Issue 86 Campground

ELKHART -- Recreational vehicle maker Forest River is scheduled to take its place at the defense table as the second bellwether trial over the FEMA units gets underway in Louisiana federal court.

Jury selection was to begin Monday in the legal proceeding, according to Courthouse News

Service. At issue is whether formaldehyde fumes in the travel trailers and fifth wheels caused an array of health problems in the Gulf Coast residents who lived in the units after Hurricane Katrina destroyed their homes.

"Of course we are hopeful for a settlement," said Becky Gillette,

formaldehyde campaign director for the Sierra Club. "We feel that the government, at the very least, owes these people coverage for their medical expenses."

To wade through the thousands of plaintiffs who have filed lawsuits against the Federal Continued page 2

Continued from page 1 Emergency Management Agency and numerous RV makers, the court scheduled a series of five bellwether trials to test the validity of the complaints.

In the first test trial, jurors took only a few hours to clear Gulf Stream Coach, based in Nappanee.

Forest River, a Berkshire Hathaway company, along with Shaw Environmental,

the firm given a no-bid contract to install, maintain and repair the units, are defendants.

The plaintiff is Lyndon Wright, a resident of Orleans Parish in Louisiana. Shortly after moving into his FEMAsupplied trailer in March 2006, Wright began suffering from maladies such as coughing, sneezing and red eyes,

according to court documents filed in January 2010. He told his mother, a month later, "I think the trailer is making me sick."

Wright moved out of his unit in July 2008.

Gillette acknowledged Wright's case is not as strong as others that have filed suit. The Sierra Club believes the high levels of formaldehyde in the units have induced major

illnesses or even caused the deaths of other residents.

That the judge presiding over the hearings, Kurt D. Englehardt, has not chosen plaintiffs with more serious health problems raises concerns about his impartiality, Gillette said.

"He seems to make a lot of rulings that are favorable to the defense," she said. www.etruth.com

This Wednesday some of the industry leaders will attend a forum on the release of the new monthly consumer online magazine, GetawayUSA. Linda Profaizer (ARVC), Rob Schutter and Vic Nolting (Leisure Systems), David Gorin (Best Parks of America), Shane Ott (Thor Industries), Pat Zamora and Dave Kozy (Equity Lifestyle Properties) along with publishers Dennis Macready and Gary Wakerley will meet in Chicago to discuss the

concept, evaluate possible impact on the industry and gather information so any feedback can be implemented to ensure the project has the best possible chance of success.

"The 66 million distribution list has raised a few eyebrows, so it is important we explain our aims and objectives" said Dennis Macready.

"We are dedicated to implement our plan to attract NEW people to the

campground industry. With the advancement in internet use we are on the cusp of the online publishing boom" he said.

"Not many people are aware of the figures on just where people are getting their news these days".

The forum is sure to finish with a list of suggestions from the broad spectrum of attendees which will be evaluated as we move forward with our launch date.

Dennis Macready: Editor

They came, and they learned about ADA regulations, they experienced and created Facebook pages, they listened about cash flow tax strategies and ARVC Board Chairman David Berg WOWed them.

Campground owners and operators from Maryland, Delaware and New Jersey converged at Dover Downs Hotel & Casino this week for the 19th Annual MidAtlantic Campground Conference.

Comments from attendees were all positive. Dover Downs is a first rate hotel and a great place to visit.

Nineteen conference attendees arrived early to take a tour of the NASCAR Monster Mile Race Track and rode in vans around the tracks 29º angled curves.

The tour also included a walk through the shop where racecars are rebuilt.

Both attendees and vendor participation was up this year according to conference planners Jay & Marji Otto, Executive Directors of the New Jersey Campground Owners Association.

This year’s theme was a Walk Down Memory Lane, reflections of ten past conference themes. Dress for the closing banquet reflected those past themes with prizes going to many of the most original.

Auctioneer David Berg helped raise the auction proceeds to new heights that to generous donations from campground owners and vendors such as Woodall Publishing.

Two future positive possibilities developed from this year’s conference. Two campgrounds that would like to see the now inactive Delaware Campground Association revived represented Delaware.

