Issue 172 Campground & RV Park E News

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New Chairman at ARVC

PAGE 1 ISSUE 172 12/7/11

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ARVC Awards Page 2 CONY winners Page 9 ARVC Board Elections Page 7

Rob Schutter elected as Chairman- See Page7

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The National Association of RV Parks & Campgrounds recognizes Top Parks in its Annual Awards Competition Judges rated the nation’s private parks on customer service, marketing, eco-friendly practices and involvement in their local communities DENVER, Dec. 5, 2011 -The National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds (ARVC) recognized the achievements of private parks during its annual industry awardscompetition.

The highest honors, called the “Park of the Year” awards, sponsored by Good Sam, were given to campgrounds, RV parks and resorts based on several criteria, including customer service, employee training, operational excellence, national directory ratings and community service.

Winners included: -- Nashville Country RV Park, Goodlettsville, Tenn., Small Park of the Year

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the best statewide campground directories.

Award recipients in this category included: -- Maryland Association of Campgrounds, Small State Association Category -- New Jersey Campground Owners Association, Medium State Association Category -- California Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds, Large State Association Category

-- Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Camp-Resort at Kozy Rest, Harrisville, Penn., Medium Size Park of the Year

friendly received the association's "Plan it Green Award." The winners in this category were:

-- Buttonwood Campground, Mexico, Penn., Large Park of the Year

-- Guadalupe River RV Park Campground & Nature Trails, Spring Branch, Texas, Small/Medium Park Category

-- Ocean Lakes Family Campground, Myrtle Beach, S.C., Mega Park of the Year

-- Lakewood Camping Resort, Myrtle Beach, S.C., Large/Mega Park Category

The parks that made exemplary efforts to become environmentally

On the marketing front, awards were presented to state campground associations that produced

Top performing state campground association executives were also recognized for their efforts, including: -- Rob Halcrow, Tennessee Association of RV Parks & Campgrounds, State Executive Director of the Year -- Vicki Cole, Ohio Association of Campground Owners, State President of the Year Mark Anderson, Steve Albrecht, Jo Ann Mickelson, and Karl Littman were all recognized for exemplary service as outgoing Continued

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Continued members of the ARVC Board of Directors , while Tom Kilmer of Suburban Propane was recognized as, “Supplier of the Year” for going the extra mile on behalf of its customers and the campground industry.

The winners were announced during an awards ceremony Friday at ARVC's annual Outdoor Hospitality Convention & Expo, which took place at the Westin Savannah Golf Resort & Spa in Savannah, Ga.

S.D. RV Park Owner Faces Uphill Battle

had to pay campers back that are not coming back so it was six figures and then paid them back."

For years Larson's Landing RV Park has been home to several families living in mobile units and RV's but the 2011 Siouxland flood has forever changed things, there physically, financially and emotionally.

And it should be noted that Larson, too, lost her home in the process. While she's moved on for the most part, outside of the flood plain and inside a bigger, nicer home, she's another account of the thousands of lives this summer's flooding has changed forever.

What was once filled with about 22 sinking mobile homes and flood water from the Missouri River is now filled with nothing but sand. A harsh reality for the people that once lived there and the people that helped create it.

"Once the water went down it was pretty devastating. I

mean it was just so ugly," said Linda Larson, the owner of Larson's Landing RV Park.

But Larson says the unsightly appearance of her pride and joy is only half of her troubles. After the flood FEMA made most of her property a flood plain, meaning mobile homes will no longer be allowed at the park just RV's. So from now on this place will be a summer park and that has added up to a loss of half a million dollars.

Larson says, "It was a lot of money because actually we

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So while it'll be slightly different than before Larson says she and her husband expect to have the place fixed up by July 1st and they will celebrate with a grand re–opening.

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PRESS RELEASE

44 Campgrounds and RV Resorts make the “A” grade in GuestRated.com’s 4th Annual Consumer Satisfaction Survey More than 30,000 consumers submitted online reviews of campgrounds, RV parks and Resorts across the United States DENVER, Colo., Dec. 5, 2011 – Four-four campgrounds, RV parks and resorts earned all around “A” grades in the fourth annual consumer satisfaction survey of campgrounds, RV parks and resorts.

The top parks were announced Friday during the National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds’ annual Outdoor Hospitality Conference & Expo, which took place at the Westin Savannah Harbor Resort & Spa and Savannah International Trade and Convention Center.

