Restaurant Industry Update November 2011

Coeur d'Alene Casino Spa Experience

Review Sites And Kitchen Nightmares

Sitting here watching an episode of Kitchen Nightmares on a two part show about the Burger Kitchen in Los Angeles.

There is an entire segment on Yelp Reviews and how the restaurant had responded. They attacked reviewers and even threatened some of them.

What the...? You never respond negatively or threaten reviewers. What you should do is respond publicly saying you are sorry for the problem and ask them how they could make things better. Reviews can help you to recognize problems that you may be to change. Yes...some people are just negative people or have an agenda and will leave nasty reviews, but 18 from 18 different people? That means there may be a problem.

Review sites, social media sites, and other Internet properties can be talking about you even if you aren't participating in them. That is why it is so important to have a monitoring system in place to know when someone says something about your business and then be able to respond.

The worst thing you can do is ignore them or respond negatively. Be smart and don't take things personally. It is not a personal attack on you, they are just trying to tell you something. Good or bad...it is there to help you and your business.

Only In North Idaho: Moose in a Yard

North Idaho Tourism Summit and ICORT 2012

Next year the Idaho Conference on Recreation and Tourism will be in Coeur d'Alene and because of that the North Idaho Tourism Summit committee has decided to combine our efforts with the state of Idaho.

There will not be a separate summit next year, but we encourage all our attendees to attend the state meeting. We will add the great things you lived about our regional summit to what th state already does at ICORT.

More information will be posted here as things are finalized and the invites are ready to go out.

Looking forward to seeing everyone in 2012!

Wine Anyone?

Hidden in Plain Sight: Tourism Employees

Cathy Bourner, Tourism Analyst

Answering the question, “what industry you are in” should be easy, shouldn’t it? Since you’re reading this blog, you may be in the lodging industry, but you probably wouldn’t say “the Tourism business,” even if the majority of your customers are traveling for leisure. Chances are even more slim you would consider yourself in the Tourism industry if you operate a cab or an eating establishment.

Read the rest of the article here:
Hidden in Plain Sight: Tourism Employees

Halloween, Winemaker’s Dinner, Nation’s Largest Steelhead Derby.

Jack Frost paints a portrait of beauty
With colors so vivid and bright;
It’s framed with a purple misty haze
And draped in a frosty night.

Big, fat, bright orange pumpkins
Nestle snugly among shocks of corn;
Leaves flutter silently earthward;
Ice sparkles like glass in the dawn.

Click below to read more and see the upcoming events:

Halloween, Winemaker’s Dinner, Nation’s Largest Steelhead Derby. Harvest Idaho: One Bite at a Time

Top 10 Tricks for Dealing With Email Overload

It doesn't matter what you do, modern jobs seem to require that everyone barrage you with email at all hours of the day. If you're feeling overwhelmed and like you'll never get back to a clean inbox, here are ten of our favorite tips to help you manage the ever-growing mountain of email.

Rest of the article: Top 10 Tricks for Dealing With Email Overload

“Bike for Change” photos now on Facebook « Bike for Life, Moscow Idaho

One September 24, 2011, over 20 local organizations and businesses and 100 individuals participated in the “Bike for Change” Community Bike Ride and Rally in Moscow Idaho (www.pcei.org/bikeforchange) as part of Moving Planet: A Day to Move Beyond Fossil Fuels.

View photos of the event at https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150320958432971.338190.46249002970&type=1

Original post: “Bike for Change” photos now on Facebook « Bike for Life, Moscow Idaho

Rebuilding North Idaho Ice Rink

Sweet and Stout: Beer and Cupcakes

Today was a rare chance where I was let in the kitchen to make the cupcakes for this week, all alone. This time I was able to show off my baking skills to Jackie once again. For this week’s cupcake, I settled on a cinnamon yellow cake and decided to put Quilter’s Irish Death from Iron Horse Brewery in them. This was a easy choice with the brewery calling this beer their “beer candy.”

