"Embracing the entrepreneurial spirit since 1998"
September 2012                                Biz Buzz
Vol. 15, No. 1
In This Issue
President's Message
Christmas Hamper
Presenter Spotlight
Member Announcements
Directors' Reports
Upcoming Events
Around the Community
  2012/13
  Board of Directors
President

Vice President

Past President
Larry Summers

Membership
Nancy Farey

Marketing

Program Director

Web

Newsletter

Secretary
Yolanda MacLaren

Social

Treasurer
   Christmas Food Hamper
Starting at the September meeting at the greeters table there will be a jar for cash donations that will go towards our Christmas
Hamper.
  Presenter Spotlight

Build Your Business with Intention

As both a feng shui consultant and professional writer, Terri Perrin brings a unique perspective on how to build your home-based or small business. This 20-minute presentation will be a combination of her experience in modern-day communications strategies with centuries old feng shui wisdom.  

 

In this information-packed 'fast feng shui' lecture Perrin will explain the basic principles of feng shui-a 4,000-year-old tradition of recognizing how the energy of your living/working space affects your personal energy and productivity. She will provide insight into the best arrangement of office furniture for putting you 'in command' of your career and business. Most importantly, she will teach you how to set powerful intentions for positive change, increased prosperity, and a higher level of professionalism.  

 "The school of feng shui that I practice and teach is easy to understand because it has been adapted to suit North American culture," explains Perrin. "I combine this ancient knowledge with marketing tips, and business savvy, and promise this presentation will inspire you to view your business ... and your attitude about your work ... in a whole new way."

 

For more information about Fine Art of Intention Feng Shui call 250-218-4952 or visit her website

Member Announcements
Two Eagles Lodge B&B 
in Union Bay earned another  
® Certificate of Excellence award. The accolade, which honors hospitality excellence, is given only to establishments that consistently achieve outstanding traveler reviews on TripAdvisor, and is extended to qualifying businesses worldwide. Approximately 10 percent of accommodations listed on TripAdvisor receive this prestigious award.  "The Certificate of Excellence award gives highly rated establishments around the world the recognition they deserve," according to TripAdvisor. 
 

Two Eagles Lodge has not only maintained a five-star ranking with TripAdvisor since it opened in 2007, but has earned numerous other tourism-hospitality awards, including two BBB Torch Awards, several HB&SBA awards, and was named "Hospitality Business of the Year" with a Vancouver Island Business Excellence award in 2011. 

Carolyn West-Price Touhey

SmartBiz Strategy 

250-335-2342   

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    President's Message
Greetings!

September for me is like celebrating the New Year. I hope you have all had an awesome summer either going away on vacation or having our family or friends come for a visit. And who could argue with that when you live in a place like the Comox Valley?  We've slowed down a bit ourselves to enjoy what the valley has to offer.... but as with any New Year, it's time  to settle down and start to look at what we want to accomplish over the next few months. As business owners, what better place to start than to come to the Home-Based & Small Business Association meeting at the Best Western Hotel? This is where you will meet the people that will help you grow your business, friends you will make and the fun that we will share with each other.

The trade show committee have been working very hard to bring you the best trade show ever. This year we have 38 exhibitors, a kitchen offering snacks and beverages, a raffle with an awesome prize to help our local food bank and the organization, and hourly door prizes. WOW what a lineup. Have you booked your table yet? If not, you better hurry before it's too late.  

 

The trade show committee were not the only ones busy over the holidays. Thanks to Carolyn Touhey and Ginny Alliston for their hard work at developing our new logo. Great Job!  

 

So what are your goals this season? Not sure, maybe we can help. Come and join us on September 6th as we have 2 great spotlight speakers and don't forget to bring lots of business cards as we plan to do another round of networking.  

 

Hope you all had a wonderful summer. See you all soon.

  

Donna Clairmont

CV Home-Based & Small Business Association

President

250-339-6785 - Email
     Director's Reports  
Small Business Expo Report  

The Small Business Expo on Sept 29th, 2012 is quickly approaching. We are planning a raffle with half the proceeds of the ticket sales going to the local Food Bank, and the balance going to our education fund. Ruth Dilts of Rainy Day Books is currently asking businesses to donate larger prizes for the raffle portion, with Phantom Screens already donating one of their Phantom screen doors to us.   We are also looking for donations for hourly door prizes - hoping to encourage the visitors to the event to stay longer and look at what the various businesses who have booked tables are offering.

 

In addition, Carmie's Café & Catering has booked the kitchen area and will be offering tea, coffee, cold drinks, sandwiches, goodies, etc.

 

On the subject of table bookings - we have booked 18 of 38 tables/booths - so there is lots of space for you. Our advertising will feature those who have booked tables and this means we can only advertise those who have booked by the September meeting as this advertising has to be written and sent to the various papers.

 

We have posters available if anyone knows where these will be seen by a large number of the general public. We also have letters available if you want to approach someone for a raffle or door prize. This all needs to happen promptly as we need the information in order to obtain a raffle licence, and to provide advertising for those who supply the items.

 

Please bring you cheque or cash to the September 6th meeting and book your table. Marg & Donna will have application forms on hand.

 

The Small Business Expo will only be a success if we have the support of our members, but we also welcome non-members to book a table at this event.
Marg Szafron
Prestige Video Transfer
 

 

Newsletter Report 
The deadline for Director's Reports, announcements or articles is the 21st of each month. Please email your
submission for the October newsletter by October 21. Of course submissions are accepted before the deadline also! 
 
Remember this is  your newsletter and if you would like to see any new features your suggestions are always welcome.  

