Resorts of Ontario focus on taking care of business

ORILLIA, ON—The title of the conference was ‘Taking care of business’ and Resorts of Ontario did just that with a jam-packed agenda for its Annual Conference held April 15-16, 2008 at Casino Rama.

The association got down to business right after the SAXibition conference on Tuesday afternoon with an AGM and concurrent sessions on advocacy and marketing. They resumed the next day with presentations by Giselle Deni and Paul Nursey of the Canadian Tourism Commission, Robin Garrett of the Ontario Tourism Marketing Partnership Corporation and a dynamic panel discussing “The Power of Connections & Influence to Transform Business.”

Then recently-appointed Ontario Tourism Minister Peter Fonseca addressed the delegates at lunch, and Sheila Maxwell, membership chair for Resorts of Ontario, wound up with discussion of an action plan to deal with the many barriers to the resort business in the province today.

But it wasn’t all business. On Tuesday, April 15, the President’s Evening at St. Germain’s Restaurant featured carrot and ginger mapleinfused soup, followed by prosciutto wrapped pheasant breast with chanterelle demi glace and almond caramel cheesecake.

At the dinner, the George Martin Award was presented to Bruce Stanton, MP. His sister, Dianne Hounsome of Bayview Wildwood Resort accepted the award on his behalf.

The Significant Service Award went to Neale Temple of Simmons Canada.

After the dinner and awards presentation, resort and supplier delegates enjoyed a dance or learned how to play casino games.

New this year was a session for spouses, dealing with Clutter Clearing, with Feng Shui specialist Lynda Britton. This session examined relationships, wealth and life issues, with an emphasis on Feng Shui and how it can improve your life.