Issue 163 Campground & RV Park E News

The Ho-chunk Casino's new luxury recreational vehicle park that opened Saturday is just one part of greater expansion plans that include a water park and an addition to the casino/convention center, according to casino officials.

officially was unveiled to the public Saturday. Those present included casino managers, representatives of the Ho-Chunk Nation legislature, Baraboo-area business owners and Packers veteran LeRoy Butler.

space for 49 RVs, including 21 spaces designed for year-round use. Amenities include wireless Internet access, fire pits and picnic tables, sewer, water and 24-hour security patrols.

The RV park on the north side of the casino property

The park, Ho-Chunk Hoiusa Cinuk RV Park, features

Casino Executive Manager Jones Funmaker said the Continued

Continued the hotel to house them," he said. "Then the other things will fall in place."

Expansion of facilities at the casino/convention center benefits business for the Baraboo area as a whole, said Deb Bauer, executive director of the Baraboo Chamber of Commerce.

"Ho-Chunk continues to boost the economy of the Baraboo area by creating jobs and developing more services to bring more people in and boost our tourism dollar," she said.

"It's wonderful for the Baraboo area."

A pair of ceremonial scissors was a bit uncooperative Saturday as, from left, Ho-Chunk Casino Executive Manager Jones Funmaker, retired Green Bay Packer LeRoy Butler and Ho-Chunk Nation Rep. John Holst cut the ribbon on the casino's new luxury recreational vehicle park. casino always has had some visitors who arrived in their vacation home and parked in the casino's lot.

The new RV park is simply a way to accommodate a new group of customers and attract more of them.

"It seemed to make business sense, ‘hey, can we charge them to park?'" he said.

Funmaker said the casino plans to add much more to the casino/convention center property. Plans include a water park, expansion of the hotel and expansion of the casino.

"We have all these things on the drawing board, but we went with the water park first because that is the draw, then we'll build

Rep. John Holst, who represents the Baraboo/Madison area in the Ho-Chunk Nation's legislature, said the expansion of the casino is part of an effort to improve the economic strength of the tribe. But it is also something that should benefit the surrounding nonIndian community.

"We are glad to be part of the community. We are part of the community," Holst said. "We will always be part of the community."

Article and Photo: www.wiscnews.com

November 6-9, 2011 (Expo on Nov. 9) South Point Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas, NV Contact: (406) 248-7444

November 10-11, 2011 On the Internet Contact: (877) 901-3976

From time to time we welcome your feedback to ensure we are bringing you the very best product we can.

Please take the time to fill out the following questionnaire.

November 14-17, 2011 Embassy Suites, Covington, KY Contact: (513) 831-2100

November 28 – December 2, 2011 Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort Spa & Savannah International Trade & Convention Center, Savannah, GA

ORANGE, Calif. – Leisure Interactive, LLC, the developer of Hercules™ software (LI) and Merchants’ Choice Payment Solutions (MCPS) for Campgrounds a credit/debit card provider sponsored by Woodforest National Bank (NA) today announced a joint marketing agreement which will provide a full service payment processing system integrated with its reservation processing software. By integrating directly with MCPS for Campgrounds, campground operators will be able to streamline the process of credit card processing to their financial institutions.

“This solution provides an end to end solution for campgrounds who want to take advantage of a fully integrated online and front office reservation management system”, said Gary Pace, President/CEO of LI. “In addition to streamlining the payment processing within Hercules, campgrounds are assured of a fully PCI compliant system which conforms to Visa rules and reduces risk for the campground operator.”

Gary Pace The solution provides campground operators a cost effective option for both reservation management and payment processing.

Campground owners will be able to reduce keystrokes and manual entries while efficiently manage the credit card processing of their business.

Art Lieberman, President of MCPS for Campgrounds is excited to be working with LI. “This gives us the unique opportunity to work handin-hand with the most respected reservation system in the campground industry. We look forward to a long and prosperous association with them.”

Pace said “We are pleased to partner with MCPS to expand our solution offerings to campgrounds.

MCPS for Campgrounds continued presence in the campground industry assures us that our clients will be serviced well and treated fairly.”

Leisure Interactive, LLC, a subsidiary of Leisure Holding Inc., provides an integrated portfolio of services, including online reservation technology, advertising infrastructure and marketing services to the outdoor recreation industry. Leisure is committed to delivering bestof-breed products and marketing support to unite the businesses that make up this vertical and allow the industry to compete effectively for the general travel dollar. Through industry partnerships and its own brands, Leisure enhances the consumer’s online experience by providing outdoor recreationcentric information, resources and an extensive online reservation network for locating RV parks and campgrounds. More information is available on the Web at www.leisureholding.com or by e-mail at marketing@leisureinteractive.com

MCPS for Campgrounds, sponsored by Woodforest National Bank with nearly 1,000 branches nationwide including Wal-Marts, has been dedicated to providing credit and debit card services to campgrounds for nearly 8 years.

They are members of the Supplier Council of ARVC and members of 15 State and Regional campground associations. MCPS has provided free webinars to campground owners on a variety of subjects. The “Credit/Debit Cards: A Primer on Savings and Security” webinar has been viewed by hundreds of campground owners.

President Art Lieberman has a weekly column in Campground and RV ENews and, together with Deanne Bower they produce the Virtual Outdoor Hospitality Expo, now conducting the 2nd show on November 10th and 11th.

More information is available at their website at www.mcpsforcampgrounds.com or by e-mail at rvcreditcards@yahoo.com.

Information on the Expo can be found at www.outdoorhospitalityexpo.com.

speed wireless internet access, bar and restaurant along with our convenience store and marina.