The Mid-Atlantic Campground Conference has offered seed money to aid in the endeavor to reestablish their association.

Karl Littman, President of the Virginia Campground Association also attended the conference during Monday’s activities. He inquired whether Virginia campgrounds would be welcomed to attend the conference. He was assured that they would and that all campground owners are welcome. He will take that suggestion back to the Virginia Association.

On victory lane at Dover Downs Race Track

The Trade Show

Attendees dressed in costume for the banquet

Overall, with the great speakers, fun events, and the networking and camaraderie among the campground owners, the conference was deemed a great success.

Woodall rep Dave Carlson explains advertising donation to auctioneer David Berg

Cedar Ridge Camping Resort, a five-year-old former private membership resort in Bloomington, will reopen April 16 with a new name -- Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park at Lake Monroe.

Ohio-based Leisure Systems Inc., said it took over the park, which has 92 sites for recreational vehicles, 12 cabins and forested areas for primitive tent camping.

The park also is undergoing $200,000 worth of cosmetic improvements, including remodeled bathrooms, electrical upgrades, new rental units, a new

campground store and park-wide wireless Internet service, according to a news release.

The Bloomington park will be the eighth Jellystone Park Camp-Resort in Indiana, joining locations in Fremont, Knightstown, Monticello, Pierceton, Plymouth, Portage and Scottsburg.

Rob Schutter, president, said in the release that Jellystone Park at Lake Monroe will reserve a small number of campsites for Cedar Ridge Camping Resort members, but the majority of the campsites and all cabins will be available to the public.

A proposed RV park and campground off U.S. 395 in the west Washoe Valley area will be discussed at a public hearing next month.

The proposed Ophir Mill RV Park & Campground will go to the Washoe County Board of Adjustment on April 1 for a public hearing review and decision.

The campground would have up to 145 RV or tent sites and a general store/food stand on 23

VANCLEAVE, Miss. -Jackson County has received a $190,000 Department of Housing and Urban Development grant to construct a RV park just north of the Vancleave horse arena, leaders said.

The money is part of HUD's economic development initiative grant program, said Sonya Carter, a grant writer for Jackson County.

"They're using the money for a project meant to draw more activity to the arena," Carter said.

Supervisor John McKay, who applied for the grant, said the county will put in up to 40 RV hookups with water, sewer and electrical service.

acres, south of Old Washoe Estates.

Reno developer Bruce Reeves, who's backing the project, said RV parks remain popular camping destinations, even as RV sales are down.

"People are taking more vacations close to home, so it's a good time for us," Reeves said.

The site also would include a pool and baseball and volleyball areas.

Article: www.rgj.com

"We have mule pulls and horse shows there, so this will allow attendees to spend more money in the Vancleave area," he said.

"This is an additional amenity to make the arena more user friendly."

The hookups and additional parking for the arena will be constructed on 10 acres just north of the covered arena, Supervisor Manly Barton said.

The project will not cover the entire 10 acres, he said.

"We negotiated a couple years ago with the school system" to lease the land, Barton said.

Full Article: www.gulflive.com

DECATUR, Ind. -Fleetwood RV has announced the retirement of CEO Chuck Wilkinson, who co-led the company along with John Draheim, president and COO, since July 2009 when American Industrial Partners Capital Fund IV (AIP) acquired the motorhome business from Fleetwood Enterprises, Inc. Wilkinson held key management roles at Fleetwood Enterprises for almost 40 years, and will continue to serve the company as a member of its board of directors.

Draheim will take over as CEO and president effective immediately.

“It has been an honor to be a part of the strong team that has worked so hard to preserve the Fleetwood legacy and to take care of our dealers, suppliers and customers during the transition,” said Wilkinson.

“I am confident that I am leaving the company in very good hands, and look forward to staying connected as a member of the board.”

“On behalf of everyone at Fleetwood RV, I would like to sincerely thank Chuck for everything that he has done over the past year to help us remain one of the leading brands in the motor home industry,” said

John Draheim new Fleetwood President Draheim. “His leadership and operational expertise have been key reasons for the success we have achieved so far, and we are all pleased that he will be a part of the company’s board of directors.

