TACO News Spring 2021

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SPRING 2021

TACO

RV SALES

S O A R A H E A D

O F PA N D E M I C ’ S SECOND SUMMER p. 7

KEEPING YOUR CUSTOMERS p. 9 PLUS See our Trade Members on pp. 10 & 11

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TACO LEGISLATIVE REPORT April, 2021 by: Ron Hinkle, TACO Legislative Consultant

The Texas Association of Campground Owners began the legislative session tracking 29 bills, ranging from campground liability to water utilities, and from property taxes to liability issues relating to COVID-19.

The Texas Legislature has entered that point in the legislative session where there are long days on the House and Senate floors, followed by committee meetings that can go well into the late night (and sometimes early morning hours). Historically, this is the time in the session where legislation can be moving along nicely, but at any second could go off the rails. The first big deadline is just a little under a month away, on May 13th, which by rule is the last day the House can consider HBs/HJRs on second reading. Typically, by this time, major legislation – like the appropriations bill – have passed both chambers and is in conference committees. Given the slow pace of this session, brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, the final weeks will likely be full of frenzied activity.

BIG HEADLINES STATE BUDGET

the bill. This is commonly referred to as a “put and take” provision; if you add money to one area of the budget, you must take the same amount from a different part thereby keeping the overall cost the same.

In sessions past, hundreds of amendments to the appropriations bill have been filed; there is no reason to think this session will be any different. Debate is likely to go into the wee hours of the morning – making for a very long day.

Thus far, the Governor’s tourism marketing budget has maintained its appropriation amount ($76 million) with no reductions, except for the 5% cut in all agency and executive branch budgets.

The general appropriations bill, SB 1 (by Nelson, R-Flower Mound) as well as the supplemental budget, HB 2 (by Rep. Bonnen, R-Friendswood) both hit the House floor next week. After passing out of the Appropriations Committee (where the House’s budget language was substituted in) this past Monday, SB 1 and HB 2 are scheduled to be debated on Thursday, April 22nd.

While the appropriations bill addresses upcoming spending for the 2022-2023 biennium, the supplemental budget bill pays for leftover expenses that are not covered in the state’s current two-year budget.

Before being considered next week, both bills will be subject to a Calendar Rule that puts a deadline in place for filing amendments – 10 a.m., Monday, April 19th. The rule also contains a provision that requires any amendment to have a neutral impact on the spending in

HANDGUN LAW “Constitutional Carry” moved one step closer to becoming law this week as the House considered HB 1927 (by Schaefer, R-Tyler). continued on next page

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TACO Officers & Directors Regional Directors REGION 1 OPEN REGION 2 Ken Hinz Traders Village Grand Prairie, TX REGION 3, PRESIDENT Randall Dally Rayburn RV Hideout Brookeland, TX REGION 4 Charlie Bates Parkview Riverside RV Park Rio Frio, TX REGION 5, TREASURER Gwen Craig Timber Ridge RV Village Magnolia, TX REGION 6, PAST PRESIDENT Cheryl McLaughlin Hatch RV Park Corpus Christi, TX

Directors At Large DIRECTOR AT LARGE & SECRETARY Susie Prater Forest Retreat New Caney, TX DIRECTOR AT LARGE OPEN DIRECTOR AT LARGE Austin Faught Bolivar Peninsula RV Park Crystal Beach, TX –––––––––– TRADE REPRESENTATIVE Diana LeBlanc-Link PPL Houston, TX –––––––––– LEGISLATIVE CONSULTANT Ron Hinkle Austin, TX –––––––––– EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR / CEO Brian & Debra Schaeffer TACO Office Crowley, TX

Editor: Lisa Rhodes Design: KD Graphics & Design Distribution: TACO Members, TACO Trade Members, TACO Prospective Members Contact: 910 S. Crowley Rd, Ste. 9-504

TACO Working at the Capital The 2021 Legislative Session is on in full swing and TACO is watching and working on several important bills to our Association.

On March 24, our Legislative Consultant Ron Hinkle and Board President Randall Dally attended and testified on House Bill 1478 hearing which was filed on TACO’s behalf by Representative Cryier. This bill would limit frivolous lawsuits for campgrounds and related campground activities.

Randall and Ron visited with Rep. Cryier before the committee hearing, and discussed the bill and moving it forward to the Senate.

