C.A.R.E. in vacation ownership news

Once again, members of C.A.R.E. (Cooperative Association of Resort Exchangers) are actively sharing their time, passions, and talents through a meaningful community service project. Following the recent spring C.A.R.E. Conference in Myrtle Beach, the timeshare, vacation ownership, and vacation industry organization members volunteered to clean classrooms and restrooms at The Boys and Girls Club of the Grand Strand.

Don Hall, Executive Director of the youth organization says, “Volunteers are critical to our success. It is great to have groups such as C.A.R.E. come in and make a difference to the children that we serve.”

Timeshare, Vacation Ownership, and Vacation Industry C.A.R.E. Gives Back

Through a volunteer program called, “C.A.R.E. Gives Back,” timeshare, vacation ownership, and vacation industry C.A.R.E. members support programs in resort communities that serve the vacationing public. The C.A.R.E. project in Myrtle Beach helped maintain the Boys and Girls Club facility, which provides after-school and summer camp programs for children who may not otherwise have adult supervision.  Boys and Girls Clubs are a safe place to learn and grow no matter their circumstances at home or in their immediate neighborhood.

The next C.A.R.E. project will be a volunteer event at the conclusion of the 57th Semi-Annual C.A.R.E Conference held at Hilton Sonoma Wine Country, Santa Rosa, California from September 28-October 1, 2013. C.A.R.E. was established in 1985, and is considered to be one of the timeshare and vacation industry’s premier trade associations.

Wyndham Vacation Ownership Partners with Give Kids The World Village

Orlando, Florida based Wyndham Vacation Ownership (Wyndham timeshare) has announced its partnership with Give Kids The World. Give Kids The World Village is a resort for children facing life-threatening illnesses and their families. Wyndham Vacation Ownership will be helping to launch an “Extreme Village Makeover” at Give Kids The World Village, which is located just outside of Orlando  in Kissimmee, Florida.

The Extreme Village Makeover, scheduled for January 12 – 25, 2014, will rennovate 100 of the 140 villas at Give Kids The World Village. These villas have welcomed more than 120,000 families from all 50 states and over 74 countries. While the children are guests at the Village, their special vacations create cherished memories for these young guests facing life-threatening illnesses. In a setting that can best be described as whimsical, Give Kids The World Village provides accommodations, attraction and theme part tickets, meals, and other benefits for week-long, no-cost holidays for its very special guests and their families.

Wyndham Vacation Ownership

Now, with the help of Wyndham Vacation Ownership, the world’s largest vacation ownership company and a member of the Wyndham Worldwide family of companies, and many other donors and volunteers,  the Give Kids The World Village “Extreme Village Makeover” is becoming a reality.

Pamela Landwirth, president of Give Kids The World, and Gary Rall, vice president of resort renovation and design, Wyndham Vacation Ownership, kicked off the project at the 2013 Commercial Construction & Renovation Summit, led by David Corson, publisher and editor of Commercial Construction and Renovation magazine.

Construction will last two weeks while crews work around the clock. Renovations will include cosmetic and structural upgrades such as wood replacement, stucco and drywall repair, tile work, installation of new counter tops, fixtures and crown molding, exterior and interior painting and electrical updates,  all as part of the makeover.

“Give Kids The World is an amazing organization and we’re very excited to be a part of this monumental project,”  says Gary Rall of Wyndham timeshare. “We need a lot of people to make this vision a reality. At this point, we’re calling all members of the construction and design industry to come forward and join us in making a difference by donating or deeply discounting their products, expertise or time. This will truly be a once-in-a-lifetime experience, helping families of children with life-threatening illnesses for decades to come.”

Vendors, contractors, and volunteers must sign up online by June 1, 2013 in order to participate in the Extreme Village Makeover. To register, visit www.givekidstheworld.org/makeover/ or contact Gary Rall at Gary.Rall@wyn.com or 407-626-6411, or Michael Bausman, Director of Facilities for Give Kids The World at MichaelB@gktw.org or 407-396-1114 x4240.

