CABA INTROSPECTION

CONDUCTED BY: GARY REED

DATE: APRIL 20, 2009

EVENT: MEMBERS’ QUARTERLY MEETING, AT NEAT COFFEE, BURNSTOWN

AND EXECUTIVE MEETING JUNE 2, 2009

SUMMARY OF MEMBER& EXECUTIVE INPUT FOR CABA

OPPORTUNITIES FOR IMPROVEMENT

Question: Why so few members at meetings and what can we do to improve attendance?

IDEAS

. have less formal meetings

. incorporate or use “social hours” to enable networking

. need a “hook” to get members out to meetings

. ensure members are reading emails e.g. the agenda

. have special events at meetings e.g. interesting speakers

. hold a pot luck dinner or some other social function and consider using the event as a fundraiser as well

. re-institute a telephone committee to verbally remind members of meetings

COMMENTS

. We need to improve the business recognition and awards process.

. We need to “blow our own horn” more.

. We need to improve the marketing of CABA as a business association.

. We need a communication strategy, which, in turn, will help grow the membership.

. CABA needs to broaden it’s appeal to Trades and Services Members

. We should establish an “Eco-Tourism” watch dog to make sure we are fulfilling our promise of being an Eco-friendly tourist destination

WHAT ARE WE DOING RIGHT?

Remembering that we are a volunteer organization …

. We have increased membership and are maintaining our members

. We produce the Business Directory which is a valuable tool and used by many

. We assist with member training by providing information for free and low cost

workshops

. We provide networking opportunities at CABA meetings

. We developed and continue with Business Recognition Awards and Business Profiles in The Highlander

. We have cut back on fundraising activities which used up available volunteer time and energy and have redirected the volunteer hours to other projects (e.g. Festival of Senses)

WHAT ARE WE DOING RIGHT? (Cont’d)

. We have given approximately $19,000 of fundraising monies back to the community for such projects as Barnet Park Gazebo, Trail Signage, Banners, etc.

. We circulate bulletins and information that are of interest

. We are a positive, active, supportive community member. a) We were the first (in our Township) to sign up and then encouraged Adopt-a-Road participation and have one of the highest sponsorship mileages in the County b) We participate in community events such as Canada Day, Remembrance Day, Christmas Parade, Winter Carnival c) We are represented on various committees such as Barnet Park, Economic Development, Strategic Plan Implementation, Noise By-Law, etc.

BRAINSTORMING IDEAS

. Develop a way to raise funds from tourists (e.g. Destination Marketing Fee)

and funnel the money through CABA back into community improvements

(e.g. enhancement and beautification projects)

however it has come to our attention Ministry of Tourism is looking at Destination Marketing Fees and it has been recommended to “regularize the collection and use of Destination Marketing Fees”.

. Develop a decal “Member of CABA” for businesses to display

. Develop a Customer Service Standard that business owners could use

. Use a Mystery Shopper and provide the results to business owners

. Establish a Business 2 Business social hour or breakfast round table

. Businesses can get great exposure as 'Valley Business of the Week' on Valley Heritage Radio.  Has CABA thought of having Host, Dai Bassett come to speak at a meeting?  They are really big on promoting Valley everything and are always looking for new ideas.  He also does great interviews of folks.  This might be a way of promoting what CABA does and I am sure that many of the tradesmen have it going while they work. 

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This document distributed to CABA members, June 2009.