In an economy where recession-impacted budgets are dragging down the travel industry, the camping business is experiencing a robust rebound. "Camping is hot!" says Jim Rogers, Chairman and CEO of Kampgrounds of America (KOA), North America's largest, commercial, open-to-thepublic system of family campgrounds. "We're seeing a strong resurgence in all types of camping: tents, cabins and
RVs. "In fact, so far this year our camper occupancy is on par with 2007, which was the best year in KOA's 47year history." Rogers interprets the camping trend as a reflection of social and health concerns, as well as current economic conditions. "North Americans have decided that they just won't be denied their weekend getaways or vacations and camping
is their most affordable hospitality option. Also, families are searching for time together, and are eager for opportunities to get their kids outdoors. 'Outdoor activity' has become a rallying cry for groups addressing obesity and health trends." July 2009 campsite registration was 14 percent ahead of last year, among KOA's franchised campgrounds, for shortstays - meaning less than 30 days. Continued Page 3
This prime advertising position is available on a 24 week booking basis Phone 865 397 4320 for details
KOA registrations during the month of July and first two weeks of August are well over last year's registrations. The American Northwest region is leading the way. Campers in these states, except for Colorado, are not coming from nearby major metropolitan areas. Campgrounds in these states are reliant upon longdistance and out-of-state visitors, so registration
increases here indicate that campers are traveling again. Colorado 19% South Dakota 19% Washington 18% Wyoming 15% Montana 12% (Percentages reflect the increase in registration revenue recorded during the same time period in 2008. Information from KOA, Inc.)
More and more people are discovering all of Ohio's campgrounds this year with attendance up 15 percent statewide, said Ken Leach, Ohio Department of Natural Resources assistant chief of communications. "Attendance is great. I think the economy is keeping people close to home," Leach said. While attendance is up, ODNR is facing the same thing as most everyone
else -- a tighter general budget. All state park regions received a 3.5 percent cut for the current fiscal year, which equates to a $36,163 decrease to the Tar Hollow Region including Tar Hollow, Great Seal and Scioto Trail state parks. "Money is very tight. We're looking at everything to save money ... The most important thing is keeping them accessible to people, keeping that green space available," Leach said.
Continued from Page 1
The Wall Street Journal reported this week that hotel occupancy rates nationwide are expected to drop 8 percent in 2009. "Indeed the trend of 'staycations' - people vacationing at, or closer to, home - has continued in 2009, but our guests are also taking longer trips, or staying longer at a closer location," says Rogers.
Jim Rogers, KOA In comparison, theme park attendance has yet to recover. Disney reported flat second quarter revenues, while Universal Parks reported a decrease of 10 percent and Six Flags reported an 8 percent decrease for the same period, according to the Theme Park Insider Newsletter.
"For us, the average length of a camping stay has gone from 2.8 nights last year to 4.2 nights this year," said Richard Colligan, owner of the Dubois/Wind River KOA Kampground in Wyoming. Colligan has seen his business grow more than 20 percent so far this year. "We're seeing people who have decided to take shorter, regional trips and stay longer," Colligan said. "We're turning into a great place for a long
weekend so we've added amenities like chuck wagon dinners and free horse rides for the kids." Camping is attracting more types of vacationers than ever, as more conveniences and amenities are being offered on campgrounds. In addition to campground convenience stores, hot showers and laundry facilities, many campgrounds now offer free WiFi, entertainment for all members of the family, espresso bars, and food service. For Kim Kaleth, owner of the Lake Isabella, California KOA, the secret is dialing up the service. "The lower gas prices and easing recession help, but campers won't be coming back if you don't treat them right," said Kaleth, who is seeing business jump more than 20 percent in 2009.
"Hopefully these successful, entrepreneurial KOA Kampground owners are the leading edge of a recovery among America's small business owners. It is the risk taking, handson decision making, and sweat equity of entrepreneurs that will get the economy back on track," observed Rogers. Rogers believes that, "The outlook for the camping business is bright. Whether it be the Boy Scouts, the Outdoor Industry Foundation, numerous public land managers or Mom, time outdoors had become a priority again. Employees and employers are also going to realize that skipping vacation time is unfavorably impacting productivity, morale and the well being of companies."
