Bracebridge Launched New Tourism Experiences at Cottage Life

Bracebridge’s new experiential tourism offerings were launched recently at the Spring Cottage Life Show.  The interest and response received from the general public was exciting  - Bracebridge is truly offering something that people genuinely want, and will travel to Bracebridge to get!

The experiences are can be a few hours, some are entire days and some are multi-day experiences that are focussed on 3 main pillars - arts, culinary and lifestyle.

Check out Muskoka's newest tourism experiences at www.canadascottagecountry.ca

Bracebridge's Tourism Brand moving to next step

Following a comprehensive community assessment and subsequent rebranding process, Bracebridge is about to embark upon a new economic development initiative.  This new initiative will be based around attracting visitors with a variety of hands-on learning experiences designed to increase traffic, and therefore spending, in our community throughout the year.

Life-long learning is the fastest growing element in today’s tourism marketplace. Our hands-on experiences will be based around three pillars: the Arts, Culinary and Muskoka Lifestyle. The experiences will be provided by local businesses or individuals who have a vested interest in attracting new customers through these experiences.

If you would like to learn more about this opportunity and how you and your business could benefit check out Bracebridge's Branding Blog for more information.  

(From Bracebridge Brand Leadership Blog, October 19, 2012)

Chamber of Commerce Meeting, May 3rd

Come and hear about the new Bracebridge brand.

What is it all about?  What stage are we at?  What is next?

The Brand Promise:

Bracebridge is the steward of the 

Cottage Country Brand and is teaching the world 

the power of living the Muskoka lifestyle 

in its spirit, the arts, food, home, and recreation.

This is an Information Session for the Chamber of Commerce Members.

It will comprise of a presentation by members of the Brand Leadership Team,

followed by Q & A.

THURSDAY, MAY 3, 2012

Nipissing University Muskoka Campus, 119 Wellington St.

6:00 – 7:00 P.M.

New workshop announced as part of Brand Camp

As part of the intense “ full week” Brand Camp the Bracebridge Brand Development Team is inviting members of the BIA and the Chamber of Commerce to a two hour workshop entitled 20 Ingredients of an Outstanding Business.

The workshop will provide tools and ingredients on things you can do to improve the downtown and your business.  If you loved Roger Brooks’ presentation “A look at Bracebridge through the eyes of a first time visitor” in September 2011, then you won’t want to miss this presentation.

DATE: February 29th, 2012

TIME: 8:00 am -10:00 am

LOCATION: Classroom 2, Nipissing University, 125 Wellington Street

We apologize for the short notice but hope you can find time in your schedule to hear this dynamic speaker.

Bracebridge's Brand Redevelopment Update

Bracebridge’s Brand Development Committee is working diligently at developing a new economic development brand for Bracebridge. The work on a new brand was initiated as a result of the Destination Development International’s (DDI) assessment of the community “from the eyes of a first-time visitor” that took place in September 2011. Working together, the Town of Bracebridge along with the Bracebridge BIA and the Bracebridge Chamber of Commerce have pulled together a Brand Development Committee made up of a diverse group of local citizens to assist with this project. The results of the Brand Development Committee will be unveiled at an Open House on Friday, March 2nd, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. at Nipissing University.


The Brand Development Committee has processed a mountain of information that was received from residents during the community input portion of the project and are currently narrowing down the list of possible brands to those that are most feasible for Bracebridge. The Brand Development Committee is comprised of Tony Armstrong (Back Country Paintball), Mae Campbell (Campbell Sports and the Bracebridge BIA President), Allison Dawes (Ecclestone Cycle), Mark Hvasti (The Cottage Winery), Larry Stroud (Board Member, Bracebridge Chamber of Commerce), Laura Hernando (Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport), Melloney McNabb (Simply Cottage), Don Skinner (Skinner Design Group and retail landlord), as well as a number of individuals representing the Town of Bracebridge (Graydon Smith, Lori-Lynn Giaschi-Pacini, Cheryl Kelley, and John Sisson).


