The Lubner Group, respected interior design and furnishings provider for the hospitality industry, has recently been named a member the of the American Resort & Development Association’s (ARDA) VIP member program at the prestigious Chairman’s League level.

“We congratulate Lubner Group for their participation in our Chairman’s League,” said Bob Craycraft, RRP, VP of Industry Relations. ”ARDA’s VIP members represent the vacation ownership industry’s premier leadership of developers, property management companies, outstanding law firms and quality vendors. These members are committed to the industry’s growth and excellence and are dominant participants in networking events, regional and national annual events and receive recognition on ARDA’s website (arda.org) and in print publications. ARDA’s Chairman’s League was born over 12 years ago, in response to members’ requests for a higher level at which professionals could showcase their commitment to the industry.”

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Today, the American Resort Development Association’s Resort Owners’ Coalition (ARDA-ROC) launched the Timeshare Resale Resource Center(http://www.ardaroc.org/resales), an online information resource for timeshare owners who desire to better understand how to safely maneuver the uneven timeshare secondary market.  As a result of a growing need to create more clarity and transparency for timeshare owners who wish to sell their timeshare interest, the Resale Resource Center was born to provide objective information on the resale process, tips on selling, and consumer advisories on the various resale scams currently being investigated by state authorities.

While regulation of the timeshare industry has developed and matured over the past 30 years, specific regulation of the secondary market is still in its infancy.  The current economic environment has led to a rise in disreputable resale companies trying to profit from vulnerable timeshare owners and as a result the resale process has become confusing to many consumers.  “With the rise in fraudulent resale practices and the far too many dishonest resellers preying on consumers, it is necessary to establish legitimate guidelines to help safeguard consumers and ensure a safe resale experience with reputable companies,” said Howard Nusbaum, president and CEO of ARDA (the industry’s not-for-profit advocacy group).

Over the past eighteen months, ARDA and its member task force have worked diligently to propose model legislation for the secondary resale market as part of an effort to standardize and legitimize timeshare resellers and the resale process.  The Model Resale Act calls for specific guidelines related to resellers, including standards for sales and marketing practices and more stringent penalties for fraudulent behavior.

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Today, the American Resort Development Association (ARDA) unveiled a new web site – ARDA-ROC.org – dedicated to communicating with and activating the one million members that make up its resort owners coalition (ROC) about legislative and regulatory policies impacting the industry.

“ARDA-ROC members are already an active and engaged audience,” said Howard Nusbaum, president and CEO of ARDA.  “But now, we will be able to inform and motivate owners to become more vocal with policy makers to preserve, protect and enhance vacation ownership,” he continued.  A voting timeshare owner or Home Owners Association (HOA) member who contacts his or her elected official will strengthen the efforts of ARDA-ROC’s legislative team and volunteers.

At its core, the site provides information regarding current and resolved legislative activity around the country as well as from select international jurisdictions, such as the Caribbean.  Users can stay well-briefed on breaking news, upcoming events, and the latest headlines.  Users can also track the progress of specific bills of interest and eventually specific legislation. 

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Travel & Leisure Group, a leading European Timeshare Resale Brokerage, brought the world of Private Timeshare Sales to the Times Destinations Holiday & Travel Show, Earls Court, London last week with overwhelming success.

It was a great opportunity for customers, new and old, to meet the experienced team from Travel & Leisure. Customers took the chance to talk about all aspects of the timeshare industry and were ‘very pleased to see a reputable resale company taking the opportunity to meet their clients face to face’. This positive approach gave the team a wonderful opportunity to explain how Travel & Leisure act as an independent broker between private individuals, assisting them to buy, sell or rent a timeshare. It was also a perfect location to educate new buyers about the timeshare industry, reinforcing customer confidence in the product.

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SPI Software’s VP of Client Services Gordon McClendon Asked to Serve on Federal Issues Committee of American Resort Development Association (ARDA)

SPI Software, creators of timeshare software used for marketing, sales, mortgage and maintenance fee servicing, central reservations, property management and operations, is pleased to announce the appointment of Gordon McClendon, vice president of client services, to serve on the Federal Issues Committee of the American Resort Development Association (ARDA).

“SPI has been providing timeshare resorts with software for more than 25 years,” says McClendon. “We have been strong supporters of ARDA throughout our history and feel part of our responsibility in giving back to the timeshare community is serving on ARDA committees.”

“The Federal Issues Committee works with ARDA’s Federal Legislative team in Washington, D.C, to monitor legislative and regulatory policies that enable the vacation ownership industry to continue to provide high quality vacation products that remain accessible and affordable to all customers,” says ARDA Vice President of Federal Relations, ARDA-ROC/PAC Sandra “Sam” DePoy, RRP. “They work together to engage government officials at the federal level of government in constructive, ongoing dialogues and to participate in policy decisions affecting their ability to enhance the vision of vacation ownership. Our industry’s most prominent leaders play an integral role in shaping the agenda for the Federal Issues Committee and work to create a finely honed strategy for interacting with Congress, federal agencies and others to advance policies that strengthen our industry.”

