Issue 166 Campground & RV Park E News

RVIA’s latest RV Consumer Demographic Profile, scheduled to be released to the industry this fall, shows RV ownership has reached a new peak while also offering promising news on future RV purchase intentions.

The research, conducted

by Dr. Richard Curtin, RV industry analyst and director of consumer surveys at the University of Michigan, reveals the number of RV-owning

households has grown to a new peak of 8.9 million households, up from 7.9 million in 2005. Nearly onein-nine (8.5%) U.S. households now own RVs, up from 8.0% in 2005.

“Today’s record RV ownership levels reflect the enduring appeal of the RV lifestyle despite recent economic challenges,” said RVIA President Richard Coon.

Richard Coon RV ownership rates have climbed steadily, the new

In addition to showing that Continued

Continued

RV Consumer Demographic Profile also offers promising news on future RV purchase intentions.

When RV purchase intentions are combined across current owners, former owners and new market entrants, a total of 21% of all U.S. households stated intentions to purchase an RV in the 2011 survey. This is on par with the 23% rate in 2005 and ahead of the 16% rate in 2001. “These purchase intentions expressed in the new RV Consumer Demographic Profile are very encouraging for the industry,” added Coon.

“The survey results gathered this year in a challenging financial environment track closely with the 2005 data when the economy and consumer outlook was much brighter. Overall, the results clearly indicate continued strong demand for RVs in the years ahead.”

Seventy percent of current RV owners plan to

purchase another RV to replace their current unit.

When compared to the purchase intentions of current owners in prior surveys, the 2011 data indicates a strong increase in new vehicle purchase intentions.

Among new market entrants, defined as households that have never owned an RV in the past, 14% planned on purchasing an RV in the future with more than a third of them intending to purchase a new RV. Of all former owners, 27% plan to purchase another RV in the future. Here age was a determining factor with younger former owners (age 18-34) more likely than older former owners to purchase another RV. This underscores the need for the RV industry to stay in touch with recent former owners and to continue to present them ownership options.

“Outlook 2012: Up & Away” will kick off RVIA’s 49th National RV Trade Show on Tuesday, Nov. 29, with an informative, entertaining program culminating with the debut of Go RVing’s new “AWAY” national advertising campaign.

The free event will begin at 7:30 a.m. with a complimentary sit-down breakfast in the Kentucky Exposition Center’s (KEC) South Wing Mezzanine Ballroom. One of the most anticipated annual industry events with more than 1,000 RV dealers and show exhibitors expected

to be on hand, "Outlook 2012" will entertain and inform attendees with a combination of insightful presentations and highenergy fun. As always, attendees are urged to arrive early as lines form well before the doors open.

Hosted by RVIA Chairman of the Board Gregg Fore, “Outlook 2012: Up & Away” will feature “What’s Up!” with RVIA President Richard Coon discussing key industry issues and examining how RVIA is working to help the industry soar.

Continued

Continued In “Away We Go!,” Go RVing Co-Chairs Bob Olson and Tom Stinnett will team with RVIA Public Relations Committee Chairman B.J. Thompson and RVIA Vice President of Public Relations and Advertising James Ashurst for a joint multimedia presentation recounting 2011 accomplishments in the advertising and public relations arenas and reviewing new approaches for the upcoming year.

The program culminates with Stan Richards, founder and creative principal of The Richards

Group, unveiling the agency’s new Go RVing “AWAY” national advertising campaign and sharing marketing insights drawn from his long career as one of the advertising industry’s most respected leaders.

As always, special guests and surprises will be part of the show lineup.

The "Outlook 2012: Up & Away” program and breakfast are free for attendees on a first-come, first-serve basis. All National RV Trade Show attendees are welcome, and no reservations are necessary. Show badge registration will be available in the South Wing Lobby C Entrance prior to the event.

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

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

RESTON, Va. -- RV dealers reported encouraging sales numbers and strong consumer interest at the 59th California RV Show, held Oct. 14 to 23 at the Fairplex in Pomona, Calif., the RV Industry Association noted today.

Attendance was down slightly from last year with 19,541 people attending the 10-day event, a four percent drop from the 20,262 last year. However, paid attendance increased by 10 percent, jumping from 16,530 people last year to 18,266 this year, even with the cost rising from $6 to $10.

“We made several enhancements to this year’s show to provide a

better experience for attendees and a better sales environment for our manufacturer and dealer exhibitors,” said Tom Gaither, RVIA western show director. “I think we were successful on both fronts. Attendees were enthusiastic and energized, and I’ve heard nothing but very positive things about the selling environment.”

Improvements to the show included a totally revised layout to improve show navigation; admission wristbands to provide access throughout the show; free RV parking; and, an RV factory showcase where RV manufacturer

representatives were on hand to demonstrate the features and benefits of all RV types.

