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PAGE 1 ISSUE 171 11/30/11
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New GoRVing Ad Campaign unveiled at Trade Show LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- New Go RVing television and print ads were unveiled at RVIA’s National RV Trade Show, setting the stage for a reenergized industry effort to grow and expand the RV market. Built around one simple word, “AWAY,” Go RVing’s new campaign returns to the proven, researchbased message that RV vacations allow travelers to do what they love to do with the people who matter most, said Stan Richards, founder and creative principal of The Richards Group. “In this campaign, 'AWAY' becomes much more than just a word. It’s also a place and a moment in time,” he explained in debuting the ads to industry members during RVIA’s “Outlook 2012: Up & Away” opening breakfast. “It’s intended to be different for everyone viewing the ads, depending on who they are and what they like to
do. An RV can take them there.” Launching in February, each ad captures special family moments made possible by traveling in an RV; secondarily, the ads promote the affordability of RVing, Richards said. The call-to-action tagline, “Find Your AWAY. Go RVing,” invites consumers to envision themselves in their dream setting and to visit GoRVing.com to find an RV dealer and the RV that’s right for them. The emotion-evoking campaign includes three 30second television spots featuring the return of Tom Selleck as the voiceover talent who made previous Go RVing television spots so memorable. Four new one-and-one-third page
print ads and coordinating web banner ads were also produced. The GoRVing.com website is being completely rebuilt utilizing new technology to be much more interactive in nature and echoes the ads’ themes. For the first time, Go RVing will have a mobile-optimized website for Smartphone users. Each TV spot tells the story of an RV getaway, featuring ethnically diverse families, and a variety of RV types and locations. “Within Your Means,” depicts a trip to the beach with Dad, Mom, son, daughter and their dog in a folding camping trailer who meet up with another family in a Type C.
“Closer” tells the story of a family of four enjoying canoeing, hiking and a nighttime campfire in the mountains. Their travel trailer is shown in a campground setting along with a Type B motorhome. “Comforts” is about a family’s multi-generational fly-fishing trip. The parents and two sons are travelling in a Type A motorhome, and the grand-parents are in a Fifth-wheel at a scenic campground which also features a travel trailer. After the grandfather teaches the older grandson to tie flies, they enjoy fishing together and the family relaxes around the campfire as the youngest falls asleep in grandmother’s arms. The four print ads feature a large main photo that pulls the reader into the experience and a smaller panoramic visual focusing on product. Each ad includes the message: What’s your idea of AWAY? Wherever or whatever it is, an RV is the best way to find it on your terms, your timetable, your itinerary. And it’s more affordable Continued
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INDUSTRY NEWS Campground Association and workgroup member.
Continued than you might think. To learn more, visit Go RVing.com and see an RV dealer. Find Your AWAY. Go RVing. The accompanying onethird column page ad showing all RV types that has always been the workhorse of the print campaign will now include a QR code, so consumers can link directly to GoRVing.com with their Smartphones “Magazine readers who scan the Go RVing QR code will be immedi-ately transported to the mobile version of our website
where they can find nearby RV dealers, locate a campground, watch free videos and more,” said James Ashurst, RVIA vice president of public relations and advertising. “Consumers now expect instant information and giving them access at their peak moment of interest is also the best time to invite them to supply us with
personal data and become leads.” The all-industry Go RVing Creative Work Group, that participated in campaign development since last February, approved the final ads in November. “Go RVing nailed it again with the new AWAY campaign,” said Lance Wilson, executive director of the Florida RV &
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BJ Thompson of BJ Thompson Associates said, “Glimpses of RVs in beautiful settings lead to full product reveals which are highly effective. It’s an emotion-filled campaign, and I love it.” The Go RVing Coalition, formed in 1994, consists of RV manufacturers, component suppliers, dealers and campgrounds. Go RVing works to provide the public and media with pertinent information about the benefits of RV travel.
