Harvey Mackay’s Morals

I came across an archived newspaper article, which has some gems of sayings by columnist, Harvey Mackay, of the Orange County Register. He states, “We live in a world of 10-second sound bites, so messages wrapped up in tight little packages really grab attention. Here’s some of my favorite morals.” Over this week, I will be posting his morals in lists of ten.

• A foot in the door is worth two on the desk.
• Courage is not the absence of fear; it is the mastery of it.
• Negativity makes a person look at the land of milk and honey and see only calories and cholesterol.
• The greatest undeveloped territory in the world lies under your hat.
• You don’t have to shout to get your point across, if you use the right words.
• A person without a sense of humor is like a car without shock absorbers- jolted by every pothole in the road.
• The more you exercise your networking muscles, the stronger they get.
• The person who is everywhere is nowhere.
• People like to do business with people they like.
• Money can buy a lot of things except common sense, which is free

My favorite is #8. How about you?

Summer School for Nonprofits

Consistent with our agency’s culture of discovery and partnership, we periodically share information that our clients or prospects might find relevant to their business goals.  One such instance is Cal State Fullerton’s Summer School for Nonprofits, presented by Wells Fargo.  Click here to learn more.

Save the Date for the Sixth Annual Columbus Day Drive Golf Tournament

It’s time to Save the Date for the Sixth Annual Columbus Day Drive for Special Olympics. Your participation is truly valued, as is your support in this fall’s benefit tournament on Monday, October 12, 2009. Once again, we’ll be hitting the links on the scenic grounds of the challenging Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club in Mission Viejo.

As the tournament nears, you can look forward to receiving timely updates on event details and valuable sponsorship opportunities. To date, a record $250,000 has been raised to support the greatest needs of Special Olympics Orange County!

To register for the Sixth Annual Columbus Day Drive golf tournament, visit our website at ColumbusDayDrive.com.

On our website, you can also learn how you can change an athlete’s life, while helping your business align with a global cause.

So, mark your calendars for Monday, October 12, and tee it up for the athletes who make us all feel like winners!

Women Who Win in The Sport of Business to Hold Charity Poker Tournament

Take a gamble and hit the jackpot with other successful professionals, who share your passion for friendly competition. Join Women Who Win in The Sport of Business for an evening of powerful networking, while pressing your luck for a good cause.

Not a gamblin’ gal? Don’t worry! We’ll have experienced players on hand prior to the tournament for a quick and easy tutorial.

Bet on:

Friday, June 19, 2009

Cristina Walters’ home in Dana Point (Directions provided upon registration)

5:30 – 6:30 p.m. Check-in and poker lesson

7:00 – 9:00 p.m. Networking and charity poker tournament

Perfect your hand by participating in this truly unique event. REGISTER TODAY! Deadline to sign-up is Friday, June 12.

$40 per guest (includes tournament entry fee, $1,000 in poker chips, a light dinner & beverages)

A portion of the event’s registration fees will go to the top three poker players’ charities of their choice!

Industry Icon Takes Inventory of Housing Market – Bank of America Named Partner in Five Counties

Greg and Ira Norris of Horizon Communities form new business venture, Special Asset Solutions

Drawing on more than four decades of construction, sales and marketing experience, homebuilding icon Ira Norris has formed Special Asset Solutions with his son Greg. Taking inventory of the housing market, both literally and figuratively, while addressing the needs of financial institutions and brokers across the Southland, Ira and Greg Norris have teamed with one of the nation’s preeminent housing lenders, Bank of America, to provide a turnkey service of renovating, then selling the company’s distressed real estate assets.

“We’re proud to unveil our new business venture to banks, brokers and receivers across Southern California. At Special Asset Solutions, we combine critical experience and proven performance to help preserve real estate assets for the short-term and beyond,” explains CEO Ira Norris.

