History of HOST

The 3L Club is formed under the umbrella of the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce. The 3L stood for Leads, Learn, and Loony (it cost a dollar for each meeting that was attended.)

Meetings were held in the Holiday Inn on Douglas Street.

The 3L Club was disbanded.

First organization meeting to reconvened 3L Club.

Deborah Wright (Precision Proofreading) several Chamber representatives and several former members of the 3L Club met to discuss restarting the 3L Club.

The meetings were held in Holiday Inn on Douglas Street.

The 3L club changed its name to HOST (Home Office Support Team)

The first Steering Committee was elected for 1997–1998 term: Chair—Hugh Noble (NobleWorks), Co-chair—Kevin Thurston (Lifestyles Canada), Treasure—Joanne Martin (???), Secretary—Dr. Shirley Chapman (Education Dynamics) & Weekly Speaker Coordinator—Nina Anderson, Spotlight Speaker Coordinator—Chris Lee (Images Art Direction & Design Inc.) (Added in October) 50/50 Draw Coordinator—Gabriel Stanford (Stanford Seasons Ltd.)

There were approximately 20 people at this meeting.

It was decided:

To have member's introductions at the end of the meeting

To have the five-minute HOST member speaker before the guest speaker

We would limit guest speakers to 20 minutes and they would not be allowed to sell their products or services.

An Informational Table for business cards and brochures, & newsletters was set up for each meeting.

Participant's introductions were limited to 15 seconds. This was later changed to be person's name and company +3 words describing the business).

The 50/50 draw was continued ($3.00 for each ticket).

Coffee was added to the each meeting in October.

Monks Office Supply Ltd. provided a weekly door prize.

The first database was started so that we could track participants.

It was decided that Chair and Co-Chair would take turns chairing the Friday meetings.

We asked the Chamber if HOST could be presented at the Chamber Trade Shows.

It was decided that each member of the Steering Committee would take turns chairing the weekly meetings.

We will present cups with our logo on them to visiting guest speakers. These cups would be filled with the business cards of the HOST member present for the individual speaker. Will find a company to buy them from.

Kevin Thurston (Lifestyles Canada) wrote the first newsletter. Deborah Wright (Precision Proofreading) proofread it.

Moved to Princess Mary Restaurant on 358 Harbor Road for a weekly cost of $25 plus coffee and tea on January 9.

Launched the HOST logo. We will use the Chamber colors. (who designed it?)

We will buy HOST coffee cups for our guest speakers and for sale to the members.

Will purchase HOST business cards. A sponsor will pay for them.

We will hold some workshops to teach HOST members how to introduce themselves and their businesses in 15 seconds. Michael Losier (Personal & Business Coach) will teach these workshops.

In the fall, we will book success stories speakers for every 3^rd. Friday of each month.

Will carry on with HOST meetings this summer, unless attendance dictates otherwise.

We will find a sponsor to pay for HOST signage. We will have several large signs, a banner, and several small signs. The sizes of the signs are: 6' X 3' ($108); 3'X 3' ($48.); 2' X 2' ($27)

Investors Group (Gareth Turner) will pay for them. They also will pay for next 250 business cards.

The Chamber paid for the first 1000 business cards.

We will offer HOST businesses the opportunity to buy the Friday meeting's coffee/tea for a month. They would place signage by the coffee.

Will have elections in September. We add a new position, Media Coordinator.

We should place a notice of future guest speakers in the Times Colonist in the Chamber's monthly newsletter.

Found a company who would sell us coffee mugs with our logo stamped on them. We can sell them for $8 to the members.

Jacqueline Fisher (Affirm Resume Services) designed the business card.

Kevin Thurston (Lifestyles Canada) was appointed to the Chamber of Commerce as a Director to represent HOST for 1998–1999.

The new Steering Committee voted in for 1998–1999 term: Past Chair—Hugh Noble (NobleWorks Marketing Solutions), Chair—Kevin Thurston (Lifestyles Canada), Co Chair—Gareth Turner (Investors Group), Treasure—Dr Shirley Chapman (Education Dynamics), Secretary—, Weekly Speaker Coordinator—Nina Anderson (Attention to Detail Painting), Spotlight Speaker Coordinator—, 50/50 Draw Coordinator—, Media Coordinator—

We moved to from the Princess Mary Restaurant to the Horizon Hotel on Douglas Street.? When.

We had large crowds at Horizon Hotel—60—100 people. We were here for 4–5 months before moving. The room was no longer big enough for our weekly meetings.

We moved to the Sandman Inn on Douglas Street.

We have a regular attendance of 70+ per month. Sometimes we have a many as 100.

A website was designed and launches. It will include HOST current events, seminars, member's articles, sports pages, and a member's mall. Its address was www.gvcc.org/host . Its email address was host@gvcc.org

Michael Losier (Personal & Business Coach) and Deborah Wright (Precision Proofreading) set up a committee for a new HOST Committee Organization. It was thought that because pf a large membership that more members could/should participate in the various committees.

HOST had $3,734 in the bank.

