Testimonial from a SEA Client - 2010 Conference

"I have to be honest. I was not looking forward to the conference yesterday. I have attended several conferences in the past that were uninspiring, drawn out and unorganized. I left them feeling like my time had been wasted and that the money spent on the event would have been better spent on increasing salaries. I was expecting the same kind of experience yesterday.

I couldn't have been more wrong. The speakers were exceptional and I got a lot of valuable ideas from them. The day just seemed to fly by and every minute was inspiring and helpful. I was especially impressed by the organization and how smoothly the day seemed to go. I started my day grumbling over the conference and by the end I was energized and so grateful for having the opportunity to attend.

I now feel foolish for underestimating the BERN team...I should have expected the kind of excellence that I have become accustomed to from the team. I would like to send kudos to all for making the conference such a wonderful event! Thank you for all your hard work and thoughtfulness!"
Rebecca McKerracher
Math Medic
Wasaga Beach, ON

SEA 7th Annual Central Ontario Small Business Conference

On May 5th, 2010, over 150 SEA clients, alumni and special guests attended our annual conference at YMCA Geneva Park in Orillia. 'EXCELerating Your Success' was our theme. The day began with a free breakfast networking cafe. Attendees participated in a warm-up exercise by putting similar industries together to create a slogan based on a hand sign.

Two workshops were then held from Peter Jennings on Seven Ways to Build Sales: Featuring the 6Rs of Branding and Sue Kenney on Intention Plus Action Equals Success. Our lunch was sponsored, therefore, free to attendees and was a successful buffet. The afternoon consisted of a mini mastermind exercise to share a success, best practice or challenge. Our keynote speaker was Paul Larche who is the President of Larche Communications which owns KICX FM in Orillia and Sudbury and 104.1 based in Midland.

BERN announced the inaugural presentation of the Business Excellence Award. The aim of the new award is to acknowledge and promote 'Excellence' and 'Best Practice' in business. The nominations were judged by a panel, which included external business professional who looked at excellence in the following areas: effective marketing and sales activities, a pay-it-forward attitude to helping fellow business owners and demonstrated determination.

The day ended with 4 business card draws of prizes from QuickBooks CD to golf passes to accommodations at local resorts.

Thank you to our organizers, sponsors and contributors.