Becoming a WBBA Member
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Become a WBBA Member!
The Wisconsin Bed and Breakfast Association (WBBA) was created in 1987 by innkeepers dedicated to maintaining high standards of hospitality. Wisconsin's finest Bed & Breakfasts and Inns have chosen to join WBBA: our present membership of about 200 B&B / Inns represents all areas of the state.
Why should you join WBBA? Our mission statement says it all:
To enhance the success of all members by promoting the bed & breakfast experience, by promoting quality standards, by encouraging networking and educational opportunities, and by providing a voice for innkeepers and the industry.
So, we're here to enhance the success of your business ... and together we'll accomplish that through the services and programs available from WBBA for each member.
Boost your business and enhance your innkeeping enjoyment and efficiency with services from WBBA …
Your Inn Here: www.wbba.org / www.WisconsinBandB.com Your text and photos are always current because you have the ability to update them at any time! You may also add "Specials" and events on your region's calendar. Your Inn Here: The Wisconsin Bed & Breakfast Directory Your Inn Here: Monthly E-Zine PR ... getting the B&B story – and your story - told On Air … Online … Onsite Increase your income: Meet Your Fellow Innkeepers at Meetings & Conventions: You'll be 'in the loop' Increase your visibility and "clout" Apply For WBBA Membership ... Anytime is a good time! 2010 membership: “Start My Benefits Now!” pro-rated dues for remainder of year NEW: for new members, dues may be paid quarterly for 2010 and 2011. Ask us for details!
The greatest challenge for a B&B innkeeper is directing viewers to your own website. Our site is optimized to promote every member's B&B in a variety of ways - through text, searches, keywords, 'featured inn' listing, and multiple links to the member's own website. www.wbba.org (additional urls are used to track marketing) is at the top of most searches for Wisconsin B&Bs and cities with B&Bs.
WBBA commits significant resources to retain one of the hospitality industry’s leading webmasters to develop and promote our site featuring each member inn listing. In 2009, our website underwent a reprogramming and redesign, adding new features such as mapping, tourism trails, blogs … to even better promote WBBA member inns!
• NEW WBBA member Inns are announced and featured on a special www.wbba.org page.
• WBBA adds your inn to www.travelwisconsin.com, the WI Dept of Tourism site, with a "trip planner."
• NEWEST FEATURE: our website is now “mobi” - mobile-phone compatible
In an increasingly electronic age, traveler demand for a printed B&B directory remains high. 78,000 full color 2010-2011 directories were printed & distributed by request through the Wisconsin Department of Tourism, visitors' bureaus, chambers, tourism attractions, and innkeepers. The WBBA Directory provides readers adequate information to make a reservation, locate the inn by GPS coordinates, and directs readers to WBBA’s website for more complete & current B&B information.
A monthly ezine - "Seek the Unique" is emailed to thousands of subscribers. Who are these individuals? They are travelers who like to B&B ... so our lighthearted and newsy ezine (electronic magazine) shares B&B specials, recipes, and tips on B&B-ing. Most importantly, each issue features a theme, for example, biking & B&Bs or B&Bs on water, and member B&Bs are featured. So, when you tell us what is special about your inn, we'll broadcast it to thousands! (Subscribe to the ezine from www.wbba.org and read what your guests are reading)
• We put B&Bs in the news ... our professional PR consultant and writer places press releases and stories with travel writers and newspapers throughout the state (and over the borders, too). Our PR creates memorable stories – often a ‘clip & save’ article which results in a reservation years later!
• WBBA is regularly contacted by travel writers to recommend B&Bs that fit their upcoming article – our email updates to members notify members of these opportunities! In 2009 & 2010 – each issue of Wisconsin Trails Magazine has a B&B feature article, coordinated by WBBA. All member inns have access to discounted ad rates.
• Member B&B's receive regular press releases and ‘working with the media tips’ to use to enhance their individual visibility – these are accessible anytime on the “Members Only” section of www.wbba.org.
• TV spots aired in the Twin Cities (MN) in Spring/Summer 2009.
• Streaming (radio / computer) spots aired in the Chicago area in Summer 2009.
• Twin Cities (MN) lifestyle magazine ad / online presence Spring / Summer 2009-2010
• WBBA’s sponsorship & booth at the Milwaukee Food & Wine event in October 2009 was popular: 1000 attendees signed up for our monthly ezine!
• WBBA traveled to the Minneapolis MN Food & Wine event in 2010: 400 new ezine subscribers!
• Chicago & Wisconsin Public TV fundraisers feature B&B packages coordinated by WBBA: publicity not available to individual B&Bs
• And continual B&B exposure throughout the year!
In addition to enhancing the success of your business through increased visibility and occupancy, WBBA provides additional income opportunities and savings.
• Credit Card Processing Program
• Sales of the WBBA cookbooks – innkeepers buy at wholesale, sell at retail
• Redemption of INN-Comparable Gift Certificates issued by WBBA
These gatherings provide opportunities to learn and refine innkeeping skills, and exchange ideas with innkeepers.
