Travel To Go was one of nine companies supporting breast cancer survivors by sponsoring a hole of golf in a “Survivors Scramble” hosted by Grand Mayan Resort, San Francisco Exchange and CSA Travel Protection at the Grand Mayan Resort in Puerto Vallarta, MX in June 2011. Proceeds from donated funds will send three women on vacation upon completion of their treatments.

Travel To Go sponsored the ninth hole of golf in honor of Kate Seidell, a seven year survivor of breast cancer. Kate, the mother of Steve Olinger of Travel To Go notes “I’m very happy that Steve works for a company that cares about the world, and I’m honored that Travel To Go thought of me.” Kate also added that everyone should have a mammogram. At the time her cancer was detected, she felt great and she was physically active. She actually thought about skipping her mammogram that year because she felt so well, but it was during that appointment that her cancer was detected.

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by Cathy Backus, CSA Travel Protection

Every 3 minutes, a woman in America is diagnosed with breast cancer.  For many of us these words go in one ear and out the other but for the organization, “Send Me on Vacation,” that’s not the case. On June 5^th, 2011, at the Grand Mayan Resort located in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, a “Survivors Scramble” began a day of celebration for every woman who has fought against breast cancer. Over 95% of the players in the scramble had never swung a club, but, driven by the worthwhile cause, everyone came out to play.

June and Mel Grant, San Francisco Exchange

Hosting this weekend event, the Grand Mayan Resort, San Francisco Exchange and CSA Travel Protection invited guests to enjoy a beachside dinner at the beautiful Punta Arena restaurant located on the grounds of the Grand Mayan Resort and Spa. The program’s initial honoree ”Jacque Duhame” of Scottsdale AZ, captivated 30 guests, sharing her tremendous challenges, counting her many blessings and sending her sincere love and hope to all women who have ever been affected by the disease.  She elaborated on the outpouring of love and support shown to her by her family, friends and industry professionals. There is certainly nothing good about any type of illness or disease but when people move mountains to come to the aid of others in need, a feeling of love for mankind prevails. 

Nine companies supported nine survivors, donating funds that will send 3 women on vacation in 2011 to refresh their body, mind and spirit after completing treatment. Aspen Financial, Backus ∙ Carranza & Burden, Chicago Title-Timeshare, Condominium Travel Club, CSA Travel Protection, First American Title-Vacation Ownership, San Francisco Exchange, Travel to Go and Women in the Industry.

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It’s not too uncommon for consumers and even timeshare developers to assume that all timeshare resale companies are pretty much the same. But in today’s economic environment, it pays to know that they’re definitely not.

Timeshares Only has created the world’s largest timeshare resale marketplace. Through cooperative advertising, Timeshares Only makes it possible for timeshare buyers, sellers and renters to connect around the world.

But there’s another level on which Timeshares Only differs as well; unlike many of its so-called competitors,
Timeshares Only is more than merely a web presence. The company’s 30,000 square-foot timeshare resale
headquarters in Orlando, Florida, which is staffed with more than 100 timeshare professionals, shows that
Timeshares Only is in the business for the long haul.

Timeshares Only works together with Vacations Only, its rental partner, and Fidelity Real Estate Agency |
Timeshare Division, the company’s official broker, to present a seamless total package that works
efficiently and effectively for both the consumer and the developer client.

Cleaned and Pressed
One main area in which Timeshares Only is different is in their attention to small but critical details in the sales process. “We go the extra mile, we clean and press the inventory,” says Michael Paduano, director of
business development for Timeshares Only. “We do our due diligence when it comes to verifying ownership properly.”

So what do they mean by “cleaned and pressed”? Oftentimes, an owner doesn’t understand exactly what
he or she has purchased, says Paduano: “Let’s say they own week 47, a two-bedroom, two-bath at resort
XYZ. They actually own a floating week; they were deeded week 47, but every year they have to call up
and request the week that they want – so they really don’t know what they own. Maybe it’s a gold week, or
it could be a platinum week, or it could be a pink week.

