Wednesdsay April 7, 1999 THE OAKVILLE BEAVER C7 Business Much to consider before going on-line Laura's small publishing company was doing all right but she thought busi ness might pick up considerably if she started promoting it on the Internet. After all, every day, she saw more companies advertising their web sites on TV, news papers, magazines and billboards. Surely, they wouldn't be selling their wares in cyberspace, unless they were making money at it. "How much money they're making is debatable," says John van Ruth, CA, a member of KPMG's Strategic and Technology Services Practice. But there's no arguing that electronic com merce "is bringing about dynamic changes in the way Canadian organiza tions conduct business, helping them do so faster and more effectively." How? "When linked to the overall business strategy, electronic commerce offers a major opportunity to reach new markets in Canada and around the world, improve customer relations, link more closely with suppliers, and reduce the overall cost of doing business." Stephen McAfee, a principal with chartered accounting firm Price Waterhouse Coopers in Toronto, adds: "The market for e-commerce is growing and significant sales will occur through this channel. One reason is that more customers want to buy using the Internet because it allows them to comparison shop easily. Therefore, not being on the Internet means that you are not even con sidered by these shoppers." Brian Ford, CA, a principal with Ernst & Young's entrepreneurial services practice, points out that the number of Internet users doubles roughly every 100 days. "So, you can start to see the grow ing importance of the Internet as a means to engage the customer, distribute prod- Clutter can be conquered (Continued from page C4) Belisle also believes in The Eight Great Benefits of Getting Organized, by Cindy Mount, director of Taicor International, a performance, and pro ductivity trainer. 1. Take control 2. Reduce your stress level 3. Make more money 4. Stay focused 5. Take vacations 6. A place for everything, everything in its place 7. Success by goal-setting 8. Conquer procrastination Mark it on your calendar today, March 23rd, is National Organize Your Home Office Day and make it a priori ty. Clients who have followed Belisle's advise have achieved greater financial success and saved time. Marte Belisle is president of COCOON Home Office System Inc., winner of the 1994 Home Based Entrepreneur of the Year and can be reached at 905-844-4668 or cocoonin@interlog.com. Investor Learning Centre offers courses The non-profit Investor Learning Centre o f Canada (ILC) is offering two non-promotional investment courses for Ontarians confused about their RRSP invest ments. The two courses, Intelligent Investing Level 1 and Intelligent Investing Level 2, cater to everyone from beginner investors to more experienced individuals. The courses have been developed and reviewed by the Canadian Securities Institute, the national educator of Canada's securities industry. The courses are taught by senior investment profes sionals, licensed and trained by the ILC, who are bound by a strict code of conduct to keep the seminars com pletely non-promotional. The Level 1 course costs $165 and includes three books and a student binder, covers the basics of invest ing in six weekly sessions of 2 1/2 hours each. The advanced Level 2 course, recommended for graduates of Level 1, costs $200 and lasts eight sessions. Level 1 courses all begin at 7:15 p.m. and go from: April 13-May 18th and May lOth-June 21st. O A K V IL L E SHIATSU & MASSAGE THERAPY C E N T R E L T D . The gift o f well being Registered Massage Therapists/Certified Shiatsu Therapists Therapies Offered include: • Traditional Swedish • Connective Tissue Massage Massage • Sports Massage • Shiatsu Therapy • Cranio-Sacral Therapy Effective In The Treatment Of: • Musculo-Skeletal Pain • Headaches • Stress/Tension • Whiplash/Neck Pain Release • Muscle Rehabilitation Gift Certificates Available 125 Lakeshore Rd. E. ^ ^ ̂ ^ 845-3137Suite 304 (Navy & Lakeshore) Presents A TECHNOLOGICAL BREAKTHROUGH in Central Vacuum Systems ' -- » G E IK SEE US AT THE national homeshow g Booth 1814 . Home Show Specials in effect! Combining the Benefits ot Steel and the Economy of Plastic Model P 2 5 0 • Cover up to 3,000 Sq. Ft. • Superior Venting system for longer motor life • Huge 33 litre (7.3 gal.) non- corrosive plastic T̂wtst dirt bucket ' • Revolutionary Self-Cleaning Filter S t a n d a r d P a c k a g e S e r v e d / *399 AIR DRIVEN POWERHEAD INCLUDED ELECTRIC PACKAGES AVAILABLE WITH FREE GARAGE KIT & SOCK CANADA'S #1 S E LLIN G Canadian Made Central Vacuum O A K V IL L E V A C U U M LTD W0CX&5 | 24 Years In O akville! of Vacuum Cleaners & Sewing Machines 1 9 8 rs R d., O a k v ille just ucts and services and also to acquire