Re: innkeeping: Starting a B&B Association . . . Any Advice?

[holihedg@nwlink.com (Marian Thrasher)]

Kudo's to you.  I applaud anyone that is willing to form a bed & breakfast
association.  It is my belief that the bed & breakfast industry can only
grow and prosper if we learn to work more closely together.  Support one
another, and develop a well-thought out referral system, thereby providing
the caller with a simplified method of securing reservations.  
If meetings are well-planned and offer the innkeeper with info they can 
take
back with them, it is time well spent.  Too often these types of meetings
don't provide a useful forum in which to learn and grow, rather vent
emotions by imparting the story of the "guest from hell."  
As the president of the Suburban Seattle Bed & Breakfast Association I can
say that our group of innkeepers have developed a cohesive spirit.  Our 
goal
is to work together for the betterment of the entire association.  As a
result we are all experiencing increased profit.  
Our Association hotline has been an effective marketing tool.  We all work
together following  a specific procedure.  The callers have found us as a
useful resource for the Greater Seattle area.
Good luck in your venture.  Please let me know if I can help you along 
the way.

Marian Thrasher  - http://www.nwlink.com/~holihedg
Holly Hedge House Bed & Breakfast - Seattle  (425) 226-2555  
Toll Free Reservation:  1-888-226-2555