More than 30,000 camping and RV enthusiasts participated in the online survey, which evaluated guest experiences at campgrounds, RV parks and resorts that are affiliated with the National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds.

“Consistently earning an overall ‘A’ grade from

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-- Brookdale Family Campground, Meadville, Penn., a first-time “A” grade winner, www.brookdalecampground.com

-- Buffalo Lake Camping Resort, Montello, Wis., a two-time “A” grade winner,

Bob MacKinnon

www.buffalolakecamping.com

guests is difficult, and our 44 winners this year represent less than 2 percent of all of the nation’s campgrounds. But what is even more impressive is that 12 of this year’s winners have also received this award four years in a row,” said Bob MacKinnon, president and CEO of GuestRated.com, the Murrieta, Calif.-based company that conducted the online survey.

“Consumers should take the time to check out the ratings that are posted for each campground on GoCampingAmerica.com because that’s the quickest way to tell which parks are best meeting – and exceeding – guest expectations,” said Paul Bambei, president and CEO of the National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds.

-- Buttonwood Campground, Mexico, Penn., a four-time “A” grade winner, www.buttonwoodcamp.com Paul Bambei The 44 parks earning “A” grades this year are listed below. They include:

-- Camp A Way, Lincoln, Neb., a first-time “A” grade winner, www.campaway.com

-- Acres of Wildlife Campground in Steep Falls, Maine, a three-time “A” grade winner, www.acresofwildlife.com

-- Chalk Creek Campground & RV Park, Nathrop, Colo. a three-time “A” grade winner,

-- Anaheim Resort RV Park, Anaheim, Calif., a first-time “A” grade winner,

-- Cherry Hill Park, College Park, Md., a three-time “A” grade winner, www.cherryhillpark.com

www.anaheimresortrvpark.com

-- Ashland Resort, Northfork, W.V., a two-time “A” grade winner, www.atvresort.com -- At Rivers Edge RV Resort, Brookings, Ore., a first-time “A” grade winner, www.atriversedge.com

www.chalkcreek-campground.com

-- Cross Creek Camping Resort, Delaware, Ohio, a first-time “A” grade winner, www.alumcreek.com -- D & W Lake Camping and RV Park, Champaign, Ill., a two-time “A” grade winner, www.dwlake.com

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Continued -- Dogwood Acres Campground, Newville, Penn., a four-time “A” grade winner, www.dogwoodcamping.com -- Emerald Coast RV Beach Resort, Panama City, Fla., a first-time “A” grade winner, www.rvresort.com -- Gettysburg Campground, Gettysburg, Penn., a threetime “A” grade winner, www.gettysburgcampground.com

-- Gold Country Campground Resort, Pine Grove, Calif., a first-time “A” grade winner, www.goldcountrycampground.com

-- Hidden Valley RV Park, Von Ormy, Texas, a firsttime “A” grade winner, www.hiddenvalleyrv.net -- High Plains Camping, Oakley, Kan., a four-time “A” grade winner, www.highplainscamping.co m -- Kalyumet Camping & Cabins, Lucinda, Penn., a first-time “A” grade winner, HYPERLINK "http://www.kalyumet.com" www.kalyumet.com -- Keen Lake Camping & Cottage Resort, Waymart, Penn., a three-time “A” grade winner, www.keenlake.com -- Kozy Rest Kampground, Harrisville, Penn., a fourtime “A” grade winner, www.kozyrestcampground.com

-- Lake George RV Park, Lake George, N.Y., a fourtime “A” grade winner, www.lakegeorgervpark.com

Beach, S.C., a four-time “A” grade winner, www.oceanlakes.com

-- West Canada Creek Campsites, Poland, N.Y., a three-time “A” grade winner,

-- Pecan Park Campground, San Marcos, Texas, a first-time “A” grade winner, www.pecanpark.com

www.westcanadacreekcampsites.com

-- Las Vegas RV Resort, Las Vegas, Nev., a twotime “A” grade winner, www.lasvegasrvresort.com -- Magnolia RV Park & Campground, Kinards, S.C., a two-time “A” grade winner, www.magnoliarvparksc.com -- Meadowcliff Lodge & RV Resort, Coleville, Calif., a three-time “A” grade winner, www.meadowcliff.com -- Mill Creek Ranch RV & Cottage Resort, Canton, Texas, a four-time “A” grade winner, www.millcreekranchresort.com