Sarah Brune  

Inner Harmony Healing 

250 331 3228 - Email   

Program Report 

Our first meeting will be on September 6th.  This month's presenters are Terri Perrin of Fine Art of Intention who will explain some of the principles of Feng Shui, and   

Sean Murphy of Valley Healing Therapeutic Massage who will be doing a short talk and demonstration of Taoist Tai Chi.

 

In addition to the two presenters, there will be networking opportunities for members to give a two minute promotional speech about their business.  

   

Interested in promoting your business to our members? Spotlight speaking opportunities are available for upcoming fall meetings. Please contact
    Upcoming  Events
8th Annual "Small Business Expo" 
Saturday, September 29th, 2012
10 am to 3 pm
Native Sons Hall, 360 Cliffe Ave, Courtenay, BC
For more information and to book your spot: 
Donna Clairmont at 250-339-6785 or email
Marg Szafron at 250-339-7244 or email 

Build a Wealth Vase With Intention 
Thursday, Oct. 9, 6:30 - 9:00 p.m.
at the Comox Valley Chamber of Commerce 
2040 Cliffe Avenue,  Courtenay, BC

Join certified feng shui consultant and author, Terri Perrin, Fine Art of Intention Feng Shui, for an evening of interactive and inspiring sharing of ancient feng shui wisdom, adapted for a modern world, with a focus on increasing your prosperity. Learn how to focus your attention on your intention so you can realize increased wealth that comes in the form of better health, family harmony, lasting friendships, improved relationships, and improved life satisfaction. The $50 workshop fee includes all supplies to create your own Wealth Vase, as well refreshments and HST.

For full details, please visit
To pre-register for this workshop: Call 250-218-4952 or  Email.

Bach International Education Program
Level One
 

October 13 & 14 - Vancouver, BC

Taught by Sarah Brune, BFRP 

   

Coming this Fall... 

Comox Valley Bach Flower Circle/Study Group 
Spend an evening with like minded individuals to talk Bach Flower Remedies - covering different remedies, various topics, questions and answer session, and more...  
Everyone welcome.
  

Tuesday, October 2, 2012 and 

Tuesday, November 6, 2012

7 - 9 pm 

Anco Motel, Courtenay, BC

$5 at the door

Email or call 250 331 3228 for more details. 

    Around the Community

Learn the Power of Positive Networking

'Work the Pond' Breakfasts

Sept. 13 & 27, 7:30 - 9:00 a.m.

White Spot Restaurant, Cliffe Avenue, Courtenay

 

The Comox Valley Chamber of Commerce wants to help local business people 'leap frog' their way to networking success this fall! They have planned a series of two networking breakfasts based on the best-selling book by Darcy Rezac: Work the Pond-Use the Power of Positive Networking to Leap Forward in Work and Life. The workshops will be facilitated by the Chamber's marketing and communications coordinator, Terri Perrin.

 

Perrin, an award wining writer, joined the Chamber last April, bringing a wealth of marketing and business acumen to the team. As a self-employed small business owner for more than two decades, Perrin has done more than her fair share of networking. She credits her own efforts to 'Working the Pond' and building her 'social capital' to securing her current position at the Chamber. A job, she says, that she loves!

 

The September 13 workshop is sponsored by the North Island College's FLAVOUR: The North Island's Gourmet Picnic. You'll learn first-hand from the organisers about this delicious upcoming event! (www.gourmetpicnic.ca). 'Work the Pond' is also sponsored by Daryl Robertson, CGA and Notary Public. 

 

Potential attendees may choose to attend the September 13 or 27 presentation but will get the most benefit from attending both. Different material will be covered in each one. Tickets are $20 per session for Chamber members and $24 for non-members. It's the best networking deal in town as the ticket includes a continental breakfast, tip, tax and presentation materials.

 

Pre registration is required. Be sure to wear a name tag and bring your business cards! You are also welcome to bring a door prize - it's another great way to promote your business and yourself.

 

For more information on the Work the Pond Networking Breakfasts, call 250-334-3234 or register on-line at www.comoxvalleychamber.com.

 

Who do YOU know who exemplifies excellence?

Nominations for the 'Top 40 Under 40 Awards' close at noon, Sept. 7th.

 

The Comox Valley Chamber of Commerce recently announced an exciting new community awards program.

The 'Top 40 Under 40 Awards' have been modeled after similar initiatives hosted in various locations across North America and are designed to recognize 40 individuals in our community who are age 12 to 39, and who are making a difference in the Comox Valley and beyond. Their individual achievements may be through business success, scholastic achievement, athletic excellence, community involvement or contributions to the non-profit sector.

 

Nominations  will be accepted until noon, Friday, September 7, 2012. Individuals may be nominated by family, friends or co-workers. No self-nominations will be accepted. It is important to note that nominees (or the business they work for or own) do not have to be members of the Chamber of Commerce in order to qualify but they must have been full-time residents or business owners in the Comox Valley for at least two years. Additional award criteria are listed on the Chamber website.

 

Award recipients will be recognized at a gala cocktail reception and dance to be held on Thursday, October 25, 2012 at Crown Isle Resort. The Chamber will be bringing in a high profile speaker to give the keynote address and hiring a local band to provide entertainment for a dance. Event tickets will go on sale September 4.

 

The Chamber is pleased to recognize their Platinum sponsors: The Comox Valley Record, 97.3 The Eagle Radio and MNP LLP.

 

For complete nomination information, please visit the Chamber of Commerce website, call 250-334-3234, or drop into the Chamber office at 2040 Cliffe Avenue, Courtenay.