Issue 131 Campground

EDMONDS, Wash. -- Most RVers are unwilling to pay high fees for primitive campsites at public campgrounds according to more than 2,800 RVers who responded to a survey in last weekend’s RVtravel.com newsletter.

The survey was prompted

by RVtravel.com editor

Chuck Woodbury’s recent experience of coming upon two California State Parks where the fee for primitive campsites -those with no utility hookups -- were $35 a night.

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Chuck Woodbury "My reaction was that it was too much,” he wrote. “The park system, of course, is trying to raise more money to keep its parks open. But I wonder if they have priced themselves out of the market.”

More than 95 percent of the recreational vehicle enthusiasts who responded to the survey said they would never pay -- or probably never pay -- that much to stay in a public campground.

“Look at it from this perspective: $35 per night equals $1,050 per month,” one reader commented.

“Would you pay that to rent a house with no walls, no water, no electricity, no toilets?”

Another reader commented, “It would make more sense to have a full campground at a lesser fee than a mostly

“The park system, of course, is trying to raise more money to keep its parks open. But I wonder if they have priced themselves out of the market.” empty one at the higher rates, and this goes not only for California, but all states.”

“It’s a real shame that the going rate to camp in a public campground these days is often what you’d pay for a room in an economy motel,” said Woodbury. “There are a lot of people out there, individuals and families, where camping is becoming financially out of reach. I think the big losers are the children, who miss out on the opportunity to be with their families in the outdoors.”

Woodbury said he does not know the solution to the problem of escalating camping fees. “I just know that there comes a point where you charge too much, and in that case you end up with less,” he explained. Survey resultshttp://rvtravel.com/rvtravel/re sults.aspx

http://issuu.com/industryenews/docs/getawayusamediakit1

The National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds (ARVC) has released the results of two surveys it conducted at the 2010 Outdoor Hospitality Conference & Expo held Dec. 1-4 in Las Vegas.

ARVC conducted an exhibitor survey and an attendee survey (primarily focused on educational seminars).

Overall, the results show that this past year’s conference and expo were a success, ARVC stated in a recent ARVC Flash report Here are some quick findings: Exhibitor Survey (survey of

those companies that chose to exhibit at the expo) ■58% thought the foot traffic in the expo hall was either ‘Good’ or ‘Excellent.’

■93% rated the expo regarding interested buyers as ‘Average’, ‘Good’ or ‘Excellent.’

■67% of exhibitors said they would return to Las Vegas for another ARVC Outdoor Hospitality Conference & Expo in the future.

■57% of exhibitors said they would prefer to have the expo in a different location every year as opposed to 3.8% of who said they would prefer the same location or 38% who

said they would prefer to have the expo in three locations in a three-year rotation.

■65% of exhibitors said they would not like to change the time of year that the show occurs.

■77% of exhibitors said that they were either ‘Very Likely’ or ‘Definitely’ planning to exhibit at the 2011 Outdoor Hospitality Expo in Savannah, Ga. Attendee Survey ■84% of the respondents signed up for fullregistrations at last year’s conference.

■79% of respondents said that attending the educational seminars at the Conference was ‘Extremely

Important.’

■74% said that attending the Conference to stay abreast of the latest industry news was also ‘Extremely Important’ and 64% said that attending the conference to get ideas from other colleagues was a main reason they attend.

■The majority of attendees, 53%, said they preferred a mix of free on-site events and paid events (on their own).

■68% of respondents rated the ARVC conference as either ‘Valuable’ or ‘Very Valuable.’

■63% said that they were either ‘Likely’ or ‘Very Likely’ to attend the 2011 conference in Savannah.

The state Court of Appeals recently rejected Kennewick's attempt to overturn a $3 million jury verdict against the city over the Columbia Park Golf Course.

Both Benton County Superior Court and the Court of Appeals have sided with him.

The city should end the long, painful journey before it gets any worse.

Now the city must decide whether to appeal to the state Supreme Court, write Long a check for the full amount or negotiate a settlement.

The Appeals Court ruling means Gary Long Jr., the former operator of the golf course through a lease agreement with the city, is now owed $3,660,000.

Given the way events have unfolded, the city should cut its losses and start talks as soon as practical.

Interest is accruing every day.

The additional $660,000 is interest that accrued during the appeals process while the city fought the judgment.

Anyone tempted to pursue another appeal needs to be doused with a cold bucket of reality. Going to the Supreme Court could be another two-year process, and the city could lose there as well.

It's a lot of money, but it could go a lot higher. The interest clock is still ticking.

