Business Adviser No. 5

Second Edition: Vol. 1/Issue 5 COMPLIMENTARY COPY

CASHFLOW PLANNING BEING AN EXECUTIVE is more than just a look

Seo in

2014

What you need to know

IT IS ALL ABOUT SPEED IMPROVE YOUR COMPANY’S CASH FLOW

THE HOME OFFICE DEDUCTION

Do You Qualify?

HOW TO STAY COMPETITIVE IN A

Global Market

+

Do You Know What Your Customers Really Want?

Our Team

Editor’s Letter

STAFF

EMPOWERING SMALL BUSINESS

Andrew Yoo Maggie Yoo Oriol Zertuche John Amour

ADVISORY BOARD MEMBERS John Amour David Armstrong Alonzo Cantu Alfonso Cavazos Janet Cavazos Enrique Garza Marco Garza Albert Lopez Dr. Arturo Lopez Shavi Mahtani George Myers Dr. Teofilo Ozuna Carol Schmitt Oriol Zertuche Andrew Yoo Maggie Yoo

CONTACT US In print, online, and in person, nobody connects the people, issues and ideas within valley business like Business Adviser.

First, let me thank you for your continued support. We hope to establish Business Adviser Magazine as the single most important resource for business owners in the Rio Grande Valley. Our vision is to create a brand that represents everything business; to support owners in all that they require outside of their core disciplines.

This magazine is the result of an ongoing demand for a reputable and responsible source of business knowledge and advice. The business world can be a scary place. It’s a long and arduous road to success, with plenty of tough decisions to make along the way. We plan to alleviate these frustrations by providing a publication both online and in print that will guide business owners on every level of their ventures.

Our team consists of knowledgeable entrepreneurs that eat, sleep, and breathe business.

With a dedicated panel of industry experts and a hands-on approach to answering questions, Business Adviser Magazine helps owners to stay ahead of the competition and empower them into success. Our mission is to inspire the entrepreneurial spirit and foster growth by providing the resources needed for operators to prosper. I personally invite you to join Business Adviser Magazine in this endeavor. We are sure that your business will benefit greatly from the exposure generated in this publication, building brand equity and establishing you as an industry authority.

Sincerely,

The Greater Mission Chamber of Commerce is a contributing member of Business Adviser Magazine.

Andrew Yoo, CEO & President andrew@businessadvisermagazine.com

In This Issue

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HOW MUCH MONEY DOES YOUR BUSINESS NEED? BEING AN EXECUTIVE IS MORE THAN JUST A LOOK

KEEPING ALL YOU NEED IN A FOLDER

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IT'S ALL ABOUT SPEED

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SEO IN 2014: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

CASH FLOW PLANNING FOR SOLO PROFESSIONALS

HAVE YOU THANKED YOUR COMPETITION LATELY?

BEYOND MARKETING BRAND MANAGEMENT IS YOUR WORKPLACE SAFE?

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EFFECTIVE BRAINSTORMING TECHNIQUES

THE HOME OFFICE DEDUCTION: DO YOU QUALIFY, NEW SIMPLIFIED OPTION, WHY CLAIM IT?

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EFFECTIVE WAYS TO STOP POOR COMMUNICATION.

HATE YOUR WORKSPACE?

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DO YOU KNOW WHAT YOUR CUSTOMERS REALLY WANT?

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HOW TO STAY COMPETITIVE IN A GLOBAL MARKET?

FINANCIAL RESOLUTIONS FOR THE NEW YEAR

ART - A TOOL THAT’LL BENEFIT YOUR BUSINESS 5 MORTGAGE TIPS FOR 2014

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RIBBON CUTTINGS

INSURANCE CAN BE PUZZLING…

MISSION MATTERS

INVESTMENTS

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INVESTMENTS

HOW MUCH MONEY DOES YOUR BUSINESS NEED?

Calculate long term costs such as property taxes, payroll taxes and sales taxes. You do not want to deplete your resources on taxes.

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oney is of important concern to all business owners, but none especially more than the small business entrepreneur. Having enough money on hand is necessary for your business to succeed and thrive in a fickle market. How much money does your company really need to be successful?

Many entrepreneurs would argue that they will take as much as they could possibly get, but that doesn’t help answer the question at hand. It is important to know how much money you will reasonably need to cover expenses and leave room for marginal growth or loss. You do not want to run out of money before you can even earn any in the first place, and you certainly do not want to borrow more than you can afford to pay off. Read on for a look at some aspects you should take into consideration when determining how much money you really need for your business venture.

THE GOLDEN RULE OF SMALL BUSINESS VENTURES You are going to want to have 25% more capital than you think it will require to get your business started and running for your first 18 months. Make sure that you have enough money to where you have 18 months of revenue saved in case of an emergency. If sales plummet, you need to have enough money to keep your business going.

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DON’T FORGET TO CONSIDER PAYROLL EXPENSES One aspect that many business owners forget to include in their initial budget is payroll expenses. You paid for the shop, your merchandise, your front end payment technology and even a bright, shiny sign for out front. That’s great! But who’s going to keep the shop running? Don’t forget to include this very important but often overlooked expense.

LEAVE ROOM FOR MARGINAL LOSS As entrepreneurs begin their venture into the small business world, they don’t want to believe that their store will not be a success. Unfortunately, struggles are common and it is important to allow room for marginal loss. A marginal loss is around 3-5 percent of your overall capital, and having a marginal reserve can mean the difference between your company continuing to prosper and having to close up shop.

THINK BEYOND THE START-UP It is sometimes hard to think about the long term when you are just trying to get your business’ doors open. Make sure you calculate long term costs such as property taxes, payroll taxes, sales taxes and more. It is not just necessary but very important to do so. You do not want to deplete your resources on taxes. Make sure that you are prepared.

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MANAGING

It’s All About Speed A prompt response to customer inquiries shows your customer that you respect their time and take a vested interest in their satisfaction

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n today’s fast paced work environment, speed is a very important factor to consider. It is not enough to simply offer quality work.

You must meet deadlines, deliver results and keep the client and customer abreast of current issues and developments. In some situations you must escalate an inquiry for expedited completion. In today’s business world, if you are not fast, you can be left in the dust by your competition. Here is a look at why speed is so important in today’s business world and how you can enhance your own project turnaround time.

A successful company is like a well-greased wheel. If you offer quick, accurate results, your customers will remain satisfied and loyal 8

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MANAGING

FASTER SPEED EQUALS INCREASED PRODUCTIVITY In today’s fast technological age, everyone wants results at the click of a button.

Customers don’t just want correct information, but they want it fast, too. The quicker you and your employees are at turning work around, answering emails and providing follow-up, the higher your productivity will be. A successful company is like a well-greased wheel. If you offer quick, accurate results, your customers will remain satisfied and loyal.

