We’re getting close to yard sale season!  Durham Billboard will promote your durham region yard sale complete with mapped location!  With mobile browser compatibility you’ll be able to look up the current yard sales from your mobile device!

Click here to Browse the classifieds or place a free ad!  Business ads welcome!

You can see all the runs you did this ski season along with all the statistics right on your blackberry.

Here is the video for all the features:

Main features of the app are:

* Once the maps are downloaded to your Blackberry, the application works irrespective of cellphone connectivity.
* Once you start recording, BerrySki automatically keeps track of all the runs and lifts you cover during the day.
* You get instantaneous feedback about your skiing at any time.
* You can get bird’s eye-view of your tracks overlaid on the map. You can also replay your tracks in an animated fashion.
* At any time, it lets you view detailed analysis of your skiing activity, including trail by trail statistics e.g. you can find how fast you went on your last mogul run.
* It also lets you export your tracks to its partner website, from where they can be shared on Facebook, or downloaded for use with popular mapping software like Google Earth.

For more information, visit  www.berryski.com or download the application for your Blackberry Device at Appworld.

In person and online training and nutritional guidance.

I have been active in the health and fitness industry for the majority of my adult life and love the industry because it provides benefits on so many levels (longevity of life, a great attitude and outlook on life, relief of stress and you look and feel fabulous!!) You simply grow in all areas of your life, from the inside out. The gratifying feeling you receive after hitting your goals, knowing that you gave it your all, is like no other. I have now taken this love for fitness to another level so that I can share what I’ve learned over the years by realizing my dream of becoming a certified personal trainer.

What I can do for you is provide you with the tools necessary to transform you into what you perceive as the Best You Ever. You will be given a personalized training program and nutritional guidance. With some dedication, hard work, and clean eating, it is possible to achieve your fitness and physique goals.

IN PERSON & ONLINE TRAINING AND NUTRITIONAL GUIDANCE

I have been active in the health and fitness industry for the majority of my adult life and love the industry because it provides benefits on so many levels (longevity of life, a great attitude and outlook on life, relief of stress and you look and feel fabulous!!) You simply grow in all areas of your life, from the inside out. The gratifying feeling you receive after hitting your goals, knowing that you gave it your all, is like no other.

I have now taken this love for fitness to another level so that I can share what I’ve learned over the years by realizing my dream of becoming a certified personal trainer.What I can do for you is provide you with the tools necessary to transform you into what you perceive as the Best You Ever. You will be given a personalized training program and nutritional guidance. With some dedication, hard work, and clean eating, it is possible to achieve your fitness and physique goals.

For more information visit my web site at :  www.fabphysiques.ca

The Guitar Studio for Blackberry also includes and MP3 Player with configurable looping, built in recording, automatic music scrolling, a 30,000+ chord reference library and built in Guitar Tuner!

For more information visit www.lcamobile.com

To purchase Guitar Studio at App World Click Here.

Let us assist you in finding your dream home, in a neighbourhood that is right for you, and in the price range you want. Or if you are interested in selling a property, We also have the expertise to help you get the fastest sale possible and at the best price.

We specialize in real estate in the Durham Region which includes but is not limited to Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, Oshawa, Courtice, Bowmanville, and Newcastle. We proudly call Clarington home and with all the homes for sale here, you can too!

We look forward to the opportunity of working for you!

Learn more by visiting our Web Site here!

The current state of our economy has people taking a hard look at ways to keep money in their pocket without having to give up on the things they love most, like their wine.  With this in mind, people are quickly discovering all the benefits of making their own top quality wines at a fraction of retail wine prices!

The friendly people at Winexpert Oshawa/Courtice think that this should be a time to celebrate and take stock of the important things in life, like spending time with friends and family. “We recognize that people are concerned about what is happening these days”, says Sarah-Beth, “but there are so many inexpensive ways to continue to enjoy the finer things in life, we just need to get creative when we’re making plans.”

Here are some suggestions on ways to get creative while spending time with friends and family that won’t break the bank. Instead of going out to an expensive Restaurant and spending hundreds of dollars on food and wine, why not have a potluck dinner party and serve your own top quality wine? Everyone brings a dish and pairs it with the appropriate personally made wine from Winexpert Oshawa/Courtice.

It’s a wonderful experience to spend a Saturday afternoon together with friends and make your own wine. With countless varieties available, groups can enjoy creating their own wines, socializing with friends, while keeping some of that hard-earned money in their pocket. It’s a great inexpensive way to add to one’s personal wine collection. But why stop there… once your wines are ready, a wine tasting event at someone’s home is the perfect and inexpensive way to celebrate your personal creations.

