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Today I met with Deb Kazle, the Chamber administrator to find out more information about the Zimmerman Chamber of Commerce. I’ve debated on whether or not to join a local chamber, and if so, which one. I decided to join the Zimmerman chamber. Even though I live in Big Lake, I am actually closer to Zimmerman which is where we do our quick shopping and buy gas.

The chamber is in the process of having their site redesigned. Once that is done, Digital Teardrops will be listed as a member.

Technorati Tags: Chamber of Commerce, Deb Kazle, member, Zimmerman

Dave and I attended the Zimmerman Business Expo today. I met a lot a great people, including the Sherburne Sheriff and the Zimmerman Mayor. I handed out cards to several people so that they can find the new Sherburne site.

I have some pictures posted on the Sherburne Area blog.

Technorati Tags: mayor, sheriff, Zimmerman Chamber of Commerce

After five years of my old design, I am in the process of redesign my website and Digital Teardrops logo. Since I moved from Tennessee and left my videography and most of my web design clients behind, I have taken the opportunity to rethink my business goals.

I love to work with people in helping them preserve their family history and memories, but I am going to change my number one focus to work more with business owners. I will teach them how to use the internet to market their products and services more cost-effectively. I have been a business owner in various businesses since 1988, so I have a good understanding of what businesses owners need and want. I have a lot of experience with video and I enjoy putting together videos for the web.

I may not post to my blog as often as I would like, but that only means that I am keeping busy!

The change-over is going to be a long-term project because I have so many other projects going on, but will be well worth the effort when I am finished.

Let me know what you think!

Technorati Tags: blog, compliant, CSS, PHP, W3C, WPRemix

My daughter Annika has turned 15 and is ready to get her driving permit. Minnesota does things differently than they do in Tennessee. Here the students have to have classroom lessons before they even get their permits. Parents also have to pay for the classes and behind-the-wheel here–it’s not part of the school curriculum. Yikes–it’s not cheap either!

I called around to the different schools and found the Wreck-Less Driving Academy in Becker. I had seen their sign down from Big Lake High School. I talked to the instructor, Ed Rost, and was very impressed with his program and credentials. I asked him if he had a website and he said no, he was looking for a designer.

Voila! I got my first local website job. I am very excited to work with Ed and help him increase his business. I have his site structure set up and I am awaiting content from him to complete the site.

Take a look: Wreckless Driving Academy

Technorati Tags: Becker, Big Lake, Wreckless Driving Academy

I am creating  a new website that will feature a blog and a directory. As I learn about the Sherburne area, I am going to introduce the area residents to our community. I’m sure there a lot of people who haven’t ventured very far beyond their own worlds. Hopefully, people will find value in what I present!

Down the road I will add a community directory that will list all of the area businesses and organizations.

Technorati Tags: blog, businesses, community, directory, Sherburne Area

I have been very fortunate to be hired as a virtual assistant to Steve and Jean Hanson, owners of an online janitorial community. I am excited by this opportunity because I am able to use many of my skills while still working from home.

Steve and Jean are wonderful people. We actually met them because Dave signed up on their website to help him start up his new janitorial company. We were amazed that they from Brainerd. Steve called Dave up shortly after he signed up to see if he could stop by and meet Dave in person. We were very impressed that Steve would go out of his way to do that. Dave told Steve about me and it happened that Jean needed a new assistant. I was in Tennessee taking the kids for visitation when Jean called to interview me.

I have a lot to learn about their membership site software, but it presents a challenge that I look forward to.

See their site at: http://www.thejanitorialstore.com

Technorati Tags: Steve and Jean Hanson, The Janitorial Store, virtual assistant

We have finally moved into our new home and are settling down. It is going to take some time to get all of my equipment set up. I have one computer that I can use now. I am not taking any new video projects or new websites yet, so that will give me time to get ready.

Meanwhile, we are enjoying exploring our new surroundings.

Technorati Tags: Minnesota, move, Orrock