Real Estate Information

This is such an exciting time in our city.  Click on the link for another quick update.

 

http://www.kimt.com/s/hTprHVC8REGF1ZBL9ghfow.cspx#.UUskI5NpV3c.email

It is wonderful these days that we have the ability to provide the MLS online for the public and future customers to view homes in the comfort of their living room (or while they are at work ;) (We all know you're doing that.)  An online viewing is a showing that a buyer can do at their convenience.

We receive calls and web inquiries of prospective buyers that would like to get inside a house that they saw online or drove by, that is of interest to them.  Then we respond, "Great, let's meet at the office and get you set up for your home search and we'll go from there. Have you spoken to a lender yet?"

For qualified ready buyers, this feels just right.  They're ready for that step, they want information, they want to know that they're needs are understood. The appointment is made. But asking a buyer shopper to come into the office first before seeing a home or homes, can seem backwards to those just getting an idea of whether or not they even want to move.  Especially first time home buyers who have not ever done this before.  In their minds, you drive a car before you get financed, you try on the pair of shoes before you go to the register, why should you have to do anything but just see the house?  But with a house purchase, it's very different for many reasons than buying any other product.. as all shoppers of today do find out.  Not all buyers can qualify for all of the homes, even ones that are in their price range. Some homes are not on the websites or MLS's that the buyer is actively looking. Some websites have old listing data. In addition to the reasons for buyer benefit are the seller requests. Houses hold people of all ages. Some with pets that need to be removed, or young children, grandparents, messy partners, or daytime sleep schedules.  A house showing requires them to have trust that who's in their home is a qualified  buyer and not a thief, to clean their house and then vacate their home during all times of the day. We don't ask that of sellers unless the buyer can for certain purchase the property. In addition, there are actually laws that Realtors have to follow about agency representation disclosure.  There is the issue of Realtor safety.  If an agent is doing their job correctly, all buyer shoppers will be familiar with what that is after the initial meeting.

It takes about a half hour to get pre-approved for a home purchase and a fifteen minute consultation with a Buyers agent who's job it is to look out for the buyer's interests (rather than the sellers) and  to put yourself in the best position to be home shopping ready.  There's no reason to stress over this. There is no money needed up front, it's just an information gathering session that is designed to benefit the Buyer. 

If you'd like a few loan officer contacts to call to get that piece out of the way, we are always happy to provide that to you, and if you're at the stage where you are wanting a consultation to go over the process and create a plan, contact us.  You can reach me directly if you like 507-421-3980 or email carrie@rochesterhomesource.com

Happy House hunting!

Carrie Klassen, Executive Buyers Agent

Beth Nordaune Team.

I read an article in the Wall Street Journal with the headline, "The Best Day to List a Home Is...".  It summarized an elaborate study by a national brokerage revealing hard Statistics on which day of the week is best for listing a home for sale.

The author, Sanette Tanaka, brought up several ways to look at the question. While her focus was, of course, national, the unspoken allure was to zero in on which day will maximize listing your home on the market.

 I bet you want to know the answer, so here it is: …(drum roll, please) --

Friday. Houses listed on Friday spent the fewest days on market (2 fewer than Thursday, 7 fewer than the most ho-hum day for listing, Sunday).

But, reading further, there is a problem. Listing on Tuesday brought in the most requests for house tours -- by 8 thousandths of one percent over Thursday. For drawing house tours, Friday faded into the pack…

I found this interesting as I do all statistics but I also know statistics are helpful, but not to the point where they detract from getting the job done.  The best day to publish a home for sale in Rochester, MN is as soon as it’s ready – the instant it’s ready! Buyers are constantly combing the listings, and the ideal prospect may be long gone if we hold off for any reason. 

If you are ready to sell your home, let's get your home ready to go now!

A recent study shows that Gen X and Y believe that home ownership is a fundamental indicator of success, more than taking big vacations, owning an expensive car, or designer clothing.  First time home buyers are itching to get into the market, and so for sellers and move up buyers, it's a great opportunity.  The job market is improving, rents are high, and as markets tighten, and rates begin to increase, we will see more and more first time home purchases.  Buyers will be in more multiple offer situations and prices will continue to improve.