Edgewater RV Resort & Marina, LLC, located in Sweet Home, Oregon proudly announces the opening of their new Marina. After several years of navigating the permitting process, Edgewater Marina opened it's slips to boaters on July 18, 2009. Initially, 40 slips were completed with an additional 110 to be added in increments of 40. It is anticipated that for the 2010 boating season there will be 80 slips for rent. Seasonal and Monthly slip rentals comprise 90 % of the available slips. 10% are set aside for overnight campers at Edgewater RV Resort. When fully completed, Edgewater will be a full service marina with a permanent fueling dock and pump out station. The Marina is open to the public.
Security is provided by a coded access gate and numerous recording surveillance cameras.
"The Marina, along with the RV Resort are the second phase of the overall development"
Edgewater is the first Marina to open on Foster Lake and is located at the base of the Cascade Mountains in central Oregon. Foster Lake is a favorite for boaters and fishermen. The Marina, along with the RV Resort are the second phase of the overall development. Nine waterfront townhomes overlook the Marina with an additional 3 more in the planning stages. Future development will see the construction of the main lodge facility which will consist of a store for the RV Resort and Marina, lounge area for campers and boaters, full restaurant and lounge on
the second floor overlooking the lake, meeting rooms with kitchens for clubs and groups and finally, seven condominiums on the third floor overlooking Foster Lake.
You can visit Edgewater RV Resort & Marina on line at www.edgewateroregon.com.
Kim Skinner, owner of Deer Run RV Resort in Crossville, TN, was awarded the Distinguished Service Award by the Tennessee Association of RV Parks & Campgrounds (TNARVC). The presentation took place during ceremonies at the Tennessee Campground Conference & Trade Show last week.
named Tennessee Campground-of-the-Year last year.
Ms. Skinner, Secretary of TNARVC, was instrumental in planning the Campground Conference and recruiting exhibitors to the Trade Show. Her RV park, Deer Run RV Resort, hosted the conference which drew a record number of exhibitors and campground attendees. Deer Run RV Resort was
The gated 200-acre resort offers 90 wooded full hookup camping sites, lakefront cabins, a wide range of amenities, and a 30-acre lake in the Cumberland Mountains. For more information about Deer Run RV Resort, please visit the website www.deerrunrvresort.com or call 877-337-8678. TNARVC is composed of 60 private campgrounds across the state. Its mission is to serve the special
Rob Halcrow, President TNARVC needs of RV parks and campgrounds in Tennessee and provide the public with the highest quality camping experience. Please visit www.campintennessee.com for more information.
Cortez, FL (August 16, 2009) – With the developers confident in growing demand for quality RV sites in Florida, Holiday Cove RV Resort, Cortez, FL, has announced a price increase on selected RV sites effective November 1, 2009. With just 66 sites remaining and with the resort experiencing strong and increasing interest in the purchase and rental of sites, the price increase will bring the site pricing closer in line with the demand. In today’s economy, many RVers are staying closer to home (a new trend known as staycationing) and seeking good locations and value. Holiday Cove offers the best of both worlds. Many families, empty nesters, and retirees are taking to the highways this year. Today’s economy might not leave room for a weeklong Caribbean cruise,
but a growing number of people have sought more cost-effective vacations in well located RV parks. In addition, Florida lot owner RVers reap the benefit of the Florida life style and beaches without the concerns over property taxes, property insurance or mortgage issues which discourage many potential home buyers. Holiday Cove was completely remodeled in the last quarter of 2008. In addition to the all new generously-sized brick paver RV sites and patios, the resort has 34 boat slips on an intercoastal canal just about ¼ mile to the Gulf of Mexico. Fishing from the resort boat docks and canoeing and kayaking along the waterway are just two of the on-site recreational activities available. A newly-remodeled clubhouse, heated pool and
sun deck and a fitness center are other amenities. The resort is just ¾ mile from Bradenton Beach and within easy walking distance of restaurants, shops, fishing, boat charters and all water sports. Golf courses, theaters, shopping, spring training baseball and all kinds of festivals and special events are all within minutes of the resort.
