Healey works as an analyst and joined Toastmasters in 2010 to improve her communication skills at work. "I realized that technical ability is not enough; the ability to collaborate with others and communicate my work is equally important." After her first club visit, the benefits of Toastmasters were immediately apparent. "The members at the club were so confident and articulate, I signed up right away. I was surprised at how quickly I began to notice the improvement in my interactions with those around me, professionally and socially." Since joining Toastmasters, she has attended industry conferences and given verbal presentations on behalf of the company she works for. "When I joined Toastmasters, I never dreamed that I would be standing in front of a crowd communicating our work, but now it's my favourite part of the job!" However, the most rewarding aspect of Toastmasters is the rapid increase in confidence she sees in new members when they join.

"We excited to visit the HBSBA and describe how Toastmasters can benefit you and improve the skills you use in your business. And with three Toastmasters Clubs meeting weekly in the Comox Valley, there are many options if you'd like to join us."

  Prestige Video Transfer - Larrie & Marg Szafron

Larrie started Prestige Video Transfer in 2005, as he realized the need to be able to re-capture and view old visual or sound media such as film, slides, VHS/Beta and camcorder tapes, photos, music tapes, etc.  These items were part of his and wife Margaret's family history but were in a form that could not be viewed by the younger generations - especially grandchildren. 

Since Larrie had an extensive background in computers after working in the industry for 30 years, he soon realized that this knowledge could be put to good use in a new business.  Extensive research provided the necessary high-end consumer and commercial-quality equipment to facilitate the transfer of old media to DVD in a professional manner while preserving its original quality. 

Margaret retired early in 2010, after 30 yrs in various parts of the real estate industry, to join Larrie in Prestige Video Transfer.  This allowed the company to expand into other areas such as specialty presentation projects, as well as some documentary-style videography such as the capturing the memoirs from elderly members of families. 

Both Larrie and Margaret are active members of the HBSBA, CVWBN, Chamber of Commerce and CVBN.   They both enjoy helping others in the small business community by being available to discuss new and old ideas. 

They provide personal service which includes discussing details about your project such as editing out scenes, adding background music, etc.  You are ensured that your precious family history is processed locally, rather than 'tempting the fates' by having these items being shipped to distant locations.

AudioXcellence - Russ Ball
Began in 1995 as an "All Around Sound" in Cold Lake Alberta, while I was serving with the military as a technician. My thought was that I wanted to provide the highest quality sound systems possible as a mobile DJ service. I started out with two turntables, a wooden crate of LP's, an amp, speakers, and mixing board.

I was posted to Comox base in 2000 and decided to call my business "AudioXcellence" as a reminder of what the business strives for. I was invited to join HBBA in 2001. Business soon picked up again, word got around, and I was soon back to being busy every weekend.
Every summer I was asked to provide the sound and video for YANA's 24 Hour Relay.

This past year we have focused on building our share of the local DJ market,
retaining existing business partnerships, and working towards becoming more environmentally friendly.  We have put up a web page (through Linda Graceffo) and this year plan to upgrade it (www.comoxvalleydj.com) and we have built a Facebook page too, www.facebook.com/ComoxValleyDJ.

Our aim remains to provide the best possible sound systems and music content for our customers.    

Sean Murphy  

Website Report

I know that our website isn't the most user-friendly, and it has left a bad taste with some of our members.  As a result, not all of our members have a presence on our website.  It's time to stop the confusion.

I will be doing a short presentation during the February 7 meeting on how to create your User Profile and Business Post. I will go through each step, explaining the difference between your user profile and your business profile, how to make a post and how to insert an image.

A website is a terrible thing to waste. Don't miss your opportunity to showcase your business on the site any longer.

 
Ginny Alliston

Ginny's Graphics & Web Design

250-941-2665 

Newsletter Report  

Please send in your submissions for the March newsletter by February 21. Of course submissions are accepted before the deadline! 

Inner Harmony Healing