 

Source: keepingcurrentmatters.com

It has been a cold Winter here in Rochester this year, with a fair amount of snow as well.  Many of us can relate to deciding how to tackle the chore of de-icing our driveways and sidewalks, without using an excess of salt.  There are alternative, environmentally friendly ways to get the job done, without many of the negative side effects to our homes, lawns, and pets.  In my opinion, there is no substitute for a little hard work... removing the snow and ice as soon as possible the old fashioned way (with a shovel!) is much easier than chipping away at a frozen over mess of a driveway, and then applying whatever product you have in the garage to melt away what is left.  If it gets to that point though,  and you don't want to salt the earth, you may find these articles to be fairly informative:

http://www.thedailygreen.com/living-green/blogs/green-products-services/driveway-ice-environment-55013001

http://www.greenlivingonline.com/article/alternatives-rock-salt

 

Welcome to February! Hopefully February will bring us warmer weather! Regardless of the weather, we have many great events this week including the Rochester WinterFest and a few fundraisers for the Minnesota special Olympics. Have a great week!

Tuesday Jan 29, 2013

Bedtime Stories

Come to the Rochester Public Library every Tuesday for puppets, stories, songs, and rhymes to give you sweet dreams.

Catalyst- New Work by Daniel Vedamuthu

This is an Art Exhibition at the UCR art gallery at RCTC CC200. The opening reception is January 29th at 2pm.  

Diabetes Mellitus and foot care: keeping your house in good working order - A Happy Feet Week Event!

Event held at the Rochester Public Library. Why is foot care so important for Diabetics? How can you take care of your feet to avoid painful and costly issues? Dr. Martin Ellman is the Section Head of Podiatry in the Orthopedic Department at the Mayo Clinic Rochester Campus. He has been on staff there for 19 years and has a general non-surgical foot practice with a focus on the evaluation and treatment of foot problems primarily in the adult population.  

UMR CONNECTS ~ Gangs and Drugs: Challenges to Our Community

Event held at the University of Minnesota-Rochester, 4th floor. Our youth and community members are facing a mounting problem in today’s counter culture with gangs and drugs. Join us in exploring the extent of gang and drug activity in Rochester and the efforts being taken to address these escalating problems. Speaker: Sergeant Steve Thompson, Rochester Police Department, Gang Task Force.  

Call for Poetry

Call for Poetry Between January 15 and February 25, all Minnesota poets are encouraged to enter poems in a juried poetry event. All poems will be displayed at the Rochester Public Library, and winning poems will be published in the Post-Bulletin. At Poets at the Plummer House on March 13, the award-winning poets will read their poems following coffee and refreshments. For complete guidelines for submitting poetry, go to www.rochesterpubliclibrary.org/friends. and download the pdf.

Catalyst by Daniel Vedamuthu

January 29, 2013 - February 28, 2013. Catalyst, by Daniel Vedamuthu, on display at the University Center Rochester Art Gallery, located at College Center 200.  Open during gallery hours, closed major holidays, reception on Tuesday, January 29 at 2 pm.  The exhibition is made possible with the support of the Rochester Community and Technical College Art + Design Department and RCTC Student Life.

Rochester Duplicate Bridge Club

All games are played on week days at the Rochester Athletic Club, multi-purpose room (NW corner of the facility) You must come with a partner.  For out of town visitors wanting to play, the website offers names of game managers that will try and find an accommodating partner.

Wednesday Jan 30, 2013

Athletic Shoes and Sizing - A Happy Feet Week Event!

Event held at the Rochester Public Library. Associates from Rogan's Shoes will be on hand to explain the differences in athletic shoes and demonstrate how to correctly size a shoe.

Foot Pain and Foot Care - A Happy Feet Week Event!

Event held at the Rochester Public Library. Maria Bonser from Olmsted Medical Center will address issues of foot pain, foot care - issues and concerns.

Preschool Storytime

Event held every Wednesday at the Rochester Public Library. Join us for 30 minutes of stories, fingerplays, early literacy activities, and fun for you and your 3 to 5 year-old child.  No registration required.

Thursday Jan 31, 2013

Baby Time

Event held weekly on Thursday at the Rochester Public Library. Bring in your baby for fingerplays, rhymes, songs and stories just right for little ones (birth to 18 months). No registration required. This program was funded by an IBM Centennial Grant. If you require accommodations in order to participate in this program, please contact Children’s Services at 507-328-2303 as soon as possible.