Long claimed his agreement with Kennewick allowed him to create major improvements at the golf course. He planned to build a 67-space RV park at the site of the driving range, a new clubhouse, a parking lot and a boat launch.

When changes in city policy later prevented him from carrying out much of his plans, Long sued for breach of contract.

With interest at $1,000 per day, the risk to taxpayers is too high.

Insurance won't cover a breach of contract claim.

Think about that for moment.

The deal with Long went wrong in at least two directions. It certainly soured when the city entered into an agreement with developer Aaron Beasley, leaving competing Continued

Continued parties with the understanding that each had an exclusive agreement to develop an RV park in Columbia Park.

Kennewick's inept handling of the controversy stirred by Long's proposal to build his RV park near the Veterans Memorial and the main entrance to Columbia Park didn't help.

And now the city owes Long nearly $3.7 million and there's still not an RV park or a recreational development in Columbia Park.

And improvements Long had begun have been left to wither.

Many of the major players who were involved when the lawsuit was filed are no longer with the city. City Manager Bob Hammond has since retired. Mayor Jim Beaver was elected to the Benton County Commission, and two others who were on the council at the time have moved on.

Full Article: http://www.tricityherald.com

Your ARVC National HQ staff is committed to sending customer business your way through more advanced and innovative marketing.

Beginning late February and continuing through April, a designated datacollection representative from ARVC will be contacting all ARVC members by phone to update your park profile.

This information will be entered into our secure database, and will be used in conjunction with a GoCampingAmerica.com website upgrade that is being designed to better match consumer interests to your park’s amenities and offerings.

The result of this work, we believe, will use the power of the Internet to direct meaningful, pre-qualified customers to your doorstep.

Thank you in advance for taking this 10-15 minute call when it comes, it’s important to your parks success.

ARVC News by Kera Tomlin, ARVC Marketing

You can now follow Jeff Sims, ARVC’s new Director of Membership, online through his blog, http://kickingthetireswithjeff. blogspot.com/ to learn more about what ARVC’s Membership is doing for you.

Jeff and his wife Susie spent over 39,000+ miles on the road last year visiting over 1800+ parks as ARVC Ambassadors and now Jeff is putting his experience to work for you!

Keep up with Jeff and feel free to comment on his blog entries!

See Jeff's bio on Page 7 of this issue.

BILLINGS, MT (February 18, 2010) – Woodall’s Publication Corporation has included 39 Kampgrounds of America parks in North America on its annual list of top-rated campgrounds and RV parks. That total is more than any other camping company in the U.S. or Canada placed on the list, according to officials at Woodall’s.

The 5W/5W top rating from Woodall’s allows recreational vehicle owners and campers to search and find the top-rated RV parks and campgrounds that meet their travel needs, according to Joe Daquino, senior vice president and publisher for Affinity Group Inc.’s (AGI) Affinity Media Division, the parent company for Woodall’s Publications.

“Privately owned campgrounds and RV parks covet the 5W Woodall’s rating,” Daquino said. “It’s valued as the industry’s longest running standard, and most respected rating system.”

A total of 333 campgrounds in North America received the 5W/5W rating for 2011.

“It’s gratifying to have an outside authority such as Woodall’s Publications verify what our campers already know,” said Pat Hittmeier, president of

Kampgrounds of America Inc. “We pride ourselves on the fact that our KOA owners know what their campers want because we tirelessly survey our campers and ask that very question. Our KOA owners have become experts in analyzing the camping data we provide, and working hard to ensure that they deliver just the sort of experience our campers want and expect.”

In order to rate campgrounds across North America, Woodall’s field teams conduct their own onsite inspections of every park. The final ratings are a composite of several different areas of interest, including a campground’s physical grounds, restrooms, site and road developments, surrounding recreation and the superior maintenance of its facilities.

The KOA campgrounds receiving a 5W/5W Woodall’s rating for 2011 include: Hot Springs National Park KOA located in Hot Springs, AR San Diego Metro KOA located in Chula Vista, CA San Francisco N/Petaluma KOA located in Petaluma, CA Pueblo South/Colorado City KOA located in Pueblo, CO Grand Junction KOA

Pat Hittmeier located in Grand Junction, CO Starke/Gainesville NE KOA located in Starke, FL Lafayette KOA located in Scott, LA Port Huron KOA located in Kimball, MI Petoskey KOA located in Petoskey, MI Branson KOA located in Branson MO Polson/Flathead Lake KOA located in Polson, MT Chocorua KOA located in Chocorua, NH Carlsbad KOA located in Carlsbad, NM Newburgh/New York City North KOA located in Plattekill, NY Watkins Glen/Corning KOA located in Watkins Glen, NY Chautauqua Lake KOA located in Dewittville, NY Buckeye Lake/Columbus East KOA located in Buckeye Lake, OH Dayton KOA located in Brookville, OH Shelby/Mansfield KOA located in Shelby, OH Sandusky/Bayshore KOA located in Sandusky, OH