July 30, 1999—Bill Speller submitted the Election Procedures Guidelines. This committee consisted of: Chair—Bill Spiller (???), Patricia McCarthy (All About Supplements), Andrew Nuttall (Unbound) & Martin Henry (M. Henry Meeting & Records Consulting)

A committee was struck to write the A Policy and Procedures Guidelines for HOST. This committee consisted by: Chair—Dr. Shirley Chapman (Education Dynamics), Graeme Robertson (BizBite Consulting Group), Gareth Turner (Investors Group) and Glenn Tyrrell (CEO of the Chamber)

Kevin Thurston (Lifestyles Canada) was elected to the Chamber of Commerce as a Director. He was assigned HOST. Kevin said that of all new members who join the Chamber of Commerce, nearly half are HOST members. We also have the highest retention of all their members.

The new Steering Committee for 1999–2000 term: Chamber Director—Kevin Thurston (Lifestyles Canada), Past Chair—Kevin Thurston (Lifestyles Canada), Chair—Gareth Turner (Investors Group), Co Chair—Darren Philpott (W.O.L.F. Enterprises: Lupo Products), Treasure—, Secretary—Martin Henry (M. Henry Meeting & Records Consulting), Weekly Speaker Coordinator—, Spotlight Speaker Coordinator—, 50/50 Draw Coordinator—

It was decided, that HOST would be spelled without the periods between the letters

The new Committee Organization was unveiled on October 15 at the Steering Committee monthly meeting—by Deborah Wright (Precision Proofreading) and Michael Losier (Personal & Business Coach).

Ida Cheong (MLA for Saanich) offered to speak to HOST as our 20-minute speaker.

Deborah Wright (Precision Proofreading) and Jim Parker (Home "Quake" Readiness) offered to produce a directory of HOST members for the new year. Advertising would be sold to pay for the printing of it. The Directory would be totally cost free to HOST. It would be given to HOST members free.

HOST members were offered the opportunity to set up tables for products/services demonstrations after the regular HOST meetings. Priority going to Chamber members. This was to start in January 2000.

Bank—$1,986.

Seminar presentations—Michael Losier offered to have seminars at the end of the HOST meetings. These seminars would be offered as fee-based presentations. It was suggested that he would take 50% of the fee rather than a minimum of $100.

Shirley Chapman presented the new HOST Article of Operation Document (Policy and Procedures Guidelines) It was passed.

The Policy and Procedures Guidelines were unveiled at the general HOST membership passed them.

Demonstration exhibits tables were set up for after the meetings. Members would be given 10 minutes to present their services and products at the end of the meetings. They would have book ahead for a table.

Katherine McGinnis (Improve to Move) set up self-introduction seminars for those who wanted to learn how to do this.

A promotion—Bring a Friend was established.

HOST business cards were bought. The Sandman Inn paid for them.

A scrapbook for HOST was begun with pictures of various events and members Allen Eng (???) agreed to take photos as some of the HOST events.

The Spotlight Book was set up. People could sign up for the 5 min. Spotlight in advance. Also can be used for the 10-minute demonstration (after the meetings).

Darren Philpott (W.O.L.F. Enterprises: Lupo Products) was voted in as Co-Chairman of HOST at the Executive Meeting.

We moved from the Sandman Inn on Douglas Street to the Horizon Hotel on Douglas Street (now the Travellers Inn)

The first HOST Directory was published under the leadership of Deborah Wright (Precision Proofreading) and Jim Parker (Home "Quake" Readiness).

HOST purchased an integrated amplifier sound system.

Bought 50 alarm clocks from Kalamari Enterprises (engraved with HOST) for gifts for speakers.

A Casino Night fundraiser was discussed.

Topics for speakers should be season—Accountants and financial planning for early in the year.

The Steering Committee for 2000–2001: Chair—Darren Philpott (W.O.L.F. Enterprises: Lupo Products), Vice Chair—Katherine McGinnis (Improve to Move), Past Chair—Gareth Turner (Investors Group), Finance Coordinator—, Speaker Coordinator—, Public Relations—, Secretary—, Issues—

The Steering Committee for 2001–2002: Chamber Director—Kevin Thurston (Thurst for Life), Chair—Katherine McGinnis (Improve to Move), Vice Chair—Donna Hamilton (Sumi Painting), Past Chair—Darren Philpott (W.O.L.F. Enterprises: Lupo Products), Finance Coordinator—, Speaker Coordinator—, Public Relations—, Secretary—, Issues—Dr. Shirley Chapman (Education Dynamics) for four months

The Steering Committee decided that elections would be held in June for now on.

Gareth Turner (Investors Group) was appointed to the Chamber of Commerce as a Director to represent HOST from 2001–2003.

The second HOST Directory was published under the leadership of Deborah Wright (Precision Proofreading) and Jim Parker (Home "Quake" Readiness)

Moved to Royal Canadian Legion on Gorge Road East

HOST rents a table at the Home-based Business at Cedar Hill Recreation Centre on February 28 Two HOST members staffed the table for one-hour shifts.

