Connect Club - Connecting Women in Business - Colorado » printing

CPA/Printing – Colorado

connectclub — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 15:46:03 +0000

Today’s first speaker was Anna Kay Roche, CPA in Wheat Ridge, CO. Anna
wanted to go over yearend tax strategies and some of
the over looked tax deductions. The yearend tax strategies she covered were
accelerating your expenses – although you cannot prepay some reoccurring
expenses such as interest, rent and lease payments, think about stocking up on
office supplies, postage and other office necessities. Buy or upgrade your
equipment or automobile to claim your Section179 deduction, the rules
surrounding automobiles can be complicated so don’t just assume this deduction
make sure by checking with you tax professional. You can also delay receipt of
income – the law states that if you have the money in your hands – even if you
have not deposited it – it is still income. Hoarding your December collections
and then running it to the bank on the first business day in January is a dead
giveaway to an auditor that you are reporting income in the wrong year. Other
things that Anna wants you to consider – be careful about trying to save income
taxes, you may pay a little one year but then have a major payment the next.
You are better off reporting your income evenly over the years. If you have a
large income bubble you may need for tax planning to minimize the tax burden
for that period. A few of those tax deductions that we all may over look from
tax year to tax are – state sales taxes. There are IRS tax tables that show how
much residents can deduct based on their income and the sales tax rates. If you
purchased an automobile or boat you can add that sales tax you paid to the
amount shown on the IRS table. Another sales tax that often goes unused is for
home building materials – this can be a big ticket item and can make the sales
tax deduction a better deal for you than the income deduction. If you spent
time this year looking for a job – you may be able to itemize some of those
expenses – however only 2% of your adjusted gross income. Some of those
expenses are employment agency fees, cab fare, food, lodging and transportation
if your search takes you away from home overnight, and the costs of printing
your resume or business cards and postage. If that new job forces you to move
you can deduct your moving expenses if you have to move over 50 miles. The last
deduction that Anna spoke to us about was out of pocket charitable deductions –
remember whenever doing something for a charitable organization such as baking
a casserole for an event-all the ingredients are deductible, or if you do a
mailing for your favorite organization-the stamps you purchase are deductible, and
if you give clothing to that local homeless shelter those are deductible as
well. Keep all of your receipts –if your donations are more than 250.00 you
will need to document the receiving agency and document the services you
provided. Keeping all of these items in mind Anna wants us all to be prepared
for the upcoming tax season and if you need help getting a handle on your taxes
give Anna Kay Roche a call!!
Anna Kay Roche, P.C. * Certified Public Accountant * 303.403.0775

Today’s second speaker was Cindi Thordarson of EcoGraphics Printing in
Lakewood, CO. Although EcoGraphics is in the middle of the Children’s
Hospital Colorado Christmas Card Project, which
keeps their office very busy this time of year. There are other clients that
they are trying very hard to keep up with all of the requests. One request,
Cindi brought with her today to explain the complications of printing three
color envelopes. EcoGraphics is a small commercial shop and have two digital
presses along with two small format single color traditional presses and one –
two color Itek 3985 – which will run 2 color tight registration jobs. The issue
with running multiple colored envelopes is that no two envelopes (kind of like
snowflakes) are not created alike. The machine that creates envelopes moves at
amazing speeds which cuts, folds and glues each envelope – so as each envelope
is folded and glued it may be in the machine crooked or just a slightly
different angle creating a slightly different shape. So, as a printer, Cindi
should know that when trying to run three colors – exact registration on
pre-made envelopes will not work. For this job – well – she forgot… So they are
printing the envelopes the correct way, which is running the envelope unfolded
on an 11 x 17 inch sheet of paper where they can get an exact cut and guarantee
that the sheet will hit in the same spot for the third color. They then send
those sheets to an envelope manufacture here in Denver that will convert
envelopes in small quantities. Not the least expensive way to go but it will
get the exact look the customer is looking for. The rest of her talk Cindi
discussed the design of your logo – in these days you can design just about
anything with the aid of computers. Depending on the needs for your business –
whether you will be using letterhead, envelopes and business cards or just
business cards and a couple advertising pieces – you can get as creative as you
want. Just remember that although digital printing has brought the cost of printing
4 color pieces down, it can still be expensive. Cindi doesn’t want to deter us
from doing 4 color projects just take into consideration the cost and use 4
color for a piece that is going to have the most impact with your clients or potential
clients. If you need a piece that creates impact with your clients give Cindi
at EcoGraphics Printing a call and she will work with you and your budget.