Our testimony was very well received by the committee. After the hearing, Randall and Ron visited Representative Leach, who is the committee chair, along with Representative Krause who serves on the Committee. Both Rep. Leach and Rep. Krause attended our Fall Show in 2019 and expressed support for our bill. Randall and Ron

were also able to visit with additional committee members while on break, and received their support on moving this bill forward.

Rep. Krause has filed House Bill 3846 relating to school start date this session. TACO supports this bill.

Ron and Randall visited with Representative White, who has filed House Bill 528 which would limit appraised value of commercial property to a reasonable level. TACO is in support of this bill as well. Rep. White will sign on supporting House Bill 1478 as well.

Other bills TACO is following and working including House Bills 283; 1166; and 1395 relating to Appraisal Boards and Districts. House Bill 3802; Senate Bill 1676 relating to water billing charges by public water districts; House Bills 2947; 4412 and Senate Bill 1733 which relate to land use by an RV park. H

BIG HEADLINES continued from previous page

The measure would eliminate the requirement for people over the age of 21 to obtain a license to carry a handgun unless they are prohibited by state or federal law from doing so. After several hours of debate and numerous amendments being offered to restore protections, including two that would have prohibited domestic terrorists, or “violent white supremacist extremist[s], as defined by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security” from carrying without a license, failed, HB 1927 passed to third reading by a vote of 87-58.

HB 1927 now heads to the Senate for its consideration. Given Lt. Governor Patrick’s previous concerns that similar legislation did not have the support of law enforcement coupled with the fact that many urban law enforcement groups oppose the measure, it is unclear what chance the bill has of making it to the Governor’s desk.

PAYCHECK PROTECTION AND COVID LIABILITY HB 1195 by Rep. Geren, R-Ft. Worth is in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The U.S. Congress enacted legislation providing

economic relief to businesses through the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), which allowed businesses to secure forgivable loans and grants in order to continue paying employees while operations impacted by the pandemic. While PPP loans may be forgiven under the program, the business receiving the PPP loans or grants would still be taxed on the amount of money received as part of its total revenue subject to the franchise tax. HB 1195 seeks to ensure that businesses that sought federal aid to stay afloat during the pandemic and continue to pay their employees are not subjected to a tax penalty for that effort by providing for the exclusion of qualifying PPP loans and grants from the calculation of total revenue for franchise tax purposes.

SB 6 by Sen. Hancock, R-Ft. Worth, provides retroactive civil liability protections for large and small businesses, religious institutions, non-profit entities, healthcare providers, first responders, and educational institutions. The bill also extends current legal immunity of healthcare volunteers (during a man-made or natural disaster) to legal immunity for paid healthcare providers during such disasters or a healthcare emergency. Lastly,

Crowley, TX 76036 | 877-518-1989

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DID YOU KNOW?

As an RV Park/Campground Owner, you are always doing maintenance and repairs. Buying supplies and materials is the cost of doing business. Unfortunately, that cost of doing business is rising to staggering levels... As of March 2021, the price of lumber per thousand board feet is at an all-time high of $1,044 according to RandomLengths.com. That’s an increase of 188% since this time last year!

The National Association of Home Builders calculates that current lumber prices are adding at least $24,000 to the price tag of a typical new single family home. Essentially, every building or structure you have on the property would cost significantly more per/sq foot to build with today’s prices.

So what does that mean for you? In the case of a loss, the replacement value your Insurance Policy currently covers may not truly replace your buildings to what they are today.

It’s a good idea to review your policy and talk with your agent to make sure you are not underinsured for your property. H

NOW YOU KNOW!

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Our years of service-oriented experience and our ability to help you succeed in your industry make Leavitt Recreation & Hospitality Insurance the natural choice. We are backed by “A” rated insurance companies; the strong reputation of our co-owners, the Leavitt Group; and a proud member of TACO. W W W. L R H I . N E T SPRING 2021

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RV SALES SOAR AHEAD OF PANDEMIC’S SECOND SUMMER by: Tom Barton, Courtesy of Quad-City Times April 2021

On an unseasonably warm Saturday morning for mid-March, Emily Michener sat down at a table inside a 21.5-foot Springdale comfort travel trailer that sleeps five.

