Landmark legislation that establishes a multi-million dollar, public-private partnership to promote the United States as a premier travel destination and better explain travel security policies to foreign travelers gained final passage by a strong bipartisan vote of 78 to 18 in the Senate Thursday (Feb. 25). According to independent analysis by Oxford Economics, the program could attract 1.6 million
additional visitors from other countries and create more than $4 billion in consumer spending annually. The legislation, which passed the House in November, is expected to be signed into law by President Obama in the coming days.
of the U.S. Travel Association, stated in a news release. “The United States Congress has sent a clear message that travel is a high priority to our nation and that tangible steps must be taken to increase travel to and within the United States.
“This is a historic victory for the U.S. economy and the one in eight American workers whose jobs depend on travel,” Roger Dow, president and CEO
We are extremely grateful to the bill’s champions: Senators Reid, Dorgan, Ensign and Klobuchar in the Senate and Continued page 2
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The corporation will work closely with the departments of Commerce, Homeland Security and State to develop a nationally coordinated, multichannel marketing and communications program to attract more international visitors and explain changing travel security policies.
Representatives Delahunt, Blunt and Farr in the House.” The Travel Promotion Act creates the Corporation for Travel Promotion, modeled after successful programs in U.S. states and other developed nations, with the mission of attracting more visitors to the United States. The initiative is funded through a matching program featuring up to $100 million in private sector contributions and a $10 fee on foreign travelers who do not pay $131 for a visa to enter the United States. The fee will be collected once every two years in conjunction with the Department of Homeland Security’s Electronic System for Travel Authorization. No money is provided by U.S. taxpayers.
Roger Dow: U.S. Travel Association “We know how successful a public-private partnership to promote travel can be from our own experience at the state level,” said Caroline Beteta, chair of the U.S. Travel Association and president and CEO of the California Travel & Tourism Commission. “With the best minds coming together from government and private industry to boost international travel to our country, we can make travel an even stronger economic engine for America.”
“We could never have accomplished this common sense policy without our champions in Congress and the White House, and without the united and passionate voice of the travel community. The Travel Promotion Act shows what can be accomplished when the government and private sector work together to solve a problem,” said Jonathan Tisch, chairman and CEO of Loews Hotels and chairman emeritus of the U.S. Travel Association.
Research shows that international travel to the United States, especially from overseas origins, has suffered due to negative perceptions about travel processes following increased security reforms post 9/11. While international travel has boomed over the past decade, with 46 million more international travelers taking long-haul trips in 2009 than in 2000, the United States actually lost visitors, welcoming 2.4 million fewer overseas travelers than in 2000. The failure of the United States to simply keep pace with the growth in international long-haul travel has cost a combined 68 million visitors to the U.S. and more than $500 billion in total spending over the last decade.
A forum to discuss the proposed monthly online magazine aimed at attracting new people to the camping and RV lifestyle is planned for March 17 in Chicago. The round table discussion will focus on what reaching out to 66 million consumers is likely to achieve and what the content will be. It is important that each sector of the industry has an opportunity to express how their interests can be best served by Getaway USA. Feedback has been encouraging with positive
responses from some of the industry leaders. The invited group include ARVC, KOA, Leisure Systems, Best Parks of America, Thor Industries, RVIA, Equity Lifestyle, Morgans, Illinois Tourism and State Park Groups. To date the only declined invitation has been by RVIA. The publishers are confident that this pro active step can only enhance RVing, campgrounds and parks in the minds of the general public.
Already, many campgrounds have expressed interest in promoting their campground in the magazine. Each monthly issue will feature four states, the order of which will be advised soon along with the advertising media kit. The goal is to have the magazine out sometime during April said Publisher Dennis Macready. "But we want to do it right and don't intend rushing things."
