Issue 93 Campground

business has been a huge part of my life for 40 years – I love it and the people in it. Maybe now I’ll get to enjoy visiting RV parks and campgrounds from the road instead of from the air!”

LARKSPUR, Colo., May 3, 2010 – National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds President and CEO Linda Profaizer plans to retire at the end of this year, concluding a 40-year career in the campground business.

ARVC’s full board was notified of her retirement plans on Friday.

“There comes a time in everyone’s career when

Linda Profaizer it’s time to step down and move on,” said Profaizer, who has spent 10 years at ARVC’s helm, adding, “The campground

“I wish Linda nothing but the best, and realize that the most important thing we can do for our membership is to find the Continued page 2

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David L. Berg, CPO, ARVC’s chairman. most qualified individual to replace her,” said David L. Berg, CPO, ARVC’s chairman, adding, “I appreciate Linda giving us plenty of notice of her intentions so we may use this time in a positive way.”

Berg, who co-owns Red Apple Campground in Kennebunkport, Me. with his wife, Jane, said he planned to ask the ARVC board for permission to launch a nationwide search for Profaizer’s replacement.

Profaizer was hired as ARVC’s vice-president in 2000 and moved into the position of president/CEO in 2001. Prior to that she served nearly 30 years in management positions with Woodall’s Publications Corp. leaving as the company’s President. She started her career working in public relations for a major teaching hospital in Pittsburgh, Penn.

Berg praised Profaizer’s dedication and work ethic.

“Linda has done an excellent job during her tenure at ARVC,” he said.

“When she traveled around this country and was speaking to our members and industry partners, her passion for this industry was obvious.

Even when she was on vacation I would get emails from her late into the night and early morning hours. She was

always putting the needs of membership first, and now I hope she has the time to relax and enjoy life with her husband, Tony.

She certainly has earned it. Linda has dedicated the majority of her life to the camping industry and she will be missed by many.”

Berg said Profaizer has agreed to assist ARVC as needed after a new president and CEO is selected to ensure a smooth transition. “While one chapter may be ending,” he said, “a new opportunity exists for our association and we are going to make the most of it.”

Richard “Dick” Hartford has a lot to celebrate this year — his 65th birthday, 37 years in the insurance industry, and 24 with Evergreen, a company insuring the campground industry, owned by campground owners.

President of Evergreen Indemnity and Evergreen USA, Hartford resides in Lewiston, Maine, and has two sons, Lucas and Justin.

The first full week of May is annually recognized as National Travel and Tourism Week, a tradition first celebrated in 1984.

Localized events are presented in cities, states and travel businesses nationwide to champion the power of travel. It was established as National Tourism Week when the U.S. Congress passed a joint resolution in 1983 designating the week to be celebrated in May. In a White House ceremony, President Ronald Reagan signed a Presidential Proclamation urging citizens to observe the

HELENA - Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks is considering a plan to allow campers to make reservations at 21 of the state's 54 state parks. week with “the appropriate ceremonies and activities.�

Since its establishment, the U.S. travel community has collectively marked the event in a number of creative ways, from staging local rallies and conducting media outreach to securing proclamations and resolutions from local legislative bodies.

State Parks Administrator Chas Van Genderen says campers want the ability to plan ahead knowing they'll have a camping site when they arrive.

A reservation will cost campers an extra $10 on top of the regular campground fee.

The agency says 25% of the sites at campgrounds that allow reservations will remain on a first-come, firstserved basis.

If approved, the reservation program could be in place by 2011.

The agency is accepting public comment on the proposal through May 18.

The announcement, made during Cal-ARVC’s annual convention and tradeshow in Reno, included an introduction to Midwest Leasing Inc., which is providing financing for Thor’s rental units TOPEKA, Ind. April 29, 2010 – CrossRoads RV has become the fourth Thor Industries Inc. company to join an exclusive promotion that provides special pricing for rental-lodging products for members of the National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds (ARVC).

CrossRoads President Mark Lucas and Shane Ott,

Thor Industries’ director of campground relations, announced CrossRoads’ entry into the ARVC-Thor promotion last week during the during Cal-ARVC’s annual convention and tradeshow in Reno. Three other Thor companies participating in the ARVCThor promotion include Airstream, Breckenridge, and Keystone.

All four companies offer unique lines of park model cabin and travel trailer units that have been specially designed to meet the durability needs of private park operators who are anxious to expand their offering of rental accommodations.

“CrossRoads is taking a very assertive approach in reaching out to private park operators,” said Ott, who developed Thor’s rental accommodations initiative after previously serving as president and COO of Kampgrounds of America (KOA).

