Congratulations to Dr.A.S.Bhullar and Dr.M.A.Henne from Clover Hills Dental on their baby girl Myia Kaur Bhullar born on June 27th weighing 7.8 lbs.

Do we know how lucky we are to live here in Clayton? Being a realtor, I see many houses in many areas, and I honestly feel that I have yet to find an area that matches this one. I just sold a house here to a couple from Vancouver Island. The offer went in after a two-month search of possibly 50 different properties. It’s not that these buyers were fussy, but relocations are often harder because the clients don’t know the area so well and feel apprehensive about moving to the unknown. Our initial search centred around Murrayville, and then Walnut Grove, White Rock, back to Langley, and most places in between. Nowhere felt right. And then we came to Clayton. Of course, I already live here: I know how great it is. But a realtor has to retain a certain impartiality. My job is to point out not just the positives, but also the negatives. I found this a little difficult, because I couldn’t – and can’t – think of anything negative about this area.
When I bought my house here, Clayton was in its second building phase and a bit of an unknown quantity. I didn’t realise how it would blossom and become what it is today. I recently had friends visiting from England, and the word they used to describe my life here was “spoilt”. (This was meant in a joke way, I think. Or it could have been jealousy. Either way, I think they are right). Seeing it through their eyes, and of course those of my clients, I realised that what we have here is space; well-built, functional houses; a safe, quiet neighbourhood which is close to just about everything that we need; we have a great high school, park, soon-to come elementary school and dog park; and of course we have the Irish pub at the end of the street. What more could anyone ask for?

Websites That Stand Out by Erin Mogul
It used to be that just having a website made you stand out from the crowd. Now, practically everyone has one (both personal and professional). With that being the new landscape, the question you should ask yourself is ‘how do I make my website stand out?’ Here are a few tips to do just that:
1) Add a Blog
There is no better way to bring people back to your site than with a blog. Whether it is updated daily or weekly, your clients will grow to appreciate it. It’s a great way to post current promotions you are offering,
what’s new in your industry, and what’s new in your company.
2) Add Video To Your Website
Videos add a level of professionalism, as well as offer a greater insight into you and your company. Most recently, more and more people are using video to add a welcome message, to add an office tour, or to do a product demonstration.
3) Make Sure Your Site is Current
Whether it’s the content, or simply the look, make sure your site is up to date and can be viewed by all servers. The main objective with any website these days is to not only inform, but to have a steady flow of traffic coming by so you can entice them to be your clients (or to remain your clients).

Which of these statements best describes you when it comes to budgeting:

a) I keep a very detailed and balanced budget that I review every month.

b) I have prepared a budget but I rarely look at it.

c) It sounds like a good idea, but I just don’t know where to begin.

Most of us would say statement c) best describes how we feel about budgeting. In fact depending on which study you read the percentage of people that actually follow a budget ranges between 1-5%. I would like to recommend a few ideas that might help us get started, and alleviate any fears that we may have with keeping a budget.

First let me start by making this statement: “A budget is the most significant and simplistic tool to creating wealth.” Let me explain. In its most simple terms a budget is nothing more than a rule of measure. To know if we are on track financially we need something to measure our current financial status against. Stated another way, if we were to embark on a journey across the country would we not first plan our trip? This is the significance of a budget. To meet our financial goals we need a plan of how to get there. I would like to offer four suggestions to assist you with your plan.

I recognize that for some of us this comes easier than for others, but I believe that when we consider these simple steps, and recognize the significance that a budget will play in our lives the process becomes easier.

In fact I would like to put forth this challenge to all of us: First, create a list of 5 financial goals that we would like to achieve in the next 12 to 24 months. Be specific. Second, follow the steps I’ve outlined above to create and maintain a budget that will help you achieve those goals. Third, show your goals and budget to an accountant or family member you trust, solidifying your plan, and allowing them to encourage you.

Please feel free to contact me regarding any questions that you may have, or if you would like assistance in creating a budget. I would also love to hear from you regarding your own goals, plans and achievements. You can contact me by email at accounting@birchent.org or by phone at 778-786-1440.

Would you like to join like-minded business people to discuss marketing and business ideas? Join other members of the community for an informal gathering (no fees/no commitments) to brainstorm and support each other in our business ventures. Just contact either info@claytonvoice.com or erin@erinmogul.com for more details.

This is a message from the Cloverdale/Port Kells, Surrey R.C.M.P. Crime Prevention Programs Coordinator, Carrie Chattell:
We have been experiencing an extremely disturbing trend of crime in the past month and wanted to make you aware to be vigilant.Auto Theft is extremely high in our area right now. But not only are vehicles being stolen, but vehicles are being broken into and the garage door openers are being stolen. Many residents have become victims of a break and enter into their houses via the garage.

This means that while you are sleeping, someone not only breaks into your car, but breaks into your house and then leaves with your goods in your car (usually with your keys!).

