issue 58 Campground & RV Park E News

According to Tradeshow Week 200 Central Pennsylvania is home to the 15th largest trade show is the nation - The Pennsylvania RV and Camping Show.

The Pennsylvania RV and Camping Show is managed by the Pennsylvania Recreation Vehicle and Camping Association (PRVCA) and is located in Hershey, PA at the HERSHEYPARK® Entertainment and Resorts Complex.

The Pennsylvania RV and Camping Show is unique because it incorporates both trade and retail days.

Hundreds of RVs will be on display from all of the leading manufacturers.

The show also includes a wide variety of suppliers, vendors and educational speakers.

Two industry breakfasts will be held featuring guest speakers Randy Sobel and football legend Jerome

Bettis. Campground and resort management have a chance to learn from experts Linda Profaizer and Bill Garpow. Bring your bobby socks as this year’s industry party will feature 50s style cuisine, spine-tingling rides of HERSHEYPARK® and a spectacular concert by Bowzer’s Rock’n Roll Party.

Executive Vice President, Rebecca Lenington attributes much of the show’s growth to the Continued Page 3

This prime advertising position is available on a 24 week booking basis Phone 865 397 4320 for details

Welcome to Issue 58 of Campground & RV Park E News.

Out of 9800 emails we send out each week we get around 4-5 readers who have difficulty with the file not loading or have readability/enlargement issues.

As we endeavour to please all our readers we are trialing some new software which hopefully will solve any problems readers experience.

This new software will open at full screen view which eliminates any reason to

enlarge. For those that prefer the two page magazine view where you can flip the page there is a button at the top of this window, next to the search bar, where you can click to view that format.

I would appreciate any feedback you can give as our priority is to serve our readers in the best possible way.

On August 12th we will be attending the Tennessee Campground owners show, held at Crossville, Tennessee. Our report will feature in our issue 60 on the 19th.

We will also attend the Pennsylvania RV & Camping show held in September at Hershey PA. This issue covers a wide variety of topics, an important point for me when I consider what our readers want to see and read. Again, feedback is appreciated.

The advertisers within this publication make the e news possible so I urge all owners to tell any suppliers that you read it in Campground & RV Park E News.

Dennis Macready: Editor

Continued from front page foresight of the show committee and PRVCA staff.

The completeness of the show makes it a huge attraction by having all aspects of the industry included. The PA RV and Camping Show successfully sets itself apart from others by effectively merging trade and public days making it the ultimate hybrid show.

Trade days are Hershey’s

best kept secret,” Doug Gaeddert of Forest River says. “There’s no waiting in line to talk to your manufacturer rep and you don’t feel rushed.”

recover and what it plans to do to spur growth and development.

“He will discuss how we build a new economic foundation strong enough to withstand future economic storms,” the statement said, “and support lasting prosperity, and how we recapture the innovation that has always moved America forward.”

The Pennsylvania RV and Camping Show will be held from September 1420, 2009. For more information about PRVCA or Tradeshow Week 200, please visit the web at www.largestRVshow.com or www.tradeshowweek.com.

The Original Comets “Rock Around the Clock”; “Shake Rattle & Roll”; “See You Later Alligator” Freddy “Boom-Boom” Cannon “Palisades Park”; “Tallahassee Lassie”; “Where the Action Is” Jay Siegel & The Tokens “The Lion Sleeps Tonight”; “Tonight I Fell in Love”; “Portrait of My Love” Bowzer & The Stingrays Hosted by: BOWZER

President Barack Obama will be at Monaco RV in Wakarusa today to discuss economic issues, according to a White House statement and reported in the Elkhart Truth.

Obama will outline the steps his administration has taken to help the economy

A presidential visit to this town of 1,600 people just 12 miles south of Elkhart will be a historic occurrence, officials said.

“It’s an honor to have the president of the United States come to your small community,” town manager Tom Roeder said. “Never before, that I know of, and maybe never again.”