Rest of the story:
Sweet and Stout

What makes your travel and tourism business unique? Maybe you just haven't found your niche yet. Thought this might give somebody some inspiration.

Jamie Lynn Morgan
Community Creator and Philosophy Marketer
Focus on Dining, Craft Beer, and Bicycle Events/Activities

A Plethora of Food, Wine, Beer, and Events: Harvest Idaho; One Bite at a Time

Get-togethers and festivals are synonymous with the fall season. The cool crisp temperatures combined with the fall harvest create a celebratory atmosphere. Our taste buds crave warm hearty dishes paired with full-bodied libations. We hunger for a “last summer hurrah.” Savor the season. Tap into the local flavors and celebrations and Harvest Idaho: One Bite at a Time. Cheers!

Click to see the list:
A Plethora of Food, Wine, Beer, and Events: Harvest Idaho; One Bite at a Time

Coeur d'Alene Golf Course Trip

War on Main Street At Paul Bunyan Days

Thank you at Wrench60 for sharing this!

Love Farmer's Markets

10 Reasons to Love Farmer’s Markets

September 06, 2011 |
by Lisa Reichenbach


I’m a sucker for farmer’s markets. I find them a 100% reliable source of fun and inspiration. There’s the atmosphere, for starters, which buzzes with the same energy that local market days undoubtedly have for centuries. And there’s also the sense of occasion.

1. Good smells

2. Eccentric hats

3. Fiddlers. OK, maybe a few farmer’s markets out there are fiddleless, but if there’s a soundtrack to farmer’s markets, this is it.

4. Inspiration

5. Farmers. The catch-phrase goes, “Know your farmers, know your food”, and where better to meet your farmers than at a Farmers Market.

6. A sense of abundance grounded in the seasons

7. Freshness

8. Happy children (your own or others)

9. Beauty

10. Life

Check out your own local farmer’s market to see if the same things strike you. You can go to localharvest.org (for US) or farmersmarketscanada.ca (for Canada) to find a farmer’s market near you.

Lisa Reichenbach is an Oxford-educated anthropologist, writer and consultant. She has worked extensively in healthcare, studying first-hand the ways in which culture and behavior shape health and illness. She is currently writing a book on the relationship between fun, play and well-being, and thinks that family dinners are a great way to enjoy them all! Visit her blog at lisareichenbach.wordpress.com

Jamie Lynn Morgan
Relationship Philosophy Marketing
Phone: 208-740-1449
Email: Jamie@nwmarketimg411.com
Website

Customer Preferences Reveal Emerging Social Media Opportunities

Social media has changed how consumers connect with family, friends, and news outlets. And social networking is changing how consumers voice their opinion and interact with retailers and service providers. Increasingly, consumers enjoy interacting online with their preferred brands on a regular basis, according to the study "S-Net, The Impact of Social Media," sponsored by Performics and conducted by ROI Research Inc. The report, which surveyed 2,997 U.S. consumers with access to at least one social network weekly, highlights the differences in how and why consumers use social networks to interact with brands across 18 different industries: alcoholic beverages, apparel, appliances, automotive, education, electronics, entertainment, financial services, food, healthcare and pharmaceuticals, household, magazines and newspapers, non-alcoholic beverages, personal care, restaurants, sports-related, telecommunications and travel. Key findings include:

Read more here:
Customer Preferences Reveal Emerging Social Media Opportunities

Fiber Cereal Vs. Cupcakes? Not So Much

Sometimes getting national publicity can be a good thing and sometimes it can backfire. Not exactly sure I would want my cupcakes being compared to Fiber Cereal. When I think of Fiber Cereal cupcakes don't really come to mind. What are your thoughts?