The company’s proven success in a cyclical market is a credit to its multi-disciplinary approach that ensures a streamlined service of converting challenging properties to a saleable state. Not only does Special Asset Solutions utilize a team of experts to accurately evaluate each property, but it also expedites required governmental approvals, performs extensive market research and offers greater value to homeowners through such added benefits as home warranties.

Realizing the advantages of such an efficient and cost-effective service as Special Asset Solutions, Bank of America has hired the newly formed company to help revitalize and sell distressed properties in Ventura, Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Riverside and San Diego Counties.

Adds President Greg Norris. “Change has come to the housing market with Special Asset Solutions. Through such turnkey services as asset evaluation, construction estimating, design build, value engineering, project management and FHA 203K specialization, we bring distressed assets to a marketable state, enabling companies like Bank of America to begin selling quickly,”

Both Ira and Greg are leveraging decades of experience in the competitive homebuilding industry to their clients’ advantage, while capitalizing on key relationships they have developed over the years.

According to City Manager Jim Hart, “Ira and Greg Norris have always been good citizens and partners with the City of Adelanto, and have worked cooperatively with the City Council, City Manager and staff since the early 1990s. Based on their history and solid reputation, it is with great pleasure that I recommend Special Asset Solutions to businesses looking for sound solutions to their housing challenges.” To partner with Special Asset Solutions, call (909) 986-7405 or visit SpecialAssetSolutions.net.

Grand Opening of Real Estate Auction Associates Promises To Offer Alternative to Those in Housing Crunch

At a ribbon cutting ceremony next month in association with the Huntington Beach Chamber of Commerce, Real Estate Auction Associates (REAA) will open its first Orange County office to help popularize real estate auctions as a quick and painless way to buy and sell real estate in any market. The news comes just in time for National Auctioneers Day, which the United States Senate recently declared for this Saturday, April 18, 2009.

A very common misconception is that auctions are a method of last resort, but according to Chris Longly, spokesman for the National Auctioneers Association, that’s not the case at all.

“Whether it is a buyers’ market or a sellers’ market, an auction is the best solution in any market,” he says. “Auctions create excitement. They stir competition among interested buyers. Most importantly, in today’s market, determining the value of a home is half the challenge, and an auction will tell you that price.”

Melissa Storment, CEO at REAA, notes that banks are already utilizing the auction method to offload their holdings and “what’s good for the bank can be equally beneficial for the property owners.”

“We have recently spoken with many people who are in distress because they can no longer afford to make their mortgage payments,” says Storment. “They certainly prefer to sell their homes quickly by the auction method rather than turning their home over to the financial institution, jeopardizing their credit in the process.”

In any market, auctions help to accelerate the sale of a property by creating a sense of urgency among potential bidders and a firm deadline to complete the sale, with closing usually taking place within 30 days. The true market value is determined fairly and quickly with no negotiation period, reducing holding costs. Sellers know the date the property will sell, instead of signing the listing and waiting for a prospective buyer to place an offer. Buyers like real estate auctions, too, as it allows them open and competitive bidding, the opportunity to bargain, and a huge savings in time and money.

Although particularly suited to California’s challenging housing market, real estate auctions are very popular and in wide use throughout the world. According to the National Auctioneers Association, the auction industry produced $268.4 billion dollars in sales of goods and services in 2008, with residential real estate being one of five sectors showing growth.

REAA’s auction method of marketing real estate compliments traditional real estate by providing an additional option to agents and clients. In fact, agents will still earn their normal commissions working with REAA, whether they bring a client who wants to sell via the auction method, or whether they bring the buyer who successfully closes on the property. Still, there remains some confusion about the process, which is something Storment hopes to solve with the new Huntington Beach office.

“One of our goals is to help educate real estate professionals about the auction process and how it can benefit them and their clients.” Robert and Melissa Storment, the founders of REAA, are active REALTORS®, serve on the board of directors of the California State Auctioneers Association, the Southern California Auctioneers Association, and hold highly regarded designations through the National Auctioneers Association.

Adds Storment, “We take pride in being part of both the real estate and the auction industry, and being able to share those professional services together with our local community.”