The Atlantic hurricane season technically starts June 1st each year, but the majority of the action does not start until after August 1st, which is already upon us. Some campgrounds and RV parks are located in geographic areas where hurricanes are a regular occurrence. Other camping resorts are located in areas where the danger of a hurricane is minimal. So, for nearly one hundred million people in the country and the camping facilities in those areas, the worry of a hurricane is not a regular occurrence but still one which needs to be considered. New England is one such area not regularly affected by hurricanes yet occasionally vulnerable to them. The New England Hurricane of 1938 is not the most recent hurricane to hit the northeast, nor will it be the last – but it was a powerful Category 3 when it hit land.

This year the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) projects a “near normal season” for hurricane activity. Forecasters say there is a 70 percent chance of nine to fourteen named storms occurring, of which four to seven will develop into hurricanes, of which one to three will become major hurricanes (Category 3, 4 or 5). This year the first tropical storm of the year will be named “Ana”.

Campgrounds, RV parks and resorts that have the possibility of incurring the

phone numbers written out and located off-site, also ensure that your computer system is recently backed up and a dated copy of it stored off-site. wrath of a hurricane need to be prepared. If you don’t have an emergency plan in place for what to do in the event of a hurricane, there are many resources available to help you develop one.

For example, www.ready.gov is a great web site where you can make your own emergency plan for hurricanes or other such disasters. Some special things to consider for businesses in the camping industry include: If you need to evacuate your campground or park, you should be ready to instruct your campers on how to do so in an orderly manner; it is very easy, if you have planned ahead of time. On a single sheet of paper, you should provide your campers with contact information for the campground, a map of the area, route descriptions to evacuate, and other pertinent information. Make ample copies for your expected maximum number of campers, visitors and employees.

In the event of an evacuation, you will have one to hand to each camper, so not only will they know the important

information, you won’t have to spend a lot of time communicating with each camper during this very busy time.

You have a checklist with things to stock up on to prepare including gasoline, water, and the other common items you found on www.ready.gov, but do you have enough spare tarps available? As the result of a storm, your buildings’ roofs as well as campers’ units may be damaged, all of which will need to be covered from the torrential rains that follow the strong winds.

Make sure you have plenty of tarps.

In the event of an emergency, do you and your key staff know the essential phone numbers?

You should include numbers to reach all your employees, your suppliers, and your insurance company, and be sure those numbers are kept offsite. If you are leaving your park, make certain your insurance company has your cell phone number or another place to reach you, so they can work with you and help get you back in business.

While you are making sure to have those important

Usually a hurricane warning gives us time to prepare for the event. If you have docks or boats, make sure these are taken out of the water and firmly secured, so they don’t blow around or back into the water.

For RVs and motorhomes with water and sewage tanks, consider filling them both up as much as possible – and of course the gas tank too. Some units have the ability to store hundreds of gallons of liquids that are typically held in the lower part of the unit; this can amount to hundreds or thousands of pounds of weight and gives the unit more stability during high winds.

There are many other areas to consider, but these are a few specific to camping businesses.

If you don’t have an emergency plan in place for events like hurricanes, then make it a priority to get one done – it doesn’t have to be fancy, but it needs to be written and regularly updated.

We’ll be hoping for a mild hurricane seasons for the camping industry!

By Lucas Hartford, Evergreen USA RRG www.evergreenusa.com

The Woodlands, Texas – August 3, 2009 — Merchants’ Choice Card Services (MCCS), a topranked merchant services provider sponsored by Woodforest National Bank, announced that effective today it is has changed its name to Merchants’ Choice Payment Solutions (MCPS).

Stan Paur, MCPS’ new President and CEO states, “Merchant’s Choice Payment Solutions was chosen as our new name because it truly reflects the fact that our company has expanded beyond just credit card payment processing to the ability to provide an array of credit, debit and other payment services.”

Robert E. Marling, Jr., Chairman of MCPS and CEO of Woodforest National Bank said, “This year MCPS is celebrating our 20th year in the payment processing industry and the fact that we have grown to be one of the premiere merchant acquirers. We feel this change in corporate identity demonstrates the breadth of our product and services offerings and our future strategic direction.”

