Issue 1, 2010 - World Wide Vacations Club

Today
2 0 10 Issue 1
Quality vacations at world wide vacations
A message from your President
I am pleased to report to you that the Imperial Hawaii Vacations
Club (IHVC) has just completed closure of the final three units at the
Imperial Hawaii. Concurrently, we were approached by the IHVC
board to provide an offer to our members for discounted prices for
individual units. Since WWVC has some members who voiced
their concerns over the sale of our condos, TPI agreed to provide
the mailing, at IHVC expense. As you already know, the board of
directors of the IHVC purchased our 12 intervals and 10 parking
spaces. This eliminated a major expense to our members, primarily
because the $2.5 million special assessment would have devastated
our Club financially. We have now received a total of $2,374,000
minus legal fees and taxes for nine of the 12 units and 10 parking
spaces, plus a five-year payout of an additional $741,000, minus legal
fees and taxes to our budgeted revenue.
Our management company has reported that the Premier Access
program we began last year has been very successful, providing
exchanges to 160 members, and another 27 who are awaiting their
exchanges. The program includes five resorts in Hawaii, two in
Tennessee, two in California, one in Nevada, one in Arizona, and one
in Missouri, as well as our six existing resorts.
The internal upgrades at Summer Oaks Resort have been
completed. However, there is an additional proposal that we
are considering to include painting of the siding or replace with
maintenance-free siding, and reroofing of Building 2A due to some
water damage. The Embarcadero
is scheduled for refurbishment in
March. We anticipate that each of you
who have previously been to these
resorts will see a major improvement.
We encourage those of you who have
not yet been to these
resorts to do so during
WORLD WIDE VACATIONS CLUB
the year, when both of
BOARD OF DIRECTORS the refurbishments are
complete.
Gary McCollum........ President
J. Robert Druktanis... Senior Vice President
A new acquisition
Tim Miller................ Vice President
of resort property in
Bill Kirksey............... Treasurer
Branson, Missouri has
Brian Bowcock.......... Secretary/Asst. Treasurer
been made. One of
Richard Holton......... Assistant Secretary
the areas of the US on
the property survey that
you submitted showed
a desire for Branson, so
we have complied with
your request. With some
of the proceeds from the
Imperial sale, WWVC purchased 100 one-bedroom
intervals and 20 two-bedroom intervals. We are looking at
the purchase of 99 units at Desert Breezes in Palm Desert,
California as our next purchase. Purchase of intervals at both
of these resorts is necessary to keep the inventory in balance.
The cooperative exchange agreement with the World
International Vacations Club (WIVC) Board of Directors
to exchange weeks for the benefit of our and their member
owners has been continued for another year.
Our next board/annual meeting is scheduled for Chicago on
April 30 - May 1, so put those dates on your calendar. We hope to
see you there. At the present time, we have not replaced the board
member position previously occupied by the late Dr. George Makas.
One will be elected by the members during the annual meeting.
I welcome telephone calls or e-mails from WWVC members
regarding our accomplishments, and/or any concerns pertaining to the
resorts and your travel experiences. If you wish to reach me, my e-mail
address is [email protected]. All acknowledgements,
suggestions and requests will be discussed with the full board and TPI
to find ways to make our properties more satisfactory to all owners
and guests. Just know that we always welcome hearing from you.
Don’t forget to visit the WWVC website at
www.worldwidevacationsclub.com to get information on each of
our resorts, photo gallery, vacation ownership, and owner’s corner.
Your board tries to make WWVC a better club for all of you.
So let’s enjoy our week or weeks by planning a trip in advance with
family and/or friends, so book your week now. Thank you for your
loyalty to WWVC.
I hope you have a relaxing and safe spring and summer season,
and enjoy your week(s) wherever you vacation.
