Muskoka Lakes Chamber of Commerce

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1 Muskoka Lakes Chamber of Commerce Township of Muskoka Lakes Budget Delegation January 26, 2016 Special Council January 26, Delegation

2 Request: Township maintain proposed 2017 Fee for Service Consider increasing Duke House funding back to 2016 levels: from 10K back to $20K

3 Tourism Services/ Visitor Information Centres Great ideas start here! Toronto visitor to Duke House Cyclists October 15

4 We offer solutions Cycling tour October 2016 Cyclists October 15

5 Duke House Return on Investment Township investment: $20,000 Expect minimum 3,000 visitors in If they all spent the average $138, ROI would be $414,000 What about ACTUAL conversion rate? Conservative estimate 5% = 150 people spending $ at local businesses, services, accommodations, attractions. Minimum needed to achieve ROI? Only 150 contacts. We only need to connect 150 people to a business/service/accommodation where they might spend upward to $138* or $20,700 How do we do that? By having highly trained, knowledgeable staff who listen, ask questions and call accommodations and attractions directly *Note: Average spending per person from RTO 2014 study: $138

6 Testimonial Our business has increased in part as a result of the Visitors Centre being open. Having it open helps us continue to operate in Port Carling. Sunset Cruises

7 Competitive Scan Huntsville gives to its Chamber: $32K for Tourism Services $50K for Community Marketing Bracebridge $55K for Visitor Information Centre in 2016 and getting 1.8% increase this year Gravenhurst $51,300 for Tourism Marketing

8 Options Keep Duke House closed more = lost opportunities Township operates Duke House < $20k Staff cost only for operation in 2011: $19, or $ a day in 2011 vs Chamber wage cost of $126/day. OPTION A: Chamber operates for 102 days at $20,000 OPTION B: Chamber cuts days and operates Duke House for $18,000

9 Beyond Visitor Information What does Chamber do? Support shoulder season: Christmas Market 2016 Networking & workshops Promote community efforts

10 We get things rolling Bala and Port Carling Farmers Markets Muskoka Lakes Christmas Market 850+ visitors this past November Were lead stakeholders in Banner project for Township & got grant to cover costs (2012) Seasonal Accommodation program matches prospective tenants with renters Seeking grants for Muskoka Lakes 150 Heritage Art Project to better highlight all Muskoka Lakes communities Took over Bala Santa Claus Parade 15 years ago to keep it going Initiated Choose a Chamber member first, Keep it in Muskoka Welcoming and inclusive LGBTQ project with FedNor intern, increasing awareness of TML as gay friendly destination (2013) Muskoka Lakes Broadband project Chamber received $30k federal grant and developed business plan spurring more Internet competition and giving more Muskoka Lakers Internet access (2003)

11 We help business development Business after Hours networking events (Next planned for Bala, CNIB Lake Joe, Glen Orchard, Port Carling) New! 15 business development workshops planned so far this year (aligns with Township objectives); partnering with training providers for courses our local businesses are demanding (e.g., helped fill Approved Working at Heights) New! Business coach available in Chamber office once a month to meet with any business

12 We market Muskoka Lakes Annual Muskoka Lakes Directory Muskoka Lakes section again in 141,000 Muskoka Visitor Guides Promote attractions and businesses on social media Plan for new website: all about Muskoka Lakes section; business environment data and more

13 Our office is available for small group meetings (Bala Cranberry Festival, Trek to Bethlehem, Curling Club, Habitat for Humanity and more) We also meet monthly and more with Township to further shared goals for Muskoka Lakes

14 Thank you Our goal is to work with Township to increase economic development, strengthen our business environment, and to ensure that our region continues to prosper Our ask is that you maintain 2016 funding levels for us in 2017 Thank you for your consideration