Women With Know How Magazine

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Taking Feedback

(to Heart) and Giving it Professional Spotlight

Nancy Boru

When is it a Time to Make

a Change in your Career?

Denise Cagan

Pick Up & Keep Going

From the publisher Dear Readers,

Now is the time of year to give thanks for all our blessings.

I am personally thankful for all the support so many of you have given to take Women With Know How where it is today, and where it will be going in the future.

I am thankful for all the wonderful friendships I have made since I started this journey.

Mimi Zelman

November 2009 | The premier women’s business resource guide

Publisher

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I am thankful for the support from my family in getting Women With Know How off the ground, in these tough economic times.

When something happens to get you down, sit down and write down all the things you are thankful for, and keep it close to you., then read them often to keep you focused and on track.

Be thankful for something everyday, not just now through the holiday season, but everyday of the year.

May all of you have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Mimi Zelman Thank you,

Mimi Zelman, Publisher

Contents

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T aking Feedback (to Heart) and Giving It

8

PROFESSIONAL SPOTLIGHT

Nancy Boru

Publisher/President Mimi L. Zelman mimi@womenwithknowhow.com Vice President Sales & Marketing Lea Ann Meech Creative Director, Graphic Design SPARK Publications Copy Editor Cristina Cassidy Sales Representatives Kim Hughes kim@womenwithknowhow.com Contributing Writers Dawn Leitner of Couch You 2Lead Janet Anderson of Anderson PC Training Kim Hughes of Women With Know How Charleston Contact Mimi Zelman 704-491-1207 mimi@womenwithknowhow.com For more advertising information call Mimi at 704-491-1207 or email her at: mimi@womenwithknowhow.com

of Lone Cone Toffee

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When is it Time to Make a Change in Your Career?

14 18

Pick Up & Keep Going

Gifts for the Curious:

What to Give the Dan Brown Fan

20 22

Hairy Scary

Kick-off

the Season with a new Green Routine

24 Extended Services Contracts 28 How Prepared are You? 32 A Delicious Holiday Duo Tea &

Pears Make a Merry Combination

34 Let’s Talk About Food

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Serving Charlotte and Charleston

Copyright ©2009

Cover photography: by Episode XI Studios, LLC

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Communication

by Dawn Leitner

Taking Feedback (to Heart) and Giving It

It’s November and the wonderful holiday of giving

November 2009 | The premier women’s business resource guide

thanks is coming our way. This is a great time of

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year when we often reflect on what we have to be thankful for. It’s also a great time to reflect on how often we reach out to give feedback and thanks to those around us throughout the year.

We all want to feel that we matter and belong in the world around us and that our hard work is paying off.

Acknowledgement is the best

and simplest way to let others know where they are doing well. A few tips to keep in mind: • T ry to stay away from “criticism” in areas that they need to improve. Trust me in that they are most likely already doing that on their own as a self critic.

• F ocus on areas where they are doing something well or have demonstrated growth.

Remember to give as much detail as possible so that they can connect to where their skill or talent is involved.

Feedback goes both ways in both giving AND receiving it. How well do YOU deal with feedback from others, especially when it’s difficult?

Typical Reactions to Feedback When given difficult feedback, most of us find that we do one or more of the following:

Pretend. We say little, disguise any hurt or humiliation, push the feelings way down and eventually act as if it never happened. Thank you so much for sharing that.

Defend. We justify our actions, give explanations, point out reasons. There was so much happening last week, I didn’t end up with nearly the time I needed to prepare. Oh, and the microphone wasn’t working so well today.

Deny. Denial automatically makes the other person wrong. I didn’t see a problem; I’m great at what I do.

Interrogate. We ask for proof that there is any truth to the feedback. Well, if you want me to understand what you’re trying to get at, I’ll need some specific examples.

Lash out. Anger is the first reaction for some. Get off my back, will you? How dare you criticize me, you of all people! I thought you were my friend.

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Are you the type of leader who is consistently offering words or praise, encouragement and non-judgment to help others see their strengths and want to continue to grow? Are you a leader who proactively asks others for feedback and follows up with communicating to them that you have taken the feedback and applied it?

These are just a few areas where feedback, including a simple acknowledgement such as “You really did a great job with the graphics on that presentation, in particular, the animations you included” are essential in building long lasting relationships that foster encouragement and support.

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Criticize. We go on the offensive through blame, innuendo or other unsolicited comments. I never believe anything those hotshots have to say. You know how it is in that department.

Self-destruct. We turn all our negative reactions inward against ourselves. I am such a loser. I’ll never get it right.

I’m never doing another presentation.

Feedback can

All of these reactions serve to distract us from painful feelings of not being good enough, as well as the notion that we need to change in some way. But adapting to feedback, which inevitably asks us to change, and sometimes significantly, is critical if we are to succeed in our jobs, our marriages, and our family relationships.

are living your life. It

Turning “Feedback” into “Food for Thought” Taking the dread out of receiving feedback can happen with as little as a simple twist of words (“I wonder what’s going to happen” instead of “I worry about what’s going to happen”) and a slight shift in beliefs (“All feedback is a gift”). Here are some guidelines that can help transform feedback into food for thought: Track your own reactions. Recognize your emotions and responses.

What body sensations, thoughts, emotions arise?

help you recognize habitual styles that may need to change.

It can help you reexamine how you is a wonderful gift.

Recognize that whatever arises in your mind is your own responsibility. It is not the other person’s fault you are responding as you are. You get to choose how you think and how you respond. When we own our own reaction, it opens the way for genuine communication with the other person.

Get support. Though it may be difficult to identify, you may feel inhibited and ashamed upon hearing feedback that requires change. Ask trusted friends to listen, encourage and offer suggestions. Work with a coach. Even in settings in which people are expected to be self-reliant (such as many jobs), it’s nearly impossible to make significant change without such encouragement.

Though it may be difficult to

identify, you may feel inhibited and ashamed upon hearing feedback that requires change. Ask trusted friends to listen, encourage and offer suggestions.

Listen with an open mind and heart. Begin by acknowledging that the perception of the person giving feedback is the reality that needs to be looked at.

Without confirming or denying the perception of that person, simply listen and take in what he or she has to say.

Change defensiveness to curiosity. Don’t explain or defend yourself.

It may be appropriate to bring the subject up later, if explanations are appropriate.

For now, though, say the three magic words: “Tell me more!”

What has the person giving you feedback observed? What does that person expect or want you to do differently?

Don’t assume you know what the other person means… ask questions to clarify your understanding.

Regard all feedback as an act of generosity.

