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Synergy Business Connections 2020
Synergy Business Connections

Synergy Business Connections Team - Conejo Valley Chamber Mixpo Event - 2018

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Synergy Business Connections | Passionate People with Personality

Change…good or grim

March 8th makes the switch to Daylight Saving Time. This change can be viewed as harsh, losing an hour of sleep, or positive, gaining an extra hour of afternoon sun.  Minor changes happen to our calendars but change in our lives and businesses can introduce major stress or significant benefit.  Life and business changes can radically affect us because they play with our brains.  Both positive and negative change activates the conflict sensors in the brain which causes stress, (Harvard Medical School, Dr Pillay, Psychologist).  The brain doesn’t discriminate between good and bad change; a new marriage or a divorce both induce anxiety or uncertainty.  The brain is comfortable with habit and old patterns so “newness” triggers stress and stress often results in uncertainty.  That’s why I’m much more likely to be safe and comfortable with the status quo rather than want to grit my teeth and work on changing.  So how do we cope with this change?  The brain needs a time-out when it’s faced with unpredictability.  If you don’t know if you’re going to the dentist or a party, you have trouble predicting your reaction.  75% of people presume the worst when faced with ambiguity... Read more
  • 4 March 2020
  • Number of views: 0

Making Room

We have a three car garage and can’t fit in one car.  The dog crate, lawn mower, free weights and bench, power washer and woodworking area have expanded to crowd out any hope of parking my car.  It’s full. When my aunt died and the family needed to sell her house, we went into her garage and discovered one narrow path from door to freezer with boxes stacked everywhere else from floor to ceiling.  It was full. Sometimes I have a hard time setting up appointments with clients because they need to bus their children to school, carpool to baseball or soccer games, or be ready to retrieve them from ballet, piano, karate or swimming lessons.  Their schedules are full. Several years ago when a person was alone and talking out loud, they were considered crazy.  Now they are merely talking on their cell and when they hang up, Pandora is their companion.  Their ears are full. I’m not saying any of these things are bad, it’s just that our lives are full to overflowing with items we don’t need, noise that keeps us from thinking and identities that are defined by how busy we are.  We have so many responsibilities, so many things, so many opportunities and so many activities we... Read more
  • 4 March 2020
  • Number of views: 0

7 Affordable Ways to say I Love You

This month, love is scheduled for the 14th, and you better be ready!  Social pressure and guilt are reserved for the unprepared.  When we were first married, my husband thought we would just stop in at a restaurant after work and celebrate.  It was a shock and disappointment when we discovered every restaurant in town had reservations and waiting lines until close to midnight.  Lesson learned: think ahead. So, some years we have deliberately celebrated the day before or after.  Love is important and deserves to be celebrated more than one day a year but eating out or ordering long stem red roses can break the bank.  Still, it can be special even on a budget.  Here are seven ways to show your love (with or without a fancy restaurant reservation). Write a love note and put it on your Love’s computer, pillow or steering wheel.Cook (or order out) a favorite meal and eat it in front of the fireplace (with no TV on).Go for a walk together and afterward sit down and share a coffee, tea or hot chocolate.Do one of your Love’s normal chores (i.e. take out the trash, wash and dry the dishes) without being asked.Text a love note to your Honey in the middle of the day.Rent a movie... Read more
  • 8 February 2019
  • Number of views: 0

7 Affordable Ways to say I Love You

This month, love is scheduled for the 14th, and you better be ready!  Social pressure and guilt are reserved for the unprepared.  When we were first married, my husband thought we would just stop in at a restaurant after work and celebrate.  It was a shock and disappointment when we discovered every restaurant in town had reservations and waiting lines until close to midnight.  Lesson learned: think ahead. So, some years we have deliberately celebrated the day before or after.  Love is important and deserves to be celebrated more than one day a year but eating out or ordering long stem red roses can break the bank.  Still, it can be special even on a budget.  Here are seven ways to show your love (with or without a fancy restaurant reservation). Write a love note and put it on your Love’s computer, pillow or steering wheel.Cook (or order out) a favorite meal and eat it in front of the fireplace (with no TV on).Go for a walk together and afterward sit down and share a coffee, tea or hot chocolate.Do one of your Love’s normal chores (i.e. take out the trash, wash and dry the dishes) without being asked.Text a love note to your Honey in the middle of the day.Rent a movie... Read more
  • 8 February 2019
  • Number of views: 0

