ISSUE 04.14
This month's feature business is
COPY WORKS DESIGN & GIFTS
Professionally creating your ideas in full color. Copy Works CONNECTION Issue 04/14
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(403) 526-0626 (877) 522-0626
www.sunvalleyhonda.ca 16 Strachan Court SE Medicine Hat - AB, T1B 4R7 Sun Valley Honda in Medicine Hat, AB treats the needs of each individual customer with paramount concern. We know that you have high expectations, and as a car dealer we enjoy the challenge of meeting and exceeding those standards each and every time. Allow us to demonstrate our commitment to excellence! We have what you need, whether you need a quality used car, sedan, coupe, SUV, minivan or truck, we have you covered. If you’d like a see a vehicle in person, email our dealership, or give us a call. We look forward to serving you!
Here’s 3 of our many Spring Clear-out Specials: KILOMETERS: 156,804 TRANSMISSION: 5-SPEED AUTOMATIC W/OD BODYSTYLE: SPORT UTILITY ENGINE: GAS V6 3.5L/212 EXTERIOR: BILLET SILVER METALLIC INTERIOR: GREY
KILOMETERS: 88,785 TRANSMISSION: 5-SPEED AUTOMATIC W/OD BODYSTYLE: 4DR CAR ENGINE: GAS I4 2.4L/144 EXTERIOR: ALABASTER SILVER METALLIC INTERIOR: BLACK KILOMETERS: 54,575 TRANSMISSION: 5-SPEED AUTOMATIC BODYSTYLE: 4DR CAR ENGINE: GAS I4 2.4L/144 EXTERIOR: CRYSTAL BLACK PEARL INTERIOR: BLACK 2 Copy Works CONNECTION Issue 04/14
2005 Honda Pilot EX-L 4WD Sport Utility
$13,998
2007 Honda Accord Sdn EX-L Navi FWD 4dr Car
$12,981
2011 Honda Accord Sedan EX-L FWD 4dr Car
$21,498
Contents
in this DONNA BENGERT Editor 403.504.0011
RICK BETKER Sales 403.866.6757
AMANDA WALLACE MATTHEW POWER CANDACE HUMPHREY Graphic Design
Phone: 403.504.0011 Fax: 403.504.0041 116, 3030 - 13 Avenue S.E. Medicine Hat, AB, T1B 1E3 For a complimentary subscription to the Connection Magazine forward your Email to: donna@copyworksdesign.com Designed and printed by Copy Works Design and Gifts Email: copyworksconnection@gmail.com Disclaimer: No responsibility can be taken by the Copyworks Connection Magazine for errors or omissions contained herein. Furthermore, responsibility for any losses, damages or distress resulting from adherence to any information made available through this magazine is not the responsibility of the Copy Works Connection or Copy Works Design and Gifts. The opinions expressed are those of the authors and do necessarily reflect the views of Copyworks Connection.
I
ssue
FEATURE
BUSINESS
COPY WORKS DESIGN AND GIFTS 4-6
Have You Put Your Business in a HOLDING Pattern? 20-21
FAMILY
The Biggest Stress Of All 22-23
ANDREW PLAIT 8-10 SPRING 13 Virginia Bennett 14-15
HEALTH Dance Your Way To Your Heart 16-17
FOOD Wine Pairings For Easter 18-19
From Static to Digital: AN AD Venture 24-25 Managing Your Money 26-27 Reasons To Choose A Wedding Planner 28
CROSSWORD 29
TRIVIA 30
Community Events 31
Copy Works CONNECTION Issue 04/14 3
Introducing the
We are excited to present to you, the premier issue of the Copy Works Connection. This new publication is the latest creation brought to you through Copy Works Design and Gifts. By utilizing over 12 years of experience in designing and publishing both newsletters and magazines, Copy Works Design and Gifts is now redirecting the focus back into the community. It is through this new publication that we aim to connect local businesses with the people of Medicine Hat and the surrounding areas. Each month, Copy Works Connection will feature one local business and the people who are the essence behind that business.