Outside, her husband, Nick, received a walk-through tutorial from delivery coordinator Rich Matzen inside the showroom at US Adventure RV in Davenport.

The North Liberty couple’s 3-year-old daughter, Lenyn, checked out the couple’s newly purchased home away from home - bouncing on the queen bed, inspecting the two bunk beds, refrigerator, small stove, microwave, sink and dining table that converts to a foldout Murphy bed.

After spending most of last summer inside because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the first-time buyers pulled the trigger on investing in a $15,000 camper.

The couple has been skittish about staying in hotels and taking their daughter to kids’ museums, playgrounds, water parks and other indoor amenities due to pandemic concerns.

‘So we were just really kind of thinking the best thing to do was camping, and tent camping is really hard to do with a 3-yearold,” Emily Michener said. ‘It was very much driven by COVID” and having a safer, more affordable travel option that provided opportunities for family outings and fishing trips with extended family who live nearby.

‘Having a young kiddo and really just seeing that she was spending way too much time on technology, we just wanted her to be outside more” and appreciate nature, Emily Michener said. ‘We

were thinking of things that we could do that are COVID-friendly.

And with a 3-year-old, there really wasn’t much of anything.”

Largely because of buyers like the North Liberty couple, the recreational vehicle market has seen record sales in the time of coronavirus, providing the comfort of home with the benefits of the outdoors, with the less of the stress, worry and cost of booking a flight and hotel room amid the pandemic, said John Dresselhaus, president of US Adventure RV in Davenport.

‘Business has been very brisk,” he said. ‘It’s been the best year in the history of the RV industry,” with a trend toward smaller, lighter weight ‘yet high-quality” types of campers and RVs. ‘Families are just discovering it’s a great way to spend quality time with each other traveling and exploring this magnificent country of ours ... and there’s no better way to do that with your own schedule and in your own, safe environment,” Dresselhaus said. ‘You don’t have to book a plane. You don’t have to rent a car.

You don’t have to stand in lines. You don’t have to go to restaurants or book a hotel. You can control your own environment, your own diet and do it much more inexpensively.”

Nick Michener echoed the sentiment. He used the example of Door County, Wis., where the couple likes to travel.

‘And you’re looking per night something that might be two months’ worth of payments on an RV,” he said. ‘And if you want to spend any amount of time up there, like a week up there, you’re looking at spending, you know, a couple thousand dollars just to have a place to stay up there versus paying a nightly camp fee.

‘You don’t have to worry about who has been in the room before you or who you’re going to run into,” he said. ‘You take care of your own stuff and you’re away from the general public and you have control of your environment.”

Jody Gorsh, of Iowa City, started Out2xplore, a trailer rental company in late 2019. His business model is selling and renting smaller pull-behind trailers and vans that can be used for camping, mountain biking or hiking trips. The challenge now has been getting enough inventory to meet the demand.

‘If we could be capitalizing now, we’d be doing even better,” said Gorsh, who also owns Gorsh Electric.

Gorsh purchased four teardrop trailers last year and sold two right away. One went to a couple who was downsizing from a larger trailer and one to a recent college graduate who wanted to travel before starting a new job.

Despite offers from customers who wanted to buy the two continued page 16

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KEEPING YOUR CUSTOMERS by: Michael Moore, General Manager Texas Advertising

What are you doing to ensure that your customer right now will be your customer again?

The first thing you can do is give them a great experience. I tell people all the time that the best marketing you can do is just fulfilling the order/purchase/stay to a satisfactory conclusion. If you do that, the customer has mentally put you on their “approved” list for the next time they visit. I recently gave a seminar on why relationships are important in our industry. Many people get into the campground business because it makes financial sense but lose sight of the fact that you only make money by treating the customer well, thus having them come back again and again.

For businesses-at-large, it’s been proven to be financially viable to increase repeat business: according to a study by Fred Reichheld, Bain & Company, as little as a five percent increase in customer retention can result in an increase in revenue of 25-95%.

I’ll never forget asking a very large campground in California how many of their 30,000 check-ins were repeats. I thought maybe 50-60%. You can imagine how floored I was that it was actually 81%, with another seven percent being referrals by family or friends! 88% in total had been to this campground before or heard about it from someone they trust. To me, this result shows two things: a) the advertising you’re doing is for a small (but crucial) portion of the population that hasn’t had the pleasure of visiting your park; and b) this park is showing their guests an amazing time so much that they want to come back. After all, that is the goal, right? To convert those 12% into the 88%!