Checotah/Lake Eufaula West KOA located in Checotah, OK Allentown KOA located in New Tripoli, PA Erie KOA located in McKean, PA Gettysburg/Battlefield KOA located in Gettysburg, PA Bellefonte/State College KOA located in Bellefonte, PA Pine Grove/Twin Grove Park KOA located in Pine Grove, PA Rapid City KOA located in Rapid City, SD Badlands/White River KOA located in Interior, SD Mount Rushmore KOA located in Hill City, SD Manchester KOA located in Manchester, TN Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg KOA located in Pigeon Forge, TN Rusk KOA located in Rusk, TX South Padre Island KOA located in South Padre Island TX Lake Conroe/Houston North KOA located in Montgomery, TX Williamsburg KOA located in Williamsburg, VA Harpers Ferry/Civil War Battlefield KOA located in Harpers Ferry, WV Barrie KOA located in Barrie, ON Thunder Bay KOA located in Thunder Bay, ON Toronto North/Cookstown KOA located in Cookstown, ON

I was involved in ARVC back when it was called NCOA and was located in Martinsville, IL. A lot of time has passed but I still have that passion deep down in my gut for the RV Park & Campground industry. I am excited to be the new Director of Membership & Public Affairs for ARVC. Derek Dick is the new Membership Manager and he and I worked closely together last year when Susie (my wife) & I visited 1,823 parks across the country on behalf of ARVC and the Affiliated State Associations.

What did we learn? It is important to listen to our members and what is important to them and find ways to make their job a little better, even a little more profitable. I was involved with my family in our park for 40 years. Have things changed over the

Four tennis players battled it out on the court at Mesa Regal RV Resort last weekend.

The players aren't famous, and they never played professionally but they're legends because together their ages add up to 350 years.

The men were honored with plaques from the tennis club and the RV park and gifts

years? Of course, especially when I remember seeing my first 20' trailer and wondering what is next. Sometimes I was so busy running my business I didn't have time to think about what's next.

Then one day I heard about something called the internet. The units we accommodate have changed, the way we do business has changed and if you were like me, I did it kicking & screaming along the way.

Some things should never become outdated or go out of style. Derek & I want to provide you with 1st class customer service. I always asked my staff, "Is the customer an interruption in your work or the purpose of it?" You, the members of ARVC are the purpose of our work and we will work hard for you.

from the national U.S. Tennis Association.

"They just flooded us with lots of gifts," 90-year-old Henry Diedrich said.

Diedrich and his partner, 91year-old Fred Meserall, won the first set against 83year-old Harp Lockwood and 86-year-old Bill Williams. The younger team bounced back to win the second match.

In the end, they flipped a

Hey folks! I’m Jeff Sims, the new ARVC Director of Membership & Public Affairs. I am the 6th generation of my family to call the Branson, MO area home. My folks started our first campground in 1967 when I was 10 years old. In 2007 we sold both parks, lodge & convention center.

During those 40 years I had the privilege to serve our industry in many arenas including past Chairman of ARVC. In this industry you can go from Who’s Who to Who’s That pretty quick and that was ok with me. What wasn’t ok was that I missed the involvement in the industry. In 2010 my wife Susie and I launched a program to be Ambassador’s for ARVC & State Associations and take

Jeff Sims the message about the benefits of ARVC where we spoke & listened to members & non-member parks. When we completed that project we had traveled 39, 640 miles & visited 1823 parks. I just thought I had seen it all. I’m now here for you and I’ll be sharing the word on the street in this weekly blog. Keep in touch and share your ideas & comments with me. http://kickingthetireswithjeff.b logspot.com/

coin and called it a draw.

"These four guys have been here for a long time and probably this will be the last time a couple of them play," he said. "We wanted to make a special day out of it."

It wasn't just fellow tennis players who came to watch, Friends and neighbors from the park also came to the game.

Full Article: www.azcentral.com

83 yr old Harp Lockwood

Memphis, Tenn. – Upscale RV and outdoor resort company RVC Outdoor Destinations won a 2011 Addy Award for brand identity by the American Advertising Federation Memphis. The awards were announced Saturday, February 19th.

“We’re honored to have received this award and it further establishes that our brand is truly unique,” said Andy Cates, President of RVC Outdoor Destinations.

