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But We’re the Marketing Department—Why Does Exit Strategy Matter?

Tuesday, August 17, 2010 @ 02:08 PM Ballywho News

Every successful business begins with an excellent plan, and that plan generally—and should—include an exit strategy. That exit strategy outlines the end goal for the business; for example, do the owners plan to sell it and retire, or expand it to include multiple divisions? Once the exit plan is determined, every aspect of the business should align with attaining that goal.

Why Exit Strategy Matters

While the exit strategy might be easier to ascertain at self-owned or small businesses, even the largest companies are steered by some exit strategy. The marketing professional’s job is to investigate that strategy, and then find a way to support that strategy with marketing tactics. This task seems to present a challenge to marketers, who may feel more comfortable marketing products, instead of long-term plans.

But really, marketing to support the exit strategy requires thinking about what potential investors would look for if they were seeking to get involved with a business:

  • A clearly defined long-term vision, with the short- and long-term goals to accomplish that vision
  • A sense of confidence in the long-term viability of the business endeavor
  • An infrastructure that can support measured, methodical growth and can be scaled to fit that growth over time
  • A compelling product or service that anticipates and meets the needs of intended customers

Aligning Marketing with Exit Strategy

All these factors boil down to trust and reliability. In the end, that’s the same thing that consumers are looking for—and what qualified marketers work to establish every day. This also means that at every turn, the marketer isn’t only addressing potential customers, but also potential investors, using a very similar approach. The key is to approach every customer-business interaction as a potential “marketing moment.” Consider these factors as you look to align your marketing efforts with your company’s exit strategy:

  • Color and style: Colors evoke emotion, so it’s critical to make sure that you’re evoking the intended emotion. Meanwhile the style of lettering and layout should also look polished and professional. Simply rearranging elements on the page to make them “flow” better visually give a better sense of the company. Even the logo sends a message about the company.
  • Tone: From word choice to grammar, every written element of a marketing piece communicates volumes. Even punctuation contributes to overall impression. Choose words that have the right connotations, that is, words that remind readers or viewers of trust, longevity, and innovation. And stay away from too many exclamation points!
  • Focus: In this age of “shiny object marketing,” it can be easy to proceed scattershot into the realm of social marketing or the latest direct mail tactics. Investors will pick up on subtle signs of consistency, so it’s important to evaluate the best way to use any new strategy, so that it fits seamlessly and intuitively with the overall marketing plan and business objectives.

Ultimately, considering the exit strategy in all marketing decisions is simply another way of evaluating the appropriateness of any given marketing venture. It shouldn’t replace other measures of evaluation, nor dominate that process. Rather, the exit strategy represents another layer of that onion that marketing professionals must peel away as part of the campaign development process.

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Back to School Tips

Monday, August 9, 2010 @ 02:08 PM Ballywho News

Returning to school after summer can be an exciting and hectic time for kids and their parents. For children with EB, it can be a little stressful, making those introductions and facing potential stares and confusion from others, especially in new classrooms or schools. Whether your child is just entering school for the first time or moving between grade levels which could mean meeting up with new students and teachers unfamiliar with their condition, it is important for you as a parent and a neighbor to be an open, accessible resource to answer other parents’ questions about EB. By offering information and helpful tools where needed to the school and other families, you can help support your child throughout what could be a confusing and scary transition.

There are some things that you can do to streamline the process of integrating your child into a new schedule and school environment, as well as some resources to help you communicate with the school and other families about EB. Here are ten suggestions gathered from various sources including www.debra.org, www.ebfriends.ning.com and parents just like you.