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PRESS RELEASE
Tennessee announce Awards for Large and Small Campgrounds
Nashville Country RV Park in Goodlettsville was named large Tennessee Campground-of-the-Year by members of the Tennessee Association of RV Parks & Campgrounds (TNARVC). The campground was so recognized for its accomplishments in campground operations, marketing, management and industry unity.
in the past few years. They had to rebuild not once, but twice due to flooding and have come back stronger each time. Most recently, being upgraded to a “green” park that includes, rain barrels, rain gardens, energy and water conservation plus Free charging for electric cars and becoming a class I Tennessee Arboretum.
Nashville Country offers 100 full hook-up camping sites on 8.5 acres and is located just 11 miles north of the downtown Nashville loop. The campground is owned by Jim and Mary Zabrowski and managed with the help of their children; Jean, Michelle, and Craig. Jim and Mary developed the campground and opened April 2002.
Bluewater RV Resort and Marina in Dayton was named small Tennessee Campground-of-the-Year by members of the Tennessee Association of RV Parks & Campgrounds (TNARVC). The campground was so recognized for its
Jim states the goal of the Nashville Country staff is to provide an atmosphere where campers are treated like family. “You’ll get a taste of Tennessee for a Lil’ Touch of Heaven”, says Jim.
accomplishments in campground operations, marketing, and management and industry unity. Bluewater offers tent sites and 36 full hook up RV camping sites on the water, as well as one and three bedroom cabins. The campground is owned by Doug and Angela Whitaker and managed by Todd Josselyn. Doug and Angela closed the campground in 2010, completely refurbished the park, and reopened in January 2011. Doug states “my uncle Ed Whitaker acquired the campground in 1980. When he retired in 2001, we purchased the property to
preserve all the great memories our family made camping there. The refurbishing will allow Angela and I to share this great place with other families for years to come.” Bluewater offers wide concrete roads for easy site access, spacious concrete campsites with new 50 amp connections, WiFi, campground and bait store, laundry room, cable TV, a playground, a newly remodeled bath house, a 50 seat pavilion, boat docks, and a private boat launch. Guest reviews have been overwhelming positive. TNARVC is composed of nearly 60 private campgrounds across the state. Its mission is “to serve the special needs of RV parks and campgrounds in Tennessee and provide the public with the highest quality camping experience.”
Nashville Country has overcome major obstacles
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Kansas Campground becomes Winter Wonderland RUSSELL -- There's magic in the air, and perhaps even a snowflake or two, at Christmas Wonderland. The new holiday attraction, located at 187 Edwards Ave. adjacent to the Tripe J Campground, is a family venture. "There's five of us (children). All of our family
put this together," said Barb Pitcock. The group includes Pitcock, her husband David, and four siblings and their partners, Traci and Justin Wieger, Mark Zorn and Micky Johnson, Lori and Duke Nuss, Jeremy Zorn and Diana Murphy, and their mother, Lana Zorn, as well as 16 grandchildren.
"They worked so hard on this," Barb Pitcock said of her family. "We're tired, but it has been very rewarding. It is just beautiful." The project started last year on Christmas Eve when they were lamenting the closing of the popular Christmas Fantasy Village in Great Bend. "That always was such an amazing memory for us, feeding the reindeer, riding the train, singing carols by the fire, drinking hot
chocolate and making s'mores," Pitcock said. Lana Zorn owns the campground, so Pitcock said, " 'Mom you have the perfect spot.' Then we started laughing saying we would need a train; we would need reindeer." The holiday theme park was born. "We just tried to take everything on the campground and make it like Christmas," Pitcock said. Article: www.hdnews.net
RV Dealers outline their projections for the coming years about the Industry FAIRFAX, Va. -- Towables and fifth wheels will continue to star in 2012, bunk bed models will be hot but diesel coaches will not, and no one is looking forward to the possible side effects that the presidential election season may have on the marketplace.
particularly in the service and sales departments," said Phil Ingrassia, vice president of communications.
That's the consensus of RV dealers who were interviewed recently for the December issue of RV Executive Today, the RV Dealers Association has announced.