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Feature Business
This month's feature business is Copy Works Design and Gifts.
C
opy Works Design and Gifts has been owned and operated by John and Donna Bengert for over 15 years. In the beginning, Copy Works was squished into a very small spot right beside the Greyhound bus terminal. In this location, only basic photocopying, graphic design and secretarial services were available. It may have been small but it was cozy. In this spot, Donna and her staff established many lifelong friendships and business relationships. The current location of Copy Works in the Coop mall on 13th Ave, is the product of many years of hard work, growth and growing pains. It now proudly offers a wide array of products and services that could not be imagined back in the old days beside the Greyhound. Operating a print shop definitely has its challenges as technology is constantly changing. The local print shop
is now having to compete with the online ordering print companies which are growing in popularity. Copy Works Design and Gifts has met this new challenge head on with their new website: www.copyworksdesign.com This offers customers the convenience of ordering online without compromising the quality and service Copy Works is known for. Just register online with the selfserve print option and either use one of the templates or upload your own design. Your product will be delivered right to your door at a very reasonable price with great quality. Satisfaction guaranteed. Did you know that Copy Works also has access to all the newest promotional products available in Canada? Yes, it's true. All these great promotional items can be easily found on their website by clicking the promo link then just use the search tool to narrow in on the perfect item for your business or event. Continued on page 6
Happy Easter from the staff at Copy Works Design & Gifts Copy Works CONNECTION Issue 04/14 5
Feature Business puters within this location. Be sure to give Brad a call when your computer is in need of technical TLC.
Copy Works would not be where it is today without incredibly talented graphic designers, both past and present. The current team consisting of Matt, Amanda and Candace strive to meet and often exceed the customer's expectations. Each of them shares a common passion for creative design and it shows. When challenged they will certainly WOW you. An unusual addition to this print shop is the engraving department. Shelley, a seasoned engraver, has over 16 yrs experience in the engraving industry. She can engrave everything from giftware to trophies and medals to industrial labels and signage. She has even engraved swords, aluminum baseball bats and hammers. Don't forget pet tags too. If you want eye catching signs....look no further. Combine the talented design team at Copy Works with their banner printer and the results are brilliant! The sign department creates incredible banners, coroplast, pull up signs, sandwich boards and vinyl signs all in full vibrant color. The addition of computer repair services is now available through Brad Greiner who operates Gigasoft Com6 Copy Works CONNECTION Issue 04/14
Copy Works Design and Gifts has undergone many changes throughout the years, from a tiny hole in the wall business offering limited services to what it is now but in all the growth and changes, one thing has never changed....their ability to transform the customer into a friend.
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Family
Most people tend to frown upon adults who behave like children. Fortunately, for Andrew Plait, it's a blessing in disguise. "My friends joke that I'm a local children's celebrity. Some kids even call me "the funny library guy", but it's because of this completely unexpected popularity among children and families in our community that I'm able to be a children's entertainer at all." Andrew is one of Medicine Hat’s few musical entertainers for children. Before he moved to Medicine Hat, Andrew studied musical theatre, vocal perfor8 Copy Works CONNECTION Issue 04/14
mance and library technology, but it wasn't until 2012 that his career in children’s entertainment began. "The decision to move to Medicine Hat was very beneficial for our family. I'd successfully applied for a great job, we were going to have a much lower cost of living -- everything seemed to line up for us. After settling in for a few years, it seemed like it was time for me to start concentrating on writing and composing music. This entire venture, starting up a home-based business in Medicine Hat (Andrew Plait Productions),
