Global Connections, Inc. (www.exploregci.com) has selected Lou Anne Karlin to become General Manager of its Beso Del Sol Resort condotel in Dunedin, Florida. Karlin has more than six years experience in the hospitality arena focusing on property management and event planning.

“By utilizing Lou Anne’s expertise to promote onsite rentals, we are transforming the Beso Del Sol Resort into a highly popular destination for special gatherings,” commented Catherine Wunder, VP of Operations for Global Connections.

In addition to providing traditional property management services, Karlin has implemented a new marketing focus for resort rentals by soliciting guests for weddings, family and special events, corporate retreats and charitable causes.

Adds Karlin, “We are encouraging small and regional corporations along with non-profit groups to hold their events at the Beso Del Sol Resort. By offering such a beautiful venue, we have helped highlight many good causes and brought business to the City of Dunedin. In just a short time, we have welcomed corporate team-building gatherings and a televised cooking show. In June, Beso Del Sol will host the ‘Blooming Luau’ benefiting Blooming Place for Kids, a camp for children living in foster care.”

Global Connections was selected last year to handle property management services for the resort. Karlin and her staff provide all condominium maintenance and housekeeping services on behalf of the condo owners and manage the on-site rental and guest services office for owners desiring to participate in Global’s rental program.

Located on the West Coast of Florida, Beso Del Sol Resort is one of four company-owned resorts. After its purchase in July 2008, the waterfront property underwent a multi-million dollar renovation project of the nearly 80 units and common areas. The whole ownership condominiums include a mix of garden and Gulf-view studio units, as well as one- and two-bedroom condominiums, plus direct Gulf-front studio units. Amenities include two swimming pools, hot tub, waterfront sundeck, fitness center and private pier with boat slips, plus a tiki bar and grill. A waterfront venue for special events and corporate meetings is scheduled for a fall opening. Headquartered in Overland Park, Kansas, the 14-year old Global Connections’ (www.exploregci.com) travel club enjoys a membership base of over 150,000.

The company has developed and owns many of its properties like the Beso Del Sol Resort, with resorts currently located in Florida, California and Tennessee. Global Connections also owns multiple resort condominium units in Florida, Hawaii, Missouri, Nevada, South Carolina, Texas and Wisconsin.

Emily Ceruzzi of Global Connections, Inc. (www.exploregci.com) was recently named the recipient of one of the most prestigious awards presented annually by the Cooperative Association of Resort Exchangers (C.A.R.E.), a vacation industry trade association. Emily was honored at C.A.R.E.’s historical 25th semi-annual conference, held in late April in New Orleans.

According to C.A.R.E president Alain Carr, “Emily was selected to receive the coveted Richard Gallardo Award for the important role she played in raising sponsorship funds to help defray speaker and conference costs. She has been a dedicated C.A.R.E. member for eleven years and currently serves on the Membership Benefits and Sponsorship Committees.”

Presented annually in recognition of outstanding service to C.A.R.E., the award was created in honor of Richard Gallardo, who served the organization for many years. Emily received her award from Ricky Gallardo, the son of Kathleen and Richard Gallardo, who were one of C.A.R.E.’s founding member families and present at the organization’s inaugural conference 25 years ago.

A nine-year veteran with Global Connections Inc. (GCI), Ceruzzi serves as General Manager of GCI’s 38-unit Sea Shells Beach Club, located in Daytona Beach, Florida. As General Manager, Ceruzzi leads 15 resort employees in the day-to-day operation of the property. She also handles marketing for resort rentals, oversees the centralized ordering for several Global properties, supervises four reservation agents and assists GCI travel club members with questions. Previously, she was manager of the Global Southeast Florida member fulfillment office for the nationally respected travel club company.

As a leader in the travel club industry, the 23-year old Global Connections provides its 150,000 members with a host of benefits and vacationing options to more than 700 resorts located from the Midwest to the Caribbean. GCI is the owner and developer of five resorts in California, Colorado, Florida and Tennessee and also owns multiple resort condominium units in Florida, Hawaii, Missouri, Nevada, South Carolina, Texas and Wisconsin. Partner alliances with exchange and cruise organizations, along with owned and leased properties provide on-demand locations in popular vacation destinations around the world for the company’s expanding member base. The company’s 28 sales centers are located in 20 states and are distributors of its travel club product, Global Discovery Vacations.
For more information visit www.exploregci.com

Presents Awards, Names Board Members & Works With Charity Food Bank

There was a great deal of prideful celebrating going on in New Orleans as the Cooperative Association of Resort Exchangers (C.A.R.E.) reached a significant milestone in its 25-year history by welcoming members to its 50th semi-annual conference, held in late April. The Silver and Gold Conference celebrated not only C.A.R.E.’s quarter of a century as an organization, but also recognized special members who have helped their group succeed over the years.