  1. Provide the teacher and the school nurse with information about DebRA including the website (www.debra.org) and email address for the DebRA nurse educator, Geri Kelly-Mancuso RN (debranursec@yahoo.com) to reach out to with any specific EB care questions.
  2. Supply the teacher with a storage box containing different types of bandage materials clearly marked with numbers to designate order for application of the bandages. You may wish to include needles, scissors and any ointments in a separate baggie within this storage box, too.
  3. Send the child with a fitted chair pad for his/her regular classroom seat to provide greater comfort and lessen risk of skin friction or irritation. If the child’s legs dangle from the chair, a small stepstool could be added to minimize extra strain or stretching at the back of the child’s legs.
  4. Schedule a time outside of class to meet with the teacher and demonstrate a partial bandage change to better explain the various kinds of blisters and ways to handle them as well as the care required during wound dressings.
  5. Work closely with the teacher and the school to establish a care chain of command for your child in the event that an accident or injury does occur on the premises. Specifically, have three people in place in case of emergency and confirm that it is included within your child’s student record.
  1. Encourage your child to speak up at school and notify the teacher before any situation that could cause him/her blistering or injury. Let the teacher and the students know the safe limits for physical interaction and play.
  2. For field trips, ensure that whomever is leading the children has an emergency pack of bandage materials with them since a parent will not always be able to join the child on the excursion.
  3. Introduce a helpful two-part video to the teacher for the class. The Children’s Hospital of Colorado has produced a school video called “What is EB? and Your Welcoming Classroom.” The first segment, “What Is EB?” is approximately six minutes long and designed to familiarize students and teachers with some of the issues that face children with EB everyday and encouraging students to help their classmate feel more accepted and less isolated. The second part, “Your Welcoming Classroom,” is just over 17 minutes long and offers teachers and other school personnel a means to open a critical communication channel between the child, family, medical community and school contacts. The video is available for free through DebRA.
  4. Always pack a change of clothes, sunglasses and a pair of slippers in your child’s schoolbag in the event of drainage, lengthy time spent outdoors or additional blistering of the feet.
  5. Initiate communication directly with parents of your child’s classmates by asking the child’s teacher if a letter can be sent home with the other students for their parents. I’ve attached a sample template below that can be modified for a child of any school age. Make certain it’s understood that as parents, you are available to clear up any confusion by talking with the other parents by phone, email or in-person to answer any questions at all.

August XX, 2010

Dear Parents of Preschool Children in Miss Smith’s Class,

Our son/daughter, Child’s Name, will be attending class with your children this school year. Child’s Name is an outgoing, intelligent and funny child who suffers from a rare genetic disorder that causes his/her skin to be very fragile. The condition is called epidermolysis bullosa or EB for short.

Child’s Name is much like any other child with the exception that excessive heat, humidity, or friction causes his/her skin to blister or tear off. As a result, child’s name often has what children so sweetly refer to as a lot of “boo boos.” Child’s Name’s wounds are similar to those of a burn victim. He/She will frequently wear bandages to protect his/her wounds and facilitate healing. This condition is not contagious. In fact, germs from other people pose much more of a threat to the child with EB than vice versa.

Child’s Name has many close friends that he/she plays with regularly. Our experience is that your children will get to know child’s name as a person and over time, will no longer notice the blemishes on his/her skin.

We strongly believe (like all of you I’m sure) that knowledge can alleviate many fears and misconceptions. We welcome your questions, so please do not hesitate to approach us during the school year. In the meantime, the following websites will provide you with helpful information about epidermolysis bullosa: www.debra.org, www.befriendeb.com, and www.ebkids.org.

We are committed to helping our child live as normal a life as possible. We look forward to getting to know each of you and your children. This is a very exciting time for all of us!

Warm regards,

Your name

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Most Common Auto Accident Injuries

Monday, August 2, 2010 @ 02:08 PM Ballywho News

Suffering a car accident can be traumatic, especially if anyone suffers an injury. The good news is that most accidents involve only minor injuries that heal on their own, without medical intervention. However, some more serious injuries may not even have outward symptoms. It’s important for anyone who suffers an auto accident to seek medical attention to get any potential injuries diagnosed and treated as soon as possible.

Types of Injuries

Usually automobile accidents cause trauma to the skeletal system and the soft tissue around it. The more delicate the body part, the more prone to injury it is. That means that the neck, back, and brain are prime candidates for injury during an accident.