Parker AZ: It’s no longer speculation, it’s the real thing. The Pirate’s Den RV Resort & Marina is about to open.

and more at the newest and most premier resort on the Colorado River, the Pirate’s Den RV Resort & Marina.

Imagine, the sun is setting and the sky is ablaze with color. Your beachside cabana is filled with the laughter of good friends.

After dinner, you saunter down the boardwalk for a nightcap at the spirited beachside bistro. All this

The Pirate’s Den Resort is located on the beach front in the splendid 92 acre waterfront parcel of the La Paz County Park. Among the amenities expected of a quality RV resort, the Pirate’s Den provides full hook-ups including high-

With the unique character of a rustic pirate theme, the social centerpiece of the Pirate’s Den Resort is the “Thirsty Pirate” beach bar and “Black Pearl” restaurant. The ambiance of the Caribbean style setting with patio dining is intimate, comfortable, unpretentious and fun.

Along with white-sugar sandy beaches, beach front cabanas and on site boat ramp, the Pirate’s Den Resort brings the magic of Caribbean islands to life at the Parker Strip.

There seems to be a lot of confusion between a marketing plan, a marketing program and a marketing campaign. Each one has its own set of requirements and means of accomplishing those requirements. You can be somewhat successful without a marketing program or marketing campaign but I can almost guarantee that you will spend more money and get marginal results if you don’t have a marketing plan.

Let’s take a look at the three and see if we can figure out which is which.

put together a document that you can follow for the next year and then follow it.

You will be amazed at how much simpler your advertising/marketing decisions become when you have a well defined objective in mind.

Be sure to answer the following questions in your Marketing Plan.

Marketing Plan: Before you embark on any activity to sell your product, whether it is site nights, supplies or activities, you should have defined the overall objective for your business.

2.) Who is my target audience? Break this down at a high level. For example 50% returning guests, 25% new guests, 25% RV groups. Within each of these segments give as much definition to the group as you can (returning guests that stay for 1 week every year, new guests that have just purchased an RV, RV groups that have 25 or less members and rig sizes that are 35’ and under)

It may seem have an obvious answer but once you put your answer down on paper you may find that it isn’t as well thought out as you believed it to be.

Even worse, you may find that what you put down on paper is too vague even for you to be able to take the next step of breaking out your goals.

This is where your marketing plan starts to develop your overall strategy on attracting new business. Don’t worry about being terribly formal, but do

1.) What are my goals and objectives? Be specific about what you want to accomplish (i.e. increase site nights by 15%, increase store sales by 10%, etc.)

3.) Where am I going to spend my marketing budget? I can’t emphasize enough the importance of putting a budget together and sticking to it faithfully.

Ad salesmen can be quite persuasive and before you know it you have spent your budget for the year

without actually meeting your goals and objectives.

4.) What is my budget?

Take a look at how much you spent last year for marketing your RV campground. (Hopefully, you can pull these numbers together easily.) If the dollar figure looks too small, it probably is. You may not have included some of those last minute, middle of the season expenditures that you thought were cheap enough to do. This tends to be particularly true about things like listings on web sites which only cost $25 per year. If that $25 isn’t returning at least one new guest, it is a waste of money.

Marketing Program: Within your marketing program, your objective from your marketing plan is going to be the guiding principle behind the marketing programs that you develop.

Before you get very far into your marketing program, ask yourself if this program is going to advance your objective. If every marketing program you think of answers yes to this question, your objective isn’t focused enough. As an example, if my objective is to increase the site nights in the RV Park, a marketing program that targets teenagers isn’t going to meet that objective.

Your objective on any marketing program must support your marketing plan objective by taking that objective and breaking it down to a more narrow set of goals.

You should also have several marketing programs for the year, not just an advertise my RV resort for the year program.

1.) How many programs do I want to run? Make this a manageable number but you should have a different program for each of your identified goals and objectives.

2.) How am I going to meet the individual objectives?

As an example, to attract new visitors create a Guest Loyalty program that rewards a returning guest for bringing a friend that hasn’t been to the park before.

3.) How is the budget going to break out to cover each of the programs?

4.) Some of your marketing programs are going have high level components.

This is where advertising in Trailer Life or Woodall’s would be addressed.

5.) How are you going to measure your overall success?

Continued

Continued Marketing Campaign: This is where the rubber meets the road. A marketing campaign will take the goals from your marketing program and break it down further to define how you are going to meet those goals For instance, the campaign would address what types of advertising you are going to use to promote the park (print, direct mail, social media, etc.), what the schedule is for the campaign, how you are going to measure your success rate, and who you are actually targeting (snowbirds, families, RV groups, etc.)

1.) What is the subject of the campaign? This could be increasing your reservations for opening day at the park. If you are a park that has both summer and winter seasons, you would have two or more separate campaigns that address the specifics of those seasons.

2.) What is the campaign going to address and how?

In the case of site nights, this will be specific, short term actions that are going to be taken such as print advertising in the FMCA magazine.

3.) What is the budget for each of the campaigns?

4.) What is the method for measuring the success or failure of the campaign?

If there is one thing that I would emphasize more than any other it would be to take the time to outline your marketing plan and describe what and how you are going to accomplish those goals. I have seen a lot of money wasted by trying everything that comes along and not measuring the effectiveness of those efforts.

FocusedWords is a company dedicated to helping you promote and market your campground to RVer’s everywhere,

using printed materials, press releases and social media. Be sure to follow Pamela on Twitter: @rvstops and @FocusedWords. Check out her blog at FocusedWords.com/blog.

Pamela has now made her database of Group contacts available to you. For more information, email her at pwright@FocusedWords.com.

(CN) - A California man who imported Chinesemade recreational vehicles into the United States lied to get certificates of compliance from the Environmental Protection Agency, the government claims in a federal complaint.