It’s great to create memorable experiences with friends and family.  With your own collection of top quality wines from Winexpert Oshawa/Courtice, you can “have your wine and drink it too”, at a fraction of retail wine prices. Cheers to that!”

Newsplash – At the 2008 Wine Making International amateur wine competition, Winexpert won 6 of the top 10 wine kits from thousands of entries originating from 8 Canadian provinces and 48 American states!

Seafood Splash Recipe

A delicious seafood dish with scallops, shrimp and tomato pasta sauce, this recipe calls for our “Selection Estate New Zealand Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc”

Ingredients:

2 tbsp Butter
1 small onion – chopped
1 garlic clove – minced
2 tbsp basil – chopped
1/2 cup Sauvignon Blanc
1 cup heavy cream
2-3 cups fresh diced tomatoes
1 pkg shrimp and scallops

Preparation:

Saute butter, onions, garlic clove and chopped basil until onions are soft. Add the wine, then reduce liquid to 1/3.  Add 1 cup heavy cream (whipping) and reduce to 1/3. Add 2-3 cups fresh diced tomatoes and bring to a boil, then add shrimp and scallops. Heat until seafood is cooked.  Enjoy!

Winexpert Oshawa/Courtice also specializes in all inclusive Wedding Wine Packages!
Gift Certificates also available!

About this article: Winexpert Oshawa/Courtice is located at 1414 King St. East. (Hwy#2 and Townline) in Courtice. They can be reached at 905-438-VINO(8466) or  by email at  winexpertcourtice@yahoo.ca or  visit the Winexpert Web Site.  Are you interested in an Advertorial on DurhamCentral.com for your Business? Click here for all the details.

Print or mention this coupon!

]]> http://www.durhamcentral.com/archives/860/feed 0 http://www.durhamcentral.com/archives/819 http://www.durhamcentral.com/archives/819#comments Wed, 01 Jul 2009 18:05:32 +0000 admin http://www.durhamcentral.com/?p=819 Escape winter and relax with a warm and relaxing Reflexology Treatment. Reflexology is a popular holistic treatment that benefits mind, body and spirit!

Did you know that most people take between 8,000 and 10,000 steps every day. That’s a lot of wear and tear on the tissues and bone structure of your feet.  Since your feet contain over 25% of the body’s bones and over 7000 nerve endings, when our feet are tired or hurt it tends to be reflected in the whole body.

Most people will walk about 185,000km in their lifetime and if your job requires you to spend a lot of time on your feet, then you’re “mileage” may be even higher.  The feet are the one area of your body that you can pamper that will help you to feel better all over.

So how can we keep our feet in optimal condition? The answer is a holistic foot treatment called Reflexology.  Reflexology dates back to 690ad and originated in Japan. It was brought to North America approximately 85 years ago and was then called Zone Therapy.

The benefits of having Reflexology done on your feet are numerous.  Not only does Reflexology refresh and revitalize all the muscle tissues in the feet, it improves circulation and allows the recipient to completely relax and de-stress.  Many people who have Reflexology for the first time can’t believe how much better their feet feel and many people who spend time at work standing for long periods of time say that their feet feel much better for days.

Reflexology is much more than a foot massage. Certified Reflexologists have very specific techniques for stimulating reflex points in the feet (much like acupressure) that correspond to all the glands and organs of the body.  Sometimes the Reflexologist may find imbalance in a particular reflex and will then work that point to restore balance. This helps to restore an overall sense of balance and well being.

Moments Of Magic – Optimal Mind & Body provides both 30 minute Reflexology Massage and 60 minute full Reflexology sessions.  The 30 minute sessions are great for people who spend a lot of time on their feet and would like to have sessions more often to keep their feet feeling great.  The 60 minute sessions focus more specifically on each reflex point and restoring balance from a holistic point of view.  Both sessions are extremely relaxing.

About this article: Moments Of Magic Optimal Mind and Body, provides Reflexology in their comfortable home studio in Courtice, Ontario.   They have both a male and female certified Reflexologist on staff to provide individual and couples/friends reflexology sessions.  For more information please Visit their Web Site. Interested in having a article about your Business on our site? Visit our advertorial information page.

Magic AL provides Birthday Party Entertainment

How do you take a Birthday celebration and turn it into an event with memories that will last a life time?  Add a little Magic!  That’s what Magic AL of  www.coolmagicshow.com has been doing at Birthday celebrations around Durham Region for over 25 years!

According to Magic AL, “It’s the perfect entertainment because it not only
captures the kid’s attention and imagination, but also fully entertains the adults too.  The ‘Trick’ is to incorporate comedy and magic in a way that is funny and amazing for everyone!”