Feedback can help you recognize habitual styles that may need to change. It can help you reexamine how you are living your life. It is a wonderful gift. Consider offering sincere appreciation for to the bearer of feedback, even acknowledging how difficult it may have been to deliver the news.

Reframe the feedback.

When we put feedback in a positive light, negative

emotions and responses lose their grip. For example, you could see the feedback on your presentation as a way to improve your chances of promotion, leading you to improve your skills in various ways. Or, the feedback may point you to greater personal success in a position that does not require presentation skills.

The bottom line: Taking feedback to heart puts you in control and takes you out of helplessness. It may require ruthless self-honesty and a little detective work, but the payoff is high.

Our expertise is managing change and cultivating talent

Executive Search Executive Coaching Outplacement Succession Planning

Search & Recruiting Leadership Development Retirement Workshop Individual Career Counseling Assessments Plant Closings For information call 704-849-2500 www.compasscareer.com

8509 Crown Crescent Court Charlotte, NC 28227

Change is constant but never easy!

MORE Dawn Leitner is a Certified Coach and Personal Development Trainer of Coach U2 Lead, who offers coaching and training services to help women professionals embrace their own charisma to be genuine leaders. Want to learn more about working through feedback, fears and stressors? Check out our new online interactive classes at http:// ww.leadingwithcharisma.com.

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Focus on the message not the packaging.

There may be times when feedback is given harshly or by someone with whom we struggle, or there is a mixture of truth and personal distortion in what we are told.

Forget about what package the message comes in; what is the message? How can you penetrate to the truth contained in the feedback?

What can you learn?

Contemplation is a critical step to integrate the message.

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Professional Spotlight

Nancy Boru

November 2009 | The premier women’s business resource guide

Lone Cone Toffee

By Kimberley Hughes

Lone Cone Toffee – What is in a name and how did you get started?

It was 20 years ago next month when I finally became more afraid to stay in my 12-year nightmare of a marriage than to take my children and flee. I had $17 to my name when I made this decision, but I managed to make it all the away across the country. It took me almost a month-and-a-half, but when I drove to the top of Norwood Hill in southwestern Colorado and saw the Lone Cone Mountain looming in the distance, I knew I had found the place where I could assume a new identity and raise my children in safety.

It was extremely challenging, but I was able to avail myself of whatever social services existed there. We lived in subsidized housing. We collected welfare.

We used food stamps. It was humiliating. But I was so thankful that it was available.

Nancy Boru Lone Cone Toffee

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and services at greatly reduced prices. For instance, I was able to get 30,000 new labels completely on trade which made it possible for me to develop two new flavors of toffee this year, Lone Cone Coffee Toffee and Lone Cone Peanut Toffee. Which, I might add, are both fabulous!

I was able to get magnetic ads for my car, printing of my order forms and stationary, advertising and even a new computer all I have wonderful and very smart on trade. This has all contributed friends. One of them designed to me being able to grow my my logo. Another helped with business way beyond what I was packaging. Another one helped able to do before. Not only that, me cook the toffee, and yet I have sold Lone Cone Toffee another loaned me $100 to buy to Tradebank members all over the ingredients and supplies to the country, so now my toffee get me started. is reaching people who would have never had the opportunity It just seemed a natural thing that to taste it.

I should call my business Lone Cone Toffee. I had a view of that What do you find is the mountain from my house and most challenging aspect somehow seeing it everyday of your business? help me heal. I started the No question about it, finding a business in January of 1996 and commercial kitchen to use only in January of 2003, due to the sporadically. Up till now, Lone pull of my three granddaughters, Cone Toffee has been 95% a I moved to Charlotte. I have December holiday business. I cooked, packaged, wrapped haven’t needed to rent a fulland sold over $250,000 worth time kitchen, and finding a of toffee primarily during the situation that works for me has Christmas season in the 13 been a nightmare. When I first years since Lone Cone Toffee started the business in 1996 was born. in Norwood, CO, I rented out the kitchen in the community What has been the center for $25 a day whenever biggest moment or key I needed to cook. I had to turning point for Lone schlep all my stuff over there Cone Toffee’s success? every time. After a couple of I would have to say that it was years doing that, I met a fellow joining Tradebank two years ago. from Canada who had built It has enabled me to buy goods an amazing place in a very

remote neighborhood on Wright’s Mesa, where Norwood is located, that he called the Re-enchantment Lodge. His intent was to have a place where people would come and learn how to live healthier lives. He put a fabulous commercial kitchen in it and opened for business.

Unfortunately, the people who came wanted to be pampered and didn’t want to learn to cook for themselves. So, Art became disenchanted with the Re-enchantment Lodge and went back to Canada. A friend of mine became the caretaker of the Lodge and arranged for me to have access to it for two years. That was a sweet situation.

It was so beautiful there and quiet. There was a wonderful view of the Lone Cone Mountain right outside my window. The kitchen was perfect and there was a huge room right beside it with four huge handmade round tables. Perfect for packaging.

I eventually was able to buy my first house in 2000 and it had a workshop on the property. I turned that into a commercial kitchen and was happily able to work on the toffee anytime I needed to just by walking across my carport. It was small, but I made it work for another two years until my grandchildren beckoned me here to Charlotte.

Since moving here, I have cooked in a commissary kitchen that was 25 miles away from home. I did that for two years until I spent a couple of very unpleasant hours locked in a

November 2009 | The premier women’s business resource guide

Our town was a small ranching community of only 1500 souls at 7000 feet in San Juan Mountains. After six years of scrambling to support myself and my children, a friend shared with me his grandmother’s toffee recipe. I cooked it and found it fabulous. I shared it with my friends and my friends shared their ideas with me on how to turn this into a business.

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The ideal people for me to connect with are the people in business who are in charge of corporate gifts. They can send me a list and I will send everyone on it a delicious box of Lone Cone Toffee. That way they can be sure that the people on the receiving end will be delighted.

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walk-in freezer with a broken door. Then I moved into the kitchen of a caterer. Also about 25 miles away. The owner started charging me an arm and a leg for the use of the kitchen so I then moved to the kitchen of a church. Right before my second season of cooking there, the kitchen became unusable and I had to find another spot. I am now cooking in the kitchen of Christ Our Shepherd Ministries in Matthews.

It’s only about 2 miles away.

And because it caters to single mothers and their children, I feel a great affinity.

What is the most valuable business practice that you offer your clients?

When I give a gift, I want to show appreciation and I also want to leave an impression. So the gift I give must be out of the ordinary,

people who taste Lone Cone Toffee for the first time. It never fails to delight me knowing that something I created brings so much pleasure to so many people. I also love it when people who work for me tell me that this is the best job they ever had. 6. Is there a major hardship that you have endured in your life that has translated into success or a lesson learned in your business? If so, what?

beautiful to look at, of excellent quality and it must delight the person receiving it. I want it to be locally made by a company that gives back to the community and I want all of this for a reasonable price. So I give Lone Cone Toffee, which manages to wrap up all of those requirements in a lovely little box. The toffee is fabulous; the people who receive are thrilled and never forget me.

