Rink

if you are out of the building for longer than 15 minutes. 11. Install motion sensor light switch- es in any room that will not be occupied continuously by staff or customers. Natural Gas/Propane If you are using natural gas or propane for heating, it is important to have your boilers and heaters checked by an authorized technician. Most states require that boilers are inspected and certified at least on a biannual basis. Ask the technician to inspect the equipment for operating efficiency. Ask for suggestions on how to conserve on your gas bill. Employee training For arenas to truly realize their full profit potential, they must stop looking at their employees as negotiable financial control devices and begin viewing them as the valuable resources they are! When properly trained, led, and inspired, employees have the potential to save com- panies far more than they actually cost. Combine an effective strategic plan with modest investments in employee develop- ment, and you will recognize gains in cus- tomer satisfaction and retention as well as profitability. If an employee is made to feel that they are an integral part of the operation, they may be more inclined to go the extra mile for the operation. As a manager, make sure to recognize those efforts: a simple "thank you" or " I really appreciate what you did today" can go a long way for employee morale. If you build it, they will come In extraordinary economic times like these, the natural tendency is to just hunker down and cut back on expenses. News flash! That's exactly the kind of strategy that will hang you. Be creative and use your uniqueness as a lure to bring customers old and new into your rink. Families are looking for affordable activities, and ice skating is a great option. Public ice skating at most rinks is more affordable than taking the family out to the movies or bowling. Focus your marketing efforts on that afford- ability and on the additional benefits of ice skating, such as health, fitness, quali- ty family time. If you're not luring your old customers back and new customers in based on something they feel they can't get anywhere else, your days may be numbered. Try to diversify your events and offer something special to your users. Make them want to come back for more. ★ Jeff Theiler is manager of the Comcast Community Rink in Everett, WA. Dave Geiger is manager of the Waterville Arena in Waterville, NH. rink issues ■ Economy 38_Rink issues:rink issues 4/30/09 12:35 PM Page 40

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