The company competed in the “brand identity” category and was judged

against other entries based on creativity, originality, and creative strategy. The company worked with Paradigm Marketing and Creative, also based in Memphis, to develop a consistent and distinguishable brand that emphasizes the outdoor elements (earth, air, fire and water), associates regional trees, and ties each property back to the corporate identity.

Although each resort has unique geographical qualities that make them distinct, there are common factors guests will find at

every property. For example, each Outdoor Destination features RV sites and cottages which are fully equipped with free cable television and Wi-Fi. RVC also prides themselves on their thoughtful environmental design, superb amenities, and multiple outdoor activities.

These characteristics, along with the means of how RVC

portrays their properties, were the determining factors for the Addy Award.

In conclusion, RVC presented a different, atypical class of resorts, which all tie together to a common theme of a superior outdoor vacation with the service of an upscale hotel.

Details are being inked on the preliminary plans for Pensacola Beach Recreational Vehicle Park, at the site of the former Tiki Hotel. If there are no hitches, luxury RVs could be plugging into the park's outlets by May 30.

The plans include an office building, swimming pool, general electric system and landscaping for the roughly 70-campsite park on Via de Luna, immediately east of Soundside Shopping Center.

Santa Rosa Island Authority Board will review the landscaping plans at Wednesday's 5 p.m. board meeting. The meeting is at the Island Authority offices at 1 Via de Luna.

If the board OKs the landscaping plan, the developers hope to finish the site plans by March 15 and break ground by April 1.

The new park will target RVers who want to be close to restaurants, bars and shops in the core area of the beach.

NEW YORK -- The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index, which had increased in January, improved further in February.

The Index now stands at 70.4 (1985=100), up from 64.8 in January. The Present Situation Index improved to 33.4 from 31.1.

The Expectations Index increased to 95.1 from 87.3 last month.

“The Consumer Confidence Index is now at a three-year high (Feb. 2008, 76.4), due

to growing optimism about the short-term future," said Lynn Franco, director of The Conference Board Consumer Research Center. "Consumers’ assessment of current business and labor market conditions has improved moderately, but still remains rather weak. Looking ahead, consumers are more positive about the economy and their income prospects, but feel somewhat mixed about employment conditions.”

month, Welliver has found a new passion that will surely keep him busy whenever he decides to retire: Helping less fortunate people overseas.

MISSION, Texas, Feb. 16, 2011 – For 32 years, Ed Welliver has owned an operated Oleander Acres RV Park and built it into a thriving destination for “Winter Texans” and other visitors to the Rio Grande Valley.

And near retirement age, Welliver has been thinking more and more about passing the baton of park management to someone else.

But after volunteering on a Rotary mission to improve sanitation and hygiene in Choluteca, Honduras last

“Our trip to Honduras was a very eye-opening experience for me,” Welliver said, adding, “I can certainly see myself doing more of this kind of thing.”

Indeed, while he speaks some Spanish, Welliver had never traveled on a foreign mission trip before or spent an extended period of time interacting with some of the poorest people in the Western Hemisphere.

The Jan. 15th to 23rd mission, organized by Arthur W. Zeitler of the Rotary Club of Corpus Christi, was the latest in a series of Rotary mission

trips to Choluteca, Honduras, where volunteers have been working in partnership with other groups to improve local residents’ water quality, sanitation and hygiene.

Volunteers from Rotary Clubs in Mission, Harlingen, Laredo and Kingsville, Texas as well as Anchorage, Alaska joined 8 Corpus Christi Rotary Club volunteers on the mission.

Working together, they assembled over a dozen outdoor latrines in an area where Choluteca Province residents do not have plumbing in their homes.

The project also included delivery and installation of bio sand water filters.

The U.S. based volunteers also met with project trainers who are instructing local residents on various ways to improve their

personal hygiene and sanitation. The volunteers attended one of these sessions.

Zeitler said sanitation and hygiene education is a critical component of Rotary’s efforts because unless local residents know how to keep themselves and their water supplies clean, they will continue to contaminate their water supplies and suffer from various water-borne illnesses.

Welliver said he was impressed by the impact the volunteers made on the people of Choluteca. “The people there were very grateful for what we did,” he said. One of the villages provided a thank you “fiesta” for the volunteers at the end of the work week and the Rotarians also attended a dinner meeting with their co-sponsor, the Rotary Club of Choluteca.

BILLINGS, MT (February 21, 2011) – Campers flipping through the pages of the all new printed edition of the 2011 Kampgrounds of America Directory will now be able to use Microsoft Tag technology and their smart phones to access enriched content such as photographs and special deals on the internet.