Cindi Thordarson * EcoGraphics Printing
* 303.238.7791 * cindiecographicsprintingcom * www.ecographicsprinting.com

Realty/Property Management – Printing

connectclub — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 16:22:11 +0000

Today our first speaker was Genie Reynolds of Magic Genie Realty & Property Management. Genie wanted to take her time today to thank us all for our friendship and support. Reminding us that not only does our group support each others business, we also support each other as friends. Please keep Genie in mind when looking for your perfect dream home or if you need a person to manage a current rental. She will take good care of you and your needs!

Genie Reynolds * Magic Genie Realty & Property Management * 303.942.1320 * www.MagicGenieReatly.com * genieMagicGenieRealtycom

Today our second speaker was Cindi Thordarson from Ecographics Printing in Lakewood, Colorado. The topic Cindi wanted to discuss with us today was our business cards – over the last couple months Cindi has become involved in a lead group in Castle Rock called Coffee Queens. The first thing that she noticed in this group is that many of the members are purchasing their business cards from vista print an online printing company that offers free business cards. Cindi had a couple samples of these cards that Cindi pointed out are very easy to pick out – the artwork although varied from card to card looked very similar. Also when she passed them around one could feel how thin the card stock is. Cindi said this is 65# cover the thinnest of all the card stocks and the cheapest – if you are passing out business cards you want to create an impression with your card thus handing out a cheap thin card does create an impression. Not a good one. Cindi then started passing around business cards that they have done at Ecographics Printing. She started with what used to be the industry standard, which was 80# cover – many people still use this especially if they want a linen or laid stock. These are very easy to come by and with the linen stock it has a nice feel and look. Over the last 5 years people have been looking for a thicker and heavier card and 110# cover has now become the most common stock that Ecographics Printing uses. Cindi passed around many samples of cards that they have printed on this type of stock. Now over the last year and a half the gloss stocks have come back to the forefront starting with the 12 pt coated cover which has a matte back for writing on. The next set of cards Cindi sent around were on 14 pt coated cover, this is a very thick rigid stock that is coated on both sides which makes it hard to write on the back. These cards definitely create an impression! Keep in mind that many times the only thing that a potential client is getting from you is that little piece of paper – you want it to create an image of you and your business. If you want to create an impression give Cindi at Ecographics Printing a call to create the business card that is dynamic as you!

Cindi Thordarson * Ecographics Printing * 303.238-7791 * cindiecographicsprintingcom (cindiecographicsprintingcom) * www.ecographicsprinting.com