Florida and there are very, very few RV sites in a location similar to Holiday Cove. There’s no more cost efficient way to assure the availability of an RV site this close to the beach and the Gulf, than to own your own RV site,” said David Gorin, Rymer’s development partner. “And with very strong winter and summer demand, the value of Holiday Cove lots is assured,” he said.
“Sales and rentals have been very strong and interest is growing each day,” said developer Ed Rymer. “Our phone is ringing off the hook and we know we’ve got a very unique product in a very exciting location at a great value. RVers are responding,” he said.
The new Holiday Cove RV Resort was developed by Rymer, an experienced real estate developer, and David Gorin, former President and CEO of the National Association of RV Parks & Campgrounds, president of Best Parks in America and a well-known consultant in the RV park industry.
As ownership RV resorts throughout Florida are cutting prices and giving away all kinds of incentives to get people to buy,” said Rymer, “we realize we have a unique product in a great location.”
Prices at Holiday Cove currently range from $85,500 to $179,000. Price increases on most sites will be in the 5 – 7% range. For information on site sales at Holiday Cove RV Resort, please visit www.holidaycovervresort.com
“There’s a diminishing supply of quality RV sites in
or call Ryan Billib, Sales Director, at 866-580-5020.
(Adapted for Campground Use by Karen Brucoli Anesi)
Let solution sit for up to an hour. Rinse the area well with clean water.
Is the grout in your bathroom turning from white to gray?
Are plastic shower curtains grimy?
First cover woodwork and porcelain fixtures with masking tape to prevent damage. Combine 4½ cups water and ½ cup muriatic acid (this acid can burn skin and eyes, so wear skin, eye and protective clothing). You must place water in a 1quart container first then add the muriatic acid and stir. Use paintbrush to coat grout with mixture.
Place curtains in washing machine with warm water, 1½ cups chlorine bleach and ¼ cup laundry detergent. Adding two towels in the washer will “scrub” the curtains. At end of cycle immediately hang to dry. Another tip: Spray curtain with a laundry pre-wash spray from top to bottom letting the
solution run down. Let curtain sit for 3-4 minutes and rinse.
the drain. Cover drain for a few minutes and then rinse with cold water.
Dirty sinks? Toilet bowl rings? This paste will remove stains and dirt from chrome, acrylic, stainless steel, and marble fixtures. Mix cream of tartar with 3% hydrogen peroxide in small cup. This will make a medium thick paste. Use an old toothbrush to scrub paste onto stains. Rinse. For toilet bowl rings: Pour a half-gallon of white vinegar in toilet bowl and soak overnight. Flush in the morning.
For freezer or fridge: Put a 2lb. bag of charcoal in each and leave for 1 week. Remove bags. Appliances should be odor free.
