Monthly Archives: August 2010

Business, Local Writers & Contributors

Does Your Website “Suck”

By: Lisa J.  Lehr

Everyone knows by now (or should) that if you have a business, you must have a website. Even if you have a brick-and-mortar building and a strictly local clientele, you need a website to stay competitive. Many people toss their phone books into the recycle bin as soon as they get them, so they’ll never know you exist unless you have an Internet presence. Potential customers check out your location, your hours, and what makes you stand out from your competitors before they consider showing up in person.

Okay, so you have a website. Can you cross that off your list now?

In a word, no. Because the reality is that your website probably—statistically speaking—sucks.

If people are bored, confused, or turned off by what they see, or if you just haven’t given them the information they were seeking, they leave and do not become buying customers. It’s that simple! So how do you get your website to “not suck”?

I’m so glad you asked.

Here’s a basic checklist of what your website must do, be, and say in order to be effective:

  • Does it clearly tell your site visitors what you do?
  • Is the look-and-feel consistent across all pages?
  • Is your unique selling proposition clear?
  • Is it focused on the customer, not on you?
  • Does it tell your site visitors what you want them to do?

Chances are, you’re not even sure of the answers to all these questions. You may not even understand what the questions mean! That’s normal, because effective web copy writing is probably not your business.

Does your website suck? If so, run, don’t walk, and get help with it before it “sucks” your business right down the drain.

Lisa J. Lehr is a writer and copywriter living in Grass Valley. She can help you promote your business with a full range of online and offline marketing pieces. A member of Empire Toastmasters, she’s available to speak to your business or professional group. Visit her website www.justrightcopy.com for more information, opt in for the message series, and receive a free Marketing Guide.

—
Lisa J. Lehr
I write words that make you money–just ask me how.
www.justrightcopy.com
Visit my website and sign up for my fr~ee marketing tips.
New! No~cost Marketing Guide now available at my website.

nevada county fair

Nevada County Fair Celebrates the Day for People with Disabilities


This year also marks FREED’s 25th anniversary and the 20th anniversary of American Disabilities Act

Join us at the Nevada County Fair on Friday, August 13, for the annual Day for People with Disabilities. This day at the Fair will also celebrate the 20th anniversary of the American Disabilities Act and the 25th anniversary of Nevada County’s FREED Center for Independent Living.

During the Day for People with Disabilities, which happens every year on the Friday of the Fair, those with disabilities are admitted to the Fair at no charge, as is a guest or a chaperone. Additionally, individuals are given free parking, and vendors are brought in to offer products and services that cater to people with disabilities and to those that assist them.

There are several events and activities planned throughout the day. In the Ag-Sperience area, there will be an accessible location for individuals to see and interact with the livestock. In the same area, Master Gardeners will be demonstrating “Accessible Gardening.”  On the patio of the Northern Mines building, the Gold Country Wood Turners will offer a sit down lathe for those who are wheelchair bound to try their hand at creating wood art.

Mark Wellman, a nationally acclaimed author, filmmaker and motivational speaker, will be at the Fair’s climbing rock wall, where Mobile Rock is donating time for those with disabilities to have a try at climbing. Wellman will then be joining Candace Cable of Turning Point Tahoe on the Budweiser True Music Stage at 2 pm for an inspiring, motivational presentation.  Rounding out the evening, local DJ and break dancer, Rico Stephenson, will serve as the DJ at the Fairgrounds’ Dance Pad.

FREED Center for Independent Living, founded by Nevada County resident Sam Dardick, is a non-profit group dedicated to serving people with disabilities. The Americans with Disabilities Act was passed in 1990 to prohibit discrimination against disabled people.

The Day for People with Disabilities is presented by Pacific West Pharmacy, Inc. and FREED, The Independent Living Resource Center.

For information about the Nevada County Fair, August 11 – 15, visit NevadaCountyFair.com.

nevada county fair

Nevada County Fairgrounds and the Food Bank of Nevada County Team up to Feed Those in Need

Visit the Nevada County Fair and help your community at the same time

Imagine being able to visit the annual Nevada County Fair at a discount, and be able to help the local Food Bank at the same time? At this year’s Fair, you can! The Nevada County Fairgrounds and The Food Bank of Nevada County are teaming up to help feed those in need.

Bring a can of food (or two or three) to the Fair on Sunday, August 15, and the Fair will give you a coupon for $1 off general admission to the Fair on that day.  The Food Bank will have food collection bins available at the Fairgrounds from 10 am – 5 pm at Gates 1, 3 and 5, which is also where you’ll receive your coupon. It’s that simple!