Please remind all your neighbours to never leave anything of value in their vehicles at night (especially right now), and never leave your keys (or garage door opener) to your home where they can be easily stolen and used against you.

Remember all garage door openers can be upgraded to a key chain fob for added security.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding this post, please let me know.

Are you out of mailing route of the Clayton Voice or wish to subscribe to the online version? Simply send us an email with the heading “EMAIL PLEASE” or “SUBSCRIBE”. Do it until July 15th and your name will be included in the drawing to win a $25 gift certificate to Tim Hortons. Your email address will be kept private, and will not be used for any outside advertising or information.
Good luck!

SUBSCRIBE NOW

At Monday’s council meeting, Surrey City Council approved a new Surrey Public Health Protection By-law to reduce the impact of second hand smoke in public spaces by approving the toughest anti-smoking restrictions in the region.
Effective July 31st, 2008, City By-law officers will begin enforcing smoking restrictions within 7.5 m of doors, windows, air intakes and patios in the city while also enforcing a ban on smoking in vehicles with minors. The new By-law will also restrict outdoor patio smoking effective Jan 1, 2009.
“This is an important step towards improving the health and comfort of all of our citizens” said Mayor Dianne Watts. “With what we know about the effects of second hand smoke, we have a responsibility to protect the health of our residents”.
The City’s 7.5 m separation distance is the distance from a smoker that was recommended by the U.S. Surgeon General and the Fraser Health Advisory Council at its April 3, 2008 meeting. Surrey By-law officials will be enforcing the new regulations through the use of municipal tickets following a period of public notification. In addition, the regulations include provisions that could lead to the owner of a premises that permit unlawful smoking to be ticketed by By-law officers.
“Surrey has the highest concentration of youth in the province and these new regulations are about setting a good example for them,” said Councillor Mary Martin, Chair of the Mayor’s Taskforce on Health Care. “Smoking is a significant concern in our city and this is a very proactive way to address the long term health implications of second hand smoke exposure among our youth.”
To allow for a smooth transition to the new regulations, the outdoor patio smoking restrictions will take effect on January 1st, 2009. This will allow impacted businesses to adjust their business plans to reflect the expected changes in demand. However, the bulk of the new regulations will be implemented July 31, 2008 and the City is preparing an information campaign to notify the public of the changes.

We are proud to launch our online version of the Clayton Voice.

There are still kinks to work out, but we’re working hard to make it your voice - a place where the community can come together, share thoughts and ideas, and inform one another.

If you are either part of our community, advertiser or someone looking for interaction within this neighbourhood then Clayton Voice is a perfect place to fill your needs and send your message.

Be sure to check back daily to see new articles, community resources and links, upcoming events, and other news from our neighbourhood.

Also, we welcome all feedback, so keep us posted, and let us know what you’d like to see. Feel free to leave your comments below!

Regards,

Anna

It wasn’t that long ago when there was a stigma attached to owning a home based business. Regardless of its convenience, practicality, or low overhead, there was a certain connotation attached to it; often a negative one where people assumed that “home-based” equaled “less quality”. Those of us that have been home based for a while, have all helped to change the stereotype. Today, it’s even trendy to be based from home, and many entrepreneurs are choosing to have their offices under the same roof as their bed. If you’ve looked around our neighbourhood lately, you’ll have noticed new owners proudly hanging their shingles on front porches, inviting new clients in.

This is a new article dedicated to those brave Home Based Businesses.

One of the biggest challenges facing HBBs located in subdivisions is reaching your target market. It is a struggle keeping the balance between a tight budget and an already tight schedule (marketing yourself takes time!)

Here are a few starting points to help you out:

1) Community Involvement
The best way to become known in the community is to be involved in the community. Take advantage of local events, and either go as an attendee or invest in a table or booth. Another great idea is to join a networking group. It’s not only a great way to meet people but the groups are an amazing source of information. You may even meet someone in the same industry as you. Align yourself with these people and if they get too busy, they may refer clients your way.

2) Strong Web Presence
It’s true that your shop or office might not have much exposure from the street but that doesn’t mean you can’t be seen online. It’s the perfect way to expand your neighbourhood without moving. Creating a strong web presence involves having a user friendly (and well optimized) website that contains updated information. A way to bring people to your site everyday is to create a blog that is updated regularly, as well as posting responses on other people’s blogs. It also helps to create a warm welcome message on your home page.

3) Be Professional
Whatever you do, remain professional in your actions and in your appearance.
~Use a professional logo on your business card, your website, and all your collateral.
~Always have business cards handy – you never know who you’ll run into.
~Know your elevator speech (a ten to twenty second description of your business) and don’t be afraid to use it!

And remember to ask for business. Quite often, that’s the only thing missing from the equation. Ask friends and associates if they know anyone who could use your services and you might just be surprised by the answer you get.
~ Your neighbour, Erin