Using Movies to Boost Tourism

Santa Cruz CA uses old 80's films to convince UK travelers to come and visit. What kinds of ideas can you think of to incorporate all the wonderful films that have been filmed here in North Idaho and Spokane? Link to the video: Santa Cruz Uses The Lost Boys

Cooking Classes, Spuds, Suds, Paella, Whitewater and Wine

If you’re into food, wine and locally sourced menus, it’s time for you to Harvest Idaho: One Bite at a Time. Beginning August 29 running through November 6, you can spice-up your travel itinerary with a unique gastronomic experience unsurpassed by any, featuring local brews, eats, vino and sweets.
The calendar below (September 4 – 10) will introduce you to upcoming food events, activities and chefs giving you the opportunity to experience Idaho’s exceptional harvest season in a variety of ways – and don’t forget to look for the Idaho Preferred seal of approval when purchasing products. Idaho Preferred supports local farmers, ranchers, processors, and communities

List of events:
Cooking Classes, Spuds, Suds, Paella, Whitewater and Wine at Harvest Idaho: One Bite at a Time

Conference Activity Ideas from ITS Conference

The following is an overview of conference hosted activities:

1. Sunset Dinner Cruise aboard the Mish-an-Nock

2. Trail of the Coeur d’Alene Bike Ride

3. Fly Fishing Instruction

4. Half Day Walk and Wade Fishing

5. Wallace Silver Mine and Ghost Town Trolley Tour

6. Horseback Dinner Ride

7. Sunset Kayaking Trip

8. Golf Tournament

These are some great ideas, but what fun interesting thing can you think of that might have showcased our area that was different?

Best Western Coeur d'Alene Inn Video

North Idaho Fair 2011 Photos - Spokesman Mobile - Aug. 18, 2011

Some great photos from the Spokeman Review from the North Idaho Fair.

Click the link to see them North Idaho Fair 2011 Photos - Spokesman Mobile - Aug. 18, 2011

Fly Down the Pend Oreille River in Sandpoint Idaho

This is a beautiful video of the Pend Oreille river:

Customer Service Rules

There tends to be a relaxed attitude in our area and for some reason it has become acceptable for people to show up late to meetings or not show up at all.

Another startling issue is lack of pride in customer service and disregard for customers.

Showing up late or not showing up at all to a designated meeting show a complete disrespect for the other people you are meeting with. Sometimes things happen that can not be avoided. In those cases call and let someone know you will be late and if that still works in the schedule or let someone know you won't make. Don't just show up 15 to 20 minutes late or not at all without calling or informing someone.

Ignoring customer service and not making sure your staff are representing your business in the best possible light is all on you as the business owner.

When people are scrutinizing every penny they spend you can not afford to sit back and just do "business as usual". Unless you want to go out of business, because you have to become the discount king to get customers in your door you have to give them the experience they feel is worthy of paying more for.

I will spend more money at a place I know I will get exceptional service and quality products, but I will only make the mistake of spending extra at a place with a quality product, but horrendous service. I want an experience that makes me feel good when I walk out the door.

Are you providing that for your customers?


Jamie Lynn Morgan
Relationship Philosophy Marketing
Phone: 208-740-1449
Email: Jamie@nwmarketimg411.com
Website

Culinary Tourism: August #FunFriday Taste Trip

Time

Friday, August 26 · 5:00pm - 7:30pm

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Location

Seasons of Coeur d'Alene Fresh Grill & Bar

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Created By

Culinary Tourism Northwest

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More Info

Late notice this month - sorry, all! :) Join us at Coeur d'Alene's delicious new addition - we will meet on the bar side at 5:01pm - stop by and put your feet up!

Why are you on Facebook? Setting goals, taking it seriously | Sheila's Guide To The Good Stuff

Everyone from a newbie travel blogger to an experienced destination marketing organization has confessed to me that the only thing they pay attention to on Facebook is how to get more followers and bigger numbers.

When I ask what they are even doing on Facebook – what are their business goals for their Facebook business Page – they really don’t know.