With characters like Bentley the Telepathetic Bunny (He’s a hand puppet who’s little telepathic and a little pathetic) it’s not difficult to get everyone laughing as Bentley tries to read the mind of an audience volunteer…”if he get’s it wrong, we’ll have to change his name to Stew…Rabit Stew” jokes Magic AL.

Of course the Birthday boy or girl gets to do some amazing Magic with Magic AL too.  “It’s always fun to see that look of amazement on their face when they magically colour a colouring book or try to use a magic wand that doesn’t work quite as they expect.”

The fun doesn’t stop with kids parties either, Magic AL is right at home doing adult gatherings too and has had the opportunity to help people have a laugh while celebrating anniversaries or 40th, 50th and even 60th Birthdays.  “It’s a lot of fun when it’s all adults attending an event because you can be a bit more cheeky and you get to use all those bottled up ‘blue pill’ jokes when a wand goes a bit floppy.”  Basically, and adult show can be as clean or as cheeky as the host would like, it’s their choice.

So the next time you are looking to add a focal point to your special event or family celebration, turn to Magic Al for a Magically good time.

About this Article: Magic AL is a professional Magician that serves Durham Region and the Great Toronto Area.  For more information regarding his Magic Show for any event, please visit www.CoolMagicShow.com.  Are you interested in placing an article about your Durham Region Business on our site, then click here to learn more.

Located in Ajax, Ontario, Distinctive Cakes will take your favourite object, idea or vision within your imagination and turn it into amazing Cake Art!  According to Company owner Michelle, “I absolutely love designing cakes! The ability to use my artistic expression through cakes to capture something that is unique & special about an individual that resonates with them is the ultimate gift.”

Michelle also loves the personalization factor, “Cake designing is not just a job, it’s my passion”. Well, if customer reaction is any indication, then Michelle has found her niche and special events all over Durham Region will be more fun thanks to her unique creations.

It’s not just Birthday Parties that bring out Michelle’s passion for creating these amazing works of art.  Weddings, Anniversaries, Corporate Events, Baby Showers or just about any other “Special Event” can be made extra memorable with a Distinctive Cake!

It’s a fun Business to be in, when we get a call from somebody who needs a cake, we never know what we’ll be creating until they share their idea with us.  “It’s challenging, but in a fun way that keeps our creative juices flowing.”  So, how do the cakes taste?  “We use the very best ingredients to create our cakes and every bite is absolutely delicious!” says Michelle.
 
Customer reaction has been extremely positive and it’s been very rewarding to hear all the positive feedback.  Having a positive impact on people’s emotions during times of celebration “makes me feel like I am doing exactly what I was destined to do”.  Customers have said wonderful things like… “We loved the cake. My sister was very happy with it and our guests had a good laugh. It’s exactly what we wanted and the colour worked out so well. I’m attaching a picture of my sister’s tummy. Without having met her, you captured her profile very well.”  Another customer said… “You did a great job and replicated the cake we wanted ever so perfectly.  Thanks so much!”

So no matter what your Celebration or Special Event, why not make it more memorable with a with a custom designed cake from Distinctive Cakes, your guests and your taste buds will thank you!

About this article:  Distinctive Cakes is located in Ajax Ontario and serves Durham Region and the Greater Toronto Area.  For more information or to order your custom cake, please visit  www.DistinctiveCakes.ca. Find out how to add an article about your Business to our site.

Today’s sophisticated online computer service allows you to authorize remote access to your computer by a service technician. Once connected, they can diagnose and repair virtually any problem you are experiencing. Best of all you can see everything they are doing and even talk with them on the phone at the same time.

The service can be used for solving problems and system preventative maintenance. No computer knowledge is necessary and it is typically less expensive than the local computer store or having some Geek come and visit you at your location.

So next time you need you computer diagnosed or serviced, give HiRes Solutions a call, service session start at just $25.00!

About this article:  HiRes Solutions is a Whitby based Computer Service and Sales Company located online at  www.hiressolutions.ca the company specializes in remote computer service via the Internet.  Find out how to put an article about your company on our site.

The innovation of Rubber Safety Surfacing started with running tracks. During the 50’s, most running tracks were made of cinder; Roger Bannister broke the 4 minute mile on a cinder track. It was during this time that European companies started to experiment with rubber surfaces, not only making it easier on the joints but also allowing for faster times. Tracks were made from recycled tire rubber as well as new EPDM rubber. The running tracks used in the Beijing Olympics are the most advanced rubber running surface to date.

