Thirty-six experienced industry professionals were honored last month by the American Resort Development Association (ARDA), the national trade association representing the vacation ownership industry…
Thirty-six experienced industry professionals were honored last month by the American Resort Development Association (ARDA), the national trade association representing the vacation ownership industry. For their professional standards and commitment to excellence, Kay Asplund, Stacy Baldi, Joanna Barker, John Burlingame, Shirley Byrne, Kathy Cormier, Beverly Davis, Robin Freese, Rip Gellein, Robert Hattox, Tamara Hollingsworth, Michael Kells, Karen Kraftchick, C. Craig Lewis, John Loeblich, Joseph Malone Jr, G. Todd Menendez, Scott Merritt, Richard Muller, Jeff Noonan, Stacy Robbins, Donna Rorer, Lisa Seigert-Free, Robert Stolt, Joe Takacs, Jr, and James Walsh all earned the title of Registered Resort Professional (RRP).
This recognition awarded by ARDA, the RRP designation is given to those industry leaders who have demonstrated a commitment to high ethical and professional standards through long-term participation in educational and industry-related activities. Sponsored by the ARDA International Foundation`s education programming, the RRP program promotes professional awareness, enhances workplace performance and fosters self-esteem among professionals of the vacation ownership industry.
A prerequisite for all individuals seeking the RRP designation is active ARDA Advantage membership, a minimum of five years of full-time industry employment, and a total of 10 education credits. Candidates must also pass the ARDA Qualification Test (AQT) which examines a person`s knowledge of the industry, including the ARDA Code of Standards & Ethics and the laws affecting the industry. Credits for the RRP program are earned through participation in educational and industry-related activities, professional tenure in the vacation ownership industry, the receipt of industry awards, formal education and certification by accredited institutions of higher learning, participation in industry workshops, seminars and self-study courses, and by writing articles for Developments, the industry magazine published by ARDA.
Participation in educational programs of the ARDA International Foundation indicates that a company and its team of vacation ownership professionals strive for the highest standard of industry knowledge, ethics and professionalism, said ARDA President Howard Nusbaum. Each year, as more of our talented professionals earn the RRP designation, the expectations and standards of excellence within the vacation ownership industry are raised that much higher, translating to improved quality and innovation in the products, services, and experiences we offer vacation owners.
As the professional association of the recreational real estate, resort and vacation ownership industry, ARDA represents over 5,000 resorts, including second-home resorts, community development properties, vacation timeshare resorts and fractional interests. The ARDA International Foundation (AIF) serves the professional, educational and research needs of the resort industry. AIF also offers publications covering the industry`s ethical, legal, regulatory and operational intricacies, study courses, all leading to the test that assesses industry knowledge.