Regards,
Gary McCollum
Professionally Managed by Trading Places International World Wide Vacations Club
WORLD INTERNATIONAL VACATION CLUB
DIRECT EXCHANGE AGREEMENT
wwvc Properties Updates & Improvements…
Imperial Hawaii
The offer to sell has
been accepted by IHVC
and the sale of the final
three units closed escrow
on February 3, 2010
with a down payment
of $74,100 less costs and an annual interest
rate of 4.25% per year for five years until
the balance of $666,900 is paid. Imperial
Hawaii Vacation Club (IHVC) has requested
and been given permission from the WWVC
board to send a Vacation Plan Offering to
WWVC members at the cost of IHVC, offering
discounted prices at the Imperial. Although
the WWVC board felt it was prudent to sell
their units at Imperial, the board recognizes
that some WWVC members may be interested
in purchasing intervals through IHVC.
Summer Oaks
The refurbishment of
the Summer Oaks units
has been completed.
The
SOCA
board
discussed the proposed
rehab of building 2A
which houses WWVC units 13, 14, 15 and
16 to include the siding and roofing with
the idea that WWVC would contribute to
the cost to upgrade from painted siding
to a maintenance-free siding. The cost is
approximately $34,000, which will be paid
by WWVC with SOCA reimbursing WWVC
approximately $22,000, with monthly
payments over two years.
Embarcadero
World Wide Vacations
Club owns units #435,
#535/635 & #541/641
in the “K” building, unit
#548/648 in the “L”
building, and #452,
#453, & #555/655 in the “P” building.
The Embarcadero Unit Owners Association
has approved a 20% increase in fees for
2010. The increase was due primarily to the
UOA’s desire to be 100% funded in reserves.
Shannon Krutz with Vacation Internationale
was appointed to serve on the UOA board,
and as our managing agent will be able to
keep WWVC well-informed of the happenings
at Embarcadero. The proposed refurbishment
of the units is scheduled for March and should
be completed by the end of May 2010.
Ventura
The Ventura board
has hired Defender
Resorts Inc. as their new
management company
effective January 1,
2010. The pool pump
and some water lines were replaced due to
leaks. Atriums continue to be updated and air
conditioners, water heaters and appliances
are being replaced annually, as well as some
furniture items. TVs are being replaced as
needed with flat-screens.
Kingsbury Crossing
Kingsbury
Crossing
has achieved the RCI
Gold Crown rating
for 2010. In the area
of maintenance, the
railings were retrofitted
(spacing reduced to 4”) to comply with current
building code requirements. Work was
completed on time and under budget. The
resort has also installed new hallway lighting
and historical black and white photos on
every floor of each building. The re-building
of the spa is still on schedule for April and
routine preventive maintenance programs are
ongoing. The Kingsbury Remodel Committee
has begun research and is gathering materials
and specifications in anticipation of the next
major suite renovation scheduled to occur in
2014. TVs will be replaced with flat-screens
on an as-needed basis.
La Costa
The installation of new
impact windows and
doors on the third floor
of the East Building is in
progress as well as the
painting of the resort.
Flat-screen TVs are being installed on an
as-needed basis. A new awning has been
installed on the ground floor of the Tower
Building. Renovation of the catwalks is being
researched.
Happy Member Comments
“We like the resort very much
and enjoyed our stay.”
– Embarcadero Exchange guest
“Barbara at the front desk was
most kind and courteous!”
– Ventura owner
World Wide Vacations Club Professionally Managed by Trading Places International
Lindo Mar
Lindo Mar’s lawsuit
against the insurance
company regarding the
retaining wall has been
concluded and is in the
hands of the court for
a judgment. Lindo Mar’s attorney says an
appeal is virtually guaranteed no matter who
prevails. The measure to amend the bylaws to
expand the number of board members to five
was approved. The two new board members
are Wally Sharp and Sandra Wicks. The La
Playita restaurant is supporting Make-a-Wish
Mexico by handing out gift envelopes with
every guest check-in for donations. Lindo Mar
was once again given RCI’s “Excellence in
Service” award. Wireless Internet is available
in the lobby and the pool area, and should be
in all rooms by early summer. The restaurant
is now serving a breakfast buffet on Saturday
and Sunday as well as featuring pasta night
on Tuesdays, and steak night on Saturdays.
