Wedding Network USA V1#1 by Cherie Ronning

Business Expertise Education Networking Has your business BEEN growing? We can help!

Member Spotlight

Our First Founding Member 14

January Goals

Goal Setting Homework At Your Next Event 13

Business

Marketing Basics: Old And New Ways To Get Your Product Out There 16

Premiere Issue Portland Launch | Seattle Launch | Portland Gala

Wedding Network USA emagazine | Volume 1, Number 1 | January 2010

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Chérie Ronning Founder, Executive Director Owner, Uncommon Invites

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Jennifer Taylor President National Member Benefits Chair Owner, Taylor’d Events By Jennifer

Brian Dale Vice President National Ethics Chair Owner, Wave Link Music, Inc.

Cindy Rosen Secretary Owner, Encore Events

Linda Barclay Treasurer National Finance Chair Owner, Barclay Event Rentals

Peter Barnett Board Member National Membership Chair Owner/Chef, Premiere Catering

Molli Barss Board Member National P/R & Marketing Co-Chair Owner, Soiree Special Event Planning

Don Boshears Board Member National P/R & Marketing Co-Chair Private Events Director, Columbia Tower Club

Donna Hoff Board Member National Web Marketing Chair Owner, The Wedding Genies

Eric Newland Board Member National Education Chair Owner, Hybrid Moon Videography

Gayle O’Donnell Board Member National Communications Chair Owner, All About Weddings and Celebrations

Musings from the Founder, Executive Director Monthly Topic

3 3

HAPPENINGS Portland, Oregon Launch Party Seattle, Washington Launch Party Portland, Oregon Gala Calendar of Events

4 8 12 13

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT Our First Founding Member

BUSINESS Marketing Basics: Old and New Ways to get Your Product Out There Top 10 Year-End Review Questions Five Year End Tax Tips Internet Marketing Strategies

16 18 19 20

WEDDING NETWORK USA NEWS Corporate Sponsorship Opportunities January 2010 Guest Speaker Code of Ethics Founding Members

22 23 25 BC

ADVERTISER INDEX Canlis Glass Crane Manor Snapshot eMagazine (Strubel Studios) Pacific Northwest Weddings (Special Issue)

21 24 24

CONTACT: Wedding Network USA | 1-888-509-6872

MUSINGS AND MONTHLY TOPIC

Chérie Ronning, Founder, Executive Director

As we go to “press” on this Premiere Issue of the Wedding Network USA emagazine, I look back to where we started and am thrilled as to where we are today. As of December 21, 2009 we have a total of 164 members who have registered, with new inquiries coming in daily. Starting with 2 over the top Launch Parties, we made a big splash in the event scene in Portland and Seattle. Those that attended have been joining and telling friends in the industry both in their own cities and around the USA.

as a Breakfast Meeting on the 2nd Tuesday of each month in SW Washington. We are reaching out to our Members for their participation on local and national committees. By being a part of an organization run by those in the industry, you have a say in the educational topics and benefits that fit your needs. Please check the Calendar of Events for upcoming meetings. Read about the Guest Speakers, the great locations for the meetings and plan to attend. This organization is about sharing of business expertise, education and networking. If you find that your business has not been working, then we can help! But you must do your part as well. Networking is net-work, not net-drink or net-play. Come to the meetings with your business cards in hand, with your 30-60 second introductory speech well honed, and challenge yourself to meet at least 3 new people. If you already know everyone, then make it a point to learn something new about their business. You will be amazed at the boost you will feel and what this can do for your business over the coming months.

We have also launched a group in SW Washington – headed up by our very first Regional Director, Gabrielle Lennartz of Black Swan Events. Their first meeting was hosted by The Heathman Lodge, who genWarm regards, erously provided breakfast for all who attended. They have set their monthly meeting

Chérie Ronning

HAPPENINGS

WNUSA LAUNCH PARTY October 7, 2009

Portland, Oregon

On Wednesday, October 7th a group of event professionals transformed the barren Bison Building in Portland, Oregon, into a nightclub atmosphere suitable for launching Wedding Network USA! In just a few short hours, Barclay Event Rentals, Hollywood Lighting and On the Go Productions installed lighting, lounge furniture, cocktail tables, beautiful linens, a dance floor, trees, food stations and a bar. All Wright Music provided the sound system for the evening, including a wonderful mix of music to get everyone in the spirit for a party! Entry lighting by On the Go Productions welcomed the Guests as they came up the street with vibrant glorious colors to direct them to the front door of the warehouse. Wave Link Music, Inc. provided red LED lighting for the rest rooms to take them out of the warehouse look and give them a bit of style! When the doors opened at 6pm – to over 165 Guests – the atmosphere was set and the Guests were excited to get inside. Display tables for all those Participating Sponsors were available for the Guests to meet Sponsors, pick up marketing materials and make their way into the main room. Hybrid Moon Video Productions had their Video Booth available for the Guests. Each Guest was asked to state their name, their business name, and what they would like to see from the new organization. Some of the comments were so serious, some so funny and generally everyone had a wonderful time toasting the new organization. Hollywood Lighting provided 2 gobos, so that one was focused on the floor in an area close to the bar and the other was focused on the back wall of the warehouse – easily seen from a half block away through the warehouse windows. ©2009 WEDDING NETWORK USA • ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