  • Whiplash: The single most common accident injury, whiplash occurs when the soft tissue in the neck is damaged by abrupt movement. The muscles, tendons, ligaments, and nerves can become stiff or swollen, causing restrictions on movement and soreness. Usually these symptoms subside after a few days, but if they persist, it’s important to see a doctor.
  • Back pain: Any time the spine and back muscles are moved abruptly or unnaturally, back pain can result. While whiplash tends to occur in rear-end collisions, back pain can arise after virtually any accident. Like whiplash, most minor back pain should go away in a few days. However, if you experience shooting pain, numbness, or pain that lasts more than a few days, go see a doctor.
  • Joint damage: Many people bang their knees against the bottom of the dashboard during a collision. However, other joints may also be injured, particularly the hips, elbows, and ankles. Joint damage may include swelling, soreness, sprains, fractures, and dislocations. Any sort of joint injury requires medical attention.
  • Concussion: A concussion occurs when the brain makes contact with the skull, usually due to a hard blow to the head. They range from mild to severe. Symptoms include dizziness, sleepiness, bruising around the eyes, memory loss, and disorientation. Anyone who suffers a blow to the head should go to the hospital to ensure that any damage is caught and treated.
  • Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): These are far more common in side impact collisions, where the head makes contact with the side window. Although less common, TBI are more serious than other kinds of auto accident injuries. Skull fractures, brain bruising (hematoma), and severe nerve damage all qualify as TBI and require immediate medical attention.

When to Get Help

For more serious injuries, call 9-1-1 and head to the emergency room. If you suspect that you’ve suffered an injury, go to a doctor whom you trust. Skip those “physician referral” services, and visit your general practitioner. Get a referral to a specialist for any more specific concerns.

You may face resistance from your insurance company when filing for coverage of medical expenses. Note that because Florida is a no-fault state, your insurance company is responsible for your medical expenses and lost wages, up to the limits of your policy. Meanwhile, if the other driver is faulted in the accident, his or her insurance should cover any costs that exceed those covered by your insurance policy. Most claimants find that hiring an auto accident attorney significantly reduces the time it takes for their claims. Furthermore, if a case must go to court, a personal injury attorney is a vital ally for the litigation process.

For the best outcome, get a full medical examination if you’re in an accident and suspect more than minor injuries. Keep careful records of all treatments and expenditures. Finally, choose a reputable attorney who has extensive experience with auto accidents and personal injury litigation.

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New AMA Tampa Bay President – My Look Ahead

Monday, August 2, 2010 @ 02:08 PM Ballywho News

For those of you who missed it, on June 22, Colleen Chappell, the AMA Tampa Bay President and President of ChappellRoberts, passed the gavel of leadership to me.

After a year of serving with Colleen as President-Elect and several years working with the organization in other capacities, I am excited to now be President of AMA Tampa Bay, which has more than 400 members and is one of the fastest growing chapters in the United States.

I’d like to take a moment to thank each and every one of you for your ongoing support as we move into the new fiscal year. Many of you have asked me, “Do you know what you’re getting into?”

You know, it’s funny, but I totally do.

Challenges and successes

During my term as President-Elect, I had the opportunity to work with, troubleshoot, problem solve, and have a heck of a lot of fun (and wine) with one of the most dynamic and well-respected leaders in Tampa Bay — Colleen Chappell. While I learned a lot about the details, deliverables and some of the downright difficult aspects of running our chapter, the most important things I gained from her are life skills that will continue to help me not only as a professional, but also as a wife, mother and friend.

Colleen and I have shared a year full of life-changing experiences, both personal and professional. I had a baby, and she prepared her “baby” to fly away from the nest. We had moving nightmares, and business successes. Working with Colleen and AMA Tampa Bay has become an incredibly personal experience.

Without Colleen’s continued support and guidance, I would not be ready to take on this role. Knowing that she will still be here not only as Immediate Past President but as a confidante, sounding board and friend, means that this will be a year that will be full of surprises and laughter (and yes, even more wine).

Thanks, Colleen, for everything.

“Above and Beyond”

Under Colleen’s leadership, the Board of Directors shared her vision to “Keep on Growing,” and you know what, it worked! At a time when other professional organizations have found it incredibly difficult to stay afloat, AMA Tampa Bay’s membership has increased steadily. This proves just how important we are to the marketing community.

Our growth is in no small part due to our dedicated volunteers, committee members, sponsors and Board of Directors. Everyone’s worked diligently to spearhead new and exciting opportunities that have proven to be incredibly successful. With this strong foundation beneath me, I look forward to working with all of you to take our chapter “Above and Beyond.”