-- Misty River Cabins & RV Resort, Walland, Tenn., a four-time “A” grade winner, www.mistyriverrv.com -- Moose River Campground, Saint Johnsbury, Vt., a first-time “A” grade winner, www.mooserivercampground.com

-- Pioneer Campground, Laporte, Penn., a four-time “A” grade winner, www.pioneercampground.com

-- Pismo Coast Village RV Resort, Pismo Beach, Calif., a two-time “A” grade winner, www.pismocoastvillage.com -- Pontchartrain Landing, New Orleans, La., a threetime “A” grade winner, www.pontchartrainlanding.com

-- Red Apple Campground, Kennebunkport, Me., a three-time “A” grade winner, www.redapplecampground.com

-- Rose Point Park, New Castle, Penn., a first-time “A” grade winner, https://rosepointpark.com -- Sunny Brook RV Resort, South Haven, Mich., a fourtime “A” grade winner, www.sunnybrookrvresort.com

-- Mountain Vista Campground, East Stroudsburg, Penn., a three-time “A” grade winner, www.mtnvistacampground.com

-- Myrtle Beach Travel Park, Myrtle Beach, S.C., a first-time “A” grade winner, www.myrtlebeachtravelpark.com

-- Ocean Lakes Family Campground, Myrtle

-- The Springs at Borrego RV Resort and Golf Course, Borrego Springs, Calif., a two-time “A” grade winner, www.springsatborrego.com

-- Willow Tree Resort, Longs, S.C., a three-time “A” grade winner, www.willowtreerv.com -- Yellowstone Holiday Campground, West Yellowstone, Mont., a firsttime “A” grade winner, www.yellowstoneholiday.com

The GuestRated.com national online survey program was launched in 2008 in collaboration with ARVC. Consumers are invited to submit their own reviews of private campgrounds and RV resorts they have recently visited by logging on to www.GoCampingAmerica.c om and clicking on the “Review a Park” tab.

Survey results will eventually be posted on the GoCampingAmerica website.

For more information about the online survey program, please contact Bob MacKinnon of GuestRated.com at (877) 707-7080 as well as Paul Bambei of the National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds at (303) 681-0401.

-- The Vineyards Campground & Cabins, Grapevine, Texas, a fourtime “A” grade winner,

Also be sure to visit www.GuestRated.com and

www.vineyardscampground.com

www.GoCampingAmerica.com

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INDUSTRY NEWS

opportunity to commit his fraud without detection.

CFO Pleads Guilty to Wire Fraud SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- The former chief financial officer of Dutchmen Manufacturing was sentenced to 41 months in prison Nov. 21 after pleading guilty to one count of wire fraud.

Mark Schwartzhoff was also ordered to repay $1,969,035 in restitution to Thor Industries at $100 per month starting two months after his release from prison. He will begin his sentence Jan. 3. Following his release, he will be on probation for three years.

According to sentencing documents, the court recommended that Schwartzhoff receive mental health evaluation and treatment, and that he be imprisioned as close as possible to Independence, Mo., where he can be closer to family.

According to the Securities Exchange Commission, while serving as the senior financial officer of Dutchmen, Schwartzhoff engaged in a fraudulent accounting scheme to understate Dutchmen’s cost of goods sold in order to avoid recognizing inventory costs that were not reflected in Dutchmen’s financial accounting system.

Instead of properly recording increased cost of goods sold, Schwartzhoff concealed the costs in

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various balance sheet accounts by making baseless manual journal entries to falsify the financial statements and other records he provided to Thor. To cover-up his false entries, the complaint alleges that Schwartzhoff created false supporting documentation and false account reconciliations.

Schwartzhoff also submitted false documents and information to Thor’s external auditor.

As alleged in the complaint, Schwartzhoff’s fraud overstated Dutchmen’s pre-tax income by nearly $27 million from fiscal year 2003 to the second quarter of fiscal 2007, and allowed him to obtain nearly $300,000 in ill-gotten bonuses.

In June 2007, Thor filed restated financial statements for fiscal years 2004 to 2006, each of the quarters of fiscal 2005 and 2006, and the first quarter of fiscal 2007, reducing its pre-tax income by approximately $26 million in the aggregate.

Earlier this year, Thor Industries agreed to pay a $1 million fine for failing to implement adequate internal financial controls.

According to the SEC, Thor’s failure to implement adequate internal controls provided Schwartzhoff the

In particular, Thor failed to adequately implement and verify certain key segregation of duties within accounting and financial functions at Dutchmen, which allowed Schwartzhoff to have unfettered access rights to Dutchmen’s accounting system, the ability to create, enter and approve manual journal entries, and the ability to create and approve account reconciliations.