WNUSA LAUNCH PARTY continued Hybrid Moon Video Productions ran a continuous loop montage of the Board Members names, business logos and their goals for the new Association. Incredible food was donated by 3 of Portland’s very best catering companies – to the delight of the Guests. Crave Catering, Premiere Catering and Vibrant Table Catering & Events came to the event with their “A” games. The food and service were top-notch and the consensus was that everything was delicious. To showcase the food, Alesia Zorn Calligraphy created each of the catering companies their own uniquely designed Chalkboard Menu. Her chalkboards are a work of art, besides actually helping the Guest know what the foods were – they all enjoyed just seeing each of the chalkboards she designed. The bar was tended by Premiere Catering, and they offered Lemon Drops and Pomegranate Martinis through a 42” Martini Glass shaped Ice Luge. The carved luge was created by Creative Ice and it had the WNUSA logo on it. The vodka for the cocktails was provided by Lovejoy Vodka – another great Portland company. Cupcake Jones provided us with 2 types of Mini Cupcakes for dessert; chocolate with chocolate buttercream icing and red velvet with vanilla buttercream and a candied rose petal on the top. On the cupcake table were assorted bagged red/brown candies. If you see a theme going here it is because our colors are red and chocolate brown. These bags of candies were sealed with custom WNUSA Logo stickers provided by MyOwnLabels.com, a national company located here in Portland. 6

Floral designs were created by Kevan Inouye, Private Florist and Page Winograd of Vibrant Table Catering and Events.

was introduced and given a tiara – (something she made, so rather a gag gift), plus a free ticket to the Portland GALA on 12-01-09.

Best Car in Town provided their 1947 Rolls Royce Silver Wraith for display and a backdrop for photos.

Business announcements were made by Petrel Chapman, new owner of The Wedding Cottage and Dwayne Thomas, Founder/ Owner of Green Light Creative, LLC. Afterall, this is a networking association and these 2 had great news to share.

Reversed Lens Photography documented the entire event from beginning to end. You can see all of the photos on our Facebook Page, Facebook/weddingnetworkusa.

The party wound down a little after 9:00 pm, and as the Guests made their way out the door Programs for the event were provided by they were in high spirits. Within 1 week of the Uncommon Invites, red covers and choco- Portland Launch party – over 45 more Portland late brown ribbon, with our signature round based business joined WNUSA. A successful logo showing through a round cut out on event for sure! the program cover. Eric Wright of All Wright Music welcomed the crowd and introduced the Board of Directors and Roger Moore, from Moore Creative Weddings. Roger offered a Blessing for the launch of WNUSA, then thanked all of the Participating Sponsors and introduced the Executive Director, Chérie Ronning. Chérie thanked everyone for attending, explained a bit about WNUSA and handed out Padfolios, Membership Certificates and window cling film logo stickers, for those who had already joined as members. Our first member, Andrea Hoyt of August Veils ©2009 WEDDING NETWORK USA • ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

WNUSA LAUNCH PARTY November 4, 2009

Seattle, Washington

Our 2nd Launch Party for WNUSA took place in Seattle, Washington on Wednesday, November 4th at the Columbia Tower Club. Don Boshears who is a WNUSA Board Member is also the Private Dining Director and offered the Club for this official kick-off party in Seattle. Jennifer Taylor, our President and Eric Newland, Board Member are also members of the Club – so this made it an excellent location for the event. Located on the 75th and 76th floors of the Columbia Tower, the tallest building west of the Mississippi, the Seattle Launch Party found a great home. The staff was extremely accommodating in the set up and later the service to our Guests. Wave Link Music, Inc. started the music to entice the Guests to our event as they entered the club on the 75th floor. Tray passed appetizers greeted them as they made their way up the grand staircase from the 75th to the 76th floor, past the WNUSA gobo light in the open stairwell. The bar was open featuring a non-alcoholic beverage served through the Martini Glass Luge with the WNUSA logo in it, provided by Creative Ice. The wine was donated by Columbia Winery, Mad Housewife and Novelty Hill-Januik wineries. What fun for the Guests to have so many great wines to sample. The linens were provided by Choice Linens and Grand Event Rentals. Chivari chairs were provided by Grand Event Rentals. The small plates were provided by AA Party Rental. Beautiful silk gold draping was installed by Chic Celebrations and then uplit in red LED lights by Wave Link Music, Inc. ©2009 WEDDING NETWORK USA • ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