Lucas, for his part, said input from private park operators has enabled CrossRoads to design its rental units to withstand daily wear and tear from campground guests. As a result, its rental units feature: 5/8 inch pine plank tongue and groove interior paneling instead

Shane Ott of ¼ inch paneling or gypsum board.

No carpeting. Instead, the floors are covered with Beau Floor linoleum, which is easy to clean and more resistant to furniture scratching and cracking

due to cold weather than other floor coverings.

No curtains because the materials used in draperies can tear and hold odors.

Instead, CrossRoads uses miniblinds, which can be easily cleaned and replaced as needed.

Residential style refrigerators. Guests prefer them over compact RV refrigerators because they hold more and work better.

They can also be easily replaced as needed.

Custom designed deck plans. CrossRoads has provided Lowe’s with architectural drawings for patio decks that it designed specifically for its rental units. So whenever park operators want to install a patio, they can simply contact Lowe’s, which will provide them with the deck plans as well as the lumber and other supplies they need.

During the Cal-ARVC tradeshow, Lucas and Ott

also introduced park operators to Fran Wickenhauser of Midwest Leasing, whose company has been given an exclusive contract to provide financing to park operators who purchase rental accommodation units through the ARVCThor promotion.

Other lodging units featured in the ARVC-Thor promotion include four Breckenridge park models ranging from 22- to 36feet; two Keystone travel trailers, including one 29and one 37-foot model; and one 25-foot Airstream travel trailer.

The world’s largest RV manufacturer, Thor has a long history of financial stability and annual growth. The Jackson Center, Ohio company and its subsidiaries currently produce 30 percent of the RVs and park models produced in the United States, which Ott said should assure ARVC members of a mutually

beneficial and stable business relationship.

ARVC, for its part, is the largest association of private parks in the world, representing more than 3,600 commercially owned campgrounds, RV parks and resorts across the country. The association is based in Larkspur, Colo

Thor Industries has announced preliminary sales and backlog for the quarter and nine months ended April 30, 2010, and the divestiture of its Canadian RV and park model operations.

Sales in the quarter were $679 million, up 64% from $415 million last year. RV sales were $558 million, up 79% from $312 million last year. Specialty vehicle sales, which include buses and ambulances were $121 million, up 17% from

.For more information on the Thor-ARVC accommodations partnership, please contact Shane Ott at (406) 670-7181 or sott@thorindustries.com or Linda Profaizer at (303) 681-0401 or lprofaizer@arvc.org.

$103 million last year.

Sales during the ninemonth period were $1.61 billion, up 49% from $1.08 billion last year. RV sales were $1.28 billion, up 65% from $777 million last year.

Specialty vehicle sales were $328 million, up 8% from $304 million last year.

Also announced that it had sold its Citair Inc. subsidiary, d.b.a. General Coach Canada, to management, effective April 30, 2010.

BILLINGS, MT (April 29 , 2010) – Scott Bacher, owner of the Carlsbad, New Mexico KOA Campground, was one of a panel of experts called to testify Tuesday, April 27 in Washington, D.C., during a hearing of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation.

The committee is looking into ways to better promote the National Parks as tourism destinations. Bacher, who owns the Carlsbad KOA with his wife, Susan, spoke of the relationships developed between National Parks and Monuments and private vendors, such as campgrounds.

Scott Bacher Shafroth, deputy assistant secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks with the U.S. Department of the Interior; and renowned wildlife and scenic photographer Clyde Butcher.

Bacher appeared at the request of Senator Tom Udall of New Mexico.

To view highlights of Bacher’s testimony before the committee, go to http://www.youtube.com/wat ch?v=UFpXxMVtkV8.

Along with Bacher, the panel at the hearing included filmmaker Ken Burns, well known for his recent National Parks documentary; Michael Ward, superintendent of Voyageurs National Park in Minnesota; Diane Shober, Travel and Tourism director for the State of Wyoming; Will

To view the entire hearing, go to http://commerce.senate.gov /public/index.cfm?p=Hearin gs&ContentRecord_id=4376 475e-03c2-48fd-aabab4e8ac62149d&ContentTyp e_id=14f995b9-dfa5-407a9d3556cc7152a7ed&Group_id=b 06c39af-e033-4cba-9221de668ca1978a

W. Brookfield, MA - April 22, 2010. When the Massachusetts Association of Campground Owners Board of Directors learned that one of their long time members was hospitalized and facing a lengthy recovery, they decided to organize volunteers to help with the parks spring clean-up.

Bob & Kathy Lipovsky, owners of Old Sawmill Campground were pleasantly surprised when over a dozen people, representing 6 campgrounds, arrived with dump trucks, tractor, leaf blowers, rakes and more to spend the day doing the spring clean-up and road repairs needed before the parks

scheduled opening day of May 1st.