As a result, Schwartzhoff was able to make fraudulent journal entries in various accounts and to disguise these entries through account reconciliations and supporting documents that

he falsified. In addition, as alleged in the complaint, Thor failed adequately to monitor and verify account reconciliations and account information that Schwartzhoff submitted in reporting Dutchmen’s financial results. Thor also failed to implement an effective internal audit function for Dutchmen.

As the SEC’s complaint alleges, after Schwartzhoff's fraud came to light, Thor concluded that the internal control failures at Dutchmen constituted a material weakness in Thor’s internal controls over financial reporting. Thor also determined that similar lack of segregation of duties existed in varying degrees at each of its subsidiaries.

California man crushed to death by truck at White County RV Park in Georgia CLEVELAND - A California man was crushed to death Sunday while working on his truck at a White County RV park.

White County Corner Ricky Barrett says 57-year-old Frank Rober Baker of Avalon, California , was under the truck working on the emergency brake when

the jack he was using to lift the vehicle started to slide in the soft dirt.

That caused the vehicle fall on him.

The accident happened around 5:00 Sunday afternoon at the Loud Mine RV Park on Abb Helton Road west of Cleveland.

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ARVC elects New Board/Officers ARVC members has elected a new slate of officers for the association, including Chairman Rob Schutter of Leisure Systems Inc. in Milford, Ohio; First Vice Chairwoman Marcia Galvin of Normandy Farms in Foxboro, Mass.; second Vice Chairman Michael Gelfand of Terra Vista Management in Rancho Santa Fe, Calif.; Secretary Terry Munoz of Thousand Trails-Lake Conroe in Willis, Texas; and Treasurer Patrick O’Neill of Camping on the Gulf in Destin, Fla. The past chairman is David L. Berg.

of Desert’s Edge RV Village in Phoenix, Ariz.; and Tim Deputy of Sun N Fun RV Resort in Sarasota, Fla.

Rob Schutter New ARVC board members include Mark Wineman of Kalyumet Campground in Lucinda, Pa.; Saundra Bryn

Other campground industry meetings also took place concurrently with ARVC’s annual convention and tradeshow, including meetings of Campground Association Management Professionals (CAMP), which includes state campground association executives from across the country, as well as an update meeting involving affiliates of Best Parks in America (BPA).

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Beverly Gruber, executive director of the Pennsylvania Campground Owners Association (PCOA), received a certificate of appreciation from ARVC for her 28 years of service to the outdoor hospitality industry. She has attended most of the ARVC conventions since her first in 1983 in New Orleans.

The trade show featured more than 100 vendors where several vendors said they were pleased with the show, and noted that the response from park operators was stronger than last year.

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Campground Owners of New York announce marketing award winners during banquet Niagara Falls, New York – Campground Owners of New York (CONY), a trade association for privately owned campgrounds, honored three member campgrounds with marketing awards at the association’s awards banquet held during its 48th Annual Exposition for the Outdoor Hospitality Industry, at the Conference & Event Center at Niagara Falls, New York, November 5, 2011.

Awards were announced for the following categories: Website design; simple brochure, and mailer piece.

A panel of independent judges from other states campground associations reviewed all submissions and picked the winners for each category.

The judges created criteria for judging each marketing product. The criteria included ease of use, photo quality, useful information and other product specific categories, with each category rated 1 through 5, lowest to highest. Highest cumulative scores determined the winner for each category.

According to Donald Bennett, Jr., President and CEO of CONY, campground owners are working hard to educate themselves and be aware of the trends in marketing and design.

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From left: CONY Chairman Mike Papp, Exposition Chairperson Rosemary Curtis, Chautauqua Lake KOA owners Anita Perry and Bill Perry with Grandson Elijah, CONY President and CEO Donald Bennett, Jr., and Scott Sherwood, CONY Immediate Past Chairman.

Bennett remarked, “In addition to making improvements to their parks, each year I notice more campground owners making an added investment in the quality of their marketing pieces, such as their websites and brochures. I believe these increased efforts to showcase their campgrounds are paying off for our members, and I think our three winners this year set a great example for quality marketing pieces.”