“We could not be happier with the results from the show,” said Scott Degnan, MVP RV vice president of sales. “We surpassed last year’s sales total in the first several days of the show.

The new layout for the show was much better.

Customers were better able to find their way around, and it really improved the flow of traffic.”

The California RV Show was an overwhelming success for us,” said Mark Rosenbaum, sales director for Mike Thompson’s RV, which has locations

throughout southern California. “Booth traffic was up and people were coming to buy. It was an amazing show.”

Mike Lankford of McMahon RV, an RV dealer with locations in California and Arizona added, “The retail activity was incredible.

Smart consumers were out in full force. It was easily the best California Show in term of retail sales that I’ve seen in years.”

The California RV Show is the largest consumer show on the West Coast with exhibits spanning more than 450,000 square feet of exhibit space and more than 800 RVs on display.

photograph. So gather the best of your images from this season or grab your camera/smart phone and plan to get out there!"

The state's Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation ( State Parks ) and Department of Environmental Conservation ( DEC ) today announced a camping photo contest to highlight the best of New York's great outdoors.

The contest runs through November 30, 2011 and prizes include a week-long stay at any state-owned campground with weekend stays for top runners-up. In addition, images will be used in statewide

publications, on the web, and highlighted through promotional campaigns.

"From snapping summer fun with the family to capturing autumn's rich colors, we're encouraging New Yorkers to share their special moments and memories," said State Parks Commissioner Rose Harvey. "Sleeping under the stars is a wonderful way to connect with nature, and public parkland in the Empire State offers no shortage of incredibly scenic settings to

"There is no better way to tell the story of New York's environment than through photos of a special place," said DEC Commissioner Joe Martens. "Our state campgrounds offer worldclass outdoor recreation experiences to thousands of visitors each year and we'd like campers to share their memories to inspire all New Yorkers to take time to connect with nature."

The six categories for the photo contest are: camping set-up; water sports; campfire; sunrise/sunset;

seasons and nature.

Finalists will be determined by a process including top vote getters through social media and a selection committee.

Orange, CA – October 19, 2011 – Leisure Interactive, LLC (LI), formerly Friend Communications, the developers of Hercules™, reservation and property management software, is pleased to announce the promotion of Ron Medenwald to SVP, Business Development.

Medenwald replaces Deborah Kohls, long-time LI veteran who recently announced her move to VP, Best Parks of America. He will be responsible for managing ongoing business relationships and accelerating new customer acquisition for the LI portfolio, featuring Hercules campground software.

Additionally, he will continue to play a key role with Hercules product development and customer care.

“Ron has been a big part our current success and we are excited to promote him to this pivotal position,” said Gary Pace, President and CEO, LI. “Over the years Ron has embraced every challenge, seized everyopportunity and has consistently exceeded the expectations of the organization and our customers. We are confident that in this new role Ron will continue his record of achievement. Join me in congratulating Ron on his promotion,” said Pace.

Medenwald joined the company in 2003 as Association Alliance Director and has held management positions of increasing responsibility. In his position as Vice President of Customer Support, he led the roll-out and support of the LI flagship product – Hercules.

“I have always embraced the Leisure Interactive concept of leveraging technology to enhance the guest experience and streamline park operations,” said Medenwald. “I’m excited about our strategic direction and look forward to sharing our vision with operators and industry leaders,” continued Medenwald.

Ron is an avid RVer and outdoor enthusiast with 25 years of experience in campground and outdoor recreation management.

Prior to joining Leisure Interactive, he was Park Superintendent at Santee Lakes Regional Park (a large Municipal operation).

Medenwald has served as President of CAL ARVC, and on the Board of National ARVC. He is a former colleague of McKinnon Consulting and holds a Marketing degree from San Diego State University.

PHOENIX -- The Arizona Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds is seeking a new executive director, the group has announced.

The position begins Jan. 1, and the association is currently taking applications for the job.

Anyone with association and RV or camping experience is encouraged to apply. Proposals are due Dec. 1.

The duties expected of the executive director include: • Answer phones • Increase membership by

Baton Rouge, La.-based M Power Group LLC has taken over management of the Louisiana Campground Owners Association.

The changeover was effective Sept. 1.

Lisa Thibodaux is the company owner. Sherry Gomez will serve as project manager for the campground association.

The management firm is planning association

making monthly visits to parks • Monitor legislation in Arizona • Attend board meetings • Help with the annual convention in April • Distribute the state directory • Answer questions and be a source to Arizona's membership • Produce the quarterly newsletter.

The association's financial information is handled by a staff accountant and the group has a separate webmaster and hosting company to handle website.

For more information, call 602.403.6196.

activities for the coming year, including a state convention in March at a site yet to be determined.