Resolution or Resolve

It’s already the first week of the new year and I haven’t landed on any resolutions yet.  My usual ones – lose 10 pounds, go to the gym more, read more books – seem like a repeat of last year and a cop out.  Plus, I normally stick to these for a few weeks and then quit.  My resolutions feel more like a guilty obligation rather than a life changing, driving force. This morning someone asked me not what my new year’s resolutions are but what do I really want this year.  That question seems more significant than just going to the gym three times a week instead of two.  It made me stop and think “what do I really and truly want?”  My focus needs to be on importance rather than the superficial. So this year I want to be more content with what I have, to enjoy at least one beautiful thing each day, to speak with kindness and patience when my first inclination is to condemn or hurt, to trust God to protect and provide instead of stressing with what I still need to do, to be calm, to be generous, to forgive myself without giving up on me, and to let go of my right to be right. I still would like to lose 10 pounds, go more often to the gym and read thoughtful books.  But... Read more
  • 6 January 2019
  • Number of views: 0

Resolution or Resolve

It’s already the first week of the new year and I haven’t landed on any resolutions yet.  My usual ones – lose 10 pounds, go to the gym more, read more books – seem like a repeat of last year and a cop out.  Plus, I normally stick to these for a few weeks and then quit.  My resolutions feel more like a guilty obligation rather than a life changing, driving force. This morning someone asked me not what my new year’s resolutions are but what do I really want this year.  That question seems more significant than just going to the gym three times a week instead of two.  It made me stop and think “what do I really and truly want?”  My focus needs to be on importance rather than the superficial. So this year I want to be more content with what I have, to enjoy at least one beautiful thing each day, to speak with kindness and patience when my first inclination is to condemn or hurt, to trust God to protect and provide instead of stressing with what I still need to do, to be calm, to be generous, to forgive myself without giving up on me, and to let go of my right to be right. I still would like to lose 10 pounds, go more often to the gym and read thoughtful books.  But... Read more
  • 6 January 2019
  • Number of views: 0

The Journey of Art and Spirituality

People are spiritual by nature; we search for reasons and purpose and meaning. There are mysteries we don’t understand and a whole universe we need to explore. Deep down, the drive to be better either compels or convicts us. People are also creative by nature; the urge to make something new – to give birth – excites us. We secretly long to be inspired and to imagine what could be and long to give it voice. But the spiritual search is easily overshadowed by the desire for daily comfort or security. And creativity can be lulled to sleep under the blanket of busyness and media noise. When either the spiritual or creative side is sublimated and ignored, we are diminished. The articulation of our feelings and communication of our beliefs often requires a different expression. Art. But art is creative and needs time and space and risk. To be quiet and wait can be frightening; to face a blank piece of paper or canvas can be terrifying, but the possibility of a poem or painting or concerto or dance that represents meaning or injustice or peace is exquisite. Art can free the feelings and beliefs that are stuck inside. And the best news is that the process of creating art is the key. The... Read more
  • 7 November 2018
  • Number of views: 0

The Journey of Art and Spirituality

People are spiritual by nature; we search for reasons and purpose and meaning. There are mysteries we don’t understand and a whole universe we need to explore. Deep down, the drive to be better either compels or convicts us. People are also creative by nature; the urge to make something new – to give birth – excites us. We secretly long to be inspired and to imagine what could be and long to give it voice. But the spiritual search is easily overshadowed by the desire for daily comfort or security. And creativity can be lulled to sleep under the blanket of busyness and media noise. When either the spiritual or creative side is sublimated and ignored, we are diminished. The articulation of our feelings and communication of our beliefs often requires a different expression. Art. But art is creative and needs time and space and risk. To be quiet and wait can be frightening; to face a blank piece of paper or canvas can be terrifying, but the possibility of a poem or painting or concerto or dance that represents meaning or injustice or peace is exquisite. Art can free the feelings and beliefs that are stuck inside. And the best news is that the process of creating art is the key. The... Read more
  • 7 November 2018
  • Number of views: 0