About SPI Software
SPI Software provides developers and operators of vacation ownership (timeshare, fractional, private residence club and others using either traditional or points-based usage strategies) with Microsoft .NET-based software as either an enterprise suite of software called Orange Systems, or in specific modules to handle marketing, sales, property management, finance, maintenance fee and receivables servicing, centralized reservations or Website access operations. Founded in 1978 and based in Miami, FL, SPI can be reached at 305-858-9505, Sales@SPISoftware.com or www.SPISoftware.com. Gordon can be reached at Gordon@SPISoftware.com.

Pioneer Company in Shared Ownership Industry Acknowledged for Excellence in Management, Technology and Wellness

ResortCom International, the pioneer in providing servicing solutions in the Shared Ownership Industry has received a trio of varied awards for excellence in the past month.

The company was named one of San Diego’s Healthiest Employers in 2010 by the San Diego Business Journal.  According to Sara Radigan, Manager of Human Resources for the international firm headquartered in San Diego, “we were honored to have been nominated for this prestigious award.  It acknowledges ResortCom for our commitment to develop strong workplace wellness programs and for making wellness a priority for our employees.”

Also named as a nominee in the San Diego Business Journal’s Information Technology Executive of the Year event is Brian Girard, a ten-year employee of ResortCom who joined the firm as IT Manager and now is Vice President of Information Technology.  He was selected because of IT’s influence on the growth and profitability of the company.  His department’s contribution to the facilitation and management of technical  cutover from an internal call center to a partnered call center decreased costs significantly and increasing call center response times and member satisfaction. This component of the ResortCom business model is a core of business competencies and the implementation of this change happened seamlessly and profitably because of Brian’s stewardship.  On a long range basis Brian advanced  a course for end user security practices and monitoring of security training as well as developed and implemented Corporate Policies and Procedures used to successfully pass third party information security audits.

And last, but hardly least, Rhonda Mayer, Director of Club Services for Universal Vacation Club, (ResortCom’s flagship client) was named Administrative Manager of the Year (2010) by the American Resort Development Association (ARDA), the Washington D.C.-based professional association representing the vacation ownership and resort development industries. Universal Vacation Club is responsible for a $55 million budget that allows for the maintenance and operations of five resorts in Mexico, as well as all off-site servicing of 60,000 owners, including reservations, special programs and all HOA services. The two resorts in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico are Villa Del Mar and Villa Del Palmar. The two resorts located in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico are Villa del Palmar Cabo and Villa Del Arco. Villa del Palmar Flamingo is located in Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico.

Operating on a Global scale with extensive multicurrency and multicultural capabilities, ResortCom is a 25 year old company with a menu of products and services that expands the full spectrum of business processes, particularly in the shared ownership industry.

ResortCom’s Financial Services and Technology Division provides Receivables Servicing on timeshare and fractional loans and maintenance fees. It is widely regarded as a top performer in Portfolio Management exemplified in healthy portfolios, low delinquencies and foreclosures. In addition to loan receivables servicing and portfolio management, ResortCom also specializes in Maintenance Fee Billing and Collections, Merchant Credit Card Services, Tax Withholding Trust Administration, Custodial Services and Lender Support.

ResortCom’s Hospitality, Reservations, Rental and Club Services Division, now known as Tapestry Resorts, is a  full service Hospitality Management Company offering  resort management, rental, reservations and travel services to the vacation ownership, fractional and luxury resort industries. Tapestry Resorts also brings sophisticated reservations systems,  to its clientele and effective yield management with strong rental solutions to its resort clients.  Tapestry Resorts applies a comprehensive, yet cost effective, suite of superior technology, distribution strategies, and sales and marketing tools to maximize ADR’s and occupancies to enhance the profitability of its clients.

For more information about ResortCom International, visit www.resortcom.com or call Alejandro Lara at 619-683-2470, ext. 1685.  For more information about Universal Vacation Club go to www.myuvc.com

Top Ten Timeshare Questions Answered

The American Resort Development Association (ARDA) and the National Timeshare Owners Association (NTOA), have announced a year-long campaign to help educate consumers about timeshare vacations. The first initiative answers ten of the most frequently asked questions.

As a first step, ARDA and NTOA contacted consumers to gauge the level of understanding of timeshare vacations, and the data unveiled a need for clarification and education about the industry. As a result, a Top Ten Questions list is available on both associations’ web sites, along with detailed answers.

Questions ranged from ‘what is a timeshare?’ and ‘what are the costs involved?’ to the more complex topics, such as ‘is a timeshare a good investment?’