SPEEDY TURNAROUND CAN SECURE CUSTOMER LOYALTY

PROMPT RESPONSE SHOWS CUSTOMERS YOU RESPECT THEIR TIME

When customers come to you with an issue and you provide quick, accurate and friendly service, they will likely remain loyal customers. Speedy turnaround time can certainly help secure customer loyalty and helps you to build a solid client base.

A prompt response to customer inquiries shows your customer that you respect their time and take a vested interest in their satisfaction.

No one wants to wait a long time for assistance or for an answer to an important question. Taking your customer’s concerns as a priority and delivering fast results is an excellent way to keep your customer satisfied and returning for more business in the future.

WHEN IT COMES TO SECURING CONTRACTS, A SENSE OF URGENCY IS NECESSARY When a priority issue comes across your desk it is vital that you act fast. A sense of urgency is necessary when it comes to urgent issues as well as when you are trying to secure a potential client’s contract. In business, the successful party is often the one who brings the best offer to the table first. Be sure that you get an edge on the competition and show your potential customers how much their business means to you. In order to be a viable competitor, you must be fast, ethical and offer a high quality in return for the customer’s hard earned cash.

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LIFESTYLE

BEING AN EXECUTIVE IS MORE THAN JUST A LOOK Behind the shimmering appeal that comes with being an executive, being in charge has more than its fair share of responsibilities.

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hen you see a high power corporate executive walk in the room, what immediately comes to mind?

Their designer suit? Their six figure salary? Their potentially lavish lifestyle?

Or something else entirely? Behind the shimmering appeal that comes with being an executive, being in charge has more than its fair share of responsibilities. Being an executive is way more than just a look or a lifestyle. The role comes with major responsibilities and hefty requirements. Read on for a look at what it really takes to be a successful executive.

LATE NIGHTS Being an executive requires long hours and late nights to ensure that your company is running efficiently and effectively. Between meetings, conference calls, business lunches with important contacts, and securing high dollar contracts, the life of an executive is a busy one.

When you are in a seat of power in a company, you have much more responsibility weighing on your shoulders. While it may look glamorous on the outside, on the inside it is quite tiresome.

Networking is important for all professionals, but especially so for executives since they are at such a high level of visibility in the company.

SEEMINGLY ENDLESS MEETINGS Executives are required to attend a seemingly endless number of meetings every day relating to everything from staffing development to project launch planning sessions. These meetings leave very little time to get other work done during the normal day, and often require executives to pull long hours at the office or at home logged in through a remote server.

While the rest of us clock out at 5, an executive is often working until the wee hours of the morning.

PEOPLE MANAGEMENT Another aspect of an executive’s role is people management. While you do not have to supervise as closely as a manager or supervisor would, an executive still has to deal with people on a daily basis.

In meetings, during one-on-one conferences and over the phone, an executive needs to possess excellent people management skills in order to succeed.

NETWORKING ON A BROAD SCALE

COMPANY DEVELOPMENT

In order to be effective at their job, an executive must be able to network with other companies and professionals on a large scale. Should he have a question that no one in his team can answer, he should have a contact who will be able to assist. This not only makes his job easier, but also makes his department more knowledgeable and productive.

Company development is a required aspect of the executive’s job. Not only do they have data to analyze, meetings to attend and contacts to maintain, they also have to help develop the company plans to drive into the future. They are the ones who are responsible for the success of the company and whose shoulders the blame will fall onto, should the plan not work.

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STRATEGY

Keeping All You Need in a Folder Keeping all documents in one file will allow you to keep your workspace clean and uncluttered.

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f you want to ensure success in a particular project, one of the most important things you must remember is that organization is key. A messy office, a cluttered desktop, unorganized file cabinets or a bad habit of throwing out important documents are all horrible pitfalls that can land you in hot water. A great way to help organize your work assignments and projects is to keep all your necessary documents in a folder. This can be a file folder on your computer or a physical, legal file in your office. Not only will this help you keep everything you need in one place, but it will also help you stay on the road to success. Here is a look at some reasons why keeping everything you need in a folder will help you get your work done more efficiently.

IMPORTANT RESOURCES ARE KEPT IN ONE PLACE Do you ever find yourself scrambling to find all the important resources for a particular client or project? If that is the case, you may want to consider keeping all your important resources in one file folder. This will allow you to ensure that your files are kept safe and secure and you can reference them any time you wish without having to go on a wild goose chase to find them. In addition, your organization shows that you care about your client’s satisfaction and that you are dedicated to handling their project with efficiency and dedication.

NO WASTED TIME SEARCHING FOR DOCUMENTS How much time do you waste searching for documents, emails and all related paperwork for a specific client or project? If you’re wasting too

much time keeping track of the paper trail, it is important that you organize your files and keep all the documents in one file folder. This doesn’t have to be a physical folder either. If working directly on the computer works for you and will keep your office space organized, simply create a folder in your email or on your desktop so that you can easily drag and click all files into space. This way, when you need to find something, you can easily just do a system check and you will locate your file within seconds.

A CLEAN WORKSPACE OPTIMIZES YOUR POTENTIAL FOR SUCCESS Keeping all documents in one file will allow you to keep your workspace clean and uncluttered. When you need to access the information, you know where to find it. Additionally, when you no longer need the file, simply put it away and you have a neat and organized space to work from. An organized space can help keep you focused on the task at hand and it optimizes your potential for success.

EASILY PULLED AND REFERENCED Keeping your documents and important information in one central location is very important as it allows you to easily pull information and reference data. If you get a high priority phone call from a client, you can easily pull the file and give them the information they need. No more searching or calling a customer back when you find the documents you need.

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FINANCE

Cash Flow Planning for Solo Professionals It is vital that your cash flow remains healthy because it can mean the difference between success and failure.

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hen it comes to starting your own business, your success depends highly on how much cash flow you have. Even if you’re making a profit, it is vital that your cash flow remains healthy because it can mean the difference between closing up shop and flourishing for another business year.

Read on for a look at some cash flow planning advice for solo professionals to help you keep your cash flow situation healthy and in the black.

YOUR FIRST 1PLAN YEAR VERY CAREFULLY Your first year to 18 months in business are the most critical. It is vital that you plan your year carefully, and strategically map out your business plan. Make sure that you analyze your expenses in great detail before taking the plunge.

It is always better to save more money than get in over your head. Make sure that you have enough cash to support you for 12-18 months should the economy or your sales figures plummet.

TRACK OF 3KEEP YOUR CASH FLOW

It is important that you keep close track of your finances during your first year. Keep all of your receipts and plug your cash flow, expenses and debits into a spreadsheet so that you have a clearcut record of where your money is going each month. If you notice your last month was a rough one, take a look, at where you spent your money and you’ll see how you can improve your financial status.