Dennis Macready
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The Wisconsin Association of Campground Owners is set for their big convention March 18, 19, 20 & 21st. Lori Severson said “We are excited to be hosting The 47th Annual convention with over 100 Wisconsin Campground Owners, along with visitors from PA, Ill, IA, MN, WY & TX! This great networking opportunity allows all of us to gather new ideas that help us create a climate where our guests are thrilled and our businesses are flourishing.” “We are thrilled to have record breaking number of booths. We improved our layout to add 20 additional booths and we have all filled but 2! We anticipate opening the trade show with 174 booths, filled with unique products & amazing suppliers. We will once again go Speed Networking, to discover something special about each of our suppliers!” The celebrity guest list consists of Kenny Byrd the great Ventriloquist, Mr. Jerry Kramer former Green Bay Packer & student of Vince
Lombardi, Gilbert Brown, Santana Dotson, William Henderson, Cris Jacke, Bill Schrader, and Craig Newsome just to name a few. Children will be thrilled and motivated by Magic Matt’s Family Fun Shows, TJ Howe the Juggler, West’s Cars, and the NFL players from the Gilbert Brown Foundation. They will be educated and entertained during the 4 days of the conference by our talented Kids Kamp team! Wisconsin is ready for the best season ever. “Come join us and watch your business grow!” This year’s educational focus contains issues that our owners tell us are very important to them. Here are some great examples: “CPR” - Connie Chadbourn “Love Thy Neighbor Legislatively” - Kathi Kilgore "Aquatic Facility Risk Management" - Shane Sanderson “Personality Styles Training” - Lori Severson
Lori Severson: Executive Director WACO “First Aid” - Connie Chadbourn “IT Information” - Pete Hagen “Train the Trainer for Campground Inspections” Karen Brock “Team Building” - Kristine Valk “Things To Do That Cost Almost NOTHING!” - Dawn Button & Dotty Swan “Blow Them Away Guest Services” – Kristine Valk “Creating a Profit Center in Your Store” - Dawn Rehwinkel “Propane Safety from Wisconsin Propane Gas Association” - Betsy Ahner “Uniform Building Code” Larry Swaziak “Employee Handbooks” – Kristine Valk & Ann Brice “Business Planning Part One” - Ed VanDerMolen “NR115 Update” - Greg Breese “Tavern Topics” - Randy Sondalle
“Developing a Campground Newsletter” – Jason Vaughan “Business Planning Part Two” - Ed VanDerMolen “Themed Weekends for Your Tavern” Randy Sondalle “Manipulating Data” - Bud Styer “Website Marketing” Jason Vaughan “Facebook 101” - Melissa Sabel “Maintaining Your Equipment” – Scott Kollock & Ann Brice “Environmental Health Session” - Karen Brock “Reducing Resource Usage “ - Wade Elliot “Fighting Fair” - Deborah Hoffman “Facebook 101” - Melissa Sabel “Picture Perfect” – Bonnie Wood “Overview of Employment Law” Mark Hazelbaker “Food Safety Seminar” James Mack “Going Wireless without Going Broke Part 1” Adam Malsack “Financing For Your Campground” - Randy Isaacson “Build Your Facebook Now” – Melissa Sabel “Ladies Lounge” - Deborah Hoffman “Handling Zoning & Planning Issues – Mark Hazelbaker, Attorney “Banking & Financing Today” - Tim Moy, CPA “Going Wireless without Going Broke - Part 2” Adam Malsack “Show Me The Money!” Bud Styer “Zoning Issues and Answers” Mark Hazelbaker “How to Say It” Deborah Hoffman
CANYONVILLE, Ore. Seven Feathers RV Resort in Canyonville has received a prestigious 1010-10 rating from Trailer Life magazine. The rating recognizes their commitment to consistently high standards in facility cleanliness, physical characteristics of their restrooms, visual appeal and for environmental quality. And the award is only given to 19 other resorts in North America.
"We always hear raving reviews about Seven Feathers RV Resort, even if you don't want to go or have interest in going to a casino we have this beautiful RV resort that allows you to just kind of escape from the daily hustle and bustle of life and enjoy just a picturesque setting," said Travis Hill, Director of Hospitality. Located in the valley of historic Canyonville, the resort prides itself on their valet service to assist in hooking up at each site.
They offer a morning window wash before travelers hit the road, along with a BBQ pavilion, a library, pool, hot tub and fitness center and they'll even do wine tasting events in the summers. "Now that we've actually received the 10-10-10
rating, our plans are to continually achieve this rating every year, year after year," said Hill. "With the well landscaped property, maintaining the cleanliness, service as well as adding future amenities." Full Article: www.kpic.com
Every year, Leisure Systems, Inc., franchisor for Jellystone Park CampResorts, recognizes the very best of its outstanding system. With so many top notch campgrounds to choose from, it’s truly an honor to be recognized as a standout. In 2010, two campgrounds have earned the Facility of the Year award, which recognizes campgrounds that have added new amenities and facilities to
their operations, and have shown sustained improvements overall. The first campground in North Java, NY saw tremendous growth in 2009 after opening Yogi Bear’s Water Zone - a 16,000 square foot interactive splash park featuring slides, a fort, water cannons and spray features. They also added deluxe cabins to increase their appeal to families. Continued next page
Yogi Bear's Water Zone at North Java, NY
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The second campground in Natural Bridge, VA, also added water attractions to their campground, including dual slides and multiple spray features. Congratulations to these New York and Virginia campgrounds!
