Welk Resorts' Jon Fredricks Elected ARDA Chairman
APRIL 12, 2007. Jon Fredricks, CHA, RRP, president of Welk Resorts, an independent vacation ownership company, has been elected Chairman of the American Resort Development Association (ARDA), the national trade association representing the vacation ownership industry.
"Jon Fredricks is an exemplary leader in timeshare, fractional, and private residence club development, with a history of stewardship as an active member of the ARDA Board of Directors and as chairman of the ARDA California Legislative Committee," said Howard C. Nusbaum, RRP, ARDA's president and CEO. "He has an in-depth understanding of the issues facing the evolving industry of shared-use leisure real estate, as well as a strong track record as a successful independent developer. His personal integrity and commitment to industry excellence makes him the ideal leader for our association."
Since 1985, Welk Resorts has been active in the vacation-ownership business with resorts in Maui, Hawaii; Palm Desert area; Branson, Missouri; Cabo San Lucas and its flagship property, the Welk Resort-San Diego. Jon Fredricks, CHA, RRP is president of Welk Resorts and grandson of the late Lawrence Welk. With his team, Fredricks has established Welk Resorts as one of the most respected independent brands in the vacation ownership industry. With more than 20 years experience in hospitality, real estate and finance, Fredricks has helped the company realize unprecedented growth by fostering profitable expansion projects and internal corporate growth.
"I believe in ARDA and know that each member organization has an obligation to give back in whatever ways they are able," said Fredericks of his new position as ARDA Chairman. "I intend to support the leadership of the organization while looking at opportunities to improve industry education, partner with other associations, meet the challenge in State and Federal legislative advocacy, and expand our marketing communications to improve perceptions of shared vacation ownership."
Fredricks earned a bachelor's degree in urban planning from the University of California, San Diego, is a graduate of Union Bank's commercial lender training program, and is an American Hotel & Lodging Association Certified Hotel Administrator. He has been on the ARDA Board of Directors since 2003 and will serve as chairman for two years.
The American Resort Development Association (ARDA) is the Washington D.C.-based professional association representing the vacation ownership and resort development industries. Established in 1969, ARDA today has over 1,000 corporate members ranging from privately held firms to publicly traded companies and international corporations with expertise in shared ownership interests in leisure real estate. The membership also includes timeshare owner associations (HOAs), resort management companies, and owners through the ARDA Resort Owners Coalition (ARDA-ROC).
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