Thursday, April 5 is the next HBBA Meeting at The Westerly Hotel & Convention Center in Courtenay.
Networking starts at 6 PM with the meeting beginning at 6:30 PM.

BRING A FELLOW SMALL or HOME-BASED BUSINESS OWNER AS YOUR GUEST

Larry Summers – HBBA President
On The Wing Health 250-338-0763
lmsummers@shaw.ca

VICE PRESIDENT REPORT
With only a few months left until our Annual General Meeting on June 7^th  I would encourage all of you to think about how you would like to be more involved with this great organization.  Since I joined the HBBA I have been involved as a Director in the following positions:    Membership Director, the Community Events Director and now as your Vice President.  Through this organization I have met people who have helped me build my business, who have inspired me as they have built their businesses and through this process have made many friends.

For information about all the Directors positions and their duties I invite you to check out our website under “Policies 2011”.  Should you have any questions regarding a position you are interested in please do not hesitate to see me or any of the current directors at our next meeting on April 5^th.  We will be happy to answer your questions.

I’m looking forward to a great 2012/2013 year with your help.

Donna Clairmont, VP
Clairmont Custom Draperies & Décor
Phone: 250-339-6785 or email donna@clairmontdraperies.com

PROGRAMS
Keynote Speaker – April 5, 2012
Helen Furgale
Bizworks; small business development specialist
www.bizworks.ca

Helen Furgale is a small business development specialist. Most recently she managed the Business Futures Program with Community Futures Strathcona. During the 14 years she was with Community Futures she developed a comprehensive business training package utilizing the Comox Valley’s top business facilitators. She also managed the Business Futures Self Employment program, assisting over 600 clients to get into business for self. Her accomplishments include:

• Successfully securing and managing the multimillion dollar Self-Employment Program for 12 years.
• Managed the business training conducted through Community Futures Strathcona
• Provided business advice and support to over 800 new entrepreneurs in the Comox Valley and Campbell River.
• Facilitated hundreds of Business Development workshops.
• Led a very successful strategic planning exercise for a local nonprofit organization in the Comox Valley.

Prior to locating to the Comox Valley in 1997, Helen was the Marketing Manager for a large manufacturing firm based in Winnipeg. Helen holds a Masters degree in Community Development from the University of Alberta. She has served in a volunteer capacity on the Board of Directors of Creative Employment Access Society and Mountainaire Avian Rescue Society and is currently a member of the Executive of Comox Valley Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.

Helen’s presentation will be on creating a business plan for your business. Topics covered will include:

- Types of Business Plans
- Formats
- Why write a Business Plan: purpose.
- How often should we revisit our plans?
- What should be included in your plan

Contact information:
Helen Furgale
helen@bizworks.ca
250-871-7755
Find me at www.linkedIn.com

Sean Murphy – Program Director   program@cvhbba.com
Valley Healing Therapeutic Massage  250-941-8181
getrelief@valleyhealingmassage.com

SPOTLIGHT SPEAKER
The meeting’s member spotlight will feature Angela Zumbo, a mortgage professional with The Mortgage Centre Comox Valley.     Ms. Zumbo specializes in residential mortgages for home owners.

MEMBERSHIP
We had 5 guests attend the Mar. 1st meeting.
Welcome to our newest member, Kathy Seymour of Getting In Touch

Nancy Farey
Interiors by Nancy
250-792-3162
Membership Director

Bring A Friend & WIN!
For 2011-2012, the Board of Directors is encouraging all members to bring other business owners to meetings–to let them see first-hand how much the HBBA can be a resource for them.

And, we want to reward YOU for doing so.

Not only will your friend thank you, but for each business-owner guest you bring (not your spouse, unless he/she has a separate business from you), you will be entered into a drawing at that meeting. If you win, you will receive a 250-word Spotlight write-up in the next newsletter and in a special section on the website.

In addition, all those who bring at least one prospective-member guest during the year will be entered into a special drawing to be conducted at the AGM in June. The more guests you bring, the more entries you get.