Lone Cone Toffee also donates one dollar from the sale of every box of Lone Cone Peanut Toffee to breast cancer research. In addition, a portion of all of my proceeds goes to Christ Our Shepherd Ministries in Matthews, which provides day care and other help to single mothers.

Escaping from my husband and raising two children on my own with next to no money was quite a challenge. Because I didn’t want them to grow up to be delinquents, I determined to find a way to make a living from my home instead of driving 45 minutes each way to Telluride to work as many others who live on the Mesa do. For a time, I would get up at four in the morning each week day and bake something fabulous. At coffee break time, I’d go into all the businesses in town with a basket of fresh baked goodies.

There was no bakery in town, so people were always delighted to see me coming. I had a little catering business with one friend and a sewing business with another. I decorated cakes when someone had a need, hung wall paper for a couple of folks and even painted a couple of houses.

What is your passion behind Lone Cone Toffee?

I simply love to see the expression on the faces of

It was important for me to be a good example to my children and not to become what many deem “a typical welfare mother”.

I felt that I should do something

Any advice you can give women about following their passion and becoming an entrepreneur?

Ask for help. So many people feel that asking for help is a sign of weakness. I used to feel that way as well. But then I realized that if I didn’t ask for help, I literally would not survive. I spent close to a month, including Christmas, in a women’s shelter with my children. If that isn’t asking for help, I don’t know what is. I had to beg friends

for money in order to make it across the country. Once I got where I was going, I had to ask for help from social services. After I got established and made friends, I asked for their help in launching my business. Every step of the way, I asked for help. And I got it. And I learned an amazing thing along the way: People like being asked for help. They like helping. I have come to believe that asking someone for help is actually a gift to them. Try it.

Over the last year, have you struggled with the current economic status? If so, what are you doing to combat the slower economy?

Yes, I have. I created two new flavors of toffee. I designed really gorgeous, new packaging. I hired someone to help me with sales, marketing and social media.

And I created little one-piece sample packs of all the toffee flavors and have been passing them around with coupons to people all over town. I have also left baskets of samples in shops of vendors with whom I do business.

Who are the best people for you to connect with in business or who are your ideal clients?

The wonderful thing about Lone Cone Toffee is that it is a perfect gift for any occasion.

Do you want to thank a client?

Or someone for a referral?

Do you have people you send gifts to at Christmas or Rosh Hashanah? Do you need a hostess gift? Keep a stash of Lone Cone Toffee in your freezer and give a box of it instead of a bottle of wine. It always makes a perfect gift. It comes in a beautiful package and I can send it anywhere for you or deliver a case of it to your office. Everyone who receives it will remember you sweetly. So, anyone who gives gifts is an ideal client. The ideal people for me to connect with are the people in business who are in charge of corporate gifts. They can send me a list and I will send everyone on it a delicious box of Lone Cone Toffee. That way they can be sure that the people on the receiving end will be delighted.

People tell me constantly that Lone Cone Toffee is the best toffee they have ever had. And it really is. Even after 14 years, every time I taste it, I still think it’s fabulous.

We are a few short months away from 2010 – What is your number one goal for the New Year?

In 2010, I would like to see Lone Cone Toffee become the go-to gift year round instead of just at Christmas. I want to see it be given by realtors with every house they sell, by luxury car dealers with every car. I want to get it into some catalogs and I want to get into my own year-round kitchen and have enough business to justify it.

November 2009 | The premier women’s business resource guide

for the community to pay it back for the social services that I was receiving, so I got myself elected to the Norwood School Board. And the San Miguel Horse Racing Board. And the San Miguel County All Around Board. (They are in charge of the county fairgrounds). And the San Miguel Resource Center Board. (Domestic Abuse). I got a new school built and a park created in Norwood during my 12 years there. Most importantly, my children have all graduated from college and I was able to raise my son to be a wonderful, loving and non-abusive man.

I did these things because I had to. It was my choice to run from my husband and my responsibility to do the best for my kids that I was able to do. It makes the challenges of building my own business easy in comparison. There is no obstacle that I face that can compare to what I’ve already conquered. And I know from hard won experience that there is a solution to every problem.

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November 2009 | The premier women’s business resource guide

Straight Talk

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By Robyn Crigger, CEO Compass Career Management Solutions-Oi Partners Inc.

The past 12-18 months have been a very difficult time in the working community.

Downsizings have occurred in almost every industry, making job security non-existent.

Employees have also found themselves getting hours cut, a freeze on salaries, if not a reduction, and some benefits disappearing. Employees across the board are empathetic with each other.

Time When is it

to Make a

?

Change in Your Career

Of course, the employers find themselves in stressful dilemmas, too. If forced to reduce staff, who do you release? How do you give such a message? Are there any other alternatives? All tough decisions!

We are told that we have concluded the recession, and yet the recovery is a different matter. Most say that we will have a long, slow recovery. Many employers feel they have already cut their workforce to the bone, and yet if this recovery doesn’t improve substantially, could more people lose jobs? YES!

careful not to jump from the “frying pan into the fire”! There are risks in switching jobs.

Should you decide to make a change in careers, be sure it is for the right reasons. What do you want in a career? What Give serious consideration to tasks excite you? Do you prefer what you want in a career. What taking the lead rather than sitting are priorities for you? Flexible on the sidelines? The more hours, variety of work, to be responsible the job, the higher a part of a large organization, the compensation is the normal benefits (insurance, etc.), a rule. Be sure you are prepared need for a higher salary, etc.? for what is expected of you.

Be honest with yourself and be If changing jobs moves you sure of what you really want and forward on your career goals, need. Consider the driving time just be sure to be selective. and gas involved, as well as the Hopefully, the work will also people and work environment. be rewarding.

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So when is it time for an employee to move on?

Couldn’t one job be just as uncertain as another? Actually, there are a few industries which seem more solid. An individual could look over all his/her skills and see which ones are transferable into other industries. Read the business publications and watch to see which industries are growing and adding employees. Get on the Internet and research any company you might consider as a potential employers. Be

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November 2009 | The premier women’s business resource guide

Pick Up

By Kimberly K. Hughes

& Keep Going

MOST important thing in your life – YOU!

was introduced to the practice of networking to grow her business.