Branson Yacht Club
Stairwells for all timeshare buildings have
been replaced with solid
cement stairs and cedar
stringers. New signage
has
been
installed
throughout the resort, as well as new exterior
parking lighting. New hallway lighting has
been placed in all timeshare buildings, and
CFL bulbs were installed where appropriate.
Renovations for building 500 are underway,
which include: replacing carpet, paint, kitchen
cabinets, countertops, kitchen appliances,
ceiling fans, light fixtures, bathroom faucet
fixtures and various other items. The seasonal
shut-down is underway and a focus has been
put on an electric bill reduction; therefore
water heaters have been turned off and heat
in the units have been set to low. Four of the
1-bedroom units in building 500 are being
re-fitted to accommodate stackable washers
and dryers. BYC received an RCI Silver rating
for 2010 and continues to work towards Gold
Crown. The Branson inventory has been
loaded into the WWVC system and is ready for
members to book their reservations for 2010.
Call and book your 2010 reservation NOW.
WWVC has a direct exchange agreement
with WIVC. This means WWVC members
are able to exchange into the Magic Tree
Resort in Kissimmee, Florida, The Inn at
Silver Creek in Silver Creek, Colorado, the
Coral Mar Condominiums in Cancun, Mexico
and the Villacana in Malaga, Spain with
NO EXCHANGE FEE. In return, the WIVC
members may exchange into the Embarcadero
Resort in Newport, Oregon, Kingsbury Crossing
Resort in Stateline, Nevada and Summer Oaks
in Merrimac, Wisconsin with no exchange fee.
Even though this agreement has been in
place for more than a year and our WWVC
members were notified of this opportunity
through previous newsletters, very few members
have taken advantage of it. To date, only eight
WWVC members have used the
program, while 13 WIVC members
have used the program.
Please note that this opportunity
is available to you and we encourage
you to take advantage of it. Call now
to make your reservation.
BOARD MEETING RECAP
The following are meeting highlights:
January 21, 2010
• Reviewed and accepted the September
2009 through November 2009 financial
statements, which reflected a favorable
variance to budget of $27,409 for the
period ended November 30, 2010.
• Reviewed and discussed the delinquency
report which reflected a 3.31%
delinquency as of November 30, 2009
versus a 2.25% delinquency as of
November 30, 2008.
• Reviewed and discussed the exchange
reports and comment cards.
Hello!
We are your Owner Services
Vacation Specialists and
are available to assist you
in getting the most out of
your vacation ownership.
Please call us to confirm
your reservation plans for your week(s). It
is important to plan early and be flexible
with alternate options for travel dates.
Remember, all reservations are subject
to availability on a first-come, first-served
basis. Reservation requests can be made as
early as 12 months in advance, to the day.
(Lindo Mar reservations can be made 11
months in advance.)
To ensure the time you are looking to
travel, please contact your Owners
Services Team to confirm availability.
Time is booking fast. Are you undecided
about your travel plans for 2010? Do you
like to be spontaneous? Are you unable
to travel this year? Please call and deposit
Let us know...
when you move, update your e-mail address,
change your phone number, change your
marital status, or have any other significant
change in your personal status. The most
current contact information is necessary
to keep you up-to-date with important
notices, maintenance fee statement
billings and general communication
from your association. We receive an
excess of returned mail due to incorrect and
insufficient address information. Keeping us
informed of your current address helps save
substantial monies on postage of returned
mail, thus helping to keep your maintenance
fees low.
Owner Services
• Reviewed and discussed the
management report/property update.
your week with Trading
Places International or
RCI immediately; you
can save your week for
up to two years. This
allows you to have the
freedom and flexibility to
plan vacations at your convenience. Also,
by depositing your week, you can travel to
other locations. Please call to deposit your
time once your maintenance fees are paid.