Established in 2005, M Power is making its first foray into campground association management.

Its other clients include a state B&B association.

The management firm can be reached at (225) 7524400.

Kotin said Friday. "Going through a jury trial would have been unbearable for them."

ST. LOUIS— The family of a boy and infant killed when a tree toppled onto their tent during a thunderstorm more than three years ago has settled its lawsuit against the operators of the Illinois campground for $1.25 million, one of the family's attorneys said.

Relatives of Dustin Stuebs, 4, and his 9-month-old sister, Savannah Stuebs, claimed the owners of the campground near Colona in western Illinois negligently failed to alert campers to the approaching storm,

evacuate the grounds or remove the tree the family said was rotting and unstable well before the tragedy.

An attorney for the victims' parents -- Jason and Christina Stuebs of Sherman, Ill. -- said the settlement was appropriate in sparing relatives from having to testify about how their July 2008 family campout turned deadly.

They haven't camped since then and never will, he said. "It's hard to think of examples of more devastating, scarring tragedies than this," Dan

He provided a statement from Jason Stuebs that said: "The settlement does nothing to ease the pain of our loss, but it will help us find closure and move forward with our lives."

A St. Louis County judge approved the settlement Thursday. A message left Friday with an attorney for the campground's operator, St. Louis-based Midwest Family Resorts and Travel LLC, was not immediately returned.

The Stuebses' attorneys said the couple was three days into a weeklong

vacation with their five small children and two foster kids when they heard severe weather was approaching. They asked to move into one of the property's log cabins, but camp officials insisted that wasn't possible, saying it would take two days to ready a cabin.

Camp employees failed to alert campers early on July 21, 2008, that the National Weather Service had issued a severe thunderstorm warning, the family's attorneys said. By 6 a.m. that morning, Jason Stuebs awoke to winds that buffeted the tent.

Article: www.chicagotribune.com

CalARVC is extending its deadline for annual membership and advertising in its 2012 campground directory to Dec. 1st. The 30-day extension will accommodate the significant design changes and upgrades in the guide, which will be available both in print form and online by Feb. 1st.

MYRTLE BEACH - The 28th annual South Carolina Fossil Fair will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 29, at Ocean Lakes Family Campground in Myrtle Beach. The event is free and open to the public.

The Fossil Fair, presented by the South Carolina Fossil Association, will feature museum specialists from the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of Natural History's Department of Paleobiology, who will be on hand to identify fossils brought by participants.

The fossil and shell collections come from all over the world, and will include shark teeth, prehistoric bones and fossilized shells. Attendees

If you haven't already, give James Urquhart or Lisa Gaynes a call to plan your California Marketing campaign.

Lisa: lgaynes@lgaynes.com 916717-7959 James: jamesurquhart@sbcglobal. net 707-338-5006

Tampa, FL (October, 24th, 2011) – RV resorts often provide their guests a chance to sing Karaoke or perform at potlucks. But Carefree RV Resorts is taking guest performances to a whole new level.

This winter, RVers from the company’s 28 Florida resorts will participate in the first ever “Carefree’s Got Talent!” and compete for a grand prize of $5,000.

“We’re looking for all kinds of talented people including singers, dancers, comedians, actors, impersonators, jugglers, musicians and ventriloquists,” said Stephanie Martin, a spokeswoman for the Carefree RV Resorts chain.

can learn how to recover fossils at a mock archeological dig site at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.

They can also dig for shark teeth through materials from the PCS Phosphate Mine from Aurora, N.C. Activities will include making necklaces with shark teeth, green eco crafts, educational videos and assembling giant fossil puzzles. Scout troops and school groups are encouraged to attend.

The competition will involve preliminary competitions at each Carefree RV Resort property in Florida in early March. The winners of those competitions will then advance to compete at the final Carefree’s Got Talent!

Competition on March 29th

at Carefree’s Red Oak RV Resort in Bushnell.

Competitors must be a resident or a guest at a Florida-based Carefree RV Resort for three months or more during the 2011-2012 winter season. Additional information and competition schedules will be posted at each Carefree RV Resort in Florida in the coming weeks.

Scottsdale, Ariz.-based Carefree RV Resorts offers a wide variety of RV campgrounds throughout Florida, Texas, New Jersey, California and Massachusetts for every type of RV vacation.

All properties have a wide variety of amenities including, clubhouse, swimming pool, planned activities programs as well as rental units, which can accommodate people who don’t have their own RV. For more information, visit the company’s website at www.carefreervresorts.com.