There could be points associated with it – they have no idea. And if there’s banked points, then they think
those banked points are a part of the package itself, but they’re not, because they’ve already banked those
points with Interval or RCI.”

“So what we do,” says Paduano “is get the deeds or their membership documents, and we make sure that the information they want to post in our ad is correct.”

“We’re not just selling what they tell us they own, we’re going in and making sure it’s what they own,” Paduano adds, “because when they go to sell it, we want to ensure that there are no problems.”

Timeshares Only’s large headquarters serves another function, as all the pertinent paperwork is kept onsite
and easily accessible for review at any time during the sales process. “It makes the transactions a whole lot
quicker,” explains Paduano.

Relationship with Developers
While the third-party resale market was not always embraced by timeshare developers, Paduano says things are different today, at least with Timeshares Only: “Historically, our brokerage, Fidelity Real Estate Agency, has been the only recommended resale company for Disney Vacation Club, and we’ve had an affiliation with them for almost six years now. In fact, we also have a relationship with several branded and independent top-name resort developers, as well as exchange and other industry-related companies, as their only recommended resale company.”

“I have been working with Timeshares Only for over 10 years now,” says Seth Nock, founder and president
of Selling Timeshares, Inc. (www.sellingtimeshares.net), a niche timeshare resale company specializing
in Marriott, Hilton and Disney. “I can count on them to assist me with inventory for my buyers if I do not
have that inventory in my network. Timeshares Only is easy to work with, which is a great benefit to all parties involved. They are a tremendous asset to the industry and always put their clients’ needs first.”

Timeshares Only believes that developers and other timeshare operators want to see a strong, solid system
in place for handling their inventory. If all the proverbial ducks are in a row, developers can easily see that
Timeshares Only is going to be able to move inventory given to them because they are not going to be hung
up on back-office issues.

“The committed approach to the industry of Timeshares Only results in exceptional opportunities for their customers,” says Cathy Backus, worldwide director, vacation ownership, with CSA Travel Protection. “They instill trust and confidence in every buyer and renter by successfully providing products that offer vacation security. Their professional and skilled employees create an exceptional business to business relationship, which CSA has enjoyed for over three years.”

Advertising Makes Timeshares Only Different
Another difference between Timeshares Only and virtually all other resale companies is Timeshares Only’s
commitment to advertising. The company advertises on more than 500 television stations, including The
Travel Channel, ESPN, The History Channel, TLC and many others.

What’s more, Timeshares Only short- and long-term marketing focus includes:

• Radio advertising to more than 40,000,000 potential radio listeners on over 1,600 radio stations nationwide
• Advertisements on hundreds of billboards at more than 550 locations nationwide
• Print ads in a variety of publications, with more than 10,000,000 pieces mailed
• The highly visible headquarters location in the heart of the timeshare capital of the world encourages walk-in traffic. Illuminated by brightly lit signs and a 5 foot by 10 foot electronic message board, Timeshares Only is hard to miss.

Timeshares Only has created a proprietary media exchange using best-in-class systems and research technology that serves as the backbone for their direct mail programs. Their direct mail campaigns are finely
tuned and enhanced to leverage their technology and information systems to the benefit of their customers.

Up-Front Fees
Another common misperception about resale companies is the practice of collecting up-front fees. Florida statutes make it illegal for a real estate licensee to accept money up front for the listing of a timeshare. Timeshares Only is not a broker and does not take listings – only advertisements. The up-front fees they
collect are legitimately used for advertising and are 100% above board.

“We do collect advertising fees,” Paduano says. “When someone wants to sell with us, we charge them an
advertising fee. There are a lot of Internet marketing companies that are nothing more than websites – we
are a multimedia solution for the resale market. We actually go out and advertise on television, radio, billboards, print, and obviously do pay-per-click campaigns on the Internet. We take almost 50% of every advertising dollar that comes in and reinvest it into our advertising network so that we can attract buyers for their timeshare. There are a lot of people who say to never pay an up-front fee, but you have to keep in mind
that not all upfront fees are equal.”

