Phyllis Simon (L) and Chelsea Kramer
Community at Its Finest
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BC Notary in a smaller centre can expect to become knit into the community in wonderful ways. When I opened my practice in Vernon in 1983, the citizens of British Columbia had recently made it clear they wanted options in legal services. Interest rates remained high, bankruptcies in business were frequent, and men without work became commonplace. On a sunny Okanagan work day, the playgrounds and beaches saw noticeably more men caring for their children. Business was anything but brisk but I was fortunate the people of Vernon were accustomed to dealing with a Notary Public. Those in the profession who had retired left a legacy of confidence I could build on. I enjoyed support from the law firms where I had worked previously. I was already well known as an active volunteer in the community and an active member of the faith community.
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My staff brought their own connections to the office and, little by little, things settled down to years of good business. I encouraged Debra Burden two of my assistants, Debra Burden and Charlene Silvester, to become Notaries. Debra recently retired after completing her 25th year as a BC Notary and Charlene continues Charlene Silvester to work across town. Rhoda Chapman and Chelsea Kramer complete the Notary presence in Vernon today. While some professionals become Rhoda adversaries fighting Chapman for a share of the marketplace, we are more likely to call our colleagues to refer favourite clients because we cannot fit them in. The Society of Notaries Public of British Columbia
While some professionals become adversaries fighting for a share of the marketplace, we are more likely to call our colleagues to refer favourite clients because we cannot fit them in. We are good friends, supportive of each other in business and as families. Those relationships are priceless and have added much to my life over the years. I can reach out to good friends when working through difficult situations. Cooperation in a small centre creates an environment of stability and personal support that is valuable in ways not evident on a financial statement. I work 3 days a week for Notary Chelsea Kramer. Our easy relationship benefits us both. When Chelsea took two short maternity leaves, I ran the business full time. Now she takes Volume 27 Number 3 Fall 2018
