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Synergy Business Connections 2020
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Synergy Business Connections Team - Conejo Valley Chamber Mixpo Event - 2018

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Synergy Business Connections | Passionate People with Personality

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

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

The Marriage of Art and Learning

It’s Back to School time and with budgets tightening, the arts sometime get squeezed out. But I think downplaying art in school is a critical factor contributing to less effective education.  We retain approximately 10 percent of what we see; 30 to 40 percent of what we see and hear; and 90 percent of what we see, hear, and do.  Incorporating art in school and throughout life is key to growth.  Plus, it’s just more fun. As I have taught visual art to kids, I’ve recognized at least six ways children benefit from art. Creativity – Trying new mediums and techniques, imagining different ways to portray a picture, mixing colors and exploring the results, connecting or juxtaposing unrelated objects, all lead students into discovery. Focus/attention – Thomas Merton said, “Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time.” Listening, thinking, and concentration are heightened in an art project. Cooperation – Working with other students on a project fosters contribution, acceptance and respect for another’s input. Problem solving and Decision making – Factoring and filtering different options and problem solving are almost always part of creating something... Read more
  • 1 August 2018
  • Number of views: 0

Art and Revolution

“Join or Die” was Benjamin Franklin’s call to arms during the American Revolution. His cartoon, first published May 9, 1754, in the Pennsylvania Gazette, was a rallying challenge for the colonies. The visual impact of a severed snake jolted the colonists to action against the British iron rule and led to years of uprising, fighting but eventful freedom. Image and words were the catalysts. A revolution starts because change is needed – the American Revolution and Civil War were political revolts, but civil problems of poverty and discrimination have also started revolutions. Words and symbols grab peoples’ attention and can be vehicles to ignite passion and action. Art uses color and images that spark a visceral response, whether emotional or physical, for action against injustice. It can give people concrete forms and pictures to rally around, highlighting larger principles. Art can also be an external representation of internal feelings, spurring action in a “so what”, apathetic culture. It can spark imagination just as effectively as it can inspire hope for a better future. Art is a powerful force to engage people with truth. As you remember our freedom this month,... Read more
  • 2 July 2018
  • Number of views: 0

SUMMER ART PROJECTS ENCOURAGE IMAGINATION

Einstein said, “Imagination is more important than knowledge.”  The door to possibilities is imagination.  It’s the “what could be” dream.  And art is the creative language that encourages and expands imagination.  Painting, drawing, sculpting and other art forms help people process feelings and emotions by focusing attention and concentration; adults can reduce stress and anxiety or express joy and passion through art; children can communicate internal feelings when they can’t find words.  And the simple act of creating something personal can bring a sense of self confidence and pride. But the primary killer of creativity for both children and adults is fear of failure and ridicule.  Creativity is a vulnerable choice so foster it with care and give it importance. This summer, plan fun and exciting art activities for the kids.  I’ve listed several ideas that might help stimulate your artistic imagination.  Have fun! Raised salt painting: heavy paper (card stock), white glue, table salt, water colors/brush.  Squeeze a design on the paper with the glue; pour salt on the glue; with a brush and water colors touch the salt and watch the color spread. Water color resist: heavy white... Read more
  • 1 June 2018
  • Number of views: 0

10 Things I learned from my mother

My mother was a Southern lady from Virginia who taught me how a lady should act and the value of who I am.  She modeled integrity, faithfulness and love, and I learned so much from her. 10 Things I learned from my mother Always be on time or a little early – arriving late shows disrespect for others’ time Sing when you’re sad – it’s hard to be focused on your problems when you’re singing Make up your bed every morning – it sets a good habit of putting everything where it belongs before your whole world is out of order Give money when the offering plate is passed and share with anyone in need – generosity is the antidote to greed Wake up early for quiet time – once the day starts, it’s hard to carve out the most important part of the day It’s nicer to smell a rose than a garbage pile – fill you mind and thoughts with good rather than bad Don’t “sit on your manners” – always say please and thank you and let others go through the door first Wear lipstick when you go to the grocery store – it’s not hard to look your best…always Know the story of Great Grandma’s hutch – your family and past generations are who you are and connect you to history Love God with all your heart and show... Read more
  • 5 May 2018
  • Number of views: 0