“We have a great company providing outstanding, highvalue payment solutions and support services to tens of thousands of merchants across the United States. Our intent is to leverage the professional

staff and our outstanding service to become the preferred provider for the merchant community,” added Mr. Paur.

This new corporate identity of a new name and logo, along with product and service expansion, includes web addresses and email addresses. MCPS has nearly 100 employees and over 300 sales offices providing electronic payment solutions to merchants including retailers, restaurants, physicians, dentists, gas stations and convenience stores, auto repair facilities, lodging, beauty/barber shops, medical services, veterinarians, and RV campgrounds.

NOTE: Although MCCS will change its name officially on August 3rd, MCCS for Campgrounds, one of our constant advertisers will not be changing its name to MCPS for Campgrounds until October 1st of this year, since they are members of 15 state, regional and the national association of campground owners (ARVC) and must change their names, advertising and booth designations at trade shows. Art Lieberman, President of soon-to-be-named MCPS for Campgrounds writes a weekly column for eNews.

I’m nearing the final stages of a parenting era and looking forward to sending off that last offspring into the workforce, now I only need to sit back, relax and wait for the Grandkids to come along.

Can’t wait for that next era (Grand parenting) to arrive actually! An easy transition from one phase to another right? – WRONG!!

My son comes to me for advice having made his decision on what he wants to pursue in life.

‘Dad’, he say ‘I want to become a Campground Operator/Manager with the idea that I eventually would like t become a owner, what path do I take to achieve that goal’? Good bloody question I thought and temporarily moved the conversation in a different direction, first discussing the two very distinctive

and differing management requirements for every successful campground, I described it like this: There is management on each side of the reception door and each management roll requires a completely different set of management and experience skills. I went on to describe in fine detail the ideal skills of the Campground Manager and to a lesser extent the skills and requirements of the Office/Reception and Store manager. So, where to from here?

Investigation revealed that there is little to nothing out there that would prepare a young man or woman for Campground Management.

ARVC have a Managers school which is real good I thought, but it is squarely targeted at management from the inside of the reception door. He Campground chains and corporations have their own

schools/courses but they are mainly an introduction to policy and procedures specific to that group. What else is there? – NOTHING! I couldn’t be more pleased that ARVC are moving forward in association with Miller Motte College of Nashville Tennessee, in formulating a nationally accredited Campground Managers course. (You can read more about that in a future issue). In the meantime I have compiled a list of skills that (in an ideal world) would be of great benefit to a Campground Manager and I would ask our readers to please impact on this list, tell me what I’ve missed and please make suggestions.

The final list will be forwarded to Kevin Shur of Miller Motte College to assist him in formulating a Campground Managers curriculum.

• Heating and Air conditioning • Plumbing and Gas • Electrical • Building • Finishing • RV driving and trailer reversing • Machinery operation, lawnmowers to ditch-witch to backhoe • Workplace Health and safety • Swimming Pool maintenance

Gary Wakerley • People movement and management • Playground safety • Alternative energy • Water purification and reclamation • Waste disposal • Recycling • Painting • Signage • Winterization • RV fittings, slide-out and awning operation • RV site requirements • Landscaping • Lighting • Pet care requirements • Formulating, implementing and policing Campground policy • Wi-Fi • Security This is all ‘hands on’ stuff, no place for theorists out in the Campground and when directing your Campground staff it is far better to have had the experience of having done the job yourself, even better if you have qualification and/or licensing in electrical, plumbing, air conditioning etc.

If you can add to or wish to comment on this list then please e-mail Gary Wakerley garyw@rvmanagement.com

CONCORD –Division of Travel and Tourism Development has launched a new landing page www.visitnh.gov/camping that enables visitors to easily plan their next New Hampshire camping adventure published in an article by Fosters Daily Democrat.

According to tourism officials, the centrally located information will add value and convenience for the camper to and within New Hampshire.

"From Oceanside RV campgrounds and fullservice sites with river or mountain views, to yurts in

the Great North Woods, New Hampshire offers everything campers need or want in their outdoor adventure experience," said Alice DeSouza, director of the NH Division of Travel and Tourism Development.

