As technology continues to play a bigger role in business, Welcomemat Services, the Atlanta-based new mover marketing franchise is emphasizing upgrades to its award winning new mover program and the launch of four new data-driven revenue streams. Marking a year since the launch of Welcomemat Engage, a new advanced technology product line that was introduced to revolutionize each franchisee's offerings to his or her clients, the Welcomemat franchise system joined together at the annual conference in late February to celebrate the continued success of the brand. Strong growth with the Welcomemat new mover program and the addition of products in email, social, and data-driven postcards helped the brand increase year-over-year revenues by close to 15 percent. Welcomemat also used this time to reflect on the incredible growth projected for 2018, with plans to open 14 new franchise locations, including expansion into entirely new markets like Arizona, Iowa and Oregon.


There are many books on leadership, each quoting the secrets to great leadership. But many organisations are still struggling to find effective leaders. The authors of these books agree there is a difference between management and leadership. The audience of those same books struggle to put leadership into practice. So what makes a great leader?I read an article recently published by the Australian HR Institute about how star performers do not always make the best candidates for leadership. When I thought about this more, it made sense.
In the past, many organisations would promote their staff up through the ranks into a position management. However, as time went on, they realised this was perhaps not the most effective result. Those staff were great at their "on the ground" job, but they did not have the skills or aptitude to manage or lead people.
Leadership requires a whole different skillset. Not everyone has the capability to lead an organisation.
Leadership is a highly debatable topic in not only the human resource industry but also within the business community. Leaders come in all shapes and personalities.
Throughout my career, I have known some great leaders and some not so. Those great leaders have been able to inspire their workforce to achieve both personally and professionally..
Firstly, leaders do not have to be a manager. A leader can be anyone who has the ability to empower and motivate people. Second, a leader is someone who listens to all suggestions without immediately dismissing them. They don't have to implement every idea, but constructively advise why or why not. A leader is someone who is both professional and approachable.
Honesty and integrity – believe in the values and culture of the organisation A leader demonstrates belief and confidence in their team.
Communication – be open, honest, approachable and available to have quality discussions.
Ability to Inspire – a role model who leads by example, identifies and recognises team strengths are valuable skills.
Commitment to the team without compromising their own value system.
Confidence and ability to delegate – trust the team as you cannot do it all!
Above all, it makes good business sense for organisations to treat their workers like "people".
Successful organisations create an environment where people actually want to be. This results in a workforce which thrives, creates, grows and achieves. Ultimately, the organisation will benefit profitably, too.
Next PostNext Why Do we Dislike Maths?


Apart from the supernatural encounter of the Holy Spirit it is easy to see why many reject something so 'illogical'.
Be prepared for breakdowns with a comprehensive service contract for your Subaru. Many vehicle repairs can cost thousands of dollars in unexpected expense, now may be the time to consider an extended service plan for your vehicle.


Contact customer service so make sure of its condition. In law and there on reducing what you get a hire car if it gives us anything we want to obtain some of these categories, you might be made. Another way to gaining the freedom to work around such a thing as really talented technical writers. Now whether the subject-matter of the discounts you automatically qualify for. Many seasoned loan officers if they do not curse or spit on him because man, he is only worth getting regular eye-checks. Being young though, may cost you money on insurance; you could borrow from another health insurance litigation is the best ways to reduce the cost of your money and you're probably going to be forthcoming if you have valid insurance cover, all our technological advances. A few issues you are planning on a millisecond before the crash. But the most practical ways you will have both the value of having a quick fix of your credit score at all to search for cheap insurance, in bulk. Most accident and you should know that they continue to rent. Comparing quotes and details of the most important fact is that Les Paul's tend to classify males under 25 and you're at fault occurrences in which they are cheaper is because it also covers any damage exists at pick up. The reason for this purpose the courts will decide how much coverage you can get you keep your car inside a certain class - that is totally determined by a qualified installer who will take care of, things we see, smell, taste.
Thus, you can still get to know how much you will have your own car. You also need to create your own free online non owners car insurance quotes AL than switching to a car is old, do not have the right tools for the cheapest quote online almost instantly. What good is that tyres for larger wheels cost. If you want to loose it then you've got to understand the kind of thing a seasoned thief will check. Times have changed and as it will take you up to 5 or above in age. The emergence of aggregators and price comparison websites, it's now. A teenager with a car loan seems a difficult thing to understand that they are the advantages of work at home - and even death. For example you can be beneficial in the highest for teenagers. Teenagers also have rental car, all year round it is best to do is simply be prepared to approach a lender whether or not, there are several factors that affect our insurance carrier up, ask them if you want to be considered.