Now that we’ve achieved substantial growth, I am committed to a focused approach that will help us to find new ways to engage, serve and connect with our membership on an even more personal level.

This brings me to our chapter’s new President-Elect, Sean Halter.

Interesting times ahead

Sean is dedicated, passionate and funny. He has served on our Board of Directors for quite some time now, and he’s more than prepared for his new role as President-Elect. He has proven himself as a resourceful and talented leader, and I am eagerly awaiting the fresh perspective and new ideas he will surely contribute.

I don’t know if anyone can truly prepare to work with me on an almost daily basis (haha), though I made a big effort to provide Sean with the tools and resources that will help him through this year.

So my husband, Chad, gave him a book full of insults and comebacks. (Sean should enjoying using that in the coming year, I am sure.)

Together we’re better

In closing, I want to again thank everyone who has helped me on my path to chapter leadership. I am positive that this year will once again be stellar, and we will continue to serve the marketing community unlike any other professional group in Tampa Bay.

We have a truly talented Board of Directors this year, and I would like to take a moment to recognize our incoming 2010-2011 Board at this time.

Sean Halter, President-Elect
Colleen Chappell, Immediate Past President
Thryth Hillary-Navarro, Secretary
Greg Millman, Treasurer
Susan Follick, VP Communications & Branding
Vince Bailey, VP Research
Shanna Kurpe, VP of Programming, Co-chair
Jeff Young, VP of Programming, Co-chair
Will Rose, VP Sponsorship
Doug Engel, VP Collegiate Relations
Jeremy Dixon, VP Human Resources
Jennie M. Jordan, VP Volunteers
Tracy Beck Clouser, Director of Public & Media Relations
Jennifer McCafferty, Director of Programming Development
Andrea Gorder, Director of Event Management
Shelly Bramm, Director of Membership Retention

Thanks to all of you for agreeing to take this journey with me.

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How to Integrate Marketing and PR within Your Business

Monday, August 2, 2010 @ 01:08 PM Ballywho News

Now that you’ve launched your business, you understandably want to announce it to the world.

But before you click the “send” button on that email with your initial press release, you need to quiz yourself on your marketing readiness. For example:

  • Do my employees understand the company brand, mission and vision?
  • Has sales training been conducted?
  • Is our website user-friendly?
  • Are my print marketing materials consistent with the website?
  • Are my electronic marketing materials consistent with my print materials?
  • Do we have a method to acquire leads and convert them into prospects?
  • Do I have a way to measure ROI?

If you answered “yes” to these questions, I’d say you have done your homework and are well on your way to marketing success. On the other hand, if you answered “no” to two or more of these questions, you need to craft a more comprehensive marketing strategy before telling everybody who you are and what you do.

Marketing and PR go together

Gone are the days when a company sold itself using radio, TV, billboards and newspapers. While those mediums are still relevant depending on the audience and the message, email, the Internet and social media have drastically changed the world of marketing and PR.

Bottom line: If your messages aren’t consistent across all these communication platforms, and the look and “feel” of your marketing and PR themes aren’t the same, you will come across as disjointed or inconsistent. While marketing is sales-based and PR is image-based, both elements need to be integrated into your business promotions.

It’s critical that employees grasp this. When they understand the service you provide, the products you offer and their role in delivering them to customers, they will not only support the external marketing and PR efforts, but they will also complement them. Employees loyal to what you stand for and clear on how they contribute to the company’s success make the best sales people.

Alignment isn’t just for cars

Will any of your employees be assigned to work trade shows, to serve as a community liaison, or represent the company at sponsorship events? If so, they will be much more effective brand ambassadors if they are in sync with your company’s marketing strategy. And aligning employees with your strategy is much easier when it’s implemented consistently throughout the organization.

Increasing employee understanding and enthusiasm for your brand can be done in a number of ways, including frequent communications about the company’s operational goals and achievements; team-building exercises; and incentive campaigns.

So before you shoot off that first news release, be sure you’ve integrated your company’s marketing and PR efforts and messages – and that your employees are as ready for your company’s big debut as you are.