Art and Nature – The perfect Earth Day connection

When I got my first computer in 1987, I was told it could simplify and speed up the mundane activities of my life – I would have more time to dream and paint and commune with nature.  Today, the reality is that I don’t have more free time – my schedule is usually consumed by that technology.   With emails, work deadlines, Facebook, Instagram et al. I am tempted to react and respond to the world without getting outside and moving. This Sunday, April 22nd, is Earth Day, a day set apart in 1970 to honor the earth and the concept of peace.  I’ve been thinking about my personal peace and the consequences of sitting with the computer against the benefits of being in nature and interacting with art. At first, the relationship between nature and art appears nice but not necessarily close; in reality, they are very similar.  Studies show that spending time outside in nature can change people from being depressed, angry, fearful, stressed or anxious to a more calm and balanced feeling, lowering blood pressure, heart rate and stress hormones.  When we concentrate on a flower, a bee or a breath-taking sunset, we can’t focus as much on pain allowing instead for increased creativity and... Read more
  • 18 April 2018
  • Number of views: 0

Shouldn’t a Hobby be Safe?

Art is a risky hobby.  There it is. It’s true. As soon as you start to paint or draw or sculpt or sing, someone is going to make a comment on what they think of it.  If it’s a positive compliment, you feel justified as a person; if it’s negative, they have just put a dagger through your soul.  It’s hard to be creative and be objective and secure because if you do art with openness and feeling, it is a mirror to who you are. For me, art can be just a painting that I think is pretty.  But if I really am honest with my feelings and paint something that reflects my inner conviction or growth, that painting can be like exposing my innermost thoughts, feelings or motivations to the world.  It feels dangerous and risky; I am vulnerable.   So what should I do?  Not paint? Not try art? Ignore any creativity? No!  Not trying anything creative is like shutting the door on a universe of excitement and discovery. We all have feelings and emotions we’re not even aware of and occasionally, art can be that window that opens your real self to you. Art can be a great time of fun.  But sometimes it can surprise you with YOU. Art is a risky thing.  Go for it! Go to www.paintblankcanvas.com and... Read more
  • 21 March 2018
  • Number of views: 0
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1/28/2020

02/11/2020 - Ribbon Cutting Ceremony - Virtual Executive Solutions, Inc.

           

Join us for the ribbon cutting of Virtual Executive Solutions, Inc. in Westlake Village!

"At Virtual Executive Solutions we strive to provide the quality support services you need to take your company to the next level. Whether you are looking for a Virtual Assistant, Online Business Manager, Bookkeeper, Marketing Assistant, Social Media Marketing Assistant, we are here to help!

Fulfilling a wide variety of professional administrative services and creative marketing solutions to meet the needs of busy entrepreneurs and small business owners who need an executive level assistant, but not a full time employee."
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1/29/2020

02/12/2020 - Infinity Networking Group


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

Front of Room Speaker:   Don Phillipson, WSI ePro:  "Networking Secrets: How to Turn Business Connections Into New Business"

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. 

                                           
James Shipe, Edward Jones                               Don Phillipson, CEO, WSI ePro
Group Leader, Infinity Networking Group          Chair Emeritus, GCVCC Board of Directors&
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2/3/2020
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Teresa Paczkowski's Synergy Presentation

Teresa Paczkowski, with Elena Trevino Design, will be presenting at this week's meeting. For over 20 years, Elena Trevino Design has combined the art of creativity and the science of marketing to give clients in Ventura and Los Angeles counties the powerful edge they need.

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2/4/2020

02/18/2020 - Ribbon Cutting Ceremony - Cortica


 
Please join us for the ribbon cutting of Cortica in Westlake Village!

Cortica is a therapy provider for children with autism and other developmental differences. Led by pediatric neurologists and pediatricians, Cortica identifies the underlying causes of developmental differences and creates customized treatment programs based on a child’s neurobiological and development profile.
 
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2/5/2020

02/19/2020 - Infinity Networking Group-Coffee Hour


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

INFINITY meets on these alternating Wednesdays for "coffee hour", in addition to their regular bi-monthly group meetings at the Chamber. These coffee meetings provide the opportunity for INFINITY members, to continue the momentum, in-between group meetings.  Guests are welcome to visit one coffee meet up prior to the larger group meeting. 