From these first track surfaces, rubber technology has developed to allow a similar system to be used in many other environments including playgrounds, golf courses, splash pads, pool decks etc. Rubber is not just a comfortable surface, it’s also recognized as a safe surface. Pioneers such as McDonalds use rubber surfacing in their playground and there is now recognized testing for Rubber Safety Surfacing.

Over the past twenty years, Rubber Safety Surfacing has been installed in some of the most prestigious projects around the world. From Valderamma Golf Club in Southern Spain to Markland Woods Golf Club in Toronto; from Southern Palms Beach Resort in Barbados to Bayfront Towers in Florida. It’s used by Sea World; Walt Disney; Marriott; Six Flags; Toronto Zoo; Melbourne Zoo; Canada’s Wonderland… the list goes on.

In 1983 the first pool deck made from recycled rubber was installed in Garland, Texas. This was the advent of the residential market for Rubber Safety Surfacing. Over the years, the materials have changed and most residential projects use colorfast EPDM materials, designed for outdoor use; materials that have been tested to withstand the harshest environments!

About the author:
Sam Meakings works with Ontario Safety Surfacing. Through their offices in Pickering, they are providing Rubber Surfacing Solutions for Residential and Commercial applications in Durham Region.
Visit their website at www.themeakingsgroup.com/rubaroc.php

An economic downturn is a phase of the business cycle in which the economy as a whole is in decline.This phase basically marks the end of the period of growth in the business cycle. Economic downturns are characterized by decreased levels of consumer purchases (especially of durable goods) and, subsequently, reduced levels of production by businesses.

While economic downturns are admittedly difficult, and are formidable obstacles to small businesses that are trying to survive and grow, an economic downturn can open up opportunities. A well-managed company can realize the opportunity to gain market share by taking customers away from their competitors. Resourceful entrepreneurs capture the available opportunities, from an economic downturn, by developing alternate methods of doing business that were never implemented during a prior growth period.

The challenge of successfully navigating your business through an economic downturn lies in the realignment of your business with current economic realities. Specifically, you, as the business owner, need to renew a focus on your core clients/customers, reduce your operating expenses, conserve cash, and manage more proactively, rather than reactively, is paramount.

Here are best practices that will help you to successfully navigate your business through an economic downturn:

Goals:

The primary goal of any business owner is to survive the current economic downturn and to develop a leaner, more cost-effective and more efficient operation. The secondary goal is to grow the business even during this current economic downturn.

Objectives:

• Conserve cash.
• Protect assets.
• Reduce costs.
• Improve efficiencies.
• Grow customer base.

Required Action:

• Do not panic… History shows that economic downturns do not last forever. Remain calm and act in a rational manner as you refocus your attention on resizing your company to the current economic conditions.

• Focus on what YOU can control… Don’t let the media’s rhetoric concerning recessions and economic slowdown deter you from achieving business success. It´s a trap! Why? Because the condition of the economy is beyond your control. Surviving economic downturns requires a focus on what you can control, i.e. your relevant business activities.

• Communicate, communicate, and communicate! Beware of the pitfall of trying to do too much on your own. It is a difficult task indeed to survive and to grow your business solely with your own efforts. Solicit ideas and seek the help of other people (your employees, suppliers, lenders, customers, and advisors). Communicate honestly and consistently. Effective two-way communication is the key.

• Negotiate, negotiate, and negotiate! The value of a strong negotiation skill set cannot be overstated. Negotiating better deals and contracts is an absolute must for realigning and resizing your company to the current economic conditions. The key to success is not only knowing how to develop a win-win approach in negotiations with all parties, but also keeping in mind the fact that you want a favorable outcome for yourself too.

Recommended Best Practice Activities:

The Nuts and Bolts… The following list of recommended best practice activities is critical for your business’ survival and for its growth during an economic downturn. The actual financial health of your particular business, at the outset of the economic downturn, will dictate the priority and urgency of the implementation of the following best practice activities.

1. Diligently monitor your cash flow: Forecast your cash flow monthly to ensure that expenses and planned expenditures are in line with accounts receivable. Include cash flow statements into your monthly financial reporting. Project cash requirements three-to- six months in advance. The key is to know how to monitor, protect, control, and put cash to work.

2. Carefully convert your inventories: Convert excess, obsolete, and slow-moving inventory items into cash. Consider returning excess and slow-moving items back to the suppliers. Close-out or inventory reduction sales work well to resize your inventory. Also, consider narrowing your product offerings. Well-timed order placement helps to reduce excess inventory levels and occasional material shortages. The key is to reduce the amount of your inventory without losing sales.

