tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6000227991984481255.post7693918834896461772..comments2007-11-06T10:37:26.883-06:00<a href="http://www.medc.org">McAllen EDC</a>http://www.blogger.com/profile/05913370319240021167noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6000227991984481255.post-688519500169538832007-08-30T16:44:00.000-05:002007-08-30T16:44:00.000-05:00I was recently informed that our resort was refused membership to the Chamber due to that we are a clothing optional alternative to the "textile" parks.<BR/>This decision of the Membership Chairperson was disappointing as there was an air of impropriety attached with the rejection.<BR/>Sandpipers Resort has been in existence for 20 years and a certified AANR landed club. We are involved in Community Outreach programs, Blood Drives, charity fund raisers, church programs, etc... Our cliental demographic has approximately 40% with seven & eight figure net worths. This influx of "new money" from outside our valley leaves much of it here at retail outlets, car dealerships, and much of the service industry.<BR/>The Chamber person advised us that they would "never" be able to recommend our resort. Would it be fair to say that we should "black list" any McAllen Chamber members from receiving any of our hundreds of thousands in disposable income brought to our resort from all over the world? <BR/><BR/>Throughout the nation, Clothing Optional resorts are prominent members of their local chambers. Small minded and puritanical misconceptions have no place in today's world. Without even a visit to our facility or due cause, we have been judged. This is akin to a person discriminating because a person is of Hispanic descent. The following are some statistics on nude travel that "burying your head in the sand" will not alter.<BR/>• As reported in USA TODAY, The Yankelovich National Travel Monitor is one of the most respected polls in the travel industry. The 2006 edition of that poll found that 15% of adult Americans would consider a resort that offers a nude recreation experience or a clothing-optional beach experience either extremely or a very desirable part of a vacation. <BR/>• In the January 17, 2003 edition of The Wall St. Journal, a front page story in the Marketplace section noted that nude recreation in North America has grown to a $400 million industry. The article explained that clothes-free offerings run the gamut from upscale venues with plush townhouses and room service to rustic rural retreats, to cruises on some of the world’s most popular cruise lines.<BR/>• The Roper Organization has reported that some 54 million Americans have skinny-dipped in mixed company. For people who want to recapture the freedom and innocence of that experience, AANR clubs offer relaxing, down to earth, casual environments. Members may also participate in AANR World Adventures nudist vacations and cruises.<BR/><BR/>John W. Bowser<BR/>Director of Operations<BR/>Sandpipers ResortAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6000227991984481255.post-8564093400456890392007-08-30T11:44:00.000-05:002007-08-30T11:44:00.000-05:00McAllen is quickly growing! On November 16-18 2007 the newly built McAllen Convention center will be hosting a WHOLESALE JEWELRY & GIFT SHOW! Everyone in the RGV area should go check it out and support the new growth of this beautiful city.<BR/>www.rgvshow.com for more details.rgvshowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11691945340591472775noreply@blogger.com