With the help of Executive Director, Paula Carroll, Pete Daley of Circle CG Farm in Bellingham, MA organized the volunteers, equipment and date and time.

On April 22nd Mr. Daley packed up his 1 ton dump truck, tractor, golf cart, leaf blowers, etc. and met volunteers from Lake Manchuag Campground, Sutton Falls Campground, Pine Acres Family Camping Resort, Sodom Mountain Campground and Sandy Pond Campground, who spent the entire day working together to give the Old Sawmill Campground the spring clean up it needed to be ready for opening day.

Washington, DC - Roger Dow, president and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association, today called for an end of all Arizona travel boycotts and urged Washington policymakers to do what their constituents have repeatedly asked them to do and address the complex issue of immigration. Dow made the following statement: “We call for an end to counterproductive Arizona travel boycotts.

Immigration reform is an important and sensitive topic for Arizona and the country at large. This complex issue should be resolved on the merits of various proposals, not by holding an industry and its 300,000 employees hostage to politics.

“We appreciate the acknowledgment that travel is a major economic force in Arizona and across the country. We need to protect this critical aspect of our economy and reward hard-working

Roger Dow Americans instead of proposing boycotts that will lead to job losses and economic hardship for families and local communities. It is inappropriate to punish the men and women of our industry who have done no harm to others.

“The situation in Arizona further highlights the need for federal action on immigration reform. The longer Congress delays action on this issue, the greater the likelihood for divisive and detrimental policies.”

CROWLEY, Texas, May 3, 2010 – Convinced that their businesses are relatively recession proof, campgrounds and RV parks across the Lone Star State are investing in capital improvement projects and, in some cases, modest expansions this year, according to park operators and industry officials.

“Private campgrounds and RV parks know they are the most affordable vacation option and they want to retain their competitive edge against other travel and tourism

venues, so many of them are investing in improvements and expansion projects,” said Brian Schaeffer, executive director and CEO of the Texas Association of Campground Owners.

He said the improvements include everything from the addition of new campsites and park model rental cabins to new amenities like jumping pillows and water features, which are making some parks vacation destinations in themselves.

One case in point is The Vineyards in Grapevine, which is undergoing a $1.4 million expansion and capital improvement project that includes construction of 17 additional RV sites and seven cabins. The park is also adding sewer service to 66 campsites, extending its 50 amp electrical service to new campsites and providing 100-amp electrical service to its cabins. The park is also building a camp store, remodeling its gatehouse, renovating its fishing pier and boat ramp docks and adding shade shelters.

Improvement and expansion efforts are also underway at several other campgrounds and RV parks and resorts across the Lone Star State, including: Austin Lone Star RV Resort, a Carefree RV Resort in Austin: This park recently opened a new exercise room. The park is also adding an outdoor kitchen to its pavilion and upgrading its electrical service.

Belton RV Park in Belton: This park is spending about $25,000 in improvements this year, which including upgrading the park’s sewer system, repaving part of the park and remodeling the kitchen

in its rally/meeting building. New lighting and flooring has also been installed in the rally/meeting building.

Hidden Valley RV Park in Von Ormy: This park has reinvested more than 75 percent of its profits from last year into additional improvements throughout the park. “We have recently begun to upgrade five of our 30 amp sites to accommodate both 30 and 50 amp rigs, since so many rig owners seem to prefer the 50 amp option,” said co-owner Teri Blaschke. The park has also added two new campsites, removed brush and trees to enlarge some of its campsites, and refurbished its entrance road and signage. New landscaping has also been planted.

Hill Country RV Resort in New Braunfels: This park recently purchased 13 additional park models to accommodate a growing business base of new guests, particularly summer vacationers and Winter Texans. “We are seeing huge demand,” said partner Bryan Kastleman of Austin-based Kastleman & Associates Inc., which manages the park. “I have turned away well over 100 prospective guests this past fall and

winter.” With the addition of 13 more park models, Hill Country RV Resort will have a total of 33 park models. Other major improvements completed during the past year and a half include upgrading the park’s electrical and sewer service, repainting buildings throughout the park, installing 44 new washers and dryers in the laundry rooms and installing a new Wi-Fi system. A new camp store is being built now and a Jumping Pillow will arrive in the next two weeks.

Koyote Ranch in Medina: New owners took over this park in July 2009 and have since spent close to $200,000 in improvements, which include providing new beds and attractive bedding, towels and porch furniture in all cabins as well as extensive manicuring to the property.

Heating and air conditioning are also being added to the park’s 250capacity event barn for weddings, reunions and rallies. The park’s 5,000square foot limestone ranch house has also been repainted and provided with new furnishings.