On a personal note, I have really enjoyed working sideby-side with Chuck for many years and wish him all the best in his retirement.”

“Together with John, Chuck has helped build a highcaliber team and corporate culture focused on manufacturing quality motor homes,” said John Becker, chairman of the board for Fleetwood RV, Inc., and managing partner of AIP. “This is one of the many reasons why we are confident Fleetwood RV will continue to be one of the top-selling motor home brands in the industry for many years to come.”

Campground Greeley, CO

The Colorado Campground & Lodging Owners Association’s Convention & Tradeshow was held on February 2-5 at the Embassy Suites Hotel in Colorado Springs, Colorado with19 Campgrounds/RV Parks represented and overall 32 attendees along with 11 vendors.

The POOT tour visited the Foot of the Rockies RV Park, Cheyenne Mountain State Park, Falcon Meadow RV Campground and Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park at Larkspur.

Jim & Dee Ozburn Falcon Meadow RV Campground Falcon, CO IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT Gene & Johanna Farrar Snowy Peaks RV Park & Rentals Buena Vista, CO

The dinner banquet included both a silent and live auction garnered $6,500 for the association.

Gene Farrar of Snowy Peaks RV Park handing over the leadership to new presidents Tom and Mari Garland of Junction West RV Park new CCLOA Board of Castle Rock RV Resort & Directors officers and Campground regional directors were Castle Rock, CO elected. They include: Stan & Pat Stehwien, 2010 CCLOA Board of Secretary/Treasurer Directors Gunnison Lakeside Resort

Gunnison, CO OFFICERS Tom & Mari Garland, REGIONAL DIRECTORS President Tom Bell Junction West RV Park Montrose RV Resort Grand Junction, CO Montrose, CO

The annual membership meeting was held where

Ian & Sally Steyn, Vice President

The tour ended with a Meet and Greet Reception at the ARVC headquarters in Larkspur sponsored by Evergreen USA, Bryan Tolli.

Marlin Ness Greeley RV Park &

CCLOA ADMINISTRATOR Dana Foran PO Box 2831 Durango, CO 81302 Phone & Fax: 970-2591899 association@campcolorado.com

Ian Steyn of Castle Rock Jellystone Park checking out a golf cart.

owners and with vendors was had by all who attended.

Continued from previous page

Dr. Jerry Bell Special Speakers during the conference were Dr. Jerry Bell of Bell Leadership Institute in Chapel Hill, NC, Linda Profaizer, President and CEO of ARVC, Vern Moter, a former CPA and self-made millionaire, Terry Sullivan, President of the Tourism Industry Association of Colorado (TIAC) and President of

Dr. Jerry Bell listening to a participant as he is giving his session topic on "Focused Listening." the Colorado Springs himself/herself and say a Visitor and Convention little something about his Bureau and Evanne company/product. A Schmarder, owner of cocktail & hors d’oervres Roadabode Productions time with the vendors was and Editor of the ARVC also held, sponsored by the Report.

Jellystone Franchise – Tony & Kathy Palmeri along with Time with the Vendors a cracker barrel session included vendor with the vendors. introductions with each vendor given an A great time of networking opportunity to introduce with fellow campground

Vern Moter asking a participant in his money making session, "Do you want to make a million now or later?"

sunshine this spring, summer and early fall, we don’t expect campground revenue to decrease but rather to increase.

The other factor is the economy, with all its variables. Should gas prices increase, or a true recession or even depression begin, all businesses will suffer.

When you’re in the credit card industry and have reliable customer figures to interpret, it does leave us in a rather unique position – especially if you can view the business of 200 accounts.

Last year, during what has been called the worst recession since the “great depression” of the 1930’s, the RV campground industry, as a whole, not only maintained its market, but the industry actually grew.

This growth makes sense when one considers that the hotel industry shrank and amusement areas, such as theme parks, also suffered some setbacks.