"Some retailers believe consumer confidence will improve markedly and have already seen signs of pentup demand giving way in their showrooms. A few are starting to ramp up for what they believe will be a gangbusters recovery, while others aren't expecting confidence levels to rise significantly in 2012."
"After several lean years, many dealers say they will add full-time positions in the next 12 months,
For more, read "What does the future hold for 2012?" in the upcoming issue of RV Executive Today.
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INDUSTRY NEWS
Thor Industries announce Sales Results
New Operators for Headwaters Lodge and Cabins BROOMFIELD, Colo. -Flagg Ranch Company, an affiliate of Vail Resorts, Inc. (NYSE: MTN) is pleased to announce it has officially taken over as the new operator of Headwaters Lodge & Cabins at Flagg Ranch in Moran, Wyo. The resort is centrally located between Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park in the John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway. Under a 15-year concession contract with the National Park Service, the resort will be operated by Flagg Ranch Company, an affiliate of Grand Teton Lodge Company, which has been managed by Vail Resorts since 1999. The Company will provide lodging, food and beverage, campground, retail, service station and other related visitor services for the resort. "We are very pleased to partner with the National Park Service for management of Headwaters Lodge & Cabins at Flagg Ranch," said John Rutter, Vice President, Flagg Ranch Company. "The John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway is a naturally stunning, four-season destination for the outdoor
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enthusiast. We look forward to delivering an Experience of a Lifetime to our guests." Headwaters Lodge & Cabins offers 92 standard, deluxe and premium cabins; 97 RV sites, 35 tent sites, one restaurant, a gift shop, and a service station. Under the new contract, extensive refurbishments and upgrades are planned for the resort which includes: cabin renovations, the addition of camper cabins, and the gas station pumps will be replaced. Refurbishments will take place this winter and spring, and are planned to be completed for the 2012 summer season. "We are pleased that Flagg Ranch Company, an affiliate of Grand Teton Lodge Company, was awarded this recent concession contract by the National Park Service," said Grand Teton National Park Superintendent Mary Gibson Scott. "We look forward to working with them to usher in a new era of expanded and improved services for visitors to John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway."
JACKSON CENTER, Ohio -Thor Industries, Inc. (NYSE:THO) announced results for the first quarter of fiscal 2012 ended Oct. 31, 2011. Sales for the quarter were $673,000,000, up 11 percent from $606,684,000 last year. Net income for the quarter was $22,358,000, compared with $23,688,000 last year. Basic earnings per share (E.P.S.) for the quarter were 41 cents versus 44 cents last year. Total RV segment sales for the quarter were $561,660,000, up 11 percent from $506,563,000 last year. Towable RV sales for the quarter were $499,104,000, up 18 percent from $422,449,000 last year. Motorized RV sales for the quarter were $62,556,000, down 26 percent from $84,114,000 last year. Towable RV sales for both quarterly periods include Heartland RV since its acquisition on Sept. 16, 2010. Bus segment sales for the quarter, including buses and ambulances, were $111,340,000, up 11 percent from $100,121,000 last year. Total RV segment income before tax for the quarter was $33,884,000, compared with $34,104,000 last year. Towable RV income before tax for the
quarter was $32,591,000, down two percent from $33,100,000 last year. Motorized RV income before tax for the quarter was $1,293,000, up 29 percent from $1,004,000 last year. Bus segment income before tax for the quarter was $5,266,000, compared with $9,419,000 last year. Bus segment income was positively impacted in fiscal 2011 by a gain of $4,802,000 related to insurance recoveries. “We are encouraged by our strong towable RV backlog driven by orders from our fall Open House event, coupled with increased RV market retail sales and planned product improvements and introductions at this week’s RVIA Expo in Louisville, Ky. However, the RV market remains very competitive with promotional pricing,” said Peter B. Orthwein, Thor Chairman, CEO and President. “We are also seeing public transit agencies and private operators begin to replace their fleets, which provides opportunities for Thor’s bus segment.” Thor is the world’s largest manufacturer of recreation vehicles and a major builder of commercial buses and ambulances.