"We are delighted to kick off this new initiative in partnership with NH Parks and the New Hampshire Campground Owners' Association to help campers have access to all the information they need, in one easy-to-use location," added DeSouza.

PALM DESERT, Calif., August 3, 2009 – Emerald Desert RV Resort has always been one of the nation’s premier recreational vehicle destinations.

But as SunLand RV Resorts completes the first phase of a three-year, multimillion-dollar improvement plan on its newly acquired 251-site property, Emerald Desert RV Resort is starting to convey the ambiance and feel of a five-star hotel.

The first phase of a threeyear, multimillion-dollar improvement plan for Emerald Desert RV Resort includes a custom designed floor mosaic and reception desk with inlayed stone, bronze finished light sconces and Raphia upholstered wall panels. Luxury furnishings are also being added to the newly designed fitness center and swimming pool area. Additional resort services will include special event catering services, a sports and entertainment lounge as well as a pet park and grooming center.

Its newly designed 1,200square foot lobby features a floor mosaic comprised of tumbled marble, two shades of travertine and Vitoria Regia granite, while its custom-designed reception desk incorporates Sepelle wood veneer with a rich walnut finish and inlayed marble.

Other furnishings include bronze finished light sconces, Raphia upholstered wall panels and rich-toned rattan seating groups.

“When people arrive at Emerald Desert RV Resort, they will enjoy a vacation resort experience as luxurious as any premier resort could provide,” said Deborah Elliott, a principal of San Diego-based ID Studios Inc., who was tapped by SunLand to oversee the multimillion-dollar redesign effort.

“I think this whole property is going to be amazing,” Elliott continued, adding, “It’s really being designed to make guests experience a warm, elegant place.”

“We are committed to elevating Emerald Desert to become one of the finest recreational vehicle resorts in the country, with unparalleled amenities and the highest quality guest services,” said Reza Paydar, president and CEO of La Jolla, Calif.-based SunLand RV Resorts, which acquired Emerald Desert RV Resort in June.

SunLand, in fact, is investing more than $1 million in improvements this

summer in an effort to provide a new level of elegance for snowbirds who arrive at the resort this fall.

Other improvements include new furnishings and other enhancements to the pool area and fitness center. New, state-of-the-art fitness equipment and new, energyefficient laundry facilities are also being installed.

Additional improvements planned for 2010 and 2011 include new decorations and furnishings for the resort’s clubhouse and ballroom; a sports and entertainment lounge; as well as construction of a pet park and

Continued from previous page

grooming center. Additional services will include special event catering services and motorcoach washing and detailing services.

Emerald Desert RV Resort already has many substantial amenities and services, Paydar said, including an indoor and outdoor spa; poolside refreshments; a driving range and two putting greens; a luxurious clubhouse and ballroom, which can be divided into smaller meeting halls for conferences and private parties as well as individual, secure, temperaturecontrolled motorhome storage facilities. The resort also has nine, 1,600 to 2,000 square foot villas, which can be rented on a daily, extended-stay or seasonal basis.

“We’ve been eyeing this property for years,” Paydar said, adding that Emerald Desert nicely complements SunLand’s other Southern California resort properties.

Based in La Jolla, Calif., SunLand RV Resorts is one of the largest RV resort

chains in California. It continues to seek out other resorts for acquisition purposes. SunLand’s current holdings include Emerald Desert RV Resort in Palm Desert, Golden Village Palms RV Resort in Hemet, Escondido RV Resort in Escondido as well as several properties along the Interstate 8 corridor that are ideally located to accommodate travelers going back and forth between San Diego and Arizona. These properties include San Diego RV Resort in La Mesa and Oak Creek RV Resort, Circle RV Resort, and Vacationer RV Resort in El Cajon.

For more information about SunLand RV Resorts, its improvement plans for Emerald Desert RV Resort and other SunLand properties or commentary regarding the latest RV travel trends, please contact Reza Paydar at (858) 456-9201.

Information about the resorts is also available online at www.sunlandrvresorts.com.

