Thank you so much for participating in the 3rd Annual Salem/Keizer Scavenger Hunt, presented by Acorn Dentistry for Kids. As you know, we had some big prizes. And, the winners are...Registration Prize $500 Winner: Rebecca PhillipsGrand Prize $1000 Winner: Kimberly PerkinsCongratulations to both winners! Thank you so much for supporting our local business community. We have heard so many positive comments about people connecting with and learning about new local places. That is music to our ears. We'd love to hear your feedback on the event. Can you take 2 minutes to write us a review?We'd like to give a great big shoutout to all of our sponsors:Presenting Sponsor: Acorn Dentistry For KidsSupporting Sponsors:Willamette Valley BankKeizer…

Congratulations to Kimberly Perkins on winning the 2023 $1000 Grand Prize. Thanks for playing!

Congratulations to Rebecca Phillips, winner of the 2023 $500 Registration Prize Winner. Thanks for playing Rebecca!

As the summer nights stretch on, the month of August brings a celestial spectacle that astronomy enthusiasts eagerly anticipate—the meteor showers. Watching meteors streak across the night sky is a breathtaking experience that connects us to the vastness of the universe. If you find yourself in Arizona during August, you're in luck! The clear skies and stunning landscapes of this southwestern state provide ideal conditions for stargazing and astronomy. In this blog post, we will explore some of the best places in Arizona to witness August meteor showers and indulge in the wonders of the night sky. Flagstaff Nestled in the Coconino National Forest and surrounded by mountains, Flagstaff offers exceptional stargazing opportunities. Its high el…

As we sizzle into the summer season, it’s crucial to maintain a cool, clean, and comfortable environment. One local business goes above and beyond to help you do just that - Semper Fi Floor Care & Restoration. Since their inception in 2011, Semper Fi has been serving the Yuma community with an unwavering commitment to quality, value, and exceptional customer service. Their team of highly trained professionals excels in a range of services that cater to both residential and commercial needs. From deep carpet cleaning to detailed tile and grout restoration, they're well-equipped with cutting-edge tools and eco-friendly products to ensure a thorough and responsible clean. This summer, Semper Fi is heating up the deal with their new 'Beat t…

When it comes to protecting the security of your business, having accurate, complete, and accessible data is crucial for identifying potentially malicious activity. That’s where Security Incident and Event Management (SIEM) comes in. “SIEM gathers immense amounts of data from your entire networked environment, consolidates and makes that data humanly accessible.” – Chris Cummings Chris Cummings, CEO of Petra Technologies, goes over the basic functionality of SIEM and explains how it can be a beneficial component of your cybersecurity framework. (To learn more and see the full Cybersecurity Essentials List, visit this link: https://youtu.be/A50vRiJ_QVo) Wondering if you need to add SIEM to your cybersecurity posture? Contact Petra…

Poet and essayist Kathleen Norris wrote:  “Peace-that was the other name for home.”   Showing your home some love is a terrific way to bring peace into your home and help those you love enjoy it more. Here are three home services we recommend having done in addition to window cleaning. Power Washing Power washing is the add on service we are most often asked about when residential clients hire us.  Power washing is just as important to a home’s curb appeal as window cleaning.   It can be done on a driveway, sidewalk, and even on the home itself.  Check out this before and after picture from a job the pros over at Apple Pro Wash did for one of our clients. If you do hire a power washer around the same time…

In today's competitive business landscape, standing out from the crowd is more important than ever. The key to achieving this lies in creating a strong and memorable business identity through effective branding. A well-crafted brand not only helps your business differentiate itself from competitors but also builds trust, loyalty, and recognition among your target audience. In this blog post, we will explore the power of branding and provide valuable insights on how to build a strong and memorable business identity. Define Your Brand Identity To build a strong brand, start by clearly defining your brand identity. Determine your company's mission, values, and unique selling proposition. Understand your target audience and what sets your busin…

This residence, envisioned by Barry Patterson and brought to life by Fowler Malone, was expertly designed for its initial owner. Today, this same home offers you a chance to step into a world of unparalleled sophistication. View More Images The great room, resplendent with high, wooden-beamed ceilings, showcases an exclusive space for entertainment and an attractive fireplace. The room serves as a vantage point for observing the outdoor kitchen and secondary fireplace, crafted for outdoor enjoyment. Following the room's curve, you'll find a beautifully crafted lap pool with a negative edge design that leads to an inground spa near the main suite. These features are embellished with sweeping, panoramic valley views, creating an idyllic backd…

One of the most significant milestones for teenagers is getting a driver’s license. Yet, acquiring their first smartphone is a sought-after achievement for many teens. For parents, this technology introduces children to a new world of freedom and danger. This article provides a few guidelines to consider before giving your teen a smartphone. 1. Learn Their Reasons Why When giving your child a smartphone, have an open and honest conversation about why they want one. Asking your child why they want a smartphone uncovers can help you understand their motivations. For example, your child may want a phone for the status symbol it represents. Others may be interested in social media and the ability to connect with friends and family. Underst…

Yuma may be known for its hot summer temperatures, but that shouldn't stop you from visiting this vibrant city. In fact, there are plenty of reasons to explore Yuma during the summer months. Here are the top five reasons why you should consider a summer trip to Yuma: Outdoor Adventures: Yuma is surrounded by natural beauty, including the stunning Colorado River and the picturesque Kofa National Wildlife Refuge. During the summer months, take advantage of Yuma's many outdoor activities, such as hiking, biking, fishing, and even kayaking. Cultural Events: Yuma has a rich cultural history that is celebrated throughout the year. During the summer, the city hosts a variety of events, including the Yuma Art Symposium and Yuma Lettuce Days. These…