Pecan Park Campground in San Marcos: This park has completed numerous upgrades and additions since last year, including a professionally designed Frisbee golf course, installing keypads on all of its private bathroom facilities, repainting and retiling the restrooms, and

installing designer grade flooring its full service activity room. The park also now offers an on-site tube rental and shuttle service and plans to expand its pull-through sites.

Rusk KOA in Rusk: This park has spent over $100,000 on improvements since last year, including the purchase of six park model rental cabins, which are being marketed as “lodges.” The park has also installed new energy saving equipment.

South Fort Worth Jellystone in Burleson: This park, formerly known as Rustic Creek Ranch, joined the Jellystone Park CampResorts chain earlier this year and has been investing in several improvements, including remodeling the office and adding a new deck to the park’s Armadillo Hall.

The park has also built two hay wagons and purchased a fire truck for its younger guests to ride on.

The Texas Association of Campground Operators publishes and distributes the Texas RV Travel & Camping Guide each year.

For more information about the 2010 directory or for statistics involving the latest camping trends in Texas parks, please contact Brian Schaeffer at (817) 307-0129 or visit www.texascampgrounds.com and www.texascabinrentals.net

ELKHART, Ind., May 3, 2010 – After enduring the biggest downturn in the history of the park trailer business, several park trailer manufacturers are reporting increased sales and renewed interest in their products, which are used by consumers as vacation cottages and by campgrounds as rental accommodations.

“It looks like spring is definitely going to be better than it was last year,” said Tim Howard, president and CEO of the Breckenridge Division of Damon Corp., a Thor company in Nappanee that has long been one of the largest park model manufacturers in the country.

“In the past two months, we have seen a better

market, a better demand for products, broadly, than we saw during the same period last year. This is an encouragement, certainly, because it was a long, painful ‘off’ season.”

Granted, Howard said his company’s backlog is still “not anywhere near what it would have been in normal times three years ago,” but it’s moving in the right direction.

“Several park trailer manufacturers are saying their orders are up at least 10 to 15 percent from where they were a year ago,” said William Garpow, executive director of the Recreational Park Trailer Industry Association, which represents park trailer manufacturers. “Of course,

park trailer shipments were down about 50 percent last year, so we’ve still got a long ways to go to get back where we were three years ago, but at least we’re heading in the right direction.”

Indeed, several Elkhart County park trailer manufacturers say they are seeing a sustained increase in orders and inquiries this year, which they say bodes well for the future.

“Business is a little better than last year,” said Dave Burrows, national sales manager for Middleburybased Woodland Park. “It’s definitely not the 2006, 2007 or 2008 numbers. But consumer optimism and demand here over the last two months has started to increase, which is nice to

see. Prior to that, dealers were extremely nervous and skittish about putting any product on their lots. Now they’re starting to see traffic coming in. My dealers are more optimistic this year than they were last year.”

“Sales are up nicely,” said Jim Foltz, general manager of Forest River Inc. in Elkhart.

Other companies say they are seeing even stronger business levels.

“So far this year, our business seems to be back to normal for us,” said Curt Yoder, vice president of Kropf Industries Inc. in Goshen. “There’s definitely much better activity and interest this year compared to last year. We’re running at full capacity now and we

hope to continue that.”

Olin Wenrick, president and CEO of Elkhart-based Trophy Homes Inc. said his business is up, too, this year, but is still off about 50 percent from where it used to be. But Wenrick said he is optimistic about his business prospects this year. “We’re beginning the climb,” he said.

Other park trailer manufacturers across the country are similarly optimistic “Our park trailer business year-to-date is up over last year for January, February and March,” said Dick Grymonprez, vice

NEWNAN, Ga., May 3, 2010 – The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) has approved the recommendations of the 2009 Canvass Committee on Recreational Park Trailers to update the ANSI A119.5 Standard for Recreational Park Trailers.

Numerous changes and revisions were made to the approximately 500 building and safety requirements specified in the code, including codes that govern the requirements for arcfault circuit breakers, tamper resistant electrical receptacles, anchoring systems, propane pressure relief and shutoff valves, gas piping materials, warning labels, carbon monoxide alarms, toilet venting, cleanout fittings, outdoor receptacles approved for

president of marketing for Athens Park Homes in Athens, Texas. “We’re encouraged that it’s going to be a better year.”

Grymonprez added that the biggest impediment to improving park trailer sales is the same impediment facing every other industry in the country: limited bank financing.

For more information please contact William Garpow at at (770) 251-2672 and visit www.rptia.com.

outdoor locations and health notices involving formaldehyde emissions.