Beginning Running - A Happy Feet Week Event

Event held at the Rochester Public Library. How to keep that New Year's Resolution and start a fitness program? Staff from TerraLoco will be on hand to give pointers on beginning running.Brock Quimby, owner of TerraLoco, is graduate of John Marshall HS, and Western State College of CO. He developed a passion for running in Colorado, and took a job, upon graduation, with a run specialty store in the Denver area.

Deuces Wild! Dueling Pianos

Event held at the Wicked Moose Bar and Grill. A piano variety act offering a Las Vegas-style show mix of comedy, enticing audience participation and featuring a surprising mix of music and parodies.  Dave and Ted do it all and do it hilariously well!  A great gift idea for your children, grandchildren, etc. while supporting the Rochester Senior Center.  Must be 21 or older to attend.  

Luther College Symphony Orchestra

Event held at John Marshall High School in the Ilstrup Auditorium. The Luther College Symphony Orchestra will present a concert in Rochester as part of their Midwest tour. The concert is free and open to the public. The symphony includes more than 80 student musicians that represent a variety of academic majors. The program will include the epic, energetic Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 4; Wagner’s bold Overture to Die Meistersinger; and Elgar’s heart wrenching Cello Concerto (featuring Luther professor Eric Kutz as soloist).

RCTC LIFE (Learning Is ForEver) Simple Steps To Publishing For Seniors

Event held at RCTC Heintz Center Rm. HA104. Kevin Strauss, Author Have you even wanted to see your words in print? Now there are more ways than ever to publish your work. Kevin will show you traditional routes (finding and working with a publisher) as well as several good (and one really bad) self-publishing options, so you can pick the approach that will work best for you, based on your timeline, your goals for the writing, and your budget. By the end of this class, you have a plan for how to get your polished work published.

Curious George: Let's Get Curious!

Event held at the Minnesota Children’s Museum in Rochester every week on Sunday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Jump-start your curiosity and learning with your favorite monkey! Climb into the imaginative world of Curious George and the Man with the Yellow Hat as you play. Trek through Curious George’s urban neighborhood or wander around the farm and experiment with wind power. Children can even climb into the rocket that Curious George took into space!

Rochester WinterFest XI

WinterFest serves to promote wintertime activities for all ages while raising awareness and funds for area nonprofit organizations. There is a wide variety of indoor and outdoor activities happening in the Rochester area so all can enjoy the Cabin Fever Days of February!

Friday Feb 01, 2013

Live Comedy at Goonies Comedy Club!

Live Stand-up Comedy at Goonie's Comedy Club! Featuring the nation's top national comedians like you see on HBO, Comedy Central and Late Night TV!  For performers, showtimes and advanced reservations, call or check website.

Friday Frolics on Snowshoes

Event held at Whitewater State Park. Join a naturalist each Friday morning throughout the month of February for outdoor exploration on snowshoes. We’ll visit the forest, streamside and meadow to look for signs of wildlife and to explore the winter world with our senses. Young and old are invited to join us. Bring your own snowshoes or use the park’s (first come, first served). Large groups need to call ahead.

Johnny Holm Band

Live cover band visiting  the Wicked Moose Bar & Grill.

RCTC LIFE (Learning Is ForEver) Rochester Public Schools Update

Event held at RCTC Heintz Center Rm. HA112. Superintendent Michael Munoz You will hear from Rochester's Superintendent about what is happening in the schools and hear about future plans. There will be a question and answer time.

Winter Flux

Event held at the Rochester Art Center. FLUX is a music, art and performance event, featuring house DJ along with monthly guest artists. At each event, a new music, art or dance performer opens the evening followed by dance music spun by house and guest DJs. Throughout the night, guests are invited to participate in artmaking activities.  Benefiting Rochester Art Center.

WinterFest at the History Center

Event held on Febuary 1^st and 2^nd at the History Center of Olmsted County. Sleigh rides and bonfire, benefiting Special Olympics Minnesota.

Rochester Sports & Vacation Show and Blufflands Deer & Turkey Show

Event held at the Mayo Civic Center. The Rochester Sports & Vacation Show is the first event of the year to start planning your 2012 vacation and outdoor activities. See all the outdoor toys and destinations as you make your 2012 plans.

