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PAGE 1 ISSUE 173 12/14/11
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Thanks to all our readers, contributors and advertisers for your support during 2011. The Good News is that we will be back in 2012! Our first issue in the New Year will be on 1/18/12.
INDUSTRY NEWS
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Pennsylvania Convention Recap The 2011 Pennsylvania Campground Owners Association Convention will go down in the history books as one of the best ever. There was an excitement in the air. The facility was perfect, the seminars were awesome and everyone had a great time.
Gorin, State Exec of Virginia
The keynote speaker, Mr. Jim Rogers from KOA, left everyone energized with his talk about “Majoring in the Minors.” He spoke about building guest loyalty through doing the basics.
ARVC - As An Industry, Where Are We Going? by Jeff Sims, State Relations Chairman, National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds, Centennial, Colorado
12 Seminars
Redeveloping An Older Park by David Gorin, State Exec of New York
Accounting for Campgrounds by Don Bennett, State Exec of New York Food Safety Updates by Rick Kralj, Jefferson County, Pa. Ag Extension Generational Differences by Monica Gould, Strategy Consulting Partners, Mechanicsburg, Pa. Influencing the People Who Count by David
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Earn Sʼmore from Your Camp Store by Lori Severson, State Exec of Wisconsin Get Social and Build Your Business by Peter Pelland of Pelland Advertising, Haydenville, Mass.
Going from Good to Great by Jim Rogers, CEO and Chairman of KOA, Billings, Montana Pesticide Seminar by Michael Marcin, PA Department of Ag, Meadville; Mike Bonavita, B&R Aquatic Education, Pittsburgh, and Ruth Benner, Erie County Ag Extension. Recreation Workshop by
Vicki Cole, ShelbyMansfield KOA, Shelby, Ohio. 12 Round Tables Going Green - Denny McFarland, Buttonwood Campground, Mexico, Pa. Point of Sale for Your Store Debbie Wilcox, Shenango Valley RV Park, Shenango, Pa. and Deb Yeager, Rose Point Park Cabins & Camping, New Castle, Pa. Swimming Pool Trends & Adaptations - Mark Wineman, Kalyumet Campground, Lucinda, Pa. Creative Marketing Methods (Couponing) Keith Wehr, Bear Run Campground, Portersville, Pa. Program/Recreation Activities - Vicki Cole, Shelby-Mansfield KOA, Shelby, Ohio. Pet Accomodations - Nance Glantz, Four Seasons at Raystown Lake Camping Resort, Saxton, Pa. Marcellus Shale - Threats &
Opportunities - Bruce Heasley, Holiday Pines Campground, Loganton, Pa. & Kathy Stetler, Pioneer Campground, Laporte, Pa. Ready for Disaster - Jim Breneman, Old Mill Stream Campground, Lancaster, Pa. Contracts are Important Tim Cartmell, Countryside Family Campground, Honesdale, Pa. Unique Maintenance Ideas Tim Chilson, Meadville KOA, Meadville, Pa. Employee Training & Motivation Techniques Mary Lou Rohlf, Benner's Meadow Run Camping & Cabins, Farmington, Pa. New Profit Centers - Robyn Chilson, Meadville KOA, Meadville, Pa. Crackerbarrel - conducted by Bruce Heasley, Holiday Pines Campground, Loganton, Pa. . Well attended. Airing and Sharing Conducted by Judy Deegans, KOA Kampgrounds, Billings, Continued
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Continued Montana Trade Show - Fifty-six exhibitors were present. Great variety: log cabin dealers, equipment dealers, shirt vendors, advertising, entertainers, food distributors, software providers, printers, online reservation systems, water treatment solutions, souveniers. They reported excellent sales. Auction - The Pennsylvania Auction raises funds for scholarships to fund educational scholarships and the National School of RV Park and Campground Management. Thanks to the generosity of the vendors and campground owners, a total of $13,722.50 was raised. Convention Attendance Great turn out! Over 150 attendees from 60 Pennsylvania campgrounds, 4 out of state campgrounds, and two noncampgrounds (NCA and Darrell Hess. SPONSORS Gold Evergreen Insurance Wilcor International Erie Bayfront Convention Center Silver Andersonʼs Brochure Distribution Guest Reviews WINNERS - TICKET TO WIN INCENTIVE PROGRAM MONDAY CAMPGROUND DRAWING