You may have heard of camping next to the water, but a band of guerrilla social engineers in Amsterdam have taken it to the next level - camping on the water. Literally. Our first thought? How the heck did they get that trailer onto that teeny tiny island nowhere near dry land? Read on to see the few facts that we do know about this mysterious spectacle.

Located off the island of Almere Beach in Holland, the floating camper is believed to be the work of

a group of a band of students who are reported to be responsible for other floating spaces in the area. Almere seems to be a choice location for unauthorized pop-up dwellings such as this zany illegal hotel made of bags which has supposedly since been shut down by local officials. It is unclear whether or not the trailer has also been removed, but we are happy to see evidence of people enjoying it while they could.

POLICE have warned grey nomads to take extra care when attempting creek crossings in the Northern Territory, Australia.

The advice comes after a hapless NSW tourist mistook a boat ramp for the shallow Cahill's Crossing in Kakadu National Park ... and found herself in deep crocodile-infested waters.

Luckily, she was able to scramble to safety before crocodiles surrounded her submerged Landcruiser Troop Carrier.

Police have not named the tourist but said the area was full of southern grey nomads who migrate north for the winter sunshine.

One caravanner commented: "She could easily have ended up as a tasty meal for crocs." www.caravanningnews.com

NEW Zealand's caravan parks and camping grounds recorded a rise of 13,000 guest nights – a five percent increase – in May.

ISRAEL'S Prime Minister's office has stepped in to prevent the forced eviction of a caravanner on the Ashkelon Coast.

The figures are compared with the same month last year, according to new statistics. Hotels suffered a two percent drop.

The caravan was allegedly interfering with sewerage but police at the site were ordered to stand down while a solution was thrashed out.

By Tracey Markowich Campground and RV Park owners are busy running their parks and they turn to various means when it comes to promotion. Websites, directories, ads, brochures, etc. are left to the “experts”. In my travels and in working with park owners there seems to be a common anxiety about web traffic and how it is obtained.

While search engine ranking is extremely important and I do not want to downplay it… I would like to address some common sense rules of self-promotion.

admin@industryenews.com www.industryenews.com

While the majority of RV parks have websites, it is left up to the web designer, search engines, and the World Wide Web to bring customers and traffic.

While all of these plays a part, it is key to remember that it is just “part” of the solution. No matter how good your website and your search optimization may be there is another large factor; promotion.

Promotion of your park’s website is a must. Simply put your web address everywhere so those interested in learning more know just where to start looking. Your current customer is key when generating traffic to your website. They are already sold and a web address is an easy way

for them to share their experience with others.

Every time your RV Park name is in print your web address should be nearby. You can place you web address alone, www.yourpark.com or within a simple sentence, “See our beautiful park at www.yourpark.com”, “Save by reserving online at www.yourpark.com”, “Check out our Themed Weekends at www.yourpark.com”, etc.

The list is endless as to how you can drive your own traffic and generate interest in your website and what you have to offer.

All Business cards, brochures, post cards, ads, directory listings, links from directory websites, emails sent by you or your staff, confirmations to customers, appropriate store merchandise, store bags, etc. should be working to promote your website and your park.

As you plan for next year look for ways to self promote your site. When ordering product, placing ads, or contacting current customers make sure your web address is prominent. Drive them to your website and your RV sites. By inviting potential customers to share in your park’s information you are inviting them to stay.

Deserts

promotion from virtually every region of the state,” Sipe said. Here’s a sampling of participating parks by region: San Francisco and the North Coast

Debbie Sipe: CALARVC AUBURN, Calif., Aug. 3, 2009 – Nearly 60 private campgrounds and RV parks from San Diego to Humbolt County plan to offer two nights of camping for $50 on the first weekend of October.

“Our members are offering this promotion in an effort to boost shoulder season camping and to entice consumers who have never camped before,” said Debbie Sipe, executive director of the California Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds, which organized the promotion.

Parks that are participating in the Oct. 2 – 3 promotion can be located through a special section on the association’s website at www.CampCalifornia.com. Simply click on the October promotion link to find listings of parks offering the $50 promotion.