And be sure to check out your website at
www.worldwidevacationsclub.com/
owners for up-to-date information about
your resort.
• Bill Kirksey, chairman of the Strategic
Planning Committee, informed the board
that the committee recommends the board
approve the purchase of 99 intervals at
Desert Breezes Resort located in Palm
Desert, California. The board approved the
purchase of 78 one-bedroom intervals and
21 two-bedroom intervals, all high season.
• Online Maintenance Fee Payment
• Newsletter & Mailing Archive
• Resort Policies
• And More!
Please contact us at
800-365-7608 ext 100 or e-mail
[email protected].
We look forward to your call!
*Tip: Make sure the Post Office is aware of
your address change. Today’s sophisticated
mail-house programs will then pick up the
correct info for 1st class mail, and we will
have your forwarding address.
To complete your change of address/phone/
e-mail online, please go to
www.worldwidevacationsclub.com/
changeofaddress,
or call our Owner Services department at
800-365-7608 ext. 100.
Thank you for helping us help you!
• Reviewed and discussed WWVC member
use of the Premier Access Program
and the WIVC exchange program.
• Determined that the 2010 annual
meeting will be held at the Doubletree
Hotel, Arlington Heights, Illinois
at 1:00 p.m. on May 1, 2010.
2010 BOARD
• MEETING DATES •
May 1, 2010
Board/Annual Meeting
Arlington Heights, IL
July 21, 2010
Telephonic Board Meeting
October 14, 2010
Budget Board Meeting - TPI
Saturday, May 1, 2010
2010 ANNUAL MEETING
Mark your calendars:
The 2010 World Wide Vacations Club
Annual Meeting will be held at the
Doubletree Hotel, 75 W. Algonquin
Road, Arlington Heights, Illinois, 60005
on Saturday, May 1, 2010 at 1:00 p.m.
We look forward to seeing you there.
Professionally Managed by Trading Places International World Wide Vacations Club
2 0 10 Issue 1
Presorted
FIRST-CLASS MAIL
U.S. POSTAGE PAID
PERMIT NO. 114
BELLINGHAM, WA
23807 Aliso Creek Road, Suite 100
Laguna Niguel, CA 92677
Candidate Statements for wwvc Board of Directors Election
Write to board members c/o TPI at the above address.
(Three open positions)
Phillip Baaske – Wadsworth, IL
800.365.7608
w w w. w o r l d w i d e v a c a t i o n s c l u b . c o m
Experience: 32 years Executive Director of YMCA’s working with volunteer board and 5 years builder sales rep.
Education: University of Wisconsin – LaCrosse Physical and Health Education with honors. Wrestled/tennis.
The WWVC association disclaims any responsibility for
claims made or the performance of goods and services
advertised in this newsletter.
Volunteering: Lake County Chamber Board of Directors; YMCA Cluster Board of Directors.
Quick Reference for TPI
Corporate Office: 949-448-5150
Fax: 949-448-5140
E-mail: [email protected]
Website:
www.tradingplaces.com
cst # 1008862-10
OWNER SERVICES
800-365-7608, ext. 100
[email protected]
• Book use time
• Book bonus time
• Bank your week (RCI, TPI)
• Inquire about your contract
• Learn booking rules
• Check use time confirmations
• Pay maintenance fees
For online payments visit:
www.worldwidevacationsclub.com/pay
Accounting will answer maintenance fee and
assessment billing questions: ext. 700
or e-mail [email protected]
EXCHANGE
800-365-7608, ext. 300
[email protected]
• Low exchange fees
• Most often-requested destinations
• ONLINE exchange option 24/7
www.tradingplaces.com/EXCHANGE
TRAVEL & CRUISE
800-365-7608, ext. 600
[email protected]
• Air, car, hotel, cruise, and vacation packages
www.tradingplaces.com/TRAVEL
RENTAL
800-365-7608, ext. 400
[email protected]
• Rent additional time
• List your WWVC unit for rent
• Up to 70% off fabulous condo rentals
www.tradingplaces.com/HOTDEALS
www.tradingplaces.com/CONDOCONNECT
RESALES
To purchase, contact Jesse Harmon at
800-899-9381.
