The Five Pillars: Task Force Update

The past 3 months have seen more people coming forward to volunteer for task forces. Not all are from our region nor from our industry – it would seem that the word is out globally that we are looking for passionate folks to help us all in our myriad of tasks!

It is not always easy to find the time to do all the work we would like to. The most important thing for task force volunteers is to be clear in your own minds about the time and energy you have to contribute – it does not matter how large or small that may be…as long as it does not put you under undue pressure. We are all part of the greater whole and it is the synergy of our combined offerings that generates the output we have committed to achieve.

If for any reason you need to pull away from your task force, permanently or for a short while, and then please do so. It is as simple as updating your TFL with the project you is working on so that it can be handed over to someone else to continue in your absence. In addition, you’re your equilibrium has been regained your TFL will be waiting with another task for you, should you so choose to take another on board!

Updates from Task Force Leaders

People
Leader: Anthony Bowers (abowers30@hotmail.com)

Several members of the People Taskforce got together at the Wellness Summit. We are starting to compile a comprehensive guideline for contracts in the Spa & Wellness industry and can I thank all members for their support and input. We will be holding our first conference call this week (Skype may not be the best solution - anyone tried Sight Speed yet?) to keep the momentum going. We are also formulating plans for Career in Spa & Wellness day to be co-ordinated between Asia-Pacific countries. We will keep you posted.

Professionalisation
Leader: Sheila McCann (Sheila.McCann@Shangri-La.com)

This is the last task force to get off the marks due to the busy-ness of its original leader…we all know that feeling when we have just that bit too much on our plates! Thank you Marc for stepping up to the plate initially and for agreeing to retain an active place on the TF. The TF is now under the leadership of Sheila McCann (thanks Sheila!) with Jacqueline Le Sueur remaining as 2IC. The scope of work is being reviewed and tasks have already been sent out for acceptance by the pillar’s volunteers. The Planet TFL, Andrew Jacka, has thrown down the gauntlet by saying that his TF will have more to present in February at the Forum than the Professionalisation TF. The Traditional Therapies working group is integrated within this task force and is under the guidance of Carina Chatlani (cchatlani@bodybistro.com) and Carroll Dunham (carroll@wildearthnepal.com).

Products
Leader: Norman Jones (Norman.jones@sensara.biz)

The Products Task Force (PTF) is now working on six Areas of Interest (AOI), each with an Area of Interest Leader (AOIL), who will commence reporting on work to date early November, 2007: Terry Herman defining different types of spas; Samantha Foster identifying the different products used in spas; Carina Chatlani identifying the key educational and audit issues related to different products; Motti Essakow developing the key educational needs; Norman Jones is reviewing the ASEAN Harmonization Act. A Leader is still required to lead developing the key audit needs…my email address is above if you would like more details or would like to volunteer!

Profit
Leader: Donald Cha (donaldspa@hotmail.com)

The Profit Task Force aims to improve industry information for owners, operators and investors; establishing benchmarks & KPIs. Such information will allow for better business planning, thereby reducing risk to owners and investors, and giving manager’s benchmarks by which to improve performance. A variety of benchmarks in the area of facilities, revenue, expenses & profitability, productivity and business profile are being developed.

Planet
Leader: Andrew Jacka (Andrew@horwathspa.com)

With 19 members, we have a large taskforce that is working hard to meet the February 2008 presentation deadline. Members are working on key issues including Green Globe, ISO, Carbon Footprinting, Water Management, Waste Handling, Air Quality and Design & Land Use.