Client: Ministry of Rural and Community Development Province of British Columbia
Project: Resort Municipality Tax Transfer (RMTT) Investment Assessment
Cadence Strategies was engaged together with the Whistler Centre for Sustainability to review the qualitative and quantitative returns achieved by 13 resort communities in British Columbia arising from their investment of RMTT funds. Overall provincial impacts as well as specific community returns were estimated and recommendations made to government regarding the continuation of the program.
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“Please accept my congratulations on completing a report that is one of the best tourism reviews I’ve had the pleasure to read. The charts were excellent and the conclusions well presented. This evaluation presents clearly the quantitative and qualitative outcomes of the RMI program…. . We all appreciate all the efforts of you and Suzanne in preparing this report.”
Dannie Carsen
Community Analyst
Community Projects Section
Governance and Structure Division
Ministry of Community and Rural Development
Client: King Pacific Lodge, A Rosewood Resort
Project: Business strategy development and implementation including all aspects of marketing, sales, operations, finance and administration
Suzanne Denbak held the position of Vice President for five years (2004-2009) working closely with the President to establish and implement business strategy related to media relations, web presence, tour operator relations, guest experience, employee recruitment and training, annual budget and daily monitoring of financial performance in season, risk management and finance.
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“Suzanne provided both strategic thoughtfulness and a pragmatic focus on results for King Pacific Lodge. Our success as a leader in sustainable tourism in British Columbia and as one of the top-rated resorts in the world requires the passion, dedication and contributions of individuals such as Suzanne.”
Robert Penman
Former General Manager
King Pacific Lodge
Client: Coastal First Nations – Turning Point Initiative
Project: Sustainable tourism feasibility study – luxury wilderness resort concept
Working together with King Pacific Lodge, Cadence Strategies provided a comprehensive review of the business feasibility of the development of five luxury wilderness resorts in Coastal First Nations’ territories. Critical success factors related to location and guest experience were developed and a business model estimating internal rate of return constructed in order to ascertain financial sustainability of the proposal. Governance and ownership models were developed for consideration by First Nations’ leadership.
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“Suzanne’s business expertise assisted Coastal First Nations in understanding the feasibility of developing luxury wilderness resorts in the Central, North Coast and Haida Gwaii. Her skills and experience cover all aspects of business from marketing and sales, to operations resulting in a realistic assessment of the financial returns from this proposal. She communicates the results of her work clearly and displays a thoughtful appreciation of First Nations issues and concerns with sustainable development in their territories.”
Art Sterritt
Executive Director
Coastal First Nations – Great Bear Initiative
Client: Northern Secwepemc Cultural Society
Project: Feasibility Study of Proposed Cultural Centre
Suzanne Denbak worked together with an architectural team to assess the feasibility of the development of a First Nations Cultural Centre at 108 Mile House for the five Northern Secwepemc communities (Eskétemc - Alkali Lake, Tsq'escen - Canim Lake, Stswécemc - Canoe Creek, Xat'súll - Soda Creek, T’exelc - Williams Lake). This scope of work included comprehensive stakeholder consultations regarding local aspirations for the facility and visitor experiences to be shared, identification and consultation with potential partner organizations and a review of available market research. As well, a comprehensive business plan (visitation estimates, pricing structure, revenue streams, operating costs etc.) was developed that considered both operating and capital requirements for the Cultural Centre.
Suzanne also facilitated discussions with local community representatives to develop key market messages and a regional brand identity that will be used by the Cultural Centre and by new tourism businesses to be launched in each of the five Northern Secwepemc communities. Using the Cultural Centre as a ‘launch point’, the project also studied the development of several new community supported sustainable tourism experiences for visitors wishing to have a more immersive cultural experience.
Client: Carrier Chilcotin Tribal Council
Project: Tourism Opportunities Study – Nuxalk/Mackenize Grease Trail
Suzanne Denbak was engaged to review the tourism opportunities available to First Nations communities with territories along the historic Nuxalk/Mackenzie Grease Trail from Bella Coola to Quesnel. Six communities were engaged in a facilitated discussion and their opportunities and concerns with tourism development identified (Nuxalk Nation, Ulkatcho, Lhtako Dené Nation, Lhoosk’uz Dene Government, Nazko First Nation, Lheidli Tenneh First Nation). Market research was examined and highest opportunity target markets and their experiential needs identified. Product development opportunities were assessed given the unique cultural and natural offerings available and potential tourism product itineraries developed. A tourism marketing strategy and implementation considerations were also included in the final tourism opportunities study.
Client: Buffalo Nations Luxton Museum Society
Project: Reinvention of Museum Concept
Suzanne Denbak was engaged by Robertson Enterprises to assist the Buffalo Luxton Museum in Banff, AB in its reinvention. This assignment included a review of market research related to cultural facilities and aboriginal experiences, consultation with potential partner organizations (Banff Lake Louise Tourism, The Banff Centre, etc.) and a review of comparable facilities to identify transferable lessons. A comprehensive plan was developed that would transform the facility into an authentic and engaging experience for visitors and would reverse declines in facility revenue and profitability. This plan included a staged implementation that recognized financial and human capacity constraints.
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“Suzanne provided exceptional guidance in understanding market trends related to aboriginal cultural tourism and the translation of these opportunities into a realistic plan to reinvent the Buffalo Luxton Museum in Banff.”
Mr. Terry Robertson, BA, MBA
Robertson Enterprise Consulting
Client: Callaway: Resort, Gardens Preserve
Project: Branding and competitive positioning
Client: Red Mountain Ventures
Project: Economic impact of proposed gold course development
Suzanne was engaged as part of a multi-disciplinary team to assess the impact of a proposed golf course development at the base of Red Mountain. Her contribution to the project included a review of estimated incremental tourism impacts associated with destination golfers including impacts on hotel occupancy and room rate. She further assessed the implications of the development on Municipal finances includes estimates of incremental property taxes and incremental costs associated with roads, parks and other amenities.
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“Suzanne’s background in finance and economics as well as her designation as a Chartered Accountant compliment her knowledge and experience in the tourism industry and allow her to assess economic impacts associated with tourism development. Suzanne was an important contributor to the project and provided important insights to both potential benefits and costs of the proposed golf course development.”
Mr. Don Thompson
Vice President
Red Mountain Ventures
Client: Whistler Museum & Archives
Project: Feasibility Study for Proposed Museum Concept
Building upon her previous work in concept development for the Whistler Museum & Archives, Suzanne was asked to join a multi-disciplinary team of consultants studying the feasibility of the proposed new Whistler Museum & Archives concept. Her work included review of potential revenues from admission, programs and special exhibits. As well, she contributed expertise to site selection and to an assessment of capital and operating costs including labour, program delivery expenses and marketing/sales budgets. This study also included a stakeholder engagement process that involved the organization’s Board of Directors, the local Whistler community and potential partner organizations.
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“Suzanne’s strong financial and analytical skills compliment her knowledge of tourism markets and the experiences that visitors are seeking allowing her to accurately assess the feasibility of new tourism businesses and cultural facilities. We would welcome the opportunity to work with Suzanne again.”
Mr. David Whetter
Cornerstone Planning Group
The Bottom Line: Suzanne will deliver results and help you achieve your tourism objectives. Read what my clients have to say here.