Art Gone Wild

Have you ever said, “I’m not artistic; I can’t draw a stick figure”?  I have good news for you: stick figures are not the yard stick for art.  The world is full of opportunities to “do” art.  This month is National Wilderness Month (celebrating the 54th anniversary of the Wilderness Act), and there is such a thing as Earth Art or Land Art which allows all of us to be creative.  You can take a trowel and carve circles in the dirt and make art. Earth Art began in the United States in the 1960s as a rejection of the traditional notion of confined galleries and museums where “true art” could be bought and sold and displayed.  It was an embrace of nature and a celebration of found objects as art and beauty.  The very transient nature of the designs were part of the art’s essence. Because this creative expression couldn’t easily be displayed in galleries, it opened the experience to everyone.  Anywhere there were rocks or leaves a person could arrange art.  And this frees us all to be artists!  In my hallway by the front door, I have a large bowl with stones I’ve collected, and my grandchildren can’t resist stacking them into towers.  A farmer in Simi Valley can’t help but plow a... Read more
  • 16 September 2018
  • Number of views: 0

Art Gone Wild

Have you ever said, “I’m not artistic; I can’t draw a stick figure”?  I have good news for you: stick figures are not the yard stick for art.  The world is full of opportunities to “do” art.  This month is National Wilderness Month (celebrating the 54th anniversary of the Wilderness Act), and there is such a thing as Earth Art or Land Art which allows all of us to be creative.  You can take a trowel and carve circles in the dirt and make art. Earth Art began in the United States in the 1960s as a rejection of the traditional notion of confined galleries and museums where “true art” could be bought and sold and displayed.  It was an embrace of nature and a celebration of found objects as art and beauty.  The very transient nature of the designs were part of the art’s essence. Because this creative expression couldn’t easily be displayed in galleries, it opened the experience to everyone.  Anywhere there were rocks or leaves a person could arrange art.  And this frees us all to be artists!  In my hallway by the front door, I have a large bowl with stones I’ve collected, and my grandchildren can’t resist stacking them into towers.  A farmer in Simi Valley can’t help but plow a... Read more
  • 16 September 2018
  • Number of views: 0
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«May 2020»
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4/27/2020

04/28/2020 - ONLINE: Legislative Roundtable Meeting


Legislative Roundtable provides a setting for dialogue to take place on public policy issues and gives public agency staff, elected officials, their staff and businesses an opportunity to network. The meeting includes a guest speaker on a public sector topic and regular updates from our local cities, agencies, and elected officials.

Staff members provide brief reports from their prospective agencies to inform each other and members of the chamber of upcoming events or other items of interest.

This Month's Meeting: Councilmember Linda Northrup - City of Agoura Hills - Business Coping Strategies During COVID-19

Councilmember Linda L. Northrup was elected to the Agoura Hills City Council in 2015 and served as Mayor Pro Tem prior to being elected Mayor in December 2018. Before being elected to the City Council, Linda Northrup was a member of the Agoura Hills Planning Commission from 2011 – 2015 and served as Chair in 2015.

Councilmember Northrup is honored to be the first Agoura High School graduate to have served as Mayor of Agoura Hills. She returned to Agoura Hills to raise her family after obtaining a Bachelor’s degree in English Literature from UCLA and a law degree from Hastings College of the Law in San Francisco. Councilmember Northrup moved her law firm to the Conejo Valley in 2005 and she and her husband, Dave Schlueter, a local mediator, have been members of the Greater Conejo Valley Chamber of Commerce for over 15 years.

C
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4/28/2020

05/13/2020 - Online: Infinity Networking Group


Due to the COVID-19 distancing guidelines in place, this meeting will take place - ONLINE.  If you are interested in participating, please contact the group leader or the Chamber for more information.