All food collected on that day will be given to The Food Bank of Nevada County, which distributes food to those in need in our county.  At last year’s canned food drive, 1,240 pounds of food were collected – enough to feed 550 – 600 families.

It’s the best of both worlds – fun at the Fair, while helping out in the community. It’s all part of Community Involvement Day, sponsored by YubaNet.com and The Food Bank of Nevada County, on Sunday, August 15, at the Nevada County Fair.

This year’s Fair is August 11 – 15. Visit www.NevadaCountyFair.com for more information or call the Fair Office at (530) 273-6217. For more information about the Food Bank of Nevada County, visit www.foodbankofnc.org or call 530-272-3796.

Real Estate

Former NFL Player Arthur J. Marshall Jr. Sentenced for Mortgage Fraud

Former Georgia and NFL player Arthur James Marshall Jr. was sentenced to 69 months in prison for bank fraud related to an elaborate mortgage fraud scheme and was also ordered to pay more than $3.6 million restitution to his victims.

Former NFL wide receiver Arthur J. Marshall Jr. was sentenced to 69 months in prison for bank fraud related to an elaborate mortgage fraud scheme.

According to Moe Bedard of LoanSafe.org, Marshall, of Martinez, Florida, was indicted in June 2009 on 22 counts related to falsifying mortgage applications, real estate contracts and other paperwork that he fraudulently presented to lenders to obtain home loans. The banks were left with millions in bad loans as Marshall’s criminal enterprise crumbled during the housing crash.

Marshall plead guilty on October 2, apologized in court to his victims and promised to make things right in the future. As part of his plea agreement, Marshall has agreed to repay $3.6 million in restitution according to the Victoria Advocate.

“I didn’t intend for them to get hurt, but they did and that’s my fault. I will do everything in my power to make this right. And I will,” he said.

Marshall played five years in the NFL from 1991 to 1996 as a wide receiver with the Denver Broncos and New York Giants. He played at the University of Georgia from 1988 to 1991. He had 87 receptions, 1,267 yards and four touchdowns in his career.

The evidence presented at sentencing revealed that Marshall falsified sales contracts, personal finance records and other documents as part of his mortgage fraud scheme. The victims of Marshall’s scheme included banks, a family who never got a property title from Marshall after paying him $100,000 for a home, and members of the American Legion.

It also says an unnamed couple paid Marshall $100,000 in 2008 to build them a house. Prosecutors say Marshall did little construction work on the home and refused to transfer the title for the property to the buyers

Nevada County Vineyards & Wineries

Pilot Peak Vineyard and Winery

By Jacque Wilson

This year marks the 6th annual release of wines at Pilot Peak Winery, one of the foothills premiers’ destination wineries.

The Penn Valley winery, on a hillside overlooking Pilot Peak, continues to offer varied events during the year.

To celebrate, the winery has expanded its signature, flower-filled terraces, relocated the dance floor and added colorful landscaping.

During the weekends, from noon to 5 p.m., Pilot Peak offers one of the most unique and complimentary wine tastings around – called “comparative tastings.”

Wines are served in flights of four with pairings, so you can compare and contrast the wines, as well as enjoy the marriage of food and wine.

The wines include Grenache Rose, Viognier, Cabernet Franc, Grenache, LiVedo, Paramour, Syrah Port and Judges’ Choice Awards in the 2010 San Francisco Chronicle wine completion.

“At Pilot Peak, we believe wine should be experienced sitting down with food, family and friends in a beautiful setting,” says Nancy Stevens, co-owner. “We offer this opportunity to every visitor that comes to our winery.”

Saturday Sunsets at the Peak are a crowd favorite, with live local music and reasonably priced food prepared by local restaurants and caterers.  The Saturday event is from 6-10 p.m.

Pilot Peak helped lead the effort to open the Grass Valley Wine Company at 151 Mill Street in downtown Grass Valley.  “The new location offers access to our wines not only on weekends but during the week” says winemaker and co-owner Lynn Wilson.

“The best is yet to come” says Len Stevens, the fourth partner in winery.  It recently changed its name to Pilot Peak Winery Company and plans to offer micro brews at its locations in the future.

Jacque Wilson is a co-owner of Pilot Peak Winery

Pilot Peak Vineyard and Winery
12888 Spenceville Road
Penn Valley, CA 95946
530-432-3321
Website PilotPeak


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