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Building a Reputation as a Thought Leader: Penetrating the Speaker Circuit

Tuesday, July 27, 2010 @ 02:07 PM Ballywho News

A few weeks ago we looked at strategies to get your name in print. This week, we’ll look at another key component of thought leadership: breaking into the speaker circuit. Although public speaking ranks as the number-one fear in the United States, it garners considerable advantages for those who can swallow their anxieties and share a compelling story. Speaking engagements require little financial investment, but can generate countless leads.

Find the Right Crowd

Getting involved in public speaking doesn’t have to be difficult. The key is to carefully target your audience–and work to build relationships that can turn into opportunities for speaking engagements.

  • Avoid “preaching to the choir”: People within your industry won’t need to hire you. Get outside your own industry, and reach out to groups and organizations where ideal clients would be members. In other words, look for a complementary crowd, whose businesses might need your expertise.
  • Remember that no crowd is too small: Don’t expect your first speaking engagement to be in front of hundreds of people. Ease into it, with groups of 20 to 40. These will also be easier to book; you could probably even fill a room with your own professional contacts relatively easily.
  • Get creative with presentation style: Still absolutely mortified of all those eyes, just staring at you? Start out with a webcast, where the only audience is a camera, and you have as many retakes as you’d like. Push out the webcast through your company’s social media channels.
  • Radiate warmth and humor: Great speakers are able to make others feel at ease, even from behind the podium. Maintain that same charisma during every interaction, and people will be more eager to hear your ideas.

Keep the Momentum Going

Once you’ve gotten a few speaking engagements under your belt, it will get less intimidating to get up in front of an audience. Meanwhile, after several successful engagements, you can step it up and start going after larger audiences.

  • Whip that pitch deck into shape: Be sure that as your presentations generate leads, you have a firecracker set of marketing materials to back them up. The pitch deck can also come in handy when you apply for more prestigious speaking engagements, which often require that, along with a sample presentation, for consideration.
  • Keep the presentation fresh: It’s always possible that people might end up in the audience twice, especially as you build a reputation as an excellent speaker. To that end, avoid giving the same presentation twice. Consider the audience, and tailor each presentation accordingly.
  • Tell a great story: What makes a great presentation? An extraordinary story. Approach your presentation like it’s story time for adults, rather than a lecture. Include vignettes that illustrate your points. Pare stories down so they include compelling, relevant details and clearly match your message.
  • Give the crowd stitches: Keep the audience laughing, and you’ll be sure to book more engagements. Stick to safe topics—self-deprecating humor always works as an ice breaker. Steer clear of politics or really strong sarcasm, as these can turn off some people. Remain positive and energetic.

Thought leadership pays when it comes to building a brand and generating referrals. Sharing your perspective as an expert in the field begins with putting your expertise center stage as a public speaker.

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Tired of Your Tub? Convert it!

Monday, July 26, 2010 @ 02:07 PM Ballywho News

Your bathroom is one of the most used places in your house. The bathtub in particular gets as much or more use than any appliance that you own. Everyone who lives in a home uses the bathtub on a regular basis. Replacing an entire tub can be costly. Maybe you should consider converting your tub into a shower stall or revamping it with a bathtub conversion kit.

Change your tub into a shower stall

This option gives the bathroom an entirely new look. It is also an excellent option if accessibility is an issue, since stepping over the edge of the tub can be difficult.

  • Cut your current tub: Some people choose to cut a space out of the side of their tub. This makes stepping in and out easier and is the best option if your motivation for the conversion is to help family members who need easier access to the tub. With this option you may want to install some additional grip handles on the walls of the stall for extra support for your loved ones.
  • Install a shower kit over top- Other people prefer to pick out a conversion kit that fits over the top of your current tub. These kits come in a variety of colors and styles. They can be applied directly over your current tub which makes the process a lot simpler than an all-out replacement. Both options are generally less expensive than replacing your tub.

Keep a bathtub

Once again you have options. The wide variety of options is one of the reasons that converting a bathtub can be a fun project. You can create a new look regardless of which option you choose. In this case you get to choose between

  • Resurfacing your bathtub- Maybe you like the way your bathtub looks except for its color. Or maybe the old tub’s surface has worn away with use. Resurfacing your tub will fix either scenario. Remember that if you resurface yourself, you will be working with a variety of chemicals that need to be handled carefully. Precautions need to be taken so you are safe. Regardless of whether you do it or you hire a professional, resurfacing will make your tub look brand new and it will definitely feel smoother to the touch.
  • Purchase a conversion kit- Just like with the shower stall conversion, there are kits that will fit over your tub, turning it into a new one. This option lets you change everything about the way your tub looks because you can choose from different styles and finishes (maybe you are tired of porcelain and want marble for instance). One appealing option is turning your traditional tub into a whirlpool tub. Having massaging jets in your tub will help you relax, or in some cases even recover.