The Steering Committee for 2002–2003: Chamber Director—Gareth Turner (Investors Group), Chair—Donna Hamilton (Sumi Painting), Vice Chair—Ron Nelson (Computer Tutor), Past Chair—Katherine McGinnis (Improve to Move); Finance Coordinator—, Speaker Coordinator—, Public Relations—, Secretary—, Issues—David DeLisle (Webbloom Designs),

Binders were given to each of the Steering Committee by Catherine McGinnis (Past Chair) for keeping materials related to the position. These binders would be passed on the Steering Committee members.

HOST trophies were to be collected from the Chamber and saved.

Arranged with several magazines for announcements re HOST—the TC, Monday Magazine, New Group, Business Examiner, Island Parent, U of Vic (The Ring)

Announcements at HOST meeting must be received one week in advance.

Only Chamber members will be allowed to display their business cards, brochures, and product on the display table.

HOST will enter the Corporate Games again this year.

A phone campaign/e-mail blast was established to invite former members to re-join HOST.

92 people came to Host during the month of June and 135 people came in September.

HOST celebrates its 5^th birthday with a cake and balloons.

HOST has a place on the Chamber website.

A HOST brochure was designed for Trade Shows, HOST meetings, & Open Houses

The Chamber printed HOST business cards.

HOST cups are to be sold at meetings.

HOST was given a table at the Chamber Small Business Showcase at the Princess Mary Restaurant.

132 people came to HOST in the month of October.

Bring a Guest Contest for New members—a trip to Vancouver via Helijet was the prize for the winner. The YMCA provided a weekend in Vancouver as a prize also. This contest started in November and the draw on February 14. 2003. Doreen Peterson won this prize.

Testimonials and Acknowledgement & announcements were initiated for HOST meeting. HOST members could take 2–3 minutes at the meeting to acknowledge how other HOST businesses had provided good service to them.

139 people attended HOST in November.

Christmas party was held.

There were two meeting this month with an attendance of 63.

Re-introduced the Themes for Guest Speaker idea from previous times—Success Stories, Technical (How to ideas), Health, Goal Setting, Organization, Networking, Coaching.

There were 147 people who attended HOST in January and 111 in February.

Bring a Guest contest was started in February.

Gareth Turner (Investors Group) resigns from the GVCC board and HOST as a Director.

Doreen Peterson (???) wins the Bring a Guest contest and receives tickets from Helijet and reservation at the Vancouver YWCA.

The BeeHive Game (Bill Picard of ???) was scheduled for the second time for June.

Re-introduced the greeter idea. This person(s) would greet all comers to HOST.

128 people attended HOST in March.

Planned to enter the Corporate Games in the fall. Will sell mugs to pay for the fees.

92 people attended HOST in April meetings 148 in May.

The price of room rent at the Legion increase, so we will have to move again.

Planned to play the Networking Game in October, February, & June.

The Steering Committee for 2003–2004: Chair—Ron Nelson (Computer Tutor), Vice Chair—Carrie Zelko-Norman (Admiral Leasing), Past Chair—Donna Hamilton (Sumi Painting), Finance Coordinator—Richard Findlay (Opportunity Knocks), Speaker Coordinator—Lorrie Carlson (Coast Advertising Specialties), Public Relations—David DeLisle (Webbloom Designs), Secretary—Jim Rice (Infinite Loop Network Solutions)

HOST moved to the CNIB on 2340 Richmond Road.

HOST entered the Corporate Games again this year. Selling HOST mugs raised fees for the games.

Unfortunately, the Steering Committee had many changes to it during the year. At times, there were vacant positions.

In December, HOST celebrated Christmas with a party.

HOST rents a booth at the Home-based Business at Cedar Hill Recreation Centre on February 28 Two HOST members staffed the table for one-hour shifts. This is the second time for this show.

After several meeting with the Chamber, HOST decides (voted by membership) to leave the Victoria Chamber and become a non-profit society.

A Transition Task Force committee was formed to develop the constitution and bylaws for the new non profit society: Chair—Graeme Robertson (BizBite Consulting Group & CorNu Enterprises); Recorder—Lowell Ann Fuglsang (Workstyle-Lifestyle Consulting), Jim Rice (Infinite Loop) representing the HOST steering committee; Dan Waterman (The Mortgage Centre); Vicky Vickers (Word Crunchers Etc.); & Dr. Shirley Chapman (Education Dynamics, BizBite Consulting Group, & CorNu Enterprises)

HOST holds its first AGM as a non-profit society. We passed the new constitution and bylaws. A new executive of five Directors is voted in.

HOST has its own constitution and by-laws

HOST is registered as a non profit society with the Non-profit Society of BC

HOST has its own website at http://www.host-victoria.org

The HOST name is registered with the provincial government.

HOST has its own bank account

HOST is a member of the West Shore Chamber of Commerce

HOST is a member of The Victoria Chamber of Commerce (the Chamber gave us a one-year membership)

HOST will sell memberships (for the first time) for $30 per year

The five Directors:

President—Jim Rice (Infinite Loop Network Solutions)

Vice President—Patricia Wade (PWD-Patricia Wade Design) Secretary/Register—Chris Motherwell (CM-Computer Training/Consultant)

Treasure—Joan Currie (ENN-Environmental Nutrition Network)

Program Director—Lowell Ann Fuglsang (Workstyle-Lifestyle Consulting)