WNUSA LAUNCH PARTY continued The event photographers were Azzura Photography and they captured the fun and merriment for everyone to see later. You may view those photos by going to the Wedding Network USA Facebook Page, Facebook/weddingnetworkusa. The beautiful floral arrangements were created by Elements in Bloom, and graced the cocktail tables and the “Candy Bar.” The “Candy Bar” featured brown and red candies, with bags for the Guests to make their own mix of goodies, and then our signature logo seals created by MyOwnLabels.com. Hybrid Moon Video Productions brought their Video Guest Booth to Seattle from Portland, so that the Guests in Seattle could get their comments on the video. They were asked their name, company name, and what they wanted from WNUSA as members. Eventually the video will be on YouTube and our Facebook Page, Facebook/weddingnetworkusa. Uncommon Invites provided the event programs, chocolate cover, red ribbon and our signature round logo showing through a circle cut out on the cover. Jennifer Taylor, WNUSA President welcomed the Guests and introduced all of the Sponsors for the event. Chérie Ronning, Founder, Executive Director gave a short welcome and description of the vision for WNUSA. Brian Dale, Vice President handed out Membership Certificates, window cling film logo stickers, and logo padfolios to the Founding Professional Members, who had signed up prior to the event. 10

Throughout the evening the Guests were treated to a seemingly endless array of small plates, featuring the new event menu from the Columbia Tower Club. The food was amazing, and the service impeccable. As the evening wound down, the Guests were reluctant to leave the beautiful surroundings, and their industry friends – but it was a work night – darn! Over a dozen Guests joined that evening, and the group has set their monthly meeting date to be the last Wednesday of each month.

PORTLAND GALA December 1, 2009

Portland, Oregon

On December 1, 2009 WNUSA sponsored an Industry Gala Event at the Multnomah Athletic Club (MAC). The Gala was open to members of ABC, ACEP, ISES, NACE and WNUSA. 116 Guests turned out for a lovely meal created by renowned Chef Philippe Boulott. The MAC service staff was impeccable and the room looked amazing. The MAC was entirely decorated for the season adding to the festivities. Using the colors of lime green, eggplant, aqua and silver – the event design and coordination “Dynamic Duo” of Amy Nuttman, Blush Bridal Consultation Group and Cindy Rosen, Encore Events transformed the tables into a modern and welcoming dinner party. The long tables were festooned with a myriad of silver goblets, vases, tumblers and bowls filled with holiday ornaments in silver, aqua and lime green. The Table markers were large lime green tree ornaments, with the numbers hand calligraphed in silver, by Alesia Zorn Calligraphy. Uncommon Invites provided a 2 sided Menu Card with silver and white papers and coordinating aqua ribbon. Le Cookie Monkey provided decorated cookies for favors, each one done like 12

CALENDAR OF EVENTS a tree ornament in coordinating colors. The table linens and silver pieces were provided by West Coast Event Productions.

January 2010: Meetings

Huntington Images did party shots of the Guests, while Reversed Lens Photography once again volunteered to document the event from start to finish. The photos will be available for viewing on our Facebook Page, Facebook/ weddingnetworkusa.

6:00 to 9:00 pm

Cocktail and dance music and the Master of Ceremonies duties fell to Eric Wright of All Wright Music. He was just back from 2 weeks in Hawaii, and pointed out that industry wide – we seem to take great care of our clients – but forget about ourselves and that we all need to do better about taking care of ourselves in 2010!

Speaker Sponsor – Perfect Wedding Guide

Our dinner entertainment was the fabulous Patrick Lamb and his guitar player, who played holiday tunes as well as that NW Jazz that we all love. What a treat to have them at the event.

January 6th – Portland Venue & Catering: Hotel Vintage Plaza Meeting Host – Christina Safford ~ Muse Videographer – Hybrid Moon Photographer – Holland Studio

January 12th – SW Washington 9:00 to 10:30 am Venue: Crane Manor Venue Sponsor Catering: Penny Wise Catering and Black Swan Events Rentals: Abacus Event Rentals Meeting Host – Gabrielle Lennartz ~ Black Swan Events

The Arthur Murray dancers kicked off the dance set with lessons and got people onto the dance floor for some great fun.

January 27th – Seattle

Dessert was served as well as a scrumptious chocolate fountain from Dippity Doo Dads with dipping treats, to finish the evening.