Shadowlands

Event held at the Rochester Civic Theatre. This Broadway hit explores the love story of C.S. Lewis (author of The Chronicles of Narnia) and a woman and her son who change Lewis' life as he faces the challenges of reconciling his theoretical insights about love with its direct presence. Celebrated by critiques and audiences alike this brilliantly crafted dramatic exploration of faith, intellect, emotion, family and love is not to be missed.   No performance on Feb 3, 7 and 10.

RCTC LIFE (Learning Is ForEver) “Reading in Retirement”

Event held at RCTC Heintz Center Rm. HA110 on the first Friday of every month. January's book: "Warmth of other Suns: The Epic Story of America’s Great Migration" by Isabel Wilkerson. February's book: "Amos : To Ride a Dead Horse" by Stanley G. West. March's book: "Mountains Beyond Mountains" by Tracy Kidder

Saturday Feb 02, 2013

"Hope It Don't Snow" Scale Model Show

Event held at the Ramada Hotel and Conference Center. The 2013 "Hope It Don't Snow" Scale Model Show will feature hundreds of scale model aircraft, armor, ships, spacecraft, figures and more on display.

11th Annual Frozen Goose Race 2013!

Event held at the University Center Rochester Atrium. A Rochester Winterfest event, a 10K timed run or a 5K fun run or walk.  Men's and Women's age-bracket winners for the 10K.  Proceeds benefiting Optimist Club International Childhood Cancer Campaign and Brighter Tomorrows.

Bakkus & Black Valentyne

Live Rock Music at the Wicked Moose Bar and Grill.

Bows, Bowlers and Bassoons: A Silent Movie Event

Event held at the Kahler Grand Hotel. Bows, Bowlers and Bassoons: A Silent Movie Event, benefiting Southeastern Minnesota Youth Orchestra (SEMYO).

Dinner on the Bluff

Event held at the Eagle Bluff Learning Center. Treat yourself to a night of great food and enlightened conversation. Presentation will be followed by a delicious gourmet meal. The Wild Within by Chris Heeter, founder of The Wild Institute How do we hold our relationship to the natural world when we spend more time behind a desk than walking in the woods? For many of us, nature is a source of deep connection to our spirits. Join speaker, wilderness guide, and poet Chris Heeter and her dog Tuu Weh for an exploration of our wild spirits.

Free Family Day Snow Globes

Event held at the Rochester Art Center. A Rochester Winterfest activity.  Hands-On Art Activities. In the third floor studios, children and families can participate in art projects that are designed to relate to the exhibitions on view at the Art Center. Arts Interact. Special docent-led tours of the exhibitions designed to spark conversation between children and family members.   Proceeds benefit Rochester Art Center.

Ground Hog Day Celebration: A Prognosticators Picnic

Event held at Quarry Hill Nature Center. A Rochester Winterfest activity, come dressed in winter gear or spring things for a celebration of the changing season.  An outdoor ground hog hunt, a weather forecasting game and a nature craft will preceed an indoor picnic complete with spring and winter menu selections.  Pre-registration required.  Proceeds benefit Quarry Hill Nature Center.

Hearts & Diamonds Spectacular

Event held at Somerby Golf Club. A Rochester Winterfest event, the Hearts & Diamonds Spectacular event at Somerby Golf Club benefits the Ronald McDonald House in Rochester.

Mile of Mac & Cheese

Event held at HyVee Store. Benefiting Channel One Food Bank & Food Shelf.

Rochester Downtown Winter Farmers Market

Event held at the Olmsted County Fairground, Onions, tomatoes, summer & winter squash, carrots, potatoes, dried herbs, eggplant, garlic, beets, savory and sweet breads, noodles, artisan pasta, peppers, cauliflower, cabbage, lefsa, cookies, pies, pickles; preserves, jams and jellies made from farm-grown fruits and vegetables; honey, maple syrup, cheeses, milk, quality hormone-free meats (elk, bison, beef, pork, lamb, goat, poultry), dried arrangements, farm-fresh eggs, candles, soaps, and other specialty farm-produced products.

Special Youth Challenge Auction Fundraiser

Event held at the Stewartville Sportsman’s Club. A Live and Silent Auction will be held to benefit Special Youth Challenge. SYC is a local non-profit organization branch of Sportsman's Outdoor Events and Adventures of Dodge Center, MN. SYC gives physically challenged youth an opportunity for weekends with their families to hunt turkey and deer. All clothes, supplies, special adaptive equipment, and lodging are provided without cost to these youth. If you would like to donate to the auction or the events please contact Charlie Olson.