"Adding nearly 500 Microsoft Tags to our new Directory gives our campers a way to directly access more information about our campgrounds than we would ever be able to print,” said Mike Gast, vice president of Communications for Kampgrounds of America Inc. “Our Directory includes more Microsoft Tags than any other publication, and we’re very proud of that fact.”

Microsoft Tag is a kind of customizable 2D barcode that can be displayed anywhere and connects almost anything in the real world to information, entertainment, and interactive experiences on your mobile phone. They can be black and white or color. Tags are scanned using the free downloadable Microsoft Tag Reader on your smart phone (available at www.gettag.mobi).

“We’re excited that Kampgrounds of America is using Tag to extend their Directory beyond the printed page,” said Bill McQuain, director of Tag Product Management at Microsoft Corp. “Microsoft Tag makes the world around you clickable, and now with the scan of Tag in KOA’s Directory, campers will unlock even more information and a rich interactive experience.”

The new KOA Directory, which also includes more than 20 popular camping recipes from the test kitchens of Better Homes & Gardens, is currently available at any open Kampgrounds of America location in North America.

Directories have also been shipped directly to the home of campers who are members of the KOA Value Kard Rewards program.

The 2011 KOA Directory includes complete descriptions of all 474 KOA locations in North America, as well as detailed driving

directions and locator maps. Each campground listing includes a Microsoft Tag that will take campers directly online to view additional content about each campground, such as photographs, videos and up-to-date “Hot Deals” at each park.

“We chose the Microsoft Tag technology because we are quickly able to change a Tag’s destination on the internet, if need be,” Gast said. “Tags allow us to keep the experience fresh for our campers. This is just the beginning of the blending of our printed Directory and our online content.”

In the next few weeks, KOA will be adding a digital, downloadable edition of the 2011 KOA Directory to its KOA.com website.

“This will give our campers a paperless alternative to the printed Directory,” Gast

said. “They will be able to download all 250 pages of the Directory right to their computers or mobile devices, and take it with them on their travels.

More information about how Microsoft Tag can power digital marketing is available at http://tag.microsoft.com.

People can follow the Tag community on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/mi crosofttag or on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/micro softtag.

Cape May Court House, New Jersey (February 21, 2011) – The Mid-Atlantic Coastal States Conference for Campground Owners is scheduled for March 8th and 9th at the Dover Downs Hotel and Casino in Dover, Delaware. Campground owners and operators from Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey and Virginia will celebrate the 20th anniversary of this multistate event with a “be dazzled” conference theme.

The Expo will be held on Wednesday, March 9th, with approximately 35 exhibitors. Four CPOsanctioned educational sessions are scheduled and will be facilitated by some of the industry’s most recognizable names. Eric Stumberg of TengoInternet will discuss the future of wireless internet, Using YouTube to Build Your Business and Low or No Cost Guerilla Marketing will be taught by Evanne Schmarder of Roadabode Productions and ARVC’s Director of Membership and Government Affairs, Jeff Sims, CPO, will speak on ARVC partnership and national/state initiatives.

Park owners and operators will have an opportunity to network and enjoy one another’s company at two show-stopping evening

events including the Tuesday night private performance – Tribute to Frank Sinatra – held in the resort’s Fire & Ice Lounge.

Wednesday evening State Executives Deb Carter, CPO, Maryland (MAC) and Jay and Marji Otto, New Jersey (NJCOA), present “Get Bedazzled in Dover” at the 20th Anniversary Gala.

Attendees are encouraged to dress in black and/or white and wear plenty of “bling” (showy, glam jewelry and accessories) in accordance with the theme and décor.

As always, there will be a sweepstakes – Bedazzled in Dover Sweepstakes – where participants do not need to be present to win.

This year’s sweeps will offer “gems” numbered from 1-100 at $15 per number with prizes ranging from $1 to $400. The annual auction will feature a number of valuable business and personal items.

Both are held for the betterment and education of the association membership and all support in the form of donations or participation is appreciated.

The Dover International Speedway is home to NASCAR’s famous Monster Mile and a group track tour, back by popular demand, is scheduled for Tuesday, March 8th at 9:30 a.m.

An early bird registration discount is available until February 26th. For more information about the 20th Anniversary Mid-Atlantic Coastal States Conference for Campground Owners,

to register to attend, participate in the sweeps and auction or obtain details of the educational seminars contact NJCOA Executive Directors Jay and Marji Otto at 609-4658444 or NJCOA@comcast.net.

The Otto’s cordially invite you to come and “Be Dazzled in Dover”.

North Hollywood, CA, February 17, 2011 - RV Buddies show host Mark Summers is scheduled to appear on "Good Day LA" on the FOX TV affiliate station in Los Angeles this Thursday.