ALLOW FOR A MARGIN OF 2ALWAYS ERROR

Everyone makes mistakes, especially small business owners in their first year. It is easy to overlook certain aspects of the business, such as taxes, licenses, supplies and employee costs. Always allow your budget to have some wiggle room so that you do not find yourself in a tight bind that your business cannot survive. Whether you leave a nominal margin of error or a significant one, it is important that you make sure it’s there in case of a rainy day (or month).

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STRATEGY

Have You Thanked Your Competition Lately?

Competition makes your staff work harder to earn your customer's loyalty.

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he nature of the business world is highly competitive. While competitors can often be viewed as the “enemy,” competition is actually very healthy for businesses. Without competition, companies can become lazy and the drive to create new and innovative products and merchandise can fizzle out. Read on for a look at how you can benefit from your business competition.

THEY KEEP YOUR PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT TEAM BUSY Competition helps to keep your product development busy.

If you’re in a market where you are the only one selling the top of the line electronics, it can get quite boring. While your sales are good, there is nothing really motivating you to be better. When another retailer comes along and they shake up the game by offering what you have with something a little extra, it motivates you and your staff to improve the products and merchandise in your store, as well as try to boost your image to outshine your competitor.

THEY MAKE YOU KEEP A KEEN EYE ON MARKETING An important aspect of competition is marketing. The last thing you want is for your competitor to win over your clients with some well-placed advertisements. Make sure that you get the word out with your hot sales, fun events and new products. While competition can seem threatening, it is a vital part of the business world. Competition makes you want

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to earn your customers’ loyalty even more since there is a comparable brand out there that can easily lure them in.

THEY GIVE YOU A DRIVE TO BRING IN MORE SALES What happens when your competition offers the same products as you? You have to work even harder to secure sales. If you lose a sale, the chances that the customer goes to your competition instead are quite high. With a competitor, you might not be so concerned about where the customer goes, since you already assume they will come to you.

ENHANCED CUSTOMER SERVICE Competition makes you want to give your customers a more pleasant experience than your competitors could provide.

Enhanced customer service is often a goal of many managers in the business world since it shows the customer that their time, money and loyalty are valued. Without that extra boost of attention, your customer could just walk down the street and get the royal treatment elsewhere.

COMPETITIVE PRICING Health competition is a beautiful thing for consumers. While the businesses are vying for the customer’s attention, they price their merchandise competitively and it is the consumer who wins since they are getting their in-demand merchandise at discounted prices.

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MARKETING

BRAND

BEYOND MARKETING - BRAND MANAGEMENT The Role of Brand Management has evolved.

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n this day and age, it is not enough to simply market a product or service. Your company needs a branded image, something that the consumer can recognize and relate to. In past years, the brand management directive was commonly the sole responsibility of the marketing and development teams. This has changed dramatically in the age of the Internet and social media. Consumers want their information in a fast, accurate and entertaining format. The responsibility of brand management is now being shared by various departments to help ensure that the brand gets the recognition it deserves from its target audience.

Read on for more on how brand management has broken out of marketing and is an issue of top concern for many businesses.

PUBLIC RELATIONS

IT

It is now necessary for the Public Relations department to get involved with the issue of brand management due to the highly public nature of social media. Consumers want to be able to connect to companies and receive information easily, quickly and in a fresh and interesting format. Public Relations associates make sure that the information that the public is receiving is accurate, legal, approved by upper management and presented in an attractive and eye-catching manner.

IT, or information technology associates are in demand for brand management because of the social media presence. IT specialists are needed to make sure websites, social media sites and connections stay in top shape. In addition, designers are needed to make certain that consumers and prospective customers are enjoying a fresh and original experience that they won’t forget.

SALES The sales department also has a hand in brand management. They are the ones selling the products and they are often the face of the company. They present the brand marketing material to prospective clients and use it to draw more customers in.

EXECUTIVE LEVEL CEOs and VPs are not afraid to get involved in brand management either. Often, they will have a vision of what they want their brand to look like, represent and encompass. If they are involved in a press conference or a commercial, they will discuss what their brand means to them. If the brand image is fresh, honest and appealing, consumers will pay attention.

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INVESTMENTS

To have effective SEO, make sure your site is optimized for mobile users.

SEO IN 2014: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW 18

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MARKETING

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he way we approach search engine optimization was altered forever in 2013.

Reflecting back on all the changes in SEO, the question must be asked: “What will happen in 2014?”

It gave a heavier focus on semantic search and placed greater emphasis on the power of the Google Knowledge Graph.

Based on analysis from experts, gradual updates from 2013, and what employees at Google have had to say, we can make a decent projection about what websites should do in 2014 to have the most effective strategy.

Mobile Design Microsoft reported that at some point in 2014 the number of mobile web users will surpass the number of desktop users. This means that it is mandatory that your site has a mobile presence.

First, let’s review the changes in 2013. Then, we’ll talk about what you need to do to stay competitive in 2014.

In creating a page that is optimized for mobile users you have a few options. One is choosing a mobile web design which will only apply a few selected aspects of your original site. A mobile design typically allows for faster download speeds and is useful for highlighting less but more valuable information.

THE 2013 UPDATES So what exactly changed in 2013? Most of what occurred came as a result of Google’s updated algorithms.

Panda was first introduced in 2011 to reduce the amount of content farming that was going on within websites. In 2013, Google updated Panda on multiple occasions, although this was not anything that webmasters weren’t already used to.

Penguin 2.0 (May 2013) and 2.1 (Oct. 2013) brought more to the algorithm to fight against spam links and dish out more penalties for sites that broke the rules.

However, the biggest and most significant update Google has tackled in years wasn’t an update at all — it was a massive algorithm overhaul in Aug. 2013.

Hummingbird completely changed the way sites would look at their content, keywords, and SEO strategies.

PREPARATIONS FOR 2014

Mobile and Responsive The downside of mobile web design is that there can occasionally be an issue with split-page ranks when a mobile web site is not coded correctly.

To bypass those concerns, a responsive design might be a better option. It is simply a shrunken-down version of your site. This allows you to keep most of your original information, although it can weigh down the load time.

Additionally, you can opt to create a mobile application for your site, although this is usually an option best reserved for larger businesses who are looking for very specific consumer interaction.

Regardless of what type of site you have, it is mandatory that you ensure it is prepared for mobile users.

Content Focus Google made it clear in 2013 that, if sites want to improve their site rankings, they need to make sure they’re content driven. By understanding more about user intent, Google can make it easier and faster for searchers to find answers to all of their questions.

To provide faster answers, the Google Knowledge Graph has been released as part of the search algorithm. Instead of having to rifle through pages of search results to find out how long the Nile River is, users can see the answer directly on the results page.

However if there is a search for something like, “How can I get a better tax return in 2014?” Google obviously cannot provide a clear-cut answer. If a site wants to rank well for this search, it needs to create unique, valuable content that is competitive with other options.

There has been some amount of uproar over the state of keywords within SEO. Google analytics no longer directly provides keywords for webmasters. Instead, you must decide on your own (based off your data) what keywords are going to yield the most fruitful results.

