September Vacation

Terry and I are taking our usual September vacation. We like going this time every year for several reasons. One, it’s our anniversary. Two, it’s a good time to get away before the rush of the Hocking Hills October leaf season. And, three we love to visit places off season when there aren’t as many crowds every place you go.

Our vacation was off to a rocky start when we couldn’t leave as planned due to the high winds in Ohio. Both our personal residence and the Inn were without power. The good news is the Inn was only out for three days. During that time the staff did an outstanding job banding together to make our guests as comfortable as possible. Unfortunately, as soon as the power went back on, the line to the lift station from the septic tank broke. The good news was once Terry assessed the situation and called in the crew to solve the problem, the situation was able to be handled WITHOUT us being there. And, what a great feeling that was! We did leave without electricity at home. Oh well!

Our first stop was in Savannah, Georgia. We had been to Savannah before but not to stay overnight. I wanted to visit, not only to see the town, but my aunt and uncle live there. Since my uncle just turned 90 years old, I really wanted to spend some time with them. We stayed for two nights at The Ballastone Inn, a Select Registry property. It was elegant, had great service, and was located right in the middle of the walking historic district. We had two glorious days there sightseeing, shopping, eating and visiting.

Stay tuned for the next blog that will take you to the ocean!

Experience Columbus Days

As proud members of Dine Originals we wanted to share this information with you. Columbus is THE place to be during Experience Columbus Days, Oct. 10-13. Get 50% off admission to the city's top attractions and entertainment when you show your Experience Columbus Days Discount Flyer. In addition, the 42 restaurants of Dine Originals Columbus are offering 25% off your food bill for two people.
Visit www.ExperienceColumbusDays.com to view all of the details and to print a Discount Flyer.

Business Groups

Networking, camaraderie and enjoying time with other business owners is an important component for any owner. Ellen is a member of two business groups she finds extremely valuable. She joined EO (Entrepreneur Organization) the beginning of last year. In addition, at the end of 2008, she became a member of WPO (Women’s President Organization).

While these two organizations are similar in scope, they both offer different insights from a professional and personal perspective. Each group part of a national organization and each offers a chapter in Columbus. Members are placed in a small forum set up with members being a business owner and there are no competing people assigned to one forum. Both groups meet once/month and every individual is committed to attending every meeting for 4 hours. In addition, each group goes on retreat once/year for 2-3 days. The meetings provide the opportunity for you to discuss intimately and in a non-threatening environment as to what is going on in your personal and professional life. It’s an opportunity to share the highs and lows and get advice as the other members share from their experiences.

In addition, each organization brings in outside speakers and consultants for the entire Columbus This provides an expanded opportunity for networking and excellent educational programs. The retreats are designed by the members and provide the chance to get to know the group members more informally. There are daily workshops each entwined with “fun time”. membership.

Perhaps, one or both of these organizations might work for you. Check them out at womenpresidentsorg.com and eonetwork.org.