10 things I learned at the C.A.R.E. Conference

By Bob Kobek, RRP, President, CustomerCount

I had the pleasure of attending the Cooperative Association of Resort Exchangers (C.A.R.E.) conference this week in my hometown of Indianapolis. In addition to enjoying informative and entertaining keynote speeches and social events, I was delighted to moderate an important panel discussion,” Compliance in the Year of Class Action Litigators.”

This was the organization’s 67th conference and I came away with 10 distinct impressions:

  1. The members that attended are serious about their businesses
  2. The members are successful at what they do
  3. The members are very hard-working professionals
  4. The members will conduct business “on the spot”
  5. Some members drink a lot of spirits
  6. The members are very welcoming – not at all “cliquish”
  7. It was a very informative event – speakers and panels were excellent
  8. Some members spend time in bars
  9. The association stays true to its charter – effectively, sharing inventory
  10. Most of all – I felt very welcomed

I will go to the next one!

One of the highlights of the conference is awards night and the presentation of the C.A.R.E. Pinnacle award. This award is unique in that its recipient is nominated by the C.A.R.E. membership. The winner must demonstrate their commitment to the community through philanthropic activities and possess characteristics of leadership, integrity, quality standards and ethics.

I was proud to be nominated this year, but our congratulations go to the deserving recipient, Kris Gunn, of Gunn Marketing. You can view her very gracious acceptance speech on the C.A.R.E. Facebook page.

My thanks go to C.A.R.E. president, Linda Mayhugh, for her leadership.

About C.A.R.E.

C.A.R.E. (Cooperative Association of Resort Exchangers) is a trade association established in 1985. It was formed by representatives of timeshare resorts who found that by exchanging vacation inventory among themselves, they were better able to satisfy their owners with increased vacation opportunities. Today, member companies are also able to utilize inventory and generate revenue through wholesale rentals, while continuing to offer expanded exchange and fulfillment options.