Board of Directors at my Timeshare

[gnipgnop]

I have been trying to sell/give away my Silverwoods timeshare in Pennsylvania for almost a year now ~ without any takers. I called the resort and asked if they would take the (paid off deed, fixed week back.) Girl at the desk said: no we don't do that." So I asked her to give me a name of one of the Board of Directors so I might talk to him and she said they can not give out that information. What the Heck ???? So I called Crown Resorts in Florida and they told me the same thing. This seems impossible to me. Why have a BOD if you can't talk to them or get in touch?? Any suggestions?

 

[1st Class]

How about contacting the Chamber of Commerce in the town where the TS is located?

 

[gnipgnop]

Hey, good idea. Never thought of that. Thanks

 

[Jason245]

I have been trying to sell/give away my Silverwoods timeshare in Pennsylvania for almost a year now ~ without any takers. I called the resort and asked if they would take the (paid off deed, fixed week back.) Girl at the desk said: no we don't do that." So I asked her to give me a name of one of the Board of Directors so I might talk to him and she said they can not give out that information. What the Heck ???? So I called Crown Resorts in Florida and they told me the same thing. This seems impossible to me. Why have a BOD if you can't talk to them or get in touch?? Any suggestions?

As an owner, you actually have the right to contact the board of directors. The form of contact may be limited to e-mail or snail mail, but you should be able to.
That being said, usually boards from the big companies (non independent resorts)are stacked with pro developer people, so don't expect much there.

 

[theo]

I have been trying to sell/give away my Silverwoods timeshare in Pennsylvania for almost a year now ~ without any takers. I called the resort and asked if they would take the (paid off deed, fixed week back.) Girl at the desk said: no we don't do that." So I asked her to give me a name of one of the Board of Directors so I might talk to him and she said they can not give out that information. What the Heck ???? So I called Crown Resorts in Florida and they told me the same thing. This seems impossible to me. Why have a BOD if you can't talk to them or get in touch?? Any suggestions?

I am admittedly unfamiliar with "Siverwoods" in PA. Is this a facility still in developer sales? If so, talking to assorted stooges and lackeys of "the company" who stack or control the BoD would likely be a complete waste of time and effort. They do not and will not ever "bite the hand that feeds". Moreover, if the facility is still in developer sales, a "deedback" almost certainly won't be entertained anyhow, even if you do manage to reach the "loyal lackeys".

That being said, it is still very strange that the BoD personnel identies are being "hidden behind the curtain" at your facility. At our (...yes, completely independent --- no developer presence or influence), the names and addresses and email addresses of each and every Board member are clearly provided within each and every newsletter, several times per year. I hear from other owners all the time, expressing concerns large and small (...mostly small).

Have you asked the management company for a BoD contact / address? Unless the management company is comprised solely of stooges and employees of the developer, they should be willing to at least provide you with a name and a contact or, at worst, agree to relay your written submission directly to the BoD President.

In any event, I certainly would not stop with the response of a desk clerk answering the phone at the facility. That is almost certainly someone who has neither the knowledge nor the authority to even address or respond to any deedback-related inquiry at all. Ironically, the only appropriate response from a desk clerk would be to refer you directly to the BoD, with clear and specific guidance on how your written communication / request can directly reach the BoD or be forwarded to them.

 

[theo]

How about contacting the Chamber of Commerce in the town where the TS is located?

I'm not sure how / why a Chamber of Commerce would be at all likely to know the current BoD composition of a local timeshare facility, but I guess it's worth a try.

My bet would be that the Chamber of Commerce office is only going to have contact information for the current on-site facility manager (who is not a BoD member, but an employee of the currently contracted management company).

Worth a brief phone inquiry maybe, but I wouldn't expect anything useful from a Chamber of Commerce regarding identification of BoD members.
Why on earth would any Chamber of Commerce know (or care about) identities of changing BoD members at a timeshare facility?

 

[ace2000]

For any of those resorts refusing to go along with the recent trend towards deedbacks, I think the email and phone call to the BODs might actually be a decent method to apply some pressure.

 

[tschwa2]

Silverwoods was probably built in the mid 80's. It is in the foothills of the Alleghenies. The website mentions that a flood at the resort in 2013 has caused the office to move to to its sister resort until further notice.

I'm imagining that you can ask the management to forward a letter or message to the board members but the volunteer BOD members don't want members to have direct lines to contact them for every little problem they may have about the resort. Maybe you could convince them in a letter to call you. Problem is in this day and age then you would have their number.

The obvious option although it may be a difficult one would be to attend the annual meeting.

 

[theo]

WHAT "trend"?