"RV Buddies has a history with dog rescue," says Mark Summers, Executive Producer of the show. "My dogs Alex and the sincepassed Toby are featured whenever possible on the show."

"Bella", whom he is fostering, will appear with him on FOX TV looking for a loving forever home.

"It's bitter-sweet," says Summers. "The problem is so big you feel like you can't do enough. And every puppy or dog your rescue touches you in an inexplicable way."

RVers are huge dog lovers many adorning their coaches with bumper stickers about dog rescue or other social conscious messages against pet mills, dog-fighting or spaying and neutering.

There are many animal charities that RVers can help. And RV Buddies has RV themed charge cards available on their website at: http://rvbuddies.net/commun ity/charity-dog-rescue. The first time you use the card, the charge card company donates $50 to dog rescue.

It doesn't cost the card user a single dime.

Summers has personally rescued over 50 high risk dogs in the past five years.

For further information contact Mark Summers at: Mark@RVBuddies.Net.

One of the seminars that took place during last years ReV up in Reno convention focused on the “20 best business practices” in marketing, finance, operations and management.

Randall Hendrickson, president and founder of Phoenix, Ariz.-based Horizon RV Resorts, a campground and RV park management firm that manages 2,300 RV and park model sites and motel units in seven states, shared several kernels of wisdom on the marketing front. Among them: •Develop a marketing calendar. Know when your advertising renewals are coming up and be prepared to make changes to your listings to make sure they are as up to date as possible. Also be sure to schedule updates to your website as well as your listings on GoCampingAmerica.com and every other website you do business with. “If you have inaccurate or out of date information (on your website or in other forms of advertising), you’re really shooting yourself in the foot.”

•If you’re cutting back your spending on print advertising, don’t pocket the money. Instead, spend it on increased online advertising to promote your park.

•Consider using ReachLocal.com to

maximize your “pay per click” online search term advertising.

•Make sure you are utilizing and participating in all of the public relations and marketing services that are available to you through your state and national campground association memberships.

•Conduct an analysis of your website traffic to determine where your website visitors are coming from.

•Use the GuestRated survey program. “I don’t know what we would do without it,” Hendrickson said, adding that the data collected is “beyond imaginable.”

•Regularly monitor RVParkReviews.com, a website where campers post comments about their experiences at campgrounds and RV parks. “You have to be informed about what others are saying about you,” Hendrickson said, adding that it’s also helpful to “Google yourself,” pairing “your park’s name” and the word “review” as search terms.

•Keep in mind there’s a difference between “transactional hospitality” and “experiential hospitality.” That means having front desk staff members who are friendly, professional and helpful to your guests, both in person and on the phone. “If you fail to deliver at the front desk, you have failed miserably,” he said.

John Croce, managing member of Huntington Beach, Calif.-based Team RV Management LLC, whose properties include Yosemite Pines RV Resort & Family Lodging in Groveland, Calif., offered several financial management tips, based on his 40 years of experience managing real estate, including RV and mobile home parks: •Develop an accurate financial statement using established accounting systems. You need to know exactly where you stand financially so you know what you can afford to do.

You also will need to provide accurate financial data if you need to refinance or sell the property.

•Don’t hide income because it will cost you down the road. “Your net operating income is how banks and buyers look at your park,” Croce said.

“The higher the NOI, the more you can get in refinancing or to sell the property,” Croce said, adding that no one really cares how much money you put into the park or what you paid for it. It’s the park’s ability to produce revenue that counts.

•Find a good CPA and a good attorney. Croce said that financial and legal counsel can advise you on more issues than taxes and business problems.

They can also help advise with business opportunities

as they come up and also provide other counsel to help you make the most of your business.

James Urquhart, CEO of Petaluma, Calif.-based Campground Management Group, offered his advice on ways park owners can improve their operations.

His recommendations include the following: •Check out ChaosOver.com. It’s a training program that will help you improve your organizational skills and efficiency, and give you some breathing room.

•Use a computerized reservation system: Urquhart said a web-based systems that enable you to process real-time reservations are best so that guests can make reservations at their leisure.

•Make sure your Internet service provide (ISP) can support your Web-based reservation system.

•Develop a standard operating procedures manual for your park by department and by job function.

•Develop a calendar or timetable for the completion of all park tasks.

David Gorin, a former president and CEO of the National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds (ARVC), longtime campground industry consultant and founder of Best Parks in America network, offered these tips Continued

Continued on campground and RV park management: •Manage by walking around your park every day. “Leave the desk and see first hand what’s going on,” Gorin said.

