RSBA achievements outlined

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 9, Issue 408, 15 October 1991, Page 8

RSBA achievements outlined

This article is submitted by Ruapehu South Business Association Chairperson Sue Allomes

Since the inception of the Ruapehu South Business Association five years ago some may say little has been achieved. In thinking through our strengths and weaknesses, as any good marketing plan must do, we must admit progress

is happening, even if slowly. Any group survives only on the strength of the individuals who put in the effort, go the ex-

tra mile, have entrepreneurial flair or just sheer guts and determination to succeed. The RSBA has plenty of people like this. That's why the Waimarino can boast that, per head of business population, they have more members who belong to the promotion and business group than any other community in the ManawatuWanganui region. So what does the RSBA do for this community? The most obvious community service is the management and operation of the Ruapehu Visitor Centre. From bus tickets to

shuttle service, accommodation bookings to information on where to find, what to do, they answer thousands of queries from thousands of callers each year. As a New Zealand Tourism Department Networlk Information Centre training standards and standards of service are monitored and must be maintained. This in turn benefits all in the community. The RSBA plays an active role in hosting promotional and sports events. In 1990 'Sing Aoteroa' brought a different cultural basis to the Waimarino, with a second 'Sing Aotearoa' to be held in May 1992.

The first-ever NZ Winter Games was supported by the RSBA and on 11 November the first 'Round-the-Moun-tain' amateur road cycling event is being hosted by this organisation. In the future more events like these will help bring business prosperity to the Waimarino. The RSBA are also the orgainsers for Kiwi Host. It is a service training programme available to any one who works in the service industry which is being run through late October and November. Other business training programmes are in the planning stages

while sponsorship and support has been given to Mrs Bubs Hibbard, the co-ordinator of 'Starting Small', a three day business development course. Throughout the year the RSBA co-ordinates guest speakers and public meetings to discuss subjects of current interest. Jim Little, marketing manager for the Tongariro District Council, Dave Walters mayor of Stratford and Garrick Workman, Mayor of Ruapehu District Council, have all had the opportunity to express their points of view. RSBA Representation on the Manawatu- Wanganui Regional and Ruapehu District Councils Tourist and Promotion sub committees ensures that the views of local people are considered in planning decisions. Although a controversial issue, the employment of a marketing executive is a high priority for the majority of RSBA mem-

bers. This appointment will ensure that the Waimarino will have a chance to attract increased visitors and thereby increasing business productivity and increased employment for local people. Although supported by the Ruapehu District Council in the form of space to house the Information Centre and some funds to complete the recent upgrading no directfunding is received from council to pay for the operation or any promotional activities the Business Association may take part in. Commission from bookings generate the majority of income needed to operate and subscriptions from RSBA members ensure administration costs are covered. Ruapehu South Business Association needs your support. For further information contact the Ruapehu Visitor Centre 58 427, 9.00 - 4.30 Monday to Friday.