We have written about this before in this column, that the so-called “staycation” had become very popular in this economy. Families are now favorably considering going to a venue that IS their vacation, rather than traveling to see a

particular city. The RV campground or even tented sites in national parks are now preferred destinations.

Now to the statistics, at least the ones that we are in a position to calculate based upon our customer base and the historical statistics we have.

The average income, and we emphasize the word average, has increased by 12% a month in credit/debit card revenues in 2009 over the previous year.

We anticipate somewhat the same growth in 2010 with two caveats. One, of course is the weather, which none of us can predict. If the holiday weekends sparkle with

If the weather cooperates and the economy doesn’t shift severely, this could be a great year for RV campgrounds.

The other statistic that we can thoroughly analyze is credit card and debit card usage in campgrounds. In 2007, plastic accounted for 59% of all business – in 2008, it rose dramatically to 62%, while in 2009 it hit nearly 70% of all transactions both live and for reservations over the phone.

In 2010, we predict another increase as less and less people are carrying either cash or a checkbook.

Another interesting statistic is the increase in those people easily willing to give their credit card information over the phone, which accounts for the slight rise in non-swipe transactions, last year.

Debit card transactions are up 16% since 2009 and they will probably rise considering that people

Art Lieberman believe they cannot go into debt using their debit cards.

Our brothers in the RV industry have noticed an increase in sales in the last quarter of 2009 and attendance at RV shows have steadily increased lately. This bodes well for both the RV and the RV campground industries.

There has also been an increase in the campground owners who are purchasing park models, cabins and yurts to accommodate those families who want to experience the outdoors but do not own an RV. All in all, if the weather is good and the economy continues its slow growth and doesn’t plunge, 2010 might be a wonderful year for RV Campgrounds!

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 is also the producer of the International Virtual Outdoor Hospitality Expo scheduled for Nov. 1-3, 2010. www.campgroundexpo.com

GARDINER WA -Friends of Judy Cates, who died in a March 1 car crash as she slowed to turn from U.S. Highway 101 into the Discovery Bay Resort in Gardiner, Washington want to make it safer to turn left to get home.

Saddened and angered by the unexpected loss of their friend, Nicki Sexton and Lynn Kauffman and other residents of the recreational vehicle resort plan to approach state Department of Transportation officials later this spring with a plan.

They want to improve safety on the often trafficsnarled Highway 101 that fronts the park's entrance in a speed-prone stretch west to Wild Birds Unlimited.

They're talking about a leftturn lane, perhaps, an idea that has been broached before but which would be expensive for the resort, which is on a private drive.

Or at least some signs could be erected -something, anything, to lessen the possibility that someone else will die.

Cates was preparing to turn left on U.S. Highway 101 into the Gardiner leasehold RV park when a motorist clipped her 2002 Saturn four-door sedan's

Nicki Sexton, Discovery Bay RV Resort manager, stands over a flower wreath memorial to her former co-worker and close friend, Judy Cates, at the entrance to the park. -Photo and article by Jeff Chew/Peninsula Daily News www.peninsuladailynews.com

right rear corner, spinning it into the oncoming lane where it was hit hard from behind by two other cars.

Cates, 59, died at the scene.

Three others received minor injuries in the three-car crash, the State Patrol said.

Many park residents had believed it was just a matter of time before such a horrific fatal crash occurred.

Many park residents had believed it was just a matter of time before such a horrific fatal crash occurred.

An educator and administrator for 30 years in Houston, Texas, before she retired to the park, Cates had managed its office since June 2009.

"There's still a lot of anger yet, a lot of frustration," said Sexton, park manager.

RESTON, Va. -- Go RVing’s three new “Ambassadors of Affordability” television commercials, launched last month to national TV audiences, have been made into spots ready for dealers, campgrounds and show promoters to tag with their own information and run on local television.

Already seen by approximately 130 million consumers this year, the “Ambassadors of Affordability” are animal characters in Go RVing’s print, Internet and TV campaign that tout the

message, “Go Affordably.

Go RVing.” By purchasing the new taggable spots, industry members or their ad agencies can target their local market area with customized information during the final five seconds.