•One Free Registration for the 2012 PCOA Convention - Benners Meadow Run Campground, Farmington, Pa. TUESDAY VENDOR DRAWING • Free booth at the 2012 Trade Show - South Shore Slush Puppie, Erie, Pa. • Quarter-page ad in one issue of the PCOA News Campground Connections, Grandville, Mich. • $200 cash award - Cozy Cabins, New Holland, Pa. WEDNESDAY CAMPGROUND DRAWING •Free Enhanced Listing on the PCOA Website (value: $120) - Peaceful Valley Campground, West Sunbury, Pa. •Free 1/2 Piggyback for 2011 (value: $500) Peaceful Valley Camgpround, West Sunbury, Pa. •Grand Prize of $500 Cash Peaceful Valley Campground, West Sunbury, Pa. Winner of “Vendor Check Off” Door Prize - Camp Wilhelm Campground, Clarks Mills, Pa. Winner of TV donated by The Wells Team - Echo Valley Campground, Tremont, Pa. COMMUNICATION AWARDS Best Apparel Item Buttonwood Campground, Mexico, Pa. Best Brochure - Bear Run Campground, Portersville, Pa. Best Camping Photo Seven Mountains Campground, Spring Mills, Pa.
Best Example of Community Involvement Keen Lake Camping & Cottage Resort, Waymart, Pa. Most Creative Activity Kalyumet Campground, Lucinda, Pa. Best Example of Guest Service - Mountain Vista Campground, East Stroudsburg, Pa. Best Souvenir - Mountain Vista Campground, East Stroudsburg, Pa. Best Promotional Piece Mountain Vista Campground, East Stroudsburg, Pa. Best Website - Pine Cradle Lake Campground, Rome, Pa. Tourism Employee of the Year - Debbie Smith, SCS Management, New Tripoli, Pa. Pre-Convention Tour On Sunday, prior to the Convention, twenty campground owners visited the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum in Cleveland, Ohio. This trip was sponsored by Evergreen Insurance, Lewiston, Maine. The PCOA visitors broke up into groups of four and five and were given a guided tour of the facility. Displays highlighted artists and music spanning eight decades of rock and roll and its influences. A great afternoon was had by all.
wonderful to work with. The hotel was the Sheraton Erie Bayfront. It too was elegant. Best facilities ever. Annual Meeting & Election At our annual meeting was attended by 46 campgrounds. The following officers were elected: President - Mark Wineman, Kalyumet Campground, Lucinda, Pa. Vice President - Jason Vaughan, Mountain Vista Campground, East Stroudsburg, Pa. Secretary - Bruce Heasley, Holiday Pines Campground, Loganton, Pa. Treasurer - Jason Sheaffer, Pinch Pond Campground, Manheim, Pa. Regional Vice Preisdent, I & II - Denny Quigley, Jellystone Park at Kozy Rest, Harrisville, Pa. Regional Vice President, III & IV - Tammy Boltz, Lickdale Campground, Jonestown, Pa. Regional Vice Preisdent V & VI - Barbara Repetski, Hemlock Campground, Tobyhanna, Pa. Region IV Director - Ryan McFarland, Buttonwood Campground, Mexico, Pa. Appointed: Director at Large - Debby Yeager, Rose Point Park Cabins & Camping, New Castle, Pa.
The Venue The convention was held at the Erie Bayfront Convention Center. It is anawesome facility and the management was
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INDUSTRY NEWS
Tips on Writing a Press Release One of the easiest and least expensive ways of getting more attention for your park is to write a press release. It is also one of the least used methods of marketing an RV park. The whole idea of writing about your park can be intimidating but by using a few simple steps you can get the monster under control.
addresses and phone numbers for a number of journalists. The tough part is that, just like direct mail, sending a press release out to a journalist that knows nothing about you or your industry and actually getting his attention is going to take some effort on your part.