Read rest here:
Why are you on Facebook? Setting goals, taking it seriously | Sheila's Guide To The Good Stuff

1st-class fliers: Safety first, but next up is lie-flat seat - USATODAY.com

What do first-class and business-class fliers want from an airline?

That depends on the trip, and from what part of the world they're flying.

For most, it's safety first. But a seat that lies flat enough to mimic a bed is also valued for long overseas flights, according to a study released earlier this month by the GBTA Foundation, the Global Business Travel Association's research wing.

Rest of the story:
1st-class fliers: Safety first, but next up is lie-flat seat - USATODAY.com

Kudos For Coeur d'Alene on TripAdvisor

I like to browse the Travel Forums on TripAdvisor first thing when I log in on the computer in the morning to see what questions are being asked about our area and if there is anyone who I can help out with a response to their questions. I found this one this morning and wanted to share it with everyone. (This was someone who had already vacationed in our area answering a post from someone considering coming to Coeur d'Alene.)

We were just vacationing in Coeur D'Alene last week on vacation. We did stuff with and without kids. If you are staying in or near the resort, I recommend... the sea plane ride, kayaking, hanging over at the pool, take in a round of golf, there is a cool museum in town there, go out to dinners (I recommend Wolf Creek Inn)... Not sure if there is a club scene- I didnt notice that. You can alwhttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifays contact the hotel you are staying at (or talk to people when you get there) and ask. You can also drive into Spokane ( bigger city- might have more night life)

The one thing I wanted to point out in that,(besides the fact that they obviously had a good time),is their reference to "talk to people when you get there". Do the locals they will be talking to know about your business? Have you been solely marketing to visitors and travelers and neglecting your own backyard? Referrals online and off from the people who live here year round are happening every day. Don't miss out on an opportunity to tell them why they need to be sending people your way.

Author: Jamie Lynn Morgan, Relationship Philosopher & Community Creator for Travel and Tourism Businesses.

Are Canadians really nicer than Americans? - USATODAY.com

I'm just back from a week in Atlantic Canada and I'd have to say, in general, Canadians are nicer. Or at any rate, they're more trusting.

Without getting into demographic or cultural differences between us and our friendly neighbors to the north, here are three instances in which I enjoyed the kindness of strangers during my visit.

Read rest of story here: Are Canadians really nicer than Americans? - USATODAY.com

2011 Take Pride in Idaho Award Recipients

The final, and arguably most important, activity at the Idaho Conference on Recreation and Tourism is the recognition of individuals and groups whose efforts to promote Idaho’s tourism and recreation resources are felt to be exceptional by their peers. Nine Governor’s Take Pride in Idaho awards were given out this year:

The Outstanding Tourism Community Award was given to the 1910 Fire Commemoration in Historic Wallace and the Silver Valley. A full century has passed since the great fires of 1910 consumed thousands of acres of forest, too many lives, and devastated the town of Wallace.

Read the Rest of the Story: 

2011 Take Pride in Idaho Award Recipients

North Idaho Tourism Summit 2011 Survey

Please be checking your email inbox for the follow up survey for the 2011 North Idaho Tourism Summit. Your feedback is truly appreciated and it will help us as we plan for 2012 and beyond.

If you have not received it and can not find it in your junk mail folder please let us know: Jamie at jamie@nwmarketing411.com or wendi at wendi@frameworkmeetings.com

Tourism Summit Steering Committee Meeting

This Thursday (May 19th, 2011) we will be having our wrap up meeting for the last summit and first meeting for the 2012 Summit.

If you are interested in being part of the Steering Committee please come and join us at Ciao Mambo in Hayden Idaho at 11:30am.

The State of Idaho will be having their Annual Meeting here in Coeur d'Alene next year and we will be discussing what role the Summit Committee and the Summit will have in that meeting.

Looking forward to seeing everyone!