It’s no secret that if you’re interested at all in keywords, long-tail ones are the name of the game. However, if 2013 has proven anything, it has shown that Google could change anything about the search function at any given time. A focus on keywords will not be nearly as important as a high, intense focus on quality content.

Creating Authority If you create valuable content for your page, it doesn’t do you much good unless your

site can be trusted by Google.

This is where the importance of link building comes in.

It has already been established that you want to avoid hosting spammy links on your site. Additionally, you want to keep your own site from being referenced to on spammy sites. But Google has taken authority one step further.

Google has recently pointed out the value of Google Authorship. By linking an author with a Google Plus page, it shows that the author has distinction and will help a page get a better ranking.

As such, it is key for sites (particularly any form of blog) to make sure they host only reliable authors and their work. Additionally, guest writers should link their high-quality work to their Google Plus profile to show that they are also reliable authors.

SEO IS A CONSTANTLY CHANGING GAME The rules, guidelines, and even major players in SEO seem to shift and adjust on a regular basis. While it is impossible to predict exactly what will happen next, it is possible to make assumptions and form strategies from there.

To have effective SEO in 2014, make sure your site is optimized for mobile users, provides quality and informative content, and has a high level of authority.

Continue to stay up to date and follow guidelines that Google lays out as you work to improve your site’s traffic and rankings.

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STRATEGY

Effec Brainsto Techn

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he purpose of a brainstorming session is to bring new and creative ideas to the table, and to talk together as a group to understand the issues at hand.

Brainstorming sessions are often used in business as well as study groups to come up with new ideas and to solve big problems. The effectiveness of a brainstorming session all depends on how the participants interact with each other.

Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to ensure that your next brainstorming session is a success. Read on for a look at five effective ways to improve your next brainstorming session at work or school.

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ELECT A LEADER Before anyone begins to lay ideas out on the table or start a discussion, a group leader needs to be selected. The role of the group leader is not to overrule ideas or to pass judgment. The role of the leader is appointed to someone who can act as a mediator. The leader should have the capability to keep people on task, minimize arguments and maximize the effectiveness of the brainstorming session.

NO JUDGMENT ZONE In order for a brainstorming session to be effective, it has to be erradicated of any negative judgment. The worst possible scenario for your brainstorming session is for people to be afraid to come forward with ideas that could potentially be game-changing. If everyone feels comfortable enough to come forward with their ideas in a judgment free zone, your brainstorming session is bound to be much more effective.

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STRATEGY

ctive torming niques LAY ALL IDEAS OUT ON THE TABLE It is important that no matter how ridiculous you think a particular idea is, that they all get laid out on the table.

What seems like a silly idea to you may actually lead to a really brilliant idea. Hold no punches and lay out all potential ideas, even if they do not fit your current plan or budget, because even if they may not be implemented now, they could be helpful in the future.

THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS A BAD IDEA Do you tend to laugh when you hear an idea that is a little off the wall or different?

If so, don’t. It is important that your brainstorming session be free of any negativity. There is no such thing as a bad idea in a brainstorming session, and the quicker you reduce this negativity, the better.

MAP OUT THE MOST FEASIBLE PLANS, SAVE THE OTHERS FOR A LATER TIME Many ideas and objectives can come as a result of effective brainstorming sessions.

Whatever ideas you cannot use now, you may be able to use later. Create an outline or a storyboard with potential ideas for future use.

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MANAGING

IS YOUR WORKPLACE SAFE? In order to protect your staff, preventive measures must be taken.

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id you know that millions of workers are sent to the emergency room every year due to workplace-related injuries? The massive amounts of workers' compensation claims filed in the United States is downright staggering. In order to keep your employees safe and keep workers' compensation claims down at your place of business, you must ask yourself the following question: Is Your Workplace Safe?

Here is a look at five ways that you can keep your workplace and your employees safe while on the job.

REVIEW SAFETY RULES WITH YOUR STAFF

AVOID STOCKING ENSURE SAFETY HEAVY EQUIPMENT SIGNS ARE VISIBLE ON HIGH SHELVES IN HAZARDOUS AREAS

In order to protect your staff, preventive measures must be taken. Have a meeting with your staff and make sure that they all understand the safety requirements in your workplace, from placing warning signs on wet floors to reminding associates about fork-lift safety. Don’t be afraid to hold training sessions for seasoned associates who need to be reminded about safety measures in the workplace. It is better to be safe than sorry.

Many stores and warehouses have tall shelving units where they store excess products and merchandise that is waiting to be sold. A good rule of thumb is to stock the heaviest merchandise on the lower shelves and the light merchandise up high. This helps to prevent back injuries in employees who are trying to lift heavy merchandise from high shelves.

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Proper signage around hazardous areas of your workplace is vital. If you have forklifts, trash compactors and/or ladders, it is important that you have signs to keep associates aware that they should use care.

REPORT ALL INCIDENTS It is important that all injuries and incidents are reported. The last thing you want is for your employees to develop a chronic injury due to an on-the-job accident. Keeping a record of all injuries will also help you understand who is not following the rules set by management.

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INVESTMENTS

THE HOME OFFICE DEDUCTION: DO YOU QUALIFY, NEW SIMPLIFIED OPTION, WHY CLAIM IT? Beginning in tax year 2013, tax-payers may use a simplified option when figuring the deduction for the business use of their home.

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f you use a part of your home as a home office, you may be entitled to some deductions for its business use. If you qualify, there is a new simplified option available for years 2013 and after.

If you have an office in your home that qualifies as the “principal place of business”, then your mileage from your home to another business location is deductible. With business mileage rates of 56 cents per mile in 2014 (56.5 cents per mile for 2013), this can be a large tax savings for some. If you do not qualify for the office in home, the mileage from your home to your office is commuting, which is non-deductible.

DO YOU QUALIFY: To qualify for the office in home, you must meet the tests for: “exclusive and regular use” as “your principal place of business” or “as a place to meet or deal with patients, clients, or customers in the normal course of your trade or business.” (See IRS Publication 587 for more information and exceptions for certain businesses and separate structures.)

OLD METHOD Under the old method, you would take the square footage of the area qualifying for the home office and divide that

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by the total square footage of the home. You would apply this percentage to the actual expenses of the home to get the amount available to deduct. (If an expense is only for the home office, that expense would not need to be allocated.) The deduction cannot exceed the gross income from the business. Any unused amount carries over to the next year.

you meet the requirements above to qualify for the home office expense. You take the square footage of the area qualifying for the home office (maximum of 300 square feet) and multiply that by $5. The result is the amount available to deduct for the business expense. The deduction cannot exceed the gross income from the business. There is no carryover of unused amounts.

NEW SIMPLIFIED OPTION

You can use either method to get the amount that can be deducted. There are many other factors that should be

Beginning in 2013, the IRS has a simple calculation if

considered when comparing and choosing between the two methods.