Jellystone Park campground in Burleson, Texas. Formerly known as Rustic Creek Ranch, this campground is wellrecognized for its top-grade resort amenities, its group accommodations and its 37 truly unique cottages. With 248 full-service sites (including 81 situated on their patent-pending, extra-
Waterslide at Natural Bridge, VA
Just 28 miles from historic Columbia, SC, is a new Jellystone Park campground. Situated on 43 acres of beautiful rolling South Carolina farmland is the former River Bottom Farms campground in Swansea, SC, where guests will find a “relaxing experience with old Southern hospitality.” The year-round campground offers 70 RV sites and camping sites to accommodate everything from state-of-the-art big rigs to the simplest tents. Their three fully-furnished
cabin rentals can handle everyone else (just bring linens; the Hideaway cabin even allows pets under 20 lbs.) Planned activities like ladies’ craft time, Family Fun Movies, potluck dinners and scavenger hunts are offered at least every other weekend all year long. With Augusta, GA and the Masters just an hour away, local golf is easy to find. The Riverbanks Zoo & Gardens are a short drive away, as is the EdVenture, the South’s largest children’s museum.
Luxury Cottage Rental
spacious “V-Pod” lots) for group facilities. Two resort-style family pools, plus one adults-only pool with a separate hot tub, welcome guests to this oasis of tranquility nestled on 69 acres and sheltered by pecan trees that have been standing for more than a century.
ARLINGTON, Va.-(BUSINESS WIRE)--Millions of Americans who rely on state parks for outdoor recreation are at risk of losing access to cherished natural and recreational assets, as severe state budget cuts sweep the nation.
Americans demonstrated a strong demand for budgetfriendly outdoor recreation and cultural tourism within easy access to home, with more than 725 million visits to state parks in 2009. Whether hiking in the Rocky Mountains, kayaking in the Chesapeake Bay, visiting an historic battlefield or surfing a Southern California beach, state parks ranked among the most important leisure time choices for Americans. Despite this remarkable demand from the public during the recession, these green spaces are in peril.
The National Association of State Park Directors (NASPD) established the America’s State Parks alliance (www.americasstateparks.co m) to mobilize and educate the public and policy makers on the positive impact state parks have on public health and local economies.
“Building state parks creates jobs and operating state parks stimulates outdoor recreation and tourism spending. That translates to a huge boon to our local economies,” said NASPD President Joe Elton, Director of Virginia State Parks. Elton further stated that, “In 2009
More Than 725 Million Visits Provide a Collective $20 Billion Economic Impact to Communities Surrounding 6,000 State Park Units Nationwide.
visitors to state parks across America helped create a $20 billion economic impact, which is an incredible return on investment given that the overall budget expenditure nationwide is less than $2.3 billion.” State parks also play a pivotal role in helping combat obesity, one of the nation’s most pressing health issues. First Lady Michelle Obama, along with doctors and public health officials, are citing the need for more activity among children. “Simple outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and camping on public lands and waters can serve as a gateway to a healthier lifestyle,” says former White House Fellow Michael Suk, MD who served with the Department of the Interior and is Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of Florida. “Most
state parks draw the majority of their visitors from surrounding communities and they see repeat visitation. They serve as an important asset that links recreation and public health.” America’s State Parks will work collaboratively to share resources, best practices and engage in national partnerships with corporations for stewardship programs, aiding state parks during a time of severe state budget cuts and strong demand for state park experiences. Partnerships with corporations can help preserve many of America’s most prized natural assets through their affiliation and sponsorship of programs such as reforestation, trail preservation and maintenance and solarenergy installations.
Kampgrounds of America picked a winner when it decided to become a major sponsor of the USA Bobsled and Skeleton Team at the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver, British Columbia. The USA Four-Man Bobsled Team took the gold medal in exciting fashion Saturday during the next-to-last day of Olympic competition. The four-man team, which also is the current World Champion and World Cup Champion team, claimed the first U.S. medal in fourman bobsled since 1948.
“KOA is a great company and proved to be an enthusiastic partner,” said Darrin Steele, CEO of the United States Bobsled and Skeleton Federation (USBSF). “We depend on sponsorships like this one with KOA to have success like we had at this Olympics.” Kampgrounds of America CEO Jim Rogers congratulated the USA team, and said the relationship between the team and KOA has been rewarding for both sides. “The Winter Olympics brought the world’s elite
Four-man Team Takes The Top Prize at Vancouver Olympics athletes together to demonstrate the very best in outdoor recreation. Both KOA and the USBSF share a passion for
dedication, hard work, competitive excellence and national pride and we are proud to be a member of the USBSF family.”