•Set measurable objectives and inspect what you expect. How many times does the phone ring before someone picks it up? How often do the restrooms get checked? How long does trash sit outside people’s rigs before it gets picked up? How long does a tear in a screen door remain as is before it gets repaired?

How often is touch up painting done? Do you have a system for reporting scratches in paint and other repairs that need to be

addressed? These are just some of many issues that should be addressed.

•Provide your staff with all of the tools they need to do their jobs •Honestly evaluate your employees’ compensation.

Are you paying them enough?

•Stick to your strengths and use outside resources for projects or services, such as tree trimming and Wi-Fi, which often require specialized expertise.

•Consider direct mail for outreach. Lists can be good and very effective, he said.

•Consider some of the things you could do to be a good corporate citizen.

Written by Jeffrey Crider Reproduced from: www.calarvc.com

Cortez, Florida (February 22, 2011) – Recent ratings from Trailer Life, a nationally recognized RV park/campground directory, has placed Holiday Cove RV Resort (www.HolidayCoveRV.com) in the top 1% of the estimated 12,000 RV parks and campgrounds in the United States with a nearly impeccable rating of 10/10*/9. Additionally, Holiday Cove RV Resort earned a perfect 5W/5W rating from the nationally recognized Woodall’s RV park/campground directory.

Holiday Cove’s success is an ideal combination of location, facilities, amenities, a great staff, and Florida’s multi-season climate.

Located in the small fishing village of Cortez, Holiday Cove guests have ample opportunity to access some of Florida’s most beautiful beaches via a short walk, bicycle or car ride to the shore. After crossing the Intracoastal Waterway bridge, guests can choose to visit Bradenton Beach to the south or Anna Maria Island to the north. Both offer white sand beaches, beautiful bike paths, picnic areas and ample free parking. Holiday Cove offers several premium sites directly on the water, 34 boat slips, and fishing docks.

The resort features a stunning clubhouse facility, lush landscaping, modern

fitness equipment, a putting green, and a sparkling swimming pool.

Each individual RV site includes a large patio, complimentary cable TV, Wi-Fi access and full accommodations with each site having both 30 and 50 amp electrical service.

“I fell in love with this location when I discovered it a few years ago and was excited to purchase and completely renovate this gem of an RV resort,” said owner Ed Rymer. “In doing so, we looked to the future of larger RVs with their utility and space needs and designed the resort accordingly. The result is RVer-friendly sites and popular facilities coupled with a picturesque location. My staff and I are simply thrilled to be recognized among the top 1% of RV resorts nationwide.”

Considered a year-round destination, Holiday Cove delivers enviable winter temperatures and attracts snowbirds from North America as well as offers a popular summer-stay program enjoyed by local and vacationing families.

The friendly and accommodating staff of Holiday Cove welcomes RVers for a day, week, season or as site owners and can provide knowledgeable guidance

on the large variety of local area attractions, including beautiful beaches, award winning restaurants, trolley transportation, events, festivals and more.

Whether guests wish to head to the beach for the day or decide to go shopping, most local

The Missouri Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds (MOARVC) held its 43rd annual Spring Convention Feb. 15-16 at the Truman Hotel in Jefferson City, Mo., with 50 people attending and 25 parks represented, along with 10 vendors.

“Everyone was very upbeat and very optimistic about

attractions are within a short walk, bike ride or drive.

With over 97 fully accommodating sites, 34 boat slips, unbeatable weather and an unlimited list of activities for any guest, Holiday Cove is the place to be for RVers.

the upcoming campground season,” said Larry Helms, association president. “Preseason reservations are up so far.

Everyone is also looking forward to what the National Association for RV Parks and Campgrounds (ARVC) is doing this year with Paul Bambei, new president and CEO.”

ELKHART -- Thirty recreational vehicles built before World War II, a generous donor and a gentlemen's agreement combined to give the RV/MH Hall of Fame & Museum a premiere collection, new exhibition space and, now, a major financial headache.

The Hall of Fame owes an estimated $5 million and could close in a few months if the debt obligations are not met.

"Right now, I'd say we got two, three months of time to get this thing flying," said Tom McNulty, executive director.

The RV/MH Heritage Foundation board of directors has sent a letter to people identified as potential major contributors and is formulating a plan for resolving the crisis.

McNulty declined to discuss elements of the proposal for moving forward, saying the plan was in an "embryonic stage."

Foundation board members are hoping to reveal their blueprint to select industry heads, elected officials and civic leaders at a special meeting some time in March. McNulty wanted to meet with RV executives personally but with the news that the Hall of Fame

Tom McNulty: Executive Director, RV Hall of Fame is in financial trouble, he is not sure he will even be allowed in their offices.