(See IRS publication 587 “Business Use of Your Home” for more information.)

WESLACO 956 968 2108 MCALLEN 956 686 2359 HARLINGEN 956 364 1028

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STRATEGY

EFFECTIVE WAYS TO STOP POOR COMMUNICATION An effective way to stop poor communication is to actively listen prior to making a decision.

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ommunicating effectively is vital in so many areas of our lives. With family members, in the office and especially when dealing with a potentially hazardous situation.

There are many aspects and indicators that can distract us and keep us from communicating effectively.

From ineffective listening to language barriers, distracting noises and poor body language, there are many things that effect our abiility to communicate clearly. In order to avoid communication gaps and errors, we need to take efforted measures to ensure our speech and text communications are clear and concise. Fortunately there are plenty of ways in which we can do this. Read on for a look at some ways that we can stop poor communication and erradicate it from our correspondence and conversations forever.

INEFFECTIVE LISTENING Are you one of those people who automatically thinks they know what the issue is before they have even been briefed on it? If so, stop what you are doing. Turn off your train of thought, and instead just listen. Even if the topic is something that you are highly familiar with, you must make sure that you

are listening to the updated information being provided.

This will help you to not communicate old, outdated or incorrect information in the future.

DISTRACTIONS Do you ever find yourself distracted in a meeting? Do you find that you cannot remember much of what was discussed because you zoned out? You cannot possibly be expected to re-communicate information when you didn’t listen in the first place. Do your best to pay attention during important meetings and conferences so that you can assure that you fully

understand the information being passed on. If you have any further questions, follow up with the commentator after the meeting is over.

MEANING IN WORDS/ LANGUAGE Sometimes regional language barriers can get in the way of good communication. Some regions use different words in slang. To avoid this, do not use slang in any of your important communications or conversations, and make sure that the person you are speaking to fully understands the message that you are conveying.

LOST IN TRANSLATION Let’s play a game of whisper down the lane. This game starts with one person thinking of a message. He then tells a friend, who goes and tells another friend, and the message goes down the line until it’s changed hands at least ten times or more. By the time the message gets to the last person, chances are that the message is nothing like the one you told initially. Sometimes messages can get lost in translation. That is why it is so important to communicate clearly and effectively.

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FINANCE

Flexible Payments Means Happier Customers Offering multiple payment options and methods allows customers to pay for your merchandise and services more easily

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any business owners know that flexibility is important to a successful business. Between flexibility in scheduling and merchandising to location and target audience, it is important to remain flexible as a business owner. Another area where flexibility can increase customer satisfaction is by offering flexible payment options. Offering multiple payment options and methods allows customers to pay for your merchandise and services more easily. Read on for a look at some flexible payment options that you can offer your customers and enhance their overall satisfaction.

PAYPAL While cash is king, it is important that you accept a variety of payment methods so that customers can enjoy ease of payment. In addition, if customers find it easier to make payments, you may enjoy an increase in sales. One such option that many consumers enjoy paying with is PayPal. PayPal is a secure way to pay from client to vendor, features transaction history information and dispute processing, making it a preferred payment method for many customers.

DEBIT CARDS Another payment method that is frequently favored by many consumers is the debit card. The debit card is a safe and effective method of payment. Banks readily offer debit cards to anyone who has a checking account, and many consumers use this as a primary method of payment when in retail stores. By installing a debit card reader, you are keeping up with the times in your own business.

CREDIT CARDS You will be hardpressed to find a successful business that does not accept credit cards. If you offer high-dollar products and services, make sure that you set up credit card payment acceptance on your website and in your physical store. This will not only make it easier for you to accept payment, but it provides convenience for your customer as well.

FINANCING OPTIONS Another option that you have to make paying for goods and services easier for your customers is to allow financing options. Letting customers pay over time, billing them after the services are rendered or initiating a pay as you go rule are all effective methods of financing.

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Hate Your Workspace?

Many companies have introduced low-wall cubicles to maximize visibility and communication among associates.

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f you work in a cubicle setting, chances are that you absolutely hate your work environment. Between old, out dated fabric walls, miniscule work space, very limited space to file your important documents, and low walls it is hard to concentrate on the task at hand. Rather than suffer in silence, consider talking to your boss about your frustrations. We are not suggesting that you sulk in your boss’ office, but approach your manager professionally with some solutions. They may be more apt to listen to your suggestions when backed up with reasonable solutions. In addition, your suggestion can also benefit your entire office if your manager implements your ideas. Here is a look at why it is important for employees to be happy in their workspace.

INCREASED PRODUCTIVITY Depending on the type of job you do, you may require higher cubicle walls for increased privacy to give you a productive edge. If you are in a customer service role and speak to customers and clients on a daily basis, it is important that you have that added privacy to maintain minimal background noise when in contact. Other roles that require added privacy for enhanced productivity include analytical roles where associates are analyzing financial and business data.

IT professionals who are analyzing data on the computer and handling inquiries from clients and in-house associates require a quiet environment in which to work. In addition,

it should be expressed that well-designed office spaces help increase employees' productivity in a big way. When there is enough space to file away important documents and keep an employees' space organized, they can get a lot more done in a much quicker and effective way.

ENHANCED COLLABORATION If you work in a department where employee collaboration is not only recommended but required, your manager may want to include low-wall cubicles, but also a unique floor plan and cubicle arrangement. Many companies are introducing low-wall cubicles that are set up in a pod-like structure so that teams have visibility of their partners and are able to communicate without rising from their desks. Another way management can enhance collaboration is to set up gathering tables in the midst of each pod and create an employee meeting center where associates can plug in their laptops and work on projects together.

BREAKING DOWN THE WALLS Another new way that many companies are making the office a more comfortable place to work is by breaking down the walls. No, not the exterior walls, but the office walls. By putting everyone on the work floor in similar office settings, a more approachable setting is created.

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MARKETING

Do You Know What Your Customers Really Want?

A survey or conversation with your customers can be helpful.

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n important part of business is understanding what your customers really want. You need to determine what is in demand for your target audience. This can be easier said than done. While you want to look at your competitors as a benchmark, you always want to be able to set the bar a bit higher and provide your customer with something new and hip.

Fortunately, there are some clear indicators of what your customers really want if you know where to look. Read on for a look at some ways you can tell what is in demand for your target audience.

GET ON SOCIAL MEDIA One of the biggest favors you could do for yourself is to get on social media.

Pay attention to what your customers are saying. Maybe they loved your take on modern vintage jeans or they hated your newest line of vanilla scented candles. Whatever the case is, getting on social media gives you exposure to this information. It is the most effective way of getting truthful, honest customer opinions. Rather than holding surveys, just sign on to Facebook, Pinterest or Twitter to find out what your customers are saying.

ASK FOR SUGGESTIONS Don’t be afraid to ask for suggestions from your consumers. Ask them what they like and what they’d like to see more of. Most consumers would be more than happy to help you by supplying their concerns and ideas.

