HAPPY NEW YEAR!

You may have noticed that our blog hadn’t been updated in several month (since April! Yikes!), but it’s a new year and we’re ready for blogging.

The new year comes with lots of new years resolutions from our PEERS members; not only for their own businesses but also for helping YOU keep yours. Our fitness guru Jess (JessBFit) is excited for her 2014 classes and outdoor adventures. Her favorite clients are people who are new to fitness or are returning to fitness after an injury. Speaking of fitness goals – Karen from KidSpirit/Girls On The Run is looking for coaches, volunteers, and team sponsors for this year’s spring program. Girls On The Run makes a HUGE impact in the lives of girls in our community – the program has expanded to include Linn, Lane, Marion, Polk counties. Peg O. from Citizens Bank is always looking to improve her own, and her team’s, customer service to keep local banking strong. Julie’s (Tobias Weiss Design) resolution for the year is summed up in one word: Simplify. …she’s starting her simplification by cleaning out her email inbox.

PEERS has several businesses in the health care realm and all of them are seeing big changes with the new year. Valley Eye Care, Heresco Chiropractic, Balance Point Acupuncture, Dental Office of Drs. Bugni, Laster, and Jensen, and Rice’s Pharmacy & Gift are encouraging everyone to review their new/existing insurance policy and become familiar with the changes. Rice’s Pharmacy & Gift especially encourages customers to call ahead so there can be time to make the necessary adjustments or updates. Tara from Jeff Mills’ State Farm Office says that the beginning of the year is a great time to review your auto, home, life, and health insurance policies as well – having adequate and understanding your insurance coverage is going to be a BIG topic for 2014.

The new year can also be a time for continued thankfulness. Elaine (Simply Home Professionals) will do the heavy lifting and the finishing details of your home improvement projects. She is thankful that her passion also allows her to work with wonderful new people. If you need help expressing your thankfulness to someone you can stop by Rice’s Pharmacy & Gift or The Book Bin for one of Lori’s (The Thank You People) cards. And if you would like something customized for someone extra special, Lori is happy to whip something up for you! …Or if you REALLY want to say thank you Amy (Carefree Massage) has gift certificates ready and loves giving people their first massage. 🙂

The rest of our members also have somethings they’d like you to know. Christine (Red Stem) is doing lots of designing while plants lay dormant and is taking reservations for fruit tree trimming later this season. If you’re looking for something new to do with you family Pathfinder Travel suggests “spending the night in a museum.” Contact Peg W. for details! Did you or someone you know get married during 2013? Amanda Photographic is excited because it’s time to vote for Oregon Bride Best for 2014 – this is a great way to recognize the vendors who helped your special day, well… special. 🙂 Nominees and winners are awarded by their industry peers later in the spring. Anne Fahy (Remax Integrity) is here for consultations for those who are interested in buying or selling. Let the Fahy Team take care of you 🙂 Before you bring Elaine in to do wallpaper removal and painting let Susan’s (Let’s Get Comfortable Interior Design) fresh eyes help you make the most of your space. And if there’s one thing that nobody can get away from it’s taxes and …dirty floors. Ilene from A&S Accounting is ready to get you on track with one, and Michelle V. from VS Restoration is ready to keep you on track with the other.

Lastly if your new years resolution involves being more social maybe you’ll want to host a party with one of our three home-party based members. Michelle B. with Arbonne International brought some yummy treats today from their nutrition line. Shelley (Alta’s Antiques & Collectibles) is available to dazzle you and your friends with vintage jewelry. She’s always on the hunt to add to her collection as well.  Finally our presenter today, Lora – an independent creative consultant with Initials Inc. has a full display of “happy, hip, and helpful” items for everyday use.

Lora was interested in becoming a consultant with Initials Inc as a way to fund her two daughters’ activities and trips to see family. She saw a 2011 article that featured Initials Inc as one of the top three home-party based business in the country; once Lora learned more about the story behind the founding of the company she was confident that it was right for her. “There’s only ONE you!” is the motto that drives the direct-sell company with 90% of their products available for free personalization (embroidery) and a wide variety of patterns available. Celebrating their 10th anniversary, to date, Initials Inc has been featured on Good Morning America, Food Network, Better Homes & Gardens, USA Today, Women’s Day, and more.

Lora showed us some sample items from purses, to insulated coolers, to organizing totes and inserts. Her new spring catalog is nearly ready, but you can see it early at her kick-off party! Saturday Jan 25th from 10:00am-12:noon (location) for fun, friends, games, and shopping 🙂 Be sure to ask Lora about their I-Care program.