May 13 Speaker: JAMES SHIPE, EDWARD JONES

Infinity is a new "Category Exclusive"* networking group of the Greater Conejo Valley Chamber of Commerce. 

Networking groups provide the opportunity to get the most value out of your Chamber membership, grow your business, expand your network, and build professional relationships. Infinity connects you with other Chamber members on a weekly or bi-monthly basis. Chamber members and non-members are all invited to one complimentary meeting. Join us and see if this group is the right fit for you and your business and if your category is available. 

Group meetings are held in the Chamber Conference Room every 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month from 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.   Meetings include member presentation opportunities, open table group discussions, and periodic events to support members, the community and the Chamber.  Infinity also meets on the alternating Wednesdays for coffee hour at a Chamber member location. This provides the opportunity for members to continue the momentum in between group meetings.  Guests are welcome to visit one coffee meet up prior to the larger group meeting. 
 
Infinity
"Our group consists of quality Business Professionals who are looking to grow their business in conjunction with other members of the group. Our mission is to provide diverse expertise to the community through effective connections with trusted professionals, educational services, and community events.

For more information or if you would like to attend a meeting, contact the Chamber office or one of the group leaders below. 

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5/5/2020

05/15/2020 - Q&A Webinar Session with Membership & Government Affairs

The Greater Conejo Valley Chamber of Commerce's Membership & Government Affairs staff invites you to join us for a Q&A Webinar every Friday from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. 

         Attorney Karen Gabler | Ventura County Employment Law Attorney
Guest Speaker for May 15: Karen Gabler, LightGabler

Karen will be discussing the physical and legal considerations in reopening a business and bringing employees back.

Have questions? Chamber staff will be providing participants with updates from Federal, local state and county on orders, regulations and business recovery resources. If you have been affected by the COVID-19 global health crisis and have questions on these topics or Chamber membership opportunities - join us for this interactive webinar and Q&A.

This meeting is open to all members and non-members. There is NO cost to participate. 

Participants Must Pre-Register at this Link: https://bit.ly/3djqK8y  

Once registered, a confirmation email containing information to join the webinar will be sent to the email provided. Should you have questions please contact Heather Macaulay, Director of Membership, hmacaulay@conejochamber.org or call the Chamber at 805-370-0035. 
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5/8/2020

05/26/2020 - Online: Legislative Roundtable Meeting


Due to the COVID-19 distancing guidelines in place, this meeting will take place online. 

Legislative Roundtable provides a setting for dialogue to take place on public policy issues and gives public agency staff, elected officials, their staff and businesses an opportunity to network. The meeting includes a guest speaker on a public sector topic and regular updates from our local cities, agencies, and elected officials.

Staff members provide brief reports from their prospective agencies to inform each other and members of the chamber of upcoming events or other items of interest.

This Month's Meeting: To be announced.

Consider attending this meeting if you:
  • Want to stay updated on local, state, and federal legislation and how it may affect your business
  • Would like to network with public agency staff, elected officials and their staff, and other chamber members
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5/11/2020

05/27/2020 - Online: Infinity Networking Group

Due to the COVID-19 distancing guidelines in place, this meeting will take place online.  If you are interested in participating, please contact the group leader or the Chamber for more information.

May 27 Speaker: Jason Giambi, State Farm Insurance

Infinity is a new "Category Exclusive"* networking group of the Greater Conejo Valley Chamber of Commerce.  Networking groups provide the opportunity, expand your network, and build professional relationships. Infinity connects you with other Chamber members on a weekly or bi-monthly basis. Chamber members and non-members are all invited to one complimentary meeting. Join us and see if this group is the right fit for you and your business and if your category is available.

Meetings are held every 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month from 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. and include member presentation opportunities, open table group discussions, and periodic events to support members, the community and the Chamber. 

"Our group consists of quality Business Professionals who are looking to grow their business in conjunction with other members of the group. Our mission is to provide diverse expertise to the community through effective connections with trusted professionals, educational services, and community events." - Infinity

For more information or if you would like to attend a meeting, contact the Chamber office or one of the group leaders below. 