3. Timely collection of your accounts receivable: This asset should be converted to cash as quickly as possible. Offer prompt payment discounts to encourage timely payments. Make changes in the terms of sale for slow paying customers (i.e. changing net 30 day terms to COD). Invoicing is an important part of your cash flow management. The first rule of invoicing is to do it as soon as possible after products are shipped and/or after services are delivered. Place an emphasis on reducing billing errors. Most customers delay payments because an invoice had errors, and therefore, will not pay until they receive a corrected copy. Email or fax your invoices to save on mailing time. Post the payments that you have received and make deposits more frequently. The key is to develop an efficient collection system that generates timely payments and one that gives you advance warning of problems.

4. Re-focus your attention on your existing clients/customers: Make customer satisfaction your priority. A regular review of your customers’ buying history and frequency of purchases can reveal some interesting facts about your customers’ buying habits. Consider signing long-term contracts with your core clients/customers which will add to your security. Offer a discount for upfront cash payments. The key is to do what it takes to keep your current customers loyal.

5. Re-negotiate with your suppliers, lenders, and landlord:

i) Suppliers: Always keep your negotiations on the level of need, saying that your company has reviewed its cost structure and has determined that it needs to lower supplier costs. . Tell the supplier that you value the relationship you have developed, but that you need to receive a cost reduction immediately. Ask your supplier for a lower material price, a longer payment cycle, and the elimination of finance charges. Also, see if you can buy material from them on a consignment basis. In return for their price concessions, be willing to agree to a long-term contract. Explore the idea of bartering as a form of payment.

ii) Lenders: Everything in business finance is negotiable and your relationship with a bank is no exception. The first step to successful renegotiations is to convince your lenders that you can ultimately pay off the renegotiated loan. You must point out to your lenders why it would be in their best interest to agree to a new arrangement. Showing them your business plan and your action plan that includes your cost-savings initiatives, along with “the how” and “the when” of the implementation of your plan is the best way to achieve this goal. Explain to them that you will need their cooperation to insure that you can survive, as well as, grow your business during the economic downturn. Negotiated items include: the rate of interest, the required security to cover the loan, and the beginning date for repayment. A beginning date for repayment could be immediate, within several months or as long as a year. The key is to realize that your lender will work with you, but that frequent and continual communications with them is critical.

iii) Landlord: Meet with your landlord. Explain your need to have them extend the term of your lease at a reduced cost. Make sure you have a clause in the lease agreement that entitles you to have the right to sublet any or all of the leased space.

6. Re-evaluate your staffing requirements: This is a very critical area. Salaries/wages are a major expense of doing business. Therefore, any reduction in the hours worked through work schedule changes, short-term layoffs or permanent layoffs has an immediate cost saving benefit. Most companies ramped up hiring new employees in the good times, only to find that they are currently overstaffed due to slow sales during the economic downturn. In terms of down-sizing your staff, be very careful not to reduce your staff to a level that forces you to skimp on customer service and quality. Consider the use of part-timers or the current trend of outsourcing certain functions to independent contractors.

7. Shop for better insurances rates: Get quotations from other insurance agents for comparable coverage to determine whether or not your present insurance carrier is competitive. Also, consider revising your coverage to reduce premium costs. The key is to have the right balance-to be adequately insured, but not under or over insured.

8. Re-evaluate your advertising: Contrary to the other cost-cutting initiatives, evaluate the possibility of increasing your advertising expenditures. This tactic realizes the advantage of the reduced “noise” and congestion (fewer advertisers) in the marketplace. The downturn period a great opportunity to increase brand awareness and create additional demand for your product/service offerings.

9. Seek the help of outside advisors: The use of an advisory board comprised of your CPA, attorney, and business consultant offers you objectivity and provides you with professional advice and guidance. Their collective experience in working with similar situations in past economic downturns is invaluable.

10. Review your other expenses: Target an across-the-board cost-cutting initiative of 10-15%. Attempt to eliminate unnecessary expenses. Tightening your belt in order to weather the downturn makes practical, financial sense.

Proactively managing your business through an economic downturn is an enormous challenge and is critical for your survival. However, through well-planned initiatives, an economic downturn can create tremendous opportunity for your company to gain greater market share. In order to take advantage of this growth opportunity, you must act quickly to implement the above best business practices to continue realigning and resizing your company to the current economic conditions.
Author: Terry H. Hill is the founder and managing partner of Legacy Associates, Inc, a business consulting and advisory services firm. A veteran chief executive, Terry works directly with business owners of privately held companies on the issues and challenges that they face in each stage of their business life cycle. To find out how he can help you take your business to the next level, visit his site at www.legacyai.com