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It's a tree! No, it's a cell-phone tower! Camouflage works at Elks campground in Michigan NORTON SHORES — Three older folks in a creamcolored car were cruising through Elks Park off Lake Harbor Road this month,
looking for the park's recently erected cell-phone tower that's cleverly disguised as a pine tree.
"We're looking for that cellphone tower. Is that it?" the driver asked a bystander, pointing to a nearby flagpole, not the cell tower. At that moment, they were virtually in the shadow of the 155-foot tower — definitely a sign that Muskegon Elks Lodge 274's effort to make the tower blend in with its wooded surroundings is working, at least for some. The tower was expected to go operational this week, lodge board Chairman John Muller said.
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Muller said comments about the new structure have been sparse, since the campground in Norton Shores is closed for the season. But what little he's heard has been positive, he said. "I haven't had any negative reaction," Muller said. "I've had some positive reaction." A few people have remarked that they don't like the traditional looks of cell-phone towers, but they do like this one. Article: www.mlive.com
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INDUSTRY NEWS NEWS INDUSTRY
Location Based Marketing Tips By Jason Fell If using a GPS-enabled device can prevent you from getting lost, just think what it can do for your marketing messages. Location-based marketing -that is, using globalpositioning technology to send geographic-specific business marketing to consumers over their mobile devices, is a large and growing opportunity for businesses of all sizes. That was the consensus among panelists of "How Location-Aware Mobile Technology is Transforming Retail," a session during an event this week hosted by "hyperlocal" business publication Street Fight. Knowing a consumer's location, as well as the time they're at a specific location, is the best predictor of his or her intent to buy, said Alistair Goodman, CEO of Placecast, which offers the
ShopAlerts service, delivering retailer offers to consumers over their mobile phones. Whether by developing mobile apps or creating text message-based marketing campaigns, businesses should be "tailoring their offers to combine a consumer's interests and location in order to drive traffic to their stores," Goodman said. Based on his experience, ads and offers that integrate time and the consumer's location generate two to 10 times the amount of business than a generic ad, he said. While businesses can implement location-based marketing into apps, Goodman said Placecast focuses mainly on text messaging -- short messaging services and multimedia messaging services. "We've seen that over 90 percent text messages get opened and read in three minutes or less," he said. "This allows you to reach as many people as possible." Meanwhile, Jonathan Bellinger, digital strategy director marketing communications firm JWT New York, admitted that there often is a gulf between larger companies that implement locationbased marketing campaigns in order to be the "thought leaders" and
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smaller firms with smaller margins that aren't seeing location-based marketing drive sales yet. "Largescale adoption won't take off until businesses get more creative and offer additional value," he said. "Deals and coupons [over sites such as Groupon and Living Social] are a good hook to get people interested, but they get old pretty quickly [and don't always result in repeat business]." If you do plan to experiment in locationbased marketing for your business, Goodman offered four tips for getting started:
exactly how you plan to use the personal information you collect from them, assuaging any concerns over privacy issues, he says.
1. Allow customers to opt in. Not everyone is going to want to disclose personal information such as their interests and their location, he said.
4. Make it easy to opt out. Don't lock customers into a program they decide they don't want to be in, he said. Just like any level of customer service, it's all about keeping customers happy, loyal and making purchases.
2. Be transparent. Once a customer has opted in, make sure to explain
3. Don't resell their information. While you might be tempted to sell the information you collect from customers to thirdparty companies, Goodman warns against it. "Consumers will most likely see more value to your service if it's not advertising-based and should be more willing to share their personal information with you.
