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Changing NIMBY to "Welcome Aboard"

By Ana M. Kinkaid
Published: 07/12/07 Topics: Comments:

Sooner or later every vacation rental owners encounters NIMBYism (or Not in My Back Yard syndrome). It might be voiced by a county commission or by a local neighbor. But no matter its source, you must address the issue - in advance if possible.

Here are some of the things you can do to silence that single critic before he or she becomes a chorus that can disturb and even possibly cause your business to close:

1. GET A BUSINESS LICENSE
If you do not have a license you are operating illegal. Without a business license you are not a valid member of your local business community.

2. PAY YOUR TAXES
Pay all the taxes related to operate your vacation rental - that includes both property and sales taxes. All valid members of the hospitality industry pay their taxes. Avoiding your taxes will result in other members of the hospitality industry questioning your place in their industry.

3. JOIN THE COMMUNITY & PROFESSIONAL TOURISM ORGANIZATIONS
That may include your state lodging association, local and regional tourist associations and professional trade organizations. Not only can these organizations provide you with a world of useful information, but they can be supportive during difficult times.

4. BUY LOCALLY
Purchasing locally lets everyone know you are contributing to your community. You are helping the local economy, not hurting it.

5. HIRE LOCALLY
Whenever possible, hire from the local area. Being able to demonstrate that the dollars you bring into the community are spent locally only strengthens your position as a positive member of the community.

6. BE INVOLVED
Join local activities and let people get to know you and your business before there are any problems. When people know you, they are much more likely to speak to you first if there is a problem. Make yourself available. Consider sponsoring a little league team or volunteering for an annual event. It is time well spent.

7. KNOW WHO TO KNOW
Take some times and find out who are the power players in your area. It might be your neighbor or your local representative to the state senate. Find out who can help you and make an effort to get to know them or their aide. Be sure that this person knows your name and that you are a business person who benefits the community they serve.

8. FORM A REGIONAL TRADE GROUP
Contact the other owners of vacation rentals in your area and form a regional support association. VROA can help you do that. Working together you can speak with a more powerful voice than if you speak as a single isolated person. You can also purchase in bulk more easily and so reduce your costs. Never forget there is a great power in numbers.

These are just some of the ways that you can defeat NIMBYism in advance. Let us know at VROA how you have addressed the issue and we'll share your success with our other members. If we all work together our exciting segment of the industry will continue to grow and develop!

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MEMBER INPUT:

Send in your tips and ideas, concerns and compliments. We are each others' best source for how to success. I enjoy your calls and emails. You can reach me at 206-343-7777, ext 920 or Ana @vroa.org

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TOP PROPERTY: Harbor Hill Inn & Cottages, Saranac Lake, NY
adirondackvacations.comadirondackvacations.com

This week's top property is the beautiful Harbor Inn & Cottages. Located in a wooded lakeside setting, this property is perfect for both summer fun and winter delights. From fishing to skiing, this owner's web site presents a clear picture to viewers of just how much they will enjoy this property.

A variety of lodging formats are available for guests from cozy cottages to an entire lodge for larger groups. Reservations can be for a weekend or a week - a choice guests often enjoy. With a wide range of amenities such as hot tubs, paddle boats, BBQ grills and fully equipped kitchens in every unit, guests can easily visualize the great time they will have here.

Congratulations to Harbor Hill Inn & Cottages for creating a great web site and an outstanding property!

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VROA OWNER NEWSLETTER
Published weekly for all Members
Copyright - Vacation Rental Owners Association
Read this and all prior newsletters at VROA.orgVROA.org

Director & Editor - Ana Kinkaid, Ana@VROA.orgAna@VROA.org
Publisher - William May, William@VROA.orgWilliam@VROA.org
P.O. Box 21305
Seattle, WA 98111-3305
Voice: 206-343-7777, ext 920
Fax: 206-628-0839
Email: info@VROA.orginfo@VROA.org
WEB: (VROA.org)VROA.org

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Author: Ana M. Kinkaid, Vacation Rental Association
Blog #: 0075 – 07/12/07