A week ago, Monday, February 22nd, the new credit card regulations signed into law by President Obama last year, kicked in. The regulations, meant to help protect consumers from exorbitant fees and
rates on credit card/debit cards, are already being examined by banks to see where the loopholes are – and they are finding some. First, let’s briefly review what the new laws state: If a card company plans to increase your rates or fees
they must send you a notice 45 days in advance. This gives consumers the option of cancelling the card before the rate increases occur. There are some minor exceptions to this rule. Your credit card company is now required to inform you how long it will take you to pay off your bill if you only make minimum payments against your interest rate. They must calculate for you, on your bill, how minimum payments, calculated against their interest rate, will impact you and inform you WHEN you account will be fully paid. When a consumer realizes how long and how much he or she will pay, it is hoped that they will accelerate payments. Your credit card company cannot increase your rates for the first year. Also, if your card company does increase your rates AFTER the first year, the increase will only apply to new charges not on old balances. Again there are a few exceptions to this new law. Your credit card company must bill you a minimum of 21 days prior to the day your payment is due and your due date must be the same every month. Your credit card company can only impose charges on balances in the current billing cycle –which ends what was called “doublecycle billing”.
Art Lieberman
But Chase Bank and other banks are applying pressure on consumers to keep their fees rolling in, according to the NY Times. They’ve been sending our letters informing consumers that their “everyday debit card transactions that overdraw accounts will not be authorized after August 19th, 2010 – even in an emergency”. This letter is aimed at having consumers spend money on “overdraft protection” which carries various fees. The new regulations we’ve cited above will pinch the banks pockets on overdraft fee revenues which is estimated at $12 billion a year so they are aggressively marketing having customers “opt-in” for overdraft protection. According to an FDIC study in 2008, 93% of overdraft fees come from 14% of people who exceed their balances five times or more a year. These people, in my humble opinion, should never be allowed to even HAVE a checking account! Art Lieberman is President of MCPS 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@mcpsforcampgrounds.com
BROOKSVILLE — The owner of a Brooksville campground was killed Thursday morning when the small plane he was in crashed as it was taking off from a Polk County airport. James "Jim" Trefz, 45, the owner of Belle Parc campground on Ancient Trail, was killed in the crash of a single-engine plane that had just taken off around 9:30 a.m. from Winter Haven Airport. The Polk County Sheriff's Office gave this report: Witnesses said the plane appeared to have lost power and was banking to the right, before crashing into a tree. Two deputies went to the single-engine plane on the north side of U.S. 92 W, just east of Auburndale. The deputies used an automated external defibrillator on a man whose body was outside the plane. They performed CPR on Trefz until EMS personnel arrived, but without success.
Jim Trefz The deputies extricated a man who was trapped in the plane's passenger seat. He was airlifted to a local hospital, where he is in critical condition. This victim has been identified but deputies are still trying to locate his next of kin. One survivor of the crash, Trefz's white mixed terrier breed dog named Zulu, was found around 11 a.m. walking around near the scene of the crash. He will be returned to Trefz's family by a friend of the family who was also on the scene. Full Article and photo by: www.tampabay.com
No longer limiting itself to its affiliated campgrounds, the California Assn of RV Parks and Campgrounds is now promoting state, federal and locally run parks as well as privately owned campgrounds, RV parks and resorts AUBURN, Calif., Feb. 24, 2010 – CampCalifornia! Guide –The Camper’s Guide to California has tripled its database with the addition of both government-run campgrounds and private campgrounds that are not affiliated with
RV Parks and Campgrounds, adding that a digital version of the guide is available now at www.CampCalifornia.com.
Debbie Sipe the statewide campground association. The additions, completed earlier this month, increased CampCalifornia’s database from 350 parks to more than 1,000 campgrounds, said Debbie Sipe, executive director of the California Association of
“We think consumers will love what we’ve done because we’re creating a one-stop-shop for people looking for camping opportunities in California in both public and privately owned campgrounds, RV parks and resorts,” Sipe said, adding that the statewide campground association wants to position itself as the leader in campground travel planning in California. “Consumers want complete content. They want to get all the information they need in one spot. But until now, there was no single source for all camping information in California,” Sipe said, noting that other camping guides focus on their own niche markets and eliminate or ignore some camping options because they limit their listings to advertisers. “We don’t think that’s the right approach,” Sipe said, adding that 250,000 copies of the four-color print edition of the association’s statewide directory are being distributed free of charge at visitor’s centers, welcome centers and RV shows throughout the
state. Consumers can also request their own free copy of the guide by sending an email to request a guide at info@camp-california.com. The California Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds has been making significant upgrades to CampCalifornia! The Camper’s Guide to California during the past year. The association plans to add the nearly 1,000 Forest Service campgrounds to its database next year. In addition to the new campground listings, the Guide provides activities and events located throughout the state and throughout the year. From San Diego’s Aircraft Carrier Museum, Palm Spring’s Fabulous Follies, Oroville’s Feather Falls hike, and Crescent City’s Lighthouse to Mission Viejo’s Italian Street Painting Festival, Fresno’s Country Music Festival, Salinas’ 100th Annual Rodeo, and Redding’s Kool April Nights, you can find a year’s worth of fun packed into 98, photo-filled pages. Fun little factoids are thrown into the guide as well. Such as “Lake Almanor was name the three daughters of Guy Earl, then VP of Great Western Power: Alice, Martha and Eleanor.”