The winner of the year-end draw will receive a complimentary membership for the 2012-13 year. (You must be present at the AGM to win or another member will be drawn)

Spread the word, invite your friends, and with the HBBA, everyone wins!

AWARDS NIGHT
 Our annual Awards Night is coming up May 3rd. Please nominate a member for one or more of the awards. Don’t forget to Toot Your Own Horn

The following is a list of the Awards:

Business of the Year               Environmental Award
New Business Award              Innovation Award
Member’s Choice Award                   Comox Valley Ambassador Media Award
Merit Award                            Lawrence Belfrage Memorial Award
Inspiration Award Tickle Our Collective Funny Bones

Please have nominations sent to Nancy Farey by April 12 nancyf3@yahoo.com

There will be a separate memo sent in the next few days which outline the info for each nomination.

Nancy Farey,
Interiors by Nancy
CVHBBA Membership Director

Small Business Expo
8^th ANNUAL SMALL BUSINESS EXPO
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 29^TH, 2011, 10:00 a.m. – to- 3:00 p.m.
NATIVE SONS HALL, 360 Cliffe Avenue, Courtenay, BC
Only a few days left to take advantage of the 10% Early Bird Discount.
Offer ends March 31^st, 2011

FMI CONTACT Donna Clairmont 250-339-6785 or donna@clairmontdraperies.com

BIZ BUZZ
For your announcement or article to be published in the April issue of Biz Buzz, please email it to the Newsletter Director, at n-ad-2@hotmail.com  before the 21st of the month. Deadline for the April Edition of the newsletter will be March 21.

Norma Dean – Newsletter Director
Mary Kay Cosmetics   250-890-1218
n-ad-2@hotmail.com

ACCOLADES
If you have someone to thank for exceptional service, please:

-Log onto the HBBA Facebook page (www.Facebook.com/CVHBBA);
-Send an email with “bouquet” in the subject line to echo@comoxvalleyecho.com for inclusion in the Echo section called Beefs & Bouquets (and please mention HBBA if you can);
-Send a note to newsletter@cvhbba.com for inclusion in the HBBA newsletter, Biz Buzz, each month;
-Send the same note to our webmaster (until you can post in that section with the new website) and it   will be included in the Accolades section of the HBBA website.

_________________________________________________________

BUSINESS OF THE MONTH 

A Passion For Sewing…the history behind Clairmont Custom Draperies & Décor
Since Donna was tall enough to sit behind a sewing machine, she has been hooked on sewing.  Her mother was her inspiration, sharing all types of crafts with her – from knitting and crocheting to ceramics and painting.  None of them, however, brought her the same joy as sewing – turning sheets of fabric into functional and decorative creations.

Despite loving to sew, Donna did not pursue sewing for a career until the mid-2000s.  That’s when she and her daughter, Stephanie, started doing holiday craft fairs with ornaments and gifts.  They named their mother daughter business, “I Tole-You Sew” to reflect the talents each brought to their projects.

After gaining exposure at the shows and being asked frequently if she could make this or that – with multiple requests for draperies and home décor—Clairmont Custom Draperies was born.

Although Donna and Stephanie still do the occasional craft fair together, the custom drapery and décor business has kept Donna so busy that she retired from a career in banking in 2006 to consult with clients and designers and to sew full time.

In addition to sewing, Donna expanded the business to include hardware, blinds, and other product lines related to her creations.  She particularly enjoys in-home consultations with clients so she can see where her creations will go and to ensure that her ideas reflect their style and unique taste.

Donna and her family moved to the Comox Valley in 1997.

Donna Clairmont
250-339-6785
www.clairmontdraperies.com

_________________________________________________________

ANNOUNCEMENTS

A BIG THANK YOU
Thank you to Nancy Farey of Interiors by Nancy for providing the coffee and tea at the meeting on March 1^st.

HBBA PHONE COMMITTEE
This year, the HBBA Phone Committee is comprised of Sharon English (English Adventure Home Travel Portal), Marlene Louch (Isagenix), Holly Warren (CV SEO School, VC Web Writer), and Val Little (a Little Oil).

These members will be calling you a few days before our General Meetings to remind you of  the meeting and let you know who our speakers are or what is planned for the upcoming meeting.

