Ontario’sHighlandsTourismOrganization

2017 - 2018Application for Nomination

Board of Directors

Thank you for your interest in getting involved with theOntario’sHighlandsTourismOrganization. Becoming a director is an opportunity to work collaboratively with your peers and the broader tourism industry within Ontario’s Highlands (Region 11) to define how the OHTO will positively shape the future of tourism in our region. We appreciate the time and effort you will be investing towards providing the Nominating Committee with the information they require to consider you for directorship.

Overview

In 2009, the Province of Ontario created a Regional Tourism Organization structure whereby thirteen separate regions would be funded by the Province and governed by a not-for-profit corporation to carry out the provincial mandate for growing tourism in Ontario. The OHTO Board chose to adopt the Carver Policy Governance model to fulfill its funding obligations. The Carver model has very clear lines of delegation where the Board is responsible for seeking input from the tourism industry in Ontario’s Highlands and defining the difference the organization will make related to that input. In turn, these “Ends” are communicated to the Executive Director who is then responsible for making operational decisions for determining how the “Ends” will be achieved within established Executive Limitation Policies and Ministry Guidelines. The Board monitors the Executive Director on the achievement of the “Ends” and compliance with policy. Click here for more information about the Carver Model.

Term Length and Time Commitment

Each director is expected to serve for a three-year term. These terms have been staggered so that no more than a third of the seats become vacant each year. Shorter terms may be available due to resignations and candidates will be informed if this option is available.

The OHTO Board meets in person approximately six times per year for roughly five hours and as necessary via teleconference call for roughly an hour (approximately 8 times per year). Basecamp is used for distributing documents, meeting materials and on occasion, for discussion in lieu of an organized meeting.

Reimbursements

Directors serve in a volunteer capacity but will be reimbursed for mileage (.40/km), meals and accommodation for attending OHTO Board meetings.

Qualifications

  • Candidates must be a member of OHTO. If you are unsure of your membership status please contact us.
  • Candidates must be prepared to set aside local agendas and serve on behalf of all members of the region.
  • A well-rounded skill set as defined in the Skills Evaluation section of the application. NOTE: training is available to improve skills proficiency if necessary

Submission Checklist:

 Completed Application: Thisformisto becompleted by thenominee. Pleaseprovideall informationrequested and respond to all questions.

 Attach a brief bio and picturesoitmay beincluded in thelistofnominees distributed to the members before the election at the AGM.

 Letters of support from two OHTO members

Information submitted through this application will be held in confidence by the Board of Directors, Nominating Committee and OHTO Staff.

PersonalInformation

Name:
HomeAddress:
City/Town:
Postal Code:
Telephone:Home:
Telephone:Cell:
Email:

OHTO Membership Profile

CompanyName:
Your Title/Role:
Business Address:
BusinessTelephone:
BusinessEmail:

BoardExperience

TheOHTOBoard functionsasa policy governanceboard that utilizes the Carver Model focused on establishing “Ends”, developing policies,and monitoring the Executive Directorforoperationalperformance and compliance with policy.The Executive Director developsand manages the execution of the operationalplan toachieve the“Ends” and reports on compliance with policy.

Yes / NO
Have you previously served on a board?
Have you served on an operational board?
Have you served on a policy governance board?

Includecurrentand pastprivateorpublic sectorboardsonwhich you served, and describethe duties performed by each board.

Why have you participated or why do you want to participate on a board?

SkillsEvaluation

Tobetterunderstand thedepth ofskillsyou would becontributing totheBoard,pleaseself- evaluateyour currentskill levelfrom1(low)–5(high)in thefollowing areas:

Competency Areas / Skill Level
1(low) – 5(high)
Policy
To develop policies for the organization pertaining to:
• Governance Process
• Board/Executive Director Relationship
• Executive Limitations
• Ends / • Policy development & monitoring
• Legal and fiduciary
• Ethical conduct and conflict of interest
• Grievance administration and appeals
• Risk management
• Accountability and Transparency
Process
To determine and understand:
• the organization’s long term vision
• member needs and wants
•trends and issues / • Strategic thinking
• Strategic planning
• Priority setting
• Problem solving
• Research methods
To assess own performance and the performance of the Executive Director / • Performance evaluation
To support efficient and effective meetings / • Meetings management
To support effective board-management functioning / • Communications
To ensure proper financial information is part of decision making and reporting / • Financial management
Promoting continuous learning, change and innovation / • Professional Development
People
To help identify and recruit future leaders and plan for succession / • Recruitment
• Training and development
• HR management
• Succession planning
• Sales and networking
To participate in meetings to fulfill responsibilities and work effectively with others / • Consensus-building
• Conflict resolution
• Teamwork
• Leadership and motivation
To promote and protect the organization’s image / • Ambassadorship
• Reputation management

Of the skill sets listed on the Skills Evaluation table, which are you mostinterested incontributingto the Board?

TourismExperience

We would like to get a sense for your familiarity with the tourism industry. Please share your experience regarding:

a. Tourismgenerally?

b. Tourismwithin Ontario’sHighlands?

Please indicate alltourismsectors inwhichyou haveexperience (use“C”to indicate currentexperience and “P”forpastexperience):

Accommodation / EventMeeting
Coordination/Planners / Library
Adventure
Providers / FarmFresh/Agritourism / Meetings
Conventions
ArtsCulture / Festivals/Events / Municipalities
Attractions / Fishing / Museums/Art
Galleries
Bed &Breakfast / FoodBeverage / ParksTrails
Camping / Golf / Shopping/Retail
Catering / Halls &Auditoriums / Skiing
Chambers/BIAs / Indoor/Outdoor
Recreation / Tour Operators
DMO / Information Centre / Transportation
Dining / LeisureServices / WineBeer
Entertainment / Marinas / Other(please elaborate):

Whydo you wantto volunteer for the OHTO?Whatbenefitswillyou bringto the region’stourismindustryasyou fulfill the responsibilities of the position?

I, declare theinformation Ihave presentedis true and confirmIam18years of age orolder, do not hold a criminal record, am not currently involved in an undischarged bankruptcy,or an elected official.

Signature:Date:

Please submit your completed form to:

Attention: OHTO Nominating Committee

Fax: 613-629-6488 Email: Mail: OHTO 9 International Dr. Pembroke ON, K8A 6W5

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