The 2011 Winners for best marketing pieces by

members of Campground Owners of New York are: Best Website: Lake George RV Park, Lake George, New York. The website is designed and maintained for owners David King and the King family, by Mannix Marketing, Glens Falls, New York. Lake George RV Park is a premier resort RV Park in the heart of Lake George, with full-service facilities and an abundance of spectacular on-site recreation for the whole family. For more information about Lake George RV Park and to view the award-winning

website, go to www.lakegeorgervpark.com

.

Best Simple Brochure Design: Jones Pond Campground & RV Park, Angelica, New York. The brochure, designed by Continued

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Torque Advertising, Fort Lauderdale, FL, was submitted for consideration by campground owners Doug Bachman and Steve Allen. Jones Pond Campground & RV Park is a gay-owned, membersonly, adult male (21+) camping facility located on 100+ acres in the beautiful rolling hills of the Genesee Valley in Western New York State. More information on Jones Pond Campground at www.jonespond.com.

Best Mailer Piece Design: Chautauqua Lake KOA, Dewittville, New York. The mailer piece, designed by Register Graphics, Inc., Randolph, NY, was submitted for consideration by campground owners Bill

and Anita Perry.

Chautauqua Lake KOA offers complete, resortquality facilities set on 180 acres of wooded and open land overlooking the northeast shore of Chautauqua Lake a halfmile away. More information about Chautauqua Lake KOA at www.chautauqualakekoa.com.

Important Dates: CARVC Convention and Expo 2/6/2012 - 2/7/2012 Lakewood Camping Resort 5901 South Kings Highway Myrtle Beach, SC 29575 Contact: Gary Queen Phone: 800-906-0907 Email: gqueen@carvc.org

Next Issue of GetawayUSA featuring Florida, California, Texas and Tennessee

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Florida RV Park Sand Woes You'd think building a recreational vehicle park would be fairly simple.

Pave some parking slots.

Install power and water lines and a dump station.

Open for business.

Not when you're building one on Pensacola Beach.

It took developers of a $2.4 million luxury recreational park on Via de Luna almost two years to secure permits from the state, Escambia County and the Santa Rosa Island Authority to allow them to put shovels in the sand last month on the environmentally sensitive barrier island.

The goal was to open the park by early spring. But the long-awaited construction start was abruptly halted when discolored sand — varying from dusty gray to clay orange — was uncovered during site preparation Now, the future of the 70lot park, with lush landscaping and a swimming pool, is uncertain.

Under a coastal development ordinance aimed at protecting the iconic white sand of the beach, Escambia County has ordered developers with Holiday Holding Trust

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and Gulfside Resorts to remove the top two feet of the discolored sand and haul it off the island without spilling a grain.

Holiday Holding principal Jim Reeves says that could add another $100,000 to the project that is already costing nearly $1 million more than it would on the mainland because each campsite must come equipped with its own sewer tap to meet environmental regulations.

"The sand belongs to the county," he said. "The sand was taken out of the road bed when Via de Luna was widened 10 years ago."

At that time, Reeves said, the county allowed the sand to be placed on the property, which is the former site of the Tiki House motel. Hurricane Dennis in 2005 wiped out the hotel, which Reeves owned.

Paolo Ghio, Island Authority director of development, said it does not matter how the sand got on the property: The owner is responsible once it is there, he said.

Keith Wilkins, the county's deputy director for community and environment, said uncovering and removing discolored sand from the island is a routine part of beach construction projects.

Full Article: www.pnj.com

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Washington Pacific Springs RV Resort & Campground Remodeled Pacific Springs RV Resort is pleased to announce that it has been renovated to offer better accommodations and more advanced technology for valued guests.

Pacific Springs RV Resort’s goal is to provide a calm, quiet, comfortable atmosphere in gorgeous Eastern Washington while allowing guests to take advantage of all the amenities the 21st century has to offer. This includes: Direct TV, Internet access (WiFi), 20/30/50 AMP full-

service hookups for RVs, and much more.

To allow for easy booking, Pacific Springs RV Resort now offers online reservations via the company website. RV enthusiasts can quickly and easily make reservations on the go, then spend more time enjoying the trip ahead.

Aside from upgrading the technology at Pacific Springs RV Resort, a variety of other renovations have been made.

A new gym has been added

with free weights and cardio machines along with 5 brand new, fully furnished trailers.

Additionally, 10 furnished cabins and suites with central AC/heat have been renovated.

Pacific Springs RV Resort retains many of its original features, including: 73 RV sites, tent camp sites with fire pits, a heated swimming pool, driving range for golf enthusiasts, and a basketball/tennis court.