performing kid’s music in public… the whole gamut was based out of a singular desire to start accomplishing something musically. When we first arrived, I wanted to see what I could do as a side job. I was told that birthday entertainers were in short supply, so I asked around and some friends of ours let me entertain at their child's birthday party (for free, of course). I've been receiving paid opportunities ever since." While it might seem like Medicine Hat’s birthday party market would be a thriving scene for a children's entertainer, Andrew has also received many opportunities to present music and literacy programs at local preschools and childcare centres as well. "I first became involved in programming for preschools and daycares thanks to an employee from Dragons & Butterflies Creative Preschool. She attended one of my story times and put in a good word for me with her employer. Now, thanks entirely to her, I have the privilege of producing children's programs at various preschools throughout Medicine Hat.” Andrew also believes in the importance of volunteering for good causes. Since 2012 he has participated in several fundraising events including a benefit concert for the Medicine Hat Women’s Shelter (Break the Cycle of Violence) and several events for the Children’s Wish Foundation (Medicine
Hat). He was also a featured performer during the Medicine Hat and District Health Foundation’s 17th annual Christmas Telethon in 2013. “I used to work at the Ronald McDonald House in Edmonton. We did our best provide a home away from home for families with children in the Stollery Children’s Hospital. That experience provided me with a lot of valuable life lessons and made me appreciate having healthy children. Volunteering for similar causes is just one way that I can give back and say ‘thank you’ for the good things I’ve received.” Other notable children’s performances that Andrew has participated in include: •
The Tongue on the Post Folk Music Festival’s student concert (with Ron Mason; 2014) • The Roving Gyms January Kickoff (2014) • The River Flats Run (hosted by Elm Street School; 2013) • The Spectrum Sunshine Festival (2012 & 2013) Since 2012, Andrew has released 11 albums and singles on CD Baby and iTunes. His list of music (available for digital download only) includes:
Stompin’ At The Stampede, a full-length children’s rock/country-themed album inspired by Continued on Page 10 Copy Works CONNECTION Issue 04/14 9
Family mit two albums to the Juno Awards for 2015.
the Medicine Hat Stampede Pots & Pans and Forks & Spoons, his first full-length children’s album with the hit song “I’m All Out Of Bubblegum” Ham & Cheese, his first Christmas single (also included on A Bird’s Eye View, a charitable compilation album raising funds to support victims of Typhoon Haiyan) When asked about his upcoming albums in 2014, Andrew replied that his goal was to compose, record and sub-
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“If I’m fortunate enough to get nominated, it could mean the difference between doing this as a part-time hobby and eventually having a full-time career in the music industry. My plan is to produce good songs, create good videos and do my best to support my family doing something I love and enjoy.” For more information on Andrew, his children’s music or for booking information, please visit his website at www.andrewplait.com. Facebook: www.facebook.com/andrewplait Twitter: www.twitter.com/andrewplait
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Family Old and New Traditions in Police Point Park After a blustery winter, we are probably all ready to celebrate spring! In Police Point Park, the Interpretive Program has lots of things planned to get families building good memories together. The Easter Program at the Nature Centre is a tradition that goes back to the early 1980’s when the Centre opened. Of course, the Ukrainian egg decorating tradition goes back hundreds of years! For Medicine Hat families, visiting the Park to dye eggs, go for a spring walk, pet the bunnies, and check on the baby chicks, is an important part of Easter. Families of all descriptions gather up friends and neighbours, nieces and nephews, grandkids and grandparents, and come join the celebration. Many young parents fondly recall the days when they were children at the Police Point Park Easter celebration.
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This year, Easter is as late as possible. April 18 is Good Friday. The Celebrations at Police Point Park will happen Good Friday, Saturday, and Easter Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Easter Monday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. A newer tradition, and another great way to enjoy time with family and friends, is geocaching. This high tech treasure hunt can be as easy or as challenging as you want to make it. An Introduction to Caching will be held on April 12, 1:00 pm at the Police Point Park Nature Centre. You will have a chance to see how geocaches are put together, where they can be hidden, and how to find them. No equipment is needed for this event. Geocaching is a great way to get some fresh air, get out into our beautiful spring, and explore your community. For more information on these or other opportunities, contact the MH Interpretive Program, managed by Grasslands Naturalists, and based in Police Point Park, at 403-529-6225, check out the website www. natureline.info, and like us on Facebook.