Chamber members and non-members are all invited to visit one INFINITY networking group meeting. 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. Through Infinity you can connect with other Chamber members on a weekly or bi-monthly basis.  Attend one complimentary meeting and see if this group is the right fit for you and your business. 
 
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.

Bi-Monthly 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.  

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

                                           
James Shipe, Edward Jones                               Don Phillipson, CEO, WSI ePro
Group Leader, Infinity Networking Group 
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91011
2/11/2020

02/25/2020 - 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: 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
  • Have a general interest in public policy
 
Donuts will be served.
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2/12/2020

02/26/2020 - Infinity Networking Group


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

Chamber members and non-members are all invited to attend a meeting as a guest! 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. Connect here with other Chamber members on a weekly or bi-monthly basis.  Attend one complimentary meeting and see if this group is the right fit for you and your business. 

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 from 9-10 a.m. 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 or one of the group leads below. 

                                           
James Shipe, Edward Jones                               Don Phillipson, CEO, WSI ePro
Group Leader, Infinity Networking Group          Chair Emeritus, GCVCC Board of Directors                   
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2/14/2020

02/27/2020 - Business Breakfast Networking Group (BBN)


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: 

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 next meeting visit their website at www.bbnto.com.
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2/17/2020
127224

Eileen Gould's Synergy Presentation

Eileen Gould, the owner of Eileen Gould Design & Construction Inc, will be presenting at this week's meeting. Specializing in high-end Commercial and Residential construction, renovation and design, Eileen Gould’s unique skillset and 30+ years of experience in the field have netted her hundreds of satisfied clients (many of whom are celebrities), national media attention, and multiple industry awards, including top honors from the National Association of Business Owners.

Eileen will be speaking about Aging in Place with safety, sustainability, and beauty.

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232425
2/25/2020

03/05/2020 - Business Breakfast Networking Group (BBN)


March 5th Presenter - Steve Arndt, Arndt Technologies

The Business Breakfast Network (BBN) is one of the oldest and largest referral groups affiliated with the Greater Conejo Valley Chamber of Commerce. The 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 the BBN is charged expanding individual knowledge of member companies and adding to their own 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! 

*First meeting is FREE to attend for Chamber members.
Non-members are invited to observe a complimentary meeting. 

To reserve your seat please contact: 
Dr. Ben Griffes, M.A., D.C. 
805-358-8572

Dr Ben Griffes
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3/5/2020 9:45 AM
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Synergy Business Connections Networking Group Meeting - First Thursday

Join us for the first 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

Join Us / Register

Location: Greater Conejo Valley Chamber of Commerce

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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

SELL & LEASE YOUR COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE FOR THE MAXIMUM PRICE

In my experience as an owner/landlord and broker of commercial real estate (“CRE”), most brokers hired to list office, retail, industrial or other types of CRE properties for sale or lease put up a “for sale” or “for lease” sign and list a property online at a couple of Commercial Real Estate (“CRE”) websites like Loopnet and CoStar.  This passive approach waits for the interested parties to find the property by driving by it or searching for it online. The passive approach discussed...
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Did You Catch the SEO Mistake from Warner Bros. Last Week?

Did You Catch the SEO Mistake from Warner Bros. Last Week?
Say you want people to come see the movie that cost you $97 million to produce. Digital marketing is all the rage, you hear, so why wouldn’t you …
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You Only Get One Shot at a Great First Impression

You Only Get One Shot at a Great First Impression
Say you run a biker bar and a customer walks in. Saying “Can I help you?” while cracking your knuckles threateningly...
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How Your Facebook Posts and Ads Relate to Your Website Traffic

How Your Facebook Posts and Ads Relate to Your Website Traffic
Social media has long been a marketing darling for engaging followers, but if they aren’t following all the way back to your website, you’re...
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Commercial Landlords In California Facing Potential Large Property Tax Increases

California commercial landlords, owners of office, medical, retail, warehouse/industrial spaces and more, are in for a shock if the current proposition on the ballot passes. In a recent Bisnow article, Rex Hime states:  “If this comes into effect, they [small businesses] are gone,” Hime said to Bisnow after his presentation during the ICSC Southern California Idea Exchange event Thursday at the Long Beach Convention Center. “The second issue is, you have these large corporate...
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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: 2191

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: 3049

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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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