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Many guests that visit Pacific Springs RV Resort are vacationers moving across Washington or the Northwest, and are either traveling to or coming from other cities in the area.

These include: Coulee City, Ellensburg, Everett, George, East Wenatchee, Kennewick, Marysville, Moses Lake, Pasco, Pullman, Quincy, Richland, Seattle, Soap Lake, Spokane, Tacoma, and Wenatchee.

There are also many guests that come to Pacific Springs RV Resort as their final destination.

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New RV Resort planned for Florida NAVARRE - Early next month a new RV resort will open in Navarre creating at least 6 new jobs and giving tourist another reason to visit south Santa Rosa County.

Despite the economic growth some locals are worried the project will damage the area's "Natural" look.

I guess it depends on who

you ask.

Project managers here at the new "Saint Rosa Sound RV Resort" say this development is a great fit for Navarre.

There's room for 88 RVs plus a fitness facility and a pool.

But some locals are afraid this project will further block the view of the water.

Lawana Jones has called

Navarre home for 20 years.

There are several reasons why she wants to call Navarre home for another 20.

left all of that land down there open so you could see through to the water.

There will be nothing parked down there."

Lawana Jones/Loves Navarre said, "Peace.

Tranquility. That's what this area is. I've been here 20 years and there's nothing like a day like this."

Resort Manager Jinks Dupre says there will NOT be any kind of large fence placed between 98 and the vacationing RVers.

Lawana admits she had mixed emotions when she heard this stretch of soundside property would soon be transformed into an RV Resort.

Lawana Jones said, "We own a small business and anything is welcomed but there's a price you pay and I think it's the beauty of the water."

And Lawana is not alone.

Theresa Lancaster/Doesn't Like New RV Development said, "I don't think it's particularly think it's a good spot for it.. I know it's good for jobs but it's not very nice to look at."

But project managers with the Saint Rosa Sound RV Resort say there's no need for the concern.

The property has been designed to have open sight lines for people passing by.

Jinks Dupre/Manager St. Rosa Sound said, "You will be able to see through the rigs out to the water when you're coming down 87. We

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And she says guest will not be allowed to permanently live here so there will be many days when these RV spots sit empty.

And Dupre says this property is more open now than it was before construction began because so many dead trees had to be removed.

Despite all that some say they're concerned because some change can't be undone.

Lawana Jones said, "We can do a lot of things but once it's messed up it's over."

Crews are putting the finishing touches on this resort and it should be opened by January 8th.

The property owner says this is a good compromise because originally he looked at building a condo here and that would have really blocked the view for drivers.

Article: www.weartv.com

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Washington State Parks face Dilemma The Washington State Parks system, the fourth oldest in the nation, is at a brink of uncertainty in the state’s lingering budget crisis.

After 98 years, officials are looking at switching from a traditional parks model to operating like a business, with emphasis on the bottom line.

The Legislature has been weaning the agency from state general fund tax support, forcing heavier reliance on user fees.

But the new Discover Pass, required since July for vehicle access to state parks and many other state lands, has not generated the expected revenue.

The State Parks and Recreation Commission is meeting Tuesday to discuss a budget reduction plan, as well as how it will approach the Legislature to make the $30 annual Discover Pass more appealing to consumers.

“We see our budget is going to fall short and we’re trying to plan ahead for how to deal with that,” said Sandy Mealing, agency spokeswoman.

More cuts are inevitable, parks officials say, although they refrain from suggesting any of the remaining 116 state parks will be closed.

“It would be counterproductive to close parks while we’re asking people to pay for them,” Mealing said. “We’re doing everything we can to keep parks open.”

Pink slips to some of the agency’s 516 full-time employees – already down by about 80 positions since July 2008 – are likely to be in the mail before the end of the year.

“I don’t know whether I’ll be here when the dust settles, but I’ll be doing everything I possibly can to cut costs and bring in money,” said Chris Guidotti, Riverside State Park manager in Spokane. “But I don’t think there’s any question that some services will have to be reduced.”

State Parks officials across the state are diverting more of their attention from providing recreation to generating revenue.

For example, Guidotti said previous staff cuts have left Riverside State Park with three empty houses he’d like to market as vacation rentals.

“It’s all a balancing act,” he said. “The new equestrian campground that will be finished next season will generate money, but not unless I have staff to take care of it.”

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Campground Owners in Colorado still battling County Decisions FORT COLLINS -- Jeff and Lori Shaffer are one step closer to reopening their Drake Campground.