My pastor's house always had the clearest windows I had ever seen. One day, to learn his secret, I came over to help with some spring-cleaning chores. Being a doit-yourself sort of fellow, he didn't use a single paper towel or commercial cleaning product to clean. Instead, he mixed 2 cups of hot water with 1/4 cup of vinegar and a tablespoon of cornstarch. "The vinegar gets anything off the window," he beamed, proud of his homemade window cleaner. "But it's that little bit of cornstarch that really gives it the shine!" After shaking the solution up in a spray bottle and spritzing the windows, we wiped them down with crumpled newspaper. Unlike paper or cloth towels, newspaper is absorbent without leaving lint behind. Those windows sparkled in spectacular fashion! From that day on, I have used this method to clean the windows in my own home. It works like nothing else and keeps my windows shined to perfection. Here's what I do. I mix the 2 cups of hot water in a pitcher with the corn starch first, and then I add the vinegar last. Then I pour it in the spray bottle and shake it up. And seriously, the newspaper trick really does work! Streak free every time If you don't have a old news paper try a coffee filter... Copy Works CONNECTION Issue 04/14 13
Family
VIRGINIA BENNETT
Virginia Bennett is a local author who writes novels for young adults. She has been writing stories nearly all of her life. She is also a teacher and she graduated from the University of Alberta in 2005. Since then she has been teaching part time and taking care of her family. Bennett is currently at work on her third novel. Her first novel, EverLast: The EverLasting Trilogy Book One is now available on Amazon. Bennett was born in Burnaby, British Columbia. When she was young she would write on whatever she could find including scraps of leftover wallpaper. She loved scribbling in her journals and jotting down poetry. “I was a creative child with a brain full of ideas that I needed to get out there. I was always trying to find creative ways to do that. One way was to write it all down.”
It was her love of books and stories that sparked her passion for the written word. When she wasn’t writing, she often had her nose in a book. One of her favourite authors growing up was Frances Hodgson Burnett. As she grew older, she discovered an even greater world of writers such as Neil Gaiman, Margaret Atwood, Amy Tan, Tom Robbins and Christopher Moore. These writers instilled a deep-rooted respect within her that inspired her to get serious about writing. “People always said that I would either be a teacher or a writer someday. I enjoy teaching, but I was born to write.” For more information about this local author, check out her website at http://www.virginia-bennett.com
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Copy Works CONNECTION Issue 04/14 15
by Farren Assaly
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H
Health ave you ever heard “Dance as if no one is watching”? When was the last time you did that? Have you ever danced as if no one is watching? If not, what stopped you?
Do you have a desire to experience freedom, peace, joy...Love?! If you want to experience any of those feelings, I suggest you start moving! Movement therapy has been around for generations. We have only began calling it ‘therapy’ since the cultural traditions of movement and dance have been dissolved. Movement therapy, otherwise known as “Dance” invites your inner spirit to shine forth. Even if its a small beam of light at first, you will find even just the slightest movement of your body in sync with your favorite music will allow the sense of joy to seep in! Our ears are how we hear music, we listen. Our hearts are how we respond to music, we feel. When we listen to music, whatever music you listen to, it creates a response in your body. This response will be triggered by various emotional memories the body stores deep in the cells of your being. Sound travels, and so does your body and mind! The next time you hear a tune on the radio or plug in your favorite song, sit silently for a moment and listen not only to the music, but also your body. Listen
to where that music is experienced in your body. Then what thoughts does it stimulate? Listen as if you are not your body, you are watching and listening to your body respond to the music. This is you becoming aware. Aware of how sound, music, thought and movement all connect. Next, if you are in a space that you can move around freely, maybe outside with your headphones in. Tune in with awareness and listen again, listen to your body and where you feel the music in your body, then begin to move that body area. Know that dance, is not only structured, choreographed movements. On a deeper level, dance is your body’s way of expressing itself through movement and awareness. It’s like journaling your inner most feelings and stories, painting like an artist expressing his emotion and imagination! Your body is the canvas, the music is the brush, your inner emotions, thoughts and feelings are the paint. Create an expression of yourself through movement, and feel. Experience the freedom that comes with dancing your way to your heart! Experience Dance therapy through the Nia Technique and Inner Journeys Ecstatic Dance guided by Farren Assaly at Garden of Breathin’! See a schedule of these classes at www.gardenofbreathin.com or contact Farren at grow@gardenofbreathin.com Phone (403)977-YOGA for more information!
