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BusinessLink, Wednesday, October 17, 2007 5 At our Annual General Meeting heldrecently, outgoing President HelenMacCormack thanked retiring Directors Melanie McCracken, Dale Holman, Wendy Hue and Pat McLeods dedication to the Chamber. Helen had the opportunity to thank all the chamber volun- teers that contributed to the success of her term and the continued growth of the Chamber. Delegates at the AGM voted in new Directors Cindi Campbell, Grant Lee, Mark McIntyre, Cynthia Simmons and Mary Ann Stockdale. Jamie Schumacker is now beginning his term as President. Would you like a copy of our Annual Report? Please contact the Chamber office and well mail you a copy. Many thanks to the businesses that contributed to the Volunteer Gift bags. Were received many thanks from our hard working volunteers. These gift bags contained items from: ActivEars Hearing Centre, Andrews Scenic Acres, Artcast, Asbuilt Climatecare, Baskets and Botanicals, Best Western Inn on the Hill, BMO Bank of Montreal, Caledon Laboratories, Dan Lawrie Insurance Brokers, Diesel Doctors, Eagle Ridge Financial Services, Elliott Custom Brokers & Storage, Freds Towing, GMA LLP, Halton Hills Public Library, Independent & Free Press, Mary Kay Cosmetics Barbara Martin, North Halton Roofing, Partners in Planning Georgetown - Helen MacCormack, Prosperity One, Royal Bank of Canada, Scott Becksted Scotia McLeod, Sheridan Nurseries, State Farm Insurance - Lora Greene, Ted Arnott, M.P.P. Waterloo- Wellington, The Stuffed Olive, Tiburon Business Services, Town of Halton Hills and TransCanada Energy Ltd. Halloween and Christmas are coming! For details on Halloween events, Santa Claus parades, local craft shows and special events, check the Chamber website for dates and times on all our local holiday events. General Managers Desk Sue Walker Graeme Goebelle, FCA (retired) A. Brian MacAdam, CA, CFP David Alexander, CA Melanie McCracken, CA Ron Starret, CA Anne Starret, CA Darren Turcotte, CA, CPA Tracey Bastedo, CA James Raptopulos, CA 37 Main Stree South, Suite 201 Tel: (905) 877-5155 Georgetown, Ontario Fax: (905) 877-5905 L7G 3G2 Toll Free: (866) 554-2030 www.gmallp.com LOW MONTHLY RATES A-PLUS SELF-STORAGE INC. 905-866-7464 2 ROSETTA STREET - NEAR GO Georgetown, Ontario VIDEO CAMERA SURVEILLANCE 24/7 DAY COMPUTERIZED ACCESS & SECURITY SYSTEM FREE USE OF TRAILER RESIDENTIAL COMMERCIAL INDUSTRIAL RECORD STORAGE HEATED FIRESAFE SPRINKLER RENTAL DISCOUNT UNITS ALL SIZES LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATED ROLL OFF TRUCK GOES WHERE LARGER TRUCKS SHOULDNT DISPOSAL CONTAINER SERVICE IDEAL FOR: RENOVATIONS SHINGLES HOUSE & YARD CLEAN-UP DIRT GRAVEL DELIVERY DRIVEWAY FRIENDLY 519-853-3332 905-702-2339 1-877-633-6259 10 MOUNTAINVIEW RD. S., SUITE 203 (MOUNTAINVIEW & GUELPH) JOHN A. GIBSON Chartered Accountant Financial Statement Preparation Small Business Accounting Personal Tax Returns Corporate Tax Returns 905-873-0996 STATION LOCATED AT 57 ARMSTRONG AVENUE 11597 TRAFALGAR ROAD GEORGETOWN, ONTARIO L7G 4S4 PHONE (905) 877-1420 FAX (905) 873-0919 www.leferink.com BERT LEFERINK President 49 Commerce Cres., Acton, Ontario L7J 2X2 519-853-3540 info@galvcast.net visit our website: www.galvcast.net R. Scott Becksted, BES Investment Executive A Wealth of Investment Expertise in Halton Hills. Retirement Planning, RRSPs, RRIFs Mutual Funds, Stocks, Segregated Funds GICs, Bonds Fee-based Managed Accounts (905) 873-6640 or (905) 796-5024 Toll Free: 1-800-263-2454 Fax: (905) 450-6343 scott_becksted@scotia-mcleod.com www.advisors.scotiamcleod.com/sbecksted ScotiaMcLeod is a division of Scotia Capital Inc., a member of the Scotiabank Group. Seasonal Programs Weed Control Fertilizing Insect Control Dethatching Pesticide FREE Programs BILL VAN RYN WEED AND PEST CONTROL Tel. (905) 877-2594 Fax (905) 702-8860 IPM Accredited SERVING HALTON HILLS AREA FOR OVER 40 YEARS Member of Landscape Ontario Horticultural Trade Association Professional Lawn Care Association of Ontario General Managers Report By Mary Judge Virtually Working For You Networking Gathering ofacquaintances or contacts; thebuilding up or maintaining of informal relationships, especially with people whose friendship could bring advantages such as job or business opportunities. How can networking benefit your business and why is it SO important? The growth of any business is directly related to the number of people who know about it. Have you ever heard the saying its not what you know, but who you know.? More importantly its not who you know, but who knows you thats important. This is where networking comes in. Networking is one of the most essential skills any start-up entrepreneur must have. It is an economical and efficient way to grow your business by meeting the key people who could become your clients, suppliers and support systems. In a recent survey conducted by the Virtual Assistance Chamber of Commerce, 24% of respondents reported that Networking was the top way that their clients found them; followed by Referrals from other clients (18%), Internet (12%), and Networking Referral Groups (9%). So you can see how important Networking can be. Networking is an effective way of prospecting customers and seeking out people who can help your business grow. However, it also involves leaving your comfort zone which can be a challenge. The thing I miss most about not working in a corporate office is the day to day contact with other people. Commuting to my home office is a pleasure but when I arrive there is no one else at the water cooler to discuss anything. That is why I love networking so much. In fact, networking is the best marketing opportunity even when you are an impoverished home-based entrepreneur. All that is involved is the most economical activity using a simple skill: talking. Here are some tips to make networking a part of your business. How will you effectively tell your story? Why are you in business? Have a clever opening line to introduce yourself or why you are in business. I tell people that My former employer gave me the opportunity to pursue other interests. Learn to communicate. Set a goal of meeting at least two people at each event you go to. Good networkers are good listeners, too. Identify your target market and know how to find them. Everyone you meet is a potential client. That person you are talking to might not use your service, but they may have a friend or business acquaintances, who may become your most valuable clients. Get involved. Participate in organizations, professional groups and networking groups that offer opportunities for you to meet and greet. Join your local Chamber of Commerce. Volunteer with a local charity or organization. Be a "connector"; actively introducing people to each other. If you give referrals they may reciprocate. Maintain contact information. Make networking a part of your everyday life. Speak with new people wherever you go. Dont be afraid to give out your business cards. The Power of Networking