products and information yourself." "For example," Ford explains, "by delivering their products over the Internet, software companies can reduce distribution costs and increase profits considerably. For manufacturers, the Internet provides improved access to inventory and spare parts for customers. Retailers are starting to allow customers to subscribe to catalogues and other sales information." What's great about the Internet is that it levels the competitive playing field. "All kinds of businesses can profit, and there are no size restrictions," notes van Ruth. Before leaping into cyberspace, though, Laura and others considering e- commerce should first talk to their char tered accountants. Most CAs have the resources to help clients assess their potential success in this area; develop and implement an appropriate strategy; provide advice on Internet tax issues; and integrate the new system with existing business processes and systems. A key challenge," advises McAfee, "is to develop both a compelling website and product offer that will bring cus tomers to your site - and generate sales. Remember, that the available search engines allow customers to quickly and easily visit dozens of sites offering the same items. How you differentiate your products and develop compelling rea sons to buy are the keys to success." The above article was provided by The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Ontario. O P E N H O U S E Wednesday, April 7/99 9:00-11:00 a.m . S\ C r a f t s g o n g ? S to r ie s ^ v tta le s T rin ity U n ited C h u rch 1250 McCraney Street East, C all 8 4 5 - 8 1 9 7 f o r m o re in form ation St. Cuthbert's Co-op f lO i Nursery School Spring Open House Saturday, April 10th, 10am-12noon • 2 & 3 morning Nursery School programs • 5 morning JK equivalent program • Ages 2-1/2 to 5 •9 :00 - 11:30 am • No duty days! Low student:teacher ratio! 1541 Oakhill Drive at Maplegrove Drive Interested? Call our Registrar 338-5624 PLAYBOX NURSERY SCHOOL 304 Spruce St., Oakville • 849-4411 - Now Accepting Registrations - For Spring & Fall 1999 • Spaces available 18 mos to 5 years • Kindergarten Program Available • Morning & Afternoon ★ OPEN HOUSE ★ Monday, April 12, 7pm to 8pm Come meet our staff and view our facilities! Level 2 courses run from: April 8-May 27 at 7:15 p.m. and May 5-June 23rd at 7:15 p.m. For more information on course dates, times and locations individuals can call toll free 1-888-452-5566 or visit the ILC web site at www.investorlearning.ca Established in 1996, the ILC is Canada's only inde pendent, not-for-profit organization dedicated to provid ing non-promotional investment information to the gen eral public. It is funded through revenues from its low- cost programs and by an endowment from the Canadian Securities Institute. Business Expansion Club The Business Expansion Club (TBEC) is a non-profit Oakville-based network of professionals and entrepreneurs dedicated to growing their businesses through the giving and receiving of quality referrals. Breakfast meetings are held the 1st and 3rd Friday of each month. For more information, call Francis Mackan at 632-4662 or check the website at www.businessexpansion.com Comraunitj'Notices Auction Sale # # A U C T I O N S A L E # # for Munn's United Church Hwy5at Sixth Line, Oakville Sat., April 10 th, 11a.m. We always have a selection of small appliances, furni ture, tools, toys, dishware, baby equipment, books, household items, bicycles, etc. Items include: flashlights and lanterns, nicad battery chargers, antique tea pots, fresh-baked pies, restaurant coupons, plus much, much more. Come out & enjoy the fun of an auction in a relaxed atmosphere! Donations of items welcomed. Call 257-8434 Food & Refreshments available Deaths KEMP, John Herbert (Peter) - At his residence on Sunday, April 4, 1999 in his 84th year. John Kemp, beloved husband of Mary Kemp. Loving father of Pamela and her husband Kenneth Elphick, Noel Kemp and his wife Heather, John Kemp and his wife Galen. Dear grandfather of Matt, Holly, Ben, Sanderson, Stacey, Tatum and Kristen. Brother of Noel Kemp and his wife Sue and the late Katherine, George and his wife Ivy. The family received friends at the Doolittle Carson Funeral Home, 54 Coldwater St. East, Orillia, for memorial visitation from 2-4 and 6-10 p.m. Tuesday. Memorial service Wednesday morning (today) at 11 o'clock. If desired memorial donations to Oakville Sports Hall of Fame would be appreciated by the family. MANN, (macmann.com) Robert- Suddenly, on April 1, pursuing his passion for golf. Rob was a graphic artist extraordinarie who embraced the possibilities of computers when most of the world was struck in copy-counting and PMTs. Rob tackled every job with thought, pride and perfection. His glass was always half full and routinely sprinkled with his unique sense of humour. Rob taught us that bitterness was wasted energy and that every life experience was material for at least one good story. He w ill be remembered with fondness., especially by his Sunday morning tennis pals, h is go lfing budd ies, his business associates and his family. 