However, the next step will be no easy journey.

The Larimer County commissioners on Monday bucked a staff recommendation and removed the "residential use only" clause from the parcel of land the Shaffers have owned and operated as a campground since 1983.

The action does not reopen the campground, which

was shuttered in October because of a zoning violation. It simply removes a roadblock to allow the family to apply for special review and flood plain special review --costly and lengthy processes.

"It's America, and people should have the right to a hearing," said Commissioner Steve Johnson, summing up the shared opinion of all three elected officials.

However, the hearing process will require a thorough look at the

property, which is in the floodway (at the corner of U.S. 34 and County Road 42), has steep slopes and has setback issues. The process will be difficult, Johnson noted, but the family deserves the opportunity to try.

Of major concern is the location in the floodway created after the deadly 1976 Big Thompson flood.

"The reason we have flood plains is not to shut down economic development," Johnson noted, "but to protect people from natural disasters. This is the site of one of the biggest natural disasters in the state."

The Shaffers bought the property in 1983, not knowing of the residentialonly clause on the deed.

They continued to operate the campground for the subsequent 28 years, following a tradition documents date as far back as 1948 -- well before the flood and the flood plain.

But unlike the next-door neighboring property, which was once owned by the Shaffers, the Drake Campground is not grandfathered in because of those three words on the plat: residential use only.

Haag, assistant county attorney.

That, according to the Shaffers and several community members and longtime campers who have come to their defense, just does not make sense. They say the campground, which operated and paid sales tax for 28 years until an anonymous complaint brought it to the attention of county staff, is vital to the economy of all the businesses up and down the Big Thompson Canyon.

"Are you going to shut down other businesses in the canyon in the floodway?" asked Drake resident Shirley Miller. "The highway is in the floodway.

Are you going to shut that down? I think the county commissioners should be working to keep our businesses open, not closing them. The economy is bad enough."

With a green light to apply for special review, the Shaffers must still find thousands of dollars to pay for the process with their main source of income -the campground -- closed and no guarantees their application will be approved.

Article: www.reporterherald.com

"You've got a plat note that trumps all of those years of prior use," said Jeannine

PAGE 14

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Campground Store in California Robbed Police are looking for a man suspected of robbing a south Morgan Hill convenience store by brandishing a gun and making off with an undisclosed sum of cash.

The armed robbery happened about 1:50 p.m.

Friday at a store within the Maple Leaf RV park, 15200 Monterey Road, according to Morgan Hill police Sgt. Troy Hoefling.

An unknown man wearing a "beanie" hat walked into the store and pulled a handgun.

He pointed the weapon at the two employees on staff and demanded money, police said.

In fear for their safety, one of the employees removed

the cash drawer from the register and placed it on the counter, Hoefling said.

The suspect removed the paper cash from the drawer himself and fled the scene.

Officers searched the area and were unable to find the robber, Hoefling said.

Police do not know if the suspect fled on foot or in a waiting vehicle.

A security camera outside the store captured images of the suspect, who is described as a lightskinned Hispanic male, about 5-feet 9-inches tall and weighing 170 pounds, police said. He was wearing light colored blue jeans, a white T-shirt, dark shoes and gloves.

Burn in Montana gets out of control The last day of the burning season ended on a scary note in Great Falls, when a controlled burn got out of control on the southeast side of Great Falls.

The controlled burn got underway between 2 and 3 p.m. near the KOA campground; the KOA campground is located at 1500 51st Street South.

The burn is done annually

by KOA campground staff to remove dead trees and debris; this time, however,

some of the embers from the fire were blown by the powerful winds and ignited some nearby railroad ties.

Just before 5:30 p.m., flames and smoke could be seen from nearby residential areas, but the fire did not threaten any structures.

Firefighters from Black Eagle, Sand Coulee, and Malmstrom Air Force Base responded to the blaze and had it extinguished quickly.

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INDUSTRY NEWS

Credit Cards Making A Comeback Credit cards are making a comeback.

At the end of 2008, more consumers were using debit cards than credit cards but now that trend has reversed, said Silvio Tavares, senior vice president at First Data, which processes card transactions for 4.1 million merchant locations.

"Credit is back in favor," he said. "Consumers have spent the last couple of years de-leveraging and reducing credit card use, but during the past month -and since April [of this year] -- they've been using their credit cards more and are starting to return to prerecession buying habits."