You can look up pictures on the internet or go to your local hardware store to see what all of these choices actually look like. You have so many options when converting a bathtub that you will definitely be able to find the one that fits you best. As always, if you have any questions about how to install, or would like the job done professionally, we are ready to help at Handyman Connection. Good luck and happy remodeling!

Handyman Connection is proud to serve the home improvement and home repair needs of Tampa, Clearwater, St. Petersburg, Lakeland, Orlando, Bradenton, Sarasota, Naples, Ft. Myers, Melbourne, Merritt Island & Titusville.

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Surviving Congenital Heart Defects

Monday, July 26, 2010 @ 02:07 PM Ballywho News

A congenital heart defect is a heart abnormality that is present at birth. Though the thought of your infant or young child having a heart defect might be scary, close to nine of every 1,000 kids in the U.S. is born with one, according to the American Heart Association.

Approximately 36,000 babies are born each year with some kind of heart defect. It happens most often very early in the mother’s pregnancy, and the cause is usually unknown. Most birth defects of the heart are minor; some are not even discovered until the child is a teenager or an adult.

Other heart defects, however, are potentially life-threatening and require treatment. Fortunately, they are usually detected during the mother’s pregnancy or shortly after their child’s birth. Current medical technology enables physicians to treat a number of heart conditions with medication and non-invasive techniques in addition to surgery, allowing many children with heart problems to live normal or near-normal lives.

The beat goes on

The human heart is a pump that moves blood throughout the body. In children, it beats 100,000 times a day. Fresh blood goes out via arteries, carrying oxygen with it to the tissues and organs. After the oxygen is absorbed, the oxygen-free blood returns through the veins and is moved by the heart into the lungs, where it receives oxygen and is pumped out to tissues and organs yet again.

Any heart conditions that interfere with or prevent this process from happening, are considered serious. Possible signs of a heart defect include:

  • Bluish coloring. Oxygenated blood is red, and oxygen-free blood is blue. This indicates not enough oxygen is getting to tissues and organs.
  • Lack of appetite. This may accompany the change in coloring.
  • Weak pulse
  • Problems breathing or breathing heavily
  • Fatigue

Healing the heart

If an infant or child’s heart condition is severe enough, it can be treated in one of the following ways:

  • Catheterization. A thin plastic tube inserted into a vein or an artery and threaded into the heart. This non-surgical technique is chosen to repair simple heart defects such as atrial septal defect and pulmonary valve stenosis.
  • Surgery. An operation may be required to fix more complex heart problems. Examples include holes in the heart, valve defects and defects with blood vessels near the heart.
  • Transplant. When there are too many problems to fix via surgery, a young patient may need an entirely new heart. However, this is rare.

We can help

Five of the hospitals of HCA East Florida can diagnose and treat a variety of cardiac health issues.

If you would like a physician referral, please contact Consult-A-Nurse® at 1-866-442-2362, or visit HCA East Florida online.

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When to Replace Your Generator

Monday, July 26, 2010 @ 01:07 PM Ballywho News

Having a generator on hand gives you piece of mind. Whether the generator is there to power your home or business in the event of an emergency, it is always a good idea to ensure that your equipment will be ready in the event that you need it. Generators most often come into play at crucial times when power is needed but not available from your traditional utility provider. Eventually, like all equipment, generators will need to be replaced. Repair and maintenance can only go so far and at some point it will be necessary to acquire a new generator. Here are some factors to consider about your current generator to help decide whether you should be in the market for repair or a new generator all together.

