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2011 MEMBERS’ CHOICE AWARD

The Comox Valley Home-Based Business Association’s Members’ Choice Award is about appreciation and acknowledgment of service. Any current member in good standing whom our members felt has gone above and beyond in his/her selfless contributions to the HBBA in 2010/2011 is eligible for this award.

There were a total of seven nominations in this category … all of whom support the HBBA and our community in their own special way. All Members’ Choice nominees deserve special recognition and our most sincere appreciation for their outstanding efforts and on-going leadership in the HBBA and in our community.

2011 MEMBERS’ CHOICE AWARD RECIPIENT: Dian Smit, Nerds On Site

(p) 250.334.7649                                (e) dian.smit@nerdsonsite.com

Dian Smit was not present.  Beth Campbell Duke accepted the award on her behalf.

Dian Smit, is a self-professed NERD and darn proud of it!  Whether dealing with her Nerds On Site clients or with members of the HBBA she answers our questions with the patience of a saint and provides solutions in a language that us ‘non-techies’ can understand… and repeats it as often as necessary until we “get it.”

Almost always dressed in her signature Nerds on Site red and ALWAYS with a big smile on her face, Dian is an active, supportive and knowledgeable member of our Association and other networking groups … and is an active member of the community.

Over the past few months Dian Smit has put in untold numbers of hours to get the HBBA’s website not only visible on the Internet…. but to ensure that it is an interactive and useful tool for our members.

Dian has gone “above and Beyond” to support the HBBA and it is with great pride that we honour her tonight as our ‘Members’ Choice’ Award Recipient.

2011 MERIT AWARD

The dictionary defines ‘Merit’ as ‘having superior quality or worth, a quality deserving of praise, or an aspect of character or behaviour deserving of approval.’

To be nominated for the HBBA’s Merit Award an individual and their business must meet this definition of ‘Merit’ … as well as one or more of the following criteria:

• “Going the extra mile” by participating in or sponsoring an award-worthy community cause or event;
• Spearheading the development of new programs within the community or the HBBA;
• Receiving recognition for outstanding achievement from another organization or the community.

2011 MERIT AWARD RECIPIENT: Russ McKinnon, Phantom Screens

(p)   250.339.3210                                                  (e) russmckinnon@shaw.ca

At last June’s Annual General Meeting Russ McKinnon accepted the position of Program Director on the condition that he could make some changes to the meeting format and boost the educational aspects of our meetings. Russ did not disappoint us! We have enjoyed excellent spotlight and guest speakers this year, have grown as an association and learned from his leadership.

With the support of his business partner and wife, Winifred, Russ has also grown Phantom Screens well beyond what would normally be considered a home-based business.

One of the nominations for Russ summed up his personality and attitude perfectly:

“Russ is always professional, honest and will go the extra mile in his business, on the HBBA Board of Directors, and in the community with other networking groups and various fundraising initiatives.”

2011 ENVIRONMENTAL AWARD

This award is in honour of those individuals who are making an effort to honour our planet. The Environmental Award was introduced and implemented to recognize:

• on-going environmental stewardship programs within a home-based business or in the community at large;
• a business or individual who has adopted “Best Management Practices” that result in a reduction of packaging/emissions/ waste;
• Someone who is “green” to the core and goes beyond simply practicing the ‘three Rs’ of Recycling or hosting a one-time event.

2011 ENVIRONMENTAL AWARD RECIPIENT: Debbie Ross, All Keyed Up Music

(p) 250.897.3635                                (e) ragtimelady@hotmail.com

Being an environmental crusader isn’t always about rinsing jam jars and flattening tin cans.

A true crusader thinks outside the blue recycle box and looks for ways that they can make a difference in their own world.

Debbie Ross’ world revolves around sharing the gift of music … so she came up with a clever way to reduce costs for her students, to re-use music books and to re-play music.

In past two years, Debbie Ross has coordinated the re-distribution of more than 400 music books, enabling students to trade old books for new ones as they progress through her piano lessons.

The barter and trade program has proven to be popular AND a great help to families and individuals who may not be able to afford new music books.

2011 INSPIRATION AWARD

In talking about ‘Inspiration’ Aristotle has been quoted as saying…. “We are what we repeatedly do.

Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.”

The HBBA Inspiration Award is presented to the individual and their business for which excellence is a habit…. Someone who has inspired others by sharing their experiences, mishaps, wisdom, success, courage and/or integrity through one-on-one mentoring, group networking or at HBBA events and activities; for individuals who have made a determined effort to instill confidence in others; someone who has provided advice, guidance and, of course, inspiration to help you start, improve or grow your business!

