Taxes paid to the state between the Oct. 11 and Nov. 10 collection period once again fell short of the September forecast. Receipts for the month were $52.8 million — 4.4 percent lower than expected. While there was a $60.4 million shortfall in Revenue Act receipts, non-Revenue Act payments exceeded the forecast by $7.4 million, or seven percent.

Tax payments by firms in the retail trade sector were 8.6 percent below the same period a year-ago. Last month, the sector saw a decline of 7.3 percent. read more »

The Eagle’s Nest recently announced its plans to offer authentic handmade Cowichan knit hats, scarves and mittens again this year. Cowichan knitted garments are made from the raw wool of sheep. The wool contains much of its original lanolin, which makes it rain resistant and longer wearing. The wool is not dyed but is the natural wool of the white, gray and black sheep.  read more »

Most businesses host a company party sometime between the months of November and January. This is a time to throw caution to the wind and party hard with your coworkers, right? Not exactly.

While it may seem the office party is a great chance to let loose with your employer footing the bill, your behavior can have a direct impact on your career. According to Etiquette International, a firm specializing in business etiquette, no matter how festive the occasion, it’s still about business. Think of the office party as an extension of your business day wrapped in a social context. read more »

Easily mounted on seat back tray tables and sporting a slim easy-to-carry profile, the Zen Class Nirvana Organizer can be the perfect present for that always on-the-go special someone. With the holiday season upon us once again, the familiar pressures of finding the right gift has no doubt returned as well. read more »

The holidays are supposed to bring smiles to our faces. After all we’re visiting with relative and friends, and bestowing gifts on the ones we love. So how come so many people are generally stressed and sad come the holidays?

According to the American Institute of Stress, more than 110 million Americans take medication for stress related causes each week. Those who are predisposed to stress and the various side effects, including depression, panic attacks, physical pain, fatigue, and nervousness, can find themselves even worse off during the holidays. read more »