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Next Issue of GetawayUSA out this week
Important Dates: December 2011 48th Annual Pennsylvania Campground Owners Association Convention and Trade Show PCOA will host its 48th Annual Convention & Trade Show Dec. 5-7 in Erie, PA at the Sheraton Erie & Bayfront Convention
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INDUSTRY NEWS
Company in Tennessee arranges Capital Funding for purchase of NJ RV Park KNOXVILLE, Tenn. -Knoxville-based capital funding firm Ritch and Associates LLC entered in to a contract to fund Holly Acres in the purchase of an RV park located in New Jersey. All capital funding is arranged through Paladin Global Investments, a private equity firm, following the approval of Ritch and Associates. Owner and CEO Robert Ritch states that, "Arranging capital for business ventures involves building solid, trusting relationships in order for the results to be successful." While the firm specializes in small business funding, they also offer counsel to those who wish to further develop a business or who are interested in starting a new business. Ritch and Associates provides leadership and guidance, helping clients visualize their potential and work to
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reach those visions, said Ritch. Established in 1994, Ritch and Associates has helped businesses reach their potential through capital funding and has worked with businesses in a variety of industries across the United States. According to Ritch, the firm assists those who are in need of resources to streamline their business and maximize profits, and who are in need of expert guidance in order to take their businesses to their full potential. Ritch and Associates offers risk management, sales and marketing support on multiple levels and specialists in logistics and operations. The firm also helps those who want to start or develop a business with business planning and being effective in an executive leadership capacity. For more information, visit www.ritchandassociates.com.
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Owner accused of Domestic Violence WARRICK COUNTY, Ind. — Warrick County court officials are deciding the initial court appearance date for a top Santa Claus, Ind., business executive charged with domestic battery after they received the case file Tuesday. Philip J. Koch, who’s president and CEO of HO HO HOldings, LLC., will be seen by Judge Keith A. Meier, a court reporter at Warrick County Superior Court 1 said. The date should be determined by Friday.
Koch was arrested Nov. 21 after Warrick County Sheriff’s deputies said he battered, strangled and confined his girlfriend. He was released from the Warrick County Jail after posting his $305 bond. Koch, 46, is the youngest son of Pat and William A. Koch, the founders of Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari. “We really wouldn’t have a comment to make,” said Paula Werne, spokeswoman for Holiday
World. “He’s not affiliated with Holiday World.” Koch is facing a charge of misdemeanor domestic battery, but deputies originally charged him with that count and felony confinement, felony strangulation and misdemeanor resisting police. Warrick County Chief Deputy Marvin Heilman said he’s not sure why the other charges weren’t filed, and a message left with the Warrick County Prosecutor’s Office wasn’t returned. Deputies said about 11 p.m. on Nov. 20, 52-year-
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old Carol Ruch dialed 911 from a neighbor’s house to report alleged domestic battery and confinement. The incident happened at 10199 Beardsley Road, and deputies arrested Koch at that address in the early hours of Nov. 21. Sheriff Brett Kruse said he didn’t know the chain of events that led to the allegations. He also mentioned that deputies went to the Beardsley Road address two years ago for an argument. Article: www.courierpress.com
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INDUSTRY NEWS
Interior Secretary visits RV Show LOUISVILLE, Ky. -Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar visited the 49th Annual National RV Trade Show today to highlight the economic impact generated by outdoor recreation in the United States. He talked about opportunities at parks and other scenic and historic places and encouraged Americans to take part in growing local economies and creating jobs through tourism, travel and connecting with America's great outdoors. "RV's play a special role in providing Americans a timehonored way of reaching their camping, fishing, hunting and other recreation destinations," Salazar said. "And, as a virtually 100 percent American industry, the RV industry plays a key role in our nation's economy, employing tens of thousands of men and women right here at home." "RV's play a special role in providing Americans a timehonored way of reaching their camping, fishing, hunting and other recreation destinations," Salazar said. "And, as a virtually 100 percent American industry, the RV industry plays a key role in our nation's economy, employing tens of thousands of men and women right here at home." In his remarks, Salazar noted the important
