Happy Summer My Friends! Is it hot in here or is it just me? I’m no Meteorologist but yeah, it’s hot…whew! Heat index in Florida this past week was 100-110! I’m sure many of you are feeling it all around. I’m also not a Dermatologist but I am a high-risk skin cancer survivor and I owe it all to awareness! Please, don’t forget to protect yourself when out in the blazing sun. It’s a dangerous creature and our skin is fragile. Skincancer.org says,
“Sunscreens should be applied 30 minutes before sun exposure to allow the ingredients to fully bind to the skin. Reapplication of sunscreen is just as important as putting it on in the first place, so reapply the same amount every two hours.”
As an auction donor, Bob Kobek (CustomerCount
®)
) was randomly selected to designate the charity that C.A.R.E. would donate 5% of 2019 Conference Auction proceeds to and he selected the Dean Hedstrom Foundation for Melanoma Awareness (thank you Bob). Our auction was in May, which was also Melanoma Awareness Month, so his timing could not have been more perfect to select this foundation as the benefactor. I’m also a board member of this great foundation and we regularly use the American Academy of Dermatology Association’s website (
www.aad.org
) for resources to share at our events to raise awareness. Their awareness campaign this year was
“Do you wear protection?”
and
“Practice safe sun”
. If you answered no, please visit this website and learn more about the dangers of the sun and harmful UV rays (natural or artificial) and how to protect yourself.
No more trade association events for me to attend until September when I head to Whistler, BC for VO-Con, the Canadian Vacation Ownership Association’s Annual Conference. Check out their ad below for more information and a promo code for a 20% discount for C.A.R.E. members to attend!
Lots of great content included in this issue so be sure to check it all out and thanks to Bonnie Kosco our Administrator for pulling it all together! Be sure to read 'Why Should We C.A.R.E.' and '10 Things I Learned at the C.A.R.E. Conference'...a couple of great write-ups about how awesome C.A.R.E. and its members are! Have a safe and fun summer and Happy Birthday America!
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C.A.R.E. TO CELEBRATE 35TH ANNIVERSARY AT
68TH CONFERENCE IN PHILADELPHIA
HOW IT BEGAN!
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Plans are underway as C.A.R.E. prepares to celebrate its 35th year during its
68th conference in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania from April 4-7, 2020. Many changes have occurred over the years as C.A.R.E. has grown and adapted
to the ever-changing vacation industry.
Many current members may not be aware how and why the organization was formed. No one can tell the story like Kathleen Gallardo, one of the founders of
C.A.R.E. and its very first president. We hope you enjoy her story and come to appreciate those leaders and individuals that were instrumental in making such a monumental contribution to C.A.R.E. and to the vacation industry.
HOW C.A.R.E. STARTED
By: Kathleen Gallardo
In 1983, I was working in the contract office of Avenue Plaza. An owner called and said that he wanted out of his contract with us because he had promised his son that they would take him to see Mickey Mouse and the exchange company had not been able to get him an exchange there. After asking if this was the only reason he wanted out of his contract, I asked him if I could get him an exchange week in Kissimmee, would that make him happy with his purchase.
I called several resorts and asked if they would trade me a week at their property and I would give them a week at Avenue Plaza--thus making my first exchange. This started happening more and more and each of us developed a network of resorts we traded reservations back and forth with. C.A.R.E. was started by a group of us who thought wouldn't it be fun to meet with the people we were talking with day to day.
READ MORE
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C.A.R.E. CONFERENCE LOCATIONS
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As C.A.R.E. prepares to celebrate its 35th year, it's fun to take a look back and reminisce about where we've been along the way. Here are a few fun conference facts:
- Eight conferences have been held in Florida.
- California and Nevada have each hosted seven conferences.
- New Orleans has the distinction of being the city that has hosted the most conferences (five).
- Canada and Mexico have each hosted four conferences. The only other non-U.S. destination to host a conference (one) is the Bahamas.
- Three states, Colorado, Arkansas and South Carolina, have each hosted three conferences.
- Two conferences were held in each of these states: Arizona, Massachusetts, Tennessee and Virginia.
- Illinois,Indiana, Maryland, Missouri, Montana, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania (2020), Utah, Washington and Wisconsin have hosted or will host one conference each.
How many C.A.R.E. conferences have you had the opportunity to attend?
Check the list
to find out!
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Thank you to Juan Ignacio Rodriguez Linero, Carlos Trujillo-Balmaseda and all the staff at AMDETUR for hosting a great event in Mazatlán, Sinaloa, Mexico from
May 21-23, 2019 at the Mazatlán International Center. C.A.R.E. truly appreciates the reciprocal relationships with our association partners (such as AMDETUR). They affordably keep us globally connected, present and relevent
AMDETUR is reporting that their attendance was up 16% from their 2018 convention with more than 580 attendees. It was great to be there with so many C.A.R.E. members as sponsors and/or attendees:
ARDA, CVOA, ACOTUR, Club Inntegra, CustomerCount, Holiday Systems International, Intuition Brand Marketing-Perspective Group, Lifestyle Holidays Vacation Club, RCI, Resort Trades and RTX-Resort Travel & Xchange
.