The new codes were formally circulated on March 1, 2010 and the Recreational Park Trailer Industry Association’s Board of Directors has indicated that the new standard will apply to all RPTIA inspections effective as of Sept. 1st.

Copies of the new standard are only available as a 48page printed publication by contacting RPTIA at (770) 251-2672 or info@rptia.com. The cost of the publication is $39 for non-members and $36 for members, clubs, associations and government agencies and includes priority mail postage and handling.

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger on Monday vetoed a measure that would have banned smoking in state parks and beaches, calling it "an improper intrusion of government into people’s lives.’’

Schwarzenegger, whose own cigar-smoking habit led him to build a smoking tent next to the state Capitol building, said the most far-reaching regulations of tobacco in the nation went too far and that rules should be left up to local cities and counties.

"There is something inherently uncomfortable about the idea of the state encroaching in such a broad manner on the people of California,’’ Schwarzenegger wrote in his veto message, adding "This bill crosses an important threshold

between state power and command and local decision-making."

The measure by Sen. Jenny Oropeza (D-Long Beach) would have allowed a $100 fine to be levied against those cited for smoking in designated areas at 278 state beaches and parks but would have allowed people to light up in parking lots and campgrounds.

“I’m sorry the governor did not agree with this widely supported effort to increase public awareness about the environmental threats carelessly tossed cigarettes are doing to our marine life and to the great outdoors,” Oropeza said, adding that SB 4 was needed for "clear environmental, fire safety and health reasons.’’

Transformations keep the Kansas Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds (KARVC) in line with the needs of its members, with the latest modifications being driven by the ever evolving world of internet technology.

KARVC is now providing greater services for its park members, offering extensive publicity for the parks, and encouraging more constant camaraderie among its members.

“News travels quickly in today’s world, people make their travel plans with different tools today than yesterday, and KARVC has its fingers on the gauges,” reports Mary Arlington, chair of KARVC’s Internet Committee (High Plains Camping, Oakley). “We work day and night to promote the parks, and we’re seeing incredible results.”

President Sheila Wagner (USI RV Park, Wichita) was pleased with the outcome of the latest business meeting, which was held in April. “We increased our dues for 2011, but we also significantly restructured every program we offer and we added new programs which should help drive more RVs into campsites for our members.”

Wagner provided examples: Members will no longer pay fees to attend the annual convention or its associated social, breakfast, & lunch functions. Registration fees for the event typically cost the parks $60 - $95 each year.

Distribution of the printed directory will again see expansion in 2011. The more we place it in the hands of RVers, the more likely each park will see more traffic.

Each park is already receiving publicity through a vastly improved online directory, ksrvparks.com, and more enhancements are now in the works.

Each park will now receive far greater publicity through our blogs, Twitter tweets, and Facebook posts.

Each park has hands-on access to everything KARVC offers, including direct access to all the members by all the members through our online membership website.

Meetings are held on the website, parks converse with one another outside of committee work, members post items they have for sale or situations they’re facing from which others might be able to offer

assistance, and simply talk like they’re in a crackerbarrel session sharing thoughts with one another.

Parks also share pictures and post news as it develops.

According to Karen Weber, owner of Mid-America Camp Inn (Goodland), the members-only website enables everyone to see the association business unfold as its developing.

“During meetings, the board reviewed recent annual conventions and they studied trends. From that they determined the impact on our budget, on the dues, and on manpower.”

Weber continued, “For two years the duties of the association have fallen upon committee volunteers since we chose to not fill the vacancy of an executive director.

If the association manages the work through its own members, we can then use more funds toward a better marketing program, which could steer more customers into our parks.”

Carolyn Fenn, Secretary (Four Seasons RV Acres, Abilene), added, “Karen is not a board member but we always enjoy when she & others chime in during our meetings. It’s like having a barometer for what all our members

might like to see us do or not do.”

KARVC awarded the internet and social networking contract to Mary Arlington. Wagner said, “Between her marketing skills, her background with social networks, and her familiarity with our membership, we are very fortunate to have her in this role.”

“Other very exciting news for KARVC,” according to Wagner, “is our relationship with Jeff Sims for membership growth.

There aren’t many parks in Kansas who qualify who aren’t already members, but Jeff is hoping to speak with each owner to encourage membership with us. He began his efforts in Kansas during the last week in April.”

Wagner is also very pleased to announce that KARVC met with Leisure Interactive in regard to the membership drive. They are being very generous in helping us achieve greater Continued

Continued publicity for our parks.

Last year they made it possible for KARVC to market its member’s parks in ways we couldn’t otherwise achieve. Now we can literally drive customers right to the front door! Their continued support as we strive to grow in membership is very beneficial.”