Site of Next ARDA timeshare Regional Meeting- Portsmouth Haborside Hotel in Portsmouth, New Hampshire

The next ARDA Timeshare Northeast Regional Meeting will be here before you know it. Scheduled for June 3-4, 2013, at the Sheraton Portsmouth Haborside Hotel in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, TODAY is the last day to early register and save. (See ARDA registeration online for more information.) For the vacation ownership industry ARDA timeshare regional meetings are extremely important. They keep our industry connected between annual conference events. ARDA timeshare regional meetings allow us to connect as an industry in smaller groups and more intimate settings. But perhaps most importantly, these meetings serve as an opportunity to unify vacation ownership and timeshares across a diverse industry represented by developers, timeshare management, timeshare resales companies, vendors, and so many others.

Monday, June 3, the schedule begins with the ARDA New England Executive Committee Meeting, after which Registration officially begins. Monday evening’s speaker will be Lori Harnois, Director of New Hampshire Division of Travel and Tourism Development. Lori will be looking at the topic of “Travel and Tourism in the New England Region.”

Monday evening’s activities will include the Opening Reception with Product Showcase,co-sponsored by First American Title and GCG Law.

Tuesday, June 4, includes continued Registration, breakfast and AIF Research Updates, sponsored by RCI and the first session: “Attracting the Next Generation Part 1: As Industry Professionals,” with speaker Paul Carney, Regional VP, Wyndham Vacation Ownership, Inc.

The second session, which begins at 9:15 AM will be, “Attracting the Next Generation Part 2: As an Owner, ” with speaker, Julia Geffner, Senior Director of Marketing, RCI.

10:15 AM,  ”Communicating with Your Owner: An Interactive Workshop,” with speakers Sandra Florentin, Director of CRM and Online Marketing, Interval International and Simon Jaworski, Sr. Vice President, The Research Intelligence Group.

Leading into lunchtime on Tuesday, the next topic is, “Resorts at a Crossroads,” with speakers John Funk, Attorney, Gallagher, Callahan & Gartrell and Rich Muller, Senior VP Resort Operations, Vacation Resorts International.

Lunch break (12:15 PM-1:30 PM) includes Northeast Region Legislative and ARDA-ROC Updates with speaker, Keith Stephenson, Director State Government Affairs, ARDA, sponsored by Interval International.

Thanks to all of the event sponsors who make this meeting possible, including: ARDA ROC; First American Title; Gallagher, Callahan & Gartrell; Interval International; RCI; Blackwell Recovery; Colebrook Financial Company, LLC; Continental Central Credit, Inc.; Dial An Exchange L.L.C.; GScf; Lodging Kit Company; MasterCorp Inc.; Meridian Financial Services; and the Timeshare Advisor.

Timeshare Closing Services of Orlando, Florida along with Sell My Timeshare NOW has released a second media announcement regarding the passage of a new Florida timeshare law. Efforts by the American Resort Development Association laid much of the groundwork for this new legislation, which was passed into law last week and  is scheduled to take effect later this year.

The following is the complete text of the media announcement:

Timeshare Closing Services Applaud Florida Lawmakers for New Legislation Affecting Timeshare Resellers

Orlando, FL – May 2013 / Hospitality 1ST / Orlando-based Timeshare Closing Services, Inc., along with Sell My Timeshare NOW, applaud Florida lawmakers on the passage of Florida House Bill 7025, which – along with other provisions – limits controversial timeshare resale strategies known as “Viking Ships.”

“Previously, timeshare owners who were unable to sell their vacation time would pay transfer companies to take over their ownership,” said Scott Roberts, CEO of Timeshare Closing Services, Inc. “But some transfer companies would knowingly take the timeshare with no intention of advertising it for resale, renting it, paying a single maintenance fee, or returning it to the association. They would simply transfer ownership to entities commonly referred to as “Viking ships.” Associations without a strong resale strategy, such as a partnership with SellMyTimeshareNOW.com, were left with limited options on what to do with this non-performing timeshare interval. This legislation attempts to address these bad actors without limiting owners’ rights in their property or harming legitimate transfers, such as those done by Timeshare Closing Services,” said Mr. Roberts.

In addition to Florida State Senator Kelli Stargel (R-Lakeland), Representatives Debbie Mayfield (R-Vero Beach) and Dane Eagle (R-Cape Coral) the American Resort Development Association was instrumental in the passage of the new legislation, which attempts to represent and to protect both the timeshare resale industry and timeshare owners. The new legislation is scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2013.