Chia Zheng certified to the EPA that the engines in at least 12 Chinese vehicles that his clients wished to import met EPA emissions and fuel-efficiency standards and that his company MotorScience Enterprises had the data on file to prove it, according to the complaint filed in Los Angeles.

After conducting site visits to Zheng's offices in City of Industry, Calif., and interviews with MotorScience employees, however, EPA investigators determined that the records did not exist and that some of the information in the application for the certificates of compliance was false.

To get a compliance certificate for a family of engines, manufacturers or a designated agent use a test vehicle - known as an emissions data vehicle that serves as a representative of the class of vehicles the particular engine willpower.

The procedures used to test the data vehicle for compliance with U.S. emissions standards must be documented and retained along with any alterations made to the vehicle during testing, and the results of the tests.

Zheng failed to meet any of these requirements and lied when he certified that the imported vehicles were of the same class as the emissions data vehicle.

Four companies - Henim, USA, Inc., Longting USA, LLC, Peace Industry Group (USA), Inc. and Seaseng, Inc. - hired Zheng as their authorized agent to perform the necessary tests, compile the data and submit applications to the EPA. The Department of Justice says Zheng did not provide copies of the compliance certification application to his clients, nor did he provide them with copies of the required records or data. The four are not listed as parties to the suit.

The government is asking for a permanent injunction banning further importation of vehicles based on Zheng's allegedly invalid certificates of compliance into the United States and damages of $32,500 per day, per violation proven at trial. www.courthousenews.com

Saying that “flat is the new up,” Bobby said most of his RV Park and Campground members are stable.

However, a big change in his industry is the increased presence of corporate park ownership versus the traditional “mom & pop” ownership.

Speaking at the Annual Convention of the Florida RV Trade Association in September Executive Director of the Florida Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds, Bobby Cornwell gave his views on the state of the nation of campgrounds.

“I'm also seeing increased demand for tent and park model camping, probably as a result of the economy,” he said. Saying “buddy sites” are increasing in popularity within campgrounds,

Bobby believes parks are seeing more campers in their 40s, which is down from previous years when campers in their 60s dominated.

Additionally, long weekend trips with reservations made at the last minute are more likely. Campgrounds have responded to all this by upgrading their sites with 50 amp service and a variety of high-end amenities.

Over 250 members attended the Convention, which included an address from Florida Gov. Rick Scott.

Bobby Cornwell

BILLINGS, MT (October 3, 2011) – Barbara and Robert Thomas of Orland, California, found out Monday that they were selected from nearly 100,000 entries as the big winners of the “Kamping In Style Giveaway,” sponsored

by Kampgrounds of America and Keystone RV Company.

“I think we’ll be hitting the road this spring,” she said.

The Thomases are now the proud owners of a new 28foot, 2012 Keystone Springdale towable camping trailer. The Orland couple was surprised on their rural Orland farmstead Monday morning by a “prize patrol” led by Kampgrounds of America Inc. CEO Jim Rogers and Kevin Warren, district sales manager for Keystone RV Company in California. Also on hand was Perry Bates, owner of Redwood Empire RVs of Ukiah, California, who delivered the new Keystone RV to the Thomas’s doorstep.

The “Kamping In Style Giveaway” was prominently featured in one million copies of the 2011-2012 edition of the KOA Directory, as well as on both the KOA.com website and the Keystone RV Company website.

Barbara Thomas’s name was randomly selected from all of the entries gathered throughout North America. They also won 10 free nights of KOA camping, as well as VIP status in KOA’s Value Kard Rewards program, which affords them additional savings on all of their future KOA camping.

“Oh yes, we are going camping!” said an excited Barbara Thomas. “We’ve always dreamed about making a big loop around the country after Robert retires, and now we can!”

Barbara said her husband plans to retire from his “second job” as a maintenance supervisor for California State University – Chico this December.

“It was so much fun to be able to personally surprise our winner like this,” said Rogers. “They were so excited. The Keystone RV is a wonderful prize, and we’re happy it went to someone who is truly going to appreciate it.”

Barbara Thomas said she and Robert first purchased a “very used” travel trailer to provide temporary housing for one of their two sons, but decided to take it camping this summer at the Westport Beach/North Mendocino Coast KOA in California.

Soon after, they received an e-mail inviting them to

Barbara and Robert Thomas, at right, visit with Kampgrounds of America Inc. CEO Jim Rogers (second from left) and Kevin Warren, left, district sales manager of Springdale RV Company, after being presented with their Grand Prize 2012 Springdale RV. The Thomases were selected Monday at the grand prize winners in the Keystone/KOA Kamping In Style Giveaway. enter the “Kamping In Style Getaway” contest.

Keystone RV Company is the number-one-selling brand of RV in North America, with brand names including Springdale,

Montana, Cougar, Outback, Passport, Sprinter, Laredo, Fuzion, Hornet and Raptor.

One out of every four RVs sold today is a Keystone.

There are more than 1,000 Keystone dealers in the U.S. and Canada.

Fla: River's Edge Mobile Home Park, a North Fort Myers landmark since 1938, will be sold in foreclosure Oct. 25.

Fifth Third Bank won a judgment in Lee County circuit court for $2,911,441 in mortgages on the 5-acre property that started out as a fish camp on the Caloosahatchee River.

Meanwhile, "It's business as usual," said Shirley Phillips, who with her husband, Don, manages the park for owner Nelson Steiner.

The park is profitable and unlikely to be shut down whatever the result at the auction, she said. "The residents have nothing to worry about." At the foreclosure auction, the bank could take back the property if nobody makes a high enough bid, or someone else could buy River's Edge.

