Some bonuses for the winner!

We have been pondering a few fun (but practical) ways we can support the winner in their new endeavor, and after following a few other contests with similar ideas, I think we came up with a few perks that will definitely put a few more reasons under the 'Why I SHOULD enter the High Meadows Essay Contest' column...

We are lucky living here in Scottsville to be near one of the best B&B consultants in the whole country, Peter Scherman of the B&B Team....a group of realtors specializing in inns and B&B's, aspiring innkeeper seminar leaders, and consultants. Peter lives here in Scottsville, though his business keeps him on the road a lot! We want the winner to be successful whether or not they are experienced innkeepers, if that's their dream. So - we are going to send the winners to one of the BB teams Aspiring Innkeepers Seminars in 2016, hopefully in conjunction with the Bed &Breakfast Association of Virginia's annual conference! They will have a chance to meet other friendly, helpful innkeepers in Virginia,  be able to ask lots of questions, sign up for all sorts of interesting training sessions and get acclimated to innkeeping in Virginia. As much as everyone entering the contest is excited - my fellow innkeepers are excited too! They can't wait to see who wins, to meet them, and to support their dream. If we get our minimum of 5,800 entries, AND the winner has an interest in keeping High Meadows as a B&B...this trip will be paid for by us!

Also something that will be very relevant to a winner hoping to continue as a B&B...association membership fees for 2016 will be paid for AIHP (Association of Independent Hospitality Professionals), BBAV (Bed and Breakfast Association of Virginia), and the Inns of Charlottesville. These are educational and advocacy associations that have been invaluable to us.

If we get at least 6,800 entries - we will also award the winner $10,000 to help pay immediate real estate transaction fees and moving expenses.

If we get at least 7,800 entries - we will award an additional $25,000 to help with startup expenses.

These are the biggies...we hope that they help!