Area Virtual Assistants Get Recognized--May 19th is The First Annual International Virtual Assistants Day

Harrisburg, PA area virtual assistants celebrate International Virtual Assistants Day. They hope it will raise visibility of virtual assistants in the Harrisburg, PA area.

NEW CUMBERLAND, PA (PRWEB) May 17, 2006 -- Back in late 2000, Lauren Hidden began transcribing tapes, providing online research and writing articles for a business out of state. It took a few years for her to realize there was a term for her occupation - a “virtual assistant.” Six years later, she still gets some puzzled expressions when she states her occupation.

Corie Stewart, of Core Office Solutions, also based in New Cumberland, started her business in 2005, “Before I opened my virtual assistant practice, I had spent twelve years as an executive with non-profit organizations before I was downsized. Starting my own business was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up. A year later, I am a full-time VA supporting clients in the Harrisburg area and across the country.”

Virtual assistants, or VAs, are entrepreneurs who provide services remotely. Depending on their specialties, they may offer general administrative support, meeting planning, writing services, web design, bookkeeping, or any other service that can be provided virtually.

Starting this year, the third Friday in May marks International Virtual Assistants Day. Originally proposed by the Alliance for Virtual Business, the day will be recognized during the Online International Virtual Assistants’ Convention, a 3-day-long event offering best practices seminars, training workshops, presentations and exhibits.

Lauren Hidden adds, “Having a day for virtual assistants is a great idea. I hope it will bring more awareness to the profession. Many entrepreneurs and businesses in the Harrisburg area are still unfamiliar with how virtual assistants can help them.”

Since 1996, more than 5,000 professionals from all over the world have started their VA businesses. At least 50 are now operating in Pennsylvania. This number is expected to soar as more jobs become outsourced, remote technologies improve, and more workers tire of the grind or the expense of the daily commute.

About The Hidden Helper
The Hidden Helper is an editorial services company. Working virtually, The Hidden Helper provides ghostwriting, editing, proofreading, and research services for A-level entrepreneurs and authors nationwide. Visit the website at http://www.hiddenhelper.com.

About Core Office Solutions
Core Office Solutions is an administrative support company providing marketing and public relations support, website design and hosting, transcription, event/meeting planning, and personal assistant services. For a complete list of services, visit www.coreofficesolutions.com.

About Alliance for Virtual Businesses
Established in June 2003, the Alliance for Virtual Businesses™ is volunteer-directed organization, whose primary mission is to promote the growth of free enterprise between virtual assistants, entrepreneurs, small businesses, corporations, associations and other business entities. Visit the website at www.allianceforvirtualbiz.com.

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