'See Ya, Bud!' A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, April 7 (today) 3:30pm at the OAKVIEW FUNERAL HOME, 56 Lakeshore Road., Oakville. (905) 842-2252 SMITHBOWER, Mary Stuart (Townsend) ATOM, ARCM Piano, ATOM Organ Born Decembers, 1911 - Died April 5,1999. Predeceased by husband Joseph in 1984. Mary leaves her daughter Elaine Hanson; sons John and Tony; grandchildren Jane, Rob and Susan, Kimberley and Rick, Stephen and Katie, and five great grandchildren. Sisters: M argaret McNamara, Madeleine Cranston, Joan Marando, and one brother Gordon Townsend as well as many nieces and nephews. A memorial mass to be celebrated at St. Andrew's R.C. Church, Oakville on Saturday at 11:00a.m. Mary's greatest contribution came from her musi cal gift. She received this gift, developed it and gave of it generously, in wartime, to her church, to her students and her friends. PARENTI: Angelo It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Angelo on Thursday April 1 ,1999 at Toronto General Hospital. Angelo, in his 78th year, beloved husband of the late Rosa (nee Balducchi). Loving father to Paul and h is w ife Susan. Grandfather to Diana, Linda (Ron Zelichowski), Tasha and Matthew. Great-grandfather to Jacob. Survived by his brother Luigi (Oliva) Parenti of Burlington and his sisters Chiara Parenti, Assunta Marcolini and Santina Parenti all of Italy. Visitation was held at the Kopriva Taylor Community Funeral Home, 64 Lakeshore Road. W „ Oakville from 2-4 & 7-9 p.m. Tuesday. Funeral mass 10 a.m. Wednesday at St. James Church, 231 Morden Road, Oakville. Interment Trafalgar Lawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations to the Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital would be greatly appreciated. WATHEN, Ron- On Saturday, April 3 ,1999, Ron Wathen, beloved husband of Jean. Loving father of Brent and Heather (Cindy), and caring father-in-law of Chris. Passed away at his home. Happily, his remaining days were spent in anticipation of the arrival of his first grandchild Mackenzie, his genuine warmth and irresistible charm will be missed by all those who knew him. Friends may call at the Oakview Funeral Home 56 Lakeshore Rd. West (1 block east of Kerr). Wednesday April 7 ,1999. From 7 to 9 PM. Funeral services will be held on Thursday April 8, at Walton Memorial United Church at 3pm. Cremation to follow. Donations in Ron's Memory may be made to the Ontario Heart & Stroke Foundation. InMemoriams BECKER, Allan M - In loving memory of my dear husband who passed away on April 6,1998. Al, it's been a year since you went away. And I miss you more than words can say. You are my first thought in the morning, And my last thought each night, and I think ot you a thousand times in between, I miss you laughter, and your smile. It is sad to walk the road alone, Instead of side by side. But with the love in my heart, You will walk with me forever. When I look back upon our lives, Two things make me glad. That you chose me to share with you, The precious years we had. And tor our children, They are both so much like their Dad. You will always live on in my hear and in the hearts ot our children, our families and triends. -Lovingly remembered and always in my thoughts, your wife, Linda BECKER, Allan M. - In loving memory of a wonderful father who passed away on April 6,1998 Allan M. Becker 1953-1998 All our memorires of you, we hold so deat, What we wouldn't give to have you near. 4s a father you were beyond compare, Your were always loving, dedicated, generous & fair. I think we miss you a little more each day, All the thins you use to do and say. But as your children, we were the lucky ones. We had the best lather of all daughters and sons. With all our love, Annette and Jeff. P.S. Take care of AJ Funeral Directors O A K V IE W F U N E R A L H O M E Our family serving your family 56 LAKESHORE ROAD WEST OAKVILLE Funeral Directors • Don Clarke • Douglas Manners • Tania Di Censo - Gregory Sidora 842-2252 W A R D F u n e ra l H o m e s HELPING TO MAKE IT PERSONAL 109 Reynolds Street, Oakville 905 - 844-3221 Ann Futher Charles Gibbs Michael Dunne Family Services Alcoholics Anonymous If you drink, that's your business If you want to quit, That's Ours! (416) 487-5591 (905) 631-8784 Business Directory STAHL'S PLUMBING INC. Master Plumber Honest, reliable, reasonable. Also tiling & drywall. From Small Jobs to Complete Bathroom Renovations Call Greg Stahl 319-8TIO References available mailto:cocoonin@interlog.com http://www.investorlearning.ca http://www.businessexpansion.com