Castle Rock, WA (October 24, 2011) – Tents for Troops (T4T), www.TentsforTroops.org, the nationwide network of RV parks and campgrounds offering complimentary camping to active military and their families, seeks assistance with a feasibility study. T4T is interested in studying the possibility of offering the use of RVs to troops nationwide at no cost to them. The scope of this program could prove very large therefore T4T is in need of a great deal of input in determining program viability. According to RVIA, 7.7% of our active

military camped in an RV in the past six months. Based on a 9/27/2011 comScore, Inc. report that equates to approximately 115,000 troops.

T4T is interested in establishing how such a program may operate and examining the logistics of such an undertaking in the following areas: • Demand for such a program and the number/type of RVs most suitable • Optimum location to work from - near major military bases, major population areas, etc.

• Administration and housing of RVs possibilities may include national or regional RV retailers and/or service centers, national or regional RV rental firms, retail big box chains, auto or truck rental firms, military bases • Fleet maintenance – modeled on the Cruise America/Jiffy Lube program • Designing and locating a pilot program if deemed appropriate • Examining long- and shortterm funding requirements, funding sources, selfsustainability.

T4T welcomes assistance

from every corner of the RV and outdoor hospitality industry whether it’s simply a comment or observation or staff time to commit to the feasibility study. As noted, this project is in an exploratory phase. With help from those in the industry, T4T can determine whether or not to move forward with this RV availability project.

Interested parties are encouraged to contact Tents for Troops founder Charlie Curry at 360-2747915 or TentsforTroops@aol.com.

The issue just released included features on New York, New Jersey, Indiana and Ohio and promoted the following privately run Campgrounds: In New Jersey: Camp Taylor Campground.

In Ohio: Happy Hills Campground In New York: New York City North /Newburgh KOA

In Indiana: Lake Rudolph Campground State Parks in each state were also featured giving the reader a complete overview on camping and RV traveling options.

"This issue we have increased our readership by purchasing 25000 existing RV owner emails from GoRVing which complements the 5000 "Hot Lead" email addresses we

already have" said Kelley Barnes, Sales Manager for GetawayUSA. "The next eight states to be featured will be California, Texas, Florida, Tennessee, South Carolina, Arizona, Alabama and Louisiana as we want to target readers who plan vacation to the warmer states over the next two months" she said.

Any Campgrounds in those states wishing to be featured as the full page

Kelley Barnes advertorial should contact Kelley on 770 616 8175 or email kelley@industryenews.com

“The very nature of the outdoor hospitality industry is seasonal”, explains Art Lieberman, the Producer of the Virtual Outdoor Hospitality Expo, which will be held live on November 10th and 11th of this year.

“Campgrounds are closing or have closed in the northern tiers of the US, while others are just starting their seasons in the south and southwest. The same is true for golf resorts, marinas, paddleboat and canoeing resorts and dude ranches.

Ski resorts, however, are just now awaiting snowfalls or creating their own trails.

It’s all climate dependent.

Of course, when you’re running a trade show on the internet, climate is less of a factor for attendees and exhibitors alike and, because of the web, you’ll only be dealing with ‘virtual’ weather.”

“We’ve waited until 2 weeks out of the Expo to start registering people,” says Deanne Bower, the Expo’s co-producer. “No one has to make travel plans, book a hotel room or hire babysitters to take care of the kids for a virtual show.

They can see the Expo, attend the webinars. make purchases of goods and services and even socialize with other people in the industry, without leaving the comfort of your home or office!”

Now the roster of sponsors and exhibitors is all set (although a few are still being added), about 75% of

the booths are complete, speakers are being shown how to utilize the software for presentations and, although the demo site is still being used, the actual Expo site is nearly completed, with finishing touches being applied by VCopious, the software provider of the Expo. The Expo directory is being assembled and advertising is ready for next week to be sent to various publications along with emails pre-registering attendees. Approximately 12,000 business owners in the outdoor hospitality industry will receive notification of the event.

“It’s wonderful when all a businessperson need do to attend is click on a link, fill in some information and then spend as much, or as little, time as they want to attend a trade show. No hassles at all! This year, thanks to a “buy it now” button, they’ll even be able to make purchases from exhibitor’s websites, says Lieberman.

This year, as it was last year, the stars of the event might be the registration software companies that will be on display. Silver Sponsor Leisure Interactive will once more be offering their Hercules © software, industry giant Campground Manager will also be present and Campground Automation will be demonstrating their kiosk. This year they will be joined by RMS of North America, one of the

world’s leading registration companies, based in Australia, which is just starting to penetrate the hospitality industry in North America. Several of these companies will have presentations in the Sponsor’s Seminar Room at the Expo. A schedule of all the educational forums and the presentations by sponsors and exhibitors will be available next week.

This, however is your first opportunity to register in advance for the Virtual Outdoor Hospitality Expo.