To that end, REAA plans to give back to every community where a property is sold by supporting local schools and children’s programs with monetary donations. “We strongly believe in giving back. It’s a wonderful feeling to support the local communities where our services are being utilized.”

Real Estate Auction Associates is a boutique firm offering services for real estate auctions, as well as traditional real estate brokerage and personal property appraisal services. The ribbon cutting ceremony for its new Orange County location will take place at 11:30 am on Monday, May 11 at 5882 Bolsa Avenue, Suite 130, Huntington Beach, California. All are welcome to attend. A private soirée will be held following the event, and members of the press are invited to attend. For more information, visit reaa.us.

Time Running Out To Target Customers at Laguna Niguel Chamber Community Expo

2009 Laguna Niguel Chamber Business & Community Expo

With the 2009 Laguna Niguel Chamber of Commerce Community Expo less than a month away, small businesses and entrepreneurs are encouraged to act quickly to secure their booth space, as locals mark their calendars for this fun-filled day of community networking.

As the event date quickly approaches, the opportunities to participate in the Expo are becoming fewer, particularly for restaurateurs. With Savannah Chop House recently signing up, only a limited number of booth spaces remain for dining establishments. “Whether a new doctor in town looking to build your business, a retail hot-spot in need of a sales spark or a family-owned eatery testing new recipes, the Expo offers all businesses the chance to showcase their products and services to a captive audience,” explains Derek Quinn, Chairman of the 2009 Laguna Niguel Chamber Business & Community Expo.

Rain or shine, the 2009 Laguna Niguel Chamber Community Expo is set for Saturday, April 25, from noon to 6 p.m. at El Lazo Road between Dorine Road and Alicia Parkway. In addition to being exposed to local vendors and businesses, attendees will also receive free admission and parking at the event.
“The Expo offers participants targeted exposure among South Orange County decision makers, while giving businesses an opportunity to support the communities in which they live and work. The Expo is an affordable option for small business owners to stay in front of current customers, while also generating new interest,” says Debbie Newman, CEO of the Laguna Niguel Chamber of Commerce.

Throughout the afternoon, attendees will be treated to live entertainment, tasty food and refreshing beverages, plus fun bounce houses for the kids. From 3 to 6 p.m., Martin Gerschwitz & friends will appear on the Expo’s main stage to perform rock-and-roll favorites. Also on hand to support and educate community members of all ages will be various police, fire and military personnel.

Chamber member and Expo PR Committee Representative, Leslie Bonifay of C&M Communiqué explains, “We’re proud to offer our marketing expertise to promote the 2009 Laguna Niguel Chamber Expo. We encourage all fellow businesses and neighbors to participate in this popular event to gain valuable exposure, while giving back to their community.”

Also joining forces with the Chamber to support this year’s theme of environmental awareness is CR&R Waste Services. At the event, CR&R will have designated bins for plastic bottle recycling. For every bottle recycled, CR&R will donate 100% of the proceeds to the Laguna Niguel Chamber of Commerce’s academic scholarship fund.

The Laguna Niguel Chamber of Commerce is a volunteer organization of business and professional men and women who have joined for the purpose of promoting the civic and economic progress of its community. This year’s 2009 Business & Community Expo Committee includes: Derek Quinn of OC Interior Fashions, JoBeth Prud’homme of JB Publishing, Julie Wright of Help-U-Sell Wright Real Estate, Bill Klamfoth of South County Printing, Ron Perella of Direct Advertising and Marketing, Bruce Nielsen of B&V Productions, Sheldon Pines of The Toll Roads, Mohammed Noorzay of High Tech Communications, Inc., and Leslie Bonifay of C&M Communiqué.

To purchase your booth space for the 2009 Laguna Niguel Chamber Expo, contact Debbie Newman at (949) 363-0136 or info@lagunaniguelchamber.net. For complete event information, visit LNBizExpo.com. Volunteers are also needed for various shifts throughout the Expo. If you’re interested in volunteering, please contact Sheldon Pines at (949) 754-3400 or pines@thetollroads.com.