GARDINER -- The office manager of D.B.R. RV Park was killed on the highway in front of the resort Monday as she attempted a left turn into the driveway.
two-lane highway.
The death of Judy Ann Cates, 59, was a nightmarecome-true for park residents who have long fought for a left-turn lane on busy U.S. Highway 101.
Cates, who was driving a 2002 Saturn four-door sedan, died when her car was clipped on its right rear end by a vehicle behind it, spinning Cates' car into the westbound lane.
As they stood alongside the highway around 3 p.m., looking at the crash scene at Milepost 277 -- and some fighting back tears -- many said the fatality might not have happened had there been a left-turn lane on the
Three others received minor injuries in the threecar crash, according to the State Patrol.
The crash was still under investigation, and charges are pending, the State Patrol reported. Cates was among the park's residents who in late 2008 fought for a leftturn lane leading into the park and in opposition to a passing lane on Highway 101.
It was struck from behind by an oncoming vehicle, leaving it a crumpled heap in the middle of the highway.
The state Department of Transportation put the brakes on the plan to widen the stretch of U.S. 101 to accommodate a truck-climbing lane.
Cates was pronounced dead at the scene.
"We know this would happen one day," said
Brian Kolp, a resident of the RV resort, on Monday. "We're very sad," said Kolp, who described Cates as a "vibrant" retired school librarian from Texas. Kolp and others said they want to push once again for a left-turn lane to make it safe for park residents who number up to about 85 in the summer and 30 to 35 in the winter. Full Article: www.peninsuladailynews.com
Who uses Texas state parks? That's what folks at Sam Houston State University in Huntsville have been asking for the last five years. Now, after surveying about 27,000 of the millions of people who visit the state's 113 parks, historic sites and natural areas each year, a portrait of an average park visitor is emerging, and it may not be what you would expect. The portrait is of a middleaged, white person who likes hiking and camping and is as likely to arrive at the park alone or in the company of adults rather than children. The survey results, which have been released to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department but not the public yet, show that, overall, about one in three adult visitors brings a child with them. During the summer the number of adults bringing a child climbs to just about 43 percent. The survey also says that while Hispanics make up about 37 percent of the Texas population, they comprise only about 11 percent of state park visitors.
TPWD already is working to boost hunting through heritage and family education programs and will use the latest study results to chart a similar course for state parks in the future, says Carter Smith, TPWD executive director.
to attract groups out to parks.
"The findings of this research now give us a tangible baseline of our current customer demographics and patterns of recreational use," Smith says. "Just as importantly, however, the study points out the fact that we are still not reaching key target audiences at our parks, namely families and Hispanic visitors, at our most desired levels.
Dabney says the department, through increased appropriations during the last two legislative sessions, has begun to expand operations and improve facilities at many parks. However, the problems with park visitation and facility use extend well beyond pulling in a specific group of visitors.
"We believe a big part of the explanation of that finding relates to the lack of mentors within families who truly know how to fish, camp, hunt, canoe, set up a tent or build a safe campfire," Smith says. "As a result, those skills and outdoor experiences are not being passed down to younger generations. "One way we are addressing that is through the new Outdoor Family program launched by the state parks division. It is aimed at giving families those kinds of outdoor skills while experiencing
"A group recreation facility is one very important structure that is needed in many parks and for which we have had no funds available in my 11 years," Dabney says.
