It was a very informative business meeting this morning with the ladies at PEERS. Yep, there’s A LOT happening for our group and for our greater Corvallis community.

Peg O from Citizens Bank shared some interesting statistics about the impact that women make on our economy. As buyers women tend to feel misunderstood by most industries, but heavily influence 85% of the purchases made in their homes. When thinking of women in business nothing is more prominent than home-party based businesses. PEERS members Lora [Initials Inc], Michelle B. [Arbonne International], and Shelley [Alta’s Antiques & Collectibles] are all home-party based businesses that support their families. Perhaps your home isn’t set up for hosting a house party or event… Let the folks at The Vue take care of you! Offering single floor partial day renting of this modern space could be just what you need for a corporate lunch meeting, swanky bridal shower, or brainstorming retreat. Or perhaps your house just needs a little TLC. Call Susan [Let’s Get Comfortable Interior Design] to help you get the most out of your space, then call Elaine [Simply Home Professionals LLC] to help get it done!

As tax season ramps up for the final push it’s important not to leave anything out. Did you know that non-cash trades are taxable? Call Ilene at A&S Accounting to make sure everything is correct and that you’re getting the largest return possible. We’re also getting close to the deadline for health insurance registration [Monday March 31st], which has brought many changes with it. Chris [Valley Eye Care], Mary and Janelle [Drs. Bugni, Laster, and Jensen’s dental office], Stefanie and Diana [Rice’s Pharmacy & Gift]; and Oni [Balance Point Acupuncture] all encourage you to get to know your new policy so that you are confident about your coverage. Cory Ann [Heresco Chiropractic] also wants you to know your policy, but more importantly she wants you to learn how to dance. Especially as we age learning a new, whole body, skill will help keep you vibrant, active, and improve brain elasticity. …and if you need some help with your balance, strength, mobility before and during your new dance lessons call Jess at JessBFit. Speaking of knowing your insurance policy did you know that adding renter’s insurance to your existing auto policy with Tara at Jeff Mills State Farm can cost less than $10/month? That coverage can save you a lot of headache if your house (or car!) is broken into, or damaged in a fire, flood, or natural disaster. Knowing what YOU want might be easy, but what about what one of your loved ones wants? The team at DeMoss-Durdan Funeral Home is here to walk you through pre-planning for your final needs to make sure that everything happens just as you’d want it.

Spring is time for so many things in our lives. Did your carpet get really dirty from the soggy winter dragging mud into your house? Michelle’s team at VS Restoration are here to make them look like new. It’s also time to get active! Karen has spent the last week (or more?) gathering materials and organizing coaches’ boxes for the 2014 Girls on the Run (GOTR) season. She had a huge boom in Salem schools registration over the weekend and is also in need of THREE more coaches in the Salem area. Maybe it’s time for some re-branding for your business. Julie [Tobias Weiss Design] has a fresh eye for logos and letterheads. Or maybe the winter months were hard on you this year. New PEERS member Michaela [Michaela’s Counseling] is discrete. Her warm personality will brighten your day, while helping you build skills and tools for better self-care. Ooh, maybe Michaela will suggest a nice vacation! Peg W [Pathfinder Travel] has the perfect little get away for one… or two. Adorable bohemian-style caravan wagons are perfect for a low stress and intimate vacation.

Don’t let the prospect of selling or buying a house stress you out! Let Anne [Remax Integrity] help with her team and years of experience. The market is changing, not just in Corvallis, but nationally, and Anne’s team is here to make the process easy for you. But if it’s still getting to you, then you should really see Amy [Carefree Massage] for a nice chair or table massage. When you finally do sell or buy maybe you’ll get one of Lori’s [The Thank You People] greeting cards congratulating you. They’re available at Rice’s Pharmacy & Gift, The Book Bin, and soon to be on Etsy.com. Nothing is better than showing someone you care. 🙂

The presenting end of our meeting was mostly a string of event announcements. Before we get to those Susan shared about her experience using the SCORE program to help with her business. Whether you’re an established business that needs some professional help in a particular area or you’re an emerging business just getting started the knowledgeable VOLUNTEERS with SCORE are a national group ready to help.

Amanda with Forks & Corks Catering and The Vue is excited to announce that both businesses (as well as her own Amanda Photographic business) made it to the final round of voting for Oregon Bride Magazine Best of 2014 awards. This is a vendor-only voting round and the winners will be announced at the awards party in June. If you’re a wedding industry vendor they would love your voting support – Voting ends Monday March 10th.

UPCOMING EVENTS…
Friday March 7th – Karen’s Super Party! 6:30pm-9:30pm
At the Willamette Landing Club House.
Wine tasting with a 3-in-1 home party with Arbonne International, Initials Inc, and vintage jewelry with Alta’s Antiques & Collectibles.

Saturday March 8th – Chocolate Fantasy 7:00pm-10:00pm
At the Trillium Old School (Children’s Farm Home) 4455 NW Hwy 20 Corvallis. Annual benefit for The Arts Center. Forks & Corks Catering is the premiere CHOCOLATE TRUFFLE sponsor.

Sunday March 9th – Elks Lodge Breakfast (volunteers at 10:30)
Volunteer to serve breakfast to members of our homeless community.

Friday March 21st – Mazama Club Hike at Silver Falls Park
Car-pool leaves Corvallis at 9am for a full 8 mile loop seeing 10 waterfalls in the Silver Falls State Park with JessBFit.

Friday March 21st – Wine & Whiskers 5:30pm
CH2M Hill Alumni Center on Oregon State Campus – Annual benefit for Heartland Humane Society. (Alice in Wonderland Theme)