The convention had 30+ worldwide exhibitors, great keynotes and educational sessions plus great evening networking events filled with fantastic food and entertainment. If you’ve never attended an AMDETUR Convention, you really should check it out soon!
One very special moment on the agenda was a memorial tribute to AMDETUR’s last Chairman of the Board Ricardo Montaudon Corry who unexpectedly passed away in late 2018. This time of reflection was also used to recognize and honor retiring ARDA President and CEO Howard Nusbaum. After 20 years leading ARDA, Howard was recognized for his contribution and support of the industry. Much deserved recognition to two great men who served our industry well for many years.
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FIVE THINGS TO EXPERIENCE IN PHILADELPHIA
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It is fitting that C.A.R.E. will celebrate its 35th year and host its 68th Conference in a city that is steeped in history. Not only will C.A.R.E. continue its tradition of offering exceptional educational and networking opportunities, but conference attendees will have plenty of time to enjoy the fabulous city and all
that it has to offer. Make sure you check these top five things to do/enjoy while you're in Philadelphia!
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World-Renowned Art Scene:
Visit the Benjamin Franklin Parkway and Philadelphia’s Museum District, to explore the Philadelphia Museum of Art and the Barnes Foundation, with the world’s finest private collections of early French-Modern and Post-Impressionist paintings. Wander throughout the city to enjoy our unparalleled collection of public art (more than 4,000 murals and sculptures!).
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Fabulous Food:
Philadelphia’s dining scene is exceptional thanks to its roster of renowned chefs and restaurateurs including a whole host of James Beard Award winners, a wide range of ethnic and global cuisines and a festive food truck scene. Treat yourself to an unforgettable gourmet meal, enjoy the city’s trademark cheesesteak or try something new at Reading Terminal Market.
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Explore the Outdoors:
Philadelphia’s park system spans over 10,000 acres and has more than 270 miles of recreation trails, offering numerous outdoor adventures. Hike and bike in Fairmount Park, stroll Race Street Pier, the brand new Rail Park and the Schuylkill River Trail, which offers spectacular waterfront views of the city’s skyline.
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Tax-Free Shopping:
Clothing and shoe purchases are tax-free so get ready to shop Rittenhouse Row, the Chestnut Hill Business District and Main Street Manayunk. Philadelphia offers the biggest name brands as well as independent boutiques.
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C.A.R.E. MEMBERSHIP NUMBERS REMAIN STEADY
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Over the past year, C.A.R.E. membership numbers continue to remain steady. C.A.R.E. currently has 111 membership companies. Eighty-five companies are General Members (own and/or control inventory) and twenty-six companies are Associate Members (service providers or trade associations). C.A.R.E. has welcomed eight new member companies over the past yea
r.
The benefits of C.A.R.E. are promoted at trade shows and through press releases and other media. However, each and every C.A.R.E. member representative has the ability to help C.A.R.E. grow as well.
Did you know that YOU can earn $100 by referring a company for C.A.R.E. Membership? It's easy! By simply sharing the good news about C.A.R.E. with an entity you're probably already working with, YOU (not your company) will receive $100 upon approval of the new company's membership application. Simply direct your referral to
C.A.R.E.'s online application
and make sure you are listed as the sponsor. You will benefit C.A.R.E. and yourself all at the same time!
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WYNDHAM PHILADELPHIA HISTORIC DISTRICT
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA
APRIL 4-7, 2020
REGISTRATION OPENS JANUARY 2020
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Three (3) Vice Presidents (for three-year terms) will be elected at C.A.R.E.'s 68th Conference in Philadelphia, PA. To be nominated:
1. You must be the Authorized Member Representative (voting party) of a C.A.R.E. General Member in good standing.
2. You must have passed the Accreditation Level One Test. (Test will be administered prior to Old/New Business on Monday.)
Submit your resume to Deb Sansom by September 6, 2019. For additional information regarding participation as a C.A.R.E. Board member, contact
Please consider becoming a nominee for a Board position in 2020 as this is a great opportunity to give back to C.A.R.E. and grow professionally. Your participation will help secure the future of C.A.R.E.!
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September 23-25, 2019
FAIRMONT CHATEAU WHISTLER
Whistler, BC, Canada
C.A.R.E. Members will receive a
20% Discount by using
PROMO CODE:
VOC1920
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C.A.R.E. Wants to Feature You!
Contact us
now to find out how your logo, linked to your site, can be right here!
Special Member Only Introductory Rates for 2019!
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