Small Business Embraces Opportunity for Local Exposure – Reservations Being Accepted for Business & Community Expo

2009 Laguna Niguel Chamber Business & Community Expo

Laguna Niguel, CA – According to a joint statement by committee members, Derek Quinn and Debbie Newman, reservations are now being accepted for the 2009 Laguna Niguel Chamber of Commerce Business and Community Expo.

Rain or shine, the annual event is scheduled for Saturday, April 25, from noon to 6 p.m. at El Lazo Road between Dorine Road and Alicia Parkway. In addition to being exposed to more than 50 local vendors and businesses, attendees will also receive free admission and parking at the event.

“We’re looking forward to another successful Expo this year and encourage all local business owners and entrepreneurs to reserve their 10’ x 10’ booth space today. Participation is limited and starts as low as $125 per booth space for our chamber members. members. Potential chamber members are also being presented with the opportunity to participate in the Expo at a discounted rate of $325, which automatically grants their company membership in the Laguna Niguel Chamber of Commerce,” explains Derek Quinn, Chairman of the 2009 Business Expo.

This year’s theme, aptly centering around environmental awareness, is Earth Day. Throughout the event, attendees will be treated to live entertainment, savory food and refreshing beverages from local eateries, plus fun bounce houses for the kids. From 3 to 6 p.m., Martin Gerschwitz & friends will appear on the Expo’s main stage to perform rock-and-roll favorites. Martin Gerschwitz of legendary rock band, Iron Butterfly, will be accompanied by Gina Kessler of Kidder; Blake Hunter of Springsteen – A Tribute Band; Bryan Rosen, contributing band member of CIRRUS, Kool & The Gang, The Coasters and The Drifters; and Anthony Terrezza, contributing band member of Tower of Power.

“The Business and Community Expo offers participants targeted exposure among South Orange County decision makers, while giving businesses an opportunity to support the communities in which they live and work. In today’s economy, the Business and Community Expo is a sensible and affordable option for small business owners to stay in front of current customers, while also generating new interest in their products or services. We’re thrilled at the early response and look forward to a sold-out event,” adds Debbie Newman, CEO of the Laguna Niguel Chamber.

Chamber Member and Business Expo PR Committee Representative, Leslie Bonifay of C&M Communiqué explains, “We’re proud to offer our marketing expertise to promote the 2009 Business and Community Expo. We encourage all fellow business and community members to participate in this timely event to gain exposure, while many of their competitors sit it out.”

Also joining forces with the Chamber to support this year’s theme of environmental awareness is CR&R Waste Services. At the event, CR&R will have designated bins for plastic bottle recycling. For every bottle recycled, CR&R will donate 100% of the proceeds to the Laguna Niguel Chamber of Commerce’s general scholarship fund.

The Laguna Niguel Chamber of Commerce is a volunteer organization of business and professional men and women who have joined together for the purpose of promoting the civic and economic progress of its community. This year’s 2009 Business Expo Committee includes: Derek Quinn of OC Interior Fashions, JoBeth Prud’homme of JB Publishing, Julie Wright of Help-U-Sell Wright Real Estate, Bill Klamfoth of South County Printing, Ron Perella of Direct Advertising and Marketing, Bruce Nielsen of B&V Productions, Sheldon Pines of The Toll Roads, Mohammed Noorzay of High Tech Communications, Inc., and Leslie Bonifay of C&M Communiqué.

For more information on how to purchase your booth space in the 2009 Laguna Niguel Business and Community Expo, contact Debbie Newman at (949) 363-0136 or info@lagunaniguelchamber.net. Volunteers are also needed for various shifts throughout the Expo. If you’d like to volunteer, please contact Sheldon Pines at (949) 754-3400 or pines@thetollroads.com.

Walters Appointed Chair of Gold Medal Circle – Seeks Leaders Changing Lives of Special Olympians

Cristina Walters, principal of C&M Communique, an interactive marketing firm in Laguna Niguel, has recently been appointed Chair of the Gold Medal Circle of Special Olympics Southern California (SOSC).