For $250, Go RVing tie-in program participants can order the customizable spots through the industryonly section of GoRVing.com. They will be sent both a DVD for easy viewing and a BETA tape for the highest production quality.

Companies already

registered for the industry tie-in program can preview the spots in the industryonly area of GoRVing.com. Select the “Toolbox” heading and click on “Go RVing ads for Industry to Tag.” “The new Go RVing TV spots are so catchy and recognizable that dealers

and others in the industry who run the ads will surely get noticed in their local market,” said Go RVing CoChair Tom Stinnett, president of Tom Stinnett RV Freedom Center. “I highly recommend that all dealers take advantage of these spots to bring the national campaign to their local level.”

Buellton, CA. March 11, 2010 - Flying Flags RV Resort and Campground, a 5W/5W premier Resort in California’s Central Coast area, announced today they will feature an RV show & sale at the resort this summer.

Trailer Hitch RV Center of Nipomo, CA [www.trailerhitchrv.com] will showcase a variety of new Trailers and 5th wheels including the popular Heartland, Forrest River and Keystone brands.

According to Michael Howard of the Trailer Hitch RV Center: “We have specially ordered models for this show at Flying Flags that are perfect for RVers who might trade up to a new unit, and for campers who are ready for their first RV. There really will be something for everyone, from tiny towable mini-lites to exquisite luxury 5th wheels”.

The show will be staffed 6 days per week by knowledgeable show managers who are able to help customers with all aspects of a purchase, including trades & financing.

Dan Baumann, General Manager at Flying Flags, is excited about this partnership: “This type of a show is a perfect fit for our Resort. It gives our guests the opportunity to explore new RV models in a camping environment rather than a pressured sales

selection of RV parts and accessories on the entire Central Coast. The Trailer Hitch RV Center is a professional, full service dealership specializing in RV Sales, Service, Parts & Rentals. www.TrailerHitchRV.com situation at a dealer. This is exactly the philosophy of the Trailer Hitch RV Center, so it really is a perfect match”.

Flying Flags is professionally managed by Horizon RV Resorts, and President Randy Hendrickson is equally enthused: “Congratulations to Michael and Dan for pulling together what promises to be the elite, onsite RV show of its kind. By pulling together the premier RV dealer and the premier RV Resort in the area, Michael and Dan have created an atmosphere conducive not only to RV sales, but also to our guests’ experience.

Guests at Flying Flags have long counted on a superior experience when staying with us, and the addition of this show just adds to that legacy. It’s a home run for all concerned” Approximately 40 show units will begin arriving in April, with the official Grand Opening on May 1st. The show will run through September 15th, and there will be several special events planned throughout the duration of the show. In

addition to local TV, Radio and print ad campaigns throughout the summer, interested persons can visit either of the web sites for Flying Flags and Trailer Hitch RV Center for current information and show promotions.

Dan Baumann adds: ‘We are looking forward to another phenomenal summer season at Flying Flags. With our recent $1.3M renovation, our guests have never been happier and our facilities have never looked better.

The addition of the RV Show this summer adds yet another great activity, and we couldn’t be more thrilled by the partnership with Trailer Hitch RV Center. We feel this is going to be our most successful season ever!”

The Trailer Hitch RV Center is a family owned & operated dealership founded in 1970 with the philosophy of maintaining a long term relationship with their customers, and they were the very first RV dealership in the state of California to sell fifth wheel trailers. Their parts department, RV World Ltd., has the largest

Flying Flags RV Resort & Campground, managed by Horizon RV Resorts (www.HorizonRVResorts.c om ) is an award winning 5W/5W RV Resort located along California's beautiful Central Coast. Ideally located in Santa Barbara’s Wine Country, only five minutes from the Danish town of Solvang & the Chumash Casino Resort, In 2008 the resort underwent a complete $1.3M renovation which resulted in the most modern camping experience anywhere. RV sites feature stamped concrete patios, pads and state-of-the-art 50amp utility pedestals. Most sites are pull-thrus and Wi-Fi service and cable TV are included.

