Vancouver, BC (October 30, 2013) - - The Canadian Resort Development Association (CRDA), the trade group representing the Canadian vacation ownership industry, announced that Whistler Vacation Club has won the association’s first annual Cornerstone Award.

Last week CRDA held VO-Con, The Vacation Ownership Conference. The conference highlight was the announcement of the winner of the Cornerstone Award. The award was established to recognize those who have laid the foundation for the continued success of the Canadian vacation ownership industry.

Whistler Vacation Club is a homeowners association that overcame financial adversity to accomplish fiscal stability, member engagement, rebranding and property improvements.

Whistler Vacation Club’s president, Marlene Scott, recognized the club’s Board and members by saying she was accepting the award in their behalf. “The support of our members and the dedication of our team got us through the transition. I am thrilled to be recognized by my industry peers.”

The award sponsor, MaestroPMS by Northwind, is a leading hospitality software provider for independent hotels and resorts that delivers revenue generating tools to increase profitability, drive direct bookings, optimize operations and exceed guest expectations. Warren Dehan, Northwind’s President, said, “We value the importance of recognizing industry leaders who have achieved outstanding results through dedication and innovative. I congratulate Whistler Vacation Club as well as the other award nominees on their successes.”

 Jon Zwickel, CRDA’s President & CEO, said, “Under the leadership of Marlene Scott, Whistler Vacation Club exemplifies our industry’s ability to survive through innovation and sheer tenacity.”

About the CRDA Cornerstone Award: The 2013 CRDA Cornerstone Award was established to recognize an industry innovator who … seized an opportunity, addressed a need, solved a problem and created a game changing value proposition; communicated in compelling ways, engaged the marketplace and achieved outstanding results and commercial success; and/or, will have a lasting positive impact on vacation ownership, the environment and society and is an inspiration to CRDA stakeholders.

Three finalists were selected by the Awards Committee. Submissions by the finalists were posted on the CRDA Cornerstone Award website and the finalists made presentations to the VO-Con attendees during the conference. Industry stakeholders were invited to vote for the winner on-line. There were five judges: the four members of the Awards Committee plus the on-line voting component which, when tallied up, acted as a 5th judge.

Website:  http://www.vocon.ca/index.cfm?pagepath=Cornerstone_Award&id=52318

About CRDA: CRDA is an industry association that is dedicated to furthering the ownership-based vacation and resort development industry, both in Canada and abroad. Since its founding in 1980, CRDA has become the preeminent industry association representing all forms of Vacation Ownership in Canada. The Association is governed by an elected Board of Directors. CRDA regularly hosts conferences that encourage B-2-B opportunities, networking and education.

Contact: Jon Zwickel, [email protected] , (604) 538-7001

Website: www.crda.com

About Whistler Vacation Club: Twin Peaks and Lake Placid are self-managed boutique clubs offering beautiful, private and spacious condo units conveniently located within walking distance of Whistler Village and ski in/ski out location at Creekside.

Contact: Marlene Scott, [email protected] , (800) 665-5850

Website:www.thewhistlervacationclub.com

About Maestro by Northwind: The award sponsor, Maestro by Northwind, is the preferred software of leading independent hotels, resorts, condos and multi-property groups. A privately held Canadian company, Northwind provides revenue generating tools that increase profitability, drive direct bookings, optimize operations and exceed guest expectations.

Contact: Macarena Lorenzini, [email protected], (905) 940.1923 x 291

Website: www.maestropms.com