• Laptop Seminar (April 2010): a 5-hour session to learn blogging, facebook, twitter, Google analytics, trip advisor … the latest social media and tools for marketing your B&B
• Annual Conference features educational seminars often focusing on economical & effective B&B promotional methods, plus vendors with B&B products and services on exhibit at the innkeeper trade show. 2010 date: Nov 7-8-9, in Wisconsin Dells. And, start your oven – our popular Innkeeper Iron-Chef competition is back!
• Each WBBA tourism region has regularly scheduled meetings throughout the year.
Member Updates: worried about scams ... how to minimize 'chargebacks' ... what legislation will affect you as an innkeeper? WBBA keeps you up-to-date on issues of interest to you as an innkeeper, through regular email updates, the WBBA ezine and ‘late-breaking’ marketing opportunities by email notification.
Innkeeper Coffee Break: a frequent ‘how-to’ newsletter focusing on marketing and the latest lodging trends
Legislation affects your inn - your livelihood! WBBA represents nearly 200 small businesses in Wisconsin and is a voice for the B&B industry on legal and licensing issues that affect inns and innkeepers. As an innkeeper in Wisconsin, you now enjoy the following as a result of WBBA's proactive work with the governmental agencies that regulate the B&B industry:
• B&B guestroom limit increased from 4 rooms to 8 rooms
• Complimentary wine may be served to guests
• Guests in a B&B's additional buildings (TRH license) may be served breakfast in the B&B
• A B&B structure at least 50 years old may expand in compliance with residential building codes rather than commercial building codes.
• and WBBA is a member of the Tourism Federation of Wisconsin & Room Tax Coalition
Apply for membership at your earliest opportunity. Your membership benefits begin immediately following inspection, approval, and payment. Give your B&B increased visibility immediately on WBBA’s website.
You may apply at any time of year; your membership fees are pro-rated for partial-year membership.
Your application fee (separate from dues) of $275 includes one on-site WBBA Standards Inspection, scheduled with you a minimum of 7 days in advance - it is not a surprise visit!
Examples of pro-rated dues amounts for July - December (6 months / cash discount rate)
• $243 for a 2-guest bedroom B&B ($40.40 per month - payable quarterly)
• $309 for a 4-guest bedroom B&B - ($51.40 per month - payable quarterly)
• $393 for an 8-guest bedroom B&B – ($65.39 per month - payable quarterly)
Wisconsin Bed & Breakfast Association
How to apply for Membership …
1. Complete the “New Member Application” form obtained from WBBA.
2. Submit application, copy of licenses, application fee.
Application fee is $275 and includes one on-site Standards Inspection.
Note: application fee is a one time fee when membership is continuous.
Application fee is separate from membership dues.
Review WBBA’s Standards Inspection Criteria.
Take the checklist, walk through your inn, correct any deficiencies …
94 points are needed for membership eligibility.
4. Contact WBBA with any questions about the inspection.
5. Schedule your on-site inspection at a convenient time – our inspector will contact you.
6. Pass the inspection with ‘flying colors’!
7. Your Membership Eligibility is confirmed by Board of Directors.
8. Dues Payment Options:
“Start My Membership Now” for 2010
Payment of dues activates your membership. Dues amount is pro-rated to match the number of months remaining in the year. New members may pay dues quarterly for the 2010 and 2011 membership years.
9. Press-Release announces your WBBA Membership.
10. You receive the ‘Using Your Membership” binder which instructs you how to use WBBA’s member services.
11. You receive your WBBA website “Member Login” password and instructions for building /editing your listing.
12. You receive continual assistance to promote your inn through WBBA’s venues, notices of opportunities, education, camaraderie … and of course, increased occupancy!
We invite you to contact us for additional information and the membership application form ... we look forward to partnering with you to provide warm Wisconsin hospitality!
WBBA Standards Inspection Checklist
Standards Inspection Criteria: Points assigned follow the item. 94 points are required for WBBA Membership.
A. Required Items (updated 01-01-2010)
(Inn must have 1-7 and 8&9 if applicable; licenses are verified by the WBBA office prior to the inspection)
1. Liability Insurance
2. Fire extinguishers conspicuously located on each floor
3. Smoke detector on each floor
4. Smoke detector in each guest room
5. Carbon Monoxide detector
6. Electrical outlets within three feet of water are GFCI
7. Refrigeration temperature (per thermometer) at or < 40 F
8. Occupancy Permits if required *
9. Two exits and compliance with building codes are required for third floor guest rooms *
Starred items (*) below receive the designated points in "does not apply" situations.