“We are always looking for feedback from consumers,” said Howard Nusbaum, ARDA president and CEO. “It’s a great way to hear firsthand the questions people may have about vacationing with timeshare.”

The two associations recently agreed to a joint effort to educate consumers about vacation ownership. Other activities this year will include profile stories and social media outreach.

“Collaborating with ARDA on this initiative helps us bring a broader perspective to the consumer,” said Ed Hastry, president, National Timeshare Owners Association. “We are excited about working with existing and potential owners to enhance their understanding and appreciation of timeshare.”

The National Timeshare Owners Association is a consumer protection organization comprised of timeshare owners acting in the interest of timeshare owners. Its mission is to be a powerful recognized influence in the timeshare industry, to provide a forum for face-to-face exchanges of experiences and ideas among timeshare owners, to keep members informed about events and developments in the timeshare industry and to provide a means for informal exchanges, rental, and sale of units. For more information, visit www.nationaltimeshareownersassoc.com.

The American Resort Development Association (ARDA) is the Washington D.C.-based professional association representing the vacation ownership and resort development industries. Established in 1969, ARDA today has over 1,000 members ranging from privately held firms to publicly traded companies and international corporations with expertise in shared ownership interests in leisure real estate. The membership also includes timeshare owner associations (HOAs), resort management companies, and owners through the ARDA Resort Owners Coalition (ARDA-ROC). For more information, visit www.arda.org or ARDA’s consumer website at www.VacationBetter.org.

Recognizing Two of the Finest in the Vacation Ownership Industry

Tapestry Resorts, a full-service hospitality management company, has garnered two Silver ARDY Awards from the American Resort Development Association (ARDA) at their annual Awards Gala.

The ARDYs showcase outstanding accomplishments among individuals, teams, resorts and companies in a variety of categories.  Tapestry Resorts had two silver finalists in management and administration: Janeth Olachea, general manger of the Park Plaza in Park City, Utah, and Jennifer Laboy, a front desk agent at Club Cala Resort in Boqueron, Puerto Rico.

“Winning two silver ARDYs out of over 400 submissions is a remarkable achievement,” said John Small, chairman of Tapestry Resorts. “Olachea and Laboy consistently demonstrate a dedication, initiative and leadership that go beyond their job duties, plus an impeccable level of customer service. It’s an honor to have their efforts recognized by our peers.”

A seasoned hospitality professional, Olachea has been working for Tapestry Resorts for almost nine years. Since 2007 she has worked at Park Plaza, a high-volume vacation ownership timeshare resort. As general manager she oversees all aspects of the resort’s day-to-day operations. She is responsible for achieving maximum resort profitability through revenue generation, cost-control and guest satisfaction, as well as providing leadership and business support for vacation ownership sales efforts.

Laboy began her Tapestry Resorts career in 2007. As front desk agent/activity coordinator at Club Cala Resort, she is responsible for providing attentive, courteous and efficient service to guests throughout their stay, while maximizing room revenue and occupancy. Laboy consistently looks for ways to make guests’ stays more enjoyable, including developing activities for both adults and children.

For more information on the 2010 ARDYs and a list of winners and finalists, visit http://www.ARDA.org/awards

About Tapestry Resorts
For every client, Tapestry Resorts weaves a team of experienced thought leaders and skilled team members who exemplify its tagline: “We Listen, We Deliver, We Guarantee It.” For more information, visit http://www.tapestryresorts.com.

The Cooperative Association of Resort Exchangers (C.A.R.E.) is looking forward to adding to its membership as a result of its participation as an exhibitor at the recent American Resort Development Association (A.R.D.A) Convention in Las Vegas.  C.A.R.E. is a nonprofit trade association comprised of resort developers, property management companies, travel clubs, and associate members such as premium and incentive companies, travel insurance companies, and suppliers of products and services to the vacation travel industry.

While convention attendance was strong in spite of continuing economic challenges, it appeared to be slightly reduced from previous years.  This likely came as no surprise to exhibitors and conference attendees.  However, the C.A.R.E. Board Members manning the C.A.R.E. exhibit observed and commented that visitors to their booth were more likely than not to be their companies decision makers and therefore better quality leads for C.A.R.E. membership.  It was apparent that convention attendees and visitors to the C.A.R.E. exhibit were there to do business and to capitalize on the opportunity to network with other industry professionals.  C.A.R.E. is excited about prospects for new members and looks forward to exceeding its membership goals as a result of the interest generated by its participation as exhibitors in the ARDA convention.  ARDA convention attendees clearly recognize the importance of developing and maintaining strong professional relationships. C.A.R.E. provides members with unique opportunities for networking, and, personal and professional development.