Fifth Third officials could not be reached for comment.

It may not even get that far, Shirley Phillips said last week.

"I'm in a business meeting right now with some prospective investors," she said. River's Edge took a glancing blow in 2006 from the wave of evictions that went through Southwest Florida's mobile home parks as owners prepared to sell for more lucrative uses as prices shot up.

In May 2006 the 72 residents were told to leave because Steiner was going to build up to 60 town homes on the property.

But that was at the tail end of the real estate boom.

County records show Steiner filed a zoning application, but the town homes were never built although some residents were evicted. www.news-press.com

BILLINGS, MT (September 29, 2011) – Cecil Pegram, longtime sales representative for Kampgrounds of America’s corporate offices in Billings, Montana, was recently named 2011 Athlete of the Year by the National Congress of State Games during the organization’s annual symposium in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

Pegram was selected from among 500,000 athletes who participate each year in State Games events around the United States.

Pegram has been participating in the Montana Big Sky State Games since 2000. He has earned eight Gold, 13 Silver and 10 Bronze medals in events including the 5K Road Race, Biathlon, Ballroom Dance, Duathlon, Triathlon, Half Marathon and Cycling.

The Big Sky State Games has been a family affair for Pegram. He and his daughters Helen and Kara have run, biked and competed in the biathlon and the triathlon at the State Games. In 2010, he competed in every State Games event he could, including Biathlon, 5k Road Race, Cycling Road Race, Cycling Time Trial, Ballroom Dance, Duathlon and Track and Field. This past year Pegram had to overcome an injury that kept him from running in the Big Sky State Games,

but he was able to cycle.

He participated in the 40 mile Cycling Road Race, earning a Silver medal. He went on to fight the winds in the Cycling Time Trial that same day, where he was a Bronze medalist.

Since Cecil could not run, he volunteered for the 5K running event, serving as a road guard and cheerleader, and also helped with the Triathlon/Duathlon.

Pegram has been running and cycling for over 22 years. He routinely is a top age group finisher in races throughout the region.

Pegram finds exercise and participating in events a great way to catch up with his family and is something they can do it together. He has also participated in the Boston Marathon three times with his daughters.

Pegram not only participates in sports, he also helps others by volunteering for numerous events. He was in charge of the Yellowstone Valley Cycling Club's tours for numerous years coordinating rides through Yellowstone Park or 100 mile adventures from Billings to Hardin or Billings to Columbus. He also volunteers for the Montana's Women's Run, Montana Velo Bella Tour and has been an officer in the Yellowstone Rimrunners. Pegram's passion for health, fitness

and people has made a dramatic impact in the lives of his children and those who have been privileged to know him and compete along side him.

Pegram believes in the importance of family and in sports keeping families together in a healthy way.

Sports, and in particular the Big Sky State Games, have given the Pegram family memories and quality time that can never be taken away.

The National Congress of State Games is a collection of State Games organizations from coast-tocoast including the Big Sky State Games, with the mission of providing amateur athletes of all ages and abilities the opportunity to compete on a statewide stage, to practice good sportsmanship, and to develop healthy habits that can last a lifetime. The NCSG is a member of the United States Olympic Committee's Multi-Sport Organizations Council.

Annually as many as a halfmillion amateur athletes compete in State Games in more than 100 different sports.

The Big Sky State Games has provided thousands of Montanans the opportunity to participate in a wide variety of events and programs since 1986. The 26th annual event included 37 sports.

Major sponsors of the Big Sky State Games are First Interstate Bank, Kampgrounds of America and Montana Cycling and Ski.

McLean, VA., September 28, 2011……The Virginia Campground Association today released the full schedule of seminars and workshops for the association’s Annual Fall Convention & Trade Show.

The convention will be help October 24 – 26, 2011 at Bethpage Camp Resort in Urbanna, Virginia.

The seminar program for this year’s meeting focuses on Park Operations: The Key To Business Success.

This topic will be addressed by the two featured special guest speaker and other industry experts.

“We’re very excited about this year’s convention program,” said Karl Littman, owner of Candy Hill Campground in Winchester, VA, and President of the VA Campground Association.

“To encourage more members to attend the

David Gorin

meeting, the VCA Board slashed the registration fees so that cost doesn’t stand in anyone’s way of coming and I’m very pleased that the preregistration is reflecting the new enthusiasm our members have for the meeting and program,” said Littman.

The featured speakers and seminars expected at the meeting include…..

Jeff Sims, former owner of the very successful Compton Ridge Campground in Branson, Missouri and now the Director of Membership & Government Relations for the National Association of RV Park & Campgrounds (ARVC), will be the convention’s keynote speaker at lunch on Tuesday, October 25th.

into how parks can effectively and profitably operate during the current economic instability and consumer’s lack of confidence in the economy and their own futures.

Sims will also present a seminar on Wednesday morning that will draw on his experiences as a veteran park owner with direct responsibility for park operations. The seminar, entitled entitled Tips for Better & Smarter Operations from an Industry Veteran, will draw on both Sims’ vast experience of operating his own park as well as lessons he’s picked up during a 2010 trip visiting over 1800 RV parks and campgrounds throughout the US.

The keynote will address park industry trends across the US and provide insights

Robert Bouse, Director of Operations, Travel Resorts of America and a hands on park executive with over 25 years experience operating

Jeff Sims

Robert Bouse

parks of all sizes and in many different locations will be a distinguished visiting guest speaker presenting two seminars on operational excellence.

Robert was one of the founding instructors at the School of RV Park & Campground Management, has spoken at state and national park association meetings, was a senior KOA corporate executive and is one of the nation's recognized experts on park operations. Robert’s unique sense of humor (he thinks his real current job title should be It’s My Fault) Continued

Karl Littman VCA President

Continued combined with many years of practical, hands-on park experience will be featured in two seminars Establishing, Implementing & Maintaining Operationing Standards During Peak Season and.....