Catering: Lisa Dupar Catering

6:00 to 8:00 pm Venue: Canlis Glass Gallery Venue Sponsor Meeting Host – Jennifer Taylor ~ Taylor’d Events by Jennifer

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT Our First Founding Member

Andrea Hoyt, August Veils

Note from the Executive Director: When I first started talking to people about WNUSA and the reasons behind starting it, I spoke with Andrea Hoyt. She has been in the business many years and is very well known in the Portland, Oregon wedding market. Her bio explains it all!

Photo by Evrim Icoz

The creative force behind Portland, Oregon-based August Veils is Andrea Hoyt. Andrea has been in the bridal accessories business since 1996. She opened her first store, AniA Bridal then and as the business grew, Andrea found that many of her brides complained about a lack of quality bridal headpieces. “I got started making tiaras by helping a customer who was in tears trying to find one,” says Andrea. “It took me all week to make one tiara because I had never done it before. After that I vowed never to do it again. Now it’s the main part of my business!” Soon, she found a niche making custom headpieces for her customers and this grew into a full-time occupation. In 1999, Andrea sold her share of AniA Bridal to devote her time exclusively to custom bridal veils and headpieces – and August Veils was born. “I have always loved to work with my hands; drawing, sewing, etc,” says Andrea. “In college, I took graphic arts courses and freelance drawing art classes and have always had an aptitude for design. My favorite moment as a designer is when the bride sees her completed piece and tells me that “it’s perfect or better than I ever imagined it to be!” Her goal is to have that reaction with every bride!

In 2001, Andrea teamed up with a group of other local bridal vendors to form the award winning co-op, The Bridal Loft. “Being part of the Loft has been crucial to the success in my business locally,” commented Andrea. “The Loft has provided me a great working atmosphere I share with five other talented women. The combined positive attitude makes the Loft a comfortable place to be for customers. We are not a typical bridal shop — nor will we ever be.” Andrea’s designs have been featured in TLC’s A Wedding Story, KATU AMNW, Martha Stewart Weddings, Wedding Dresses Magazine, and on multiple covers of Portland Bride and Groom Magazine. Andrea was immediately supportive of the idea of WNUSA and offered several great suggestions about things needed for folks in our industry that she was not getting elsewhere. She signed up as our first member – within 5 minutes of our on-line membership application being available. She is always willing to help at an event, donate services or cash to make things happen and generally be a terrific WNUSA Member. Congratulations Andrea for being our very first WNUSA Member! When I asked her for a comment about why she joined, Andrea had the following to share: “I am excited to be a part of WNUSA as so many of our members share the same ideals

and business ethics that I embrace. Being able to talk to other vendors and share our experiences both good and bad is so essential. It helps me become a better retailer. Listening and sharing stories amongst my cohorts helps me avoid bad situations and also introduces me to new ways of improving my business. When you are in the bridal industry, we have the ability to refer others but rarely have the ability to interact. I look forward to meetings in which I can reestablish old connections and get acquainted with new ones. I am excited to see what is in store for me (us) with WNUSA. Educational business seminars and vendor presentations are what I am looking forward to attending. Vendor presentations help me better understand the various subtleties and plain hard work it takes to be in their particular field. More knowledge gives you more power! I truly appreciate all of the referrals and confidence my fellow peeps have in me. And I can only hope that I will be able to instill the same trust and assurance to WNUSA members I have yet to acquaint.”

Andrea Hoyt Humbly,

Owner, August Veils

BUSINESS Marketing Basics: Old and New Ways to get Your Product Out There by Peter Barnett, Chef/Owner of Premiere Catering You have a great product, you know it’s a great idea, people have told you so. But you need to get that product into your customer’s hands, lots of customers, in order to be the latest must-have wedding product. Common wisdom is that you need to spend money to make money but in our current economic climate you’re trying hard to hang onto your profits as much as you can. There are many ways to get your business noticed, wanted and purchased, without major expense. The money you do spend has to be in the right places. Overspending in marketing and advertising with the reduced volume of business in this economy can put you out of business fast. Think about who your customers are, where they live and what is important to them. Now think about how your product will benefit your clients, and include that in your selling points. Does your product satisfy your customer’s needs? Will it impress their guests? Will it save them time and money? We all understand that the word marketing comes from a time when people who had things to sell gathered in a common area, a market, so the public could find many dif16

ferent goods in the same place. In this respect nothing has changed, you need to get your product out there in front of the client. Obviously one of the more effective ways to get your product in front of the client is the Internet, which consists of e-newsletters, submitting articles, blogs, all social networking and e-mail subscriber lists. Keep in mind that all these exposure situations on the Internet are not personal or face to face.