For any of those resorts refusing to go along with the recent trend towards deedbacks, I think the email and phone call to the BODs might actually be a decent method to apply some pressure.

What "trend"? Two (and only two, AFAIK) large corporations trying out a new internal profit model hardly constitutes a "trend" throughout the timeshare industry.

More specifically, Wyndham and Diamond, both very sizable corporate entities, have recently opened the "deedback" door (at least temporarily), but these are large entities which can (and do) just peddle and sell assorted flavors of "points packages" instead, ad infinitum. It probably makes good financial sense --- for them. However, this is a very distinctly different situation entirely unrelated in any way to that of independent facilities, which have no such option to create "trusts" and / or invent and sell various "club" and "points" products in assorted flavors. Those two behemoths are in one single category when examining the industry as a whole, no?

Sitting on the BoD of a relatively small independent facility, I can tell you with the certainty of the sunrise that there is no "pressure applied" by constant or repeated contact for "deedbacks". Such requests are objectively assessed on a case by case basis and certainly not in any way influenced by "applying some pressure".
Methinks you might be confusing "applying some pressure" with "becoming an annoyance"; I respectfully submit that they are not actually at all the same thing.

 

[ace2000]

To what "trend" do you refer?

Wyndham and Diamond, both very sizable corporate entities, have recently opened the "deedback" door (at least temporarily)

You answered your own question. Regardless, the BODs need to feel this problem as opposed to sitting in an ivory tower without being open to communication.

 

[presley]

I would think you'd be able to attend the board meetings. I know all my local resorts allow that, although I don't think anyone ever attends them because it's only for observing and not for owner input.

 

[bogey21]

Keep calling and asking. Talk to as many people as you can. It may take months to get the info. Also ask for copy of minutes of last BOD Meeting. Unless they redact them the names of Directors should appear.

George

 

[Bill4728]

Keep calling and asking. Talk to as many people as you can. It may take months to get the info. Also ask for copy of minutes of last BOD Meeting. Unless they redact them the names of Directors should appear.

George

Every owner should be able to see the minutes of the BOD meeting and as Bogey said it should have the names of the BOD there.

 

[theo]

Don't paint with too broad a brush, please...

...the BODs need to feel this problem as opposed to sitting in an ivory tower without being open to communication.

I frankly take a bit of offense at your generalized "ivory tower" characterization. Have you ever actually sat on a BoD, volunteering your considerable (and unpaid) time in an effort to best look out for your resort and its' physical and financial health, seeking to look out for the best interests of your fellow owners? Somehow, I suspect not --- "someone else" will always do it, right?

At my place, we on the BoD consistently and openly invite and welcome communications from owners and repeatedly provide, in writing, several different avenues of communication. That doesn't mean that some input received isn't petty and trivial, nor does it mean that every "deedback" request will be gladly accommodated.

Individual timeshare facilities vary; there is no "one size fits all". Unhappy with your BoD? Run for a seat --- instead of just throwing stones at those who volunteer.

 

[ace2000]

Unhappy with your BoD? Run for a seat --- instead of just throwing stones.

First, the "ivory tower" comment applies to the BODs who are not willing to communicate and receive direct feedback on their decisions. You say that doesn't apply to you, so there is definitely no reason for you to take offense. If you're going to make a group decision and tell a 70-year old couple with health problems that they have to keep paying the fees until they both die, who would you prefer to respond to them? The suggestion to contact the BODs on this issue is a great one, IMO.

Second, I don't really have to run for a seat if I'd like to provide constructive criticism about any matter that directly concerns me, do I? You're not really saying that, I hope.

 

[TUGBrian]

It is absolutely ridiculous that you are not provided with a means to contact your BOD.

perhaps the front desk attendant was reluctant to provide their personal contact info which I could understand. perhaps try asking in a different manner?

something like "I would like to contact the BOD in direct reference to my timeshare ownership, how should I do this?"

also, as mentioned above...you should have gotten information regarding the annual meeting which would have all the BOD members present.

 

[Ernie]

Do you know the BOD names? Google one and see if that person comes up working at some other business. Then you can get in contact with them through that company. If they don't connect with you, usually you can talk to an assistant at that company that may be able to help you.

The customer service reps dont know squat. Keep trying until you get to the right person and get a solid answer. I would think its your right as an owner.

 

[LLW]

I have been trying to sell/give away my Silverwoods timeshare in Pennsylvania for almost a year now ~ without any takers. I called the resort and asked if they would take the (paid off deed, fixed week back.) Girl at the desk said: no we don't do that." So I asked her to give me a name of one of the Board of Directors so I might talk to him and she said they can not give out that information. What the Heck ???? So I called Crown Resorts in Florida and they told me the same thing. This seems impossible to me. Why have a BOD if you can't talk to them or get in touch?? Any suggestions?