“Roger’s presentation last September was a real eye opener for many local business owners. His Community Findings and Suggestions Report identified in excess of sixty initiatives that would improve the experience for first time visitors to our community. A number of these ideas are simply housekeeping items and we’ve already begun to work on those.” said Mayor Graydon Smith. He went on to add, “However DDI’s primary suggestion that Bracebridge needed to develop a strong, unified and unique brand in order to carve out a niche in today’s highly competitive tourism industry was not what some people expected to hear. But in the days following Roger’s presentation, many local business owners came forward expressing interest in becoming part of this project. ”


Mae Campbell, President of the Bracebridge BIA explained that the rebranding needed to come from within the community, not from an outside consultant. “On Roger’s recommendation, we launched a Survey Monkey questionnaire that asked residents a number of key questions. Things like what they thought the community’s assets are, what the major challenges were and what they would like to see the community known for in the coming years. Our questionnaire netted an amazing 500 respondents.” stated Campbell.


February 28-March 2 has been set aside as Brand Camp week. At this time Roger Brooks and his team from Destination Development International will be in town to guide the Brand Development Committee through the final process of choosing the single brand that will differentiate Bracebridge from its immediate competitors. This exciting four day process will culminate with an Open House where the public is invited to see the results of the week long brand development process. The public Open House will take place at Nipissing University on Friday March 2 at 11:00am-11:45am.

In 2011, the Town of Bracebridge hired Roger Brooks of Destination Development International (DDI) to conduct a community assessment of Bracebridge through the eyes of a first time visitor.

Mr. Brooks' credentials are impressive. He has worked with 1000+ communities throughout North America and into Europe. He brings with him expertise as an objective facilitator who is not biased towards specific businesses or themes. DDI is extremely knowledgeable about the tourism industry and what is currently working in the marketplace.

The results of his initial visit are included in the Community Assessment and Findings Study. One of the primary outcomes from this report was the need for BRACEBRIDGE to create a focus for tourism development.

Like businesses, the majority of successful towns and cities have adopted a brand. A brand is much more than a logo or slogan – a brand is a perception. It is what people think of when “Bracebridge” is named; it is the expectation of an EXPERIENCE.



What would you like our town to be known for in ten years? What is your image for the future of Bracebridge? Identifying the town’s strong points is one of the goals of a questionnaire – to enhance the community for residents while increasing tourism and benefiting the local economy.


Tell us what you want Bracebridge to be known for now, and for the foreseeable future. Complete the following survey prior to January 31, 2012.

For more information on the background of this project, check out the Town's website

RTO 12 - REGIONAL TOURISM ORGANIZATION

Here's a set of link for quick access to information about RTO 12 or as more recently named "Explorer's Edge"

What is RTO 12?
http://www.mtc.gov.on.ca/en/regions/regions.shtml

What is RTO 12 doing or planning to do?
http://explorersedge.ca/current-projects

What is the "brand" image mean?  (This is a link to the launch presentation)
http://explorersedge.ca/files/documents_2011-08-18_fac1f/file/thursdaymorningbrandwebinar.pdf

Who to contact:
http://explorersedge.ca/contact

Sign up for a newsletter
http://explorersedge.ca/e-news

SAVOUR MUSKOKA NEWSLETTER

Here is a link to Savour Muskoka's recent newsletter.  If you are in any type of food business or if you are a local food grower/producer, this group specializes in your industry.  Check out their website to learn more. 

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES - RTO 12 ISSUES RFP'S

Regional Tourism Organization 12 issued a number of RFPs for project this week.  For each project, click on the link to get to the documentation.   Digital Signage Program, Marketing Services, Photography Services, Google Adword Campaign and Video Vignette Production.

In addition RTO 12 has issued an expression of interest for Bookkeeping Services.

Community Assessment Findings to come September 15, 2011

What are the first and lasting impressions a visitor has of Bracebridge? Is it easy to find their way around? Is there the right business mix, and are the places they're interested in visiting open the right hours? Does the local attitude make them feel welcome? Are there fun things to see and do, and is it easy to find out about what there is? Is Bracebridge a community that understands and is comfortable with its' identity?


The need to have answers to these questions is what prompted the Town of Bracebridge to contract with Roger Brooks of Destination Development, Inc. to conduct a Community Assessment.