                                           
James Shipe, Edward Jones                               Don Phillipson, CEO, WSI ePro
jshipe@edwardjones.com                             Read more

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5/13/2020

05/28/2020 - Online: Business Breakfast Networking Group (BBN)


May 28: Business Roundtable

Due to the COVID-19 distancing guidelines in place, this meeting will take place online.  If you are interested in participating, please contact the group leaders or the Chamber for more information.

The Business Breakfast Network (BBN) is one of the oldest running networking groups of the Greater Conejo Valley Chamber of Commerce. BBN is an active, progressive networking organization dedicated to building a strong, diverse membership of local companies and to promoting member businesses at every opportunity.  On personal and professional levels  BBN is charged expanding individual knowledge of member companies and adding to their business acumen through weekly meetings, presentations, seminars, group social events, and other means. Visit BBN any Thursday at 7:30 a.m. at Cisco's Restaurant on Avenida de los Arboles in Thousand Oaks!   * The first meeting is FREE to observe for Chamber members and non-member guests.
​
To reserve your seat please contact group leaders below: 

Dr. Ben Griffes, M.A. D.C.     805-358-8572     stretching4life@aol.com
Ken Phillips                            805-915-7644     ken@marketingpromotionsnetwork.com 


For more information about BBN and their meetings visit their website at www.bbnto.com.

 
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5/15/2020

06/04/2020 - Online: Business Breakfast Networking Group (BBN)

Due to the COVID-19 distancing guidelines in place, this meeting will take place online.  If you are interested in participating, please contact the group leaders or the Chamber for more information.

The Business Breakfast Network (BBN) is one of the oldest running networking groups of the Greater Conejo Valley Chamber of Commerce. BBN is an active, progressive networking organization dedicated to building a strong, diverse membership of local companies and to promoting member businesses at every opportunity.  On personal and professional levels  BBN is charged expanding individual knowledge of member companies and adding to their business acumen through weekly meetings, presentations, seminars, group social events, and other means. Visit BBN any Thursday at 7:30 a.m. at Cisco's Restaurant on Avenida de los Arboles in Thousand Oaks!   * The first meeting is FREE to observe for Chamber members and non-member guests.
​
To reserve your seat please contact group leaders below: 

Dr. Ben Griffes, M.A. D.C.     805-358-8572     stretching4life@aol.com
Ken Phillips                            805-915-7644     ken@marketingpromotionsnetwork.com 


For more information about BBN and their meetings visit their website at www.bbnto.com.

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5/19/2020

05/27/2020 - Emerging Leaders Virtual Lunch MOB


Join us for the first Emerging Leaders Virtual Lunch MOB. 

Summer has marked the roll out of new dishes on their menu such as refreshing cucumber-watermelon salads, colorful heirloom tomato pizzas, and grilled corn on the cob with an elote twist and of course, all the classics including pizzas, pastas, sandwiches and more! 

Purchase your own lunch and come connect with our group of young professionals (ages 21-39) on the outdoor patio. 
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5/22/2020

06/05/2020 - The "Virtual" Breakfast

The Greater Conejo Valley Chamber of Commerce staff invites you to join us for this "Virtual" Networking Breakfast!

Your Chamber wants to hear about you and your business and we also want to have some fun. Grab your coffee and get ready for some networking at the top of the meeting! Attendees will be randomly placed into breakout rooms for fifteen minutes (9:00-9:15) to get to know each other and talk about your businesses. 

As an attendee, you will also get 20 seconds to talk about your business and we will let you know when you are on deck to speak.

There will be prizes for the best 20-second intro!

You are welcome to bring a guest to this event! This networking opportunity is open to all members and non-members. There is NO cost to participate. 