Interior Design/Printing/Financial Planning

connectclub — Thu, 03 Feb 2011 02:50:38 +0000

We had three speakers today, the first to go was Joan Brown of JB Decorating of Denver, Colorado. Today Joan wanted to discuss with us about her new division, The Design Coach, the new interior re-design service. This new division of JB Decorating, offers a service that will give you options to re-do, re-use, re-purpose & re-arrange with your existing furniture and space. Joan will consult with you to maybe move furniture from another room and find those little touches to accentuate and define your taste and style. Today, Joan wanted to give out some simple options that we could look at in our homes. This first of these option is to RE-DO: This category includes those small things that one can do in their home such as replace the baseboards to unify the space, add crown molding to enhance and heighten the space, you can add chair rail to define the space, replace those ugly hollow core doors, in kitchens or bathrooms add new hardware or paint the space to create big changes. Other small things you can do – is to change out your outdated light fixtures or window treatments. If you want to step it up a bit you can upgrade the flooring or replace your windows. The second option is to RE-USE: the plan here is to walk through all the rooms in your house and reshuffle items from one room to another – many of us are so used to a piece of furniture in one place that when moving to a different space – it can totally redefine not only the piece but also the new space. Other things you can do in this category is to cover up flaws with a picture or mirror or slip cover an unattractive piece of furniture – slip covers have moved into the 21^st century and are easier to use and much more attractive than they used to be. The next option Joan spoke to us about was RE-PURPOSE: This option includes finding those vintage suitcases and stacking them to make an end table or using your ottoman for a coffee table. She suggests to go flea market shopping or to second hand stores and find those simple but unique pieces that will define your space. Joan also spoke about when furniture shopping to ask about pricing on the floor model – this is a great way to get a piece of fine furniture at a great discount! The last option is RE-ARRANGE: This option talk about changing the furniture placement and traffic pattern of a room – this is guaranteed to make your space feel brand new. Another thing you might want to keep in mind is to simply de-clutter a room – getting rid of half of the knick knacks can go a long way into refreshing a room! So where to begin: Number 1: is hiring a decorator who will give you direction and ideas for your space. Number 2: collect pictures of rooms and deco that you like or find interesting. Number 3: work from a plan – which room – which things and stay focused! Number 4: have a focal point – something special that sets off the space or a specific theme that defines the space. The last thing that Joan discussed with us was low cost replacements or re-use, such items that are easy to replace or move around like table lamps, mirrors, clocks, vases, wall art, silk or real plants, faux displays of fruit, twigs, swags or wreaths. These can be purchased at Pier One, Michael’s or Hobby Lobby for a really inexpensive price and can really liven up a space. Also – keep in mind your walls – use that space for a gallery of your favorite pictures or prints that you have collected over the years can become a gallery for you to enjoy everyday! “The happiest people don’t necessarily have the best of everything, they just make the most of everything.” If you need someone to look over and RE-PURPOSE your space give Joan Brown of JB Decorating and let her be you Design Coach!

Joan Brown * JB Decorating and The Design Coach* 303.399.6208 * joancbrownqcom (joancbrownqcom)

Our second speaker today was Cindi Thordarson of Ecographics Printing in Lakewood, Colorado. Cindi took her time today to let those new to our group let her know where she came from and how she got to where she is. Cindi started out be being the first girl to take wood shop in her jr. high school in 1977 in Spokane, WA and really didn’t realize how big of a deal that was until her 20^th high school reunion when one of her class mates told her that their teacher took all of the boys aside and told them that they needed to treat her just like they would any other classmate… This was enlightening to Cindi – because when she was hauling around 8 x 8 sheets of plywood on crutches and no one would help her – it all came back and she realized that maybe her dropping out of Home Education (which she got a D) was kind of a big deal. Her start in the printing world was in her high school that had a full service printing/graphics shop, where her teacher told her upon finishing high school that she would never get hired on as a press operator – because she was a girl. Well, about 5 years after graduation and some college and working in hotels, 7-11 (3^rd and Broadway – for those in CO, fun pace to work… besides she met John Elway there) and some free lance graphic design work – Cindi moved to the lovely hamlet of Vacaville, CA got hired on at PIP Printing. She was hired by the manager there not because she had experience but because the manager liked her attitude. Cindi learned a lot about working within the frame work of eco-friendly printing, as California, even in the 80′s, they had some of the toughest regulations on printing. The experiences in California taught her a lot about eco-friendly printing and what a company can do to lessen the impact on the environment without being eco-crazy. This learning experience gave her a great base for working in her current shop. Not only did working in California help her with being aware of the environmental impact of printing but PIP Printing cross trains all of their employees in every aspect of the operation, this allows for all employees to be a more versatile. She also mentioned the use of acrylic based inks in California and how the soy based inks used today have really come along way to improve the printing and impact on the environment. At Ecographics they work to keep their clients happy with the best service and quality printing based on what the client needs and wants. There was a mention from another member that Cindi should say that Ecographics Printing was nominated for one of the small businesses of the year by the West Chamber! If you want customized service and quality eco-friendly printing with 20 yrs of experience on how to get it done for you give Cindi at Ecographics Printing a call!

Cindi Thordarson * Ecographics Printing* 303.238.7791 * cindiecographicsprintingcom (cindiecographicsprintingcom) * www.ecographicsprinting.com

Our third speaker today was Lori Bush-Engel of Modern Woodmen of America and for all your financial needs give Lori a call!