Guests can enjoy the many amenities at the resort such as outdoor movies on our giant poolside screen, heated swimming pools, hot tubs, arcade, fitness center, playground, and the new off-leash dog park. Flying Flags is open year round at 180 Avenue of Flags in Buellton, CA. www.FlyingFlags.com

Cincinnati, OH (March 15, 2010) - Leisure Systems Inc., the franchisor of Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp-Resorts, has announced new features and benefits to help celebrate the one year anniversary of their innovative loyalty program - Club Yogi Rewards.

Launched on April 1st of 2009, Club Yogi Rewards has surpassed the 30,000 member threshold, more than double the number of guests who participated in various discount card programs previously sponsored by Leisure Systems. Since members earn benefits based upon their accumulated spending across all 75 Jellystone Park Resorts in the U.S. and Canada, the program now provides specific visibility into the spending habits of best customers. “The development of the marketing database for our total brand, and the information provided by

the loyalty program to our franchisees, has enabled the entire enterprise to identify, retain and maximize business potential from our most valuable guests,” said Rob Schutter, President and COO of Leisure Systems.

“We have used the program as a platform to understand our best customers, profile their characteristics and preferences and deliver relevant offers to them which increase park business performance.

The database marketing potential will have significant implications on the future of our brand and business model.”

To help celebrate the one year anniversary, Club Yogi Rewards will introduce added benefits for the 2010 season. In addition to redeeming points for free nights at any Jellystone Park, Club members will now be able to redeem for selected Yogi Bear branded

Rob Schutter merchandise. “The merchandise assortment is quite popular with the kids,” notes Michele Wisher, Marketing Director at Leisure Systems, “and provides the program with some redemption options at lower point thresholds than a free night.” Additionally, the program will launch some highly unique auction events where members can bid their points for special, one-of-a-kind family oriented experiences. “The auctions,” notes Wisher, “will create fun, excitement and unparalleled levels of reward to compliment the overall brand.”

Club Yogi Rewards is a free program that is unlike any other best customer initiative offered by campgrounds across the U.S. and Canada. The program abandoned the traditional fee-based discount card approach that is common in the camping industry in favor of offering all guests the opportunity to earn FREE camping nights based upon their total spending at any park in the system. There are no

restrictions on the type of accommodation a member can earn for FREE and no blackout dates. Points are earned for dollars spent regardless of the payment method used to buy accommodations or retail purchases at the Park store. Points accumulate from season to season as long as a guest stays active in the program.

Preferences and other optin survey data help drive program communications, e-mail offers, the club newsletter and a special birthday gift program for the kids. Members can earn additional points for participating in surveys and booking reservations for special promotional periods throughout the year.

“We launched in the face of an economic downturn one year ago,” says Schutter.

“We eliminated discounts and replaced them with points accrual - which our industry traditionally avoided. Our first year results were exceptionally strong, margins held and our best customers tell us they love the new program.”

Since launch, Leisure Systems has worked with Reward Paths, a loyalty marketing services firm, to provide the program operations and management system for Club Yogi Rewards. “We could not have done this by ourselves,” says Wisher, “and the auction platform Continued next page

Continued from previous page and new campaign management functions coming in 2010 are a direct result of Reward Paths capabilities that were already built-in for program enhancements.” The Reward Paths loyalty system enables the Marketing Team at headquarters, the individual park locations and the program members to all access the complete platform with nothing more than a web browser.

Reward Paths hosts the member facing website, the auction engine and the loyalty management system used to support the entire program.

About Leisure Systems, Inc. and Jellystone Park Camp-Resorts Launched in 1969, the Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp-Resort system is the second largest chain of campgrounds in the United States, boasting 75 campgrounds with over 15,000 campsites in 28 states and Canada.

Jellystone Park CampResorts, which focus on the family market, are among the best campgrounds in the industry with a quality reputation for being fun, friendly, clean and serviceoriented parks.

Additionally, each Jellystone Park is themed with Yogi Bear elements providing instant recognition and consumer appeal. It is truly a place “Where You Camp With Friends.”®

Yogi Bear Jellystone Parks are franchised through Leisure Systems, Inc (LSI), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Park River Corporation, Cincinnati, Ohio. For more information about Jellystone Parks, visit www.campjellystone.com.