Carter Smith, TPWD executive director. overnight visits in their state parks." State Parks director Walt Dabney says some of the issues with Hispanic visitors are geographical and some issues are institutional. Park use by that group is much higher in South Texas and the Lower Rio Grande Valley, for instance. "Hispanics like to come enjoy a location with an extended family," Dabney says. "We may have some design challenges in that our campsites are sized for groups of 4-8 persons. We may need to look at some series of 'small group sites.' We also do not have some facilities that we really need
Dabney says he was surprised by the survey finding that "families are coming without children. Young families with school children in many cases did not grow up camping and also are busy doing other activities. "Many of our visitors are probably more mature white couples, whose kids are gone from home and may or may not be retired," Dabney says. Parks programs such as Texas Outdoor Family, Texas Geocaching Challenge and free fishing Continued next page
Continued from previous page in state parks are designed to attract families to parks activities, which in turn expose them to different parks and the facilities and outdoor attractions of those parks. In March, the department plans to start a new Web site that will include videos and virtual tours of the parks and facilities. Dabney says all the parks initiatives are designed to
hold onto the traditional users and to expand facilities and programs that will bring in new user groups. "We are not going to do anything to intentionally diminish the use of any group, (but) we need to do a much better job of marketing our sites as family parks," he says. The results of the survey are expected to be posted soon to the TPWD Web site. Full Article: www.statesman.com
Brian Schaeffer, Executive Director of Texas campgrounds said that private campgrounds differs somewhat on the way of doing business, and adopt a different marketing approach. State parks typically do not have activity programs or amenities (beyond lakes and trails) that will specifically attract kids. In the private sector we have parks like Rayford Crossing RV Resort in Spring, TX with monthly and holiday programs that involve a bunch of kids activities and therefore they get a lot of kids coming out. Yogi parks really cater to the family element with their amenities and activities – a great example is Lone Star Yogi in Hempstead, TX. KOA’s are also promoting the ‘FUN’ family theme.
As for the Hispanic clientele – we have a park in Texas, Lake Corpus Christi KOA, that has taken the last several years and specifically developed programs to bring out Hispanic families which has really worked well for them. “We need to education children about the value of camping. I believe the state park survey also reflects the change in our culture that puts more emphasis on video games and Wii systems than physical education and outdoor activities.”
North Hollywood, CA, March 2, 2010 – RV Buddies Online, the internet-based adventurelifestyle show, announced an agreement with Hensley Mfg., of Davison, Michigan, to bring Hensley on board as the Presenting Partner of their “Towables” category. “We’re excited to partner with Hensley Mfg.,” said John Tarman, Vice President of Business Development for RV Buddies. "The more we learned about the company - that it was the kind of family business that prides itself on outstanding product quality and unparalleled customer service - the more excited we got about our partnership with them. Finding the right strategic partners, partners whose mission complements ours, is so important to our mutual growth and success." Hensley is an RV systems towing and towing equipment manufacturer that sells anti-sway trailer hitches, 5th wheel trailer hitches, brake controllers, mirrors and accessories, most notably the Hensley Arrow Anti-Sway Trailer Hitch. "We partnered with RV Buddies because they’re on the forefront of information and entertainment technology,” said Ron Estrada, Director of Marketing for Hensley Mfg. “There are
thousands of RV websites out there. Only a few stand out in the crowd. RV Buddies is the one at the top. Hensley Mfg. has always been a pioneer in hitch and brake controller technology. We needed a pioneer in advertising to team up with. We found it in RV Buddies." Hensley will be the Presenting Partner for RV Buddies “Towables” category, a newly created category on the RVBuddiesOnline.com website. “We created the Towables category in response to the changing landscape in the marketplace,” explained Tarman. “In today's economy, RV manufacturers are producing lightweight and more cost-efficient towables and we needed to expand our coverage of the wide array of products that are now available and will soon become available in that category." "Our RV Buddies audience depends on us for more than just entertainment...they rely on us for information and education,” Tarman continued. “As we continue to grow our RV audience, we will certainly be known by the company we keep. The Hensley Arrow represents the safest towing hitch in the market...just the kind of company we like to keep at RV Buddies."
United States snowboarder Hannah Teter will be living in a Yurt when she returns home to Vermont, according to Yahoo.sports.com. The silver medalist told People magazine her plan: “I will live in the yurt part time,” Teter says. “Mom has a huge garden and fruit trees, and I love it there. I helped my parents get solar power this past year, and I’ll be running on solar and hopefully wind power with my yurt so I can be completely off the grid.” Between her humanitarian efforts, giving all of her prize money to charity, her vegetarian lifestyle, and
moving into a yurt, Teter is clearly devoted to using her fame to make a difference. Her sponsor, Samsung, recently made a donation of $30,000 to her charity in honor of her silver medal in Vancouver. Between that donation and the proceeds and gift from the AMP energy quilt, Teter has raised more than $50,000 for her charity while in Vancouver. Oh, and she won a silver medal. Not a bad trip. Even though she’s going off the grid, we’ll surely be hearing more about Hannah Teter in the future, both for snowboarding and something else great that she has done.
BILLINGS, MT (March 1, 2010) – Pat Hittmeier, a 29-year veteran of Kampgrounds of America, has been promoted to the position of president of the 48year-old family camping company.
Hittmeier, a native of Litchfield, Illinois, is a graduate of Southern Illinois University in Carbondale. He moved to Texas after graduation and worked with youth outdoor education programs in Houston and Waco.
