When the COVID-19 outbreak took hold of the private club industry as 2020 began and prompted the shuttering of clubs across the country, Bishops Bay Country Club in Middleton, Wis. made members feel secure by using a deep-cleaning method owned by a fellow member.
(As featured in C+RB’s 14th Annual Ideas Issue, June 2020.)
When the COVID-19 outbreak took hold of the private club industry as 2020 began and prompted the shuttering of clubs across the country, managers were forced to rethink how they could clean and sanitize their facilities. Concerned with how they could conduct business in the midst of a pandemic, many also realized how essential it would be to make members feel secure and to find ways to quell their fears about their personal safety at the club.
Feeling that daily cleaning and sanitizing measures were not enough, Bishops Bay Country Club in Middleton, Wis., decided to take matters into its own hands (quite literally). After being approached by a club member—who happened to be one of the owners of Biodome, which makes BioProtect surface cleaner for walls, ceilings, floors and furnished areas—General Manager/COO Jeffrey Murray decided to look into that sanitizing solution.
“I felt that with the media coverage that is out there, everyone is petrified,” Murray says. “We have to gain the confidence and trust of our club members and the public that we are going above and beyond.”
After reviewing the company’s scientific studies and detailed product information, Murray agreed to have the club’s kitchen treated with BioProtect. “He [the owner] treated the area and then tested again later that week to convince me this product was real,” he says.
During the third week of March, BioProtect was professionally applied by the Biodome team (via spray guns and foggers) throughout the property, including the golf carts and turn houses. “We first did a deep cleaning of everything and then a disinfecting,” Murray explains. Staff was not required to vacate the premises, and the entire process took approximately three hours.
To educate members about the cleaning procedure and its intended benefits, the club created a short YouTube commercial, containing photos and footage of BioProtect’s disinfecting process. (According to product specs, the treatment is designed to be effective for a 90-day period.) The video is also personalized with a message from Murray himself. “This is our year of leading the way by redefining excellence, and we’re doing just that,” he says in the video. “Thank you very much for your continued support and your trust, and we will see you soon.”
After the YouTube video was posted, the club reopened its golf course and resumed limited food-and-beverage operations. “We don’t get questioned about sanitation, and members are very excited about being back,” Murray reports. “Our curbside carryout is very busy, and a la carte food sales are better than last year.”
While Bishops Bay’s building remained closed due to the Wisconsin governor’s orders, a Biodome technicians made periodic visits to check treated areas. Murray expected to make additional treatments once the 90-day period passed and signed up for an annual contract at a discounted rate. “We anticipate this issue will be around at least that long, if not longer,” he notes.
At a time when clubs need a helping hand, Murray is pleased that he made the right connection at the right time. “Partnering with Biodome was an excellent decision and took the worry out of a lot of areas,” he says. Going forward, he feels certain that his members can trust they are returning to a safe place.
The Goal: Create a safe environment for the members and staff of Bishops Bay Country Club following a global health crisis.
The Plan: Partner with a sanitation provider and treat all areas of the club with a long-term solution.
The Payoff: Ensuring the protection and well-being of members and staff has given peace of mind to returning and prospective members.
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