“More than 60 parks are participating in this

o Dean Creek Resort, Redway o Gualala River Redwood Park, Gualala o Maple Leaf RV Park, Morgan Hill o River Bend Resort, Forestville Shasta – Cascade Region o Eagle Lake RV Park, Susanville o Old Lewiston Bridge RV Resort, Lewiston o Premier RV Resorts, Redding Central Coast o River Grover Resort, Felton o Pismo Coast Village, Pismo Beach o Flying Flags RV Resort, Buellton Central Valley o Bakersfield Palms RV Park, Bakersfield o Stockton Lodi RV Park, Lodi o Vineyard RV Park, Vacaville Gold Country and High Sierra

o Coloma Resort, Coloma o Meadowcliff RV Resort, Coleville o Pioneer RV Park, Quincy o Wishon Village, Shaver Lake Inland Empire o Crane Lakeside Park & Resort, Lake Elsinore o Reflection Lake RV Park, San Jacinto o Victorville Shady Oasis, Victorville

o Big River RV Park, Big River (near Parker, Ariz.) o Sands RV & Golf Resort, Desert Hot Springs o The Springs at Borrego, Borrego Springs San Diego Area o Diamond Jack’s RV Ranch, Jamul o Escondido RV Resort, Escondido o San Diego RV Resort, La Mesa

By Art Lieberman Just before the 4th of July weekend I received a notice from the parent company of my business that they were going to change their name. After my initial shock at the announcement, I began to realize that it might not be such a bad thing.

Let’s start out with the fact that I’m a senior citizen and don’t adapt well to change. Especially since, I felt, that I had spent nearly 5 years attempting to build a reputation within the campground industry. I felt that I had dealt honestly (sometimes to a fault) with campground owners, and had become a source of information to them. Initially it was due to seminars that we did at

trade shows, but it had grown to a weekly column here in e-news, several articles in State campground association publications and, finally, to the free webinars we run several times a month. We had become the source of information about PCI compliance to campground owners. So much so, that we had received many phone calls and e-mails seeking more information.

MCCS for Campgrounds has acquired well over 100 customers who are saving money because we have demonstrated particularly how they could be proactive in the methods by which they process their credit and debit cards and, of course, because we have lowered their rates.

Perhaps most valued on the ledger sheet of a company is their good will and reputation in business and I felt, that with a name change, that might be lost to the industry to which we had become so devoted.

Besides, MCCS for Campgrounds has spent thousands of dollars on promotional materials, our website, booth exposition materials, forms and advertisements in State, regional and with ARVC publications. There also were the website ads including the one in these pages and the directory listings. All of that would have to be changed as the name and logo of the company were changing from Merchants’ Choice Card Services to Merchants’ Choice Payment Solutions. MCCS for Campgrounds would have to become MCPS for Campgrounds.

Then, immediately after the 4th of July weekend I spoke personally to MCCS’s President, Stan Paur who reassured me that the company would not only pay for the materials and ads to be changed but assigned us a facilitator to assist in the changes. Mr. Paur also assured us that he was well aware of the importance of the Campground niche which we were involved in. He explained many of the NEW services that were going to be introduced in

the near future and how they would favorably impact upon ALL of our customers present and future. He said that we truly were going to offer new PAYMENT SOLUTIONS for all merchants, hence the name change.

Mr. Paur also said that the name change, although scheduled for August 3rd (next week) for most of MCCS, would be delayed insofar as MCPS for Campgrounds would be concerned. We established a target date of October 1st just preceding our busy trade show season, thus giving us time to inform the industry.

There is an official “press release” elsewhere in this publication about the changing of our name. But let me inform those of you who enjoy reading our weekly column that, notwithstanding the new services we’ll be offering, we’re still the same people who you’ve come to trust (we hope!).

(Art Lieberman is President of MCCS for Campgrounds, a credit card processor sponsored by Woodforest Bank NA. Art has been in the Credit Card industry for nearly 12 years. Art has been conducting webinars online and seminars on credit cards in many State and Regional Association Conventions. He can be contacted at art@mccsforcampgrounds.com

"Cindy Halley, Publisher of Trailer Life Enterprises, on February 21, 2009 writes," I want to extend our congratulations to you on your achievement as one of the top-rated parks for 2009. Of the more than 12,000 parks in the network, your park placed in the top 300.

