C.A.R.E. Celebrates 25th Anniversary at New Orleans Conference

    New Orleans, LA, May 13, 2010 /24-7PressRelease/ -- 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. conference 25 years ago. Former board members and award winners were recognized for their contributions in bringing the organization to its current respected status. How can an international non-profit trade association manage to remain active after 25 years? C.A.R.E. Secretary, Debbie Sansom of ICS Management of Houston, Texas, thinks she has the answer. Her company was one of C.A.R.E's first members.

"A strong code of ethics has been the foundation of C.A.R.E.," says Debbie. "We enforce a Code of Standards and Ethics and will terminate a membership if a company does not adhere to our ethical codes. Initially most of our members were resort developers. Now, they include a wide variety of service companies. Over the years, C.A.R.E. has remained on the cutting edge of trends or changes within the vacation industry, revising our mission accordingly and utilizing various task forces to keep everyone informed."

C.A.R.E. President Alain Carr, of American Resorts International of Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois, added, "Our conferences have a universal appeal because they present a unique forum that enables members to come together in a networking platform, exchange ideas, build relationships and learn how to improve their businesses, while instilling consumer confidence in the vacation industry."

AWARDS AND OFFICERS
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.

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.

C.A.R.E. GIVES BACK
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.

Visit www.care-online.org for more details.

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.

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