“It creates more “me” time and gives clients more time to focus on what makes them tick-whether it is being with friends and socializing, or working in the garden or exercising or volunteering at church,” says Denise. “Also, for people who are extremely busy, it is a stress reducer. Personally, when I come home and my house is a mess, it is really stressful for me. I can only handle a certain amount of clutter and dirtiness before I get completely stressed out. It is a relief to know that you are going to come home and once or twice a week or once a month, your home is going to be clean and that is one less thing you have to worry about,” notes Denise.

It seemed like the perfect balance: a full-time job while maintaining and operating a relatively low maintenance business. But it didn’t necessarily work out that way. After its first year of business, DiCi Services did not make money or lose money and Denise was encouraged by the company’s first fiscal year. At the same time, Coca-Cola, the company where Denise worked full-time, , was pressuring her to take an option to re-locate to different areas of the country and that option was one she was not willing to take.

DiCi Services was kick started in 2001 when Denise’s daughter left for college. With her daughter gone and having more time to spare, she thought it would Often tending to our homes be an ideal time to earn extra is the first sacrifice that is money, while maintaining a made when it comes to time full-time job. Starting a cleaning constraints. Unfortunately, it is our business typically takes little homes--our true sanctuaries-overhead for small to mediumthat suffer as a result. Yet many sized residential cleaning women seem to hold back from services. Denise’s sister owned asking for help. Having someone a cleaning company for several clean your house shouldn’t years in Virginia, so Denise had make you feel bad or make a mentor and a strong support you beat yourself up (as I did system to get started. Not to before I began working with DiCi mention, things just started falling Services). It frees up time for you into place. She was connected to focus on the more important with a logo designer, and with things in life or to focus on the the designer’s connections; she

The road has not always been easy. Staffing, for example, can be a challenge. “When you are dealing with other people you sometimes have to be their coach, mentor and sometimes, their disciplinarian.

It is a challenge to figure out what motivates individuals. It is not the same for everyone,” states Cagan.

Fortunately, Denise Cagan’s business exists to keep strong and dynamic women (like Women With Know How readers) at ease when it comes to our homes.

Denise is the owner of DiCi Services, a local and independently owned residential cleaning company based in Charlotte, North Carolina. DiCi Services covers the Greater Charlotte area from Mooresville to as far south as Indian Land, South Carolina.

In May of 2002, Denise decided it was best for her to resign from her job and dedicate herself fulltime to DiCi Services.

Denise has found ways to create a strong and supportive staff. She adds, “The key is to build a community within my staff because if they are happy working for me, they are going to perform better cleaning for our clients.”

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We are women. We are busy.

Whether we are taking care of our families, working multiple jobs, working extreme hours at one job, or keeping up with a demanding social life, time often seems like it is not on our side. I am more than willing to bet that if you ask five women, or even five men for that matter, what they lack most in their lives, time will be in the top three answers, if not number one.

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November 2009 | The premier women’s business resource guide

[Denise] offers a service that makes our lives easier, looks at problems and situations with a down-to-earth and balanced attitude, while helping to unite the Charlotte area community one connection at a time.

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A few years back, Denise attempted to expand DiCi Services by including handyman services. The handyman services were off to a great start, but the handyman was Denise’s husband, and shortly after those services were dissolved, Denise and her husband separated.

The separation of her marriage proved to be a big hardship, both personally and professionally for Denise. Her husband and she had their business together and things rapidly needed to be modified.

“You may have a business plan, but you need to make sure it is fluid and be prepared to make changes. No matter what the changes are and no matter how they come to you, some things you cannot foresee; you have to be ready for what is thrown at you,” says Denise.

These rapid modifications happened not only in the core of the business, but also within her client base. “I have gone through a situation where I lost my biggest client,” comments Denise. “They had begun as an apartment community and converted to condominiums.

The name and then the management changed and they switched to their preferred cleaning company. I was panicked by that, but the bottom line is that you need to keep moving forward and keep planning for the future. You cannot worry or dwell on what happened. You need to learn from it, but pick up and keep going and devise a plan, even if it is short-term, to get out of that predicament. If I would get one to two new clients a week, within a month, I could be back to the same level I was before.”

depending on clients in some areas); or to move DiCi Services’ office, and so far, this goal has been met. “I have not laid anyone off. There is the natural attrition, but I actually have been lucky enough to have to hire some new people.”

DiCi Services is not a franchise so clients have direct access to Denise, which is a benefit that sets DiCi Services apart from most cleaning businesses.

There is no rule book on how the business is run and customization and exceptions can be made. Acccomodations are also often made for clients with special needs.

“Do unto others as you would have others do unto you.” That phrase is the motivation behind how Denise not only lives, but also how she treats those in her business circle. “If you give In both challenges, with staffing someone a crappy attitude, and business service changes, do you really want that back? going back to basics and Whether you look at it as karma, honing in on what the company good Christian principles, does best has helped Denise energy, the Law of Attraction, if and DiCi Services the most. “It is you want others to be nice to a theme in our company (going you, you have to project that to back to basics); we keep things them, too!” simple. We can customize people’s services, but there is a Through the advice about customization list we work from.” networking she received early on and the connections she The main goal of DiCi Services made, Denise is now highly for the remainder of 2009 is fluid involved in networking to and general, yet powerful: to get grow her business. Currently, through the recession and to do she is involved with BLOC so without having to deliberately (Business Leaders of Charlotte), lay-off employees (only hours the BLOCtoberfest and the have been cut for some, Marketing Committee, and is

“I go into networking really with the mindset of how I can connect you with someone.

Not that I am never thinking of myself, but I always look to how I can reciprocate because honestly, if people do not trust me, they will not promote me.”

What Denise has found to make networking successful-not just an opportunity to collect business cards--is to reach out to prospects personally and to meet with new contacts. One episode in general made it clear that Denise’s tactics are rare. “I had offered for someone to have coffee with me that I met at a networking event.

We met in April, but probably didn’t get together until August.

I asked for us to get together get to know each other’s businesses and how we could help each other. Her husband joined, as they worked together, and they gave me the rundown of their business and they asked a few questions of my business. I then asked them ‘How can I help you?’ and the husband said, ‘I don’t know – Tell me what you have?’ I said, ‘Well, I have a cleaning company but when I met you, you said you both were fairly new to networking, so tell me how I can help you.’ He asked how much it would cost! I said, ‘You don’t understand what I am saying – How can I connect you with people, if there are networking groups I can share with you or what type of people you are looking for?’”

Denise has also embraced alternative and social media to grow DiCi Services and to create awareness of services provided, including Facebook, email marketing and campaigns, last minute specials to select groups of her marketing target, and marketing to apartment communities, among other means of promotion. Print advertising campaigns have decreased and DiCi Services is staying on the cutting edge of new media, which is helping her stay in contact with new prospects daily. She is reaching a broad spectrum of potential clients and is currently reaching people she normally would not touch.