2011 INSPIRATION AWARD RECIPIENT: Sue Troughton, Ensemble Wellness

(p) 250.890.2034                                (e) sue@ensemblewellness.com

Nominations for Sue Troughton were peppered with words of appreciation and references to her bubbly personality, mentoring skills and positive attitude. There was even some reference to her exuberant Spotlight Speaker presentation, which was complete with a soundtrack and personal assistants!

One nomination in particular, however, summed up the reason that Sue Troughton, Ensemble Wellness, is most deserving of the award for inspiration.

I quote: “Sue helped me focus on positive energy during a rough time in my personal life … which translated into helping me affirm my business goals. Like most people, I know how to do my work, but I needed a friend to tell me I was on the right track.”

2011 INNOVATION AWARD

An invention is useful only to the inventor unless it is offered to the public, however niche that public may be. If the invention improves some product, process or service for the public, then that invention transforms into an innovation.

An innovation can be big or small. Brand-new or just a bit different, it doesn’t matter. An innovation can be clearly complex or seemingly simple.

Innovations are often thought of in terms of technical achievement, but can also be a design. The type, industry and style of innovation are irrelevant; an innovation’s impact determines its qualification.

The Award Criteria for the HBBA’s Innovation Award is someone who has improved his or her business by introducing a new product or service or diversifying an existing product/service …

Someone who used creativity and innovation to build and promote their business … or has done something extraordinary to achieve success.

2011 INNOVATION AWARD RECIPIENT: Lisa Graham, Seadance Photography

(p) 250.941.7774                                (e) lisa@seadance.ca

In her Member Profile in the May HBBA Member newsletter, Lisa Graham wrote: “Does a good hammer make a great carpenter? Probably not! Quality of work is a result of who is using the tools” … or in, her case, camera equipment.

Photography is a new career path for Lisa Graham and she has dived into it with admirable passion. While she shoots all the usual stuff … like weddings, portraits and product marketing stills, Lisa… quite literally…. takes the art of photography to new depths. Lisa combines her love of scuba diving with the art of photography and is excelling in the world of underwater portraits.

Her underwater portraits of children, families, fashion models, brides and even swimming dogs are creative, artistic, and … most importantly…. innovative.

2011 COMOX VALLEY AMBASSADOR AWARD

A person can be an ambassador of a country or a cause…

They can be government-appointed or self-appointed…

They can be a diplomatic official of the highest government ranking … or an unofficial representative … simply a messenger of goodwill.

The Comox Valley Ambassador Award is presented to:

• someone whose business has been featured prominently in the local, national or international media, this includes radio, television, print or the Internet.
• a business whose product or services may be unique to our region;
• someone who promotes the Comox Valley in advertising and promotions;
• has done something newsworthy that puts the Comox Valley in the public spotlight from a local, regional, national or international prospective.

There was only one nomination for this award and the well-deserving recipient who wins through their dedicated effort and action … as well as by acclamation is….

2011 CV AMBASSADOR AWARD: Steve & Carolyn Touhey, Two Eagles Lodge

(p) 250.335.2342                                (e) havefun@TwoEaglesLodge.com

Steve and Carolyn Touhey speak about Vancouver Island in general … and the Comox Valley in particular … with such pride and passion that it is difficult to imagine that it has only been five years since they built their home, their bed and breakfast business, and their new lives in Canada.

The Touhey’s have been tireless in their efforts to promote tourism in the Comox Valley … and their efforts have not gone unnoticed.

Two Eagles Lodge was presented with the Vancouver Island Better Business Bureau’s 2010 Torch Award for Hospitality and are finalists in this year’s awards as well.

In January 2011, they were named the 2011 Tourism/ Hospitality Business of the Year as recipients of a Vancouver Island Business Excellence Award.

While awards are important, it should also be noted that Carolyn and Steve have also earned the respect of their colleagues, made a multitude of new friends and developed a stellar reputation for hospitality, integrity and community spirit.

The Touheys are, in every sense of the word, true ambassadors … and it is my honour to present them with this award.

2011 LAWRENCE BELFRAGE MEMORIAL AWARD

This is a very special award … Presented in honour of a very special man. This award is in memory of long-standing CVHBBA member, Lawrence Belfrage, who passed away unexpectedly in May 2009.

Lawrence’s motto – in business and in life – was to “share a smile.” The recipient of this award will be someone who shares that same gregarious spirit and who shows support of the social networking and teamwork aspect of the CVHBBA.