Timeshare Closing Services was one of the main critics of the legislation before it was finalized. As initially proposed, the legislation would negatively impact the timeshare secondary market and increase the cost for timeshare owners to resell their units or points. This prompted meetings with Executives from ARDA, Timeshare Closing Services and Sell My Timeshare NOW who met earlier this year to strategize and share their concern over the legislation in its early stages. (About one third of all U.S. timeshare resorts are located in Florida, which has frequently taken the lead in legislation protecting the timeshare industry.)

Adds Roberts, “The sponsors of the new legislation wisely balanced the needs of timeshare developers along with those of consumers. A timeshare resale market that respects owners’ property rights is critical to the health of the timeshare industry. At Timeshare Closing Services, we are committed to ensuring that lawmakers hear the voices of timeshare owners. In addition to our appreciation to the legislators who helped move the bill forward, we also extend our deep appreciation to ARDA for its willingness to work with us and bring about an acceptable compromise, resulting in the legislation that passed in Florida on May 3. Few pieces of legislation are perfect but this is a good start to helping balance the interests of association management and timeshare owners looking for a viable secondary market.”

About Timeshare Closing Services, Inc.

For over a decade, Timeshare Closing Services, Inc. has specialized in facilitating timeshare transfers of even the most challenging properties. Timeshare Closing Services, Inc., is a full-service title insurance company that is licensed, bonded, underwritten and insured.

Related News from The Timeshare Authority blog:

Timeshare Closing Services Commends Fla. Lawmakers on Timeshare Law

Wyndham Midtown 45 to become a Wyndham timeshare

From Crains New York Business comes the news that Wyndham timeshare is expanding its New York City timeshare options with the acquisition of a new hotel.  Formerly known as the Alex Hotel, Wyndham Vacation Ownership has already rebranded this 200-plus room property as the Wyndham Midtown 45. Previously the hotel was in foreclosure, and then sold for a reported $115 million to an affiliate of the Wyndham Hotel Group in February. Reported, Wyndham Vacation Ownership will be purchasing the property in increments over a three-year period.

During its period of renovation, the newly named Wyndham Midtown 45 is continuing to operate as a hotel. After renovations are completed, the Wyndham timeshare owned property will provide extended-stay accommodations. Many of the rooms are suites that include kitchens and living areas; some also have multiple bedrooms and bathrooms. Studio units are also available.

For Wyndham timeshare owners and guests, the Wyndham Midtown 45 is ideally located in Midtown Manhattan East. Situated between 2nd and 3rd Avenues, the property is within easy walking distance of attractions such as Grand Central Station, the United Nations headquarters, Fifth Avenue shopping, Madison Avenue, the Theater District, Times Square, SoHo, Tribeca, Wall Street, and the restaurants of Park Avenue.

The building and interior were designed by residential architect Costas Kondylis. Bespoke furniture designer, David Rockwell, designed custom furnishings for the property. In addition to other amazing furnishings and amenities, the property’s luxury suites all come fully equipped with deluxe Poggen Pohl kitchens featuring SubZero refrigerator, Advantium oven, and Gaggenau cook tops.

Wyndham Vacation Club puts iPads to work in timeshare sales

Last week Wyndham Vacation Ownership (Wyndham timeshare) announced it was updating its sales practices with the use of an iPad platform. By equipping all of its sales associates with a timeshare sales “tool center,” the Apple iPads become dedicated sales tools for the Wyndham timeshare sales team.

Utilizing some 3,000 iPads, Wyndham Vacation Ownership timeshare sales associates can now serve prospective timeshare owners with real-time data and information that is accurate and consistent no matter where the Wyndham team member is based. Not only will the iPads upgrade the timeshare sales process at Wyndham timeshare, but their use also reduces the company’s environmental footprint.

Jeff Myers, chief sales and marketing officer for Wyndham Vacation Ownership explains, “I’m proud to be part of a company that continues to raise the bar by consistently emphasizing the importance of innovation. We are always looking for what we can do to be better because a company standing still is falling behind.”

