Sid Van der Meer has over 35 years as a business owner. He has been an owner of 3 businesses. In addition to these 3 businesses he also purchased 2 more companies. 
 
He sold his first business to a large multi million dollar Company and stayed there for 2 years. He then started Northwest Equipment Ltd in 2000. Sold it in 2014 and retired. Sid then became a mentor for SMARTstart in 2014 and has worked 8 people now. 

​The three top areas or questions for business people are. 
How do I get my vision to reality. (Business Plan)
How do I tell people about myself and my business. (Marketing Plan)
How did I finance my business (Financial Plan)

These questions often leads to the Big Question- 
"WHAT IN THE HECK DID I GET MYSELF INTO?"
Join us Thursday, October 11 at the Best Western Airdrie, for an enlightening and interactive presentation by Sid.

What do you do when you are overwhelmed? “Coping with Stress”
This week we are looking forward to learning strategies of reducing stress and helping business owners feel less overwhelmed. 

​Please join us this week as Registered Psychologist & Canadian Certified Counsellor Clayton Falk walks us through the how's and to's when the overwhelming feeling and stress creep into your life.
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Pricing:
Your first session is always free, come out and meet the group.
If you are undecided about joining you can attend another session at the cost of $10. Drop in Pricing $15

One of the areas that the Junior Achievement Southern Alberta works in is financial literacy. How important is your child's financial literacy? There is a phenomenal program sponsored by Junior Achievement Southern Alberta that goes into our schools to assist in educating our youth. 
This week, Junior Achievement Southern Alberta will be joining us to explain more about the programs and what's needed to have them run successfully. Join us for lunch Thursday, September 20 from 11:45 - 1 pm at the Best Western Hotel in Airdrie.

• Tired of running on the pricing merry go round and frustrated at having to compete on price only?
• Want to concentrate on good clients, not bad ones?
• Want to get results with your marketing message?
• Want to increase your sales and profits?
  Hear how you will be able to:
• Establish your very own Market Dominating Position
• Define your ideal target client with laser precision
• Attract profitable clients and discourage unprofitable ones
• Know what to do and where to start identifying areas of growth
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Alberta small business marketing guru, Derryl Kostynuik of PowerByMarketing.com, will share a few marketing strategies that you can immediately implement in your business. Join us Thursday, May 31 from 11:45 am to 1 pm at the Best Western Hotel in Airdrie.

This week at Think Airdrie Networking. Charlene Gize from A-WIN Insurance will be in the house giving you all the latest changes in the insurance world. Want to know more about Home, Auto, Business insurance policies? What's covered and what's not covered? This will be your chance to ask your questions. Join us Thursday May 24 at the Best Western Hotel, Airdrie from 11:45 am to 1 pm.
First time dropping in, your lunch is in TAN. Second time dropping in $10. Subsequent drop ins are $15.

​Allan Marston will be presenting All you need to know about BitCoin. Allan's passion and expertise in Bitcoin and Cryptocurrencies have had him invited to speak on the subject at numerous international conferences.

Bitcoin is the Internet's currency and Cryptocurrencies will change the way we deal with money. Allan will show us the basics in an easily understandable presentation.

If you are curious about digital currency, then you will want to hear this. Join us this Thursday, May 17, from 11:45 am to 1 pm. To reserve your seat click this link https://bit.ly/2peAZ7J

Heather Douglas presented on the up coming legalization of Marijuana. While there are still a few items that are still being determined by the Government employers need to make sure they are ready.

What is the impact of impairment in the workforce?
As am employer you need to create and implement a plan. Consider what the hazards would be within your business.
It is the duty of the employer to accommodate workers with medical conditions + disabilities: It is the responsibility of the employee to self disclose any medical conditions and disabilities.
 
Employers will need to become aware of what impairment looks like.
What are some of the Impairment effects
Dizziness, impaired memory, suspiciousness, impaired motor skilled, dry mouth, worsening of seizures, hypersensitivity, higher or lower blood levels, nausea, fast heartbeat.
The above effects could last in your system for as long as 24 hours.
 
Heather high recommends that employers work with employees to create a policy around use and establishing a safe work environment. This way everyone involved understands what is expected of everyone.