Brian's Bike Buzz: Sandpoint Bike Week 2011

Sandpoint Bike Week 2011

Looks like Summer is coming after all and so is Sandpoint Bike Week. There are many different ways to participate. Here is a run down:

Click this link to read more about it:

Brian's Bike Buzz: Sandpoint Bike Week 2011

State of Idaho Culinary Tourism Initiative

State of Idaho is starting a Culinary Tourism Initiative called "Harvest Idaho- One Bite at a Time" for the shoulder season (Sept. to Nov. 6th) that Idaho Travel/Tourism businesses can participate in. Here are the initiative guidelines:

• Identify food events to support a culinary calendar of quality experiences for both residents and visitors.
• Create 3-day experiences for visitors that include: lodging, unique Idaho food/beverage experience, and an attraction/activity packaged together. 
• Identify signature dishes at local restaurants that feature Idaho products.

To be part of this initiative please communicate food events, 3-day package ideas, and signature dishes at local restaurants to: Diane diane.norton@tourism.idaho.gov

Photos from the Tourism Summit 2011

There are a bunch of photos that have been added to the Facebook Page you can see them here: Tourism Summit 2011

North Idaho Tourism Summit 2011 in the News

At the North Idaho Tourism Summit in Coeur d'Alene Wednesday, many expected business to be better than last year.

According to an Idaho state official, North Idaho is rebounding faster than other parts of the state.

"Well they've got more infrastructure here and a much more vibrant group of people out there working together," said Karen Ballard from the Department of Commerce Tourism Department.

More people are booking hotel rooms, and Silverwood is selling more season passes.

LAST CHANCE! REGISTRATION WILL CLOSE ON MONDAY

I know that none of you are waiting until the last minute, but by chance you are...well the last day to register for this years summit is Monday April 25th. Things to remember:


1. This is the only Summit that is happening this year.
2. There is no onsite registration available.
3. The Strolling Lunch is going to have some Amazing food!
4. Strategic partnerships and new contacts are vital to your business: this is what the summit is all about.


So go on! Get yourself registered and we will see you next Wednesday!

What Happens in 13 Days?

Have you registered yet?  Early Bird Registration of $29 per person ends on April 14^th.

The North Idaho Tourism Summit will be Wednesday, April 27^th – a day of Fostering Strategic Partnerships is planned for you!

·        State and regional updates will be shared

·        Trade Tables have returned to the main meeting room to share information throughout the day

·        Announcing the Culinary Tourism Taste Event – our visitors want to savor the flavor of our region, and the best way to get the word out is to start with YOU! The lunch session this Summit will be a showcase event of some of our regional offerings from a great variety of venues!

Check out the current plans here: http://animoto.com/play/f5jL05eXJx9vvXC0Sdt62A- 

Trade Tables and Taste Event Tables are SOLD OUT!

And REGISTER NOW at: www.NITSummit.com

This is the only Tourism Summit for 2011 and no onsite registrations are available this year. Register by April 14^th for Early Bird; late registrations through April 25^th to reserve your seat at the table!

SEE YOU THIS MONTH!

Thank you Wendi for the email update and reminder!

New start for State Line Speedway : North Idaho Business Journal

POST FALLS – State Line Speedway has rounded a corner.

Owned by brothers Joe and Walt Doellefeld the past 23 years, the 40-acre complex has been sold to Competitive Edge LLC.

“It’s a bittersweet day for my brother and I,” Joe Doellefeld said during a press conference on Thursday attended by about 50 supporters at Red Lion Templin’s Hotel. “We’re in our 60s now, so it’s time to pass the torch.”

“Several years ago, we were approached by a group in Alaska that have energetic, young promoters who assured us that they’d continue the tradition at the track. We kept the sport alive, and this group has the wherewithal to take it to the next level.”

The transition should be smooth due to the new owner’s ties to the speedway

Rest of the story: .New start for State Line Speedway : North Idaho Business Journal

One Week Left for Early Bird Registration for the 2011 Tourism Summit!!