GET AN IDEA OF OTHER PLACES THAT YOUR CUSTOMERS SHOP A situation where a survey or a conversation with your customers is helpful is when

you are trying to understand where your customers shop when they are not browsing your sales. This gives you an opportunity to expand your line of products into another area. For example, let’s say that you have a wine store. You ask your loyal customer Sally of the other wine stores she frequents and she mentions she also shops at Valley Wine and Spirits because they have a wide selection of artisanal breads and cheeses. This lets you see what your competition offers that you don’t and it may give you some ideas of what you can do to increase business.

Don’t be afraid to ask for suggestions from your consumers.

Ask them what they like and what they’d like to see more of.

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STRATEGY

HOW TO IMPROVE YOUR COMPETITIVE EDGE IN A GLOBAL MARKET Multi-lingual staff can help give your company a competitive edge

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aking your business from a national market into the global market is a big step and not one that every company can successfully do. While your products and services may perform well in a national market, you may have difficulty being competitive in a global market if you don’t plan ahead accordingly.

The global market is highly competitive and the competition is steep. Here is a look at how you can enhance your competitive edge in a global market.

MAKE SURE YOUR PRODUCT APPEALS TO A GLOBAL AUDIENCE Moving from a regional or a national market to a global market is an exciting but often difficult venture. There are many things that you must cover before you take the plunge. You need to do research to see if your products and services will be in-demand in countries other than your own. Your ideal audience may differ from region to region depending on interest and your success will differ based upon interest, financial fortitude and your ability to effectively market abroad.

DIFFERENT MARKETING APPROCHES IN DIFFERENT MARKETS No country’s audience is exactly the same, therefore, your marketing strategy and materials should differ as well. Make sure that you are targeting your ideal audience in each individual market. You may need to think outside of the box and appeal to customers with original marketing materials such as bulletins, emails, posters and advertisements. Many companies offer the same products in each market, but use different marketing techniques to lure customers in different markets in for a better financial turnaround.

MULTI-LINGUAL STAFF

ABILITY TO TRAVEL ABROAD

If you plan to take your business abroad, it will be beneficial to have some multi-lingual staff members who can field calls from potential customers who speak a foreign language. In addition, having multi-lingual correspondence writers and traveling associates will be helpful in getting your business going in other countries.

Your ability to travel abroad to meet with clients and prospective customers is a major selling point. This can help you better market your company and understand your client’s needs. In addition, you will be helping to put a face to your company name, which is important when you are establishing your company’s name and reputation overseas.

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IT PAYS TO HAVE OFFICES OVERSEAS Many large corporations that have been successful overseas have created offices in major cities overseas to help position themselves as a formidible global force.

Some companies have headquarters on each continent with consultants and marketing talent drawing in more interest from each specific market. In addition, having associates in different countries handling their own country’s business is often a good move because these professionals can more easily understand the issues that affect their nation. They understand local tax laws and requirements and can more efficiently help the customer with any issues or concerns that they might have.

THE BOTTOM LINE After researching whether there is a demand for your products and services, it is important to identify your target audience and find ways to reach that audience. Be sure to consider the specific country’s wealth and demographic and don’t be afraid to to travel and give your company a more personable image.

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FINANCE

FINANCIAL RESOLUTIONS FOR THE NEW YEAR Only 8% of Americans Keep Their New Year's Resolution.

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bout 45% of Americans usually make New Year’s resolutions, according to a survey from the University of Scranton. But the same survey shows that only 8% of us actually keep our resolutions. Perhaps this low success rate isn’t such a tragedy when our resolutions involve things like losing a little weight or learning a foreign language. But when we make financial resolutions — resolutions that, if achieved, could significantly help us in our pursuit of our important long-term goals — it’s clearly worthwhile to make every effort to follow through.

3.5” x 2”

So, what sorts of financial resolutions might you consider? Here are a few possibilities: • Boost your contributions to your retirement plans. Each year, try to put in a little more to your IRA and your 401(k) or other employer-sponsored retirement plans. These tax-advantaged accounts are good options for your retirement savings strategy.

• Reduce your debts. It’s not always easy to reduce your debts, but make it a goal to finish 2014 with a smaller debt load than you had going into the new year. The lower your monthly debt payments, the more money you’ll have to invest for retirement, college for your children (or grandchildren) and other important objectives.

• Build your emergency fund. Work on building an “emergency fund” containing six to 12 months’ worth of living expenses, with the money held in a liquid account that offers a high degree of preservation of principal. Without such a fund, you might be forced to dip into your long-term invest-

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ments to pay for emergencies, such as a new furnace, a major car repair, and so on. You might not be able to finish creating your emergency fund in one year, but contribute as much as you can afford.

• Plan for your protection needs. If you don’t already have the proper amounts of life and disability insurance in place, put it on your “To Do” list for 2014. Also, if you haven’t taken steps to protect yourself from the considerable costs of long-term care, such as an extended nursing home stay, consult with your financial professional, who can suggest the appropriate protection or investment vehicles. You may never need such care, but that’s a chance you may not want to take — and the longer you wait, the more expensive your protection options may become.

• Don’t overreact to market volatility. Too many people head to the investment “sidelines” during market downturns. But if you’re not invested, then you miss any potential market gains— and the biggest gains are often realized at the early stages of the rally.

• Focus on the long term. You can probably check your investment balance online, which means you can do it every day, or even several times a day — but should you? If you’re following a strategy that’s appropriate for your needs, goals, risk tolerance and . time horizon, you’re already doing what you 122 Shary Road Ste E should be doing in the long run. So there’s Mission, TX 78572 no need to stress yourself over the short-term 956-585-5390 movements that show up in your investment statements. www.edwardjones.com

Eva Mullis, AAMS® Financial Advisor

Do whatever you can to turn these New Year’s resolutions into realities. Your efforts could pay off well beyond 2014.

Eva Mullis, AAMS Financial Advisor www.edwardjones.com

122 Shary Road Ste E Mission, TX 78572 956 585 5390

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INVESTMENTS

ART: A TOOL THAT’LL BENEFIT YOUR BUSINESS Color speaks a secret language that is built into the human psyche. Can art do the same?

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ets do a quick test: When you think of the following colors what do they remind you of ? Scarlet red. Orange. Neon Yellow.

Fuchsia. If you started to feel intense, bright, and more energetic then you are one of the many that feel the same way. Color speaks a secret language that is built into the human psyche. Can art do the same? Can art have more of an impact than we think? Absolutely! One survey in particular stands out as proof.

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In 2003, the Business Committee for the Arts, Inc. (BCA) and the International Association for Professional Art Advisors (IAPAA) randomly selected 32 different companies across the United States from various industries (attorneys’ offices to grocery stores) to fill out surveys asking questions related to artwork in the workplace. The results showed that art not only enhanced employee morale, productivity, and overall well-being but also helped build customer and community relations. Art at the office has its perks!