The Web address is http://register.outdoorhospit alityexpo.com. Registering and attending the entire Expo is, of course, ABSOLUTELY FREE. As mentioned before, the Expo will run from 12 noon until 6 PM eastern time on Thursday November 10th and Friday, November 11th and then in the “on demand” format, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for the next 60 days. All of the webinars will be recorded and contact information for

any of the exhibitors will be available in their booths, The Souvenir Program will also be available and will be sent to 10,000+ outdoor hospitality businesspeople and will have a point-andclick link to every booth or webinar at the event.

The Producers have planned a “Press Party and Preview” of the Expo for selected guests by invitation only on November 8th at 2:00 PM est. If you’d like an invitation call them at the below listed number.

David Gorin & Associates and Best Parks in America Presents the Virtual Outdoor Hospitality Expo II is being produced by Art Lieberman and Deanne Bower of Campground Expositions. They can be reached at 877-901-EXPO (3976) or by e-mail at campvirtualshow@yahoo.com.

The website of the Expo is www.outdoorhospitalityexpo.com.

Things haven’t been going that well the past couple of years for Lee and Mike Weliczka of Aqua Vista Campground in Petersburg, N.Y. Last year, a freak windstorm uprooted and demolished 150 trees and totaled several trailers and 12 cars at their upstate New York campground.

This year, Hurricane Irene flooded 71 of their 156 campsites, and literally washed 20 of their campsites into the Little Hoosick River.

“Some people who have been camping with us for 25 years lost everything,” Lee Weliczka said, adding that the succession of disasters has taken place on top of a slow economy and just as the couple is starting to raise a family.

'This has been a very stressful period,” Weliczka said, adding that she and her husband are hoping to regain their enthusiasm for the campground business when they meet with other park operators at Outdoor Hospitality Conference & Expo in Savannah, Ga. While the Weliczkas have been members of ARVC for many years, they have never attended the annual conference and expo, largely because they’ve been too busy or haven’t seen the need. This time, it’s a different story.

“We’re really hoping for the conference to help us get reinspired about the campground business and to get suggestions from other people about the things they have done,” Weliczka said. “We need to be reinspired and to reignite our passion for the industry.”

The Weliczkas, in short, see the conference providing not only campground specific education they cannot easily obtain anywhere else, but opportunities to build networking and support networks from other park operators in New York and across the country.

The Weliczkas are among the 10 campground owners who received scholarships from the ARVC Foundation to attend this year’s Outdoor Hospitality Conference & Expo, which takes place Nov. 30th to Dec. 2nd at the Westin Savannah Harbor Resort & Spa and the Savannah International Trade and Convention Center.

The Conference and Expo will feature 43 educational seminars, more than twice the number of any previous ARVC conference, and will cover widely diverse topics ranging from the latest trends in park and employee management to marketing through social and mainstream media, Google analytics, risk management and

prevention, employment and cyber liability issues, as well as electric car charging and other green opportunities for campgrounds. It will also feature the campground industry’s largest tradeshow, with vendors showcasing the latest products and services for park operators across the country.

But beyond the education and tradeshow, Lee Weliczka is eager to simply speak with other park operators in a national forum.

“I find I learn by talking to other people,” she said. “I want to learn about the new things coming out and learn how people do things.”

Weliczka said she is also eager to learn how other families run their parks, and balance their business with their personal lives.

For more information about this year’s Outdoor Hospitality Conference & Expo, please visit www.arvc.org.

DENVER, Colo. -- Good Sam, the world's most recognized RV brand, announced today projections to soon reach 500,000 RV, car and truck Roadside Assistance Customers.

jumps, lock out service and other minor repairs.

Coverage is available at one low price for RVs, plus other household vehicles and protection for family members at no charge.

Founded in 1966, Good Sam is based loosely on the Good Samaritan who offered to help a traveler in need. Good Sam's nowiconic halo and wide grin still signify camaraderie among members and their willingness to offer aid to fellow RVers.

Additionally, they have made it even easier for members to get help using the new GPS-enabled Mobile app, which is available for free download on iPhone, BlackBerry or Android. The app ensures faster service using a virtual membership card.

"The charter is simple, customers should be protected while on the road and it is Good Sam's job to bring that service at the very best price and satisfaction guarantee," replied Marcus Lemonis, Chairman and CEO of Good Sam. "As we move closer to serving over half a million RVers we must stay focused on great service at a low price. This promise will be backed by a money back guarantee as well as a price match guarantee.

Customers will have the opportunity to renew at a 91 percent rate. As we strive to get better, these promises will ensure a better experience," Lemonis added.

Every call is answered by a certified dispatch specialist.

The tire replacement program allows Good Sam to "bring the shop" to its members -- offering access to their tire network, which features nationally recognized brands. If a member doesn't have an RV spare, they will help locate one and bring it to the scene.