Held at the landmark Hilton New Orleans St. Charles Avenue, the historical spring conference attracted over 160 member representatives in spite of the current economy. New Orleans was also the site of the first C.A.R.E. (www.care-online.org) conference 25 years ago. Former board members and award winners were recognized for their contributions in bringing the organization to its current respected status.

Emily Ceruzzi of Global Connections was honored at the conference with the prestigious Richard Gallardo Award. Emily was instrumental in raising sponsorship funds to help defray speaker and conference costs. Emily has been a C.A.R.E. member for 11 years and serves on the Membership Benefits and Sponsorship Committees. Presented annually in recognition of outstanding service to C.A.R.E., the award was created in honor of Richard Gallardo, who served the organization for many years. The award was presented to Emily by Ricky Gallardo, the son of Kathleen and Richard Gallardo, who were one of C.A.R.E.’s founding member families and present at the organization’s inaugural conference 25 years ago.

Another special celebratory event included honoring Travel Advantage Network (TAN) of Millersville, MD with the Silver & Gold award for contributing more than $300,000 in C.A.R.E. sponsorship donations over the past 25 years.

New officers installed at the conference were Vice Presidents, Debi Mongan of Travel Advantage Network (TAN), who was newly elected for a one-year term and incumbent Linda Mayhugh of Accommodations Unlimited, re-elected for a three-year term. Alain Carr remains C.A.R.E.President.

Since several C.A.R.E. members had expressed an interest in participating in a charitable activity to give back to the resort communities that have served them for many years. Board member Dave Dawson and others helped locate the Second Harvest Food Bank of Greater New Orleans and Acadiana. After the close of the conference, several C.A.R.E. members donated their time and efforts by working at the food bank for half a day in a warehouse facility.

Described Dave: “Our volunteers sorted and repacked food donated by major grocery chains prior to distribution to soup kitchens that feed the homeless abused, and women’s shelters. Everyone was exhilarated by the team coming together and felt a great deal of gratitude for being able to serve the community through their efforts. It was an experience we will long remember.”

With leadership by Jeanette Bunn, the conference’s silent/live auction raised over $10,000 to help promote C.A.R.E. through advertising to attract new member companies. Five percent of the total auction proceeds were donated to the New Orleans chapter of Habitat for Humanity. Auction items donated included five RCI weeks, three Global Connections weeks, accommodations in Colorado, California and Branson, and ads in Resort Trades and the Management & Operations magazine, plus other popular items.

C.A.R.E. is comprised of resort developers and service companies, property management firms, homeowners associations, rental and exchange organizations and travel clubs engaged within the vacation industry. Members are located in the US, Canada, Mexico, Europe and Australia. The member companies of the association offer over 2,500 vacation properties and services to over a million vacation owner members, along with the tools to provide outstanding vacation services while remaining committed to the highest standards and ethics. www.care-online.org

Finalizes 2010 Strategic Plan, Selects 2010 Richard Gallardo Award Winner, and Finalizes Plan for 50th Semi-Annual Conference

The Cooperative Association of Resort Exchangers (C.A.R.E.) held its annual 1st Quarter Board of Directors’ meeting  from January 29-January 31, 2010.

The annual meeting hosted by Global Connections, Inc. at their Beso del Sol Resort, Dunedin, FL, was attended by the entire C.A.R.E. Board of Directors including Jeanette Bunn, Vice President, Dave Dawson, Vice President, Vicki DiFabio, Treasurer, Tina Hill, Vice President, Linda Mayhugh, Vice President, Deborah Sansom, Secretary, James Wehrle, Vice President, Debbie Westby, Vice President, and Bonnie Kosco, Immediate Past President.  The purpose of the meeting was to review and finalize all committee actions and plans for 2010.

According to Dave Dawson, “As a first term Board Member I was amazed at the amount of work that transpired and the teambuilding that was accomplished during the three day meeting. Global Connections, Inc. was pleased to be able to provide the setting for this important gathering of the C.A.R.E. Board.”

C.A.R.E.’s Strategic Planning Committee formulated the 2010 Strategic Plan.  The plan identifies external and internal operating environments that affect C.A.R.E. and the resulting strengths, weaknesses, opportunities as well as the threats facing the organization.  After evaluating this information, the committee established goals, objectives and strategies, and developed an action plan.  The action plan was presented to the Board of Directors and accepted.

Final details for C.A.R.E.’s Silver and Gold Conference to be held in New Orleans, LA from April 24-27, 2010 were also discussed.  Special preparations are underway to celebrate C.A.R.E.’s 50th Conference and 25th year at the Hilton New Orleans St. Charles.   Past Board Members, Richard Gallardo and Pinnacle Award recipients are invited to attend the conference in celebration of the special occasion.