Odors in the kitchen? For a microwave: dab vanilla on paper towel and keep in the microwave for an hour. For drains (can be used on any drain): pour ½ box baking soda and ½ cup white vinegar down
Are your wooden kitchen cabinets covered with grease and grime? Make a “salad dressing” cleaner. In a blender pour 2/3 cup white vinegar, add—in a stream—1/3 cup safflower oil to the running blender. Apply mixture with a soft cloth. Cabinets will glow. Does your wood furniture need a little extra shine? Add 1 Tbsp lemon oil to 1 quart mineral oil. Shake. Wipe clean with a soft rag. For watermarks on furniture: Put mayonnaise on the mark and let sit for 20 minutes. Wipe clean with soft cloth. Continued next week
MONTROSE CO — Through months of negotiation and compromise, a local RV Park is one step closer to hooking into the city's waste water treatment system according to Montrose Daily Press. Montrose City Council approved a resolution for annexation and an ordinance for zoning — both on first readings — for the Riverbend RV Park Thursday during its regular meeting. "The failing system is best addressed by annexation," city's community development director Kerwin Jensen told council. The annexation is required to place the park, owned by Wayne and Peggy King, on an approved sewage system with the city. The process started after the county health
OTTAWA—Amélie Bornais, the five-year old Orléans girl who was struck by a golf cart at a Limoges campground Saturday evening, remains in serious condition in intensive care at CHEO, a spokewoman said Monday. However, Amelie’s grandmother Adele Sauvé, says the little girl is showing some
department investigated a complaint on the property. "They apparently had some old system that was not on file with the county land use that approves this. It's a requirement that you have an approved system," County Environmental Health Manager Richard Thompson said. Since, the park has been using tanks for the waste, and a vault, under a temporary sanitation permit the county board of health has extended several time. The county also required the King's to pursue annexation, attend monthly meetings with county staff, submit monthly records concerning the amount of discharge pumped from the fault and monitor wastewater collection lines with video technology.
encouraging signs. Amélie is now breathing on her own and is moving around in her bed, said Sauvé.. Amélie was taken to the hospital with serious head injuries after she was hit by a golf cart at Kittawa Camping
Pinnacle Park Homes Inc. located in Ochlocknee, GA recently introduced a line of floating cabins to meet the needs of marinas and r v resorts located on large bodies of water in addition to their land cabins. The floating device that the cabin is built on is what makes this different from other floating cabins. It is constructed of marine grade aluminum with a section functioning as the holding tank. This product will allow marina’s to expand their rental income by turning an empty boat slip into a revenue generator. Most everyone will agree that they are willing to pay a little
Morgan Properties the largest RV Park Corporate owner of 49 Parks in the US has just started listing their parks on www.rvparksvideoshowcase.com
and it is free. Also Encore, Thousand Trails and Jellystone have just registered with the new website, and will start uploading their parks. Some of the Features in RVPVS include: Free full Listing Includes Descriptions, Rates, Amenities, Local Activities, Photos with Motion, Maps, Ratings, Reviews,Weather, Virtual Video Tour, Web Site Url, and Contact Information.
more to stay on the water!! Pinnacle also attended the Tennessee Campground Conference and Trade Show at Deer Run RV Resort in Crossville, TN. Pinnacle Park Homes was the only park model and camping cabin manufacturer in attendance. Pinnacle Park Homes has been in existence for 6 years now with the owner having over 20 years of experience in the industry. He was a part of one of the original companies that help build the campground industry when it comes to park models and camping cabins. Andy, with Pinnacle Park Homes was pleased with
the turn out at the conference. He looks forward to helping those campground owners who want to expand their rentals in addition to those that are wanting to add cabins for the first time. Cabins rentals are an excellence source of income for campgrounds. With the addition of the floating cabins, Pinnacle can meet the needs of any campground. Andy
* Descriptions up to 30,000 characters ] * Rates * Amenities [ With Icons] * Local Activities [ With Icons ] * Photos with Motion [Up to 30, that is more than any other direcotry] * Maps [Google Interactive Map] * Ratings [ Up To 5 Stars ] * Reviews [ Customers can write reviews ] * Weather [ Live Accu Weather] * Virtual Video Tour [ If you would like a quote on getting one done for your Park ] * Web Site Url [ To Link Back to Your Site!] * Contact Information. * Reservation Form * Everything is Printable
* Downloadable PDF for all your information in your listing. * Free News Letter, RSS Feeds * Classified's Ad Section PARKS FOR SALE, Memberships, Rentals and more
can do a “campground analysis” for those campgrounds interested in seeing just how much revenue they are losing by not having rental cabins available. Andy can be contacted at 866-574-5159. You are also welcome to email him at andy@pinnacleparkhomes.com
and please visit Pinnacle’s website at www.pinnacleparkhomes.com
* Real Time Reporting Stats * Seasonal Pricing Module * Availability Calander * And the list goes on and on. * New!!! Your own Park Blog Community Contact them at 1-877-835-0777
Some leave their trailers parked in campgrounds for months at a time and use them as weekend getaway cottages CROWLEY, Texas, August 20, 2009 – Hotels have been offering great deals this summer as they struggle through another year of recession. But if you ask Tom Ervin and David Ussery how they plan to spend Labor Day weekend, they’ll tell you it won’t be in a hotel. They’ll be spending the weekend with friends and family at Surfside RV Resort in Port Aransas. Both men have left their rigs parked at the Surfside since May, and used them as weekend getaway cottages.
