Aka “Authentic”, “Authentic B and Bs” or “The Association” was established circa 1993 as a collection of business-minded B&B owners to pool resources; establish shared operating standards; and create an advocacy group within the lodging hospitality industry of Lancaster County.
As of this writing ‘Authentic’ has 40 B&B members representing farm stays, historic homes, re-captured properties, new and old Victorians, an Inn that serves dinners, a log cabin, and comfortable homes dotted throughout the towns and villages of the county. Its membership represents about 175 rooms. All members pay not only a 6% state sales tax, but a local 1.1 lodging tax that helps the local tourism bureau (Pennsylvania Dutch Visitors and Convention Bureau, www.padutchcountry.com/). As the largest B&B lodging association in the county, ‘Authentic’ has active roles within the local and state hospitality industry.
‘Authentic’ functions as a “not for profit” organization whose primary purposes include:
1.) to promote lodging within its member properties;
2.) to promote Lancaster County as a year-round travel destination; and
3.) to serve as a professional business organization which supports professional growth among its innkeepers.
‘Authentic’ has developed and written a set of By-Laws and Standing Rules. These provide organizational structure, as well as operational guidelines for our monthly meetings; as well as set procedures and standards for membership inclusion, election of officers, appointment of essential committee chairs, and the development of annual budgets. Likewise the By-Laws/Standing Rules establish operating standards for our B&B innkeepers, while the association respects that each member has its own unique offerings. Its innkeepers, do all the ‘work’ as volunteers within the organization, from officers to chairpersons, to members helping in ‘Authentic’ events or projects.
‘Authentic’ has its branding logo, a marketing website with mapped and indexed member properties' availability, as well as ‘Authentic’ marketing, gift certificates, and e-commerce of Authentic products. The ‘Authentic’ website also offers blogs, a subscription Newsletter, member innkeeper recipes, a marketing video, and a list of officers and chair email contacts.So why would one want to go to a bed and breakfast for a Lancaster County stay, and why an ‘Authentic’ B and B? Or, if I were a B and B owner in Lancaster County why would an ‘Authentic’ membership be beneficial?
The first question is partially answered at the ‘Authentic’ website page titled “Why stay at a Bed and Breakfast?” (www.authenticbandb.com). What makes Authentic B and Bs have even greater value than already expressed is:
1. Its high standards for membership.
Not only are local and state standards of safety, cleanliness and operations used, but there are strong Standing Rules which address innkeepers’ professionalism with guests and their services, other Association members, as well as other business related to the lodging hospitality industry. So a traveler (business or vacationing) can be assured that the generic response to “why stay in a bed and Breakfast?” as a better way to stay is maintained in 'Authentic', and the professionalism to which such is attended is of high quality.
2. So why is ‘Authentic’ so great?
Well, by simply dialing 800.552.2632 you can speak to one of its innkeepers who will help you not only find perfect selections within our association properties, but will also help create your adventure in Lancaster Co. ‘Authentic’ innkeepers become your personal concierge; offer a cookbook of great yummy recipes for purchase; find those special out-of-way places; and offer coupons and a ‘passport’ for your return visit.
The 2nd question of Authentic B&B membership also has value-based choices:
1. Yes, size does matter!
Forty (40) members can generate a great deal of resources (marketing monies, creative ideas, professional collaboration, people power, expanded social network, etc.).
2. These resources and energies must be gathered, allocated, and directed… and this requires organizational business structures to meet these challenges. It also requires a transparent democratic approach of involving innkeepers in their own organization, marketing directions, event planning, and professional development. These are challenging opportunities.
Authentic is still growing as a professional business organization with advocacy impact in Lancaster County, as well as becoming visible in Pennsylvania and nationally. Likewise, as this growth happens, the organization is evolving internally to meet the challenges of increased membership, new projects as part of its advocacy, and new issues that naturally occur with membership growth.
We are Authentic… in spirit, in presentation, in representing Lancaster County Bed and Breakfasts. If you are visiting, come to our homes, you are welcome. If you are seeking professional growth as a B&B owner, you are welcome to become involved.
E. J. Bowman House
http://www.ejbowmanhouse.com/
Membership Chair, Murphey
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