The Board of Directors also selected the 2010 recipient of the Richard Gallardo Award which will be presented at C.A.R.E.’s Silver and Gold Conference. The award was created in honor of Richard Gallardo, husband of C.A.R.E.’s first President, Kathleen Gallardo, who tirelessly served C.A.R.E. in numerous capacities for many years and is given in recognition of outstanding volunteer service to C.A.R.E.

C.A.R.E. is a non-profit trade association established in 1985 with members in the U.S.A., Canada, Mexico, Europe and Australia.  The association offers over 2,500 vacation properties and member companies’ service over a million travelers annually.  Resort developers and service companies, property management companies, homeowners associations, rental and exchange organizations, and travel clubs engaged in the vacation industry whose goal is to offer the tools to provide outstanding vacation services while remaining committed to the highest standards and ethics are C.A.R.E. member companies.

Global Connections, Inc. (GCI) one of the nation’s most respected travel clubs, has recently assumed responsibility for the property management and onsite rental program for the whole ownership condo/hotel units at the Beso Del Sol Resort in Dunedin, Florida.

Located on the Gulf Coast of Southwest Florida, Beso Del Sol, one of five company-owned resorts, was acquired in July 2008. After its purchase, the waterfront property enjoyed a multi-million dollar renovation project of the nearly 80 units and common areas.

GCI will provide all condominium maintenance and housekeeping services on behalf of the developer as the resort’s property management company. Additionally, the on-site rental and guest services office will be professionally managed and staffed by GCI employees for owners desiring to participate in their program. GCI has an impressive record of success with the development and management of numerous resort properties and over 300 individually owned condo units throughout the U.S. and beyond.

GCI will be utilizing internet-marketing distribution channels for the promotion of its onsite rental inventory. There will be a new marketing focus on weddings and special events.

Selected as General Manager of the Beso Del Sol Resort is Lou Anne Karlin, a veteran of more than five years in the hospitality arena. Karlin previously handled sales, marketing and special events planning for a large international non-profit organization.  Utilizing her expertise in this highly specialized field, GCI plans to transform the Beso Del Sol Resort into a popular destination location for special gatherings.

The whole ownership condominiums include a mix of garden and Gulf-view studio units, as well as one- and two-bedroom townhouses, plus direct Gulf-front studio units. Amenities include two swimming pools, hot tub, oceanfront sundeck, fitness center and video game room, private pier with deep-water boat slips available for sale or rent, plus a Tiki bar and grill. A waterfront restaurant is planned for the near future.

As a leader in the growing travel industry, the 21-year old Global Connections provides its 150,000 members with a host of benefits and vacationing options to more than 700 resorts located from the Midwest to the Caribbean. GCI is the owner and developer of five resorts in California, Colorado, Florida and Tennessee and also owns multiple resort condominium units in Florida, Hawaii, Missouri, Nevada, South Carolina, Texas and Wisconsin. Partner alliances with exchange and cruise organizations, along with owned and leased properties provide on-demand locations in popular vacation destinations around the world for the company’s expanding member base. The company’s 28 sales centers are located in 20 states and are distributors of its travel club product, Global Discovery Vacations. For additional information, contact Melanie Gring at 561-417-7559 or mgring@gcitravel.net

The staff of Global Connections, Inc. (GCI) one of the nation’s most respected travel clubs, has generously helped its local SPCA by raising money for abused and neglected animals in their area.

Employees from Global’s Clearwater, Florida office entered the 5th annual SPCA (Society for the Prevention & Cruelty to Animals) Bowl-A-Thon to raise money, registering as the Beso Del Sol team, representing Global Connection’s new resort in Dunedin, Florida.

Participants included Heather Love, Nirce Barbaro, Marcia McGinley, Ron Parham and Kelli Brazier.  The team grew from five to twelve members as friends and supporters joined in the day-long bowling event.

The Global Connections team exceeded their initial goal of $1,000, raising nearly $1,300, which landed them in third place for overall donations. Their winnings included a trophy and a gift basket filled to the brim with gift certificates to various local restaurants and businesses along with dog toys, which were donated back to the SPCA.

L - R: Global Connections employees: Kelli Brazier, Marcia McGinley, Nirce Barbaro, and Heather Love

The SPCA was formed 65 years ago and does not receive any State or Federal tax dollars.
Added Kelli Brazier, Member Fulfillment Manager, “We’ve all been instrumental in finding homes for unwanted and rescue animals for years and decided this would be the ideal opportunity to raise money for a cause dear to our hearts, while also working together as a team. It was incredible to see how many people really care.  A sincere thank you is extended to each of our sponsors!”