“It’s a very economical vacation,” said Ervin, 61, a retiree from Gonzales who has left his 26-foot fifth wheel at Surfside since April. He typically visits the park with friends, while enjoying the slightly cooler weather along the coast. “We just go there and relax and have a good time,” he said. “The park is secure. You feel safe there. And it has a family atmosphere.” Ussery, of Liberty Hill, said he has been going to Surfside for many years, and typically leaves his fifth wheel there from Memorial
Day to Labor Day. But this year, he brought it there at the beginning of May and plans to leave it there through September. “I use it like a beach getaway,” he said, adding that he frequently goes there with his wife and three kids as well as friends of the family. “This year, my wife’s softball team is going to join us over Labor Day weekend,” he said. The practice of leaving trailers at campgrounds and RV parks for use as weekend getaways isn’t
limited to beachfront parks. “It happens all over Texas, wherever people like to spend their vacation time or time away from home,” said Brian Schaeffer, executive director of the Texas Association of Campground Owners. Based in Crowley, the Texas Association of Campground Owners represents more than 400 private campgrounds and RV resorts. For help locating industry sources, statistics and other information about camping trends in Texas, please contact Brian Schaeffer at (817) 307-0129
The boom in British holidays shows no sign of slowing despite the summer sunshine being in short supply. Across the country, bookings for campsites, holiday parks, self-catered cottages and boating breaks are way up on last year. Kerry and Chris Wilmot and their four-year-old son Jack have been to Butlins 13 times since he was a toddler. "There is so much that people don't realise is available here," said Kerry. "Why get on a plane and fly out of the country when there is so much in the country to see. I prefer to holiday at home." And this year, the weak pound and the urge to save the pennies has prompted hundreds of thousands of families to follow their lead and holiday at home. Elliott Frisby from VisitBritain says it is a great opportunity for UK tourism. "About 17% fewer British people went overseas in the first six months of this year so they are looking around
for what a British break can offer." At Butlins, reservations are up 10% nationwide. And Hoseasons, the biggest seller of UK breaks, has seen bookings for their holiday parks, cottages, lodges and boats increase by more than a quarter. The company's chief executive says demand for UK breaks is greater than it has been for 25 years. "Every time you set foot on an aircraft you experience per person costs," said Richard Carrick. "If you can put the family and the dog in the car together with some groceries and drive to your self-catering accommodation, it represents really good value." The temptation to hitch the holiday home on the back and head onto the open road has also increased. The Caravan Club's advance bookings were up 40% this year. Bookings for cheap foreign getaways are up in recent weeks after the predicted barbecue summer turned grey.
BC- RV Resort on the Lake narrowly missed being sold this month, averting any immediate risk of tenants being evicted to make room for a new subdivision. A buyer who tenants saw kicking tires around the Westwood Lake property in Nanaimo, which Matterhorn Village Developments is selling for $7.9 million, has walked away from the deal. The property has city approval to become a strata, meaning a new owner could subdivide it into individual lots. The five-hectare waterfront park on Arbot Road has 150 lots. Most are RV lots, but 29 are owned by cooperative members and 13
are long-term rental units. Colliers International lists the property for $7.9 million. It is zoned for RV parks, family dwellings and mobile homes. It has a heated swimming pool, tennis court, putting green, hot tub and clubhouse, which forms a recreational centre for the community, with its lounge, games and exercise rooms. The resort "has potential as a 149-lot bare land strata subdivision," and the city has granted a preliminary layout approval to allow subdivision and stratification, according to the Colliers listing.