Copy Works CONNECTION Issue 04/14 17
418 - 7th Street SW, Medicine Hat, AB (403) 504-5011
Wine Pairings For
Easter
Pairing wine with an Easter Feast can be daunting due to the variety of food on the table. To simplify the task, the best strategy would be to pair the wine with the main entree being served. Keep in mind you still want the wine to remain versatile enough to pair nicely with all the other delightful food options. Since there are so many well-made wines out there, we will narrow it down to a varietal in hopes this will ease the enormity of choices. Ham has remained a traditional entrĂŠe for the holiday. The choice of varietal relies on how the ham is prepared as well the preference of red/white grape for you and your guests. Here are some options to think about:
Riesling/ Gewurtzraminer These varietals has enough fruity notes to bring out the flavor of the ham, especially if the ham is glazed. These grapes can bring a ham glazed with honey to life thanks to the hints of peach in this wine. Pelee Island Gewurtzraminer, $14.99
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White Zinfandel Most people serve white wines with ham but if you have your heart set on a red, a White Zinfandel is an excellent substitution. It has a high alcohol content that vibes with ham well and helps elicit flavors that are otherwise locked in the meat. E&J White Zinfandel, $10.99
Food
Chardonnay
Pinot Noir
Chardonnay is a great choice when it comes to wine pairings for ham because it works quietly alongside the ham. It is also fairly neutral in the sense that you won't have to worry about it clashing with any of your side dishes.
A light Pinot Noir is one of the best wine pairings with ham that has a savory sauce rather than sweet. Pinot Noir has a rounder flavor with hints of berry that can stand up well to savory sauces.
Tenuta Ca' Bolani Chardonnay, $10.99
Mirassou Pinot Noir, $13.99
Copy Works CONNECTION Issue 04/14 19
Business
Have You Put Your Business in a HOLDING Pattern?
by Kathleen Mailer
“When we strive we put our business in a holding pattern. Remember, if you press it, you will suppress it.” – Kathleen D. Mailer
If you are too busy to finish important projects, to incorporate more clients, or gain any focus in your business, then you may be in a holding pattern. As a solopreneur we have so many hats to wear. Too often we find that we can’t keep up with the demands of a growing business, but are caught in the valley of ‘not enough money to hire help’. We find ourselves jumping out of bed in the morning running to our next meeting, or to slam things together for a meeting we are already late for. How can we find more time to take care of the needs of our business and still keep our sanity?
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Examine with a critical eye. REWRITE each task and put it into three categories: (a) DELEGATE to someone in your life that actually can do the job. (b) DELETE - asks yourself, does this task get me closer to my goal? Is it a time waster? Can I do without it? If that is the case, DELETE it. (c) DO – Ask yourself first, “do I have to do this? Is there someone who could do it for me? WHY do I have to do it? Is this getting me closer to my goal? If so how? Is there better way of getting this accomplished? Can I double up this task with another to save time?” The truth is MOST of what we THINK WE have to do, we don’t! So really be honest here with yourself.
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Execute number 2. So go ahead and delegate right now. Next, schedule time in your day timer to accomplish the DO goals. Finish what you start. Make sure you designate enough time to do this. Keep focus. If you get distracted say out loud to yourself, “FOCUS, I FINISH WHAT I START!” Be clear to only have 2 or 3 tasks per day on your list. Write it down the night before and work until it is done. Schedule in FUN TIME. I have Friday’s as my ‘friends Friday’ and I schedule in friends in the afternoon every Friday so that I can be more productive. I celebrate the accomplishments week by week by writing it down in my ‘gratitude’ journal. This is done on Friday as well.