What to Write About Finding something newsworthy to write about can seem like an impossible task. The first step is to back away from your day to day activities and ask yourself what is going on at your campground that people would be interested in finding out about. Are you adding sites? Do you have any special activities going on? Are you expanding any of your amenities? Look at your park objectively and you are sure to find several great subjects that will make great press release material. Press Release Basics Follow the rule of the 5W’s of journalism when you write your release. You want to answer the questions of who is this release about, what is it about, why is it important, when did it happen, where did it happen and finally (even though this isn’t a W) how did it happen.
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As you begin writing, you need to put the most important information in the first paragraph or two as an editor will likely begin shortening the article at some point towards the end of your article. Think of your writing as a pyramid with the critical items at the top, then the explanation of your article next and the detail as the last thing. Write your article and then go do something else for a couple of hours. You will be surprised how simple things like spelling mistakes, missed information or bad grammar will jump out when you pick up the press release after letting it sit. Definitely use spell check on your word processing program but also ask someone you trust to read what you have written and give you constructive criticism. They will quickly find the areas that seem confusing or need to be rewritten.
Be sure to include your contact information with your release. The editor that you are submitting the release to may have questions about your release or may want to expand on what you have written. You don’t want to lose the chance at greater exposure just because you failed to include your phone number. Where to Send the Press Release Finding the right person to address your release to will require a bit of research. There are many web sites where you can find
Make sure that the person you are sending the release to actually writes about your subject. Don’t send a release about your new activities director to someone that writes about the automotive world. Be sure to check on the deadlines for submitting news articles and respect those deadlines. Typically, it is better to send your press release in the morning for most publications. And make sure that you allow enough time for your press release. If your release is centered around a specific date, send the release out in plenty of time for it to be picked up. Don’t send the release out the night before your event.
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You may want to consider using one of the press release sites on the internet such as PRWeb or i-News. These sites typically have both a paid and a free option. Use a quick google search to find where you can post your press release. How to Send Your Press Release Sending press releases out today is so much simpler than it used to be. By using one of the services of the press release distribution sites, you are able to get your press release listed on a number of sites. Again, this is very close to direct mail so don’t be disappointed if your
release is only picked up by one or two reporters. Even if none of the media picks up your release, you will still have the information out there for anyone who is searching on your keywords. If you want to guarantee that your release will NOT be read by the person you are submitting it to, send the release as an attachment. What should you do? Paste the release into the body of your email. The journalist will be able to quickly determine whether the subject is one that would interest his/her audience. Don’t Give UP Finally, keep sending those
press releases out even if it doesn’t feel like anything is happening. I have had a release picked up months after I sent it out initially. It may just be the wrong time or that the media calendar isn’t available for your subject matter. The more releases you send out, the more likely it will be that one will be picked up and published. Also, the more you write and send out, the more times your name will show up on a google search for your subject matter. Writing press releases is just like riding a bike, the more you do it, the better you get at it. With practice you are going to begin to find lots of subjects that are
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deserving of a press release and that will get your RV park the attention of the media. FocusedWords is a company dedicated to helping you promote and market your campground to RVer’s everywhere, using printed materials, press releases and social media. We are now providing Graphic Design and Virtual Assistants to help you be the best you can be. Be sure to follow us on Twitter: @rvstops and @FocusedWords. Check out our blog at FocusedWords.com/blog. For more information, email me at pwright@FocusedWords.com.