Hittmeier has served as chief operating officer of KOA for the past eight months. The promotion was announced February 26 by KOA CEO Jim Rogers. “The depth of knowledge about our industry that Pat brought to his new job eight months ago allowed him to lead KOA at a very critical time,” said Rogers. “Pat’s leadership helped turn what could have been a very difficult year for KOA into a very positive one.” Rogers said while the new title won’t necessarily lead to new responsibilities for Hittmeier, it will put him on “equal footing” with his peers in the camping, RVing and outdoors sectors. “Pat Hittmeier has done nearly everything there is to do at KOA, so he brings a depth of knowledge to this position that just can’t be matched,” Rogers said.
Pat Hittmeier “Early in his career, he worked in our Company Operated Properties Division, learning the nuts and bolts of campground management. He later was in the field building new KOAs like the beautiful park we have in Polson, Montana. He’s also been at the helm of our Franchisee Services Department, a very complex operation that is at the very heart of the value KOA brings to its franchisee partners. He intimately understands the needs of our staff, our campground owners and our guests.” Before being named chief operating officer, Hittmeier was vice president of Sales and Development, where he spearheaded the successful effort to add 50 campgrounds to KOA in just two years.
In 1977 he moved to Montana and became a forester for the State of Montana. In 1979, he came to Billings to be sales coordinator for the Mossmain Industrial Park before joining KOA in June 1981.
Professional photography taken in the fall of 2009 at three Kampgrounds of America parks in Michigan is being featured in the 2010 edition the annual KOA Directory. More than one million copies of the Directory are currently being distributed to KOA campgrounds and campers across the U.S. and Canada. “We decided to do our professional photo shoot at Emmett, Flint and Port Huron because we knew they are beautiful campgrounds, and would truly represent the best of the KOA system,� said Lorne Armer, vice president of Marketing for Kampgrounds of America Inc. The Emmett KOA, owned by Chris and Deborah Pietras and located at 3864 Breen Road in Emmett, has photographs displayed on the cover of the Directory, as well as
Lorne Armer several other pages in the 245-page Directory. The annual KOA Directory carries complete listings and maps for the more than 475 KOA campgrounds in North America. The Holly/Flint KOA is owned by Wynn Taylor, and the Port Huron KOA is owned and operated by Shirley and Howard Stein. The photographs, taken by professional photographer Jeff Dow, will also be used in other materials KOA distributes to its campers.
Edmonton... Starting March 8, Albertans and visitors can book more than 5800 campsites at 50 provincial campgrounds online or through a new toll-free phone reservation service. “We are doubling the number of provincial campgrounds taking online reservations this year,” said Tourism, Parks and Recreation Minister Cindy Ady. “The 25 new online campgrounds will give Albertans and visitors easier access to provincial campgrounds as we committed to with Alberta’s Plan for Parks.” Online reservations at the 50 provincial campgrounds are available up to 90 days in advance at Reserve.AlbertaParks.ca. Online reservations start March 8 at 9 a.m. for the May long weekend. Online reservations start April 1 for the July long weekend. Online reservations start May 3 for the August long weekend. Online reservations start June 5 for the September long weekend.
Cindi Ady Visitors can preview Reserve.AlbertaParks.ca starting today to research their individual campsite on an interactive map. The maps show the campsite size and features such as nearby trails, firepit location, and proximity to washrooms. The website provides a 360degree panoramic view of each campsite and campground. Starting March 8, a new tollfree phone reservation service will allow those who prefer to talk to a real person, to book their campsite over the phone at 1-877-537-2757.
By Larry
Septic systems will tell you when anything is going wrong. Make sure you get the message. Here are some common signs that it is time to call your service people: • toilets or drains slow to flush or backing up. • strong odor around the septic tank or drainfield. • water standing in the drainfield. • wet or soggy spots in the drainfield. Getting the system checked at the first sign of trouble is the best way to keep the problem small and inexpensive. Having the system checked regularly (every year) even without signs of trouble, is an even better idea. Malfunctioning septic systems pose a health threat and an environmental threat. Nobody wants that! Don’t be tempted to fix it yourself. Some frequent
and ill-advised “solutions” to avoid include: • going into the tank (methane gas will kill you). • diverting overflow or standing water from the drainfield. • putting more soil on top of standing water or wet spots in the drainfield. • pouring solvent, anti bacterial liquids or drain cleaners down the toilet or drains. The EPA has an excellent explanation of how septic systems work and how best to take care of them. It can be googled up at EPA Homeowners Guide to Septic Systems. Five minutes of reading what is on this site could save you dozens of hours and thousands of dollars brought on by improper usage or maintenance of the system. This is truly an ounce of prevention saving a pound of cure!
