Request for Proposal

Tender – Governance Review

Closing Date: Oct 20, 2023

Background

The Tourism Partnership of Niagara (TPN) is a non-profit industry led organization funded by the Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport (MTCS). We are one of thirteen Regional Tourism Organizations in the Province of Ontario (RTO2). The TPN was incorporated on October 4, 2010.

Our sub-regional partners or Destination Marketing Organizations (DMOs) include Niagara Falls Tourism, Tourism Niagara-on-the-Lake, City of St. Catharines Department of Economic Development and Tourism, Niagara Benchlands and Niagara’s South Coast Tourism Association.

The Tourism Partnership of Niagara strategically implements visitor-centric strategies and nurtures a captivating leisure destination brand, bolstering market sentiment and expanding market share. These proactive measures not only solidify Niagara’s position as a highly sought-after travel destination in the global market but also highlight its prominent standing as a leading nature, agricultural, and food & wine destination. By emphasizing the region’s exceptional wine and culinary offerings, the Tourism Partnership of Niagara further enhances its allure and appeal to discerning travelers seeking extraordinary experiences. TPN also seeks to advance Niagara’s Business Events capabilities and to assist in building event venue and meetings capacity.

Current Governance Structure

General By-laws

• Attached for review.

Board of Directors

The current Board consists of 15 representatives from the region.

• Six (6) Directors nominated by Niagara Falls Tourism
• Two (2) Directors nominated by
  • One (1) The Fallsview Casino Resort
  • One (1) The Niagara Parks Commission
• Two (2) Directors nominated by Tourism Niagara-on-the-Lake
• One (1) Director nominated by the Shaw Festival Theatre Foundation Canada
• Two (2) Directors nominated by The Corporation of the City of St. Catharines of Economic Development and Tourism Services and Twenty Valley Tourism Association
• One (1) Director nominated by the Wine Marketing Association of Ontario (“WMAO”). The WMAO representative may be either a staff person, or a member of the WMAO
• One (1) Director nominated by Niagara’s South Coast Tourism Association

Committee Structure

• Executive (5) – Chair, Vice-Chair, Secretary, Treasurer, and Past Chair (non-voting), Past Vice- Chair (non-voting)
• Finance & Audit (4) – Treasurer, 2 appointed Directors and, 1 independent accountant
• Sub-Regional Partners (9) – Appointed Chair and 2 representatives from each DMO

Scope of Review

The TPN is undertaking a governance review. The review will be executed by a third-party.

1. The review will include an assessment of current board composition, General By-Laws, leading practices, areas of improvement and opportunities.
2. This review will examine:
   • Board structure
   • Committee structure
   • Voting, as it relates to:
   • Budget
   • Board business
   • Skill set
   • Sector-mix composition
3. The scope will include a review of the General By-Laws
   • Board roles and responsibilities
   • Management roles and responsibilities
4. Recommendations and Implementation Plan

Reporting

The final report and recommendations will be sent to the Executive Committee and President. Once reviewed, the Executive will bring forward their recommendations to the Board for their input and approval.

Contact

Please submit your proposal by ( October 20, 2023) to the attention of:

Erin Monaghan

Email – [email protected]

Phone – 289-477-5344