Wyndham Vacation Ownership, the World’s Largest Vacation Ownership Company

With over 15,000 employees globally, more than 23,000 individual Wyndham timeshare units, over 900,000 Wyndham and World Mark timeshare owners, Wyndham remains a worldwide leader in vacation ownership. As of December 31, 2012, Wyndham Vacation Ownership had developed or acquired more than 185 vacation ownership resorts throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and the South Pacific.

Companies that invest in their employees demonstrate that they not only care about the service their clients receive, but they care about the team of workers delivering that service.

Find out more about opportunities in Wyndham timeshare ownership and special values in Wyndham timeshare resales.

Dial An Exchange timeshare

Dial An Exchange (DAE) timeshare exchange has announced the appointment of Ahmed Adel Saleh as the company’s new Business Development Manager for Egypt. Recognized as the largest privately held timeshare exchange company in the world, Dial An Exchange (DAE) continues to grow its business in aggressive ways and exciting directions.

Francis Taylor, CEO of Dial An Exchange timeshare says, “We wanted the right person to help us develop our business in Egypt and north east Africa. Ahmed brings to DAE the right skills and professionalism, along with a real passion for customer service. This helps ensure that we are able to provide a quality exchange alternative for the growing shared vacation ownership industry in this important geographic region of the world.”

Ahmed Adel Saleh has more than 20 years of experience in fractional ownership real estate. Starting his career in sales and marketing, he moved quickly into management. During his career, Ahmed Adel has held management and director level positions for various companies. He holds a B.Sc. of law from Cairo University in Giza, Egypt.

Dial An Exchange timeshare  has more than 90,000 timeshare units in Europe and the Middle East, within nearly 1400 timeshare resorts. In recent months we have reported on the opening of new DAE offices all around the globe. Included among those is the new Dial An Exchange timeshare office in Munich, Germany, which serves DAE members in Eastern Europe, including Russia, Greece and Turkey.

Other Dial An Exchange timeshare office locations include: United Kingdom, Italy, United States, China, India, South Africa, Thailand, and New Zealand, as well as the company’s corporate headquarters on the Gold Coast of Australia.

More news from Dial An Exchange Timeshare:

• Timeshare Exchange Company Dial An Exchange Exceeds Projections
• DAE Timeshare Exchange Expanding Opportunities for Gold Advantage Members
• Leisure Logistics Selects DAE, World’s Largest Privately Owned Timeshare Exchange Company

Timeshare real estate, commercial and residential real estate professionals see people in times of transition

News from the Berkley Association of REALTORS® exemplifies how timeshare real estate, commercial and residential real estate professionals see individual and community need firsthand

Last week the Berkeley Association of REALTORS® released an announcement about its generous contribution to area community groups. Whether the field of expertise is timeshare real estate, commercial, or residential real estate, the licensed, professional brokers within the industry come in contact with people in unique and personal ways. A residential,  commercial, or timeshare real estate broker interacts with individuals in times of transition. The purchase or sale of a home, building, or even of timeshare real estate ownership can mark a new beginning in a person’s life and exciting, positive change, a  marriage, a new addition to the family, the growth of a business or a family’s commitment to regular vacations as part of their life. But the transaction can also be spurred by a death, divorce, financial challenges, illness, or any number of other traumatic changes.

Commercial, residential, and timeshare real estate professionals work with clients who are dealing with the stress of change; real estate transactions are typically very personal. Often, they are in a position to see where the greatest needs lie in communities, programs, and services. And from this interaction, selfless acts of compassion and service arise, such as the generosity of the Berkeley Association of REALTORS®.

Shared below is the Association’s announcement to the media, regarding its recent donation. Praise to this group of industry professionals for their awareness, commitment, and caring.

Berkeley Association of REALTORS® Contribute $30,010 to 32 Area Community Groups

Berkeley, CA – April 25, 2013 – On Wednesday, April 24, 2013 the Berkeley Association of REALTORS® (BAR) awarded grants totaling $30,010 to thirty-two (32) area community groups during a gala reception at the BAR.

BAR has administered a Grant Program for their Youth Arts & Education Fund and the Workforce Housing & Homeless Fund since 2006. The dollars are generated through various programs including direct contributions by REALTOR® Members and Affiliates as well as numerous BAR fund-raising events.