Winnebago Industries, Inc. the nation’s topselling motor home manufacturer, has announced that shipments of the Company’s revolutionary new 2010 Winnebago Via and Itasca Reyo have now begun with initial deliveries arriving at select dealers throughout the U.S. “The culmination of an extensive development process, the all-new Winnebago Via and Itasca Reyo are ground-breaking motor homes in every way,” said Winnebago
Industries’ Vice President of Sales and Marketing Roger Martin. “With innovative new features and construction, contemporary design, and record-breaking fuel economy, the new Via and Reyo are truly motor homes for the future.”
It occurs to me that even though I have, in the past, written several columns on methods that can be employed by campground owners to save money on their credit and debit card processing, there are some little measures that can be taken to avoid extra charges by your processor or to get maximum effectiveness from your credit card processing. Here are a few of them. Advertising your credit card acceptance. Considering the fact that 70% of all revenues currently being generated in campgrounds are from “plastic”, you should make your campers aware that you will accept credit or debit cards as payment. You should, of course, post the little decals or stand-ups in your campground store, but don’t forget to place it in your advertising. You can mention it in your State Directory listings or ads, on your websites and even in your voice messages on your call waiting. Woodall’s’ directory usually informs its readers about which campgrounds accept credit cards. Letting
your campers know that you are ready and willing to accept their credit will become more and more important in this creditdriven economy. Accepting credit or debit cards from monthly or seasonal campers. Because these transactions tend to be many hundreds or even thousands of dollars, campground owners are reluctant to accept credit cards as payment from long-staying campers – and who can blame them. A $1,500 seasonal campsite charged at 1.75% on a credit card would cost over $26 including a transaction fee. However, if the camper is paying when they arrive and pays by debit card, and you have a PIN-PAD, the cost might be as low as 65cents for this transaction. And, unlike a check, pindebit transactions cannot bounce. Batching out: Remember that you MUST batch out every day that you have credit transactions. Every processor will up charge you if you don’t! What this
means is, you must close out your business for each day. The reason for this is that the processor wants your money. A large percentage of our customers are “autobatched”, which means that their credit card terminal or account is closed out automatically by the processor at a given time every day. While many campground owners want to justify their transactions against their records by totaling out their transactions themselves (which is what I would do if I owned a campground), should they forget to do so, or be very busy, this can cause them to spend more on transactions. Remember also, that batching out is a transaction, and if you are paying a transaction fee, you will be charged for the batch-out. Credit and debit card batch out at different times, but you only pay for one batch-out. Therefore you should not be batching out more often than necessary. Some businesses, like restaurants, will batch-out several times a day in order to pay their wait staff’s tips. If you have your terminal auto-batched and have no transactions you will not be charged for a batch-out. Finally, don’t be deceived by unscrupulous processors. As competition intensifies in the credit card industry because of the economy, we have observed an increase in
Art Lieberman the phony offers made by sales offices that are working with banks. Unfortunately most of these banks are unaware of their sales representative’s techniques or they certainly wouldn’t allow them. We have enumerated them before. Common deceptive methods include informing merchants that their POS equipment isn’t PCI compliant and a new machine purchase is required, or quoting rates for credit cards which are actually for debit cards, or not informing merchants of actual charges and hiding them in the small print of a lengthy agreement. Ask this salesperson for a half-dozen references and check them out. Remember that the devil is in the details. (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
SAN ANTONIO, Texas, August 25, 2009 – Geneva Garcia and her husband have camped at Travelers World RV Resort every Labor Day weekend since their daughter, Lisa, was 6 years old. Today, Lisa is 19, and the Garcia family’s Labor Day camping tradition continues at Traveler’s World. Garcia’s brother and his wife and their two kids will also be joining them. “We always have a good time there,” Garcia said, adding that the park is centrally located near several amusement parks. “We’ll do Splash Town and Sea World. We’ll all take our fishing poles and our bikes there. We’ll spend a lot of time unwinding and barbecuing,” she said. The park is also centrally located, close to the River Walk, the Alamo and local amusement parks, which makes it easy to leave their 31-foot trailer there while they make short trips to other nearby attractions. Labor Day weekend camping is a tradition for many people in Texas and across the country. And Traveler’s World RV Resort, one of four Carefree RV Resorts in Texas, is working to keep them coming back with a steady stream of improvements.