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relationship between the Department of the Interior and RV owners. In 2010, RV travelers spent nearly 2.3 million nights at National Parks, up 10 percent from 2008. "RV owners are often great champions for conservation as they know firsthand that the investments we make in our parks, historic sites and other public lands not only allow people to enjoy these incredible places, but they also help grow local economies across the country," Salazar said. Public lands managed by Interior draw more than 400 million visits a year. According to some recent non-governmental estimates, outdoor recreation, conservation and heritage initiatives support as many as 8.4 million jobs and provide as much as $1 trillion in annual economic benefits. Additionally, one in 20 U.S. jobs are in the recreation economy -- more than there are doctors, lawyers, or teachers, said Salazar. The RV industry is a major player in the outdoor recreation economy, with more than 12,000 RVrelated businesses operating in the U.S. with combined annual revenues of more than $37.5 billion,
according the Recreational Vehicle Industry Association. RVIA estimates the industry employs more than a quarter million Americans particularly in Indiana where 79 percent of recreational vehicles are made. Salazar also highlighted a report issued earlier this month from Interior that outlines more than 100 conservation and recreation projects -- two in each state -- representing what states believe are among the best investments in the nation to support a healthy, active population, conserve wildlife and working lands, and create travel, tourism and outdoor-recreation jobs across the country. The report is part of President Obama's America's Great Outdoors initiative to support local conservation initiatives across the country. The report includes 24 projects
to construct trails, 23 to conserve and provide recreational access to rivers, 20 to create and improve access to urban parks, and 13 to restore and conserve significant landscapes and ecosystems. Later in the morning, Salazar also visited Muscatatuck National Wildlife Refuge in southcentral Indiana, where the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is conserving forest, wetland, and grassland habitat for more than 280 species of migratory birds, river otters, the rare copperbelly water snake and other wildlife. There, he met with employees and stakeholders to discuss the vital importance of conservation efforts to ensure Americans' access to the outdoors and economic strength for future generations.
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New Executive Director at FMCA CINCINNATI, Ohio -Family Motor Coach Association, an international organization for motorhome owners, has announced that longtime staff member Jerry Yeatts has assumed responsibilities as executive director of the association. Mr. Yeatts will take on responsibilities formerly handled by Bradford Koshland, who tendered his resignation in early November for family reasons. “Brad made a very difficult decision that required him to set aside his duties at FMCA headquarters in Cincinnati and take on a new challenge with his immediate family,” said FMCA president Charlie Schrenkel. “We certainly understand the need to put family first, and we wish Brad well with this and all of his future endeavors.” In addition to fulfilling the obligations of executive director, Mr. Yeatts also will maintain oversight for the Member Services area. Previously, he served the association as director of conventions and commercial services for more than a decade. “Jerry is well-acquainted with the RV industry and well-versed in the needs of FMCA. His years of experience will be an asset
as he leads the association and also works to grow FMCA’s membership base,” Mr. Schrenkel noted. About Family Motor Coach Association • Enhancing The Motorhome Lifestyle Family Motor Coach Association (FMCA) is an international organization for families who own and enjoy the use of selfcontained, motorized recreation vehicles known as motorhomes. The association maintains its national headquarters in Cincinnati, Ohio, and currently has nearly 90,000 active member families. FMCA offers its members a number of benefits, including a subscription to its monthly magazine, Family Motor Coaching; an emergency medical evacuation program; trip routing; mail forwarding; and group rates on an emergency roadside assistance program. Perhaps the most important benefit of FMCA membership is the camaraderie and friendships that develop among people enjoying the common interest of motorhome travel and recreation. For more information, visit www.fmca.com.
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Former Woodalls Reps retire unhappy CA-- Two former Woodall's representatives have announced their retirement in protest of coming changes that will end the format of the current publication. Larry and Glenna Baird sent the following letter to their customers on November 20th. saying that Woodall's Campground Directory and Trailer Life will be discontinued in 2012 and that it will be replaced by the Good Sam Travel Guide. Larry and Glenna have said that decision will make loyal Woodall's users feel abandoned.
The following is the letter sent to clients: "Larry and I have some unfortunate news to share with you concerning the future of Woodall’s Campground Directory. "It was brought to our attention a short time ago that 2012 will be the last year for Woodall’s to be published due to financial decisions. We feel strongly that this decision should have been made prior to our season this year, rather than having us selling into the 2012 directory without knowing that Woodall’s will be put to bed forever after this publication.