The Good Sam Roadside Assistance program offers unlimited towing to a network facility, roadside flat tire changes, battery

"These additional benefits are designed to give our members even more ways to enjoy their travels and RV living," said Prabhuling Patel, President of Good Sam Ventures. "When our members have an emergency what they want is (1) that their call should be answered quickly, (2) the rescue vehicle should be there when we say it is going to be there and (3) the dispatcher should take care of your problem --

these are the three simple things in a roadside emergency we guarantee!

Our goal is to be world class with our products and services," Prabhuling added.

In preparation for the expected membership increase, Good Sam has hired senior industry executive Ed Thor.

Ed joins the company after serving for more than 10 years with Coach-Net, a roadside assistance company focused on serving the manufacturers and dealers. As Vice President of Business Development, Thor will be tasked with driving the growth of the company's wholesale business execute targeted sales strategies against corporate goals and objectives, and develop and scale-up new business and customer bases.

"We are very excited to have Ed join our team as we focus on expanding into new markets and continue to bring our members more value," said Mark Kupper, Good Sam Vice President and General Manager of its Roadside Assistance business.

About The Good Sam Club The Good Sam Club, www.goodsamclub.com, is the world's largest RV owner's organization with

over one million member families. Founded in 1966, the club offers its members a wide variety of services, including the Good Sam Extended Service Plan, Good Sam Roadside Assistance, RV and Vehicle Insurance, RV Financing, Good Sam Visa Card, Life & Health Insurance and member discounts at parks, campgrounds and RV events.

Good Sam Club members also receive a subscription to Highways, the club's popular RV travel magazine. Additionally, the club represents more than 1,500 local RV chapters designed to bring RVers together from similar geographic regions for group camping excursions.

Extremely committed to its RV members as well as to the environment, the club is a founder of the annual National Cleanup Day program and an advocate of public land access, Adopt-A-Highway programs and Adopt-A-Park programs.

DAVIS, W.Va. – Thirteen additional vacation cabins opened Oct. 1 at Blackwater Falls State Park. There are now two distinct cabin areas at the park, with 26 original cabins toward the Balanced Rock and Lindy Point area, and the new cabin area located in the Pendleton Point Overlook area.

The total cabin inventory at Blackwater Falls is now 39.

“The units blend the tradition of West Virginia’s state park cabin hominess, warmth and appeal with modern conveniences and comfort,” said Robert Gilligan, park superintendent. “The cabins will become popular with visitors as word spreads they are completed and open.”

Blackwater Falls, near Davis in Tucker County, opened to the public as a state park in 1937 and has been one of the state’s main tourist attractions ever since. The park continues to grow with updated or added facilities and services.

The 13 new cabins were built with $4.5 million dollars of Lottery funds earmarked for park system capital improvements.

The new cabins have four bedrooms with a total of six

beds – two rooms with a queen bed and two rooms with two single beds.

Features include gas fireplaces, washer/drier combos, fully equipped kitchens including dishwasher, range, phones, wireless Internet, refrigerator and microwave oven. Flat screen televisions will be installed later this year. The new cabins are no-pet and nosmoking units.

“These units have all the comforts of home,” according to Paul Redford, a district administrator with West Virginia’s state parks.

“The interiors are nicely appointed and have contemporary furnishings.

It’s a good investment for the future of tourism in West Virginia. Blackwater Falls is one of those special places that spans generations of visitors. The cabins will add to the park’s popularity.”

“The cabins face into the forest,” Gilligan said. “When guests sit a spell on their cabin front porch, they’ll not see other guests or vehicles.”

Blackwater Falls State Park is open year-round and is considered a four-season tourist destination.

campgrounds, private motorcoach resorts, outdoor recreation facilities, marinas, motels and hotels this year.

NAPLES, Fla., Oct. 18, 2011 — When snowbirds return to Signature Resorts in Naples, Fla. this winter, they won’t need to break out their wallets every time they order food or refreshments or participate in the park’s growing roster of activities, which include everything from boat rides to yoga classes.

Instead, Signature Resorts guests can simply let the concierge know of their plans, and the charges will be automatically billed to their RV site, just as they would be if they were staying at a luxury hotel.

“This kind of guest folio capability is unheard of in RV parks and resorts,” said Brian Woodling, who joined Signature Resorts as general manager of the company’s Naples, Fla. resort in January after spending 20 years with the Marriott Hotel chain.

But after installing the RMS property management system last summer, Signature Resorts in Naples now has the ability to manage point of sale transactions, online reservations, utility charges and other accounting activities as easily and effectively as the world’s largest hotel chains.

And while park operators are often sold on the system’s ability to seamlessly and instantaneously manage reservations placed through multiple websites as well as those taken by phone by front desk staff, the system’s accounting functions are proving to be an equally compelling “RMS enables us to provide a higher quality guest experience,” Woodling said, adding that the system can also send out emails and text messages to send out birthday and anniversary greetings and to invite previous guests to participate in special promotions. “We can customize it to do whatever we want,” adding that Signature Resorts has also installed the RMS system at its resort in Bay Harbor, Mich.