You can find art almost anywhere people go. Check out to your local bank, hospitals, pediatric clinics, and even fast food restaurants -there is art in the workplace everywhere! Art enhances the experience and can leave quite an impression. Here some ideas to play with. If you’re in a windowless office then try some landscapes or cityscapes that bring the outside in. If it’s a day spa then consider art that makes you feel relaxed -- like soft abstracts with serene colors.

Own a professional office?

Check out how figure paintings work in that space. Get excited to test it this out and go BIG too. Make your office a place of interest!

Now, don’t joke around about the stuff on your walls. They say things about your business

that words just don’t do. So throw out that kitty cat hanging by a wire saying “Hang In There.” Inspirational posters are a thing of the past. Art creates your atmosphere. Look for art that invites. Display art that reflects your values and vision. Invest in art that inspires joy and tells people “we’re all about YOU.” After all, both the customer and your employees want to feel taken care of. All people want to feel good.

So next time you’re staring at a blank wall at the office -- don’t just paint it -- fill it with a tool that’ll benefit your business.

Fill it with art!

Lee Chantel Sarver Artist with Common Matter Art Studios.

956.537.7012. commonmattersarts@gmail.com http://leechantelsarver.com/

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FINANCE

5 Mortgage Tips for 2014:

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f you’ve been sitting on the sidelines waiting for the best time to purchase a new home, think of 2014 as your last chance to catch that Hail Mary pass and score the game changing win. All it takes is some good credit, tenacity and a bit of good guidance for you to still get a phenomenal deal while they last. For those of you that may not have the best of credit, never fear -where there is a will there is a way. Here are a few tips to help you with your mortgage decisions in 2014.

STOP PROCRASTINATING What are you waiting for?

This is your time! Take advantage of today’s record-low mortgage rates. Rates are expected to remain low during the first few months of 2014.

Do not let yourself regret having let the opportunity of taking advantage of the lowest mortgage interest rates in history pass you by. In this sort of situation, you will pay for your procrastination and it will hurt you where it hurts most: your wallet.

LOAN PRODUCTS AND OPTIONS Homebuyers often ask the question, “What type of loan will suit me best?” For those who qualify, a Federal Housing Administration (FHA) mortgage loan is recommended due to it permitting homeowners to purchase a home with only 3.5% of the total loan amount down as opposed to a Conventional loan which, at minimum, will require 5% down. Still, FHA

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Mortgage Insurance Premiums (MIP) have recently increased, making this type of loan slightly more expensive compared to a Conventional loan. Factors such as credit and the amount you have saved for a down payment should be discussed further at length with a mortgage banker to determine what type of loan is best for you.

CHECK YOUR CREDIT New mortgage policies implemented in late 2013 and early 2014 have made credit standards more strict for potential homebuyers. With this being said, you must view your credit as your most valuable asset. Most mortgage bankers want to see a pristine credit history for the past 12 months on your credit report. Highly unlikely! But to give you a better idea of what to expect, typically, you would need a minimum credit score of 640 to qualify for a FHA loan and a 720 for a Conventional loan. Alternatively, here at Primary Residential Mortgage we ask for at least a 580 credit score for a FHA loan (PRMI Choice Program). It is recommended that you try to improve your credit report before you apply for a mortgage loan. In most cases and as a relatively quick fix, paying down credit card balances can help you boost your credit score. A great rule of thumb concerning your credit cards is to keep your outstanding balances at 30% of the total available credit. Also, make sure to check for credit errors and

seek to correct said errors before you apply for a loan.

YOU ARE APPROVED!!! NOW KEEP AN EYE ON YOUR CREDIT. Most mortgage bankers will require a second credit check from the borrower a few days before closing. Once you have been approved for a mortgage loan, try not to open new accounts and do not charge up your existing credit cards before you close. That furniture set that will look perfect in the living room can wait!

New line of credit as well as those that have since been maxed-out can harm your credit score. If your credit was on the edge when you initially qualified, you will run the risk of jeopardizing your mortgage loan and end up being declined at the last minute.

Edgar J Hernandez Sr. Mortgage Planner PRMI RGV| NMLS# 226169 3900 N Jackson Rd Suite 103 Pharr Texas 78577

GET GOING! Make sure to submit all requested documents to your mortgage banker as soon as possible. Any delays with having to gather missing information will only impede the process. It doesn’t take much more than lost paperwork or last-minute requests from your mortgage banker to set back your closing. If that happens, you risk losing both money and possibly your future home. Also, follow up with your mortgage banker at least once a week to ensure the process is going smoothly.

So now is the time to make that decision. Submit your mortgage application, lock in your mortgage rate and snag that home you’ve always dreamed of. The clock is ticking.

O: 956-616-4926 Fax 1.800.519.7915 ehernandez@primeres.com www.rgvhomemortgage.com www.PRMIGROUP.net

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LIFESTYLE

Insurance Can Be Puzzling…

Sometimes You Need a Friend Companies that offer insurance can help boost employee morale and health.

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s a business owner, you face numerous challenges in addition to providing a quality product or service, figuring out how to offer it at a reasonable price, and finding quality people to fill your customers’ needs. So now you’ve got those things humming along, and you figured out how to get customer traffic.

Now it’s time to look at the not-so-obvious questions.

Questions like: What can you, the leader of your company, do to increase employee satisfaction, so that they feel like they do matter to the company, and that you are trying to take care of them? How can you retain your employees for the long term, so that you don’t find yourself in a constant cycle of costly staffing activities like advertising job openings, interviewing, hiring, and training, which also cost you in productivity, and, very likely, customer satisfaction? Is there a way to minimize, or even completely eliminate, false “on-the-job” injury claims? If one of your employees ever had to miss work because of a serious illness or injury, wouldn’t it be great to know that, because you gave them an opportunity to do so, they enrolled in a “safety net,” a plan that will provide some relief from those financial pressures?

And because you got good

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advice, your employees’ enrolling in that plan didn’t (and won’t) cost you any administrative time. It won’t ever cost you where your bottom line is concerned, either. And if/when your employees do eventually move on, it still won’t cost you any admin time, AND your employees can take their plan with them. Smart… very smart.

Offering Supplemental Benefits makes sense for your company because…

• Your Employees Benefit: • 90% of injuries happen off the job – no workers’ compensation.

• Health care costs continue to rise while benefits are falling.

• There are No Costs to the Business: Supplemental plans are employee-funded.

If they want it, they get it.

• It’s Easy to Administer: We meet with employees individually to assess their needs and enroll privately without payroll deduction.

• The Plans are Affordable: Policies start as low as $7.00 a week.

• There is No Minimum number for enrollment.

• The Plans are Popular: We experience a high percentage of participation.

Supplemental Benefits also make sense for your employees because…

• Benefits are Paid Directly to the employees, unless they instruct otherwise.