In fact, McNulty recalled a company president immediately saying he did not have $5 million when he first caught sight of the executive director. McNulty was able to convince the company chief to attending the meeting.

"It's here, we've got to face it," McNulty said of the financial crisis. "We've got to tell the story the way it is.

That's the only way I know who to do this, so people understand we have a plan, or will have a solid plan.

That's what we've got to get conveyed to the powers that be, the guys that could help us.

"Once they see that and are aware of what conceivably could happen, then I think we got a shot at (saving the institution). I honestly believe that, or, I wouldn't be doing this."

Full Article: www.etruth.com

FLINT, MI--(Marketwire February 22, 2011) - The Michigan Association of Recreation Vehicles and Campgrounds (MARVAC) is sponsoring the Flint Camper & RV Show, March 18-20, 2011 at the Perani Arena & Event Center (located just south of I-69 at the Center Road Exit). Over 48 new recreation vehicles will be on display including folding campers, motor homes, travel trailers and fifth wheel travel trailers, ranging in price from $4,000 to $120,000.

Special discounts include folding campers from $4,000; trailers from $10,000; and motor homes from $46,000. Plus, manufacturer rebates on select RVs. Booths featuring parts and accessories, campground information, on site RV financing and RV rentals make this the complete RV show experience.

The new, 2011 RV & Campsite, a guide to camping in Michigan, will be available and free to consumers. Coupons for $1 off admission are available on www.marvac.org, Big Boy restaurants and area

newspapers. Consumers can also register to win free tickets to the show on www.marvac.org, compliments of Big Boy. The MARVAC Flint Camper & RV Show will be held at the Perani Arena & Event Center and is open Friday 2-9 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m.9 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m.5 p.m. The cost for adult admission (ages 13 and up) is $7; senior admission (ages 55 and over) is $6; and children 12 and under get in free! Your Flint Camper & RV Show ticket will also get you into the Spring Home & Garden Show in the adjacent arena. Parking is free!

The show is sponsored by the Michigan Association of Recreation Vehicles and Campgrounds (MARVAC), a member organization representing all aspects of the camping and RV industries.

Consumers can call 517.349.8881 or visit marvac.org for additional information on the RV show.

New Berlin, PA – It’s obvious that the producers of the Virtual Outdoor Hospitality Expo are charting their own path.

They were the first in that industry to conduct a virtual trade show, replete with sponsors, exhibitors and educational webinars and now they are planning both a Fall and Spring show simultaneously.

As announced recently, the Fall Expo will begin on November 11th, 2011 (11/11/11) and be live for two days and now an announcement has come that the Spring event will be held on February 10th and 11th 2012, also for two days.

This will give Sponsors and Exhibitors alike the opportunity to participate in both events at greatly discounted exhibit rates and also allow the software to be maintained at a discounted production cost.

Art Lieberman and Deanne Bower will soon be announcing returning participants who have already agreed to the 2011 event. They may soon have a “Presenting” or Platinum Sponsor and a co-producer who will participate in marketing the event to exhibitors and attendees alike.

Because the software will now be exceedingly “user friendly” we may attempt to make it more fun for attendees. The software is,

at this writing. Being supplied by VCopious of Conshohocken, PA, who will participate in a much different manner than the previous provider. They will actually receive the files from Sponsors and Exhibitors, construct the booths from those files and then present them to the Exhibitors for their review.

Two hours of training will be given to each exhibitor to make sure they know how to operate their booths and to utilize the report facility built into the software.

“This will free up our time to market the event and attempt to coordinate other aspects of the Expo”, says Lieberman. “Last time, Deanne and I spend hundreds of hours trying to assist exhibitors with their booth setup.”

There are dozens of other enhancements to the software this time out and the booth displays will be “brick and mortar”, meaning that the Expo will give the appearance of aisles with booths instead of the logo approach that was used last time.

There will be an Expo Lobby, Exhibit Hall, Conference Room, Chat Lounge and a Resource Center.

The Fall Expo will also begin at 11:11 AM Eastern Standard Time, carrying the number 11 theme. The

Spring Expo will begin at the traditional 12 noon time.

Both will run until 6:00 PM. The Virtual Outdoor Hospitality Expo II is scheduled to take place on 11-11-11 for 2 days and another 60 days in an ondemand status.

The producers may be

contacted by calling 877901-EXPO (3976) or by email at campvirtualshow@yahoo.co m. Their website (currently being updated) is www.outdoorhospitalityexpo. com. Pelland Advertising maintains the Expo’s Webpage.