Developing relationships with other members of the industry to refer our common clients to each other can not be underestimated. If you respect someone’s product and they have worked well with you in the past, work together to pull in clients. That way both companies can be successful. Another way to actually get your product in front of your client base is trade shows. There are many trade shows, most of which target a specific industry. The wedding industry has several trade shows every year. Find out when the shows are and plan ahead to make sure you have your materials ready. Be sure to brand your company prominently so your company name stands out. Contact previous and potential clients to invite them to the show.

Simple exposure to your product does not always close deals. Personal contact can close deals. Energy sells, however passion can persuade. Customers have to feel your passion and enthusiasm. These marketing traits can not be accomplished on the Internet. Personal contact combined with Internet exposure and presence is what completes During face to face meetings with potential the marketing effort in the closing of deals. clients it is not always about what you have to offer, make sure you allow the client to A lot of times face to face is the final marexpress his/her needs. Now the thinking on keting attribute that gets you the job. The your feet part of the marketing comes into face to face (personal part) of marketing play, ask your client questions about their includes joining organizations, networking needs to get them talking. As they discuss with the members, getting involved in the their needs you will hear negative and posicommunity and making sales visits. Continued on page 19.

Top 10 Year-End Review Questions by Tshombe Brown As the year speeds to its end, we begin to prepare next year’s budget and plans. But don’t forget to take stock of your personal challenges and accomplishments THIS year. Here are some questions to ask yourself: 1. What have I accomplished this year? Be specific. Write it down. Schedule time to celebrate this!

7. Where did I not take responsibility? Sometimes this is easier to see with a little distance from the actual event. 8. How did my performance rate? Give yourself a letter grade or a 1-10 score.

9. What do I need to let go of? Doing so can help you move much more lightly into the new year. 2. What have I learned this year? What skills did you pick up? What emotional lessons? 10. What was missing for me this year? How can you incorporate them into next year? 3. What got in my way? This is where your work will be next year. Be honest if it was your own self that got in the way. Tshombe Brown 4. Who contributed to my successes? What can you do to recognize these members of your personal or professional team? 5. What mistakes did I make, and what did I learn from them? Writing these down is a good refresher for what not to do next year. 6. How was my work consistent with my values? What will you do with the inconsistencies? 18

800.971.4019 Owner, Your Signature Coaching and Consulting | Author, The Magnetic Entrepreneur Tshombe@yoursignatureconsulting.com www.YourSignatureConsulting.com

Marketing Basics: Old and New Ways to get Your Product Out There continued tive things they are concerned about. At that time you can customize your presentation to that client by emphasizing the positive and assuring them that you can prevent the negative from occurring. You can’t accomplish this with e-mail. To a degree the Internet has allowed us to lose that personal touch. The effort to accomplish a face to face meeting is noticed in a positive way. A hand shake and eye contact may not be used much anymore but maybe that makes it all the more effective. Lastly and perhaps most importantly, do a good job! Make sure your product or service is the best it can be. We all expect our employees to give 100%, and what are we but our client’s employee? The most effective and cheapest marketing strategy is positive word of mouth. If your clients rave about you to their friends you will always have clients looking to you for outstanding results.

The Team at Premiere Catering Peter Barnett, Matt Foreman and Mike Peters | 503.235.0274

Five Year End Tax Tips 1. Stock up on supplies (printer cartridges, film, stationery, etc) that you will need through 2010, by purchasing them by December 31, 2009. Remember to keep all receipts. 2. Pay your bills before the New Year in areas such as telephone, subscriptions and utilities. 3. Contribute to a Retirement Plan. Be sure to check the contribution limits for your type of plan. Some types of plans may be too late to set up for this year, but if you already have one going, that is a way to pay yourself and not the government. 4. As a self employed individual, remember to make any estimated tax payments due by January 15th. 5. Set aside time to get your income and expenses together NOW. Then you won’t have to worry about it as time gets closer to the due date, April 15, 2010. If you are a corporation or a partnership, the return is due March 15, 2010.

Bonus Tip for Oregonians

If you are an Oregon resident, you can receive a credit of $50 ($100 Married filing Joint) on your Oregon State Tax Return, if you contribute to a political action committee that you may support. The IRS has a web page just for Small Business and the self-employed with helpful information, including forms and publications. http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/ Becky Klotz, EA, LTC Designcorr, Inc.

Internet Marketing Strategies by Don S Richardson, Digital Popcorn Be Visible: Getting your business noticed and found is a struggle for many small businesses.

The #1 thing that ANY business should do right away is to Claim your FREE listing with Google, Yahoo and other top local search engines. Getting your business noticed and found is a struggle for many small businesses. Local Search is becoming more and more the focus of online marketing today.