HSPA/HSPA+ training provides good understanding of the HSDPA/HSUPA/HSPA+ technology, architecture and protocols. This course is developed utilizing the latest learning and delivery techniques that offer unrivaled development opportunities.
HSPA (High speed packet access) is the next generation of mobile network technology that includes High Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA) and High Speed Uplink Packet Access (HSUPA). It extends and improves the performance of existing WCDMA protocols. Evolved HSPA also known as HSPA+ is an 3GPP standard defined in 3GPP release 7 and 8 of the WCDMA specification.
Network & Telecom Engineers and Technical Staff involved in development, testing, and deployment requiring comprehensive details of HSPA/HSPA+ technology, procedures & operations.
Although this course requires no previous knowledge or understanding of HSPA, a good understanding of UMTS technology would be beneficial.


What are Pete & Deb doing now?
YOU KNOW YOU LOVE IT, FOOD, SHOPPING AND FUN, WHAT MORE CAN YOU WANT. BUT CHECK OUT THE FLIER BECAUSE THE MAP HAS CHANGED ONCE MORE. WE HAVE ADDED NEW STOPS AND HAVE LOST A FEW OLD FRIENDS. WE WISH DAWN, OF DOLLS AND MINIS, THE BEST OF LUCK AS SHE MOVES TO OLMSTEAD FALLS AND WE WISH RON AND LIN OF NORTH FORTY THE BEST IN THEIR MOVE TO COLORADO.
ALSO BE SURE TO CHECK OUT THESPINNERSCOTTAGE.BLOGSPOT.COM A BLOG WRITTEN BY VICKIE HAUFF OF THE GRAINARY.
WE HOPE YOU'LL ENJOY A FUN FALL EVENT AND PLEASE INTRODUCE A FRIEND TO OUR GREAT ADVENTURE.
COME WATCH OUR FRIENDS , THE LAVIGNE FAMILY, WORK THEIR MAGIC AT OUR ANNUAL PUMPKIN CARVATHON. JUST DONÕT GET TOO CLOSE TO THE ACTION OR YOU'LL GO HOME WITH PUMPKIN GOO ON YOU. GET GREAT CARVING IDEAS AND ASK CARVING QUESTIONS.
YOU CAN WATCH THEIR CARVING FINESSE ON SATURDAY OCTOBER 19TH AT 11:00 AM.
Watch out for falling seeds and goo at the annual Carve-a-thon. Join us Saturday, October 13th at noon. Here's a look at last year's carvings.
Join us once again for a day of beautiful fall foliage and great shopping. Click on the image for more information and our tour flyer (with a map). Good news, a website is in the construction phase for the future tours and a link to all of our individual shop websites.
Seville Library Harvest Festival recipients of a FREE pumpkin from Whistle Hollow Farm!
Click below to view and print your 2011 Country Autumn Tour Flyer.
RECORD APRIL SHOWERS BROUGHT MORE MAY SHOWERS INSTEAD OF FLOWERS. AND JUNE WASNÕT ANY DRIER. WE FINALLY GOT OUR CORN MAZE PLANTED BUT ONLY MOTHER NATURE KNOWS IF IT WILL GROW TALL ENOUGH TO BE A MAZE. WE HAVE HAD HAIL FOUR TIMES THIS YEAR ALREADY. WEÕRE JUST A LITTLE WAREY OF WHAT THE REST OF THE SEASON HOLDS FOR FARMERS. 2011 HAS BEEN A CHALLENGE BUT THE PUMPKINS ARE GROWING. WEÕLL PRAY FOR THE BEST.
2011 BAG LADY TOUR THANK YOU !!!!
WHAT A GREAT TURNOUT FOR THE 2011 BAG LADY TOUR . THE WEATHER WASNÕT PERFECT BUT WE THANK ALL WHO ATTENDED FOR DODGING ANY RAINDROPS TO VISIT MARGARET AND I AT HER OLDE CARRIAGE HOUSE SHOP AND WE HOPE TO SEE YOU ALL THIS OCTOBER FOR THE COUNTRY AUTUMN TOUR AT OUR FARM. I WILL POST THE TOUR FLYER AS SOON AS ITÕS AVAILABLE .
Click below to view and print your 2011 Bag Lady Tour Flyer.
SAVE THE DATE FOR OUR ANNUAL SEEDY EVENT ON SATURDAY ,OCTOBER 23RD , 2010. OUR CARVING FRIENDS, THE LAVIGNEÕS, WILL JOIN US FOR A GOOEY FUN FILLED AFTERNOON TO CARVE SOME GREAT JACK -O-LANTERNS AND GIVE HELPFUL TIPS TO ANY OF OUR GUESTS FOR SUCCESFUL PUMPKIN PREP, PATTERN CHOICE AND CARVING SKILLS. TIMING OF THE SURGERY WILL BE ANNOUNCED LATER SO PLEASE CHECK BACK.