Establishing, Implementing & Maintaining a Maintenance Program During Peak Season The convention program is also drawing on the expertise of the executives who operate and contribute so much to the outstanding success of the meeting’s host park, Bethpage Camp Resort. Kristina Crall and Brent Crebs, managers of Grays Point Camp and Bethpage Camp Resort respectively (and both under common ownership) will share with us their experience and success in a seminar entitled

Parks will discuss the unique relationship developing between these two groups and how to take advantage of the strengths that each offer to growing the number of people, state residents and visitors, who camp in Virginia. With 6 state park campgrounds now as VCA full members, this workshop will be an open forum to discuss how the public and private campgrounds can mosteffectively work together for our common good and for the good of all campers in Virginia.

Participating in this workshop will be David Gorin, VCA's Executive Director, and Tom Cervanak, VSPs Director of Marketing. Meeting attendees will have an opportunity to help shape this new partnership between public and private camping interests.

Bethpage Clubhouse The 2011 Trade Show will be held on Monday evening and Tuesday morning, October 24 & 25, and will feature a number of supplier and vendors. As of mid-September, participating companies include……

Evergreen Insurance, G. A. Printing/Golf Associates, Anderson's Brochure Distribution, Stag Parkway, Stallard Studios, CAVCO Park Homes & Cabins,

Ohiopyle Prints, Silver Top Manufacturing, and Best Parks in America, Other vendors are expected to be announced shortly.

For information on attending the convention or exhibiting, please contact David Gorin at 703.448.6863 or at ToVCA@aol.com. Walk-ins and late registrants are always welcome.

Maximizing the Use of Your Facilities & Amenities: Building Off Peak Business

An important workshop on Wednesday, October 26th will focus on developing a plan to maximize the benefits of a close cooperative relationship between the Virginia commercial campground industry and the Virginia State Parks. With all of the recent news in industry newsletters about ARVC's overtures to r public parks, VCA and the Virginia State

Jeff Sims of National ARVC speaks to the Alaska Campground Owners Association (ACOA) about all that ARVC has been doing and is planning to do in the upcoming year. Photo compliments of Lucas Hartford Evergreen USA.

JACKSON CENTER, Ohio - Thor Industries, Inc. (NYSE: THO) announced results for the fourth quarter and year ended July 31, 2011. Sales for the quarter were $770,538,000, up 16 percent from $663,788,000 last year. Net income for the quarter was $36,889,000, compared with $40,600,000 last year.

Basic earnings per share (E.P.S.) for the quarter were 66 cents versus 78 cents last year.

Sales for the year were $2,755,508,000, up 21 percent from $2,276,557,000 last year.

Net income for the year was $106,273,000, compared with $110,064,000 last year.

Basic E.P.S. for the year were $1.92 versus $2.08 last year.

Total RV sales for the quarter were $653,971,000, up 16 percent from $563,658,000 last year.

Towable RV sales for the quarter were $565,534,000, up 21 percent from $465,749,000 last year.

Motorized RV sales for the quarter were $88,437,000, down 10 percent from $97,909,000 last year. Total RV sales for the year were $2,340,442,000, up 27 percent from $1,848,549,000 last year.

Towable RV sales for the year were $1,977,416,000,

up 27 percent from $1,556,591,000 last year.

Towable RV sales in both the quarter and the year include Heartland RV, since its acquisition on September 16, 2010.

Motorized RV sales for the year were $363,026,000, up 24 percent from $291,958,000 last year.

Bus segment sales for the quarter, including buses and ambulances, were $116,567,000, up 16 percent from $100,130,000 last year. Bus segment sales for the year were $415,066,000, compared with $428,008,000 last year.

Total RV income before tax for the quarter was $53,974,000, compared with $57,779,000 last year.

Towable RV income before tax for the quarter was $50,322,000, down four percent from $52,207,000 last year. Motorized RV income before tax for the quarter was $3,652,000, compared with $5,572,000 last year. Total RV income before tax for the year was $159,138,000, up two percent from $156,232,000 last year. Towable RV income before tax for the year was $146,361,000, up one percent from $145,604,000 last year.

Motorized RV income before tax for the year was $12,777,000, up 20 percent from $10,628,000 last year. Bus segment

income before tax for the quarter was $4,268,000, compared with $6,149,000 last year and was $21,951,000 for the year, compared with $29,904,000 last year.

"Thor delivered solid results in both the fourth quarter and its fiscal year amidst challenging market conditions in both the RV and Bus businesses," said Peter B. Orthwein, Thor Chairman. "We look to RV retail sales to pull through wholesale shipments in the year ahead, and to improving conditions in the

2012 public transportation market to fuel better bus sales ahead for Thor.

Thor's RV open house in Elkhart, Indiana last week was a success, with dealers optimistic and ordering. Dealer response to our new RV product lines is very positive.

Likewise, Thor's new lowfloor cutaway bus products received favorable reviews at the recent BusCon convention in Chicago. I believe that Thor is well positioned to perform in both of our businesses this fiscal year," Mr. Orthwein added.

Uxbridge, Canada, October 01, 2011 --(PR.com)-Toronto, Canada-based sprayground equipment manufacturer Empex Watertoys® has recently announced that they have updated their product line up to include many new innovations that are designed to help water park facility owners attract new cliental to their businesses.

For the splashpad industry, the company’s new line up includes the Baby Bungee T450D which is a stationary shaded structure that carries four bungeesupported jumpers that promote baby waterplay,

helping young ones to become accustomed to the water.