AUTHOR
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Write down every ‘task’ I need to do in one day (right down to the last one of brushing your teeth before bed). Everyone is tempted to say, “I don’t have time for that.” The truth is that is your B.S. talking! Yes I said, B.S. (your belief system). Everyone has the same amount of time in a day as you do and others seem to be getting things done. Without this examination you won’t be able to see what I am trying to tell you. Go ahead, write now.
Kathleen D. Mailer, International Business Evangelist, author of Prepare To Prosper, Taking Your Business To A Higher Level. www.kathleenmailer.com E-mail:doingbusinessgodsway@shaw.ca
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The Biggest Business Stress of All
T
he Bible calls the love of “it” the root of all evil for a reason. Money motivates us. It drives us. We will trade our time for it. We will fight for it. In the end, at its worst, it divides us.
It divides us from our piece of mind. It detaches us from our colleagues and team. It pulls us away from our family and friends. It separates us from God. This can happen when we have too much money, but it really creates barriers when there isn’t enough. When we do not have enough capital or cash flow in our business to: • Hire the right people • Invest in the needed resources • Cover expenses in slow times …small business owners get stressed. Christian Business Owners Are Not Immune
Christian small business owners do too. We are only human and we live in “this world.” In this world, money is the commodity that provides for our needs. It also provides for our wants. And sometimes we lack the ability to discern between wants and needs. Our wants and needs. Our family’s wants and needs. The wants and needs of our employees and vendors.
by Sue Miley 22 Copy Works CONNECTION Issue 04/14
At some level they all feel like needs, and result in added pressure for business owners to produce to maintain their business, and the wants and needs of everyone who depends on the business.
Business That feels stressful to me just writing it. But I have been thinking about it a lot.
Money Remains a Great Source of Anxiety We allow money, or the lack of it, to create anxiety in us. The anxiety distracts us from what we need to do in our business, and eventually, distracts us from our relationships. We are either working harder and absent and unavailable to our employees and families, or we are depressed and worried, thus creating a self-fulfilling problem with our business as well as our relationships.
A Solution in the Two Most Important Commandments Is there a solution? I believe that the solution lies in the love God and love others commandment that Jesus clearly gives us. If we stay focused on loving God, we will be spending time with Him, and with that…. • We will pray more, and with prayer and His will, our needs will be met. • We will read the Bible more, and through scripture, God will speak to us, and give us the wisdom and discernment we need. • We will be comforted, as the Lord’s yoke is gentle, and He wants to help us to carry our burdens. If we stay focused on loving others, we will be present when we are with people, and we will focus on them and doing life together. When we do this…..
do not feel isolated and unloved. • Our team will enjoy work more, and stay focused on the mission and vision of the company. • Our customers and clients will much prefer to come back again and again if they are buying from a company that is caring and loving and focused on their people and their service.
The Most Valuable Commodity I am not promising that if we forsake money, and just love everyone, riches will come. I am only saying if we do the opposite, we will lose more than just money. I am saying that love, not money, is the most important commodity. I am saying you may be surprised at how much less stress you will feel in your business with less money and more love. And, I am saying, you shouldn’t be surprised that if you focus on love rather than money, you may not get everything you want, but your needs will be met. How do I know this? Because in God’s Kingdom, love is the most valuable commodity!