RESORT MANAGEMENT
As your management company, we are
dedicated to making your resort the best it can
be. Please feel free to contact us at any time.
Skill Set:
1. Work with and on boards 30+ years.
2. Responsible for $8 million budgets.
3. Work with builders – so know about repairs/maintenance.
4. Have built 2 new YMCA’s – costing $6 million; $8 million.
5. Get 1 week off a month so available for meetings.
Own: Member of WWVC since 1984, own 3 weeks and a Mayan Palace week.
I believe my skill set is perfectly matched with the Board job description. I am a long time owner and believe in time
share. I have been fortunate to have traveled all over with my children and feel I should give something back and help
maintain this great corporation.
Joseph R. (Bob) Druktanis (Incumbent) – Lindenhurst, IL
I achieved an MBA and am now retired from a profitable company. I have been on the WWVC Board since 1984. My
concern in 1984 was the quality of our resorts and the quality of the vacations I would receive by being a member. I have
not changed.
A Word from Your Treasurer
World Wide Vacations Club
finished 2009 in a sound financial
position. We were able to overcome
higher-than-budgeted income taxes and
end the year with a small surplus.
As you know, we are using some of
our funds to renovate Summer Oaks and
Embarcadero where we own the condominium
units. Summer Oaks is finished and we
are getting great reports from our owners.
Embarcadero is in progress and may be
finished when you read this.
We are continuing to look for
appropriate properties to replace the
Imperial. We have purchased intervals
at the Branson Yacht Club in Branson,
Missouri and the Desert Breezes Resort in
Palm Desert, California.
WWVC now has first-class properties
and will continue to maintain a high standard
of quality. Enjoy your club.
Thank you, Bill Kirksey
Important Maintenance Fee Information
Regular association dues are
billed annually and are due and
payable January 1st of each year.
A statement is mailed to you as a
courtesy to assist you in making your yearly
maintenance fee payment on time. Nonreceipt of a statement does not relieve you of
your financial obligation. Thank you.
World Wide Vacations Club Professionally Managed by Trading Places International
While in my professional career and now as a Director in two clubs, bartender, and a Court Appointed Special Advocate
(CASA) volunteer I meet and work with people from almost all walks in life. I am comfortable in cooperative, controversial,
and adversarial situations because I work for common sense decisions, my ego notwithstanding.
Since 1984, I have been deeply involved in all successful and unsuccessful WWVC Board decisions. In each process, I
have pressed the viewpoint of a club member. I would like to continue if you let me.
Richard F. Holton (Incumbent) – Crossville, TN
I have a BS in Chemistry, a Masters in Project Management and 37 years as Department Supervisor of a Quality
Control Laboratory.
I am a member of the WWVC Board (2 yrs) and recently retired from our Property Owners Assoc. Board of Directors,
where I was a member for 6 years. I am a member and past President of ‘Kids On The Rise’ Board (Local mentoring
organization) and member of Exchange Club for 9 years (newsletter editor, former project chair, retired board member).
I have experience on boards and my wife and I own multiple weeks of timeshare giving us a broad view of timesharing.
I want World Wide Vacation Club to continue to provide a quality vacation for the best value. This Board is working hard
to provide some new, exciting places for our current and future owners. I would like to be part of that future.
For your convenience we now have a
page on our website where you can pay
your maintenance fees through a secure
link to Trading Places International’s
Accounting Department. Just go to
www.worldwidevacationsclub.com/pay
or call owner services at 800-365-7608,
ext. 100; for billing questions ext. 700.
Professionally Managed by Trading Places International World Wide Vacations Club