Photo contributed Raynor Massage chief North American instructor, Terry Masson, is shown with a recent group of graduates from an Australian diploma course.

It's hard to believe that 2013 is already a month old and Valentine's Day is just around the corner. But if you are looking for something different to give your partner, why not a pre-Valentine's couples massage course. That way you'll be ready to give them a great massage on the big day.
Terry Masson, head North American
instructor for Raynor Massage, is teaching one-day couples massage courses, Sunday, Feb. 3 and Sunday, Feb. 10 from noon to 6 p.m. each day in the massage
studio at 108-3480 Carrington Rd. in West Kelowna.
"Each course is designed for couples, but individuals are welcome and we'll match you with a partner," said Masson. "You'll learn massage techniques used by professionals to provide a full-body relaxation massage for those you care about.
"We will teach you how to massage with your fingers, hands, forearms and elbows so you don't tire out your thumbs, and how to position your body with proper posture so you don't get tired giving a massage." 
The only things you need to bring are a couple of towels sheets. Light refreshments are provided.
Masson has lowered the price to $149 per couple or $99 for individuals. Each participant receives a $400 voucher to be used
toward a five-day certificate or 10-day
diploma Raynor Massage course.
Call 250-681-8834, or email  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  to book your space.
Keeping the books
If you are looking for Karen Girouard and Dynamic Accounting on the Westside, they've moved. They are now at 3674 Old Okanagan Hwy., right next to Hymart. Girouard, who works with her daughter, Jessica Thomas, as a full-time partner, started Dynamic Accounting more than 20 years ago.
Dynamic provides bookkeeping services, payroll and preparation of personal income tax returns. You can call them at
250-878-3630 or visit their website at dynamicacct.com. 

Taxing business
With the return of the GST/PST, replacing the HST Apr. 1, the Women's Enterprise Centre (WEC) is hosting a small business seminar that will help you understand how the transition will affect your business.

Gabrielle Loren, Certified General Account, will provide a brief overview of the transition to PST and the implications for businesses, followed by a question and answer period where you can ask questions relevant to your business.
The seminar will cover the process of transitioning your business to PST, what the implications are for your industry and rates and exclusions applicable under the PST. The seminar runs on Feb. 14, 9-10 a.m. and costs $29.
For more information, call the WEC at 250-868-3454, or email  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . You can also go to pstinbc.ca for more information on the change.

Elizabeth Densmore will soon be celebrating four years with Office2Office. She started the company after being frustrated working in chaotic offices. "To remove the frustration, I took the initiative to develop systems and processes the entire staff was able to adapt to quickly. An improved flow to the office space was established and staff was better equipped to access essential information. The chaos was removed and replaced with a healthy office environment," said Densmore. Now she helps others get their chaos under control.

Office2Office is a mobile business and operates from Enderby to Peachland. Her client base includes entrepreneurs and business owners and she does a variety of things including: streamlining operations; instruction for back office procedures like Google applications, Dropbox, and software; helps make your office more efficient and she works with retired professionals to downsize. You can reach Densmore by calling 250-306-3253, email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or visit her site at office2office.ca.


Frank Busch, the Director of Information and Marketing for First Nations Finance Authority (FNFA) emailed me the other day to let me know how excited he was about the upcoming Aboriginal Business Match conference happening in Penticton February 18-21. 
 
"It is like business speed dating, where exhibitors get 20 minute sessions with representatives from approximately 120 First Nations. I myself will have an exhibit and am scheduled to meet with 31 communities over those three days," he said. "I went to their meet and greet before Christmas, and saw a presentation by the Penticton Indian Band in which they are partnering with companies to develop two residential sections and a business park in Penticton. Very exciting stuff!" For more info go online to aboriginalbusinessmatch.com/abm.

Deb Greyell is coming up on her eighth year as owner of the Pepperpot Grill; however, the restaurant has been on the Westside at 1822 Byland Road for 14 years.
This is such a funky little restaurant with lots of kitschy posters and wall hangings that say everything from Give me coffee and no one gets hurt to This is not burger King, you don't get it your way, you take it my way or you don't get the damn thing.  That; however, is not the truth. Greyell makes sure her customers get exactly what they want. "If we have the ingredients here, we'll make it as long as they have the time to wait. One of our customers has a sandwich done exactly the way he likes, and we even have it programmed into their computer with specifics like no pickle on the plate." Now that's customer service!
It's obviously a fun place to eat and work, as is evidence by her long-time employees Margaret Hall, who has been here for 13 years, and Susan Favel, who has been here for 12 years. Her baker, Gwen Dodd who makes the lemon meringue pie, Flapper pie, butter tarts, and muffins, has been here for seven years. Their menu consists of great breakfast combos, real home cut fries, hamburgers, soups, sandwiches. They are open Monday to Friday from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday from 6:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Sunday from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. They also do takeout and catering. Drop in or give them a shout at 250-769-6383.
Got news about your business? Send it to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Darcy Nybo is an award-winning writer, freelance journalist, book and online magazine editor.