2011 LAWRENCE BELFRAGE MEMORIAL AWARD RECIPIENT:

Donna Clairmont, Clairmont Custom Draperies

(p) 250.339.6785                    (e) donna@clairmontdraperies.com

Those of you who joined Donna Clairmont for last summer’s Canada Day Parade will know that she has a sunny personality … even when it is raining. In addition to serving as the HBBA’s Marketing Director, Donna has spent the last year re-branding and marketing her business with great success.

Despite all the energy she has poured into building her business, she found the time, energy and enthusiasm to orchestrate the volunteers and supplies for our Award-winning entry in the 2010 Canada Day Parade, organize a successful HBBA Trade Show at Crown Isle and is already busy preparing for next year’s events.

Donna’s ever-present smile, infectious laugh and ever-positive attitude make her a worthy recipient of the Lawrence Belfrage Award.

2011 NEW BUSINESS AWARD

Whether you are a recent school graduate or a person with many years of business experience … starting any new business is a challenge. But starting a home-based business can be even tougher …. Without a supportive network around you, you often feel like you are all alone … on an Island and isolated from others. It takes time, money, courage, tenacity and a whole lot of faith to hang out your shingle and say ‘Look at me!’

The Comox Valley Home-Based Business Association’s New Business Award is to recognize those who:

• have successfully launched a new home-based business in the past 12 months and have achieved measurable success;
• have attracted media attention,
• have developed consumer support and/or customer loyalty,
• and/or shown commitment to our community and the HBBA.

2011 NEW BUSINESS AWARD: Dianne Goodacre, The Balance Sheet Book Keeping Services

(p) 250.650.SAVE (7283)        (e) dianne@balancesheetbookkeeper.com

Dianne Goodacre moved to the Comox Valley last fall and got her bookkeeping business up and running within a few weeks.  She immediately recognized the value of immersing herself in the business community … instead of sitting back and waiting for business to come to her. Within just a couple of months of her arrival Dianne had built a website, secured several clients and graciously stepped forward to become the HBBA Treasure, filling a recent vacancy on the Board of Directors.

One of the nominations for Dianne said “her professionalism is admirable … and her enthusiasm contagious. She has a sincere desire to help her clients achieve their personal and fiscal best.”

Dianne Goodacre has earned the trust of the accounting community, the appreciation of fellow HBBA members and is well deserving of the distinction of the HBBA’s New Business Award.

2011 BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

The Business of the Year Award is a culmination of all award categories and is designed to acknowledge HBBA members who have demonstrated exemplary effort in their business or in their industry, leadership in this Association and involvement in our community.

Examples of eligible criteria for nomination may include … but are not limited to … the following:

• Overcoming personal and/or business obstacles and challenges with professionalism and grace;
• Providing a superior product or service;
• Commitment to excellent customer service;
• Generous support of the non-profit sector;
• Environmental awareness and/or stewardship;
• Participation and support of HBBA events and activities.

2011 BUSINESS OF THE YEAR: Terri Perrin, Fine Art of Intention Feng Shui

(p) 250.218.4952                                (e) terri.perrin@faoiFengShui.com www.faoifenghsui.com

In the two years since launching her consulting business — Fine Art of Intention Feng Shui — Terri has delivered interactive and inspirational workshops to audiences from Campbell River to Victoria and even in Alberta. She was been well published in the local media and is effectively using Internet-based communications to market her products and services.

In addition to running her business, Terri is also an accomplished freelance writer, whose articles on feng shui and a myriad of other topics have appeared in many local publications, as well as print and web-based publications in North America.

This year, however, Terri took her writing to a different level. In January 2011, Terri published her first feng shui book, working with a network of International resources to deliver an accurate and informative manuscript. She also chose to work with another HBBA member, Lisa Graham for the photography, and she deliberately chose a local graphic designer. Her goal was met — she successfully created a professional, first-class ‘made in the Comox Valley’ product that is now selling in North America.

In addition to building a successful feng shui business on top of her many freelance writing assignments, Terri has served for more than a year as the HBBA secretary… stepping in when there was a board vacancy two years ago and continuing in that position this year.

As we have all seen, she produces minutes that are second to none for both the board meetings and the regular meetings. And, if she didn’t have enough to do between her businesses and serving as our secretary, Terri also volunteered to be chairperson of this year’s HBBA Awards gala, working with her committee to put this evening’s incredible event together.

Terri makes it all look so simple and easy, despite her very full plate, and she does it all with such grace.