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INDUSTRY NEWS
Mary Arlington sells High Plains in Kansas Thirteen years ago my husband and I set out on a new mission: to buy and manage an RV park. We spent 2 years preparing for our mission and in 2002, we bought what you now recognize as High Plains Camping, near Oakley, Kansas. The park we found was in need of attention; some little jobs (like hauling loads to the dump) and some enormous ones (big enough to require lots of big-boy-toys). Tackling it alone was not what we set out to do, but when John passed away a year into our ownership, I began doing what a wise person once told me, “If someone else can do it, so can you.” The park today is no longer on the verge of being ousted from ratings programs, having achieved outstanding ratings several years ago and now being affiliated with Best Parks In America. The park today is in the top 8% of all parks in the country with its 5Wrating by Woodalls for our facilities. The park now is also one of merely 12 nationwide which have achieved the GuestRated “A” Award every year since its inception in 2008 (including the most recent one given to us last week). Since 2003 I’ve worn so many hats in Kansas I can’t list them all, from the full range of roles within the
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Kansas Association of RV Parks (KARVC), the Travel Industry Association of Kansas (TIAK), and the National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds (ARVC), not to mention my activity with many other organizations. The titles are prestigious, but more importantly the roles provided amazing opportunities to serve people, not only my guests (the highest honor) but countless other wonderful, hardworking, compassionate, thoughtful, and devoted people in the RV park and Kansas tourism sectors. My work has brought an abundance of recognition with awards from the state and national industries coming to me from out of the blue. I did what I did from my heart, with the skills, knowledge, tools, and wisdom that God granted to me. If it helped, then I’m grateful I did it. If it eased someone’s journey, then I’m very grateful I did it. I was blindsided by the awards. Yet what I truly enjoyed were the guests. To stand behind my counter, virtually every day of the every year, and greet each guest, hear their tales, share in their laughter, ease a burden, share a bit about Kansas, direct them to solutions for their needs … no finer job have I ever
From Mary Arlington's Blog been so honored to have. Over these years my ‘backyard’ has been an overnight home to nearly 100,000 people. Some of them have become very dear friends. One even became an employee as well as a friend. Many of them made me feel that every ounce of energy my job required was worth every bit of the effort. To everybody involved in this chapter of my life, I can’t thank you enough. Whether we agreed or disagreed, I am where I am today because of where I once was and what I’ve come through.
High Plains Camping is now beginning a new chapter. Like all stories in life, there is no ending … just a continuation. Although my time here is finished, the coming months will be exciting as I begin to see where my journey takes me. I’ll look at my park in my rearview mirror with tears while I look down the road in anticipation of a continued fantastic journey. I hope you will warmly welcome Jim and Jessie DesRoches as they take High Plains Camping into its new chapter.
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Severson new President of CAMP SAVANNAH, Ga., Dec. 13, 2011 – Lori Severson of the Wisconsin Association of Campground Owners (WACO) was selected as the new president of Campground Association Management Professionals (CAMP) during the group’s recent meeting in Savannah. Severson replaces Rick Abare of the Maine Campground Owners Association, who served as CAMP’s president for the past two years. Severson, who has been WACO’s executive director
for the past eight years, said she plans to work with CAMP officials to focus on education, guest speakers and the positive promotion of camping. “We’re going to focus on ROI. What is the return on investment on spending money at CAMP meetings? What are the take backs from our meetings?” Severson asked. “We want there to be a focus on the types of things that can help association executives manage their businesses and help their members.”
Severson herself became a campground owner in September when she purchased the Champions Riverside Resort in Galesville, Wis., which helps her appreciate the value that campground associations provide from a park operator’s perspective. The recent CAMP meeting, which was sponsored by Evergreen Insurance, AGS and Texas Advertising, included a presentation by Bev Gruber of the Pennsylvania Campground Owners Association
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regarding the promotions her association organized to help promote National Great Outdoors Month. CAMP was formed in 1991 when several state campground and RV park association executives got together and formalized their meetings held in conjunction with the annual ARVC convention. CAMP also meets in the spring near Washington D.C. during ARVC’s National Issues Conference. More information about CAMP is available at www.campgroundexecs.com.
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INDUSTRY NEWS NEWS INDUSTRY
Pennsylvania Campground sweeps Award Competitions Jellystone Park at Kozy Rest has won an all around “A” rating from GuestRated.com as well as top awards from the National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds and the Jellystone Park Camp-Resort chain HARRISVILLE, Penn., Dec. 12, 2011 – When Denny Quigley bought the 164-site Kozy Rest Kampground 11 years ago, it was a run down park with very little seasonal or overnight business. It’s a different story today. As one of the newest additions to the Jellystone Park Camp-Resort chain of resorts, Kozy Rest is a popular camping destination with fun family activities, weekend entertainment as well as cabin and yurt rentals. It’s also one of the highest rated campgrounds in the country. In the past four weeks, in fact, the Harrisville-based campground has received: The “Park of the Year” Award from the National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds, the most prestigious award available in the private campground industry. An “A” rating from GuestRated.com, a Murrieta, Calif.-based company that tracks online
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consumer ratings of campgrounds across the country. This is the forth year in a row that Kozy Rest has received an all around “A” rating from GuestRated.com. Four awards from Milford, Ohio-based Leisure Systems Inc., the company that franchises Jellystone Parks across the country. Kozy Rest received Leisure Systems’ highest inspection award, the Pinnacle Club for scoring above 95 percent on their annual facilities inspection, as well as awards for Rookie of the Year, Recreational Programming and Outstanding Customer Service.
from faculty members on ways they could improve their park’s facilities, amenities and service.
bouncer, a mining sluice and a dog park.
