Is it just me or does it see a bit insulting that at a time when the debt settlement industry is under fire for profiteering and taking advantage of consumers that the United States Organizations for Bankruptcy Alternatives trade association is holding their upcoming summer 2010 conference at the Four Seasons Resort in Palm Beach, Florida.
The ultimate in comfortable chic, Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach is one of the most celebrated gathering spots in this fabled Florida community.
On South Florida’s finest sweep of beach, the Resort offers a haven of tropical elegance. All of the 210 oversized guest rooms and suites open to private balconies. Dining choices include of the finest restaurants in Florida.
When it’s time to relax, recreation amenities include tennis, swimming, a motivating fitness center, and an expansive full-service spa. Moments away are challenging golf courses, one of the world’s most dazzling shopping streets and all of the cultural delights of Palm Beach society. – Source
They did manage to score a sweet room rate for the event though since the Four Seasons says that the daily rate is $379 for a “moderate” room. I can’t wait to find out who is reserving the Orchid, Gardenia, and Hibiscus Suites for the conference.
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I like your reply to USOBA, I agree with you …. You might want to check out http://www.ndsb.org
Gordon,
Interesting to see the National Debt Settlement Bureaus site at ndsb.org. It would be better to see a public member list and names of the people behind the bureau on the site. What this industry needs is more transparency. Anything less does not develop confidence. What can you tell me about the NDSB that is not on their site?
Steve
Dear Steve,
I wish you’d called before posting this piece. In truth, the economic downturn has hit the hospitality industry particularly hard, but their misfortune enabled us to host our event at a fraction of the cost you describe (specifically, our room rates were 50% of what you posted.)
In fact, we were able to secure free meeting space, deeply discounted menus, deeply discounted audio/visual services, free breakfast, free wi-fi and much more.
It’s true—the debt settlement industry is under a great amount of scrutiny now. The purpose of our annual conference is to share best practice guidelines for debt settlement operations, and ensure that USOBA’s member companies stay informed and better able to help families in serious financial situations.
Please feel free to contact me directly for any future posts on debt settlement. I’d welcome the opportunity to speak for this industry.
Jenna Keehnen
Executive Director for United States Organizations for Bankruptcy Alternatives
Jeanna,
I missed your comment when you posted it the other day. If you look, I did congratulate USOBA on getting a discounted rate. The problem isn’t one of price, but perception. Remember when the bankers wanted to go to Vegas after the meltdown and they got grief for that? Same thing.
It’s not the conference which is appears to be inappropriate, it’s the venue at the Four Seasons Resort which is the PR black eye. I doubt that other consumer advocates, the FTC and regulators will applaud you for getting great rates at a resort. Having the conference at some place more downscale would have been a better PR move in my humble opinion.
While I’m writing to you, you might be interested in responding to my review on this new debt relief company. They say, “Traditional debt settlement companies are working for the creditors, not the consumers.”
I can’t wait for you to respond to that one, especially where they say selling their services is like “taking candy from a baby.”
Steve