Tex Pistols Band

Event held at Crossings at Carnegie. Four good friends become a great quartet of smoking hot guitars, emotive vocals and tight harmonies.

Ultimate Breakfast Buffet Fundraiser at Johnny Mango's

Event held at Johnny Mango's Event Center. Accompaniment music by ANNIE MACK (8 am-10 am).  A CAMP VICTORY scholarship fund fundraiser. Help send disadvantaged youth to summer camp AND enjoy a great breakfast with your friends. Saturday, February 2, Serving Times: 7AM, 8AM, 9AM (please choose a time when purchasing tickets) Cost: $15.00 each (ticket deadline is January 30th) 100% OF PROCEEDS GO DIRECTLY TO SCHOLARSHIPS! Featuring live music with: ANNIE MACK 8AM -10AM FOR TICKETS: 1) Online: www.campvictory.com 2) 507-843-2329

Warm-up to the Polar Bear Plunge

Event held at Whistle Binkies on the Lake. Ice fishing, frozen turkey bowling, miniature golf, silent auction, etc...  Check the web site for events, times and costs. Benefiting Special Olympics Minnesota. 

Whalan Candlelight Ski

Event held at Whalan - 5 Miles East of Lanesboro, MN. For the 21st consecutive year, the beautiful Root River Trail will be lined with candles and will have bonfires at each end of the ski trek. Soup supper and refreshments will be available at the Whalan Town Hall.

WinterFest at the History Center

Event recurring daily at the History Center of Olmsted County. Sleigh rides and bonfire, benefiting Special Olympics Minnesota.

Youth Celebration

Event held at the Rochester Civic Theatre Families, friends, and the general public are invited to share in festivities to acknowledge those young people who have had a major impact on the month's diversity and inclusion activities. Winners of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Student Poetry Contest will read their poems, and students displaying their work in the exhibit "I Am the Dream... Remembering the Past, Envisioning the Future" will be recognized.  Enjoy entertainment and light refreshments.

Adult Getaway Weekend

Event recurring daily at Eagle Bluff Learning Center. Escape to relaxation, nature and good company! This weekend is designed with you in mind: Play by day, relax by night. Daytime activities include: snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, archery and Eagle Bluff's famous ropes course! Enjoy a gourmet meal Saturday night and a special presentation by Chris Heeter, founder of The Wild Institute. Pre-registration is required.

Rochester Sports & Vacation Show and Blufflands Deer & Turkey Show

 Event held at the Mayo Civic Cenet.The Rochester Sports & Vacation Show is the first event of the year to start planning your 2012 vacation and outdoor activities. See all the outdoor toys and destinations as you make your 2012 plans.

Afternoon of Wine, Shopping and Massage

Each Saturday afternoon from 2 pm to 6 pm Post Town Winery will feature one wine for tasting, free of charge. The showcased wine will also be available for purchase by the glass. We will also have our seven MN wines produced on premises available to enjoy by the bottle. Sit back and enjoy coffeehouse style muisic, shop for that perfect wine related gift item, then endulging in a chair massage for a totally relaxing afternoon.

Sunday Feb 03, 2013

Festival of Birds

A Rochester Winterfest activity,  Flock to Quarry Hill to spend an afternoon with the birds! Set a bird trap in hopes of catching and holding your very own bird. Then watch, learn, and take part in the bird banding process. There will be a visit from one of The National Eagle Center's live bald eagles and a chance to learn about our national bird as well. Finally, make a bird feeder of your own to take home so you can continue bird watching throughout the winter!  

Pioneer Home Cross Country Ski

After a short introduction at the Whitewater State Park Visitor Center, we'll drive up the road to the 27,000 acre Wildlife Management Area for a ski trek out to the Marnach House, a stone home built by Luxemburg pioneers. Enjoy the solitude of the Whitewater Valley in wintertime as you learn about the settlement of the valley. Bring your own skis! Reservations are required. Sign up by email at sara.grover@state.mn.us

Monday Feb 04, 2013

RCTC LIFE (Learning Is ForEver) The Wit and Wisdom of Norman Rockwell: Children and Growing Up

Event held at RCTC Heintz Center Rm. HA112. Dale Blanshan. Everyone remembers those wonderful Saturday Evening Post covers illustrated by the great artist Norman Rockwell. Rockwell was not only a skilled illustrator, but a keen observer of human nature and a marvelous teller of stories. In this program, we look at Rockwell’s history, his development as an artist, his illustrative techniques, and the visual stories he tells about children growing up, exploring their world, challenging limits, and perplexing adults.