Purchases made with credit cards rose 8.2 percent in the first quarter of 2011, 9 percent in the second quarter and 10.6 percent in the third quarter, according to First Data. That compares with gains in debit card use of 9.6 percent, 8.3 percent and 5.9 percent for the same quarters.

And a growing number of holiday shoppers are already opting for credit this year. Payments made with credit cards on Black Friday jumped 7.4 percent from the same day a year earlier, while debit card use only rose 3.4 percent.

It's hard for some consumers to resist. Banks

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have been ramping up solicitations and boosting incentives for credit cards over the past year in an effort to get them to choose credit over debit.

Credit card mailings have surged 85 percent since the beginning of 2010 to 1.3 billion credit card offers in the third quarter of 2011, according to analysis conducted by research firm Mintel Compermedia.

Many of these offers come loaded with new perks.

Several major issuers have eliminated charges like foreign transaction fees and balance transfer fees, and many are offering heftier rewards.

While debit card rewards programs have been getting the axe at banks like Wells Fargo (WFC, Fortune 500) and Chase (JPM, Fortune 500), card issuers have been ramping up rewards on credit cards. Eight out of ten credit card offers this year have been for cards with rewards points, miles or cash rebates -- up from six in ten offers two years ago, Mintel found.

It's a trend that is only likely to intensify as it becomes less costeffective for banks to offer debit cards. After all, while the fee they charge retailers was recently capped at 21 cents per transaction for debit cards, card issuers get

approximately 2 percent of a transaction for credit cards.

And, of course, credit cards bring banks the added bonus of interest payments when consumers don't pay off their balances each month.

"Banks want you to reach into your wallet or purse for a credit card to make the payment since it means more profit to the bank," said Bill Hardekopf, CEO of credit comparison site LowCards.com.

Raising checking account fees over the past year and recently attempting to add debit card usage fees are some of the other ways banks have been trying to convince customers to make the switch, he said.

The push seems to be proving successful. Javelin Strategy & Research recently projected that online credit card use will surge 63 percent from 2011 to 2016, compared to a 2 percent increase in debit card use. Data on the projected increase in overall payment use -- not just online -- will be released later this month.

But if you're one of the many people making the switch, be careful.

"If you switch to credit cards for payments, pay off your balance in its entirety each month," Hardekopf said.

"Otherwise, the interest payments could become overwhelming and are sure to be greater than any new debit card fee."

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INDUSTRY NEWS

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Vision without Action is always a Daydream

We can help create your Vision.. With over 30 years in marketing and advertising creating advertising campaigns, inspirational and effective advertising concepts with all forms of media the staff at Industry E News not only bring you Campground & RV park E News and GetawayUSA but we can also get your message across in the most cost effective manner.

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INDUSTRY NEWS

Four Ways to Protect your Septic System

CONTACT US:

By Larry With winter coming on and the end of the calendar year approaching many will be turning attention to the budget. Septic systems are one of those big ticket items. Replacing septic systems is best delayed or prevented by protecting and maintaining them properly. The ounce of prevention and the relatively few dollars involved for professional maintenance of your system can make an enormous financial difference in the long run.

Here is the short list of how to do it.

1. Conserve water and repair any leaky faucets.

Kitchen, bath and laundry use of water needs to be less during the winter and spring as well as after heavy rains. The drainfield can absorb only so much moisture at any given time.

2. Protect the drainfield.

Mark it with red flags if you get snow cover. Never let anyone drive over it.

Make sure surface water drains away from it.

3. Pump the tank on a regular basis every 3 to 5 years. Additives do not significantly reduce solids and should NOT be used in place of pumping.

Follow the advice of your professional pumper. If you do not have a professional pumper it would be wise to get one!

Publisher/Editor: Dennis Macready dennis@industrye-news.com 865-387-5667

4. What not to put into the system: poisons, bleach, chemicals, solvents, cleaning fluids, paint, motor oil, gasoline, kitty litter, hygiene products, cooking oil, grease, waste food, garbage, and trash all have their place for disposal. The septic system is not that place.

Published By: Industry ENews LLC PO Box 5068 Sevierville Tennessee 37862

Advertising: 865-387-5667 dennis@industrye-news.com

Copyright 2008 All Rights Reserved Republishing content from this E News is prohibited. Disclaimer: Opinions expressed in

Septic systems give signals of trouble. These include odors, pooling of water and of course toilets that won’t flush properly and drains that do not drain quickly. Pay close attention to these signs and keep touch with your professional service person: your system will in the end last longer and function better. Benign neglect is not the answer.

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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