Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/416199
EDITORS' CHOICE www.BoatingIndustry.com 54 | Boating Industry | December 2014 WHETHER IT'S THE EMPLOYEES or the customer, at Paris Marine it's all about the people. Paris Marine's vision for its business is one of consistent growth and groom- ing of its long-term operations. The best way to achieve this, the management team believes, is to align itself with and invest heavily in employees who work toward its vision and goals. This year Paris Marine developed an orientation plan for each new employee to ensure everyone is familiar with policies regarding job tasks, work schedules, expec- tations, health and safety. This has led to smooth transitions and a shorter time pe- riod for employees to become comfortable and productive in their new role. "This has created a level of transpar- ency that holds both Paris Marine and its employees accountable to their own job responsibilities, as they are clearly docu- mented and referenced," said Allison Smith, receptionist for Paris Marine. "By formaliz- ing the structure of business practice within Paris Marine, we have created standards to which we can be accountable. This helps us to continue to uphold the reputation that has been successful for generations." Employees also complete a twenty ques- tion Initial Performance Evaluation form, which asks them to refl ect on their fi rst 45 days at the dealership. They evaluate their own performance and highlight long-term plans. This empowers employees and aids Paris Marine in providing the resources nec- essary for staff members to thrive, as well as identifying and securing employees who show potential for future careers within the dealership. Paired with its extensive employee training budget, Paris Marine is capable of cultivating the staff it needs to achieve its business goals. "We recognize the importance in train- ing and the difference that this can make not only on an employee's esteem and de- sire to be a long-term team member, but the impact this has on the level of service we can provide," said Smith. Paris Marine also focuses heavily on its customer, particularly by actively engaging its community. The dealership is heavily involved with a number of local business associations, including participation as the lead sponsor of the Little Lake Music Fes- tival. The outdoor festival hosts free weekly public concerts throughout the summer months at a local park, often hosting over 8,000 people per evening. Acts include art- ists such as Tegan and Sara and Colin James. Paris Marine has also engaged in a num- ber of local charitable events and causes, but the most memorable from 2013 is its involve- ment with "Kilometers for Care, " a 1, 5 or 10k footrace organized by a Canadian cancer foundation to benefi t cancer research. The dealership raised over $1,000 for the charity and won the award for most funds raised at the 2013 race. The prize was a $250 gift cer- tifi cate to a local restaurant and, rather than use it as a team, Paris Marine donated it to allow volunteers to take their "Little Brother and Little Sisters" out for a meal. The dealership isn't focused on its sole involvement with the community, either – Paris Marine encourages everyone to par- ticipate. For "Kilometers for Care," Paris Marine issued a challenge to other small businesses in the community to compete in a fundraising "race," which BoatSmart Canada accepted, and the challenge was so well received that multiple local busi- nesses called the dealership and asked to be "challenged" for next year. It inspired Paris Marine to create the "Peterborough Busi- ness Challenge Chain," which the dealer- ship hopes will get as many local businesses involved as possible. Smith believes the dealership's affi lia- tions and involvement in community events attracts and sustains customers through a positive reputation, which makes Paris Ma- rine a standout business. "Our vigilant participation in special events and fundraisers is a consistent re- minder to the boating community of the quality of the service we provide," said Smith. "When a customer sees that we not only care about our own organization, but also the betterment of our community, they are confi dent that their needs will be well addressed." BRIANNA LIESTMAN MANAGING EDITOR Bliestman@BoatingIndustry.com PARIS MARINE SELWYN, ONTARIO