The Quigleys started by improving the campground’s landscaping and adding a campground store, complete with propane and ice. They later added rental cabins and a mini-golf course.
The good news for the Quigleys, of course, is that these improvements are not only translating into national recognition for their campground, but increased business as the park attracts growing numbers of families from Pennsylvania and across the Northeast.
Even after joining the Jellystone Park chain in January, the Quigleys continued to add more features to their park, including an inflatable
“It feels so good,” Denny Quigley said. “All of the education on customer service and business planning that Gary and I received is paying off.”
Quigley said he and his family have come a long way since they acquired the campground just over a decade ago. “I remember attending my first campground industry conference in 2000 and seeing campgrounds receive the ‘Park of the Year’ award and thinking that would be great to get, but I have so, so much work to do. Where do I start?” Quigley and his son, Gary, found the path to success by attending the School of RV Park and Campground Management in Ogelbay, W.V. and soliciting ideas
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National Parks Promo WASHINGTON, D.C. -- If you’re in Times Square in the next 38 days, watch out for the grizzly bear and the cannon. Both are featured in two 15-second spots running on a 26-foot by 20foot jumbotron on 42nd Street, courtesy of longtime National Park Service partner, Eastern National, which operates nonprofit bookstores in more than 130 national parks across the nation. “Thanks to Eastern National, visitors to New York’s Times Square this holiday season will get a glimpse of America’s national parks and an invitation to visit,” said
National Park Service Director Jonathan B. Jarvis. “Millions of Americans will have an opportunity to see amazing images of these incredible parks that they own and maybe pick one or two to visit as they mull their New Year’s resolutions.” “Since 1947 we have worked with the National Park Service to support national parks,” said Eastern National President George Minnucci. “We are delighted to be able to showcase the parks to the people in New York City and thank CBS for helping make it happen.”
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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INDUSTRY NEWS
RVC Outdoor Destinations and Horizon Joint Venture MEMPHIS, Tenn. - RVC Outdoor Destinations and Horizon RV Resorts have formed a joint venture to facilitate RVC’s ongoing expansion efforts and to improve both RVC’s and Horizon’s broader operating platforms. Horizon will immediately begin assisting RVC in searching for property acquisition and joint venture opportunities, focusing especially on properties in the Western United States. “We have respected Horizon for many years and are excited to formalize a deeper relationship with them. RVC has grown exponentially since the company was created five years ago, and we are now moving beyond our initial regional footprint,” said Andy Cates, President of RVC Outdoor Destinations. “RVC Outdoor Destinations is uniquely positioned, fully funded, and actively expanding within this segment of the outdoor hospitality industry. We are excited to play a significant role in their expansion and are looking forward to working more closely in improving our collective operations.\ Moreover, RVC’s professionalism and commitment to the industry
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make them a formidable partner, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to join forces with them,” said Randy Hendrickson, President of Horizon RV Resorts. In addition to working together in expanding RVC’s network of properties, RVC and Horizon will share industry information, research and best practices. Also, both companies will work together to improve purchasing power and increase marketing impact. Horizon RV Resorts will also provide RVC with additional operational capacity in its expansion, including properties sourced through the joint venture. “The world is changing, and has changed, dramatically over the last ten years. For the outdoor hospitality industry to move forward and improve, owners and operators of high-quality properties need to work together to encourage clearer segmentation and identification. We believe like-minded property owners want to work within a collaborative system that provides capital, marketing expertise, operating capacity, and best practice sharing. Randy and I have discussed this for years and are ready to move ahead with this logical next step,” Cates said.