GetListed.org Launched to Help Small Businesses. I would encourage every business to visit www.getlisted.org and get started today. It is a FREE service that you can do yourself. Too busy? Contact me for a quote. don@digitalpopcorn.net Featured Market Sectors: Catering ~ Wedding ~ Hospitality ~ Travel & Tourism To comment on this article of if you have questions contact me today! Don S Richardson, Digital Popcorn â&#x20AC;&#x201C; PO Box 1041, Brush Prairie, WA 98606 don@digitalpopcorn.net | www.digitalpopcorn.net | Message @dpseo on Twitter | Newsletter Sign Up: http://bit.ly/dpnews Internet Marketing Strategies | Specialized Search Engine Optimization | Promoting Businesses Locally and Nationally Copyright 2009 Don S Richardson Reprinted by permission www.digitalpopcorn.net

WNUSA thanks you for your generous donation of your meeting space for our January meeting!

WN USA NEWS

Monthly Meeting Sponsorship Opportunities If you would like to be featured and/or speak about your company at a monthly WNUSA dinner meeting, we have sponsorship opportunities available that allow every member an opportunity to participate.

Speaker Sponsor:

Cost: $200 – 1 per meeting Available to all members, 6 meetings/year January, March, May, July, September, November Benefits include: 8’ display table; 3 minutes of speaking time at the meeting; introduce the guest speaker; an annual listing as a Speaker Sponsor on the website and in the monthly emagazine newsletter.

Spotlight Sponsor:

Cost: $75 – 2 per meeting Available to all members, 6 meetings/year February, April, June, August, October, December Benefits include: 4’ display table; 2 minutes of speaking time at the meeting; an annual listing as a Spotlight Sponsor on the website and in the monthly emagazine newsletter.

Meeting Host: 1 per meeting

Available to meeting planners, 12 meetings/year Cost: Time / Works closely with the Regional 22

Director to execute the meeting Benefits include: 1 bistro display table at the meeting, 2 minutes of speaking time, an annual listing as a Meeting Host on the website and in the monthly emagazine newsletter.

In-Kind Sponsor: # limited by needs

Available to all members, 12 meetings/year Cost: Trade donation of floral, rentals, music, printed materials, photography etc. Benefits: 2 minutes of speaking time at the meeting; an annual listing as an In-Kind Sponsor on the website and in the monthly emagazine newsletter.

Marketing Table: Cost: $25

Available to all members, 6 meetings/year February, April, June, August, October, December Benefit: 1 bistro, 4’ or ½ of a 6-8’ display table (depending on availability at the Venue), introduced at the meeting; an annual listing as a Table Sponsor on the website and in the monthly emagazine newsletter.

Monthly Meeting Venue/Catering Sponsorship Opportunities For venues & catering companies we offer 4 tiers of participation to allow you to choose which the best marketing opportunity for your business is when you choose to host a WNUSA dinner meeting at your facility.

January 2010

Guest Speaker: Portland, Vancouver and Seattle Note: All prices are inclusive. Tier 1:

Cost – provide venue and food for free Benefit: 1 Bistro table for display, 5 minutes of speaking time + tours of the facility during the cocktail hour; receive a full page ad in the monthly emagazine newsletter and an annual listing in the newsletter and on the website.

Tier 2:

Cost – provide venue and food for $10.00pp Benefit: 1 Bistro table for display, 3 minutes of speaking time + tours of the facility during the cocktail hour; receive a 1/2 page ad in the monthly emagazine newsletter and an annual listing in the newsletter and on the website.

Tier 3:

Cost – provide venue and food for $17.50pp Benefit: 1 bistro table for display; 2 minutes of speaking time at the meeting; receive a ¼ page ad in the monthly emagazine newsletter and an annual listing in the newsletter and on the website.

Tier 4:

Cost – provide venue and food for $25pp – our maximum amount that we can pay Benefit: Introduced at the meeting; listed on the website and in the emagazine newsletter as the meeting location for the month. To participate in any of the sponsorship opportunities, contact the WNUSA Office at 1.888.509.6872.

Tshombe Brown, called the Magnetic Entrepreneur, is our Speaker for January. It is so exciting to have him on board as our very first Guest Speaker, as he is a business coach, specializes in entrepreneurial sales coaching – and in his past was a very successful wedding & event planner. So, he knows our industry well! He will be speaking about Goal Setting – that topic that comes up at the first of every year. Most entrepreneurs seem to procrastinate about setting goals, but it is a proven fact that if you set goals and refer back to them through out the year, you are more likely to attain those goals. See and hear Tshombe: Portland at the Hotel Vintage Plaza on Wednesday the 6th of January Speaker Sponsor – Perfect Wedding Guide Vancouver at The Crane Manor on Tuesday the 12th of January Seattle at Canlis Glass on Wednesday the 27th of January.

WNUSA thanks you for your generous donation of your meeting space for our January meeting!