Lori Bush Engel * Modern Woodmen of America * 303.880.4084 * Lori.Bush-Engel.com * www.modern- woodmen.org

Don’t forget to join Laura Kilty and other Shaklee Representatives to learn about switching brands and making a difference – The Shaklee Way! They will be having Shaklee Open House - Feb. 17^th from 7-8 pm at the Arvada Public Library – 7525 W. 57^th Ave. – Arvada, CO 80002. Please RSVP so they can have adequate handouts and information to Laura Kilty at 303.420.3359

Guest Speaker / Printing – Colorado

connectclub — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 18:29:02 +0000

Today we had a guest speaker Greg Reynolds, a security specialist working as head of security at the Federal Center and worked with the Sheriff’s Department prior to taking his current position. Greg spoke to us today about personal safety, he started by telling us that criminals don’t do break the law because of a bad childhood or any other reason other than they like it. Women are more often the target because we have more diversions than men. If you have been targeted by a criminal you will be attacked and when attacked you need to keep in mind that you should fight to survive. Do not be afraid to hurt your attacker - he isn’t afraid of hurting you. A couple things to keep in mind is that help is not always on the way and you must be willing to kill to survive. You can take classes on self-defense but you must train until it is second nature and take your training outside the classroom, you are not going to be attacked in a classroom so being trained to perceive threats outside the classroom in very important. There are studies that are done within the police department that show that a traffic cop who is attacked outside his/her scope of work is less likely to defend themselves. The training for self defense in their line of work is intense, but it appears that being out of uniform takes that training away. You never know how you will react to the situation until it happens. When attacked screaming is your first line of defense – to draw attention to you and what is happening, but may not be enough. If your attacker is trying to get you into a car or off into a different area – fight back as if your life depended on it, because it does. Once the attacker has you some place private all bets are off and you have very little chance of survival. If you are approached in your place of business with some one intent on robbing you – open the register and walk away from it, if you have weapon in your place of business keep it away from the register and when you walk away – walk to were you keep it. The criminal wants the money - so just get away from it. Other things to keep in mind, gang members train with pepper spray and mace only works on 20%-30% of the population, I know we thought it was a reliable method of protection-it appears to be far less effective.

Greg Reynolds * Safe Shooter by Greg * www.safeshooterbygreg.com * 303.881.8245

Our second speaker today was Cindi Thordarsonof Ecographics Printing in Lakewood, CO. Cindi started her talk today by following up on one of the things Greg Reynolds spoke about, you never know how you will reacted to being attacked until something happened, no, Cindi was not attacked but back in the day she explained she worked at 7-11 and was stocking the cooler when a co-worker walked up behind her – tapping her on the shoulder, Cindi swung around and broke his nose. Just keep in mind you never know how you will react to a perceived threat. Cindi spoke today to our new members – letting them know where she came from and the level of her experience in printing and eco-friendly printing. She actually started out in her high school that had a full service printing/graphics shop, were her teacher told her upon finishing high school that she would never get hired on as a press operator – because she was a girl. Well about 5 years after graduation and some college and working in hotels, 7-11 and some free lance graphic design work – Cindi moved to the lovely hamlet of Vacaville, CA got hired on at PIP Printing. She was hired by the manager there not because she had experience but because the manager liked her attitude. Cindi learned a lot about working within the frame work of eco-friendly printing, as California, even in the 80′s, had some of the toughest regulations on printing and dry cleaning. Cindi also spoke about her learning experience there giving her a great base for her current shop. PIP Printing cross trains all of their employees – in every aspect of the operation, it allows for your employees to be a more versitile. Cindi also spoke about working in a large union shops stating very simply it would be very hard for her to work that way – print shops busy areas can vary and she has been trained to work were needed and help other departments when they need the help. Cindi, then took a few minutes to speak to being a business owner and what her average day looks like, her day begins with scheduling the jobs that need to be printed that day, checking out what needs to be delivered and what bindery needs to be done and will generally take care of that, she answers the phone and helps clients in ordering jobs, does some graphic design and typesetting and then prepares for the next day. Right now -Ecographics is in the middle of their big yearly project for Children’s Hospital in Denver - the Holiday Card Project, so things are a tad chaotic with orders coming in and the actual opening day is still a week away. Cindi is excited for this years project as Ecographics is doing the cards on their new digital press and it so far is making the project run smoother!!

Cindi Thordarson * Ecographics Printing * 303.238.7791 * www.ecographicsprinting.com