BAR President Anita Thede noted that, “We award grants to under-funded and developing programs that support youth in the communities served by our REALTOR® Members and related real estate professionals. Our Grant Program also supports organizations that provide direct assistance to the homeless and their advocates as well as organizations that provide affordable housing within our communities. As REALTORS® and real estate professionals it is important that we reinvest in the diverse communities that we serve.”

• From the Workforce Housing & Homeless Fund seven (7) grants were awarded to:
• Rebuilding Together – Funding for materials for National Rebuilding Day
• Berkeley Food & Housing Project – Funding for their Meals Program
• BOSS Building Opportunities for Self-Sufficiency – Funding for their Children’s Learning Center
• MISSEY – Funding for Case Management services at-risk, sexually exploited girls
• Options Recovery Services – Funding to renovate the Women’s Residence Home
• YES!-Youth Enrichment Strategies – Funding for Summer Camp for low-income youth
• Women’s Daytime Drop-In Center – Funding for Housing Case Management Staffing

From the Youth Arts & Education Fund twenty-five (25) grants were awarded to:

• Youth Spirit Artworks – Funding for a mosaic sign at Malcolm X Elementary School
• Berkeley Symphony – Music in Schools Program
• Pegasus Project – Marine Environment/Education Voyages
• St. Mary’s College High School – Funding for the purchase of Clear Com Communications System for the Performing Arts Program
• Berkeley Ballet Theatre – Funding for Outreach Performances for school children
• Community Alliance for Learning – Funding for Writer Coach Connection Program
• Rosa Parks Elementary School PTA– Funding for Green Schoolyard Program
• Aurora Theatre – Funding for the Student Education Program
• Victory Garden Foundation – Funding for Climate Solutions Summer Program for Berkeley High School Students
• Berkeley Arts Magnet – Funding for Funnel Ball Game for the Kindergarten yard.
• Thousand Oaks Elementary School PTA – Funding for Character Development Through Song Program
• Studio Ephemera – Funding for High School Art Class Workshop
• Berkeley Public Education Foundation – Funding for Scholarships for “Jumpstart at the Cazedero” music program
• Community Resource for Science – Funding for Science Superstar Challenge Program
• Bridges Academy at Melrose (Oakland Unified School District)- Funding for Physical Education Program
• St. Martin de Porres School – Violins for 5-year old students
• Oakland Leaf Foundation – Funding for Creative education for community youth & families
• Nia House Learning Center – Funding for New chairs in the Preschool
• Lincoln Child Center – Funding for Program to expose urban youth to No. Cal. Aquaculture
• Kensington Education Foundation – Funding for Band Program
• The Berkeley Project – Funding for Community service projects for local elementary & middle schools
• Green Branch – Funding for the Bookmobile
• Kala Art Institute – Funding for the MLK Jr Elementary School Mural Project in Oakland
• Berkeley Repertory Theatre – Funding for Art education & Outreach Programs
• Sponsored by Councilmember Darryl Moore’s Office – Funding for customized student backpacks for Rosa Parks Elementary School

Also recognized during the event were real estate offices that make a total commitment to the Community Funds, boasting 100% Agent Participation by contributing at the close of every escrow.

Recognized for their participation in the Community Funds 100% Club were:

• Pacific Union International
• Berkeley Hills Realty
• Thornwall Properties, Inc.
• Northbrae Properties
• Daniel Winkler & Associates
• McGuire Real Estate Berkeley
• Marvin Gardens Real Estate Solano Office

The Youth Arts & Education Fund and the Workforce Housing & Homeless Fund are 501C3 organizations administered by the Berkeley Association of REALTORS®. Since 2006 BAR has contributed a total of $173,710 in grants to organizations who make the communities they serve a better place.

The Berkeley Association of REALTORS® (BAR) is a trade organization offering educational services, professional support and political advocacy for its 700 REALTOR® and Affiliate Members since 1902.

Yesterday, May 3, 2013, Florida lawmakers passed House Bill 7025. Timeshare Closing Services Inc. released the following announcement of congratulations and thanks to the lawmakers involved as well as to the American Resort Development Association, ARDA ,for its passage and for their support in ensuring the law’s fairness to both timeshare owners and  the timeshare resale industry.