The professionals at Timeshares Only fully realize that the timeshare resale industry has long been plagued with organizations that are “here today, gone tomorrow,” and that often these companies would ask for thousands of dollars up front and then disappear without a trace. To make consumers aware, help eradicate such operators and ultimately bolster the credibility of the timeshare industry, the Timeshares Only scam page (www.timesharesonly.com/timesharesonly-scam) details several common methods that scammers use.

“Timeshares Only seeks to bring absolute legitimacy to the timeshare resale industry,” Paduano states. “We are committed to serving the timeshare resale industry for years to come.”

Timeshares Only – Your Resales Solution
11059 International Drive
Orlando, FL 32821
Timeshares Only
Toll-Free: 1-800-946-1692
Worldwide: 407-465-1888
Fax: 407-465-5181
Vacations Only
Toll-Free: 800-421-2205
Fidelity Real Estate Agency | Timeshare Division
Toll-Free: 800-831-2990
Worldwide: 407-477-7987
Fax: 407-477-7988

This product provides assistance and peace of mind for purchasers during challenging economic times

Evocon EIA today announced this agreement with CSA Travel Protection® to introduce and deliver Secure Vacations, an employment interruption assurance (EIA) program for vacation ownership purchases. CSA Travel Protection ® is owned by Europ Assistance Group, giving CSA strong backing and global reach. CSA Travel Protection is already a trusted insurance provider to a great number of vacation providers.

Secure Vacations, the first EIA program of its kind to assist vacation ownership purchasers, is designed to assist purchasers in covering payments and maintenance fees should they experience a financial setback, such as involuntary unemployment, disability or bankruptcy. In addition, Secure Vacations will also offer a surrender clause, allowing a purchaser to give back their timeshare interest should they wish. Secure Vacations will provide a critical safety net for purchasers considering involuntary unemployment has reached its highest rate in over two decades; nearly 10 percent.

“This is an exciting alliance, CSA has had a long standing reputation for delivering quality insurance and assurance programs to travelers, a partnership with CSA and their partners such as Stonebridge and AEGON make it that much stronger” said Michael S. Finn, managing partner of EVOCON EIA. “This announcement combined with last month’s announcement of Chicago Title as our escrow provider, makes SECURE VACATIONS the leading program on the market”

Secure Vacations is targeted at forward-thinking developers to help them overcome objections at the sales table to provide a competitive edge in helping them improve:

•    Sales closing percentages
•    Customer retention
•    End-loan portfolios
•    Customer satisfaction

“Vacation ownership assurance is now more important than ever,” said Frank Shellabear, president, sales division at CSA. “Our goal is to remove that risk by protecting vacation owners’ maintenance, as well costs associated with additional arrangements.”

EVOCON EIA is exploring future markets for employment interruption assurance, including furniture, jewelry, Lasik and other medical or dental procedures.

“CSA is an incredible company with the backing of strong industry leaders, we are pleased to have them as our partner” said Thomas O. Hansen, managing partner of EVOCON EIA.

About EVOCON EIA
EVOCON EIA is company within the EVOCON family. The Evocon Group is made up of proven professionals in direct sales and marketing, finance, management, feasibility and operations. Whatever your challenge may be Evocon has the solution. With training in Six Sigma, Leadership Strategies and First Rate Training, we will assess your needs and provide a process oriented solution. You will see results that have immediate effects and last as long as the process is followed. The Evocon Group is about building World Class Teams that last.

About CSA Travel Protection
CSA Travel Protection is dedicated to providing affordable travel insurance and emergency assistance services to protect travelers’ valuable investments and provide the peace of mind one deserves while traveling. Since its inception in 1991, CSA has developed a reputation for standing behind its customers and evolving products and services to meet their needs. Through superior customer service, extensive experience and industry-leading innovation, CSA is with its clients every step of the way whenever and wherever they are needed.

Essential Protection for Potentially Unused Fees and Travel Costs

Vacation property owners can now protect their investment like never before. CSA Travel Protection (CSA), dedicated to providing value-driven travel insurance and emergency assistance services, introduces vacation ownership insurance that offers strong protection from the unexpected, including job loss that can result in unused fees and travel costs.