If you do NOT receive a phone reminder, please call or email Val Little and she will be sure you are placed on a phone list.

Val Little 250-334-4070
A Little Oil
www.alittleoil.com

Thursday, March 1 is the next HBBA Meeting at The Westerly Hotel & Convention Center in Courtenay.
Networking starts at 6 PM with the meeting beginning at 6:30 PM.

Join us for the first meeting of 2012.

BRING A FELLOW HOME-BASED BUSINESS OWNER AS YOUR GUEST
________________________________________________________________

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Presidents Report Hello to all the members of the Comox Valley Home based Business Association. We had a great evening at our last meeting. The speakers were excellent as was the networking everyone that everyone was able to do. If you really want to network then make sure you attend our next meeting 1 March 2012. It is totally set up for networking and everyone will have time to have their say at what they do and who they are. We are getting close to the awards time so start thinking of who you want to submit for the different awards. Plus, do not hesitate to toot your own horn about your business and what you are doing. I look forward to seeing you all there.
Larry Summers – HBBA President
On The Wing Health 250-338-0763
lmsummers@shaw.ca
________________________________________________________________

PROGRAM REPORT
HBBA Meeting Program
March 1 2012, 6:30pm
The Westerley Hotel, Courtenay, B.C.
This month’s meeting is breaking from the typical format of educational presentations, so  guests and members have more time to tell each other what they do. Specifically, in lieu of a guest speaker, the meeting will be dedicated solely to Power Networking.
Specifically, each person will present a two-minute summary of his or her business and what represents a good lead for that business. To facilitate easy networking, “runners” will get a stack of each speakers’ cards before each one starts to speak.
As the speaker completes the presentation, audience members can raise hands and will immediately be handed the speaker’s business card before the next presenter starts. This will make it easy to connect during the post-presentation part of the meeting or for follow-up at another time.
Sean Murphy – Program Director program@cvhbba.com
Valley Healing Therapeutic Massage 250-941-8181
getrelief@valleyhealingmassage.com
______________________________________________________________

MEMBERSHIP
We would like to welcome new members: Catherine Egan, Mountain Spirit Garden Estates; Rae Brett, Cider Press Business; Ginny Alliston, Ginny’s Graphics & Web Design, Michelle Passey, Solid Rock Bookekeeping Services For members whose dues are up for renewal please bring your checkbooks to the March meeting. Those that renew at the meeting have their names in for a special draw that evening. Nancy Farey, Interiors by Nancy 250-792-3162 Membership Director Bring A Friend & WIN! For 2011-2012, the Board of Directors is encouraging all members to bring other business owners to meetings–to let them see first-hand how much the HBBA can be a resource for them. And, we want to reward YOU for doing so. Not only will your friend thank you, but for each business-owner guest you bring (not your spouse, unless he/she has a separate business from you), you will be entered into a drawing at that meeting. If you win, you will receive a 250-word Spotlight write-up in the next newsletter and in a special section on the website. In addition, all those who bring at least one prospective-member guest during the year will be entered into a special drawing to be conducted at the AGM in June. The more guests you bring, the more entries you get. The winner of the year-end draw will receive a complimentary membership for the 2012-13 year. (You must be present at the AGM to win or another member will be drawn) Spread the word, invite your friends, and with the HBBA, everyone wins!
EVENTS REPORT The Comox Valley is the place to be on Canada Day. This is one of the largest events of the year so I would like to invite you to join fellow HBBA members on July 1st, 2012 downtown Courtenay for a celebration honouring our country’s 145th year. The theme this year is Salute to the Sixty’s. I will be looking for some ideas and participants to take part in this event. If you like to party and have some fun. Meet and get to know your fellow HBBA members call me. In 2010 we won Best Organization and 2011 we won Best Float Runner Up. Let’s not break the chain and make this year even better. For more information please contact Donna at 250-339-6785 or email at donna@clairmontdraperies.com Donna Clairmont VP/Interim Community Events Director