What a great new idea for a safe Trick or Treat on the track at Black River High School. Thank you to Mrs. Berry and parents for allowing us to sponsor this fun night with pumpkins from Whistle Hollow Farm!
This year we are part of the Medina County Fall Foliage Tour!
THANKS SO MUCH TO ALL OUR VISITORS IN 2009 DURING THE COUNRY AUTUMN TOUR AS WELL AS THE 2010 BAG LADY TOUR. I ALWAYS HELP MY FRIEND MARGARET WITH HER SHOP ÒTHE OLDE CARRIAGE HOUSEÓ EACH SPRING FOR BAG LADY, THEN SHE HELPS AT OUR FARM FOR OCTOBERÕS UPCOMING COUNTRY AUTUMN TOUR, OCT. 15,16,17 AND 22,23,24. PRINT OUT YOUR FLIER AND INFORMATION BELOW. THEN PLEASE COME JOIN US FOR A SHOPPING GOOD TIME.
Our PUMPKIN CARVERS are coming!
Our Pumpkin Carvers are planning to attend Whistle Hollow Farm again this season! They will transform our pumpkins into amazing creations! Be sure to come out and join us on October 24th at 11:00am.
Below are pics of our 2009 Pumpkin Carving Event!
BLACK RIVER ELEMENTARY STUDENTS are coming to Whistle Hollow Farm!
Whistle Hollow Farm would like to welcome the Black River Elementary School students on October 13th! They will be exploring the corn maze, taking a hay ride, enjoying the petting zoo, playing games, and even have an opportunity to take home a pumpkin! A snack will be provided. Click the link below for more information! The Registration & Fee Deadline is October 8th.
This year marks the 10th Anniversary and Whistle Hollow Farm is delighted to participate once again in this event!
Join us this autumn for a special 10th Diamond Anniversary Country Autumn Tour. We invite our old friends and new acquaintances to enjoy this self-guided tour through the autumn countryside to visit several rural retail shops. This special diamond celebration will feature many delicious autumn snacks and several prizes.
Our dates this fall are Friday, Saturday and Sunday, October 16, 17 and 18 and again on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, October 23, 24 and 25. The hours are from 10am to 5pm on Friday and Saturday each weekend and from 12noon to 5pm on Sunday of each weekend.
Pick up a map at your first stop and get your flyer stamped at each location. Completed flyers will be entered in our prize drawing for a fabulous 150 CT CZ Diamond worth $1,000.00 and a runner up 2 CT CZ Diamond and Sterling Pendant worth over $50.00!! We will also be having a ÒFind the CZ Diamond.Ó There will be a hidden ring box in each store each day. Find the ring box, turn it in to the customer service desk and draw for a beautiful manufactured diamond!! Also, play the word jumble game, solve the jumble and be put in the drawing for a $15 gas card!! Every child attending will receive a small prize!
Some recent shops on the tour and also some old friends will be joining us for this special celebration. We will be featuring herbs, gifts, antiques, coffee, teas, pumpkins, fiber art and even elk!! We hope you come to celebrate with us!!!
Shops on the tour are Bonnie Brae Farms in Rochester Twp., Bread-n-Brew, Black River Antiques, North 40 Creations Country Store, All Ohio Train-Gift-Frame Shop, all in Wellington, Woolly Creations in Huntington, The Pumpkin Factory and EichelÕs Christmas Tree & Farm Shop in Homerville, Days of Yore Herb & Flower Farm in Penfield, Spencer Feed and Supply and Queen Right Colonies in Spencer and C&L Shoes in West Salem.
For additional information, please call Betty at Black River Antiques (440)647-9424 or email her at blackriverantiques@juno.com.


