ARDA 2009 Fall Conference
February 24, 2010 by Perspective Magazine | Timeshare & Fractional ReviewsAs is customary for the American Resort Association’s annual autumn event, the focus of the three-day event was on legislative issues. Fall ARDA, held this past November 4 through 6 at the Fairmont Hotel in Washington, D.C.
Key industry leaders addressed the Board of Directors in their meeting held at the Fairmont Hotel in Washington, DC.
Opening Keynote
Former Senator John E. Sununu (R-NH) cut a unique path from the private sector to public office, serving three terms in the U.S. House of Representatives and for six years as the youngest member of the U.S. Senate. Before entering public service, Sununu worked for emerging high-tech firms as an engineer, strategy consultant, and a chief financial officer. In Congress, he put his expertise to work for the nation, serving on such Senate committees as Commerce, Finance, Banking, and Foreign Relations.
Well respected by Republicans and Democrats alike, Sununu offered a sharp perspective for ARDA attendees, addressing such key issues as the state of the economy and details on recovery and elements of growth; inside details on TARP (he served as one of five panel members responsible for oversight of TARP funds); and pressing legislation in Congress.
Board Initiatives
The ARDA Board meeting of Directors presented a new initiative between the U.S. Travel Association and American Express, which will offer an auction website that allows ARDA developers an opportunity to promote their inventory, with proceeds benefiting travel industry advocacy efforts; an overview of ARDA’s new “Lender Opportunities” presentation available to members to help educate lenders about the industry; and the latest numbers from the 2009 Second Quarter Pulse Survey of Timeshare and Vacation Ownership Resort Companies, which was prepared by Deloitte & Touche for the ARDA International Foundation.
The ARDA Fall Conference is a great opportunity for members to meet and do business in more of a small-group setting.
At the Legislative Luncheon, special guest speaker Congressman Scott Murphy, who represents the 20th District of New York in the U.S. House of Representatives, addressed questions from ARDA members on such issues as health care and the economy.
His business background makes him well-spoken on topics of today’s entrepreneurs and developers, as he himself has grown numerous small businesses and tackled organizational challenges. After graduating from Harvard, Congressman Murphy became a high-tech entrepreneur, and for eight years prior to congressional election, he worked for Advantage Capital Partners. He now sits on the House Committee on Agriculture and the House Committee on Armed Services.
Another key session was “Lessons Learned from the Money Chase,” with panelists Bruce Thompson (CEO, Gold Key Resorts), Don Harrill, RRP (President/CEO, Holiday Inn Club Vacations), William Ryczek (Principal, Colebrook Financial Company), Rip Gellein, RRP (Chairman Emeritus, Starwood Vacation Ownership) and Jon Fredricks, RRP (President, Welk Resorts). ARDA President/CEO Howard Nusbaum moderated, asking panelists to compare and contrast the lending environment before and after September 2008. They also discussed what non-traditional sources of equity and credit are currently available.
ARDA Trustees and guests enjoyed a fine cocktail hour and dinner on the Potomac River at the House of Sweden on the first night of the conference.
Chairman’s League Breakfast
The conference closed with former White House press secretary Dana Perino keynoting the morning session honoring Chairman’s League Members. Perino shared her “inside the White House” viewpoint and also provided insight into the current political climate. As only the second female press secretary in U.S. history and one of the most widely respected members of President George W. Bush’s senior staff, she has learned the essentials of crafting and communicating key messages under stressful conditions. With a close-up view of the president and his inner circle, she offered a good perspective on presidential politics, the federal government and the media.
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