Do they take emails or letters to the Board, or a staff person for the Board? The Board Directors are volunteers and may not have lots of personal time to take direct phone calls. But they should have an established way of receiving (and distributing) some form of communication.

Their names should be available in the (quarterly?) Board meeting minutes.

 

[gnipgnop]

I have yet to receive a copy of the Annual Meeting minutes. I always get notice of when the meeting will occur but it is signed: "Sincerely, Your Board of Directors", never an individual name. But I really like the approach you suggested TUG Brian. I will call again and ask as you suggested. The office that was described as being flooded and moved to it's sister resort was in a deplorable condition to begin with. First impressions of this resort while checking in was depressing to say the least. Although all of the units have been refurbished and look great, the office at check in left a lot to be desired. Their probably happy as "heck" that they were moved. But getting back to the question at hand I will follow up on the advice provided by you great people and let you know what happens. Thank you for all your help.

 

[Bwolf]

Sorry I am late to this discussion. My wife is on the board of directors at one of our timeshares. Owners usually address letters to the Manager. He shares them with board members and the local VRI representative. Letters from owners are taken VERY seriously. Each gets a respectful, well-considered response.

Perhaps it is as simple as this, gnipgnop.

 

[BevL]

I recently went through this and communicated with the manager of the resort asking how I would have a request for a deed back looked at by the board. She asked me to send a letter. Sent a letter (Faxed and mailed) explaining why I was divesting myself of all my timeshares. It must have been forwarded to the board. I got a letter back that they would accept a deed back with a reasonable fee.

I did not call. I was almost at the point where I was going to follow up with the manager by email to ask if there had been any consideration and/or a decision on my request when I received the letter.

I had owned the timeshare for 10 years, never been late with a maintenance fee. I also provided evidence that I had been actively marketing it for several months, including ebay and redweek, both of which cost me out of pocket to try to "Sell." I was willing to give away and pay fees for transfer, which was clear from the advertising. That, along with the particular circumstances of our family, seem to have been sufficient.

So I'd suggest asking again how you can get a letter to the board rather than asking how you can contact them directly.

Bev

 

[Talent312]

BTW, if you know the corporate name of the HOA, you may be able to find a great deal of information from the website of the State agency which manages incorporation in that state. In Florida, the Department of State, Division of Corporations, will show you names and addresses of officers and directors.

For Example... The Hilton HOA at Seaworld (II) -- Abridged:

ORLANDO VACATION SUITES II CONDOMINIUM ASSOCATION, INC.
Principal Address: 6924 GRAND VACATIONS WAY, ORLANDO, FL 32821
Mailing Address:5323 MILLENIA LAKES BLVD., STE. 400, ORLANDO, FL 32839
Registered Agent Name & Address: NEU, MARC [Address]

Officer/Director Detail:
VP - ANGELO, CINDY, 16118 LAFONE DRIVE, SPRING, TX 77379
Secretary - KREIGER, KIM, 5323 MILLENIA LAKES BLVD, STE 400, ORLANDO, FL 32839
Treasurer - Benford, Alyssia, 5323 Millenia Lakes Blvd, Ste. 400, Orlando, FL 32839
President - GOODHUE, NEIL, 300 HILLSIDE AVENUE, PEIDMONT, CA 94611
Director - DANEN, RICHARD, 5323 MILLENIA LAKES BLVD, STE. 400, ORLANDO, FL 32839

Document Images:
01/08/2015 -- ANNUAL REPORT [View image in PDF format]
.

 

[Brerrabbit]

You might be just as well off to just stop paying the maintenance fees and let them foreclose on it.

 

[BullDundee]

I have been trying to sell/give away my Silverwoods timeshare in Pennsylvania for almost a year now ~ without any takers. I called the resort and asked if they would take the (paid off deed, fixed week back.) Girl at the desk said: no we don't do that." So I asked her to give me a name of one of the Board of Directors so I might talk to him and she said they can not give out that information. What the Heck ???? So I called Crown Resorts in Florida and they told me the same thing. This seems impossible to me. Why have a BOD if you can't talk to them or get in touch?? Any suggestions?

Being on any corporate Board of Directors has statutory responsibilities as outlined by every state.
I suggest you contact the Pa. AG and share your problem with them....I think this Board is acting negligently (and very possibly illegally) in the execution of their regulatory, legal, and fiduciary duties by denying you access.

 

[gnipgnop]

Thank you all for the most helpful advice. I am moving forward with the suggestions you have provided. I will get my letter out today. Thank you sooooo much.