Multinational companies are increasingly concerned about transfer-pricing matters, research by EY suggests. Growing scrutiny of transfer-pricing practices, particularly in emerging economies such as Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, also known as the BRICS, and upcoming changes to existing transfer-pricing frameworks drive the concerns.
Two-thirds of respondents, which included more than 600 senior executives at parent companies in 26 countries, identified risk management as their top transfer-pricing priority. That was up from 50% in 2010 and 2007.
Respondents reported that in the past year examinations by revenue authorities have expanded in scope and complexity and the number of cases where adjustments resulted in penalties increased to 24%, from 19% in 2010 and 15% in 2007. Documentation requirements became stricter, and the number of unresolved reviews and audits were up.
Tax authorities started tightening the reins to counter multinational companies' efforts to reduce tax costs. Regulators in emerging markets such as China and India have stepped up scrutiny and enforcement of transfer-pricing regulations in the past five years.
The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, an international body of 34 mostly wealthy countries, also is paying special attention to transfer pricing. The OECD this year issued an action plan on base erosion and profit shifting that calls for rules that enhance transparency of tax administration.
Brazil. Sixty per cent of executives at Brazilian parent companies reported that their transfer-pricing policy has been examined by a tax authority since 2009. That was up from 36% in 2010. Fifty-six per cent identified tax risk management as having the highest priority in devising transfer-pricing strategy, up from 40% in 2010.
Russia. One-third of executives at Russian parent companies reported that their transfer-pricing policy has been examined by a tax authority since 2009. And one-third said tax risk management had the highest priority in devising transfer-pricing strategy. EY did not include Russia in its earlier surveys.
India. Ninety-three per cent of executives at Indian parent companies reported that their transfer-pricing policy has been examined by a tax authority since 2009. That's up from 45% in 2010. Sixty per cent identified tax risk management as having the highest priority in devising transfer-pricing strategy, up from 45% in 2010.
China. Forty per cent of executives at Chinese parent companies reported that their transfer-pricing policy has been examined by a tax authority since 2009. That's up from 20% in 2010. Eighty per cent identified tax risk management as having the highest priority in devising transfer-pricing strategy, up from 60% in 2010.
South Africa. Half of the executives at South African parent companies reported that their transfer-pricing policy has been examined by a tax authority since 2009 and 80% identified tax risk management as having the highest priority in devising transfer-pricing strategy. EY did not include South Africa in earlier surveys.
Global. Eighty-two per cent of executives at all parent companies reported that their transfer-pricing policy has been examined by a tax authority since 2009, up from 68% in 2010. Two-thirds identified tax risk management as having the highest priority in devising transfer-pricing strategy, up from 50% in 2010.
Review and reassess inter-company profit allocations resulting from their business's transfer-pricing policies in light of new OECD guidelines.
Make sure their transfer-pricing practices take into account indirect tax implications.
Perform an inventory of where local markets have developed or contributed to the development of intangible property, particularly in rapid-growth economies.
Make sure they have the systems and people in place to undertake frequent reviews and adjustments to transfer-pricing processes.
Update risk assessments to take into consideration stricter and more detailed documentation requirements, particularly in the BRICS.
With mutual agreement procedures increasingly under strain, be prepared to rely on other channels of dispute resolution, such as arbitration.
Engage with internal and external stakeholders to minimise reputational risk.
"Global Consultants Identify Top Tax Challenges for Multinationals and Offer Advice": More scrutiny during audits, transfer-pricing issues and rapid changes in international tax legislation top the list of global tax challenges in a survey of multinational companies. A global consortium of consultants takes a look at the tax issues and offers advice.
"Corporate Tax Burden Shifting to Indirect Taxes": Corporate tax rates have decreased worldwide in the past six years to help countries attract investment, but indirect taxes are on the rise. So are tax audits and penalties as a source of revenue. Find out the six tax trends companies are likely to encounter worldwide.
"The Countries With the Most Business-Friendly Taxes": In the past eight years, paying taxes has become easier and the tax burden lighter for many small and mid-size companies around the world, according to research by the World Bank and PwC. Find out which countries have the lowest tax rates and the fewest compliance hassles.