The product’s sun shade is offered via a fibreglass domed canopy, which provides babies utilizing the equipment a first-class protection mechanism against harmful UV rays from the sun.

For facilities, the Baby Bungee T450D is ideal, because very little area downtime is required for integration, thanks to the product’s ease of installation. And construction costs are minimized thanks to the

uncomplicated nature of the product’s installation.

Water park equipment is often chosen by owners of theme parks, campgrounds and other similar facilities because it offers a unique and therefore memorable experience for visitors. This explains the popularity of Empex Watertoys® around the globe, as business owners look to innovative ways to entice cliental.

With installations across many of the largest and most well known facilities in Canada, Australia, Brazil, China and Russia, Toronto Canada’s Empex

The Baby Bungee Watertoys® is fastbecoming one of the leading, most trusted names in the field of sprayground equipment manufacturing. www.watertoys.com

The Company closed on two of the Acquisition Properties Monday along with certain manufactured homes and loans secured by manufactured homes located at such Acquisition Properties for a stated purchase price of approximately $82 million.

As of Monday, the Company has closed on 60 Acquisition Properties since July 1, 2011.

The Company expects to close: (i) eight additional

Acquisition Properties by October 14, 2011, and (ii) seven additional Acquisition Properties by November 1, 2011.

As previously noted in the Supplemental Package posted on July 18, 2011 in the Investor Information section: (a) the terms of the purchase agreement provided for a July 1, 2011 closing for the Clinton Acquisition Property; and (b) as a result of underwriting issues related

to the property, the Company and seller agreed that the Company’s acquisition of the Clinton property would be deemed terminated, but also agreed that the Company may reinstate the acquisition of the Clinton property at any time on or prior to December 31, 2011. The Company is continuing to perform due diligence on the Clinton property and therefore, the Company is unable to provide a current estimate of a closing date for the Clinton property.

All of the remaining closings are subject to the receipt of loan servicer consents for the assumption of indebtedness and other

customary closing conditions.

Accordingly, no assurances can be given that the remainder of the Acquisition will be completed in its entirety in accordance with the anticipated timing or at all.

Equity LifeStyle Properties, Inc. is a fully integrated owner and operator of lifestyle-oriented properties and as of October 3, 2011, owns or has an interest in 367 quality properties in 32 states and British Columbia consisting of 135,279 sites.

The Company is a selfadministered, selfmanaged, real estate investment trust (REIT) with headquarters in Chicago.

The RVIA Board of Directors named an Executive Committee for fiscal year 2012 and approved a budget for the same time period during their meeting on September 29 in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL. All current officers were reelected to their posts by the Board of Directors.

Gregg Fore, president of Dicor Corp., will continue as Chairman of the Board and will be joined by First Vice Chairman Doug Gaeddert, general manager, Forest River, Inc.; Second Vice Chairman Bob Olson, chairman of the board and CEO, Winnebago Industries; Treasurer Derald Bontrager, president and COO, Jayco, Inc.; and Secretary John Regan, CEO, Fabric Services.

Chairman Ex Officio Jim Sheldon, special assistant to the president, Monaco RV, and RVIA President Richard Coon will also serve on the Executive Committee.

FY2012 Budget Approved The RVIA Board of Directors also approved a $12 million dollar budget for the upcoming fiscal year that holds the line on

membership costs for dues and show space rates while reducing the cost of seals for manufacturer members.

The new budget includes a $2 reduction, from $20 to $18, in the RVIA seal price effective Oct. 1, 2011. This is the second reduction in the seal price this year in response to the Board’s commitment to reduce costs to members whenever possible.

Although the price reduction will have significant revenue implications for the association, the RVIA Board believes a price decrease at this time to be important to the industry as a whole.

The new $18 seal fee taking applies to all member manufacturer vehicle types. The Go RVing per unit assessment of manufacturer members remains at the current levels of $46 for folding camping trailers and truck campers; $61 for travel trailers and 5th wheel travel trailers; and $74 for motorhomes.

Washington, DC, October 4th, 2011 — Nearly 50 percent of all Americans ages six and older participated in outdoor recreation last year, according to a new study released today by The Outdoor Foundation. That equates to 137.9 million Americans. The findings are part of the 2011 Outdoor Recreation Participation Report, the nation's leading report tracking American

participation trends in outdoor recreation with a focus on youth, diversity and the future of the outdoors.

The Outdoor Foundation's fifth annual Outdoor Recreation Participation Report helps a wide range of stakeholders including the outdoor industry, public agencies and community organizations better understand the trends in outdoor recreation

participation - enabling groups to address America's inactivity crisis and the disconnect between children and the outdoors. The report is based on an online survey of more than 40,000 Americans ages six and older and covers 114 different outdoor activities, making it the largest survey of its kind.

"This report shows that outdoor recreation and participation continues to play a major role in American life and is increasingly recognized as an important part of healthy lifestyles - especially for our children and youth," said Chris Fanning, executive director of The Outdoor Foundation.

The study places significant emphasis on youth, and the

findings reveal areas of both opportunity and optimism.

For the first time, participation among youth ages 6 to 12 remained flat instead of falling. In addition, adolescent and young adult participation both grew by one percentage point. However, while overall participation for girls showed improvement in 2010, participation rates among boys leveled or fell.

"We are encouraged that the trends appear to be stabilizing with youth participation rates," said Fanning. "Sharing the benefits of a healthy active outdoor lifestyle with all of our youth will ensure healthier children and healthier communities."

There may be tax ramifications as well if a project represents a significant expense that can be listed as a deduction.

Routine environmental tasks that could serve as a checklist include: • protect vulnerable water pipes against freezing.