HELP WANTED:
As you know the Community Event Position is still available. This would be a great time for you to get involved. There’s of time for us to work together on next year’s events. I can personally say that it’s been a lot of fun and rewarding to organize both the Canada Day Parade and the Trade Show. If you have any questions please call Donna at 250-339-6785 or email me at donna@clairmontdraperies.com
________________________________________________________________

WEBSITE REPORT
______________________________________________________

BIZ BUZZ
For your announcement or article to be published in the April issue of Biz Buzz, please email it to the Newsletter Director, at n-ad-2@hotmail.com before the 21st of the month. Deadline for the April Edition of the newsletter will be March 21.
Norma Dean – Newsletter Director
Mary Kay Cosmetics 250-890-1218
n-ad-2@hotmail.com
________________________________________________________________

ACCOLADES
If you have someone to thank for exceptional service, please:
-Log onto the HBBA Facebook page (www.Facebook.com/CVHBBA);
-Send an email with “bouquet” in the subject line to echo@comoxvalleyecho.com for inclusion in the Echo section called Beefs & Bouquets (and please mention HBBA if you can);
-Send a note to newsletter@cvhbba.com for inclusion in the HBBA newsletter, Biz Buzz, each month;
-Send the same note to our webmaster (until you can post in that section with the new website) and it will be included in the Accolades section of the HBBA website.
________________________________________________________________

UPCOMING EVENTS
General Meeting – March 1, 2012
Westerly Hotel
Networking – 6:00pm
Meeting starts – 6:30pm.
8th Annual CVHBBA Trade Show Come join us at the Comox Valley Home-Based Business Association’s 8th Annual “SMALL BUSINESS EXPO” Saturday, September 29th. 2012 10am to 3pm the Native Sons Hall Cliffe Avenue in Courtenay. Book your table in March and receive a 10% discount. Please find attached a copy of the application. We will start accepting the applications at the March 1st meeting. For more information call Donna at 250-339-6785 or email donna@clairmontdraperies.com
_____________________________________________________________

BUSINESS OF THE MONTH
RAINY DAY BOOKS
Books have always been a part of my life. My dream when I was a child was to be a librarian so I could be surrounded by books all day. I never actually dreamed of having my own bookstore until I read a book where the bookstore was run under life conditions similar to mine at the time. Rainy Day Books was started in 1997 as a 250 square foot retail store. It was a great educational experience for three years. When we (mainly my husband) figured out the whole Internet sales thing, the books were moved into the home basement and the business became on-line only. We currently have over 9,000 books listed.
While in the retail store, a customer asked me to find a book from her childhood that she had been trying to find for over twenty years. She was so thrilled to get the book that I made the book searching a part of the business. I find books for people who may not use a computer, don’t want to put their credit card on the computer, etc. It is a small steady part of the business but one of the most fun.
The biggest challenge for me is finding good books to list. The growing interest in e-books has not yet made a serious impact on the business. A large part of the e-book business is
fiction and the focus of Rainy Day Books leans towards non-fiction. Hopefully as books are valued less by some people, those books will become available on-line to people who do still like to hold the real thing. I know I’m one of those who love them and am thankful every day that I can just go to my basement and be surrounded by those books whenever I want.
Ruth Dilts – Owner/Operator
1-888-281-9646
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ANNOUNCEMENTS
A BIG THANK YOU
Thanks go out to the following CVHBBA members who sponsored the coffee and tea at our meetings so far this year.
September Donna Clairmont
October Larry Szafron
November Dianne Goodacre
January Larry Summers
February Sean Murphy
We are hoping someone will step forward and sponsor the coffee/tea for the March meeting.
HBBA PHONE COMMITTEE This year, the HBBA Phone Committee is comprised of Sharon English (English Adventure Home Travel Portal), Marlene Louch (Isagenix), Holly Warren (CV SEO School, VC Web Writer), and Val Little (a Little Oil). These members will be calling you a few days before our General Meetings to remind you of the meeting and let you know who our speakers are or what is planned for the upcoming meeting. If you do NOT receive a phone reminder, please call or email Val Little and she will be sure you are placed on a phone list. Val Little 250-334-4070 a Little Oil alittleoil.com