You're invited to discover Heartwood Conference Center & Retreat and experience the natural beauty and splendor of northwest Wisconsin. Whether for a productive conference or meeting, or a relaxing private getaway, you'll find the serenity of Heartwood inviting and renewing.

Heartwood was purchased in October 2005 by Thrivent Financial for Lutherans to carry out and complement the organization's mission, demonstrating its core values in a unique and different way. Heartwood is an experience of togetherness, learning, leisure, renewal, celebration, and overall wellness for the benefit of Thrivent Financial members, the Lutheran community and nonprofit organizations in the Twin Cities and Fox Cities.

Located in Trego, Wisconsin, Heartwood is approximately 120 miles northeast of Minneapolis. Travel directions to Heartwood may be found on the Heartwood Web site - http://www.heartwoodconferencecenter.com/findus.htm

The 700-acre northwoods property features two private lakes and frontage on the Namekagon River, a national scenic waterway. Heartwood can comfortably accommodate guests in:

• Five two-bedroom lakeside cottages that sleep up to 6 people.
• Thirty-two hotel-type guestrooms (with lake view), most with 2 queen-size beds.
• Ten duplex units that each sleep up to 14 people.

In addition, there are two lodges for group catering and meeting space, as well as high-speed DSL and wireless Internet connectivity. The lodging and meeting space at Heartwood can meet the needs of many different types of groups. Heartwood’s natural setting is perfect for corporate and church meetings and retreats, as well as family reunions, celebrations, weddings, personal vacations, and more.

The lodge hotel rooms and cottages were recently updated with all new bedding, furnishings, carpet, etc. to better meet the needs of the guests. Coming Soon...20 additional hotel rooms and a fitness center – watch the progress at www.heartwoodconferencecenter.com/whatsnew

Heartwood Welcome Center Now Open
Congregational leaders and financial representatives (FRs) joined Brad Hewitt, who leads Fraternal Operations, and State Senator Robert Jauch in a ribbon–cutting ceremony to open a new welcome center at Heartwood on Aug. 1.

"This building is a great example of our careful stewardship of the earth's resources," said Paul Olson, director of Heartwood.

The new log cabin structure is built from materials that are renewable, locally produced and recycled. For example, the concrete is made from a by-product removed from power plant smoke stacks that would otherwise be sent to landfills. The interior features carpeting made from recycled materials, paint that is virtually free of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and a high–efficiency furnace. The exterior includes natural fir and local field stone.

The welcome center is designed to reach out to travelers and the local community and invite them to explore Heartwood's 700 acres of natural woodlands surrounding two private lakes and the nationally protected Namekagon River. It also will also help connect with the local community by offering information about area events and offer food, beverages and collectibles made by Wisconsin artists.

Heartwood in the Fall and Winter
At Heartwood, you can enjoy the spectacular colors of the Wisconsin Northwoods in autumn and the breathtaking beauty of winter while experiencing a retreat that exceeds your expectations. Fall is the perfect time to reconnect after a busy summer season, and the scenery of the walking and biking trails overlooking the Namekagon River will amaze you. Winter is ideal for to taking a break away from your stresses to enjoy the cross-country ski trails, ice skating on the lake, the view from the hot tub, or converse by one of the fireplaces.

Recreation at Heartwood
Recreational activities at Heartwood include:

• 25 kilometers of scenic trails for hiking, trail-biking, x-country skiing*
• Excellent fishing/ice fishing
• Scenic river & lake canoeing or kayaking
• Tennis courts
• Field sports and basketball courts
• Sand volleyball
• Horseshoes & bocce ball
• Ice skating/broomball rink
• Snow tubing
• Team building activities
• Just minutes from golf courses, shopping, tourist attractions, snowmobile trails & events

Thrivent Financial is pleased to offer the following programs at Heartwood:

Individual Thrivent Financial members staying at Heartwood and selected group events will also receive the following benefits:

• Spooner Area Chamber dollars ($5 value gift certificate)
• Complimentary Heartwood gift shop memento or snack basket at check-in ($5 value)
• Frequent Stay program (one night free after two stays)
• Recreational equipment rental fees waived
• GUESTScope sweepstakes (Complete a feedback survey that automatically enters you into a sweepstakes drawing for a complimentary 2-night stay)
• Special promotional offers

Please contact Dana Popple Morlock, Heartwood Sales and Marketing Manager for more details and to find out if your group is eligible for these benefits.

*add $10/night for room with kitchenette
*add $20/night for king suite

Newly updated standard lakeside guestroom with 2 queen beds, high-speed and wireless Internet, private deck/patio, lounges with fieldstone fireplace, outdoor hot tubs, exercise equipment & more.

Each duplex half sleeps up to 14 people in four bedrooms (three with two sets of bunk beds and one with one set of bunk beds). Living room has a gas fireplace and satellite television; the kitchen features a refrigerator, stove, microwave, cooking and eating utensils; and double bathroom facilities. (Folded bedding & towels available, $2.50 per set.)

Each newly updated lakeview cottage sleeps up to six. One bedroom has a queen bed, the second bedroom has a set of twin beds, and the living room has a queen sofa/sleeper. There is a full kitchen, dining area and living room complete with satellite television and gas fireplace. Each cottage also has a screen porch and grill.

Private home sleeps up to 10 people in five bedrooms (four with queen bed, one with two twin beds), two livings rooms, deck, bonfire pit, and more.