By the time you receive this newsletter, the Small Business Expo will be history!! We would like to thank all those who donated prizes for the raffle fundraiser as well as for the many door prizes given away. A huge thank you to Ruth Dilts of Rainy Day Books for obtaining  many of the excellent raffle and door  prizes. 

For upcoming meetings be sure you bring a pocketful of change as we are charging a minimal

fee of $1.00 for coffee and tea to help offset the costs.  In addition, we will have the 'hamper jar' available to receive donations for our Christmas hamper family at each meeting.  The Directors have decided that Val's fines should also go to the hamper fund - so we ask everyone to be generous.

We also have put together a binder containing the business cards of all our members. Please make sure to check this book at each meeting to ensure that your latest card is there. Leaving extra cards will allow those who wish to contact you, or pass on your card as a referral will be able to do so. We also have a section for our guest cards, and a section for former members.

We had a great group at the September meeting. In addition, we welcomed several new members over the summer and early Fall.  This brings us to 70 members which includes our 2 Honorary Life members and 15 Lifetime members. 

Prestige Video Transfer

Program Report 

This month's presenters are Mark Erickson owner of Norse Code Technologies and Carolyn West-Price Touhey of SmartBiz Strategy

Mark Erickson is the owner of Norse Code Technologies,  which specializes in web development, marketing and social media. He will be speaking about how Norse Code can help local businesses promote themselves better through using his company's services.

Carolyn Touhey, a marketing consultant since 1990, holds an MBA in marketing and also teaches marketing workshops and webinars for entrepreneurs. She specializes in helping start-ups, small businesses, and non-profits brand and market themselves -- avoiding the many do-it-yourselfer marketing pitfalls that cost time and money. She is co-owner of Two Eagles Lodge, an award-winning, waterfront B&B and vacation rental in Union Bay.

We are planning on having some business round table discussions at future meetings and would like to know if any of our members have ideas for discussion topics. You can send your suggestions to me at GetRelief@ValleyHealingMassage.com 

Sean Murphy  

Web Report  

I encourage everyone to visit the website and see all the exciting changes to our site. Besides a new logo and name, we also have a new domain name www.CVEntrepreneurs.com. The www.cvhbba.com is still active and automatically forwards to our new location. Remember to save in your favorites, because eventually the old web address will expire.  

The website is continuously being streamlined to make it easier to find information. This includes new quick links on the right-hand-side for special events such as the recent Small Business Expo and upcoming Spotlight Speakers at our monthly meetings. In addition, under Members, besides a list of companies by type, I have added companies listed alphabetically by company name. Both of these lists are linkable to the member's business info. I've added company logos to make the company info more professional looking. If there is not a link for your company that is because I do not have info for that company's profile. If you need help setting up your profile info, please feel free to contact me at ginnym@shaw.ca.  

We want the website to work for our members and give them the exposure they deserve, so I will be adding another link that will be highlighting a monthly business to be determined by a business card draw at each monthly meeting.

Remember, you can post your business related events under the Member Announcements. Just create a new post, enter all the info and select the category Member News. Again, if you are having difficulty with this or any other function on the website, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Ginny Alliston

Ginny's Graphics & Web Design

250-941-5543

ginnym@shaw.ca 

Newsletter Report 

Sarah Brune  

Inner Harmony Healing 

Angela Zumbo, BBA, AMP  
Accredited Mortgage Professional

The Mortgage Centre Comox Valley

I am an experienced Mortgage Professional with over 7 years in this dynamic industry, which combines nicely with my business degree to give me the knowledge base essential to understand the unique financial needs of each client.  I am dedicated to making the mortgage application process as easy as possible, and to building life-long relationships with all my clients, providing not only mortgages, but financial advice and guidance.

After having worked at The Mortgage Centre Comox Valley for several years, taking over the business earlier this year was a natural progression.  Since March, our office has grown from a team of two to a team of six, including both Residential and Commercial Mortgage Specialists.  Our Mortgage Professionals are located in strategically places across Vancouver Island, ensuring that every island resident has access to our full menu of mortgage services.  We even have an agent in Kelowna, serving BC's Okanagan Region!

The Mortgage Centre Comox Valley is a full-service mortgage brokerage, offering residential, commercial, and alternative lending solutions. Whether you are purchasing, renewing, refinancing for any reason, seeking credit advice or looking for a reverse mortgage, we have a solution. We are also very excited to have Trevor Cook (aka "Mr. Insurance") shares our office space - an experienced insurance broker and financial advisor - which compliments our services nicely.

When you think "Mortgage", think "The Mortgage Centre" - your GO TO place for mortgage information.

For more information or to contact our office, please visit our website: www.mccv.ca