She added, “I told Leisure Interactive that the park owners of KARVC are well trained at operating RV parks, but we are a small group with a lot of limitations.

We appreciate what they’ve done for us.

Partnerships are extremely valuable, and it’s always been a pleasure to work with their team.”

Wagner concluded, “April’s business meeting was a lengthy one but it set the tone for a very productive path for all of our parks.

The 2010 and 2011 benefits, especially for a small state association, are very impressive I’ve been a member for over 20 years; this is definitely an exciting era for us.”

MIDWAY KY — The Woodford County planning commission unanimously approved a proposal to turn a largely vacant industrial park into a temporary campground for up to 500 recreational vehicles during the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games.

The commission's recommendation now goes to Midway City Council for a final vote.

The council had asked for Thursday's hearing and is likely to approve the proposal.

Nashville RV dealer Raymond Brody said he plans to bring 400 travel trailers to Midway Station, an industrial park north of downtown and on the northeast corner of the Interstate 64 interchange.

He proposes to provide waste disposal, 24-hour security, and transportation for visitors to downtown Midway and to the Games.

The Games will be Sept.

25 through Oct. 10 at the Kentucky Horse Park.

SAN ANGELO, Texas — He keeps the hundreds of bee stingers in a jar as a reminder of the time when they had all pierced his skin. Wilburn Ritter is still taking steroids to combat the effects of more than 500 bee stings he got in a single day this week.

On Monday, he came on a bunch of bees while driving a tractor around some brush that he had planned to eradicate.

“I had just about completed a circle when I disturbed them son of a guns,” Ritter said. “They covered me.”

Ritter said he drove his tractor away full speed.

Two men came up to him and hollered at him to get off the machine.

One of the men took off his shirt to wipe the bees away, Ritter said; that man got about 100 stings and the other had about 75.

“They were in my ears, my mouth and my eyes,” Ritter said. “I had a hundred stingers in my head.”

Assistant Chief Greg Boyle of the San Angelo Fire Department said Ritter was lucky to have people help him.

“You can’t find a friend when you get attacked by bees,” Boyle said.

Ritter, who manages the

Huling Mobile Home and RV Park at Fisherman’s Road where the incident happened, said he got his wife to douse him with wasp spray, which did nothing.

Boyle said the fire department uses soap water to combat bees, which gets in their respiratory systems so that they can’t breath and on their wings so that they can’t fly.

Boyle stressed that people are not allowed to kill bees unless they are attacking or have nested on a public utility, such as a water meter.

Travis Lane, the president of the Concho Valley Beekeepers Association, said beekeepers are called out frequently to remove a bee hive or problem.

Ritter said Fire Station 8 responded to their 911 call, and the firemen got Ritter and the others inside.

“By that time, they got me on a stretcher and put me in the ambulance and put me on an IV right there,” Ritter said.

Ritter said the medical personnel spent three hours pulling out the stingers.

He said late in the week he was still on steroids because the bee attack had given him breathing problems. Ritter wanted to thank the crew at Station 8 for getting out there even though it was not in their jurisdiction.

“They had a fast response. They saved my life. If I had to wait on the volunteer fire department, I wouldn’t be here,” Ritter said.

Lane said he suspects that the brush contained an actual hive and were not merely swarming through as the bees looked for a new hive.

John Canyon, a nurse practitioner at the San

Angelo Community Medical Center, said seven stings per pound can be fatal, but those who have allergies can have serious medical problems with only a few stings.

Lane said about 2 percent of the population is highly allergic to the point that it could be life threatening.

Boyle and Lane suggest caution when mowing as vibrations tend to put bees aggressively on the defense as they sense a threat to their nest.

“People just need to be more aware of their surroundings,” Lane said.

Boyal said there are four to five attacks per year.

Ritter isn’t sure what has become of the swarm that attacked him and he hasn’t checked on them.

“I’m not going back up there for a while,” Ritter said. www.gosanangelo.com

Pinnacle Park Homes, a Park Model Manufacturer from Georgia has signed a new distribution agreement with Mississippi Gulf Coast RV Park Owners Bill and Julie Berry of Shady Acres, an RV and Cottage Community located in Bay Saint Louis Mississippi.

“This is very exciting” says Bill Berry of Shady Acres.

“Pinnacle has a fantastic range of floor plans and specifications, something to suit every budget. The units are built to strict building codes with a wind rating up to 120 miles per hour. The flexibility of the range allows us to offer cabins for rent in our park as well as selling units to individuals who will have the option to lease a site in the park or locate them elsewhere. We will also supply other park owners keen to take advantage of the trends towards cabin style accommodations as an alternative to traditional forms of camping.