The Rayford Crossing RV Resort in Spring has been the winter getaway and summer destination for people miles around, going on five years. The resort attracts two different crowds depending on the time of the year, explained Gwen Craig who is the co-owner along with her husband Billy Craig. From April until the end of the summer, Rayford Crossing draws people from a 150 mile radius looking fun in the sun, Craig said. Craig said the park goes out of its way to get RVers out of their rigs in an effort to interact and have fun. Campers can play various water games or take part in family relay races, pool tournaments and chili cook-offs. Bands perform in the campground on Memorial Day, Fourth of July and Labor Day weekends. “Most younger families don’t want the rustic camp experience,” Craig said. “The Woodlands is a big draw with the concerts at the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion and the great shopping in the area. Of course, families like to visit Splashtown and Old Town Spring.”
From October through the beginning of April, the park hosts tons of “winter Texans,” many of whom are older people visiting their children and grandchildren that live near The Woodlands. “Many older people rather go here than Florida or South Texas,” Craig said. Activities continue throughout the year. Rayford Crossing just held a family orientated Mardi Gras themed weekend. Thanks to Texas’ weather, in the winter and the summer the outdoorsy type can take advantage of nearby hiking and biking trails, fish and swim while sedentary travelers can crack a book at the campground’s library or hang out in the game room. The 112-site park has as occupancy rate of about 90 percent in the winter months and 75 percent during the summer with many coming just for the weekends, Craig said. Far from the rustic setting people normally associate with RV lodging, Rayford Crossing offers amenities like WiFi, heated pool, Direct TV, fully furnished cabins and workout game rooms.
For the last couple of years, Rayford Crossing received a perfect rating by the magazine Trailer Life Directory. No easy feat, the park scored a 10 in three categories including completeness of facilities, cleanliness and physical characteristics of rest rooms and showers, and visual appeal and environmental quality. The bar is so high that in the directory’s 2009 edition only one other park in the country, Evergreen RV Resort in Mount Eaton, Ohio,
achieved this “triple crown,” which is equivalent to a five-star hotel rating. Unlike some resorts that rent by lease, Rayford Crossing allows visitors to rent a space by the night, by the week or by the month. Daily rates range from $39 a night to $52 which differs on amenities such as access to a gas grill and patio furniture. Article & Photo: www.hcnonline.com
Zoning to allow 417 upscale motor coach units on Palm Beach Boulevard at Bateman Road was approved 3-1 by the Lee County Commission. Commissioner Ray Judah objected. Commissioner Bob Janes was not present for the vote. The project is called Caloosa 80, and is planned for a 192-acre parcel just east of Hickey Creek Mitigation Park. Stan Whitcomb, president of Whitcomb Associates Inc., is the developer. Whitcomb hopes to open the park in about one year. Lot prices will start at less than $100,000, and peak at about $250,000. “We’re building a mobile home park out there right on the edge of a beautiful mitigation park,” Commissioner Frank Mann said. The development is across the two-lane Bateman Road from the Hickey Creek Mitigation Park. Both are in his district.
The developer agreed to double the width of the natural plant buffer along Bateman Road to 80 feet. “It’s going to have its own recreation areas. There are good sized-lakes on the site,” said attorney Charles Basinait, who represents the developer. “We’ve created a development with 60 percent open space.” Judah opposed the project because it’s not consistent with the rural nature of Alva and because he didn’t think the project would produce the taxes needed to provide the services the occupants will need. Basinait argued the units are upscale and the owners will pay property taxes. “The goal is to bring in the large $500,000, the $1 million RVs and the price points for them are quite high,” Basinait said. Article: www.newspress.com
The latest product to hit the campground industry is receiving major interest by owners who see these bikes as an opportunity for good revenue by renting them to campers. The bikes are not only "green" environmentally
friendly but are safe and extremely economical with a battery charge range of up to 25 miles. Campgrounds can purchase the bikes outright for as low as $1195 ensuring an excellent and fast return on investment.
Speed: Up to 16 mph Range: Up to 25 Miles Motor: 350 watt brushless motor Driving Sytem: Powerful 48 volt front hub drive System built into the front wheel! Charging Time: 4-6 hours for pennies Battery: 48 volt 14 AH sealed lead battery acid
Battery Charger: 110 volt smart charger, UL Listed Tires: Front 16 x 2.5" and rear pneumatic 10 x 3.5" Color: White and Black (Custom Paint Jobs Also) Size: 40" L x 26.8 "Wx 5.7" H Weight: 93 lbs. Comes With: headlight, taillight, and horn. (Basket Optional)
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