"This major announcement, given to us only weeks ago, was deceptive and unethical, considering we worked our season feeling confident that Woodall’s would remain the number one book for the RV world, just as it had been for the past 75 years. "Woodall’s has been such a strong brand for Rvers and parks alike, we are quite frankly angry that this unprofessional decision was made. For all the millions of consumers that have used Woodall’s as their “RV Bible” and for all the RV parks that invested in Woodall’s advertising over the years, we are sorry. In fact, Woodall’s and Trailer Life will both be gone after 2012. The new organization will be creating a “Good Sam
Travel Guide” as the directory, which will make the loyal Woodall's users feel abandoned. We just don’t understand the logic to such a poor business move. "With all that said, we do want to take this time to thank you for your loyalty to Woodall’s. We have really enjoyed working with you these past 8 years and appreciated your hospitality and friendship. Working as your Woodall’s Rep wasn’t a job to us, it was a way of life and one we loved and believed in. We will miss all of you but feel the only moral thing for us to do is walk away and retire. In good conscience, we could not work for any other RV publication other than Woodall’s. We wish you the best in the future."
Vintage Airstream to go under the Hammer This totally rebuilt and customized 1954 Airstream Flying Cloud is a deluxe travel trailer that would make even Mother Nature herself pause and stare! Sports and outdoorsmen specialty retailer The Orvis Company is holding an online auction for this extraordinary luxury travel trailer. The current highest bid is at $76,000. However, the minimum reserve has not yet been met. Bids are
being accepted on it through December 11, 2011, 9 p.m. Eastern time. Travel-trailer restoration specialists Timeless Travel Trailers was commissioned by Orvis to make this 57year-old camper even better than it was originally. The specialty company, which has done full restorations and customizations to vintage Continued
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INDUSTRY NEWS
trailers that have sold for as much as $450,000, was up for the job. It is no small task, as Airstream is the world’s oldest manufacturer of luxury campers and recreational vehicles. The 1954 Airstream Flying Cloud luxury travel trailer is a design that is years ahead of its time. Its aluminum body makes it light enough to be towed by an ordinary automobile, while its interior design and amenities make it the pioneer of the glamorous travel trailers. The interior of this 1954 Airstream Flying Cloud is appointed
with natural hickory wood, aged oak flooring, copper sheet, and leather throughout. Brand-new running gear has been installed below the trailer, as it has been upgraded to current industry standards. Extra special creature comforts include features like an HDTV and a Blue Ray Player. The trailer is road ready and fully prepared for a fishing-andhunting or a cross-country expedition. For more information, visit TimelessTravelTrailers.com .
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PRESS RELEASE
MCPS for Campgrounds to Introduce ZOOMGATE™ At ARVC in Savannah MCPS for Campgrounds, the credit/debit card processor, which in August of this year announced that they were offering Electronic Funds Transfer for the campground industry, is set to offer their own payment gateway called Zoomgate™. The new gateway, which is an Internet-based, real time credit/debit card application, will allow campgrounds to use computers instead of POS terminals as a method of processing both credit card and debit cards for their retail or MOTO operations. The product can be a “Virtual Terminal” to use in ANY computer where the Internet can be utilized. Furthermore, Zoomgate™ can act as a gateway into their reservation programs. Both Leisure Interactive’s Hercules Program and RMS of North America are both already set-up for the Zoomgate™ application. Best of all, users of the new program will not have to pay a set-up or transaction fees in addition to processing fees. Perhaps, most importantly, there is no software installation required to utilize the application. After becoming a customer of MCPS for Campgrounds, owners will be assigned a user name and a password and then can log into the
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internet site and begin using the application. With the addition of a Magtek reader plugged into a USB port to swipe cards and a Verifone Pin-pad 1000 SE plugged into a serial port, a computer becomes a complete credit card terminal to process every type of transaction. These types of transactions are less of a security risk than utilizing mobile devices such as cell phones for transactions. If a campground already has a computer, then the cost of a POS terminal is virtually eliminated. If they already have a terminal, the device can be attached to the computer instead of a Magtek reader with a USB cable. MCPS has also announced that the application is available to developers to design their own customizable interfaces, making Zoomgate™ the ideal solution for adding payment capabilities to any other application. Developers would receive access to the Payment APIs, a sample code for integrating the program, 24/7 access to the test site, the PCIDSS/PA DSS Compliance Program and access to the Developer documentation. “This is so exciting”, says Art Lieberman, President of