Berry sees a definite sales opportunity with snow birds because park models offer them a very cost effective winter home without the

disadvantages of owning a big rig. “Many snowbirds do not tour but remain in one place for the winter, and when you add up the real cost of purchasing and maintaining a big rig and then add the depreciation, for two trips a year, it makes owning a park model very attractive. By owning a park model they can save a lot of money and we can even work with them to rent their units out in the summer if they wish, making ownership even more affordable.

Shady Acres will be taking delivery of the first units in June 2010 and a show model will be available for interested parties. “We will be showing customers just how versatile these park models are from the basic units starting at $25,000 to luxury homes which can include screened covered porches, fireplaces, stainless steel appliances and much more.

You can contact Bill and Julie Berry at 1- 228-4639670 or visit them on the web at: www.shady-acres.us

PHOENIX, Ariz. -- Cavco Industries, Inc., the parent company of Cavco Homes and Fleetwood Homes, has received the Manufactured Housing Institute’s Manufacturer of the Year Award.

The award, presented at the 2010 National Congress and Expo for Manufactured and Modular Housing in Las Vegas, recognizes Cavco’s consistent quality of product, extensive design capabilities and top notch customer service.

“We are honored and

excited to receive this recognition, which reflects the outstanding efforts of our team members throughout the country,” said Joe Stegmayer, chairman and CEO of Cavco. “We are grateful that our industry peers selected our company for this award.”

The second largest producer of manufactured homes in the United States, Cavco Industries builds homes under the Cavco Homes and Fleetwood Homes brand names.

By Larry

God bless you if you provide a swimming pool for your patrons. For them it means fun. For you it means maintenance and constant vigilance for safety.

Your local codes and your insurance company will give you plenty of information about safety precautions for your swimming and wading pools. Here are the basics.

• Have a lifeguard on duty at all times when the facility is in use.

• Lacking a lifeguard, post a notice that swimming is at one’s own risk.

• Nobody should ever swim alone.

• Life preservers with rope attached should be visible and close by.

• Depths should be clearly marked.

• The pool should be securely fenced and locked when not in use.

• The water should be checked frequently for bacteria and chlorine levels.

• Leaves and bugs should be constantly removed from the pool.

• There should be a clear sign of how to get emergency help quickly.

• Absolutely provide restroom facilities.

Pools are part of the environment. They are like ponds as far as insects and bacteria are concerned. The chlorine will kill mosquitoes but these and various other bugs need to be skimmed off the surface every day.

Swimmers do not need to be swallowing bugs.

Safety and health are constant consideration when it comes to pools. It boils down to bacteria, chlorine levels and swimmer protection.

Don’t be bashful about letting folks know that providing this amenity is a wonderful feature for your customers and a large, expensive responsibility for you. Set high standards for the safe behavior of the users and enforce them at all times.

Now that we are coming up on summer, we should think about pool safety.

The following are issues you should give thought to at your facility.

you can say something to them if they aren't watching them.

PREVENTING DROWNING -The best action you can take is make sure kids can't get into your pool area, especially kids too small to swim.

-Don't allow water toys.

The only parties that enjoy a foot ball being tossed are the parties involved. The rest of your clients are annoyed by this action. Do not allow floatation devices such as tubes, chairs, noodles.

You should have self latching gates, locking would be better yet.

-If you charge a fee to use your pool, make sure any minors have an adult watching over them. This is State law.

-Make sure parents are watching their kids. Yes,

-Don't allow rough play in the pool.

-Make sure you have a life hook attached to a 12' 16' seamless pole, and a legal buoy. These should be in plain sight in case of emergency.

-Do not let people pull chairs of chase lounges up next to the pool. Little

kids will typically run towards the pool side of the chair. Most States have a 5 foot rule. No obstructions within 5 feet of the pool.

PREVENTING INJURIES -Do not allow glass in your pool area. If you do get glass in your pool, you need to drain the pool and change the filter sand.

You cannot see glass in a pool and the glass will swirl around your vacuum.

-If you don't have a lifeguard, it is up to the pool operator to make sure patrons are being safe in the pool. Yes, say something if a person is doing a cannon ball on top of others.

-Is your deck slippery?

There are ways to deal with slippery decks such as, apply non-stick coating, use a pool deck coating.

Supplied by Commercial Pool Supplies

Forest River Inc., Trophy Homes Inc. and Woodland Park are among the local firms that have recently achieved green certifications for their products and manufacturing operations ELKHART, Ind., May 3, 2010 – Later this month, the KOA campground in Herkimer, N.Y. is going to start renting out the nation’s first park trailer to achieve “Emerald” status from NTA Inc., a Nappaneebased company that specializes in certifying “green” manufacturers.