About Reward Paths Reward Paths is a full service marketing firm specializing in helping midmarket companies design, enable and operate reward, loyalty and incentive programs for their customers and associates.

Reward Paths offers affordable, best of breed technology especially well suited to the consumer marketplace. The company also provides reward program service to B2B clients serving professional, institutional and trade audiences. Reward Paths LLC is majority owned by Incentive Solutions Limited (ISL) of Auckland, New Zealand. For more information visit www.rewardpaths.com.

We were so glad that you elected to print the article about the German couple touring the states and wanted to let you know since the beginning of your newsletters arriving we have found them to be most interesting and informative.

We also appreciated the fact that you included a picture of our park as it

was a nice touch. We told the German couple that we would mail them the article of the newspaper and now we will also mail them the newsletter for their arrival when they get home. It is a souvenir from the US that you just can't top. Keep up the good work!

DiAnna Pinson LakeRidge RV Park Gun Barrel City, Tx.

At the annual Portland Metro Dealers RV Show, Curtis Trailers typically would have sold around 18 trailers.

This year, amid gas woes and a recession, the Portland company doubled that figure, sending 20 out the door on the first day alone.

National sales figures released Friday show U.S. consumers are consuming.

The Commerce Department said sales increased 0.3 percent in February, far better than the 0.2 percent decline expected by Wall Street analysts.

Take out the figures for car and gasoline sales, and the gain soars to 0.9 percent.

Analysts had figured February's unusually extreme weather would

take a larger toll on sales.

In addition, a recent weakening in consumer confidence had raised concerns that high unemployment and large debt would continue to limit household spending.

Instead, February saw sales grow in nearly every category: electronics up 3.7 percent, clothing 0.6 percent and building materials 0.5 percent.

Car sales fell 2 percent last month, largely because of stormy weather and concerns over the safety of some Toyota vehicles, economists said.

Bolstering the optimism, a report last week showed that the nation's retailers had posted their strongest sales since late 2007, with nearly every major chain showing robust results.

AUBURN, Calif., March 16, 2010 – Spring is quickly approaching and Easter will be upon us even earlier than it was last year.

Easter egg hunt, pictures with the Easter bunny, and fun activities with the park’s baby goats and lambs.

“Several private campgrounds and RV parks and resorts are planning Easter activities, including daytime and nighttime Easter egg hunts,” said Debbie Sipe, executive director of the California Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds.

Sacred Rocks Reserve in Boulevard: This park will host an Easter egg geocaching hunt on March 27th. Geocaching is an outdoor activity in which participants use GPS navigation systems to guide them in their search for hidden treasures.

Shady Oasis Kampground in Victorville: This park will

So far, the biggest event appears to be slated for Newport Dunes Waterfront RV Resort and Marina in Newport Beach, which will host its third annual Easter egg hunt on Saturday, April 3rd, with more than 6,000 candy and toy-filled Easter eggs.

Here’s a sampling of other California parks that are planning fun Easter related events for families with children: Campland on the Bay in San Diego: This park will host an Easter egg hunt at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, April 3rd.

Debbie Sipe: CALARVC

Manchester Beach / Costanoa KOA: This park will have several Easter related activities April 2nd to 4th, including an Easter egg coloring contest and an Easter egg hunt.

Marina Dunes RV Park in Marina: this park will have its 4th annual Easter egg hunt on Sunday, April 4th.

Mission Bay RV Resort in San Diego: This park will have an Easter egg hunt on April 4th with prizes for children who find the golden eggs. There will also be photo opportunities with the Easter bunny.

Mt. Gate RV Park in Redding: This park will have an Easter egg hunt on Saturday, April 3rd. Some eggs will also be filled with treats for pets and owners.

An Easter egg coloring contest will be held at the park clubhouse after the hunt.

North San Francisco / Petaluma KOA: This park will have several Easter related activities from April 2nd to 4th, including an

have an Easter egg hunt at 10 a.m. April 4th.