B. MANAGEMENT
1. Marketing materials accurately describe:
A. Facility/Services Offered 1/2
B. Location 1/2
C. Current Rates 1/2
D. Acceptable methods of payment 1/2
E. Reservation/Deposit/Cancellation/Refund policy 1/2
F. In house pet(s) 1/2*
G. Bathrooms on a different level from bedroom 1/2*
H. Private unattached bathrooms 1/2*
I. Basement Guest Rooms 1/2*
J. Smoking Policy 1/2
K. Breakfast Policy 1/2
2. Breakfast table place setting items clean & in good repair 1
3. Sample written menu affirms type of breakfast listed in brochure and directory 1
4. Guest Registration Method (e.g. guest book, cards) 1/2
5. On premises or readily available host who is courteous, professional, and operates on an ethical and businesslike basis. Rude, indifferent or inhospitable service is unacceptable. 2
6. Means of answering incoming telephone calls at all times (e.g. staff, call forwarding, answering machine or service) 1
7. Telephone available for guest use 1/2
8. Emergency phone numbers posted on or next to every phone 1
C. MAINTENANCE & SAFETY
1. Exterior
A. Building exterior is well maintained & in good repair (e.g. intact window panes & screens, roof, siding materials & paint) 5
B. Exterior inn sign or house numbers visible from street or in compliance with signage ordinances 3
C. Walkways & parking areas in good condition, smooth, free of debris 3
D. Lawn & grounds groomed & free of debris 2
E. Adequate exterior lighting of:
a. Guest parking areas 1
b. Guest walkways 1
c. Guest entries 1
F. Handrail(s) on exterior stairways in excess of three steps except when exempted by building codes 1*
2. Interior
A. Furnishings are in good repair & comfortable 3
B. Surfaces are clean & in good repair:
a. walls / wall coverings 1
b. ceilings 1
c. floors / floor coverings 1
C. Adequate interior lighting of:
a. guest halls 1/2
b. guest common areas 1/2
D. Handrail(s) on interior stairways in excess of three steps except when exempted by building codes 1*
E. Fire exit route(s) conspicuously posted 1
a. guest halls 1/2
b. guest common areas 1/2
D. CLEANLINESS
Cleanliness is of primary importance and applies to the entire inn, including public areas, guest rooms, bathrooms and dining areas
1. Vacuum: carpets, rugs, furniture, stairs 4
2. Floors: swept, washed, waxed 4
3. Dusting: cobwebs, pictures, knickknacks, furniture, baseboards, ceiling fans 4
4. Disinfect & Sanitize: bathrooms, showers, tubs, toilets, sink & tiles, kitchen & dishes 4
5. Clean: blinds, windows & sills, mirrors, light fixtures, curtains 4
E. GUEST ROOMS: SAFETY & HEALTH, COMFORT
1. Adequate interior lighting of guest rooms 1
2. Each guest room equipped with inside privacy lock or latch 1
3. Beds are required as primary sleeping surfaces 3
4. Excellent quality, condition & comfort of bed components:
a. mattress 1
b. springs 1
5. Bed linens: clean, free of holes & stains: top sheet, bottom sheet, mattress pad, pillowcase & protector on each pillow 4
6. Adequate blankets in addition to bedspread 1/2
7. Guest rooms are devoid of innkeepers personal belongings unless they are made inaccessible to guests 2
8. Bedside lamp in guest room w/adequate light: 60 watt min. 2
9. Adequate heating in guest areas (heat vents, radiators etc.) 2
10. Adequate ventilation in guest areas (central a/c, window a/c units, operational windows, screens, vents) 2
11. Wastebasket with disposable liner in each guest room that does not have a private attached bath. 1/2
F. BATHROOMS: COMFORT & SAFETY
1. Plumbing & plumbing fixtures well maintained and in good repair, with adequate water pressure & hot water supply. 2
2. Well illuminated bathroom mirror at sink with GFCI outlet 1
3. Night light in shared bath(s) 1*
4. Bathmats or non-skid rugs in guest bathrooms 1/2
5. Individual bathmats provided for each room using a shared bath 1/2
6. Inside privacy lock or latch on shared bathroom door 1*
7. A ready-to-use disinfectant is available in shared bath(s) 2*
8. Bath linens: clean, free of holes & stains. One each per guest: bath towel, hand towel, wash cloth. 2
9. Travel green inns: sign or other method to indicate choice of reusing towels in lieu of daily fresh towels. 1*
10. Wastebasket with disposable liner in each bathroom. 1/2
G. SAFETY and HEALTH
1. Hot tub, spa, whirlpool, swimming pool:
a. Clean and in good repair 1/2*
b. Appropriate warning & usage signs posted 1/2*
2. Kitchen, food preparation & serving areas comply with
applicable state & local ordinances
a. Housekeeping: stove, refrigerator, walls, countertops 4
b. Dishwasher / Sanitizing system 1
OVERALL ASSESSMENT (Inspector comments required) 5
INSPECTION SUMMARY: Total Points 1 0 0
Points Deducted - _______
Total Earned _______
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS:
REVIEW FINDINGS HAVE BEEN DISCUSSED WITH THE INNKEEPER(S): __________
Innkeeper Signature _____________________________________________________Date________________________________
Reviewer Signature______________________________________________________Date_______________________________