Her creativity, professionalism, and sincere desire to make a difference are evident in all she does, and it is truly my pleasure to present Terri Perrin as the recipient of the 2011 Business of the Year award.

The award recipients include:   Dian Smit, Nerds On Site (Members’ Choice award); Russ McKinnon, Phantom Screens (Merit award); Debbie Ross, All Keyed Up Music Lessons (Environmental award); Sue Troughton, Ensemble Wellness (Inspiration award); Lisa Graham, Seadance Photography (Innovation award); Carolyn and Steve Touhey, Two Eagles Lodge B&B (Comox Valley Ambassador award); Donna Clairmont, Clairmont Custom Draperies (Lawrence Belfrage Memorial award); Dianne Goodacre, The Balance Sheet Bookkeeping (New Business of the Year award); and Terri Perrin, Fine Art of Intention Feng Shui (Business of the Year).

The awards were presented after a keynote presentation by honorary lifetime member, Barry Wood.

Terri Perrin served as the “master of ceremonies” for the exciting event.

The CVHBBA, which is open to all small businesses (not just home-based businesses) meets monthly (September-June) and provides networking opportunities for association members, encourages and assists members in their personal and professional growth, acts as an advocate to promote the growth and acceptance of home-based business in the Comox Valley, and participates in decision-making about economic development that affects the Valley.   The meetings are held at the Best Western on the first Thursday of the month.

PHOTO  CAPTION:  Back row (l-r):  Russ McKinnon, Dianne Goodacre, Donna Clairmont, Sue Troughton, Terri Perrin; front row (l-r):  Debbie Ross, Steve Touhey, Carolyn Touhey, Lisa Graham.
Photo by:  Lisa Graham, Seadance Photography

A total of 19 business owners were nominated in the nine award categories, with several of these businesses receiving multiple nominations in various categories.

“The list of nominees provides a glimpse into the diversity of home-based business owners in the Comox Valley,” says awards committee chair, Terri Perrin, who owns the Fine Art of Intention Feng Shui. “Whether these businesses are award recipients or not, the fact that their efforts in the community captured the attention of their peers and warranted a nomination makes them all winners in their own right.”

Nominees include: A Little Oil, All Keyed Up Music Lessons, Clairmont Custom Draperies, Ensemble Wellness Studio, Fine Art of Intention Feng Shui, Inner Harmony Healing, Kathy Birkett Virtual Assistant, Lots of Laughs, Mary Kay Cosmetics, Nerds on Site, Nikken Wellness, Phantom Screens, Prestige Video Transfer, Seadance Photography, SmartBiz Strategy, Stomp’n Kickaxe Ltd., Tangled Tails Dog Grooming, The Balance Sheet, Two Eagles Lodge B&B.

Networking begins at 6pm, and the meeting starts at 6:30.   After a keynote presentation by honorary lifetime member, Barry Wood, awards will be presented with Ms. Perrin serving as the MC.

Light refreshments will be served after the awards.  The cash bar opens at 6:00. There is no cost to attend the event.

In addition to recognizing the nominees, the HBBA wishes to acknowledge members who generously volunteered their time to serve on the HBBA Awards Committee: Margie Byblow, ReMax; Trish Medland, Stomp’n Kickaxe Ltd.; Terri Perrin, Fine Art of Intention Feng Shui: Debbie Ross, All Keyed Up Music Lessons; and Holly Warren, Comox Valley SEO School.

The CVHBBA provides networking opportunities for association members, encourages and assists members in their personal and professional growth, acts as an advocate to promote the growth and acceptance of home-based business in the Comox Valley, and participates in decision-making about economic development that affects the Valley.

The latter numbers come out of a recent Vision Critical / AngusReid Public Opinion study that also revealed that 55 per cent of SMEs that currently have a website attribute between six and more than 30 per cent of their revenue to their online presence. read more….

be online with your business using Facebook, Twitter, WordPress (Blog)

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Programs to keep your computer clean and safe for Free: http://www.microsoft.com/en-ca/security_essentials/default.aspx and http://www.malwarebytes.org/ are some of the great tools to start with…

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Nerds as your I.T. Department.Desktop support, networking, websites, hosting, programming, VOIP – with hundreds of Nerds we do it all!!NerdCare Assurance Plan: Take the cost of tech repairs – add to that the cost of downtime & frustrated employees and ask yourself…’Isn’t there a better way?’.NerdSecure: The number of security threats continues to rise – don’t take chances with your company’s critical applications and data. To contact Dian Smit: email dian.smit@nerdsonsite.com; phone 250-334-7649; www.nerdsonsite.com