“We anticipate that other resorts will quickly follow our example as the availability of the RMS property management system becomes increasingly well known to RV parks and resorts across the country,” Woodling said.

Originally developed in Australia, RMS NORTH AMERICA has been quietly introducing its new property management system to North American RV resorts,

SOUTHFIELD, Mich. -Sun Communities, Inc., a real estate investment trust (REIT) that owns and operates manufactured housing and recreational vehicle communities, today reported its third quarter results.

Highlights: three months ended Sept. 30, 2011 vs.

Sept. 30, 2010 - Adjusted Funds from Operations (AFFO) excluding certain items described in this release was $0.75 per diluted share and OP Unit (Share) compared to $0.69 per Share in the third quarter of 2010, an increase of $0.06 per share or 8.7 percent.

- Same site Net Operating Income (NOI) increased by 4.7 percent.

enticement, said Tom Chiarello, vice president of business development for RMS NORTH AMERICA. “This product will revolutionize the way campground operators run their business,” he said.

RMS NORTH AMERICA plans to preview its property management system at several upcoming industry trade shows, including Outdoor Hospitality Convention and Expo in Savannah.

- Same site revenue producing sites increased by 199 sites, compared to an increase of 76 sites during the third quarter of 2010.

"We are pleased to report that we have completed the integration of our acquisition properties into our operations model ahead of schedule. This has resulted in the Kentland portfolio, located entirely in Michigan, gaining 103 revenue producing sites in our first 90 days of ownership," said Gary A. Shiffman, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.

"Based on these positive results and operational efficiencies already realized, we are confident this acquisition will continue to meet or exceed anticipated proforma results," Shiffman added.

The Sierra County officials have released the names of two people killed Monday in an early morning fire inside a camper near Caballo Lake.

Lakeview RV Park near the lake.

The names of those killed are William Frazier, 56, and Lisa Frazier, 39.

Once the fire was put out, officials found a man and a woman dead in the sleeping area of the vehicle.

Arson investigators said Monday that a preliminary investigation shows an ember from a cigarette smoldering in a couch was the cause.

State fire and arson investigators are at the scene and the bodies will be turned over to the Office of the Medical Investigator.

At 6:30 a.m., Monday, the Sheriff’s Office and the Caballo Fire Department were called to a fire at the

Two RV parks are scheduled to open around Dec. 1 on U.S. Highway 98 in Navarre and on Okaloosa Island.

And as with any development on U.S. 98, traffic issues had to be resolved before construction could begin.

On Okaloosa Island, DestinWest RV Resort, developed by Tripp Tolbert’s Waterplace Park Development, is shooting for a “soft opening” in early December and should be open “full force” in January, according to Joe Guidry,

They found a 5th wheel with heavy smoke coming out of it.

It is believed that the victims were long-term residents of the park.

Waterplace Park Development’s general manager.

When completed, the resort will offer 54 RV “pads,” Guidry said. Four of them will be on Choctawhatchee Bay. St. Rosa Sound RV Resort, just west of the Navarre Bridge, is being developed by former state Sen. Charlie Clary and is shooting for an opening in late November or early December, said Jinks Dupre, who markets the resort for Innisfree management company.

A residential trailer caught fire in the Oregon Motel 8 and RV Park north of Klamath Falls early Monday morning, but the fire was contained to the one structure and caused no other damage.

Klamath County Fire District 1 Fire Marshal

Scott Rice said a shortage in the trailer's water heater caused the fire at about 4:30 a.m. Monday. The trailer suffered "significant damage," Rice said. But crews were able to extinguish the blaze before it could spread.

CROWLEY, Texas, Oct. 24, 2011 – The Texas Association of Campground Owners (TACO) has designated Athens Park Homes as an endorsed provider for park model sales to Texas parks.

“Athens Park Homes has been a member of TACO for many years. They have supplied hundreds of park models to our members.

They provide great products and service, and we wholeheartedly recommend them and their products,” said Brian Schaeffer, TACO’s executive director and CEO. He added that Athens’ endorsed provider status translates into significant savings and other benefits for TACO members.

For starters, any TACO member that purchases a park model from Athens Park Homes will receive a free Galvalume metal roof, which is normally a $900 upgrade, as well as a twoyear warranty instead of the standard one-year warranty that comes with each park model.

Texas parks also benefit from the fact that Athens Park Homes is based in Athens, Texas, which translates into lower park model shipping costs

compared to the prices Texas park operators would pay if they purchase park models from out-of-state providers.