C.A.R.E. recognizes the benefits and importance of business relationships founded upon mutual trust.  Accordingly, C.A.R.E. members are required to subscribe and conform to its Code of Standards and Ethics.  This provides assurance to C.A.R.E. members doing business with one another as well as ensuring the reputation of C.A.R.E. and its members within the vacation travel industry.  The C.A.R.E. Board of Directors enforces the Code through its Ethics Committee and its Better Trade Bureau, or “BTB”.  Members that fail to uphold the code are subject to BTB review.

C.A.R.E. is excited about the future as this year the association celebrates the twenty-fifth anniversary of its founding.  If your company would like more information about the opportunities of a C.A.R.E. Membership, please visit www.C.A.R.E.-online.org.  There you will find helpful information including contact information.  Consider joining C.A.R.E. as we work towards our next quarter century of success.

For further information contact Linda Mayhugh, C.A.R.E. Vice President, (800) 429-5077, extension 201 or Linda@atclubs.com.

Sweepstakes recognizes RCI affiliates’ sales teams; 80 iPod® Touches will be given away leading up to final award celebration

RCI, the global leader in vacation exchange and one of the Wyndham Worldwide family of brands (NYSE: WYN), today announced the launch of the “RCI’s Transforming Your Success Sweepstakes” resort salesperson incentive program where RCI will award four iPod® Touches each week throughout the 20-week program and a Grand Prize one-week vacation at an RCI affiliated resort including airfare to the vacation destination, accommodations, car rental during the vacation and spending money. The goal of the program, which will run through September 6, 2010, is to reward resort sales staff for their efforts and to recognize the important contribution they make to the vacation ownership industry.

During the 20 consecutive weeks, the contest manager at each qualifying RCI affiliated resorts will submit the name of their top salesperson for that week and one Weekly First Prize Winner and three Weekly Second Prize Winners will be randomly selected from the names submitted for that week. Each Winner will received an iPod® Touch. The Weekly First Prize Winners will also be invited to a final event recognizing the top sales people. At the end of the 20 weeks, the 20 Weekly First Prize Winners, along with his or her sales manager, will be invited to the RCI Grand Prize Event as guests of RCI. During the event, one of the Weekly First Prize Winners will be selected randomly as the Grand Prize Winner and receive a one-week vacation at an RCI affiliated resort including airfare, accommodations, car rental and spending money.

“This is the third year in a row that we’re recognizing the contributions of our affiliates’ sales teams and we’re excited to once again celebrate and show our appreciation to their talented sales associates,” said Geoff Ballotti, CEO, RCI. “Because of last year’s tremendous success, we’ve expanded the reach of affiliated resorts that can participate. We realize that the dedication, commitment and hard work of their salespeople are crucial to the success of their resort along with the timeshare industry, and we’re very excited to highlight and recognize their efforts.”

At the recent American Resort Development Association (ARDA) 2010 Convention and Exposition in Las Vegas, Nevada, RCI unveiled the newest of its technology initiatives: two new RCI® applications for the iPhone® digital mobile device. The RCI TV application for the iPhone and iPod® touch, currently available through the Apple® store, grants users immediate access to the quality destination videos currently available on RCI.com that they can then share or save. The RCI SnapBook™ application allows users to capture pictures, videos, voice memos and texts on their iPhone during a vacation, with the application automatically logging when and where the event took place.

The “RCI’s Transforming Your Success Sweepstakes” is open to qualifying RCI Affiliates in the United Sates (including D.C.), Canada (except Quebec), Mexico, Aruba, Dominican Republic and St. Maarten. Affiliated resorts can ask their RCI account executive for more information. No purchase is necessary; to view complete rules log in to www.rciaffiliates.com.

* iPhone®, iPod®  and Apple® are registered trademarks of Apple Inc. This press release is an independent announcement and has not been authorized, sponsored or otherwise approved by Apple Inc.

About RCI
RCI is part of Wyndham Exchange and Rentals, the worldwide leader in vacation exchange and the European leader in vacation rentals, with exclusive access for specified periods to more than 65,000 vacation properties in approximately 100 countries. Wyndham Exchange and Rentals is comprised of vacation exchange, including RCI, the worldwide leader in vacation exchange and provider of travel services to businesses and consumers and The Registry Collection program, the world’s largest luxury exchange program; vacation rentals, including Endless Vacation Rentals, Landal GreenParks®, Novasol®, and other renowned vacation rental brands, through which vacationers can rent a variety of property types, from city apartments to villas; and NorthCourse® Leisure Real Estate Solutions, a research and consultancy firm providing advisory services to the global leisure real estate industry. Wyndham Worldwide Corporation is one of the world’s largest hospitality companies with leading brands in lodging franchising, vacation ownership, vacation rentals and vacation exchange.

For additional information visit www.wyndhamer.com or the media center of www.wyndhamworldwide.com.