Achievement of this honor is a significant accomplishment and deserves recognition.

Halley also wrote, " We commend you on your achievement, your commitment to excellence and your contribution to the RV industry. Please except our most sincere wishes for your continued success."

Desert Valley RV Resort, is an oasis in the heart of Arizona's "Golden Corridor". It is located halfway between Phoenix and Tucson, right outside of Casa Grande, Arizona.

It is a new resort, for the young at heart RV guest that is 55 plus.

They have 350 sites and are currently building an exercise room for guests.

Guests can also enjoy live music and in this past season were fortunate to have a professional musician staying in the park. Bunky Christensen, who plays a variety of instruments including fiddle, guitar, piano, harmonica and banjo, entertained guests.

Barbara Sanders Assistant Manager said, "Everyone seemed to enjoy listening and dancing to Bunky's music.

Bunky will be returning in the fall of 2009 for the 2009/2010 season".

Multi-talented performer Bunky Christiansen has turned life’s hardships into songs.

By Larry Gasoline prices, greenhouse gases, ozone alerts, energy policy and global warming: “hot” topics these days, to use a pun. The focus on environment has two main aspects. One is the impact of environment on health, the other is economic impact.

To hear the current environmental mantra about carbon footprints, emission controls, Cap and Trade and global warming, one would think the show is over for our world unless we get rid of fossil fuel emissions before Christmas, no matter what the cost.

Another approach, however, would be to explore and use all available fuels in the short term, bringing down the price of energy. Does this also mean we sacrifice health in the bargain?

I say that no, there are a number of actions that could decrease the health risks of pursuing a short term policy of more energy and thus less expensive energy that includes fossil fuels. Many of these steps would be local. Here are some examples: • a planned approach to land use. This would mean locating manufacturing,

power plants and any other emission-creating industries far out from population centers and downwind from the prevailing winds, certainly not a new idea.

• mass transit to and from such sites. This would mean running fuel efficient buses or rail to such sites. Most cities today have industrial parks, so the idea is not new but needs to be expanded upon.

• create walking and bicycle paths inside the congested city areas, ban fuel burning vehicles from inside the downtown areas, create parking sites outside the city limits and run shuttles. Again, this is not a new idea but could be greatly expanded upon.

• plant more trees along the city streets. Trees absorb carbon and give off oxygen. They also give off moisture, helping to cool the air.

Remember, ozone is created by sunlight hitting the emissions from cars and trucks on hot humid days with no wind. Eliminating much of the traffic in our cities and using trees to help cool the air and create shade from the sun would cut the production of ozone dramatically. If we gradually switched over to the use of natural

gas in vehicles there would also be only half as much carbon in the emissions.

Another local strategy to reduce the use of energy and cool the air would be to recycle runoff from rain and snow. Instead of resigning ourselves to storm water systems that cannot handle heavy runoff beyond a certain amount, why not create ponds and lakes to capture all of the runoff?

The runoff would then be treated to whatever extent necessary to make it safe for use in watering trees, shrubs and lawns.

In larger urban areas where the volume of runoff water is greater the runoff water could also be made available for agricultural irrigation.

Planned land use, capturing storm water runoff, planting more trees, moving people by

train, bus and carpooling: these are actions nearly every county, city, town and neighborhood could do. From rain barrels to retention ponds to large damns and lakes, these are things that work.

Each of these steps would help reduce air pollution that is a significant health risk. At the same time each of these actions would lessen the amount of energy use and thus lessen the amount of carbon going into the atmosphere. By doing it locally the best approaches for specific localities are likely to be utilized because with local planning those who know the territory best are able to design accordingly.

People frequently ask what could one individual do in the face of global-sized environmental challenges?

My answer, even though it sounds simplistic: use rain barrels, plant trees and speak up for the kind of policies just described.