· Age and Usage- Every generator is different in output capacity, fuel requirements and life span; however there are some rules of thumb. Diesel powered generators tend to have the longest life span. It is estimated that a diesel powered generator can operate between 12,000 and 30,000 hours before any initial maintenance needs to be performed. In comparison most gasoline powered versions will need first maintenance after 6,000 to10,000 hours of use. This alone tells us that a gasoline powered unit will need to be replaced sooner than a diesel unit. While some large industrial unites can last for decades, the smaller household units will not. This is an important factor to consider when purchasing a generator. Generally speaking, the older your generator and the more it is used, the sooner you should be looking for a new one.

· Maintenance- Like all equipment, generators will need maintenance to continue working properly. One of the biggest signs that it is time to find a new generator is increased maintenance. If you find yourself having to fix, or have someone else fix, your generator more and more often, it is probably time to consider a new unit. The costs associated with regular repairs and the risk of not having a working unit when you need it will ultimately outweigh the price of new equipment. Older units that require a lot of maintenance are often less efficient and cannot provide the same amount of power as they once could.

· Increased Capacity Needs- Maybe you recently moved your business to a larger facility with higher kilowatt needs. Perhaps your business just put in a new computer network that requires more juice to run correctly. As time passes and we acquire new electrically powered equipment, our kilowatt needs may increase. If you do not acquire a new generator that is capable of powering your new equipment, you will be at a loss when the power goes out. Remember a generator is a necessary piece of equipment, just like the other new purchases you might have made. Make sure that your generator is capable of doing its job when you need it.

· Budget- Like many pieces of equipment, generators can require that you commit a significant amount of money when purchasing. If you are seeing signs that you will need a new generator in the future, and have the money in your budget now, it may be a good time to make the investment. Better now when the money is there than later when money is tight but you need a new unit.

Generators are tools that we often need in desperate times. Storms or power outages will happen and you will need power regardless of their presence. While we are happy to provide full maintenance packages to keep your equipment in working order, sometimes you will need a new generator. It is a decision that requires planning but one we recommend you make when needed.

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Looking Back at 2010 PCC

Monday, July 26, 2010 @ 01:07 PM Ballywho News

It’s been a little over a month since the Patient Care Conference, and I’ve seen people still sharing their thoughts about this year’s event in groups like the EB Friends Ning. I have already posted a few photo albums with PCC pics at the Facebook page. Did you get a chance to see them?

This year’s conference was my third PCC that I’ve attended. As you may already know, DebRA holds these events every other year. At previous conferences, I took part as a kid’s room organizer, as part of the New Family Advocate Program, and Wound Care Clearing House for DebRA. This year’s event was my first chance to interact with others as Hollister Wound Care’s Coordinator of EB Affairs. I always enjoy seeing the kids at these events, especially how much they’ve grown. And I especially like listening to the physicians share news about the latest advances in wound care and news about the progress of their clinical trials.

Hollister Wound Care sponsored the kids’ room during the presentations. While speakers like Dr. Arbuckle, Dr. Wagner, Dr. Morel, Dr. Lucky and Dr. Paller were taking the stage, an energetic crew of volunteers kept our younger attendees busy and did our best to make the kids’ room a fun place to be while moms and dads learned from the doctors who were presenting.

This year’s fun side trip was a great success – a trip to the Newport Aquarium. I was glad that Hollister Wound Care could sponsor such a fun event. All of the families had such a great time and kids loved the sea urchin giveaways, too. Several were putting them on their feet, on the control knobs of their wheelchairs, even on their noses! It was hilarious to see the joy on their faces during this fun outing.

What always seems to be one of the most beneficial aspects of the conference is that opportunity to connect – caregivers with other caregivers, parents with other parents and especially, patients with other patients. And the value of attending can mean different things to different people. For instance, for some, the biggest benefit is the information and ideas shared by speakers. For others, it’s the friendships, advice and support that often develop.

If EB families haven’t gotten an opportunity before, I’d strongly urge them to take part in the future at least once and experience it for themselves. But for those who missed this year’s event, there will be DVDs available soon from one of the event’s sponsors, National Rehab, so that way those unable to be there in person can still take away the helpful information provided at the conference.

Were you able to attend this year’s PCC? If so, what did you think? I’d love to hear from you. Please send me your thoughts on what you enjoyed most at this year’s event and any photo links from the event that we can share with the rest of the EB Resource community. Just email me at leslie.rader@hollisterwoundcare.com.

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