Smithwoods RV Park in Felton: This park will have Easter related activities on Easter weekend, including egg coloring and an Easter egg hunt.

Stockton KOA: This park will have Easter-related activities April 2nd to 4th, including Easter egg coloring, Easter egg bowling and a flashlight Easter egg hunt at night.

Crowley, TX – March 15, 2010 – Texas Advertising, provider of high quality guest directories and site maps for the RV park and campground industry, has announced it has added the entire network of Carefree RV Resorts to its portfolio. The Carefree family includes 35 parks in six states across the country as well as Canada. As an industry leader in marketing services, Texas Advertising offers the finest site map production in the country while maintaining its first-class service. Products range from four-color four-page booklets to 20-page standard-sized directories.

Texas Advertising will be producing the site maps for parks and

campgrounds in California, Florida, Texas, North Carolina, Massachusetts, and New Jersey as well as Ontario, Canada. For about half the parks, marketing is underway with delivery for some scheduled this spring.

“To be entrusted with a clients complete site map needs, stretching across a network as big as Carefree’s, is just another indication of how well regarded Texas Advertising is in the industry,” said Brian Schaeffer, President of Texas Advertising. “I look forward to serving Carefree with the same top-notch service as the rest of our clients.”

North Hollywood, CA, March 16, 2010 – The RV Buddies video review of the Open Range Residential R398RSS fifth wheel is LIVE on RVBuddiesOnline.com for viewing now.

"Not all fifth wheels are created equal," says Host and Producer Mark Summers. "The Open Range Residential feels different the minute you walk in. It's substantial. And when you look at the engineering underneath the beautiful skin you understand why."

While this coach has a plan very similar to other 5ers – with bed and bath topside, and large open living space with kitchen below – that's where the similarities end.

"There is obviously a lot of quality engineered into this coach," says Summers.

Advanced construction techniques and materials obtain lighter weight without sacrificing quality.

Towing is eased with an aerodynamic front cap. And the cabinetry has a 10-year warranty. "You have to have faith to offer that,"

says Summers, “And their faith is well-founded.”

The Open Range Residential offers a widebody design with slide-outs six inches deeper than most. This adds to more livable space. Features like an HD home theater and fireplace and the residentialstyled two-tone kitchen cabinetry make you feel right at home. Additionally, the kitchen comes with a residential refrigerator and full-size gas oven which is ideal for the demanding gourmet.

When you look past the surface - which is hard to do in such a beautiful RV you will find systems and engineering that are built for the long haul. This fifth wheel is a four season coach – so you can go where your heart desires, not where the limitations of the construction and weather dictate.

To see the review, photos and floor plan, go to RVBuddiesOnline.com.

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By Larry

People expect nice fresh air when they travel to outdoor places such as campgrounds and RV parks. You cannot control the four big problems of smog, ozone, smoke from forest fires and pollen. So what can you do?

No open burning. The only open fires should be grills.

Make sure that trash fires, use of smokers, burning of stumps and the like are “no-no’s�. Beyond the downright irritation, smoke sets off sinus irritation and asthma attacks. On ozone days it adds to the problem.

Gas up and mow only in the evening during ozone alert days, if at all. Ozone is produced when the sun hits carbon dioxide on warm, humid, calm days.

Gas fumes and exhaust in the morning aggravate the process. Do what you can to encourage and facilitate pooling of vehicles for those inevitable short runs to the store and elsewhere.

Eliminate any allergen producing plants and trees

from your premises.

Goldenrod is a prime culprit.

Be informed and keep your customers informed.

What allergens are prevalent at various months of the year? In some places cedar pollen comes in the Spring and goldenrod comes in the Fall. When is the smog heaviest? If there are forest fires with the potential to send smoke your way be sure to make that known to all your customers well before they are scheduled to arrive.

Air quality issues are a tough challenge because of the limits of what can be done about it. The possibility of losing bookings because of poor air quality is painful. But the possibility of losing customer trust and loyalty for not caring about their health and comfort enough to notify them of potential problems is more painful.