Denise is the full package. She offers a service that makes our lives easier, looks at problems and situations with a down-toearth and balanced attitude, while helping to unite the Charlotte area community one connection at a time. Now, if Denise is not a woman with know how; no one is!

Want a great tip from Denise on how to begin the process of getting time back on your side in life? “Don’t let things get so bad they let you get stressed!

Whether that is taking care of your home or otherwise, don’t let it get to the point it drives you crazy and you cannot think about anything else. Take a bath, have some dark chocolate and relax!”

Want more advice or Denise’s assitance to regain your personal time? Well, you are just going to have to call Denise for that cup of coffee…

MORE For more information about DiCi Services, pleasee visit http://www.

DiCiServices.com or call (704) 376-0017. You can also find Denise Cagan on Facebook and can become of a ‘fan’ of DiCi Services on Facebook.

November 2009 | The premier women’s business resource guide

active in NAWBO (National Organization of Women Business Owners), where she won a Team Building Award and held a board position.

Denise is also the head of the Hospitality Ministry at her church.

17

Gifts

Family Features

Gifts November 2009 | The premier women’s business resource guide

For the

18

Curious: What to Give the Dan Brown Fan

a member of the Knights Templar, addresses when and why the society was founded, the elaborate rituals, cryptic rights The popularity of Dan Brown’s and veiled symbols of latest novel, “The Lost Symbol,” Freemasonry throughout has opened up the secretive the centuries. world of the Freemasons to millions of readers. The ancient Besides fast-paced action, society and puzzling ciphers Brown’s principal trademark featured in the book have is his fascination with puzzles, sparked interest in finding codes and cryptic symbols, out more about both. Now, and “The Lost Symbol” that interest can be fed with has no shortage of them. two books in the popular “For Mathematical magic squares, Dummies®” series. secret writing codes and word games all play a part in the “Freemasons For plot. Fans will find these types Dummies®,” by Christopher of mind-challenging games Hodapp, a 32nd degree in “Cracking Codes Mason, Past Master, and & Cryptograms For

from the simplest substitution puzzles to fiendishly difficult ciphers, the book provides an introduction to the use and function of codes and cryptograms in the world of secret societies as well as their connections to

With over 350 different puzzles of varying skill levels

conspiracy theories.

Mystery and conspiracy lovers, puzzle fans and curious-minded readers will all enjoy delving into these books from Wiley Publishing, Inc. Find out more at wiley. com and dummies.com.

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November 2009 | The premier women’s business resource guide

Dummies®,” by syndicated puzzle author Denise Sutherland and Mark KoltkoRivera, PhD, a 32nd degree Mason and freemason expert.

Proceeds to benefit the mission of Metropolitan business & Professional women’s organization of charlotte

19

A d v e r t o r i a l

Hair Products

Alan Daniel Salon

Hairy November 2009 | The premier women’s business resource guide

Scary‌

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A d v e r t o r i a l

Products are not everything.

Hair is sensitive and reacts to over processing and extreme services. Care must be taken by the stylist to provide professional hair care, always a priority at ADS. By having consultative conversations addressing requests that may be injurious to your hair, even if it makes you look great initially, ADS Stylists can provide suggestions complimentary. I recently met a young lady who was suffering from too much processing within a narrow window by a reputable salon. She paid dearly for this disaster and was still paying by having to wear the

damage, daily. At ADS, your professional stylist will followup with new and changed services to ensure you are satisfied and offer additional suggestions for maintenance.

Unless its Halloween and the look you are going for is to

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November 2009 | The premier women’s business resource guide

At Alan Daniels Salon (ADS), we provide consultative services to determine the requirement for each client’s hairstyle needs and to recommend the premium and luxury products to achieve the best results. After receiving your shampoo, highlights, conditioner, deep treatments, maintenance must occur. After all, if you see the doctor for an illness, a prescription may be provided if required. It would be the same service expectation with your professional stylist.

To maintain the look when leaving the salon, you need the products to upkeep your look in between visits. It is highly recommended that the salon client use the same product line for optimum hair care and health.

www.susieart.com susie@susieart.com

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November 2009 | The premier women’s business resource guide

Green Routine

22

Family Features

Kick-off the Season with a new

Green Routine

A change in seasons brings a chance for families to make changes in their routines. A new season is a great time to “green your routine” and establish simple, everyday eco-friendly habits with your family.

Automotive Buying Services LeeAnn Shattuck, President & Chief Car Chick Women's Automotive Solutions, Inc. 2597 Lower Assembly Dr. Fort Mill, SC 29708 704-248-8706, cell: 704-724-5679

Leeann@womensautomotivesolutions.com -www.womensautomotivesolutions.com

•K eep your family’s eyes healthy while helping the environment by purchasing new “green” Airwear eyeglass lenses.

Now manufactured using 100 percent recycled water and packaged in 100 percent recyclable cardboard, the lenses are greener than before.

A new season is a great time to “green your routine” …with your family.

•S witch the light bulbs in your house to energyefficient, inexpensive, compact fluorescent bulbs. If every household in America exchanged five light bulbs, the energy savings would be equivalent to taking 8 million cars off the road.

In addition, Aldrich invites other environmentallyconscious people to submit the creative ways they are making their world a greener, more sustainable place •C lean out the clutter by through the “Lighter.Safer. recycling old school papers Greener.” contest. The grand and giving away outgrown prize is the latest in Airwear clothes. Before going eyewear for their entire shopping for anything new family. To enter the contest, take inventory and identify and for more of Aldrich’s what can be reused so simple, attainable greenyou only replace what you living tips, visit really need. www.LighterSaferGreener.com.

November 2009 | The premier women’s business resource guide

Green living expert and mother of three, Beth Aldrich, encourages families to try little things to make a difference every day and to look for products and adopt practices that work for them and the environment.

23

Automotive

By LeeAnn Shattuck Owner Women’s Automotive Solutions, Inc.

November 2009 | The premier women’s business resource guide

Extended Service Contracts

24

An extended service contract—also called an extended warranty—covers the cost of certain repairs after the vehicle’s original manufacturer warranty expires. It is essentially an insurance policy against repair bills. Extended warranties can be purchased for both new and used cars, depending on the age and mileage. The cost of the warranty depends on the type of car, its age and mileage, and the level of coverage. Warranties for Asian cars (Honda, Toyota, etc.) are the cheapest, and warranties for highline, European cars (BMW, Mercedes, etc.) are usually the most expensive due to both repair costs and reliability. Three “tiers” of extended warranties are typically offered, depending on the level of coverage you desire. The lowest tier covers the basic, power train components, such as the engine, transmission and drive axle. The middle

tier typically covers your brakes (including ABS), A/C, steering and basic electrical components (not including navigation or DVD systems). The top tier is usually a bumper-to-bumper warranty that covers almost everything except normal wear-and-tear components (tires, wiper blades, etc.) and after-market parts.