Recognizing the value of individual donors and the societal impact their dollars make, Walters will develop an expanded and sustainable program that engages supporters of Special Olympics and the inspiring athletes it serves.

According to SOSC President and CEO Bill Shumard, “The SOSC Board of Directors is so fortunate to have Cristina in a leadership position. Having her serve as the volunteer Chair of our efforts to grow and enhance the Gold Medal Circle will bring great benefits in both the short and long terms. Her marketing expertise, coupled with her strong track record of raising awareness and generating support for her alma mater, UCLA, make her the perfect match for this role.”

Philanthropist and UCLA alumna, Walters’ passion for Special Olympics has extended to her serving as chair of the Wooden Classic Resource Committee, along with directing the marketing of Orange County’s annual Columbus Day Drive golf tournament.

Special Olympics Southern California is a year-round program of sports training and competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. 12,500 athletes in 11 counties train and compete in 21 Olympic-type summer, fall and winter sports. Founded in 1968 by Eunice Kennedy Shriver, Special Olympics provides people with intellectual disabilities continuing opportunities to develop fitness, demonstrate courage and experience joy as they participate in the sharing of gifts and friendship with other athletes, their families and the community. There is no cost to participate in Special Olympics.

To learn more about supporting Gold Medal Circle, contact Walters at cmw@cmcommunique.com. Visit Special Olympics Southern California at www.sosc.org.

Growth On The “Horizon”

Sought for its uncompromising service and competitive pricing, C&M Communiqué continues to prosper in challenging times, as home builders and associates reevaluate their priorities. Recently partnering with Horizon Communities, the boutique marketing shop will develop inbound services that generate demand for the longstanding builder, as interactive marketing remains key to any initiative.

Explains Principal Cristina Walters, “Our controlled-growth size has allowed for quicker responses to the ever-changing needs of our clients. For example, we’re examining customer intelligence and data analysis to exclusively deliver a specific lead to our clients, which has proven critical in these budget-driven times.”
C&M Communiqué will not only focus on a re-brand of Horizon Communities’ La Puerta neighborhood, but is teaming with the progressive builder to launch its well-timed Special Asset Solutions and Special Asset Solutions Realty ventures that will serve both the financial and consumer markets.

Explains Greg Norris, president of Horizon Communities and Special Asset Solutions, “We found the diamond in the rough with C&M Communiqué. In little more than six weeks, Cristina and her team immediately understood our existing and soon to be launched businesses. Working closely with a veteran of the homebuilding industry, from scratch they were able to cost effectively produce all collateral marketing materials for a short-term blitz that will nicely transition into a long term branding campaign. C&M Communiqué’s creativity is off the charts and was never compromised under tight deadlines. They are true professionals, who produce wonderful, cutting edge products and ideas. We are fortunate to be working alongside Cristina and everyone at C&M Communiqué.”

Further broadening its breadth of services, while supporting the local community, C&M Communiqué has been named agency of record for Cox Community Golf Tournament benefiting the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund.

Driven by Walters’ volunteer leadership in Special Olympics Southern California and her alma mater, UCLA, the agency has also directed the marketing of such charitable events as The Columbus Day Drive for Special Olympics and the UCLA Golf Classic, while yet another nonprofit relying on C&M Communiqué’s media and marketing expertise is the Down Syndrome Association of Orange County.

Since 1992, C&M Communiqué has been creating comprehensive and cost-effective campaigns that drive revenue and deliver results through a variety of new and conventional media. Walters concludes, “Particularly in such challenging times, our steady growth is a credit to an ability to adapt and execute results-driven campaigns. Whether a nonprofit venture or profitable enterprise, clients of all sizes further appreciate the responsiveness and accountability that a smaller agency delivers.”

To target your market through C&M Communiqué’s strategic and cost-effective initiatives, call (949) 363-7974 or visit CMCommunique.com.