Employees of GCI in Overland Park, Kansas also recently helped to raise over $40,000 to benefit Quest to Walk, an exercise-based spinal cord injury recovery center founded by one of its employees.

As a leader in the growing travel industry, the 21-year old Global Connections provides its 125,000 members with a host of benefits and vacationing options to more than 700 resorts located from the Midwest to the Caribbean. GCI is the owner and developer of five resorts in California, Colorado, Florida and Tennessee and also owns multiple resort condominium units in Florida, Hawaii, Missouri, Nevada, South Carolina, Texas and Wisconsin. Partner alliances with exchange and cruise organizations, along with owned and leased properties provide on-demand locations in popular vacation destinations around the world for the company’s expanding member base. The company’s 28 sales centers are located in 20 states and are distributors of its travel club product, Global Discovery Vacations. For additional information, contact Melanie Gring at 561-417-7559 or mgring@gcitravel.net

Global Connections, Inc. (GCI) has recently launched its new Global Discovery Vacations (GDV) members-only website to serve the needs of more than 150,000 members. The newly enhanced website allows members to make online reservations and to escape, explore and discover all the possibilities and benefits available with their Global Discovery Vacations membership.

Created by Global Connections, the GDV club product offers a membership based on Star Credits, similar to timeshare’s points-based programs, designed to allow GDV members to select a program to fit their lifestyle and budget. Global Connections provides total fulfillment of each member’s request from lodging to airline to cruises and ensures that members’ vacations are a rewarding experience.

Explains Global VP of Operations Catherine Wunder, “The functionality of the GDV website has been greatly enhanced by adding features such as information on cruise exchanges, Express Cruises (last minute cruise vacation deals) and Global VIP themed group cruises. Members can now use the website to reserve resort condominiums, request forms for Discount Weeks, learn more about their travel history and renew their membership online.”

A vacation calculator helps members determine the cost of Value Week and Expressway Weeks and an account overview advises members the balance of Star Credit available for future bookings. A new section provides online answers to members’ most frequently-asked questions while another section dubbed “the traveler” provides industry news and travel alerts.

During 2008, GDV members used over 28,000 condominium weeks in almost 700 resorts located from Hawaii to the Caribbean. Headquartered in Overland Park, Kansas, GDV was formed in the early 90s. Global Connections’ 28 sales centers located in 20 states and are distributors of its GDV travel club product.

Global Connections has developed and owns many of its properties with resorts currently located throughout the State of Florida and in California, Tennessee, and Colorado. The company also owns multiple resort condominium units in Florida, Hawaii, Missouri, Nevada, South Carolina, Texas and Wisconsin. Partner alliances with exchange and cruise organizations, along with owned and leased properties provide on-demand locations in popular vacation destinations around the world for the company’s expanding member base.

For additional information, contact Melanie Gring at 561-417-7559 or mgring@gcitravel.net

The property management division of Global Connections, Inc. (GCI) has recently promoted Emily Ceruzzi to General Manager of Sea Shells Beach Club in Daytona Beach, Florida.

An eight-year veteran with Global Connections, Ceruzzi previously served as assistant general manager at the same resort. As assistant to the Regional Director of Operations, she played a significant role in the revamping of the company’s property management offices in Myrtle Beach, S.C. and Orlando, Florida. Previously, she was manager of the Global Southeast Florida member fulfillment office for the nationally respected travel club company.

Owned by Global Connections, the 38-unit Sea Shells Beach Resort is located directly on Daytona Beach. As General Manager, Ceruzzi leads 15 resort employees in the day-to-day operation of the property with four unit sizes. She also handles marketing for resort rentals, oversees the centralized ordering for several Global properties, supervises four reservation agents and assists GCI travel club members with questions.
Before joining GCI, Ceruzzi spent nearly a decade with insurance companies and government agencies, working as a licensed workers’ compensation adjuster and human resources specialist. She holds a B.S. degree from the University of Central Florida, is a paralegal and serves on the Sponsorship Committee of the Cooperative Association of Resort Exchangers (C.A.R.E.).

Added Catherine Wunder, VP of Operations for Global Connections, “When it was time to select a new resort manager for Sea Shells Beach Club, we recognized that Emily’s past experience with our company made her the ideal candidate for the job. Her can-do attitude, attention to detail, and familiarity with the resort made for an easy and seamless transition.”

Global Connections has developed and owns many of its properties with resorts currently located throughout the State of Florida, and in California, Tennessee and Colorado. The company also owns multiple resort condominium units in Florida, Hawaii, Missouri, Nevada, South Carolina, Texas and Wisconsin. Global Connections’ 28 sales centers are located in 20 states and are distributors of its travel club product, Global Discovery Vacations (GDV), which offers Star Credits, similar to timeshare’s points-based programs, designed to allow members to select programs to fit their lifestyle and budget.