🎨🌈 WHO WANTS TO ENTER A COLORING CONTEST? 🌈🎨🎉 Calling all artists and creative souls! 🎉Next month, we're celebrating 2 amazing years of Becka Makes Buttons in Salem, OR! And what better way to mark this milestone than with a special edition t-shirt? But wait, we need your artistic touch to make it extraordinary!🦖 Introducing Rad the Rad-a-Dactyl, our adorable mascot who needs a vibrant makeover! 🦖To enter our COLOR CONTEST, all you have to do is color and decorate Rad in any way you like or even give him a whole new look, but here's the challenge: you can only use THREE colors! 🖌️📩 Simply email your submission to [email protected] with the subject line: COLOR CONTEST. 📩But hurry! The contest ends next week on July 22nd, so make su…

While the word “audit” or “auditing” can have a negative connotation (hello IRS!), auditing can be a proactive cybersecurity strategy. In fact, system auditing is #13 on Petra Tech’s Cybersecurity Essentials List! (To learn more and see the Cybersecurity Essentials List visit this link here: https://youtu.be/A50vRiJ_QVo ) Chris discusses the 5 most important systems that your business needs to audit and what to do with the information you gather. Are you ready to get started on the Cybersecurity Essentials List for your business? Contact Petra Tech today! This post was first published on petratechit.com.

Hiring any type of contractor to perform work in your home can be a daunting task, and narrowing down the perfect one can be overwhelming. We've put together a list of the top 5 questions you should ask before you hire a window cleaning company to hook you up with their service What Does Your Service Include Are you Insured? How Long Will the Appointment Last? Do I Need To Be Home During Service? How Far Out Are You Scheduled? What Does Your Service Include? Window cleaning companies vary in what is included in their service.  Some companies will include track cleaning and screen cleaning, while others classify those services as “add ons.” The best time to learn what is included in the service is before you hire the company.  Find…

Are you a small business owner in Yuma who wants to grow your business and stand out from the competition? If so, building a brand should be a top priority for you. A strong brand can help you establish trust and credibility with your customers, differentiate your business from competitors, and ultimately increase your sales and revenue. Here are some reasons why building a brand is so important for small businesses in Yuma: Define Your Brand Identity The first step in building a brand is defining your brand identity. This includes developing a unique brand name, logo, tagline, and brand message that accurately represent your business and resonate with your target audience. Develop a Consistent Brand Image and Message Once you have defined…

Delving into Social Media Branding 101: Crafting a Consistent and Engaging Identity is essential for service-based business owners seeking to increase brand awareness. This comprehensive guide provides actionable insights on how to shape your brand’s identity on various social media platforms. Linking all your social media profiles will also help with Search Engine Optimization (SEO). You will discover the significance of defining your brand identity and developing a robust messaging strategy for enhanced customer engagement. We will explore the pillars of social media branding, which include visuals, tone, and audience interaction. The importance of maintaining consistent aesthetics across different platforms while evolving your brand…

Content Marketing Strategies As the digital landscape continues to evolve, content marketing has become crucial for businesses looking to build their online presence. A well-executed content marketing strategy can boost your brand’s visibility and help you establish trust and credibility with your target audience. In this blog post, we will delve into various aspects of content marketing that are essential for small business owners and DIY enthusiasts alike. We’ll discuss the impact of fresh and unique content on SEO, including its significance in improving search engine rankings and increasing brand awareness. Furthermore, we’ll explore how developing a documented content strategy can lead to better online visibility by identifying target…

Hey there fellow business owner! Have you ever wondered how some businesses just manage to "get it"? Their messaging resonates, pulls you in, and makes you part of their story. You may ask, what's their secret? That, my friend, is the power of video marketing. From humble beginnings with straightforward commercials to the now immersive world of social media campaigns, video has become a pivotal player. Businesses saw the potential of video to weave stories that connect and engage. They didn't just narrate, they showed, and we, the audience, became part of their journey. Here's the exciting part – you can do this too, even if you don't have a Hollywood director in your contact list. That's where Pictory AI steps in. It's an AI-powered tool d…

Pregnancy is an incredible journey filled with moments of anticipation and excitement. One of the most thrilling experiences is feeling your baby move for the first time. But when can you expect to feel these first movements, and how should you monitor them? Quickening: The First Sensations The first time your baby moves is called “quickening.” Quickening usually occurs between 16 and 24 weeks of pregnancy, but it can vary from person to person. For example, first-time mothers may only feel these movements closer to 24 weeks, while those who have already been pregnant before might notice them earlier, around 16 to 18 weeks. These initial movements may feel like gentle flutters, bubbles, or gas. Over time, you’ll become more familiar with yo…

As a small business owner, you know that building a strong social media presence is crucial to attracting new customers and keeping existing ones engaged. One of the most effective ways to achieve this is through local reviews. Local reviews provide valuable social proof for your business. They not only help you attract new customers, but they also increase your visibility on search engines and social media platforms. In fact, studies show that businesses with positive reviews on Google and other platforms are more likely to be chosen by potential customers. Here are some tips for leveraging the power of local reviews to boost your small business's social media presence: Encourage customers to leave reviews: Make it easy for customers to le…

It's National Picnic Month! Let us help you celebrate with a custom picnic design!