MCPS for Campgrounds. “In the past few months several campgrounds had asked about how to set up remote locations, some at campground entrances, to handle credit card transactions.” “This is one of the few applications available that permits pin debit transactions”, proclaims Deanne Bower, VP of MCPS. “Those are the least expensive transactions when the transaction is over $50”. MCPS will be in booth 715 at the ARVC show and their laptop will be there to demonstrate Zoomgate™. MCPS will also be explaining the cost effectiveness of utilizing Electronic Funds Transfer instead of credit cards for recurring billing and for seasonal campers who wish to pay monthly for their site. “Zoomgate™ completes us,” says Lieberman “Now we have all the services a processor can offer: check guarantee, gift and loyalty cards, POS equipment, First Funds (cash advances against future credit card processing), our
Scrip ATM machine, eMerchantSupport, a program which permits owners to view their transactions on the web, our PCI compliance Program which not only enables owners access to the PCI Compliance questionnaire but offers a $50,000 indemnification program, our EFT Program and, now, our own Gateway.” “They’ll all be on display at our booth in Savannah and a few days later in Erie, PA for the PCOA Convention.” (MCPS for Campgrounds is sponsored by Woodforest Bank NA of The Woodlands, TX an acquiring bank for Visa, MasterCard and Discover). They are members of the Supplier Council of ARVC and 14 other State and Regional Campground Associations and also members of the National Ski Area Association and the Outdoor Industry Association. They are Strategic Partners of Best Parks in America. They can be contacted at 877-8589010 or by e-mail at rvcreditcards@yahoo.com. Their website is www.mcpsforcampgrounds.com.
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Vision without Action is always a Daydream
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What the Average Citizen and Business Owner Can Do
CONTACT US: By Larry “I am only one person, what can I do that would make an environmental difference?” Answer: cut back on use of water, electricity and heat/air systems and fuel. Environmental impact, both for better and for worse, is mostly a matter of accrual. The air, water and soil quality gradually get better or worse over time because of the many little things happening over long periods of time by millions of people that use energy and create waste matter and exhaust. Using less water saves water, wastewater, and energy that otherwise would be used for pumping, transporting and treating the water and wastewater. A good way of conserving water is to cut down on the use of treated water for irrigation of lawns, shrubs, trees and gardens. The EPA estimates that 29 billion gallons of water are used daily by US households.
30% of this water, 9 billion gallons, is used for outdoor purposes. In dry climates the outdoor use reaches as high as 70%. Excessive toilet flushing, long showers, and careless use of half-empty dishwashers and washing machines also present opportunities to improve.
Publisher/Editor: Dennis Macready dennis@industrye-news.com 865-387-5667
This holiday season would be a great time to trim back a little on Christmas lights. Turn the outdoor lights on a little later and turn them off a little earlier each evening. Then there is the thermostat: turn that heat down a degree or two and turn that air conditioning up a degree or two. Drive efficiently. “Efficient” includes combining errands and destinations into one trip, staying out of rush hour traffic when possible, walking instead of driving when possible, and not letting your vehicle idle.
Published By: Industry ENews LLC PO Box 5068 Sevierville Tennessee 37862
It really is true: every little bit helps.
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Copyright 2008 All Rights Reserved Republishing content from this E News is prohibited. Disclaimer: Opinions expressed in Campground & RV Park E News are not necessarily the opinion of the editor, publisher or staff. We do not accept responsibility for any damages resulting from inaccuracies in editorial or advertising. The Publisher, Industry ENews LLC is therefore indemnified against all actions, suits, claims for damages resulting from content in this publication. Content cannot be reproduced without the prior consent of the publisher.
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