• Benefits are Paid in Addition to any other insurance they may have.

• Coverage is Guaranteed Renewable for life – only employees can cancel.

• Premiums do NOT increase with age.

• We offer refund of premium, less any claims paid to the employee, after the policy has been in force for the specified time period. *Varies by product and by state.

• There’s no cost to you as the employer, and there’s no extra work involved.

Your employees will benefit, and you’ll have the peace of mind of knowing that you made it possible.

Is there really any reason NOT to get the details?

Jose Orona (210) 823-1744 8000 IH W STE 600 San Antonio, TX 78230

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A better life starts with a

BEAUTIFUL SMILE WE OFFER MULTIDISCIPLINARY DENTAL SERVICES

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Mission, TX

122 S. Shary Rd. Suite K Mission, TX 78572 Tel: (956) 581-6666 Fax: (956) 581-542443

COMMUNITY

RIBBON CUTTINGS ALL FAMILY DENTAL A good bite is the foundation for health. Whether you need simple teeth cleaning, help alleviating pain and headaches, or cosmetic dental work, the staff at All Family Dental has extensive training that will give you a new reason to smile.

PROSOUND HEARING ProSound Hearing Center is a family owned business that provides the highest quality service and state-of-the-art hearing instruments with no cost comprehensive hearing exams as well as “live” hearing aid demonstrations.

They help people with hearing deficiencies live the life they want with the hearing they have. Their office staff ensures that the patient’s needs are always met in a friendly, courteous, and efficient manner. Their outstanding patient care is what sets them apart in the eyes of their clients.

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CPR (CELL PHONE REPAIR) First and foremost, they are problem solvers. When you go to them with an electronics issue, they will go out of their way to find a way to fix it. They specialize in repairing cell phones, smart phones, computers, laptops, game consoles, cameras, mp3 players and any other electronic gadgets you can throw at them. They strive to create solutions when none seemed to exist.

On a global scale, they are a company that has a great interest in helping to ensure that the world as we know it to be is a better place to live. One of the reasons they do what they do is to keep perfectly good electronics out of landfills. They bring your gadgets back to life in an effort to extend life for all of us.

CAREERS UNLIMITED Careers Unlimited, LLC was formed through the vision of persistent entrepreneurs, educators and community leaders to assist those seeking a rewarding career in the health care industry.

Their vision is to reach the community that is in dire need of a higher education. The Rio Grande Valley continues to grow and they want to be part of that growth by producing competent and productive entry level workers.

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Committed to Building on a Foundation of Trust, Innovation, and Service.

Experience

Rilemar Difference

the

“For by grace are ye saved through faith…” Ephesians 2:8-9 956-648-4093 www.RilemarCustomHomes.com /RilemarCustomHomes @RilemarHomes

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COMMUNITY

MISSION MATTERS

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ission Regional Medical Center has been attending to the health care needs of the community for 60 years. It was founded by the City of Mission back in 1954. Mission Municipal Hospital, as it was named back then, had 35 beds and a staff of about 50.

Over the years, the hospital has grown both in size and scope of service. To reflect its increasing size and service area, Mission Hospital was renamed Mission Regional Medical Center (MRMC) in 2004.

Currently, MRMC has more than 1,000 employees and 297 licensed beds to serve patients from Hidalgo and Starr counties as well as our neighbors to the south in Mexico. New state-of-the-art medical equipment, an expanded range of services, and a diverse medical staff have also been part of the growth of MRMC. Today, Mission Regional Medical Center is a local, independent, non-profit community hospital in the area offering in-patient and out-patient

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acute medical care, health education and more. As a non-profit medical center, any excess revenues generated are invested back into the community in the form of enhancements or expansion of equipment, programs, services, and facilities. By keeping up with the latest advances in medical science, MRMC has earned a sterling reputation for the quality of orthopedic, heart, stroke, maternity, breast care, surgery, laboratory, ER, and diagnostic imaging services. In this way, MRMC can offer the best possible medical care to the community.

hospital could not be possible without the support of its Foundation. The Foundation at Mission Regional Medical Center exists to increase and improve the healthcare resources available to Mission Regional Medical Center by promoting community philanthropy.

As a not-for-profit, community-owned hospital, philanthropy and community support make it possible for MRMC to develop and maintain a modern facility with a vision for the future. Today, fund development through donations, grants, planned giving, major gifts and fundraising events are instrumental

in expanding, renovating, and purchasing new and sophisticated medical equipment and facilities as needed.

Established in 2005, The Foundation is comprised of a Director and a Board of Trustees. The Trustees are civic-minded individuals who volunteer their time and lend their expertise in service to The Foundation. The Trustees for the 2013-2014 year include: Teresa Plata, President; Veronica Salazar Vela, Vice President; Brenda Lopez DeJarnett, Secretary/ Treasurer; Richard Martinez, Ruben Moreno, Beatriz Tijer-

An award-winning, state-ofthe-art healthcare facility, Mission Regional Medical Center, continues to provide advanced, cost-effective care. The hospital’s Board of Directors, physicians, employees, volunteers and auxiliary members provide exceptional performance and quality care to become the hospital of first choice for healing in Mission and surrounding communities.

The continuous growth of the not-for-profit community

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COMMUNITY

ina, Yvette Ramos and Jim Burnett. The Foundation’s day-to-day operations are led

by Director, Lucila Lagace.

The Foundation is supported by the generous donations of private individuals, local businesses, foundations and corporations committed to the mission and the health of the Rio Grande Valley.

Every gift, be it large or small, counts toward the fulfillment of the charitable mission to increase and improve access to quality healthcare for all.

5 THINGS YOU CAN DO TO ADVANCE THE MISSION OF MISSION REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER… OUR 501C3 NONPROFIT COMMUNITY HOSPITAL. 1. Like ‘The Foundation at MRMC’ on Facebook, and sign up for our email list. Share our news and events with everyone you know.

2. Be an Organizer. Assist with logistics for a special event, open your home or

business to entertain Foundation friends for an educational event, or host a table at a Foundation event.

3. Make a Financial Gift in honor of a loved one—or because you believe in a healthy community! Online giving is easy via PayPal at thefoundationatmrmc.org.

Give anytime it’s convenient for you. Call or visit us to sponsor an event or discuss planned giving.

4. Become an Ambassador for MRMC. Tell your friends, neighbors and colleagues about our 501c3 nonprofit hospital. Make calls or write letters to donors, write an article or story, or speak about our impact at local community events.

5. Be a Connector. Identify and/or introduce staff to those who are interested in our work, share information about prospective donor’s in-

terests, or invite staff to community networking events.

All gifts are tax-deductible to the extent the law allows.

EIN# 54-207645 foundationatmrmc@gmail. com or llagace@missionrmc.org 900 S. Bryan Rd. Mission, Texas 78572 (956) 323-1102 thefoundationatmrmc.org

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