A message from Joy Canova, President:

Happy New Year. Are you Resolute?

If you are like many Americans, January is the month of grand New Year’s resolutions. Unfortunately, it is also the month of broken self-promises. Nevertheless, we know we will engage in goal-making and new ideas this time of year. We have our 2008 business plans. It is a new tax year. There may be new rules and laws within our industry. Change is inevitable. How do we manage to stay resolute?

Think continuity, flow, and focus.

January is simply the month after December. To reach new heights in your business, build upon the successes you just achieved. Reflect back to cease unfruitful efforts, but retain the best activities for moving forward. January is only 1/12 of the year. Be sure to spread your new initiatives over a reasonable time period, and avoid front-loading out of sheer excitement. Enthusiasm is easily killed when one feels overwhelmed. And mostly, focus your efforts. Know where you are going – with clarity. Then, aim directly and avoid side-tracking. Go.

And so, this is a lesson for our organization as well. Your new board of directors and committee volunteers are full of excitement for the upcoming year. We are not afraid of change, but we, as an organization, will strive for direction and focus. The accomplishments we make this year shall be the stepping stones for the next group of leaders, just as those before us left a foundation on which to build. This is WBO’s resolution: to build a better future for our organization with purpose and commitment.

Have a Healthy and Happy 2008.

Sincerely,

Joy Canova

2008 President - Women Business Owners

BBG's are forming!

For more information about Business Building Groups, please contact Karen Goodgame.

WBO Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteering is absolutely the best way to get to know other WBO members and get the most of your membership. Join one of WBO's Committees - there are plenty of ways for you to get involved by serving on a WBO committee or initiative.

A Warm Welcome to the Following New WBO Members:

Annette Crowley

Progressive Tech

Progressive Tech is a Seattle-based company offering a complete range of tech support services from data recovery to virus removal to hardware upgrades and repair. We service all makes and models of desktop and laptop computers, including Apple.

Taya Countryman

Haptics

30 year LMP, specializing in complex & chronic conditions. Developer of SRT: Structural Relief Therapy: Creating New Muscle Memory that gently decreases pain in the first treatment. Patients exclaim, "It’s like magic, my pain is gone!"

Victoria Likes

FeatherWrite

FeatherWrite is a strategic business development and marketing company that provides creative concepts and brand-focused writing services. We provide content for websites, brochures, collateral, advertising, and editorial and promotional communications.

Elizabeth Mance

Accountability Services LLC

Accountability Services is a full-service accounting and outsourcing firm that provides customized services. Our mission is to be a one-stop-shop that provides high-achieving financial at an affordable rate.

Congratulations and Welcome to our 2008 WBO Nonprofit Scholarship Members:

Gayatri Eassey, Executive Director

CityYear-Seattle/King County

Lillian Hochstein, Director of Development

Family Services

Sharon Howe

Americans for UNFPA

Carol Schillios, Founder

Fabric of Life Foundation

Lauren Simonds

National Council of Jewish Women, Seattle Section

Nancy Juetten of Nancy Juetten Marketing has been invited to speak for the National Association of Professional Organizers about the Power of Free Publicity on Janurary 8th at the Bellevue California Closets from 6:00pm-8:30pm. For more information visit www.seattlenapo.com or call 253-678-7359. Additionally, WBO Members can learn useful publicity tips to support their do-it-yourself publicity success by tuning in for free at www.billabongtv.com/biz_talk.html. WBO Member Nancy Juetten is the featured guest on this show.

Susan Elliott of RocketDog Communications is excited to announce that they will be designing and developing a new Web site for long-term client Dr. Rhys Spoor, one of the most prominent cosmetic dentists in the country. Over the past three years, RocketDog has developed several successful advertising and marketing campaigns for Dr. Spoor, further establishing his position as a leader in the field of cosmetic dentistry.

Maria Marsala, Business Strategist at Elevating Your Business, was recently interviewed and quoted by Jim Cramer’s “The Street.com".

Deborah Peterson, Peterson LTC, Inc., has a new logo, having collaborated with Nancy Owyang, Eye to Eye Graphics, to design her new brand. Thanks go out to Deborah’s BBG, who gave valuable input along the way.

Kelly Nolan is pleased to announce that she has joined FSFinancial Strategies, LLC, a Registered Investment Advisory firm owned by WBO Members Christine de Ruiter and Robin Gruber. Kelly is joining a powerful team with over 25 years of combined experience in helping clients with financial and divorce planning through exceptional portfolio management, education, outstanding service, and consistent communication. Kelly's new contact information is kelly@fsfinancialstrategies.com and (425)775-2700.

Nicole Bunselmeyer of MediaDesigns is pleased to announced the creation of a new software company - Quid Interactive, Inc - that was started to market, sell, and support a patent-pending software program that allows small- to medium-sized companies create their own interactive multimedia training and education programs for use online or via CD-ROM.

Yvonne Gitchel, Executive Support Advantage

For over 3 years, Executive Support Advantage (ESA) has helped associations in the Puget Sound Region become more effective, more productive and more focused by providing them professional administrative support. ESA manages the associations daily correspondence, membership database, event coordination, record keeping, etc., enabling the association to focus on working on their organization rather than in their organization. By working closely with our clients to know their goals and objectives, ESA is proud to be known as the reliable choice when choosing an Association Management Company. ESA is delighted to be the association management company chosen by Women Business Owners!

Each January, when our newest Nellie winner is the guest speaker, we all come away truly inspired. This month is no exception. Our 2007 honoree is Luly Yang, the talented couture designer of elegant bridal gowns and evening wear. She will share her personal journey to found, grow, and excel in the business she loves so dearly. If you need some new-year inspiration, this is place to be. Reserve your spot now.

Please notice a Luncheon price change effective January 1, 2008. This slight change is intended to give visitors more opportunity to visit our functions before joining. The after-deadline and at-the-door increases cover added administrative costs, so please take advantage of the prepaid savings. Prepaid member registration will remain at $31; prepaid non-member registration will increase to $46. After-deadline and at-the-door registration will increase to $41 for members and $56 for non-members.

It is coming soon…. WBO committee chairs are charting their plans for 2008 and soon they will want to speak to you. Why? To get involved, of course. Volunteerism is a unique feature of WBO’s structure. Not only does your involvement produce more meaningful network relationships, but it also presents opportunities for future board and executive positions within the organization. Beyond immediate connections, leadership service bolsters management skills, advances peer visibility, and improves professional marketability. Furthermore, this is your organization – get to know its workings and bring your ideas to help further our goals.

Sincerely,

Joy Canova

2007 President Elect- Women Business Owner