Participants Must Register in Advance:
https://bit.ly/3dMnMtH

Once registered, a confirmation email containing information to join will be sent to the email provided. Should you have questions please contact Tia Grace, Senior Director of Marketing & Events, tgrace@conejochamber.org or call the Chamber at 805-370-0035.
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5/28/2020

06/12/2020 - Q&A Webinar Session with Membership & Government Affairs

The Greater Conejo Valley Chamber of Commerce's Membership & Government Affairs staff invites you to join us for a Q&A Webinar every Friday from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. 

Have questions? Chamber staff will be providing participants with updates from Federal, local state and county on orders, regulations and business recovery resources. If you have been affected by the COVID-19 global health crisis and have questions on these topics or Chamber membership opportunities - join us for this interactive webinar and Q&A.

This meeting is open to all members and non-members. There is NO cost to participate. 

Read more

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6/4/2020 9:45 AM
Synergy Business Connections Networking Group Meeting - First Thursday

Synergy Business Connections Networking Group Meeting - First Thursday

Join us for the second meeting of the month.  Please try to arrive by 9:45am for a prompt start at 10:00am.

The Conference Room at the Greater Conejo Valley Chamber of Commerce, 600 Hampshire Road, Suite #200, Westlake Village, CA 91361

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Upcoming events

Business Categories

Synergy Business Connections helps businesses grow through relationship marketing and we follow the exclusive category format with one member per Conejo Chamber of Commerce business sub-category. Your business sub-category appears on your Conejo Chamber profile page, right under your business name, to see if your category is eligible. We welcome you to join us at a meeting as our guest to experience the Synergy network for yourself.

Member News

We Used to Think Social Media Marketing Was Hard and It Still Is.

We Used to Think Social Media Marketing Was Hard and It Still Is.
Back in 2012, we wrote about how hard Facebook marketing was. It’s only harder now because of algorithm updates, but Facebook is still a platform worth pursuing. Especially during the last few ...
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Gut-Punched by Quarantine? Time to Innovate!

Gut-Punched by Quarantine? Time to Innovate!
One big advantage small business has over bigger competitors, coaches say, is that small biz can be “agile.” Never has it been more important to learn what this means and how this applies to your ...
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Are You Still Making These Twitter Mistakes?

Are You Still Making These Twitter Mistakes?
Back in 2013, I was a Twitter marketing newbie. I have certainly upped my game since and the game has changed a bit as well, so I thought it important to review the Twitter faux pas that can totally ...
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Today, Use Marketing to Catch the Eye and Warm the Heart

Today, Use Marketing to Catch the Eye and Warm the Heart
Tired of this pandemic situation? Raise a gloved and sanitized hand if you are! But we need to keep doing business, so the next step in marketing is to be timely while strategizing for the days ...
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How to Work Shoulder-to-Shoulder with your Digital Marketing Partners

How to Work Shoulder-to-Shoulder with your Digital Marketing Partners
Your web developer and social media manager should be your partners, not just hired hands, with all of you working toward the same objective – your success. Here’s what you should be doing to hold ...
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New Member Information

How to Create / Update your Team Member Profile

Are you a member of Synergy Business Connections but don't have your company information on the website? Are you not a member yet, but are thinking of joining and want to know how you and your business will be featured? Learn how easy it is to get your profile on the site...

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  • 15 September 2016
  • Number of views: 3341

Rules & Guidelines

Synergy Business Connections

Please read more about the rules and guidelines for our group.  

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  • 7 April 2015
  • Number of views: 3176

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Some messages from our group...

What makes the Conejo Valley special, unique or interesting?

I like to call Thousand Oaks "the biggest little town in the country." Even though its size is well over 100,000 residents, it still has a small town feel. You are liable to see someone you know every time you go out. I also like the fact that it has protected itself from the blight that has ruined so many other communities in Southern California by restricting things such as billboards, building structure and height, paid parking lots, and corner strip malls. 

— Cary Ginell - VC On Stage

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About Us

Synergy Business Connections is all about getting to know each other, having some fun, helping the community and of course passing referrals. When we are out in the world talking with other individuals, businesses and organizations and we see the possibility of a synergistic relationship then we help facilitate the connection between members of the group. Because helping others connect is what being a Synergy Business Connection member is all about.

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