Masters of Marketing meet in Banff
By Barbara Lueth
The Masters of Marketing is a select group of Golomb Group members who meet twice a year to brainstorm blockbuster marketing ideas. These
ideas come from both within the group and from outside sources that are
carefully sought out by Dennis McCrory and the local hosting members.
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Members come from all parts of North America to discuss trends, opinions, and
new marketing ideas in the drycleaning industry. Each member has a chance to
talk about their most innovative marketing efforts and the group actively
discusses the plusses and minuses of each new idea. While there are many “cost” groups for drycleaners, there are very few “marketing” groups.
The members meet every six months, which gives them a chance to implement new
ideas and report back to the group on how well these ideas have helped their
businesses.
The Masters of Marketing gathered in Banff, Canada, on June 11. This marked the
second anniversary of this select group.
Dave Barker of Drycleaning by Dave served as host along with Candice Barker and
Jeff Mills.
The meeting began with a visit to their two existing plants in Canmore and
Cochrane. At each stop members of the group were able to observe the operation,
ask questions relating to the business and offer input based on their own
personal experience.
A third location is scheduled to open in August. This will be a “boutique” store in a fast-growing, upscale section of Calgary. They plan to use this
location to grow their Wedding Gown Specialists franchise.
The remainder of the workweek was spent in meetings designed to focus on the
specific needs of the members. A presentation by each participant was followed
by a group discussion. Successes, as well as failures, were shared, all in an
effort to increase knowledge and assist in the implementation of new ideas.
Once the meeting adjourned, it was time to explore the spectacular surroundings.
Most travel professionals consider Banff, which is located between famous Lake
Louise and the Canadian Rockies, to be one of the top destinations in the world
for both beauty and tranquility.
Banff is a modern town in every sense. It is a world-class destination for
shopping, dining and outdoor activities. But it is also a place to leave behind
the hustle and bustle of everyday life. You are free to let her warmth and
beauty wrap its arms around you.
Founded in 1883, it was discovered when two Canadian Pacific Railway workers
went prospecting for gold. Instead, they happened upon the world-famous hot
springs.
Today, the town has 8,000 permanent residents and is the only civic center in
Canada situated within a national park. An estimated four million visitors
travel to Banff each year to experience its unparalleled scenery.
Wherever you look, you’re sure to see the snow-capped peaks of the rugged Canadian Rockies. Another
common citing is wildlife. Members of the group saw elk, moose, deer, bighorn
sheep, black bears and a grizzly.
One of the better known tourist attractions is the historic Banff Springs Hotel.
Opened in 1888, it is set just above Bow Falls, close to the thermal springs.
The original four-story wooden building burned in 1926 and was replaced by a
larger structure, in its current form, in 1928. The castle-like grandeur has
been preserved and enhanced by its spectacular setting. Today it is listed as
one of the premier resorts in the world.
Leaving downtown, the group went to Moraine Lake and Lake Louise. The lakes,
themselves, were formed from melting glaciers. The striking blue-green color of
the water comes from a high concentration of fine sediment, which is formed as
heavy glaciers grind their way across the mountainsides.
Lake Louise is set against the backdrop of Victoria Glacier. It is the most
photographed scene in the Canadian Rockies. Originally known as Lake of Little
Fishes, it was renamed in honor of Queen Victoria’s fourth daughter, Princess Louise Caroline Alberta.
Heads of state and celebrities long ago experienced the pleasures of Lake
Louise. Increasingly the rest of the world is discovering its charm and natural
beauty. It boasts some of the finest ski areas in North America and offers
numerous other outdoor activities.
The journey continued as the group headed north to the Canadian Icefields. The
icefields are made up of eight glaciers covering an area of 200 square miles
with solid ice up to 1,200 feet deep. The 90-minute tour by snow coach included
a walk on an actual glacier.
Our time together ended and we went our separate ways, but the memories will
last forever… or least until the next Masters of Marketing meeting in November.
Barbara Lueth has more than 30 years experience as a direct-mail specialist and
has been a senior account executive with the Golomb Group for more than 20
years.
