At a luncheon held in Washington, D.C as part of its 2002 Leadership Summit, the American Resort Development Association (ARDA) recognized…
At a luncheon held in Washington, D.C as part of its 2002 Leadership Summit, the American Resort Development Association (ARDA) recognized the leaders of two prominent industry companies for extraordinary efforts and results in fundraising on behalf of the association’s political action committee.
For their work supporting ARDA-PAC throughout 2002, John Burlingame, president of Hyatt Vacation Ownership, and Craig Nash, president and CEO of Interval International, were each presented the ARDA Political Advocacy Award in its seminal year.
Hyatt and Interval, lead by Burlingame and Nash, conducted internal ARDA-PAC solicitations that netted more than $20,000 in employee contributions. But while their work was heralded in part for its high total, it was also celebrated for the spirit that motivated it, said Sandra DePoy, ARDA’s vice president of federal affairs.
ARDA’s government affairs program may be its most important initiative, because of its far-reaching implications and because it creates a unified voice for the industry said DePoy. Individuals who expend the kind of energy these gentlemen did in support of ARDA-PAC are really helping the industry as a whole.
According to DePoy, the award will be bestowed each year on individuals who demonstrate outstanding commitment and dedication to creating a powerful industry voice through fundraising and contributions in support of the association’s PAC. The next ARDA Political Advocacy Award will be presented at the 2003 Leadership Summit.
Having association members who are already active in other aspects of the industry support its legislative advocacy is proof of their professionalism, determination and commitment, said ARDA President Howard Nusbaum. They’re heroes for their industry. Their peers should thank them and follow their lead.
Federal law requires that all contributions must be individual and that no corporate funds can be used to make ARDA-PAC contributions to federal candidates. Contributions are not tax deductible and are totally voluntary.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