“Not a problem” if your campground or park happens to be where the winters are not cold.

But with the approach of winter in the more northerly states and provinces it is time to do the quick check for winterizing.

Where do you want the grounds and buildings to be, relative to maintenance, come spring?

For example, if a building needs painting, do you want it to need painting when you start up again next year or do you want it to already be newly painted?

Even one or two projects done now can make the new season startup easy and quicker. By the same token projects done now change the whole approach at this time of year from a short routine to a longer commitment of time and resources.

• mark the septic tank and distribution field clearly with red stakes or high flags so nobody will snowmobile, drive or park over them in the event of wintertime snow activities. Make sure manhole covers and hatches are secured.

• do something environmental with leaves, perhaps mulching them into the shrubs.

• trim or cut down branches and trees that threaten to come down with the next wet snow or ice storm.

• make sure your structures are secure against water and snow leaking, dripping or blowing in. This protects against mold, the headache of all headaches.

• walk the premises one last time, making a list of items to attend to when you reopen next season.

• think about strategic placement of snow fences if you had drifting last winter.

SOUTHFIELD, Mich. -- Sun Communities, Inc. (NYSE: SUI), a real estate investment trust (REIT) that owns and operates manufactured housing and recreational vehicle communities, has announced that it has entered into a senior secured revolving credit facility in the amount of $130 million with the Company's bank group led

by Bank of America, N.A. (Administrative Agent) and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated (Sole Lead Arranger and Sole Book Manager).

The Facility replaces the Company's $115 million revolving line of credit which is scheduled to mature on Oct. 1, 2011. The Facility is secured primarily by a first priority lien on all of the Company's equity interests in each entity that owns all or a portion of the properties constituting the borrowing base.

The Facility has a built in accordion feature allowing up to $20.0 million in additional borrowings and a year extension option, both at the Company's discretion.

The Facility will bear interest at a floating rate based on Eurodollar plus a margin that is determined based on the Company's leverage ratio calculated in accordance with the Facility, which can range from 2.25 percent to 2.95 percent.

Based on the Company's current leverage ratio, the margin will be 2.75 percent.

Other banks participating in the transaction include Fifth Third Bank (Syndication Agent), PNC Bank, The PrivateBank, Citibank, N.A. and Comerica Bank.

At the time of the closing, there were $95 million of borrowings under the Facility, including letters of credit issued in the normal course of the Company's business.

About Sun Communities, Inc. Sun Communities, Inc. is an REIT that currently owns and operates a portfolio of 155 communities comprising approximately 53,600 developed sites.

For more information about Sun Communities, Inc. visit our website at www.suncommunities.com.

America’s Largest RV Show, held in Hershey, PA reported record attendance at this year’s event with a turnout of 36,410 people for the Retail Days alone.

The event held September 12th through 18th saw a 4 percent increase in attendance from 2010 and set a new record for the history of the show. The show was over 1.3 million square feet and had over 1,050 new units on display – an increase of 6 percent compared to 2010. There were 165 booth vendors in attendance - a 15 percent increase over 2010; and manufacturer square footage increased by 5 percent compared to last year.

This year’s show battled national media attention as flooding hit the area the week prior to opening. “We received hundreds of phone calls and emails asking if the show was still opening,” Rebecca Lenington, Executive Vice President of the Pennsylvania RV and Camping Association (PRVCA) said. “Thanks to the PRVCA staff and the understanding and the cooperation of our exhibitors, set-up of the show went as scheduled and we opened on time without having to make any changes to the show’s program.”

Industry Days were the focus of the first two days

of the show allowing dealers one-on-one time with manufacturers and the opportunity to see the debut of the 2012 products. “There’s a lot of value in Hershey’s Industry Days,” Dan Saltzgiver, owner of Reicharts RV and Camping Center and Show Chairman. “We send staff to the show both days so that everyone has a chance to see the new product and get a chance to talk with manufacturer representatives and suppliers.”

The educational events were a hit for attendees and exhibitors alike. Eight featured speakers brought new business ideas to their audiences. Keynote speakers Randy Sobel and Scott McKain brought fresh ideas pertaining to today’s economy allowing attendees to walk away with some new approaches to their business.

Retail days brought consumers who were ready to shop. “Consumer attitudes were positive and it looks like we’ll bypass our 2010 sales,” Nick Palm of Tiffin Motorhomes said. “We had an excellent show.

Bob Tiffin attended all retail days and was impressed with PRVCA’s management and consumers’ attitudes.”

“PRVCA did a phenomenal job,” Chris Colton owner of Colton RV said. “Sales have exceeded last year’s sales and we’ve sold more gas products than in the past. It was a good show and Mother Nature was on our side this week.”

“We are very happy with how the show has been,” Gene Ulrich, Sales Manager of Stoltzfus RV of West Chester said. “As of Saturday night, we surpassed any sales we’ve ever done.”

“The show finished well for us and we’re pleased,” Don Laird, President of Lime Lake RV said. “A lot of people are really getting into the green phenomenon and that’s been a real plus for us.”

“It was very encouraging to see such a positive consumer attitude,” Jeff Kline, owner of Gayle Kline RV said. “Sales are good.”

Supplier booth vendors also experienced good sales. “For a product debut, it was everything and more,” Drew Schiller, President and inventor of Bag Rack said. “I received a lot of validation for the product and signed six distributors during Industry Days.”

The Show also provided hourly seminars for both new and experienced RVers. "I get a lot of attendees in my seminars

who have yet to purchase an RV,” Gary Bunzer, the RV Doctor, said. “They find value in being able to apply what we discuss in the seminars to make a better informed decision when they buy. And they know the Hershey Show is THE place to get a good deal on a brand new RV! Those who already have a coach, love, not only to look at the new models, but they glean value from the great educational topics presented at the show.