Sue Miley MBA, MA, LPC is a business coach and founder of Crossroads Professional Coaching. See more at: www. crossroadcoach. com
• Our family supports us more. They Copy Works CONNECTION Issue 04/14 23
BdigitalADS From Static to Digital: AN AD Venture By Morgan Williams
Established in 2013, BDigital Ads has taken static advertising to the digital level. Advertising out of For Sale By Photo, Kevin Fischer, combined his business with Brian Dobek of BDigital Ads, incorporated and together have created a reliable and advanced system of advertising. BDigital Ads is a fast growing digital advertisement corporation fixated in the Medicine Hat Mall. Owned and operated by Mr. Dobek and Mr. Fischer, BDigital Ads promotes several businesses in and around the Medicine Hat area. Their business is a showcase for local advertising digitally portrayed around Medicine Hat shopping centres. Fifteen digital screens are host to BDigital advertising, being located in the Medicine Hat Mall food court, as well as the Medical Mall Clinic, and the For Sale by Photo office in the west wing of the Mall. Nine screens are also found at the Medicine Hat Co-op as well as the co-op gas bar. Digital advertising plays a large role in promoting local business and enhancing a sense of community. 24 Copy Works CONNECTION Issue 04/14
Business As BDigital Ads continues to grow, it is the hope of the company to be seen digitally in higher traffic locations and expand their horizons. BDigital Ads’ Brian Dobek recognizes Medicine Hat local advertisers and businesses as his digital inspiration for taking an idea to the big screen. "Technology is a huge part of modern society and the way we can take a local advertisement and put it out for the world to see…well it shows the people of Medicine Hat they are part of the bigger picture. It’s the locals who keep us thriving."
About the Tourism & Business Kiosk: Being technologically advanced when displaying information may be key in sustaining success in society, however there is nothing wrong with a little old fashioned. Located outside of the BDigital Ads office is a brand new kiosk. The Kiosk is a culmination of business and tourism information from around the City of Medicine Hat. It is viewed by an average of 180,000 shoppers coming through the busiest shopping centre in Southeast Alberta. Looking to advertise a business or just looking for an adventure, come check us out. Located at 3292 Dunmore Road S.E., Medicine Hat, T1B 2R4 in the Medicine Hat Mall.
Reliable communication builds community!
bdigitalads@gmail.com (403) 529-0011
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Business
MANAGING YOUR MONEY
Start saving on next years’ taxes today This years’ tax deadline is approaching. If you are starting to worry about the amount of taxes you’ll be paying and fretting that you may miss the deadline and have to pay penalties, this may been a good time to think about making next year’s tax return stress free. You can do by implementing five easy strategies for keeping more of what you earn.
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RETURN TO YOUR RETURN Check your 2012 and 2013 tax returns for any deductions you might have missed. Look for carry-forward opportunities to fill unused Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) contribution room that could potentially reduce your taxable income. Your unused contribution room is on your notice of assessment from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). GET ORGANIZED Stay organized If you prepare your own tax return, start now to logically organize all your tax information, making it easier to identify and take full advantage of every tax deduction and credit. It you use a tax preparer, being organized means your preparer will need less time to do the job, and that saves you money, too. Establish a simple filing system
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that separates your tax information by type – income deductions, credits and so on. SAVE ALL YOUR RECEIPTS Keep track of your expenses and know about every expense item that can significantly reduce your tax bite – including such often overlooked deductions as moving expenses, accounting fees and investment management fees. FATTEN YOUR PAYCHEQUE INSTEAD OF YOUR REFUND Getting a big refund feels good – but you may want to think about putting more money in your pocket each pay period and sending less of it to the government. If you expect a refund next tax year, apply now to have your employer reduce the amount of tax deducted from your paycheque, keeping more of your money in your hands. Make your payments on time If you’re self-employed and required to make regular tax payment installments through the year, make them on time to avoid interest penalties. Also be sure to set aside
enough dollars to pay any outstanding taxes due at the tax deadline date. Starting early and being diligent about your tax life is important but it’s only one aspect of your total financial life. When you have a complete financial plan in place, it’s easier to keep everything on track and on target. That’s why consulting with your professional advisor will make sure all your tax-reduction strategies and overall financial objectives are in place and working for you.
Article Submitted by Tony Zuback
This column, written and published by Investors Group Financial Services Inc. (in Québec – a Financial Services Firm), and Investors Group Securities Inc. (in Québec, a firm in Financial Planning) presents general information only and is not a solicitation to buy or sell any investments. Contact your own advisor for specific advice about your circumstances. For more information on this topic please contact your Investors Group Consultant.