The Best Kept Secret In Clark County

The Luxurious Retreat

CRANE MANOR

Crane Manor is an exquisite mansion offering 8,000 square feet. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s perfect for your next private event! The mansion is the ideal setting for weddings, meetings, dinning, relaxing, and getting to know each other again in a luxurious surroundings away from daily distractions, with space and amenities. Located conveniently 15 minutes from the Portland International Airport between Interstate 5 and Interstate 205, just off State Route 500 in Vancouver, Washington. Hotels, Motels, Westfield Shopping Mall and many scenic and historical places are nearby.

(360) 773-0705 | www.cranemanor.com 5000 NE 51st Street | Vancouver, WA 98661

CRANE MANOR Snapshot eMagazine presents Pacific Northwest Weddings V NEW Awe-Inspiring Guide V 4,000 subscribers â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Free subscription V Flipping page digital magazine (direct hyper links to your website and email.) 97% of brides and grooms use the Web in their planning process. V Available as a PDF file for download. V Green, sustainable magazine V Incredibly low cost advertising (1/4 pg $1,200, $250 ONLY $112) Spring 2010 Issue: Amazing advertising opportunity! Reserve your advertising spot today. With purchased ad, receive a free listing at www.snapshotemagazine.com. WNUSA members receive $20 off your ad cost. We also offer ad design (starting at $35). Details? Email Shiela, marketing@strubelstudios.com. Strubel Studios, Snapshot eMagazine | 360-546-3975 | Vancouver, WA

Submit Wedding/Bridal topic articles, if your article is approved to be published, you will receive a free 1/4 page ad.

WEDDING NETWORK USA Code Of Ethics I Agree To:

Return inquiries to current as well as potential clients and vendors in a timely manner. Show consideration for other professionals by extending the utmost level of kindness, regard and cooperation. Observe all laws and obtain all pertinent licenses and permits required by law. Provide written contracts to clients to establish an understanding of all charges, services, products and performance expectations. Honor all agreements made with clients and vendors. Use the Wedding Network USA logo for advertising and promotional purposes for my company in compliance with Wedding Network USA rules for using the logo. Add a link from my website to the Association website. Be a credit to the industry by implementing good business principles, which will protect the public against fraud and unfair practices. Safeguard all privileged information about clients in a confidential manner.

Maintain adequate and appropriate insurance coverage for all business activities to assure my company’s ability to continue to do business and honor contracts. Abide by all government regulations and laws so as to favorably represent Wedding Network USA. Strive for excellence in my field by continually improving my knowledge base and be willing to share that proficiency with other Wedding Network USA Members. Give credit where credit is due and will not plagiarize another’s work. Recognize individual boundaries of competence and be forthcoming and truthful about professional experience and qualifications. Put the client’s interest first if engaging in affiliate activities, accepting commissions or referral fees. Treat employees with esteem and fairness, advocating conditions of employment that will safeguard their rights and welfare. Note from the Executive Director: We read dozens of Code of Ethics policies from industry groups and used the best of what we felt expressed the concerns of Wedding Network USA.

FOUNDING MEMBERS 2009

Denise Novak AA Party Rentals Donna Hays Abacus Event Rentals Christina Lyons Elizabeth Fowler Rachelle Webster Abernethy Center Adam Tiegs Adam’s DJ Service Greg Lowder Affairs to Remember Amy Prutch AJ’s Studio Loren Callahan Alante Photography Julie Noice Alderbrook Resort & Spa Alesia Zorn Alesia Zorn Calligraphy Gayle & Jim O’Donnell All About Weddings & Celebrations Eric Wright All Wright Music Scott & Amanda Shama Ambient Sky Amy Vallejo Anticipate Wedding & Event Planning Octavia Hunter Araxa Studios John Liles Audient Consulting, LLC Andrea Hoyt August Veils Linda Barclay Barclay Event Rentals Indelisa Montoro Belle Jour Floral Design Christine Richards Black Belt Business Solutions Gabrielle Lennartz Black Swan Events Amy Nuttman Blush Bridal Consultation Group Sara Maletis Brasserie Montmartre Denise Hall Jennifer Maust Bravo! Publications Inc Nora Sheils Bridal Bliss

Craig Slater Bugsie Productions, LLC

Katherine Sealy Event Cosmetics

Christina Safford Muse

Stuart Butler Butler Transportation

Cheri Baber Event Floral

Meghan Scheels Cakes by Design

Jacqueline Mandell Exquisite Weddings

Tatum Dwyre-Seitz Kelly Cooper Jacquelyn Renalds New and Blue

Stephanie Weishaar Camas Meadows Golf Club

Patricia Norris Fireworks!