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INDUSTRY NEWS
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INDUSTRY NEWS
RVIA says Louisville Show full of Optimism RVIA’s 49th National RV Trade Show, held Nov. 29 – Dec. 1 at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville, KY, featured 2012 product lines and a determined sense of optimism among attendees that the RV industry continues to have a promising future despite economic uncertainty. “I thought there was positive energy at the show and an upbeat attitude
opportunity to talk with people. The decisionmakers were at the show,” said Andy Baer, vice president of sales and marketing at KZRV, LP.
among exhibitors and attendees that the RV industry still has very bright prospects for the future,” said RVIA President Richard Coon. “There is also a strong understanding and
appreciation among industry members that being able to maintain stable, moderate shipment and sales levels in these tough current market conditions is an indication of the enduring appeal of RVing with consumers.” Sixty-seven manufacturers and 230 suppliers displayed their newest and most innovative products across more than 730,000 square feet of exhibit space. Reflecting the sluggish economic environment, total attendance was 8,159, down 6.2% from 8,696 attendees in 2010. Total buying attendance, representing individual attendees in the RV dealer, accessory store, campground owner, and warehouse distributor categories, was off by 8.3%, declining to 3,269 from 3,563 last year. Despite the lower attendance figures, there were reports of steady traffic and strong sales activity from exhibiting companies. “We had a great show. Right now, we're looking at a considerable increase over last year. Not only did we see an increase in sales, we had a great
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"We were nervous going into Louisville because Heartland had a strong fall. But the dealers showed up and spent more time with us than in years past. We had steady traffic, and it was better quality — the dealers that came were the principals. They came with specific business to do. This year's show exceeded our expectations," said Brian Walczak, general manager of Heartland Recreational Vehicles. “We were very pleased with the amount of activity at the display and with the attendance at the show. We are gratified with the amount of business we conducted,” added Derald Bontrager, president and COO at Jayco, Inc. “Looking back at Tuesday and Wednesday, from start to finish, we were busy and pleased with the flow of dealers through our display. We saw activity in all categories from our popup campers all the way up to our motorhomes. And maybe most important of all, we were encouraged by the positive dealer attitudes for the coming year.” The 50th National RV Trade Show will take place Nov. 27 – 29, 2012 at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville.
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Two killed in Oregon RV Fire: Propane Investigators have identified the two people who were found dead inside a recreational vehicle that was destroyed in a fire Saturday morning. The bodies of David Campbell, 26, and Dawn Bailey, 35, were found while firefighters were suppressing the flames. A propane appliance used incorrectly in the RV caused the fire, said Patrick Wineman, a battalion chief for Marion County Fire District No. 1.
when crews arrived at 6:15 a.m., flames as tall as 10 to 15 feet engulfed the vehicle. The RV was parked inside Salem RV Park at 4490 Silverton Road NE, but not in a rented space. Wineman said permanent addresses were not available for Bailey and Campbell but that they did not live in the park.
Wineman said he hopes to have autopsy results, including causes of death, early this week.
The RV park's office administrator said the pair bought the RV from someone who lived there and parked it along an access road until they could tow it. It couldn't be driven under its own power.
The fire spread quickly throughout the RV, and
Wineman said the RV was a total loss.
New Consumer RV E- Magazine HARRELLS, N.C. -- RV Education 101, an RV training video and information company, has announced it began publishing a new consumer e-magazine aimed at RV enthusiasts.
Education 101. "Over the past decade our goal has been to inform and educate RV owners, and perspective owners, on how to properly and safely use and maintain their RV.
“I started the company because I felt there was a lack of safety awareness and consumer education for RV owners," said Mark Polk, owner of RV
Polk said research indicates the RV consumer actively seeks information and knowledge on RV products, RV how-to topics, RV types and other general RV information.