I'm guessing everyone walks away with something; a new recreation vehicle, or a new product, or valuable information about maintaining their recreational investment.

Everyone wins!"

The universal appeal of RVing, as well as the ability to shop and compare 56 manufacturers at one place, continues to attract thousands of people to Hershey. “We couldn’t be more pleased with the success of the 2011 Show,” Lenington states.

“We are in planning mode for next year’s show to make it even better.” The 2012 PA RV & Camping Show will be held on September 10 – 16th. For more information, visit www.largestRVshow.com.

The owner of a Greenfield Township campground must clear his property of tenants by Nov. 3 under an order issued by an Erie County judge this morning.

limits the facility's water connections to 14 in order to operate without a permit from the state Department of Environmental Protection.

Thomas Peckham, coowner of the Moon Meadows Campground, was found in violation of a June 21 court order that

A DEP official testified this morning that inspectors found 25 service connections at the campground during an Aug. 17 inspection. Another DEP

RESTON, Va. -- Images of all RV product types inside and out will be captured for the new “AWAY” ad campaign and the 2012 GoRVing.com website at a shoot in late October in the Elkhart area.

New photos for the comprehensive RV lineup seen in every Go RVing print ad will be taken, along with video for new RV virtual tours enabling potential buyers to familiarize themselves with the layout and features of typical, unbranded RVs of each type.

“This shoot will provide the nuts-and-bolts visuals to complement the emotional family content of the ads with detailed information,”

said RVIA Vice President of Public Relations and Advertising James Ashurst.

“RVs have evolved significantly in recent years, and it’s essential that the improvements and enhancements now available to the consumer be showcased effectively.”

Actual consumer testimonials for the new GoRVing.com website will also be shot on location at a campground in the Elkhart area, with new product in the background.

The revamped website will be launched concurrently with the “AWAY” ads early next year.

official testified that he saw Peckham cut a line that supplied water to other sites on the property.

Peckham argued that the campground has less than 14 connections, as some of the connections that DEP officials counted did not fit the department's definition of a service connection.

The DEP's lawyer told Judge Shad Connelly that the June 21 court order should be enforced because Peckham never filed an appropriate answer to the petition.

The order issued by Connelly this morning requires the campground be closed on or before Nov. 3, and requires Peckham to pay $5,605.41 in costs to the DEP. Continued failure to comply will result in additional sanctions, Connelly told Peckham.

There are currently 17 people staying at the campground, Peckham said after the hearing.

Article: www.goerie.com

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- A special conference is being planned for Nov. 2 in Scottsdale, Ariz., to address how public agencies can keep parks and campgrounds open through private recreation management partnerships.

most of their recreation areas well-maintained," said Meyer. "Their innovation was to take advantage of the substantially lower costs of private operators to run their campgrounds and picnic areas.

The event is being planned

by Warren Meyer, the president of National Forest Recreation Association. It takes place from 1 to 7 p.m. at the Hilton Scottsdale Resort.

"For the last couple of years, it has frustrated me to no end to watch states like California and Arizona - really almost every state in the country -- let some parks accumulate deferred maintenance while other are closed when it simply is not necessary," he added.

"For 30 years, the U.S. Forest Service has seen radically declining recreation budgets, with far greater reductions than places like California is facing, but has not had to close parks and has kept

The yearly Wicked Woods attraction at the KOA Campground kicked off last friday and already rave reports are coming in from visitors experiencing the man made attraction.

One vistor gave his "scare factor" report on his and his friends visit.

Scare Factor 5/5 – This was my first time at this haunt. I was very surprised at how great it was. When it started by giving us a ride behind a tractor, with a lot of other people, I thought this was going to be a tame experience. I was very wrong. Chainsaws attacked us while on it and then

when we got off and started walking up a trail out of nowhere there were several extremely scary clowns that attacked us.

Some had chainsaws and some didn’t. They managed to separate me from everyone which is a major fear of mine. When I finally caught up with the group I thought things would calm down, but as usual I was wrong.

They chased me in the line while I tried to use total strangers as shields. There were two teenage boys in the line that became terrified watching them come after me.

Randy & Jocelyn Jenkins with Daughter Jocelyn Michelle and husband Tim- plus baby Jocelyn Nicole Actors 5/5 – These actors are relentless. There was a particular clown that no matter which way I turned managed to get in my face.

One minute he was in the line with us the next he was on a roof and then he would be in a tree. You never knew where he was going to pop up next. Every actor seemed to feed off the screams and become even more energized. Their makeup was very believable and scary. They really did an awesome job.

Set Design/Props/FX 4/5 – Their sets were very detailed and impressive.

There was one room toward the beginning that they had us go into that didn’t seem to have an escape. I don’t want to give anything away, but I will say that my friend jumped about 10 feet in here and I ran into a wall.

Their maze is one of the best I have been in. It is so dark that no matter how hard we tried we couldn’t see anything. It is very claustrophobic and you have to feel your way through. By this point we

had been separated from our group and it was just me and my friend. We were trying to be very quiet so no one would hear us, but the floor creaked. At one point we stopped to see if we could hear anyone coming and ended up laughing hysterically from fear.

Length 5/5 – This is a long haunt. When you come out of a haunt tired you know it was a good length. There weren’t any sections that were neglected so your adrenaline was pumping the whole time.

Overall 4/5 – This one really surprised me and I am very glad we went.

The actors were super; the sets very detailed and the experience was so much fun. I would love to go back again. I do have one warning, there are two sections where the floor is mushy and makes walking hard. I twisted my knee in one so just be cautious. I was really impressed and I will definitely be going back to this one.