Archive for June, 2009

Wildwood, NJ is a sight to be seen at least once in your life. Recently, visitors to the Wildwoods have found the ever so famous boardwalk in repair. A great portion of the boardwalk is currently being replaced. Approximately 42,000 aging boards from Schellenger to Cedar Avenue are under construction. This renovation has caused uproar. Why? Because builders are using Brazilian hardwood called ipe (ee-pay) on the 3.5 million stretch of walkway. So what about ipe? Well, ipe is harvested from rain forests which have many environmentalists up in arms. According to Rainforest Relief, which protested the Wildwood project, about 80% of ipe wood sold in the US is harvested illegally from the rain forests.

Wildwoods Executive Director of Economic Development Lou Ferrara insists ipe comes from all over the world, not just rain forests. Although Wildwood pledged to not use rain forest wood on its boardwalk, they found it to be the best wood for the boardwalk that can support the weight of emergency vehicles and apparently save replacement costs in the future.

The Wildwood project is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and New Jersey’s Urban Enterprise Zone Authority. (New Jersey Monthly Magazine, pg. 69, 09)

Do you agree with personnel to use ipe wood, or do you think another type of wood might have been more suitable? Does this change your opinion of Wildwood?

Sundance Vacations recently won the 2009 Pride of Place Award. The Pride of Place awards recognize local businesses that have created and changed their facilities and in the process, significantly enhanced the community.

The company was honored by the Wilkes-Barre Chamber of Commerce on June 24th at Genetti’s Hotel in Wilkes-Barre, Pa. The ceremony was sponsored by Geisinger Health System and Geisinger Health Plan. The luncheon honored Sundance Vacations for the Restoration/ Renovation/ Remodeling on the company’s corporate office. “It’s only fitting that one of the Best Places to Work in Pa should also have one of the best renovations,” said Founder John Dowd.

The Wilkes-Barre Chamber of Commerce also awarded the following businesses with a Pride of Place award: Shazam Realty (Environmental Enhancement), Loren Grossman Dental Office (Interior Design), Insalaco Hall at Misericordia University (New Construction), Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs and Luzerne County Community College’s Public Safety Training Institute (Community).

Sundance Vacations is very proud to have been recognized for their community enhancement. “I believe businesses in Wilkes-Barre aren’t focused on making a buck, but they truly care about the community and the customers they serve,” said Greater Wilkes-Barre Chamber of Business and Industry President Todd Vonderheid.

Sundance Vacations employee Doreen Miller (Shamokin Marketer) was named a Stevie award winner at the American Business Awards in New York City for Best Marketer of the Year! The company was also named finalists in six other categories including: Best Overall Company, Fastest Growing Company, Sales Department of the Year (King of Prussia), Executive of the Year (John Dowd), Support Staffer of the Year (Natalie Cassarella), and Information Technology Executive of the Year (Tom Berger).

After a challenging year in business for our country, the 2009 American Business Awards crowned this year’s winners at the Stevie Awards gala at the Marriott Marquis in New York City. Sundance Vacations competed against more than 2,600 entries from companies of all sizes and in virtually every industry.

This is exciting news for Sundance Vacations. Join us in congratulating Doreen and all other finalists on their achievements!

It’s safe to say that many voters across the country are completely tired of government bailouts. The government is constantly raising taxes for special projects that we have no say over. If you or someone you know has a home or a business in New Jersey, you might feel differently because New Jersey’s political leaders are pressing the White House’s office of Management and Budget, to spend hundreds of millions of tax dollars to subsidize sand-replenishing projects.

Beach erosion has been a leading cause of the shrinkage of the New Jersey shore beaches. New Jersey has received about $450 million to pump sand along the coast since 1985. Federal tax dollars are representing about 65% of all the money spent replenishing sand in New Jersey. So, if you live in Pennsylvania or Texas you are supporting beach erosion projects in Ocean City and Beach Haven. Many people are angry that their tax dollars are being wasted. Whenever a storm hits, another chunk of the beach is lost. Isn’t there some other plan that can be implemented that would save the voters tax dollars?

Do you agree or disagree with government funding for the New Jersey beaches?

Sundance Vacations will open their doors to the public for their second blood drive this year. The event will take place at the Sundance Vacations Corporate Headquarters located at 264 Highland Park Blvd, Wilkes-Barre, Pa. The headquarters is adjacent to the Wachovia Arena at Casey Plaza. The date is set for Monday, June 15th from 12:30pm until 5:30pm. Sundance representatives encourage their neighboring community and businesses on Highland Park Blvd to drop by for the worthy cause. Light snacks and refreshments will be provided.

Please come out and help support the American Red Cross.

The following was written by a guest who enjoyed their stay at the Woodfield Manor: “We have enjoyed our stay at the Woodfield Manor so much! The cottage is wonderful and so comfortable. We have never stayed at a place that was any cleaner. The surrounding grounds and area are beautiful. The Woodfield Manor staff is great and very friendly. We feel like we have made new friends. Bob was great as well as the Tuesday, Wednesday bartender (we didn’t learn his name).

My husband and I appreciate your generosity and kindness allowing us to use your computer to check our “boy” Bronson. That was very important to us. We truly consider you both as our new friends. This is our first experience with the vacation program, and we are very glad we made the decision to join.
Thank you and your staff for making our vacation so pleasant and enjoyable!” -S. Beardman

The Woodfield Manor is located in the Pocono Mountains of Pa. For more information please visit www.woodfieldmanor.com

They’re known as Mibsters and they aren’t losing marbles, they’re winning them. For those of you who don’t know, a Mibster is a marble player. The Mibsters aren’t strangers to the Jersey Shore, they descended there in 1922, when the first-ever National Marbles Tournament was held in Atlantic City. Hundreds of Mibsters will soon make their way to the Jersey Shore. The 86th annual competition will take place from June 21st to June 25th.

Ten 12-foot-square concrete platforms, each with a 10-foot-diameter yellow playing circle, are arrayed across the Wildwood beach, comprising a venue known as Ringer Stadium. There, champion marble shooters (mibsters) ages 8 to 14 from all over the country will face off in two divisions (one for boys, one for girls), playing about 1,200 games over the course of four days. (New Jersey Monthly Magazine, pg. 21, 09) www.nationalmarblestournament.org

Do you have kids interested in the National Marble tournament? Sundance Vacations provides numerous properties in New Jersey. A popular spot is the Esplanade Suites in Wildwood, NJ. The resort is located just steps from the beach, boardwalk and convention center.

Sundance Vacations Speedway will roll back the grandstand admission price to just $5 this weekend, June 6th.   The special pricing is in honor of the 2nd annual raceway reunion.  Visit the official Sundance Vacations Speedway website for more information.   Racefans from miles around will pack the house for this special pricing.  Celebrate racing this weekend at the speedway.