chattanooga & Knoxville

Fri, 31 Jul 2009 12:00:15 -0700

New C12 Area Chair James Luster has announced the following schedule for upcoming East Tennessee C12 group meetings:

East Tennessee C12 group meetings (First visit complimentary)

  Thursday, August 13th
  9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Chattanooga Golf and Country Club
  Chattanooga, TN
Tuesday, August 18th
9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Gettysvue Polo, Golf and Country Club
Knoxville, TN

For more information: James Luster, East Tennessee Area Chair (423.762.5443)

C12 Expands in FL, MN, & SC

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 13:39:43 -0700

C12 is pleased to announce the expansion into three new areas during July and August 2009 serving several communities in Florida, Minnesota, and South Carolina. “C12 is honored to have such talented, savvy and godly business leaders as Rick Laughridge, Seann Maxwell, and Bob Sutter to join this month our continuously expanding ranks of C12 Chairs,” stated Don Barefoot, C12 CEO & President. “Having recently joined the C12 Chair corps, these leaders are well positioned to apply their considerable commercial experiences and expertise while engaging their passion for marketplace ministry.”

Seann Maxwell (Miami, FL), is in the process of launching new C12 Groups in Southeast Florida in the area encompassing Miami-Dade County.

Robert Sutter (Minneapolis, MN) is in the process of launching new C12 Groups in Minneapolis.

Rick Laughridge (Columbia, SC) is in the process of launching new C12 Groups in central South Carolina.

In addition to their sense of calling to serve Christian chief executives and their stakeholders for God’s glory, these brothers bring superb backgrounds in business and ministry to the table. For more information on each of these gentlemen, please click on the names above. We would appreciate your prayers on behalf of each man as they engage “to change the world by bringing forth the Kingdom of God in the marketplace through the companies and lives of those He calls to run businesses for Him.”

C12 Announces Expansion into Southern New England

Fri, 22 May 2009 14:03:13 -0700

The C12 Group is pleased to announce expansion into Southern New England. Rick Ferris (Cranston, RI) is launching these groups with an introductory breakfast event on May 21st which will also feature Don Barefoot, CEO & President of the C12 Group. The inaugural C12 group meeting is June 16th and will kick off monthly meetings on the third Tuesday of each month located at the Alpine Country Club.

“We are pleased that Rick Ferris will lead the charge in the Southern New England market,” says Don Barefoot, C12 CEO & President. “The C12 Group is pleased to be expanding into this area of the country as we continue to grow our membership and open new territories across the country. Now more than ever, we are glad to bring additional help and resources to Christian CEOs and Owners in the northeastern market."

C12 stresses integrity, excellence and character by applying Biblical principles and compatible business "best practices" in serving customers, stewarding resources, and ministering to stakeholders in the business.

If you are a Christian Chief Executive in the Southern New England area (Rhode Island, southern Massachusetts and eastern Connecticut), consider becoming a member of this exciting work aimed at transformation in the marketplace and pursuing performance God's Way.

Introductory Event:
Thursday, May 21st 8:00 – 9:30 am Alpine Country Club - 251 Pippin Orchard Road – Cranston, RI

Inaugural Meeting:
Tuesday, June 16th 9:00 am - 4:00 pm Alpine Country Club - 251 Pippin Orchard Road – Cranston, RI