The fifth North Idaho Tourism Summit is shaping up to be the best yet! Of course, bias may be present. Why? I am a foodie. By experience and by passion - and the Summit has a new focus on local food/beverage updates during this year's Culinary Tourism Taste Event!

The Taste Event will be held during what has typically been the lunch break at the Tourism Summit.  Right there at the Tourism Summit, we will be able to connect with local restaurants, find out what's new with the food scene and taste some of their featured offerings.

Travelers are looking to connect with each destination's unique, authentic food and beverage stories now more than ever - knowing the creative talent right here in our region will help you guide our visitors to just the right experience.

Be sure to register for the North Idaho Tourism Summit by April 14th to get the Early Bird ticket pricing, which includes the Culinary Tourism Taste Event!

Check out our latest video for the Tourism Summit here: http://animoto.com/play/f5jL05eXJx9vvXC0Sdt62A

and REGISTER today!

(yep, post by Wendi)

Updates on 2011 North Idaho Tourism Summit

Have you registered for the 2011 North Idaho Tourism Summit yet?
REGISTER HERE:  http://www.rsvpbook.com/event.php?472582

The theme of the day is "Fostering Strategic Partnerships" - throughout the day we will continue to craft partnerships to drive tourism in our region.

Here is the agenda planned for this year's Tourism Summit:

• Welcome and overview of the day
• State of the State update
• Minute Connections (a.k.a. Tourism Speed Dating) - bring 100-120 of your business cards!!
• Chamber/Regional Organization updates from chamber/tourism leaders around the region
• Culinary Tourism Taste Event - featuring the delicious talents of our region
• Partnership Panel - hear from professionals in Culinary Tourism, Ecotourism, Attractions/Venues and Meeting Planning about how they put their strategic partnerships to work to propel their organizations
• Closing, call to action, upcoming regional events and raffle
• Throughout the day: Trade Table time will be offered periodically throughout the day and during the lunch time/Taste Event

If you or someone you know are interested in participating as a Trade Table company, register at http://www.rsvpbook.com/event.php?472582 no later than March 25th to secure the early registration pricing of $89 (includes table, one Summit ticket, promotions pre-Summit, onsite promotions and post-Summit materials).  

To participate as a Culinary Tourism Taste Event company, contact wendi@frameworkmeetings.com ASAP to secure your space before it fills up!

Attendee registration:  http://www.rsvpbook.com/event.php?472582 - Early Bird registration pricing of $29 for attendees ends April 14th! This event sold out in 2010 - no walk-on registrations are available this year.

Remember, this is the only Tourism Summit this year - no fall Summit is scheduled so be sure to join us April 27th to connect with your peers in the industry!  SEE YOU NEXT MONTH!!

Preliminary Agenda for the 2011 North Idaho Tourism Summit

The theme of the day is "Fostering Strategic Partnerships" - throughout the day we will continue to craft partnerships to drive tourism in our region.


Here is the agenda planned for this year's Tourism Summit:

• Welcome and Overview of the Day
• State of the State Updates
• Minute Connections (a.k.a. Tourism Speed Dating! Bring 100-120 of your business cards)
• Chamber/Regional Organization Updates from chamber leaders around the region
• Lunch
• Partnership Panel - hear from professionals in Culinary Tourism, Ecotourism, Attractions/Venues and Meeting Planning
• Closing, Call to Action, Upcoming Regional Events and Raffle

Trade Table time will be offered periodically throughout the day and during the lunch break


Subject to change - check back at www.nitsummit.com for current agenda postings

Save The Date: North Idaho Tourism Summit 2011

Save the Date of

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

For a Day of Fostering Strategic Partnerships at the

2011 Annual North Idaho Tourism Summit

Kootenai County Fairgrounds, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho

Additional Summit Information to Follow

The Tourism Summit Steering Committee