Coverage for navigation and DVD systems may be extra.

Contracts known as “wraps” are common for vehicles like Hyundai and Kia, which have longer factory warranties for their powertrain components.

These wraps extend the “bumper-to-bumper” warranty to equal the term and mileage of the longer powertrain warranty.

Every warranty is different, so be sure to get a comprehensive list of what is covered, what is excluded, and any deductibles and proof-of-maintenance requirements before you sign. Some contracts cover the cost of towing, rental

November 2009 | The premier women’s business resource guide

Extended warranties can be purchased for both new and used cars, depending on the age and mileage.

25

September 2009 | The premier women’s business resource guide

Extended warranties are enormous moneymakers for auto dealers. The markup is often 100% or more!

26

car and even hotel stays, but others do not. Some contracts have a per-part or per-incident deductible of $50, $100 or $200; others have no deductible. Also check where you can get the repairs done, and how the shop will be paid. A good warranty will have many authorized repair shops across the country, including both independent shops and franchised car dealers. The repair shop should contact the warranty company for authorization prior to making any repairs, and the shop should bill the warranty company directly for the repair costs. Finally, the company that backs the service contract, and the re-insurer who backs them, should be financially sound and have a strong track record in the industry.

But, are extended warranties worth the money? That depends on several factors.

People who buy and trade cars frequently or lease should pass on an extended warranty. There’s no need to purchase one if you only plan to keep the car for three or four years since repairs are covered under the car’s original warranty.

If you plan to keep the car longer and you don’t like surprise expenses, then an extended contract might be a good option - but only if you don’t pay too much for it! Extended warranties are enormous moneymakers

If someone tells you that the bank requires you to buy one [an extended warranty] in order to qualify for a car loan, they are lying!

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November 2009 | The premier women’s business resource guide

for auto dealers. The markup is often 100% or more! Women’s Automotive Solutions, as well as many reputable online companies like http://www.warrantydirect. com, offer service contracts with equal or better coverage at a significant discount.

For example, many Kia dealerships charge $2,200 for the extended “wrap” on their new vehicles.

Both Women’s Automotive Solutions and Warranty Direct offer the same coverage for less than half the price. While you should not select a warranty solely on price, if the coverage and quality are the same, why not save some money!

And you don’t have to rush your decision. Most warranty companies allow you to sign up after you have purchased your new or used car or even after the original manufacturer warranty has expired. However, it is significantly cheaper to buy an extended warranty before the manufacturer warranty expires. If you prefer to buy the warranty from the dealer (so you can roll the cost into your auto loan), then negotiate the price as a part of the deal. Don’t get forced into buying an extended warranty. If someone tells you that the bank requires you to buy one in order to qualify for a car loan, they are lying! Buying an extended warranty is your decision and yours alone.

27

Computer Training

By Janet Anderson Anderson PC Training

How

Prepared November 2009 | The premier women’s business resource guide

Are You?

28

Most companies use Microsoft Office Products, therefore it is a good bet that learning the applications in Office 2007 would be beneficial to you. Even if the company where you are employed does not use them, you are ahead of the person who has no experience using the business productivity tools.

Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook are the most popular programs in the Microsoft arsenal.

In my many years of experience, I have learned never to assume anything, so here is an explanation of what these products do.

Word is the premier tool to use when you want to write a letter, put together a newsletter, or create a mail merge document (putting together a common letter with a list of some kind). It is also used to create labels and envelopes.

Excel is the choice for crunching numbers and tracking a single table of related information. Pivot tables are spectacular for analyzing tables of data.

More complex related table structures should be tracked in Access (another Microsoft product), but Excel can handle a lot of data.

PowerPoint is probably the most “fun” application. Most often applied in on-screen presentations, it is used in every conference across the nation to transfer information in an organized, entertaining way. Graphics are the driving force behind the popularity of this software. PowerPoint can be used to sell a product, demo a procedure, introduce a speaker, or present a meeting agenda. I use it in all of my classes to introduce what subjects will be covered. It properly sets up the expectations for the day.

Outlook is the email client most used by companies. I’m always surprised that more people seek training in Word, Excel or PowerPoint, yet they use Outlook every day and don’t attend training for it as often. This program is extremely robust in managing email, contacts, calendars, and tasks.

Using Outlook for time management is reason enough to learn more about Outlook. Creating folders and rules will instantly pre-organize your emails into areas where all like emails are together, ready for you to work on.

November 2009 | The premier women’s business resource guide

During the time when you are between “opportunities”— unemployed— you have the opportunity to brush up on your computer skills.

But which ones?

29

November 2009 | The premier women’s business resource guide

It is so interesting that over the years I have seen a change in the students seeking training in these products. Many years ago, typically women would come to Word classes while men in engineering and managing positions would take the Excel and PowerPoint classes. The next shift came when assistants, usually women, came to learn how to create PowerPoint presentations for their bosses, or some of Excel to be able to modify and format a previously created spreadsheet. Now

I see a change in this balance. MOST students, men and women, use at least some of two of the applications. I also get comments such as “I used to have an assistant do this for me. Now, I need to know how to do this.”

New positions require this knowledge from the get-go.

Look for companies in your area that offer a variety of training opportunities.

Depending on the state, these companies are open to public enrollment. trainers who are donating their time, and therefore could have great value. Adult Ed classes usually offered in the evenings can give you a quick overview training. Look to your community colleges for general classes. These could vary from one day classes to whole semesters going into great detail. These can be large and you may not get individual attention, but it is less expensive than other alternatives.

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Where can you receive such training? Depending on your need—time constraints, cost containment, how detailed you need the training to be, and how YOU learn— there are many options.

Area community nonprofit organizations may offer free training to those who are unemployed. Many times these classes are taught by

Look for companies in your area that offer a variety of training opportunities.

Depending on the state, these companies are open to public enrollment. An example in Charlotte would be the Employer’s Association that offers a variety of one to two day classes at a reasonable cost. And of course, I offer such

training that could be most helpful specifically for you.

Another option is online training. These classes can be synchronous, offered ‘live,” where an instructor introduces subjects and where you as the student have the opportunity to participate from your computer practicing labs and assignments. These classes are typically short —from 60 to 120 minutes long. They are best when you have little time, and want a cost effective way of getting specific training without traveling. Since

they are delivered in small chunks, the retention rate can be higher.