Copy Works CONNECTION Issue 04/14 27
Business
Reasons
S
to Choose a Wedding Planner
ave you time! A wedding planner knows how much time is involved and what needs to be done a year before the wedding. And, while the final decisions are the bride and groom’s, the wedding planner is responsible for the leg work and hours of phone calls and appointment scheduling. Save you money! Yes, a good wedding planner can actually save you money. Most couples think hiring a wedding planner will be too expensive. The reality is the consultant can probably save you enough to pay for their services. Many wedding services will give the couple a discount because they are working with me. Others offer me a discount that I pass on to the couple. Experience! There are lots of books that can give you great ideas, but they can’t give you the real life experience that a wedding planner can give you. The key, there is no substitute for a professional wedding consultant. With over 25 years in the wedding industry including floral, bridal boutique, interior decorating and catering, I can bring all that experience to help you plan your special day. Details! There are so many details involved in planning a wedding. As a planner, I will keep you on track on a monthly basis; guide you on what needs to be decided on at this stage of the planning. I can assist you with your budget details, design and etiquette, family issues and all other issues that may arise pertaining to your wedding.
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Stress! It’s hard to enjoy the most important day of your life if you are stressed and tired from all the pre-planning and then trying to take care of all the details on the wedding day. A wedding planner will look after every aspect of your wedding so you may enjoy this special day with your family and friends. Having experience and support will give you peace of mind. You’ll feel like a guest at your own wedding. It’s important to remember that it is 100% your wedding. As a wedding consultant I’ll be there to ensure your wedding is a Reflection of the Bride and Groom. My job is to make your vision a reality.
Crossword
Crossword puzzles provided by BestCrosswords.com (http://www.bestcrosswords.com). Used with permission. Solution on page 30.
ACROSS
1- Indifferent 5- Spy 9- Ferber novel 14- Wineglass part 15- French 101 verb 16- Old French expression meaning "goodbye" 17- Bandleader Puente 18- Fly 19- Skeptical 20- Dance resembling the polka 23- Hi-___ 24- "You've got mail" co. 25- Fashion lines 27- Cinder 31- "East of Eden"
director Kazan 33- Boris Godunov, for one 37- A stock exchange 39- Not 'neath 40- Dedicated to the ___ Love 41- Direct 44- French summers 45- Feedbag morsel 46- Spenser's "The ___ Queene" 47- Short letter 48- Victor's cry 50- Do-nothing 51- Cubs slugger Sammy 53- Some MIT grads
55- Brother's title 58- Condition 64- Reasoning 66- Very small quantity 67- Other name for taro 68- Yoga posture 69- "So be it" 70- Some Ivy Leaguers 71- President before Polk 72- Dweeb 73- Repudiate
DOWN
1- Concordes, e.g. 2- Ear-related 3- Clockmaker Thomas
4- Melville novel 5- Basil-based sauce 6- Prima ballerina 7- Periods 8- Square head scarf 9- "The Crucible" setting 10- Lyric poem 11- Coffin support 12- Able was ___ 13- Fellas 21- Foot bones 22- Learn about 26- Put away 27- "Barnaby Jones" star 28- Maxim 29- Graduated glass tube 30- Rubs out 32- Numbers game 34- Growl angrily 35- Eagle's home 36- One in a cab, say 38- Self-centered person 42- Native of Hawaii 43- Mrs. Gorbachev 49- Asexual 52- Academy award 54- Gnu cousin 55- Planar 56- Promising 57- I've Got ___ in Kalamazoo 59- Apple or pear 60- Prepared to drive 61- Lazy, inactive 62- Sleipnir's rider 63- Prying 65- Having four sharps
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Crossword Answers
Easter always falls between March 22nd and April 25th.
The first Easter basket was given the appearance of a bird's nest. Easter is the top-selling confectionery holiday in the west, second only to Halloween. Red jellybeans qualify as the most favorite food stuff for kids on Easter. Hot cross buns, made by European monks, are counted amongst the earliest Easter treats. 30 Copy Works CONNECTION Issue 04/14
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Copy Works CONNECTION Issue 04/14 31
32 Copy Works CONNECTION Issue 04/14