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RV Shipments jump in October RV wholesale shipments were reported at 19,100 units in RVIA’s October 2011 survey of manufacturers, ahead of September’s numbers by 12.4% and 15.1% ahead of October 2010 totals. Total wholesale shipments for the year have climbed to 219,100 units, a four percent increase over the 210,600 units shipped through October 2010. Gains were recorded in both conventional and fifth wheel travel trailers with other categories even with or slightly less than the totals reported for those
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categories in October 2010. On a seasonally adjusted basis, all RV shipments were at an annualized rate of 247,800 units through October this year. This is inline with the year-end projection of 247,100 units by Dr. Richard Curtin, director of the Survey of Consumers at the University of Michigan, in the Winter 2011 issue of RV Roadsigns, RVIA’s quarterly shipment forecasting newsletter. Looking ahead to 2012, Dr. Curtin sees RV shipments sliding by 2.6% percent to
240,600 units, essentially remaining at the stable, moderate shipment totals recorded in 2010 and 2011. “RV sales will face headwinds in the year ahead, including uncertainty about job and income prospects, stagnate wages,
depressed home values, and potential tax increases,” said Curtin. “While these factors will prevent an increase in RV sales, neither will they prompt significant declines. Although consumers will be apprehensive, they will continue to buy RVs.”
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ARVC names their State Executive of the Year The National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds (ARVC) recognized the achievements of top performing campground association executives during its annual industry awards competition last week in Savannah, GA. The highest honor, called “Executive of the Year” award, sponsored by Good Sam, was given to the most outstanding State Executive for their efforts to promote and the camping industry. This years’ recipient of the award is Rob Halcrow, Executive Director for the Tennessee Association of RV Parks & Campgrounds (TNARVC). Rob says, “I am delighted and humbled by this honor”. “We have come such a long way in a short
Top 100 Three Tennessee Campgrounds were named one of the “Top 100 Favorite Parks in North America 2011” as part of Woodall’s “Vote for Your Favorite Campground Sweepstakes”. This contest was held in celebration of Woodall’s 75th birthday, and the selection was based solely on a nationwide vote by camping guests who voted for their favorite campground among more than 8,000 in North America. The three campgrounds receiving the award are Big Meadow Family
Rob Halcrow period of time, I can’t wait to see what next year has in store for us”, he added. 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.” Campground in Townsend, Great Smoky Jellystone in Cosby and Misty River Cabins and RV Resort in Walland. “We are truly honored to receive such outstanding recognition,” said Jimmy Felton, Vice President and General Manager for Misty River Cabins and RV Resort. Barbara Johnson from Big Meadow Family Campground said, “Being chosen by your customers as a "Favorite Place to Stay" is the best reward any campground owner can receive. We want to thank all of our customers who voted for us and Woodall’s for initialing this contest.”
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INDUSTRY NEWS
Good News: Consumer Sentiment hits a Six Month High Consumer sentiment rose to its highest level in six months in early December as Americans adopted an improved economic outlook while the trade deficit narrowed in October, pointing to gathering momentum in the economy, according to Reuters. The Thomson Reuters/University of Michigan’s preliminary reading on their index of consumer confidence climbed for a fourth straight month to 67.7, beating expectations as it rose from 64.1 in November. “U.S. consumers appear to be ending the year in a better mood,” said Paul Dales, an economist at Capital Economics in London. Improved confidence could lead Americans to spend more readily, which would add to the recent momentum from retail sales and factory output. At the same time, the narrowing in the trade deficit showed more of the purchases U.S. businesses
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Equity Lifestyle closes on 7 more Properties
and consumers are making were produced within the country. Employment has also made gains in recent months, although some economists expect the pace of improvement will be too slow for consumers to ramp up spending for long. “Although the recent increase may provide that little bit of support to spending in the malls in the coming weeks, it won’t lead to a long and lasting acceleration in consumption growth,” said Dales. The sentiment reading exceeded the 65.5 forecast by analysts who were polled by Reuters. Measures of consumers’ current and future assessment of economic and financial conditions also rose to their highest levels since June. The gauge of consumer expectations jumped to 61.1 from 55.4 in November.
Equity LifeStyle Properties Inc. on Thursday closed on seven acquisition properties along with certain manufactured homes and loans secured by manufactured homes located at the properties for a stated purchase price of approximately $99 million. As of Thursday, ELS has closed on 75 acquisition properties since July 1 and is continuing to perform due diligence on the one remaining acquisition property, according to a news release. The portfolio of 75 manufactured home communities and one RV resort contains 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. The stated purchase price is $1.43 billion. The purchase price in connection with this closing was funded with: ■The assumption of approximately $55 million of mortgage debt secured by the acquisition properties. ■Approximately $44 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. Equity LifeStyle Properties Inc. is a fully integrated owner and operator of lifestyle-oriented properties and as of Thursday owns or has an interest in 382 quality properties in 32 states and British Columbia consisting of 141,175 sites.