In the past several years, in fact, Carefree has invested in numerous improvements, such as providing new paving throughout the park; repainting the park’s buildings and providing new pool furniture and laundry facilities. Campers, including the Garcias, have noticed. “Every year we come back there are always improvements,” Garcia said, adding that she has made return visits with her parents. “The people are very friendly; the park’s facilities are always very clean.” Park manager Brenda Vaupel knows these improvements are making a difference. “Come here once and we know you’ll be back,” said Vaupel, adding that more than half of the park’s business is repeat visitors. “We know we have a great location, but we also believe our guests continue to come back because of our sense of community. When they’re here, this is an extension of their own home.” About Carefree RV Resorts Carefree RV Resorts was founded in 2004 and currently owns and operates 38 RV parks in vacation markets across the country and Canada.
By Larry Fire has been a blessing and a curse from the very beginning of human experience. Those who come to camp come for the blessing. Like cave people who first tasted meat roasted by a forest fire, those who cook over a flame today know that “it tastes better”. The slower things cook the more time there is for the flavor to develop. And for those who like smoked meat there is no substitute. Cooking over a fire is calming. Patience is the byproduct. And gathering around the fire is a unifying, peace-promoting happening: many people but one fire. Fire has always been a symbol of life and all that is good in life. It has been warmth in the cold, protection against wild animals and a helpful
• douse the embers and make sure the ashes are cold before leaving.
element for those who burn off overgrowth on their land. It has been light, whether from candle, lamp or lantern. It has allowed human existence in the coldest of climates and it has been beacon of light in the darkest of nights.
of wood suitable for campfires or cooking fires for use in safe designated areas. There will likely be RVers who would truly appreciate gathering round their own fire or a big campfire. It is, after all, part of the outdoor experience.
So: make sure to cut and save wood when you trim your trees. For those with RV parks that do not have woodlands, you might consider laying in a supply
Don’t forget safety: • not on windy days • only in cleared, safe areas • keep a fire extinguisher handy • watch little children around the fire
Those who have experience with outdoor living might find it inconceivable that there are actually real live people walking around this earth who have never warmed the palms of their hands over an open fire, never roasted so much as a marshmallow and never gathered or cut firewood. In other words, they haven’t really lived! That is one of the reasons to consider providing your patrons materials for fires. Some may come so that their children could have this experience and some may come because, like with old friends, they have been away from fires for too long.
Hemet becomes home to RV'ers next month for the 41st annual California Elks Camper Rally, which will raise money for to pay for therapy for children in California and Hawaii whose disabilities require therapy but who don't qualify for state and other government-agency funding. The Shoreland Tandem Town and Country, made by Streamlite, was a great attraction at the 1947-48 at the Sport and Travel Show in Chicago, Illinois. Designer Donald Hamm styled to thirty-footer to match Chrysler's Town and Country woodie.
"We try to reach the kids who can't get the help," said Terry Rogers, events chairman for Hemet Elks Lodge and a 29-year
member of the nationwide fraternal order. Last year, Hemet Elks Lodge's 1,400 members collected $35,000 at the rally in Hemet, Rogers said. Elks Lodges across California and Hawaii have put on similar rallies since 1969 for the CaliforniaHawaii Elks Major Project. It also is referred to as the Purple Pig project because Elks Lodge members collect money in piggy banks.