The fifth annual Civil War Event will take place at the Jellystone Park campground in Knightstown, Indiana this weekend - August 8 and 9, 2009. The Knightstown campground is located 25 miles east of Indianapolis off I-70.

Civil War re-enactors of the 33rd Virginia, 44th Kentucky, 49th Indiana and 1st Wisconsin will be encamped at the

Yogi Bear and his crew have been busy just outside of Brandon, Sth Dakota cutting the likeness of one of America’s favorite bears into the corn. The Corn Maze at Jellystone Park was opened to the public Aug. 1.

Located at the Yogi Bear Camp-Resort, 26014 478th Ave., the maze features over seven acres of turns, twists, and dead ends carved into stalks that reach over your head and offers an experience for

Jellystone Park. Visitors will experience how people lived, ate, slept, played, dress and fought.

This is a wonderful learning opportunity with many hands-on activities and demonstrations.

Activities are scheduled for 9 am - 10 pm Saturday and Sunday 9 am - 2pm.

Admission is $5/person per day.

those hungry for fun.

Admission to the maze includes the maze, which offers two levels of difficulty, use of the jumping pillow, two playgrounds, wagon rides, and visits by that “smarterthan-the-average bear," Yogi Bear.

“We are really looking forward to our Corn Maze opening,” said Bruce Aljets, owner and operator of Yogi Bear Camp-Resort".

Article: www.brandoninfo.com

JACKSON CENTER, Ohio, Aug. 4 /PRNewswireFirstCall/ -- Thor Industries, Inc. (NYSE: THO) announced today preliminary sales for the quarter and 12 months ended July 31, 2009.

Sales in the quarter were $440 million, down from $570 million last year. RV sales were $337 million, versus $455 million last year. Bus sales were $103 million versus $115 million last year.

Sales in the 12 months were $1.52 billion, down from $2.64 billion last year.

RV sales were $1.11 billion, down from $2.22 billion last year. Bus sales were $407 million versus $416 million last year.

Cash, cash equivalents, and investments were $338 million on July 31, 2009. Backlog on July 31, 2009 was $588 million, the highest since July 2007 and up 45% from $406 million last year. RV backlog was $298 million, more than double last year's $146 million. Bus backlog was $290 million, up 11% from $261 million last year. "These strong backlogs indicate the start of a more positive fiscal 2010," said Wade F. B. Thompson, Thor chairman.

Thor is the world's largest manufacturer of recreation vehicles and a major builder of commercial buses.

Press Release: TengoInternet, the oldest and largest wireless Internet provider for the outdoor hospitality industry, has announced that Diversified Investments selected TengoInternet to provide wireless networks at 5 of their RV in the Sun RV Resort parks.

TengoInternet upgraded the broadband capabilities at these locations and deployed state-of-the-art, self-healing wireless mesh networks to cover more than 1,800 RV sites.

In addition to professional network design and installation, TengoInternet provides Diversified Investments with a custom guest authentication and online network management system, bandwidth management, complete staff training, marketing support, liability management, and 24/7 guest support including a VIP line for resort staff.

With more than 400 wireless networks installed across 38 states, Canada and Mexico, TengoInternet remains the industry's largest provider with the experience necessary to install and manage commercial grade wireless networks for RV Resorts.

'We are very pleased to be partnering with TengoInternet and have already seen a significant improvement in our WiFi amenity performance,' said Lisa Stanbury, IT Manager, Diversified Investments. 'As we prepared for our busiest season of the year we were experiencing a number of issues with our previous WiFi network.

TengoInternet quickly assessed our needs, installed new equipment and made sure that our network would be ready for the season. Our guests couldn't be happier with our WiFi network and neither could we.'

'In this environment, guest expectations are skyrocketing and technology amenities drive the guest experienceDiversified trusted us to save their summer season' said Eric Stumberg, CEO and Co-Founder, TengoInternet. 'Our industry leadership, strong service portfolio and dedicated staff allowed us to meet Diversified's specific network, guest experience and business requirements.

We look forward to helping Diversified Investments use technology to grow its business and better serve their guests.'

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