Whichever program you choose, or the method you find to learn, go for it. You will be confident in answering the question “ Do you know the Office Products?” with “ I have taken the time to improve my computer skills recently and would embrace additional training to improve my use of the applications specific to the job.” Your preparation and interest in learning more will be another feather in your cap. Good luck!!

November 2009 | The premier women’s business resource guide

Your preparation and interest in learning more will be another feather in your cap.

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November 2009 | The premier women’s business resource guide

Food

32 Family Features

Spicy GingerPoached Pears

Prep Time: 10 minutes Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes

Makes 4 servings.

A Delicious Holiday Duo

Tea & Pears

Make a Merry Combination Some things just go together, especially for the holidays – hot cocoa and marshmallows… turkey and stuffing…and a fresh new holiday duo, tea and pears.

Pears and tea also offer guests the gift of health benefits — one medium-sized pear has 24 percent of the daily recommended amount of

fiber and is a good source of vitamin C. And made with all-natural herbs, spices and botanicals, tea naturally includes antioxidants.

For more recipes, tips and information about fresh USA Pears, visit www.usapears.org.

For more information about Tazo’s full line of teas, visit www.tazo.com.

Mix water, sugar and ginger in a medium saucepan.

Add filterbags, star anise and lemon. Bring to boil on medium-low heat. Add pears; partially cover. Simmer 45 to 50 minutes or until pears are tender.

Remove pears from liquid; place in 4 dessert dishes.

Bring liquid to boil; cook 30 minutes or until liquid is reduced to 1-1/2 cups.

Remove and discard filterbags, star anise and lemon.

Drizzle 2 tablespoons sauce over each pear.

Refrigerate remaining sauce for another use.

Recipe courtesy of kraftfoods.com Courtesy of Family Features

November 2009 | The premier women’s business resource guide

5 cups water 2 cups sugar 1 tablespoons crystallized ginger 5 filterbags Tazo Organic Spicy Ginger Herbal Infusion 2 star anise 1/4 fresh lemon 4 pears (2 pounds), peeled, cored

33

Let’s Talk

By Marcie Browning Owner Chrysalis Hypnosis Center

Let’s Talk About November 2009 | The premier women’s business resource guide

Food

34

As the holidays approach I wanted to share with you some strategies to enjoy them in every way. Our fall and winter holidays are all focused around food. Just the smells alone trigger deep emotions and memories.

Those memories are usually associated with loved ones, laughter and good times.

However, many of us have removed the good feelings around the holidays with our thoughts and feelings about food. I’d like to help you regain those positive associations with food so that the approaching holidays can truly be about love, laughter and good times.

system? More importantly, did you know that relaxation activates it? So what does that have to do with what you think or how you feel about food? Everything!

If you think or feel that consuming food will cause a negative outcome you are activating your body’s stress response which shuts down your digestive system. If you eat under stress or in a hurry you shut down the digestive system. Simply put the part of our brain that turns on stress turns off digestion.

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Conversely, the part of the brain that turns on relaxation turns on full, healthy digestion. So, how important is how you feel about food in relation to your body’s ability to digest and assimilate the nutrients from your food?

Scientific studies show that anywhere from thirty to seventy percent of your body’s ability to digest food is affected by what you are thinking and feeling before and during the digestive process. When our thoughts are negative they cause the body to go into stress November 2009 | The premier women’s business resource guide

As I mention food and the holidays what are your first thoughts? Do you think of the smell of turkey or ham or do think of over eating and weight gain?

Do you feel anticipation or dread? Do you recall the smell of a baking pie with a smile or guilt? Do you find yourself rushing through the preparation of your food and especially the food designated for holiday celebrations? How do you really feel about food?

Did you know that stress shuts down your digestive

35

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response. That includes how you feel when you are eating your meal, how you feel about the food you are eating, even how you feel about who you are eating your meal with.

If you feel the food is “bad” for you the body will respond with stress. When you are upset or in a rush before or during your meal your body will be under stress.

November 2009 | The premier women’s business resource guide

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Stress also increases the output of insulin in the body.

Insulin lowers blood glucose by telling the body to store carbohydrates as fat. It also signals the body not to release any stored fat.

So the result is stress = poor or no digestion = stored fat. All of these things are

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He

easily remedied by changing your thoughts and feelings about food. Worrying about fat increases fat. Worrying about good food versus bad food, increases stress, which increases fat. Worrying increases stress and interrupts or stops digestion all together.

As you can see, what you think and feel about food and mealtime is critical to your body’s ability to use food in a healthy way.

So what can you do about it? There are several things for you to use to begin to enjoy your food. The first is to allow yourself more time to eat. Seems simple but our lifestyles are usually so hectic that mealtime becomes an afterthought rather than a planned event. Begin by adding five to ten minutes to your mealtime at each meal.

Savor the food. Enjoy the sensuality of food, the way it smells, the way it looks, the way it feels in your mouth and the way it tastes. When is the last time you recall actually tasting your food?

Secondly, you can breathe.

This may seem silly but most adults only use the top third of their lungs. Your digestive system is greatly aided by oxygen. Simply taking a few moments to breathe deeply prior to eating will give your body additional oxygen to help it digest and assimilate the food. Remember,

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Finally, change the way you view food. There is no good or bad food. The only thing that can make food good or bad is your thoughts and feelings regarding food. For instance, do you consider sugar evil?

Do you consider broccoli good? Sugar can have negative effects on your health certainly but is it inherently bad? I say that it isn’t.

Is broccoli inherently good?

Not to someone who is allergic to it. It has vital

nutrients that are beneficial to our body but they wouldn’t be beneficial to the person with an allergy to broccoli.

Food isn’t good or bad. It is neutral.

What can make it good or bad is your opinion of it. If you think that eating pumpkin pie at Thanksgiving is bad you trigger that stress response in your body that makes it bad for your body because the body cannot digest it. Your aunt Betty could eat the same piece of pie and love every single bite. Her body is going to digest the pie fully and completely and your digestive system is going to shut down and ultimately store that pie as fat.

The old adage, everything in

moderation, applies to your thoughts and feelings about food. If you love pumpkin pie then eat it in moderation with happy thoughts, enjoying every single bite, knowing that your body will digest that pie completely and fully.

Relax about the pie and your body will relax and digest properly.

The same goes for how you feel about everything going on during the holidays.

Stress = digestive shut down. Relaxation = complete digestion. As the holidays approach embrace love, laughter and good times including delicious food.

Relax, digest and enjoy!