Phoenix, Ariz.-based Cavco Industries Inc. received the Emerald status for the Herkimer park trailer in late April after proving that the unit met NTA’s highest green standards.

Indeed, the Herkimer KOA unit, the first “off-grid” park trailer in the country, features numerous green features, including solar panels capable of producing 2 kilowatts of power, bamboo flooring, LED lighting, recycled axels and tires, recycled lumber composite decking, ondemand water heating, energy efficient heating and air-conditioning.

But while this unit may demonstrate one

company’s efforts to prove how green it can be, in reality, park trailer manufacturers in Elkhart County and across the country are increasingly seeking green certifications, not only for their products, but for their manufacturing processes.

And several consulting engineering firms are helping them obtain their green certifications. In the past year, TR Arnold & Associates in Elkhart has certified Elkhart-based Trophy Homes Inc. and Forest River Inc. as well as Middlebury-based Woodland Park as green manufacturers, while Athens, Texas-based Athens Park Homes also met NTA’s requirements for green certification. Elkhartbased Country Log Cottages, for its part, has also obtained green certification from Anderson, Ind.-based BIS LLC, as has Chariot Eagle, an Ocala, Fla.-based park trailer manufacturer.

Olin Wenrick, president and CEO of Trophy Homes, said consumers are becoming increasingly educated about the merits of green products and it may eventually get to the point where manufacturers are at a disadvantage if they aren’t able to tell their customers they are green.

“It’s coming. So why not start now?” Wenrick asked.

“It at least tells people out there that I’m trying to do the right thing for the environment.”

In Trophy’s case, it already was. Trophy had already adopted environmentally friendly manufacturing practices, such as recycling its construction waste, so it was relatively easy for the company to get green certified, Wenrick said.

Dave Burrows, national sales manager for Middlebury-based Woodland Park, said his company also achieved green certification with relative ease.

“We didn’t really have to change anything,” he said.

“We had been manufacturing to green standards for quite a while.

There was just not a certification process or a verification process for our industry.”

But TR Arnold & Associates, NTA, BIS and other consulting firms have tried to fill that void, and park trailer manufacturers are finding it’s worth their time and effort to seek green certifications.

Burrows, in fact, said Woodland Park’s dealers applauded its green certification. “Basically, the dealers looked at it as a move in the right direction.

They looked at it as another tool for them to sell our product. And my Canadian

dealers absolutely loved the thought of a green product.”

Mandy Leazenby, TR Arnold & Associates’ green program manager, said her company looks at several criteria before determining whether a company’s manufacturing operations can be green certified. “We look at indoor air-quality, resource efficiency, energy efficiency, water efficiency, operations and maintenance and innovative practices,” she said. “We also look at the attitude of the company and the extent to which they recycle materials during the construction process.”

But while obtaining “green” certification has been relatively painless for several Elkhart County manufacturers to achieve, selling “green” units is another matter, said Wenrick, adding that his company’s green status hasn’t yet translated into increased sales.

That day may come, however.

In fact, while many consumers may not yet be ready to purchase an “off grid” green park trailer with all the bells and whistles, such as solar panels with backup generators, consumers are showing interest in purchasing park trailers with energy and water saving features, such as LED lighting, low flow faucet and showerheads and energy saving appliances.

Dick Grymonprez, vice president of marketing for Athens Park Homes, which achieved its green certification last year, said his company is seeing increased demand for instant hot water heaters.

“Some people just focus on solar panels, but there are different shades of green,”

said Leazenby of TR Arnold & Associates, adding that there are many green features in today’s park trailers that are very positive features for consumers, such as units with low-VOC paints and finishes as well as formaldehyde-free carpets, wall materials and flooring.

May 3, 2010 (Business Wire) -- Winnebago Industries, Inc. (NYSE: WGO), announced that the Board of Directors has elected Daryl W. Krieger to the position of Vice President, Manufacturing.

Daryl Krieger, 46, will oversee all production, inventory control, maintenance services, warehousing, manufacturing engineering and tooling areas of the Company.

Krieger has 25 years of service with Winnebago Industries and most recently served as director, manufacturing. Previously, he served as general manager, fabrication; plant manager of the sawmill/cabinet shop; assembly manager for the Rialta and EuroVan Camper production; as well as several other positions throughout the Company, including a variety of other

engineering and supervisory positions.

“Daryl brings a wealth of knowledge to his new position, having worked in a variety of engineering and manufacturing positions at Winnebago Industries,” said Winnebago Industries Chairman, CEO and President Bob Olson “His experience, coupled with a true passion for the future of Winnebago Industries makes him ideally suited for his new role.”