Community Energy Challenge can help your business save money

Learn more about how the Community Energy Challenge can help your business save money from an expert!

Molly Williamson from Sustainable Connections will share information on the Community Energy Challenge and a few other sustainable business practices.

The Community Energy Challenge makes achieving energy efficiency as easy as possible from start to finish. We provide each participating household or business with quality information, a full energy assessment, a customized energy action plan detailing cost-effective measures, assistance with utility and tax rebates, reliable contractors, and quality assurance.

The Community Energy Challenge is a non-profit partnership between Opportunity Council and Sustainable Connections. The two-fold goal of the Community Energy Challenge is to encourage and support residential and commercial energy efficiency retrofits, and to boost local economic development in the construction sector. It began as one of eight energy efficiency pilot programs in Washington, created with the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 stimulus package. Originally serving Whatcom County, the Community Energy Challenge has now grown to include four counties: Whatcom, Skagit, Island and San Juan.

Introduction to Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs)

ETF’s are one of the fastest growing investment products in today’s market. WWN member and Certified Financial Planner Judy Paulson will cover a brief history of these funds, some basic characteristics, their roll in a portfolio and their future development. 

State of social media 2018

The word of social media is ever-changing, and Facebook has just announced some big changes that will affect business pages. WWN member and content marketing specialist Hilary Parker will present an update on the latest moves by Facebook as well as what to expect from other major platforms including Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.

Living your Yoga

Yoga is meant to be more than just a physical practice. We can use Yogic philosophy off the mat and in our lives as well as becoming more comfortable in our bodies. WWN member and yoga instructor Marybeth Spector shares how to "live your yoga" at our Thursday, Jan. 11, meeting.

Holiday Social is Dec. 14

No regular meeting this Thursday as we celebrate the holidays with an evening social from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Gallery Pegasus, 301 W. Holly St., Bellingham. Guests welcome. 

DIY Photography for your holiday cards

Want the secret to great holiday photos using your phone or point-and-shoot camera? Commercial photographer and WWN member Diane Padys shares her tips and tricks at our Dec. 7 meeting.

These tips will make this year's holiday card stand out, so don't miss our Noon meeting at the Gateway Centre in Bellingham.

10-point financial health checkup for small business & sole proprietors

Do you know the building blocks for a financially health small business? Are you structured properly? Are you paying the minimum legal and ethical amount in tax? Can you spot financial difficulties before they arise so you can resolve them before they hit? Is your business plan supporting your life plan?

WWN member Siobhan Murphy, CPA with Thrive Business Group, will talk you through a 10-point financial health checkup for your small business. This will help you determine if your foundation is complete, your day-to-day factors are running smoothly and to your benefit, and your business is serving your bigger picture goals and vision.

Come hear Siobahn's tips at our Nov. 30 meeting, noon at the Gateway Centre.

Meet Dr. Betty Callen

One of WWN's newest members, Dr. Betty Callen will talk about her chiropractic practice at the Nov. 16 meeting. Dr. Callen uses a method known as Chiropractic BioPhysics in adjusting her patients as well as specializing in scoliosis treatment. Whether a patient needs to get out of pain, avoid spinal surgery or wants to prolong an active lifestyle, Dr. Callen can help.

Get to know Limitless Law

WWN member and attorney Emily Rose Mowrey, gives us the 411 on her law firm, Limitless Law, on Nov. 9. Learn from Emily what kind of work she handles (and what she doesn't do), as well as how she charges for her services. She'll also share the answers to some of the first questions most people ask when they call her, and how to best refer new clients.

Guest Speaker: Assistance League

This week, Whatcom Women's Network welcomes a representative of the Assistance League of Bellingham as our Nov. 1 speaker. Join us as she shares their community-based philanthropy work:

• New clothes and other necessities for youth in need
• Summer enrichment scholarships for middle and high school students
• Gifts for care center residents
• Emergency clothing for hospital ER patients

And don't forget to support the Assistance League's programs by shopping at their Thrift & Gift Shop at 2817 Meridian St.