Namaste, Marcie

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As you can see, what you think and feel about food and mealtime is critical to your body’s ability to use food in a healthy way.

November 2009 | The premier women’s business resource guide

relaxation turns on digestion.

Breathing relaxes the body.

Breathe while you are eating.

Stop after a few bites and take a deep breath. Not only will this help you relax but the next bite of food will taste wonderful!

37

your idea

your partner

your dream

March – April 2008 LPportal.com

Stacey’s kitchen, which is bound to make you feel so much better about your own culinary skills. A fun, helpful, and yummy read!

Sheri Lynch

Bob & Sheri co-host and best-selling author of “Hello, My Name is Mommy”

Featuring The Collection of Kroghie Andresen

GuNNIN’ BIrDs

22

your stomach happy; it’ll help your heart, since all the profits go to help the millions of kids with juvenile diabetes.”

Jeff Glor

The Early Show National Correspondent, CBS News

Reasons Employees

“This is the first cookbook I’ve seen in all my years of reading them like novels (and

writing a few myself) that is for everybody, Stacey delivers a delightful, entertaining,

But I Know Someone Who Can

“Having worked with her on the anchor desk, I always knew Stacey could deliver the news. Now she’s delivered a wonderful book of recipes. This book will not only make

I Can’t Cook,

About the Author

and useful repertoire of recipes in the same wonderful manner she gives us ‘news we can use’ each morning.”

Barbara McKay Media Personality

HATE their

Jobs

“Stacey has been a long time advocate for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

help find a cure and improve the lives of so many.”

and what companies can do about it

by Denise Altman, MBA, CPA, CPBA

I Can’t Cook, But I Know Someone Who Can is

I Can’t

It’s a tell-all collaboration between twenty-five

Stacey Simms, co-host of Charlotte’s Morning side of her own kitchen: the roasted but still half-

Reading, writing and diversity at Trinity Episcopal School

frozen holiday turkey, the emergency visit from the local fire department, and the just-cooked soup poured down the drain. Her stories are as honest

Breach!

as they are humorous. But Stacey isn’t ready to hang up her oven mitts just yet.

She has somehow convinced the best restaurants

An LP Approach to Information Security

in town to share their favorite recipes for this book.

Many of the featured chefs have generously

offered practical advice, along with their recipes, to help both serious foodies and hopeless home cooks like Stacey.

Daniel Stowe in Full Bloom

For founder of real estate firm, priorities are about more than finances

Mooresville’s Artistic Side

Self-taught topiary artist’s yard is a cut above

and Cucumber Soup … to White Chocolate Bread Pudding, Yam Soufflé, and New Zealand Lamb. Some of the recipes are easy, others more complicated, but all of them yield delicious results.

This book also has another purpose—to raise awareness and funds to help in the fight against type 1 (juvenile) diabetes. Stacey’s son has type 1, and by purchasing this book you are helping to support the work of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation of Charlotte.

Forward by

Carolina Panthers Coach John Fox

Good food, good stories, good cause.

Bon Appétit!

George Winston Welcomes Spring in Davidson LNC 0309 Cover Sig.indd 1

Man on a

VOL. 2 NUMBER

MARCH 2009

3

WWW.LNCURRENTS.COM

2/18/09 2:49 PM

mission

Richard ‘Stick’ Williams, who’ll be the YMCA’s first black chairperson in 2010, makes community involvement his business

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Business Issue

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But I Know Someone Who Can

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Charlotte’s African-American Magazine

Concrete2Green revitalizes communities, spreads love of soccer

city’s worst cooks.

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of Charlotte’s greatest chefs and one of our

Cook,

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committed volunteer. She is not willing to accept that her son and millions of others may have to live the rest of their lives with diabetes. Thank you, Stacey for all that you do to

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Stacey SimmS

Recipes range from Albóndigas, Bruschetta,

When her two year old son was diagnosed, she immediately went from advocate to fully

Altman Initiative Group, Inc.

Kroghie Andresen has enjoyed hunting and the outdoors since his early teens in eastern North Carolina. His waterfowl hunting experiences began when he shot two lesser scaup from a stake blind in the mouth of Bath Creek at the age of fifteen. since then his passion for hunting has grown and flourished.

Kroghie worked as a banker for First union National Bank, now Wachovia, for thirty three years before retiring in 2004.

Though his work had no connection with hunting, he continued to pursue his hobby during spare time away from work. While living in raleigh in 1979, his wife ross, bought him his first decoy to decorate their new den. This started a collection that has grown into over 1,100 North Carolina decoys. An early decision to limit his collection to Back Bay, Virginia, and North Carolina decoys led to a very specialized collection. Kroghie always tried to document the history and provenance of his decoys. The lack of information on many North Carolina decoys led him to research many previously unidentified carvers as well as those that are well known. This research and thirty years of collecting decoys have culminated with this book.

Kroghie received a B.s. degree in Civil Engineering from The Citadel in 1966 and an MBA from East Carolina university www.altmaninitiative.com in 1971. He and his wife currently704.708.6700 reside in Charlotte, N.C. They have two grown children, Clark and Hailey.

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Kroghie, with Maggie, after a successful duck hunt at Lake Mattamuskeet, N.C. in 2004.

– even dazzling – meals made by you – yes, you! Plus, the fire department has had to visit

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“If you love to eat, but fear the kitchen, follow Stacey Simms to the stove. Imagine delicious

Denise Altman has spent the past 25 years observing how companies manage and utilize their employees.

Her observations have made her a valued consultant to businesses large and small.

She is the President of Altman Initiative Group, Inc., a behavioral Stacey Simms is the award-winning and strategic consulting firm near Charlotte,Morning North News Carolina. In co-host of Charlotte’s addition to working with individual with Al Gardner and Stacey Simms and companies, she is a frequent speaker at on the subjects Health conferences Headlines: Thenationwide Show, both heard of communication, leadership, hiring, on NewsTalk 1110 WBT. Stacey started employee development and retention.

Her practical information and humorous her broadcasting career as a TV news insights get rave reviews from her anchor and reporter, first in upstate New audiences.

She the author two compact discs York, then in is Charlotte at CBSofaffiliate on behavioral communication entitled WBTV.“Help, She’s a these graduate of Syracuse people are driving me crazy!” and “Help, my School husband is driving me University’s Newhouse of Public crazy!” She has also written a variety Communications.

Stacey lives in Davidson, of articles that have been published in newspapers, magazines and newsletters NC with her family. She tries not to set off around the country. the smoke detectors Denise holdstoo a often.

Masters in Business Administration from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. She is a Certified Public Accountant and a Certified Professional Behavior Analyst.

Learn more about Denise Altman and her work at www.altmaninitiative.com.

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