The full media announcement appears below:

Timeshare Closing Services Commends Fla. Lawmakers on Timeshare Law

Timeshare Closing Services Commends Fla. Lawmakers on Timeshare Law

Timeshare Closing Services, Inc. of Orlando Florida, along with Sell My Timeshare NOW, commends Florida State Senator Kelli Stargel (R-Lakeland) and Representatives Debbie Mayfield (R-Vero Beach) and Dane Eagle (R-Cape Coral) on final passage of Florida House Bill 7025 relating to timeshares. Timeshare Closing Services also extends its appreciation to the American Resort Development Association, which was instrumental in the passage of the new legislation to fairly represent and protect both the timeshare resale industry and timeshare owners.

Scott Roberts, CEO of Timeshare Closing Services, Inc., says, “The bill sponsors balanced the needs of timeshare developers with the needs of consumers. A timeshare resale market that respects owners’ property rights is critical to the health of the timeshare industry. Timeshare Closing Services is committed to ensuring that lawmakers hear the voices of timeshare owners.

“We also express our deep appreciation to ARDA for its willingness to work with us and its recognition of our valid concerns. The result of ARDA’s attention to bringing about a workable compromise is now codified in the legislation that passed here in Florida today,” adds Roberts.

Executives from ARDA, Timeshare Closing Services and Sell My Timeshare NOW met earlier this year when the timeshare company voiced its concern that the legislation, as initially proposed, would negatively impact the timeshare secondary market and would increase the cost for timeshare owners to resell their units or points on the secondary market.

The new legislation is scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2013.

About Timeshare Closing Services, Inc.

For more than ten years, Timeshare Closing Services, Inc. has specialized in facilitating timeshare transfers of even the most challenging properties. Timeshare Closing Services, Inc., is a full service title insurance company and is licensed, bonded, underwritten and insured.

Wyndham Bonnet Creek Resort timeshares, a popular Wyndham Vacation Ownership destination

Yesterday The Timeshare Authority blog reported “Profits Rise at Marriott Vacations Worldwide.” Today’s story is about positive momentum shown in Wyndham Worldwide’s Q1 performance. The report includes a look at Wyndham vacation ownership.

Wyndham Hotel Group posted first quarter 2013 revenue of $222 million, which is an increase of 20 percent over the same quarter in 2012. During this same period, adjusted net income at Wyndham was $98 million, or $0.71 per diluted share, compared with $90 million, or $0.60 per diluted share for the first quarter of 2012.

Wyndham reported that the increase in adjusted net income reflects stronger operating results primarily in its lodging and Wyndham vacation ownership businesses, which showed revenues of $549 million in the first quarter of 2013. This reflects a 10% increase over the first quarter of 2012 for Wyndham vacation ownership sales, but excluding the acquisition of Shell Vacations Club, Wyndham vacation ownership revenues increased by 2%. Similarly to what Marriott Vacations Worldwide reported for its first quarter 2013, the increase in profitability for Wyndham timeshare does not necessarily come from increased timeshare sales.

Wyndham Vacation Ownership reported:

• Service and membership fees at $569M for Q1 2013 versus $504M for Q1 2012.
• Vacation Ownership interest sales at $263M for Q1 2013 versus $271M for Q1 2012.
• Franchise fees at $122M for Q1 2013 versus $118M for Q1 2012.
• Consumer financing at $105M for Q1 2013 versus $103M for Q1 2012
• Other: $74M for Q1 2013 versus $40M for Q1 2012.

Summary: Wyndham Vacation Ownership net revenues of $1,133M for the Q1 2013 versus $1,036M for Q1 2012.

Stephen P. Holmes, chairman and CEO of Wyndham Worldwide, observed, “We’re off to a great start this year, with an 18% increase in adjusted earnings per share. Our operating momentum is strong and our capital allocation philosophy is disciplined. This winning combination will continue to enhance our growth and shareholder value, this year and in years to come.”

• You can read the full report here: Wyndham Worldwide Reports First Quarter 2013 Earnings
• You can learn more about Wyndham timeshare resales at VacationOwnership.com