Schaeffer said Athens will have an increased presence at upcoming TACO trade shows, including its Oct. 23rd fall tour at The Vineyard Campground and Cabins in Grapevine, which coincidentally has had a terrific consumer response to the eight park model cabins it installed last year.

Athens has also agreed to donate the profits from the sale of one of its highly appointed park model units at the TACO Spring Show (auction) to support the association’s government affairs program, and to increase its advertising presence in TACO’s awardwinning Texas RV Travel & Camping Guide, Schaeffer said.

“We’re very excited to receive TACO’s endorsement,” said Dick Grymonprez, vice president of sales and marketing for Athens Park Homes, which has enjoyed a 17 percent increase in January through September park model sales compared to last year’s figures.

As the sun sets Friday and Saturday night in late October, the Corn Maze at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park becomes a "field of screams” where ghouls, goblins and dark spirits stalk the cornstalk labyrinth on the outskirts of Sioux Falls.

The Corn Maze at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Fright Nights run Friday, Oct. 28 and Saturday, Oct. 29 from 7 to 10 p.m.

“We have really raised the bar with the fright nights features this year,” said Christina Lien, owner of Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Camp-Resort.

“It will be a challenge to brave the horror and unexpected surprises that await each unsuspecting visitor to the Fright Nights at the Yogi Bear Corn Maze.”

In addition to the fright nights, the second annual Monster Mash for kids carnival will be held Saturday, Oct. 29 from 1 to 4 p.m.

In addition to the corn maze, the Monster Mash includes carnival games, wagon rides, jumping pillow and visits from Yogi Bear.

Admission for the Halloween events are $8 per person; $5 for ages 11 and under.

For more information regarding the Halloween events, corn maze, and information on camping at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Camp-Resort, visit www.siouxfallscornmaze.com

or call 800-638-9043.

Article: www.brandoninfo.com

Elizabeth Cutright in the September/October issue of Water Efficiency writes about the connection between the water we use and the energy it takes to manage that water. It’s the energy that is so expensive, because of the water use cycle. In order to get the water it must be drawn from somewhere, whether lake, stream or well. Then it must be transported into a treatment plant that requires energy to do the job. Then it must be pumped or otherwise transported to the user.

Once used it must again be transported in some fashion to a wastewater treatment facility that used energy.

Nearly every product we use or eat also contains water. That water must be treated. Water is consumed by the billions and billions of gallons for irrigation (which also requires the use of energy). It is packed into our foodstuffs. It is used in industry for cooling. It is used one way another in nearly every daily endeavor of most people, from showers and coffee to water in the cooling systems of the vehicles they drive, to the drinking fountain, to the refrigerator and the ice cubes we use.

It is estimated that in New York City one-third of the city’s energy bill goes to pump, treat, deliver and collect water.

The California Energy Commission estimates that 20% of that State’s energy is tied up in water resource management.

Water efficiency and energy efficiency are so intertwined that we can’t have one without the other.

Just as it takes a very great amount of energy to have useable water, so too it takes a great amount of water to make energy. Both commodities are expensive.

Water is far more expensive than what we pay for it in the utility bill. The true cost is absorbed by government and actually paid for with taxes.

But, as one official high up in the state pecking order once said to me, “Why would we want to save on water usage when our job is to sell as much water as possible?

Plan to use less water as you think about landscaping. Figure out how to make do with less watering. Be careful to protect against ground contamination from fertilizers, poisons, paints, and other toxins and nutrients on your premises.

Keep a close eye on what happens with your runoff water and on what is in that water.

It may seem far-fetched but it is nonetheless true: every drop of water we save now makes for both less expensive water as well as less expensive energy in the very near future!

CHICAGO, Ill. -- On May 31, 2011, Equity LifeStyle Properties, Inc., through its operating partnership, entered into purchase and other agreements to acquire a portfolio of 75 manufactured home communities and one RV resort containing 31,167 sites on approximately 6,500 acres located in 16 states (primarily located in Florida and the northeastern region of the United States) and certain manufactured homes and loans secured by manufactured homes located at the Acquisition Properties for a stated purchase price of $1.43 billion.

The Company closed on seven of the Acquisition Properties along with certain manufactured homes and loans secured by manufactured homes located at such Acquisition Properties for a stated purchase price of approximately $157 million.

The purchase price in connection with this closing was funded with: (i) the assumption of approximately $76 million of mortgage debt secured by the Acquisition Properties acquired today and (ii) approximately $81 million of cash. The cash was obtained from the proceeds

of the previously announced $200 million of financings originated during the quarter ended Sept. 30, 2011.

As of October 24, the Company has closed on 68 Acquisition Properties since July 1, 2011.

The Company expects to close seven additional Acquisition Properties by Nov. 1, 2011. As previously discussed in our press release dated Oct. 3, 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.