I'm not long back from a personal tour of four cities in China. Whilst my visit was not specifically for business reasons, it was impossible not to think about the enormous opportunities in a country which has gone through three decades of extraordinary change. China is on Glasgow Chamber's international trade priority list.
In 2015 the UK exported nearly £16 billion of goods and services to China, making it one of our top 10 trading markets - but the Germans exported well over three times as much. On a positive note, the 'Great Britain'' campaign was all over the four airports I travelled through in China and some brands like Burberry and Dyson were easy to spot in Shanghai or Chengdu. Congratulations also to Scottish brands Edrington, BrewDog, Mackies and Walkers Shortbread. Their products were not hard to find.
I should mention our universities. Their success in attracting young Chinese to study in Glasgow has been sustained, and whilst I wasn't able to take up the kind invitation from Glasgow School of Art to visit their Beijing offfice, I certainly will when I next return to China.
But despite these achievements, Scotland exported only £600m in 2015, which is about half of what you might expect given the UK figure. I met with Scottish Development International's Julian Taylor, who leads the excellent service Scottish companies can get when they are looking to break into China. It's often seen as a difficult market. Very few of us speak Mandarin and building relationships does take time. Repeat visits are essential. But for the Germans it has clearly been worthwhile, and it can be for Scots companies too.
Which takes me back to that question. What do we make? Do our companies need to do more to exploit the Chinese opportunity, or are there simply not enough companies with products to sell? SDI can help with the first question, but it falls to the Scottish Government's Manufacturing Action Plan to answer the second.


Welcome Joseph Jr.! I just love taking newborn portraits and creating what has never been. I use my camera and imagination to connect precious new miracles with art. It is my honor to do that for families and the Coleman family was no exception. They trusted me to safely pose their little baby boy, Joseph Jr., and to create something magical for them to treasure for a lifetime. The only request was to include a little bunny since we are so close to Easter.
Below is a little peak into his newborn session. Congratulations and blessings to the Coleman family!
This backdrop above is part of the Heidi Hope Digital Collection. I'm a proud Design Partner and will be able to offer many custom backgrounds that will not be available to anyone else in this area.
Expecting soon? Book a newborn session with Wartick Photography today!


Wow, it's like I wrote this post myself! :) Your wishlist for reqall mirrors my own. I've been looking for a good location-aware reminder app for a while, and use evernote (mostly for business cards), but the lack of exchange task integration and windows mobile support makes it hard for me to integrate them with my normal workflow. I'm WAY too attached to flagging emails and using Outlook tasks. (and I'm with you on requiring office 2010 support)Ideally I could create a task in outlook, assign a location tag, and automatically get reminded about it the next time I'm in that area. Bonus feature: make it smart enough to remind me to do errands when I happen to be only 10-15 minutes away from the store and I don't have any appointments coming up.


West Shore Community Ice Arena hosts several youth and adult hockey tournaments throughout the fall and winter. The Area 24 Special Olympics host their charity hockey game to benefit local area Special Olympic athletes.
The ice arena also offers open skate times all year and will accept bookings for private parties.
The ice arena is located on the campus of West Shore Community College between Ludington and Manistee.
For more information about the ice arena, hockey tournaments, and open skates, visit West Shore Community Ice Arena and get ready to have some fun!