The new CSA ProtectME vacation ownership insurance policies protect vacation property owners from unused maintenance and exchange fees, as well as costs associated with additional travel arrangements, rental car damage, roadside assistance and more.

“Vacation ownership insurance is now more important than ever. Travel delays and cancellations due to unforeseen economic and weather situations make planning trips today risky,” said Frank Shellabear, president, sales division at CSA. “ Our goal is to remove that risk by protecting vacation owners’ maintenance and exchange fees, as well costs associated with additional arrangements.”

Given today’s economic conditions, coverage that includes involuntary termination of employment or layoff is essential. With CSA’s ProtectME plans, owners working continuously by the same employer for at least two years are covered from job loss that is not under their control.

Many travel costs are protected under the plans’ Additional Arrangements benefit, including pre-paid, non-refundable airfare to and from the property location or pre-paid, non-refundable activities, such as theater tickets, tee times or hot air balloon rides.

The ProtectME plans also include Rental Car Damage and Roadside Assistance coverage, as well as post-departure benefits like Identity Theft Resolution Services. If a policy is cancelled within 10 days of purchase, CSA will refund the policy price if the traveler hasn’t left on their trip or filed a claim.

Property owners and resort managers can find out more about the additional benefits of CSA vacation ownership ProtectME plans by visiting www.protectmyvacations.com or calling (800) 834-8438.

About CSA Travel Protection
CSA Travel Protection is dedicated to providing affordable travel insurance and emergency assistance services to protect travelers’ valuable investments and provide the peace of mind one deserves while traveling. Since its inception in 1991, CSA has developed a reputation for standing behind its customers and evolving products and services to meet their needs. Through superior customer service, extensive experience and industry-leading innovation, CSA is with its clients every step of the way whenever and wherever they are needed.

Special Programming Also Part of Spring Convention

Women in the Industry (WIN) will hold a special networking event on Tuesday evening, March 31, from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m., during the American Resort Development Association’s (ARDA) annual convention at Orlando World Center Marriott. Spirit Incentives will be a primary sponsor of the event which includes an introduction of the interactive WIN web site, special door prizes, an organizational membership drive and no-host bar.  The WIN reception marks the third official get-together for the non-profit group which advocates, educates and connects women in the Vacation Ownership industry.  

Women in the Industry (WIN) come from all backgrounds. According to Cathy Backus of CSA Travel Protection and co-president of WIN, the non-profit organization works as a collective group to foster leadership and create opportunities in the hospitality and the vacation ownership industries. 

In addition to providing the networking event, WIN endorses a special day of programming at the ARDA convention. Beginning with the “Breakfast of Champions” sponsored by Hilton Grand Vacations and featuring Olympic swimmer Janet Evans on Thursday, April 2, ARDA will present a special educational session entitled: Not Just the Boys Club Anymore: Welcome to the Girls Club: How the Face of the Workplace Has Changed.  According to Lani Kane-Hanan, Senior Vice President Marriott Vacation Club International and co-president of WIN, the program is designed for women and those who work with women, providing a rare look at timesharing and vacation ownership from a female perspective with special insights provided by the top women executives who have already made their mark and paved the way for professional newcomers. In an effort to promote the session to professionals in the local Orlando area, ARDA is offering a special $75 one day pass which includes the breakfast.

Corporate Benefactors of the growing organization are: Marriott Vacation Club, Wyndham Worldwide, Group RCI, ICE, Bluegreen Corporation, Shell Vacations, C.A.R.E. and The Trades.  Patrons include Chicago Title, CSA Travel Protection and Spirit Incentives.  WIN has an advisory board which plays a key role in achieving its goals of encouraging the achievements and education of women, assisting with community and philanthropic activities and providing opportunities for networking and support.  Members of the board are Jeanne Fitzmaurice (Gal to Gal Foundation), Robert Kobek (Mobius Vendor Partners/Customer Count), Deb Linden (Island One Resorts), JoAnn Lockard (Chicago Title), Tracy Sherles (Shell Vacations) and Nancy Stone (ILX).
For more information about WIN visit the web site at www.womenintheindustry.com