Brooks will present the findings of his Assessment in a public workshop on Thursday, September 15th from 8:00 to 12:00 p.m. at the Rotary Centre for Youth, 131 Wellington Street, Bracebridge.

The Assessment process included an evaluation of Bracebridge’s marketing efforts, what information is available on the Internet and how easily it is accessed, an appraisal of how easy it is to get to Bracebridge, and how easy it is to get around once in town. The Destination Development team also "secret shopped" area businesses including retail, food service and lodging as well as attractions and activities. The fast-paced, entertaining and multi-media filled workshop will include his evaluation of how Bracebridge stacks up against the competition and suggestions, tips and tricks that can bring spending to the area. Any shortcomings will be pointed out with good humor, and will be accompanied by concrete, doable ideas for improvement.

Over the past 25 years Roger Brooks and his award-winning Destination Development International (DDI) Team have assisted more than 800 communities around the world in their efforts to become outstanding destinations, great places to live, work, and to visit. The Destination Development, Inc. Community Assessment program is the forerunner of a number of initiatives that were identified in the 2008 Community-based Strategic Plan and Community Adjustment Plan including the development of a Downtown Development Strategy/Master Plan and a Tourism Opportunities Study for Woodchester Villa along with actions surrounding the Convention Hotel Study and a feasibility study for a School of the Arts.

To RSVP for the workshop or for more information on the Community Assessment, contact the Town of Bracebridge’s Economic Development Department at 705.645.5264 Ext. 227 or by email jharris@bracebridge.ca.

How does Bracebridge Measure Up from the Eyes of a First-time Visitor

Bracebridge Chamber Business After Hours - May 30th

The Bracebridge Chamber's next Business After Hours Networking Event is on Mon. May 30th from 6:00pm – 8:00pm at Direct Energy Home Services, 2288 Highway 11 N., Gravenhurst (2 buildings North of The Muskoka Store).  A Business After Hours is an excellent way to meet new contacts and grow your business.  RSVP to Marny at 705-645-5231 or chamberchamber@bracebridgechamber.com

REMINDER - ACHIEVING ACCESSIBLE SERVICE EXCELLENCE - WKSP

Providing excellent service to all customers makes good business sense and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA) mandates that all business in Ontario meet the Accessibility Standards for Customer Service by January 1, 2012. As a business owner or manager you need to know the steps to take to meet the requirements.

The Tourism Industry Association of Ontario (TIAO) and the Ontario Tourism Education Corporation (OTEC) invite you to a training workshop, Accessibility Standards for Customer Service: Helping You Comply and Achieve Accessible Service Excellence. This training workshop gives you the information and tools you need to comply and to ensure your business is better able to serve customers with disabilities.

Date:  March 24, 2011
Location:  Nipissing University, Bracebirdge

To register

For more information visit TIAO's Accessibilty microsite

Muskoka Tourism Annual General Meeting

Below is an invitation from Muskoka Tourism.

You are cordially invited to attend Muskoka Tourism’s annual general meeting on March 23, 2011 from 2:00PM to 4:00PM at Touchstone On Lake Muskoka, 1869 Muskoka Road, Hwy 118 West http://www.touchstoneonlakemuskoka.com/index2.html

This will be an opportunity to conduct the usual business of an AGM that includes Board elections, financial statements and to celebrate 75 years of Muskoka’s tourism industry working together. It is an opportunity for you to network with your colleagues before another busy season begins and gain insight about some of the many changes going on around us in the tourism industry.

Key note speakers include Ms. Robin Garrett, President and CEO of the Ontario Tourism Marketing Partnership (OTMP). OTMP has completed an operational review which helped sharpen their governance, priorities and programs enabling them to work smarter in a very competitive marketplace. The province has created 13 Regional Tourism Organizations (RTO) in Ontario. Mr. Jamie Hopkins a Board member from RT0 12 (comprising Muskoka, Algonquin Park, Georgian Bay Country and South Algonquin Township) will be able to share their priorities and programs.

Through Robin and Jamie, you will have an opportunity to see how the interests of your business can be advanced.

Please RSVP to Pat by calling 1-800-267-9700 or e-mail info@muskokatourism.ca by Monday March 21. Look forward to seeing you at the AGM on March 23.