Katie Arnold Catering by Bo

Kay Dietl Flowers For You

Nancy Tice Northwest Artist Management

Robin VanDerveer Cedarbrook Lodge

Monica Newby Grand Affaire Catering

Linda Smith Notes of Celebration

Michelle DeRouen Seattle Bride Magazine

Krysta McLaughlin Charlotte’s Weddings & More

Eddie Redman Robby Sortore Grand Event Rentals

Emily Pollock Amanda Fischer Novelty Hill - Januik Winery

Dixie Duncan Seattle Metropolitan Bride & Groom

Liza Ragan Choice Linens

Dwayne Thomas GreenLight Creative, LLC

Kevin Venables NW Mobile DJ Service

Leslie Wheatley Seattle Parties

Kurt Beadell Auriana Albree David Robinson Emily Crumpacker Page Winograd Eric Sandstrom Meg Goldman Chris Barrie Karen Rich Emily Michel Faith Adams Vibrant Table Catering & Events

Mindy Woodard Class Act Events

Eric Holen Roberta Cloutier Holland Studios

Stacy Lynn Crawford NY Institute of Photography

Kerry Garrow Signature Weddings & Events

Brian Dale Jillian Cook Wave Link Music, Inc.

Danyelle Tinker Skamania Lodge

Maureen Haley Wedding Officiant

Nelliena Moetului Snoqualmie Ridge Golf Club

Kelly Hagerman Widmer Brothers Brewery

Don Boshears Columbia Tower Club Linda Conklin Columbia Winery Connie Crane Crane Manor Mark Lopez Crave Catering Michelle Davenport Creative Childcare Solutions, Inc. Steve Cox Kevin Tallmadge Creative Ice Trisha Dirks Stephanie Simmons Crowne Plaza Hotel Dani Weiss Dani Weiss Photography David Barss David A. Barss, Photographer Pam Wolle Daybreak Carriages Becky Klotz Design Correspondence Don Richardson Digital Popcorn Shirley Easton Dippity DooDads Chocolate Fountains Monica Mayer Divine Designs Tanya Stone Elements in Bloom Cindy Rosen Encore Events

Olivia Olson Hotel Lucia Robert Gassen Humanature Photography Chris Holzgraf Huntington Images Eric & Heather Newland Hybrid Moon Erin Hight Jake’s Catering Kevan Inouye Kevan Inouye Private Florist Amber Darrington Le Cookie Monkey Wendy Hosford Lindsi Leahy LillyPilly Floral Artistry Callie Meyer Lisa Dupar Catering Max Mikhaylenko MAXM STUDIO Mindy Milton Mindy Milton Events Craig Mitchelldyer Mitchelldyer Photography, Inc Heidi Moon Moon Mansion Roger Moore Moore Creative Weddings Matthew Ferris MPF Events Alice Nafziger Dorcas Popp Glenn Howard Sue Koshiyama Multnomah Athletic Club

Jenny Harding New Chapter Weddings

Heather Matheny Oregon Bride Magazine Robin & Erik Pierce Paparazzi Tonight Paul Rich Paul Rich Studio Judy McManus Perfect Wedding Guide

Rebecca Ellison Rebecca Ellison Photography Carole Lombardi Red Star Tavern Hotel Monaco Will & Emma Darden Reversed Lens Photography Lora Heil-Frone Rose City Bridal Showcase

Molli Barss Soiree

Penny Jones Penny Wise Meals & Gifts

Sol Neelman Sol Neelman Photo Journalist

Mistie Beaudoin Peter Corvallis Productions

Heather Halstead Sorella Events

BreeAnn Gale Pink Blossom Events

Shiela Strubel Strubel Studios Snapshot eMagazine

Susan Crow Portland Bride & Groom Magazine Michele Starry Portland Classical Chinese Garden Amy Ipina Portland Marriott Downtown Waterfront Marilyn Storch Portland Wedding Planner, Inc. Amy Miller Premier Bride of OR & SW WA Peter Barnett Mike Peters Matt Foreman Premiere Catering Georgia Rafati Rafati’s Elegance In Catering Eli Darland Rare Form Limousine

Marcy Richards Taste Chocolate/The Doll House Tea Room Jennifer Taylor Taylor’d Events by Jennifer Lauren Barnes Garr The Grand Papery Invitations Kehaulani Petersen Sean Osaki The Heathman Hotel & Bar Melia Soldati The Heathman Lodge Sheena Kalso The Invisible Hostess Heather Bush The Manor Candice Szarzec The Petal and the Stem Petrel Chapman The Wedding Cottage Donna Hoff The Wedding Genies

Amy Richardson Tom Douglas Catering Susan Duyck UltraViolet Events Chérie & Pat Ronning Kevin Ronning Melissa Pogue Uncommon Invites

Tshombe Brown Your Signature Coaching