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INDUSTRY NEWS
Tennessee Online Banking Security: Are Banks Campground is the really with it? only State to receive “A” rating Four Years in a Row!
After years of aggressive attacks by international cybercriminals, more small companies are getting serious about securing online bank accounts. And they aren't just boosting computer security within their companies. They are demanding better security from their banks. "They'll come to the table with a checklist of different types of fraud-mitigation technologies," says Julie Conroy McNelley, a senior analyst at Boston research firm Aite Group. In response, banks -- eager to retain and attract new customers -- often explain what they're doing behind the scenes and offer extra security tools. Being a squeaky wheel can pay off. Derek Capo, founder of Miami- and Beijing-based Next Step China LLC, asked Bank of America numerous security-
related questions when he opened a business account in 2008. The bank helped Capo with several defenses, including alerts and temporary blocks should anyone, including an employee, try to make transactions exceeding a certain value. Bank of America also sold Capo a keychain gadget for $15 that displays an alternating code that he must enter when transferring funds internationally. The bank also advised him to receive payments into one account and immediately transfer the funds to another that he uses for paying expenses. Maintaining a zero balance in a receivables account recently stopped an attempted fraudulent use of his debit-card number at a New York hotel, he says. By Riva Richmond
The top parks were announced Dec. 2, 2011 during the National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds (ARVC) annual Outdoor Hospitality Conference & Expo, which took place in Savannah, Ga. this year. More than 30,000 camping and RV enthusiasts participated in the online survey, which evaluated guest experiences at campgrounds, RV parks and resorts. Misty River Cabins & RV Resort, in Walland was one of only 12 RV parks in the nation and the only campground in Tennessee to receive this award four years in a row. Forty-four Campgrounds and RV Resorts earned all around “A” grades in the
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nation’s fourth annual consumer satisfaction survey of independent parks in 2011. What is even more impressive is that it places Misty River Cabins and RV Resort in the top 2% in the camping industry for customer satisfaction. “We are truly honored to receive such outstanding recognition,” said Jimmy Felton, Vice President and General Manager for Misty River Cabins and RV Resort. “The award is unsolicited. GuestRated.com “A” Grade is based totally on surveys about our guests’ experience, and to receive it for the fourth year in a row, well, it is overwhelming”, he said.
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Vision without Action is always a Daydream
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INDUSTRY NEWS
Taking Stock.. By Larry This year in the United States ends with the same environmental challenges that were there when the year began: a need for more energy, more high quality water, better air quality, better soil quality and all of this at cheaper prices.
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Sadly, the cost of energy continues to rise. It will likely keep rising unless and until the world of politics gets on board with meaningful energy policies. Even though clean air and pure water are the highest of environmental priorities, energy is the lynch pin. Without cheap, safe, plentiful energy our entire economy and that of the world will fall apart. And so, for this writer, it appears that we are “stuck� as a nation: a morass of ever more expensive EPA regulations intended to protect the environment and human health, with a governmental bias against exploration, drilling and nuclear power. Bad: heavy snow and rain led to record flooding in the northern tier states, the Mississippi basin and the east coast, leaving huge amounts of silt, contamination and algae
colonies. Serious drought spawned wildfires, dust storms and crop failures. Texas burned down. Louisiana went underwater. Good: a new chemical was developed that is effective against mussels in the Great Lakes. California and the western states received more than enough snows to replenish reservoirs. Meantime, the rest of the world (seven billion people) continues to burn down rain forests, stoke up coal fired power plants, drill willy-nilly in the Gulf of Mexico, export oil to the United States and starve for desperately needed energy to fuel industrialization. Bottom line: we need more cheap, safe energy. May your Christmas be blessed and 2012 be a good one!
Publisher/Editor: Dennis Macready dennis@industrye-news.com 865-387-5667 Advertising: 865-387-5667 dennis@industrye-news.com Published By: Industry ENews LLC PO Box 5068 Sevierville Tennessee 37862
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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