Tuesday Feb 05, 2013

Rosemary and Meredith Willson Harmony for Mayo Program: Bill & Kate Isles

Event held at the Mayo Clinic Lips Atrium. Bill & Kate Isles, singer/songwriters.  Lips Atrium (Charlton building, subway level).

RCTC LIFE (Learning Is ForEver) Quantum Physics and the Buddha’s Teachings

Event held at RCTC Heintz Center Rm. HA112Stephen Troutman The recent observations at the Large Hadron Collider provided evidence that may prove the existence of the Higgs Boson. This evidence, if true, validates several theories that integrate the quirky world of quantum mechanics with that of traditional physics. Buddhist teachings describe our place in the universe and define the ultimate goal as to becoming one with the universe.

Rochester on Tour

Event held at the Rochester Event Center. Innovating Growth! That's what Rochester is doing as one of the fastest growing areas in the State of Minnesota, and also the theme of Rochester on Tour at the state capitol in St. Paul on Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2013. Join us as we rally and show support for our community to the legislators in St. Paul.  Please join us for an exciting day that includes a Rochester Community Luncheon, informative issue sessions, tours of the state capitol and history museum, and a Grand Reception in St. Paul.

UMR CONNECTS ~ Dying in Contemporary Medical Culture

Event held at the University of Minnesota - Rochester, Room 417 University Square This presentation will examine the practices of dying and death in contemporary U.S. culture, moral problems associated with these practices, possible solutions, and practical applications. Speaker: Joan Liaschenko, PhD, RN, FAAN, School of Nursing and Center for Bioethics, University of Minnesota Joan Liaschenko is originally from Philadelphia where she completed basic nursing studies and obtained a BS from Hahnemann University and an MA from Bryn Mawr College.

If you are preparing for family to visit, you may want to spice up your guest bedroom. Make your guests comfortable by adding some pazazz to that neglected space. Homeadvisor.com has the top 5 tips for creating the perfect guest room!

http://www.homeadvisor.com/article.show.5-Steps-to-the-Perfect-Guest-Room.10649.html

 

Good evening! In the midst of wintertime, keeping yourself busy will help avoid cabin fever. One way to prevent cabin fever is to update your home. I found an interesting article on upgrades you can do in your home all for less than $100!

http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/photos/0,,20308889,00.html

 

Mayo Clinic has been voted one of the top 100 companies to work for in Fortune Magazine:

http://www.postbulletin.com/news/local/mayo-one-of-best-companies-to-work-for/article_42b65b97-73a8-5658-808c-d880311acb30.html

 

I read an interesting article this morning from Rochester’s Post Bulletin about women in business, though honestly it pertains to anyone. And not just for people in business, but really for anyone wanting to make some changes in their life. The article (see below) is about New Year’s resolutions. But instead of what you are “going to do” this year, the article suggests setting some goals of what you are “not going to do.” This approach seems like it might help us better achieve our goals for the year. The 3 women interviewed decided they would “stop browsing the internet before the to-do list was done”, “stop saying yes to everyone” and “stop obsessing over things we cannot control.” These are relatively universal “Don’ts” that we could all adapt into our everyday lives that would make us more productive- and possibly happier. Easier said than done I’m sure, but the idea of a “not going to do” list seems more realistic than a “to do” list that gets abandoned by the end of January. Several studied reveal that 25% of people will abandon their resolutions in the first week alone!! 90% will have given up by the end of February. So maybe this approach is worth a try- here’s a few “not going to dos” from our office:

“Not dwell on the future but enjoy the now. Time goes by too fast when you are always focused on what is next”

“Not dying”

“Not trying to please everyone all the time”

What are some of your No-Resolutions?? We'd love to hear them!!

http://www.postbulletin.com/business/women-at-work-how-to-make-it-a-better-year/article_85b5c806-ef89-5ca3-b098-1566921422b5.html