By Lucas Hartford- Evergreen USA RRG, Inc. In the thirty-five years that Evergreen has been insuring the camping industry, we have seen the frequency of surge related claims rise nearly fifteen fold! This may be a little because of changes in nature, but the vast majority of this 1500% increase is due to equipment being much smaller, delicate and sensitive to surges and spikes. Every year our lives become more dependent upon electronic equipment. And every year electronic equipment gets smaller and more sophisticated. While this can help our businesses to move forward and advance,
admin@industryenews.com www.industryenews.com
we have to realize that more sophisticated equipment is much more delicate and relies more heavily on a good power source. Just as a light bulb filament heats up and burns out eventually, so can the circuitry of equipment when it is subjected to power fluctuations. And today’s equipment is very delicate to these fluctuations. Campgrounds and RV parks have a great deal of equipment that is sensitive to surges and spikes. The most common things that Evergreen sees that are affected by power surges and spikes include: •Entrance/Exit gates •Well Pumps •Swimming Pool Pumps •Computers•Credit Card Machines •Fax Machines •Televisions Continued next page
Continued from previous page Some people may feel that the expense of putting a surge protector in to protect this equipment is unwarranted, since it is insured but this is near sighted.
equipment is a wise investment, can be purchased relatively inexpensively and is readily available at most any hardware or electronics store.
A big reason for needing a surge protector is that equipment is often not suddenly destroyed by a surge that can be insured, but rather it is slowly destroyed by many surges that cause the equipment to have mechanical type issues that may not be insured.
In addition to surge suppressors it is important to make sure that equipment like pumps and electronic security gates are properly grounded.
Another reason is that while the insurance may pay for some of the electronic devices to be repaired (or a new one purchased) there is a definite cost of time and energy for having the piece of machinery out of operation and waiting for it to be replaced or repaired. A surge suppressor for your
Often a commercial surge suppressor can be purchased and installed in-line to prevent these units from getting destroyed. For a $100 investment you may be able to save your well pump from a mid-season failure and this could be the best investment you make all year. Further information: www.evergreenusa.com
By Lucas Hartford- Evergreen USA RRG, Inc.
DENVER – (August 21, 2009) – The 5th annual Colorado RV Liquidation Super Sale boasted a record number of RV sales during the two-day event. Held last weekend at Invesco Field, there were more than 100 RV units sold. The low prices on new and pre-owned RVs along with discounts on recently hail damaged units and special tax deductions for qualified buyers brought thousands of attendees to the Super Sale. “With eight of Denver’s top dealers participating in the event, we were able to showcase a vast selection of RV models to attract a myriad of interested buyers,” said Show Manager Dianne Seymour. “With all the discouraging news we are seeing about the economy, we were excited to have so many people come to the sale intent on making a purchase. It was great to see the dealers do so well – in fact, all dealers reported better-than-expected sales.” Jim Humble, general manager of Windish RV, reported having sold 40 units at the show. “Our sales were up 20 percent over last year’s sale,” he said. “The general public is responding well to this fall sales opportunity. It has become an integral part of our fall marketing plan.” Humble wasn’t the only dealer who did well. Joe Lake, a field manager with K&C RV, reported selling more than 20 units, and Steve Casement, owner of Steve Casey’s Recreational
Sales, sold more than 10 units. A main reason for the sale’s success, “Is the ability of Affinity to directly market to the RV enthusiast,” said Jeff Haughton, former owner of the Liquidation Sale and current V.P. of Affinity Events. “Affinity is uniquely able to drive the RV buyer to an event like this, even in this economy.” Some dealers at this year’s show had more than sales on their minds. Todd Williams, sales manager at Transwest Truck Trailer RV, a truck and horse trailer dealer, was out to spread the word that it’s the new Winnebago Itasca dealer in town. The success of the event may be a surprise to some, but a recent industry survey has uncovered what RVers have always known – traveling by RV saves money. In the latest biannual Campfire Canvass survey of RV owners, conducted by the Recreational Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA), 55 percent of surveyed respondents intend to use their RVs more this year than last year and 45 percent are considering another purchase.
Click on the image below to search the directory: Listings added daily
This week's featured Listing