So how do we do that? As with most things, it’s the little things. How do you train your staff to answer the phone? After all, you’re in the hospitality industry, which means they should be hospitable. If you answer the phone like a doctor’s office, that’s the interaction your potential or current customer is going to have.

It also means making sure the reservation and check-in process is as smooth as possible. Send confirmations to those who reserve online. Send them information to preview ahead of time, like your

rules and guest guide, so they can learn what there is to do in the area. Have your welcome packets ready to go at the front desk, so a road-weary traveler isn’t waiting any longer than needed upon arrival.

What about their actual stay? Escorting them to their site and dusting off their pedestal may not seem like a big deal but remember – it’s the little things! Also, train your staff to be knowledgeable about frequently asked questions from your guests, and make sure the answers are covered in your guest guide; things like, “Where’s a good place to grab a bite to eat around here?

What’s the number for the mobile repair guy you use? Where’s the nearest Walmart?”

And how about after they leave? Do you send them a followup email to thank them for their stay, or, just as importantly, survey them about it? Not only does follow-up give your customer a good feeling, but it’s also another touch point for your park, and a great way to know what you’re doing right (and wrong!).

Don’t forget to market and advertise to these people most of all. Remember the number cited above? Increasing your repeat customers just 5% could almost double your revenue, thanks to that customer coming back again and again. Email them when you’re hosting opening events every year; announce things to do in the community; give them a special rate for coming back or referring a friend; update your Facebook page – all these things keep your name out there to reach people that already know it but may have forgotten it.

At the end of the day, you got into this business to make money. But every business accomplishes this in a different way. In our industry (which we’re very fortunate to be part of, especially considering the events of the last year), let’s not forget how the good ones do it—by keeping in touch, building relationships, and taking care of each other. H

As little as a five percent increase in customer retention can result in an increase in revenue of 25-95%. ~ Fred Reichheld, Bain & Company

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Michael Moore is General Manager of AGS Guest Guides, a division of Texas Advertising.

You can email him with any questions or concerns at michael@texasadvertising.net, call him at 877-518-1989 or visit www.AGSPub.com.

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V V ACCOUNTING / BOOKKEEPING CAMPGROUND REFUND Jim Dixon. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 214- 546-7886 jim@campgroundrefund.com Performing no risk contringency fee sales tax recovery refund on utilities and construction for RV Campgrounds.

www.campgroundrefund.com FIRESIDE ACCOUNTING Lindsey Foos……….303-816-8528 lindsey@firesideaccounting.com

A turnkey accounting solution offering full bookkeeping services to campgrounds, RV parks, RV resorts and multi-park businesses.

www.firesideaccounting.com BANKING/FINANCE AMERIS BANK SBA & USDA LENDING Bruce Hurta. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 281-384-2595 bruce.hurta@amerisbank.com SBA & USDA lending - Ameris Bank is one of the top-ranked SBA & USDA lenders in the country and is dedicated to helping small businesses grow.

www.amerisbank.com CABLE TV & SATELLITE SYSTEMS GLOBAL SATELLITE SOLUTIONS Roger Odem. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .817-422-8519 roger@directtvfor.business

Direct TV, satellite, internet and Surveillance cameras for RV parks, hotels & man camps; Locations: Mansfield, DFW, Midland/Odessa & Rockport.

www.globalsatsolutions.net IT’S ALL ABOUT SATELLITES Barry Conley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 800-951-1979 barry@itsallaboutsatellities.com

Stream TV over Wi-Fi | HD TV Systems | Broadband Internet | 100% Coverage Wi-Fi Networks.

Proud to Celebrate our 25th Anniversary. DIRECTV Authorized Dealer since 1996.

www.itsallaboutsatellites.com CAMPGROUND EQUIPMENT / STORE GOODS CAMCO Greg McCool. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 336-543-3813 info@camco.net Campground store display, freshwater, hardware, enviro-friendly cleaners, sanitation products, sewer hoses, chemical tote tanks.

www.camco.net FIRESIDE LODGE FURNITURE CO. Sara Pridgen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218-568-6188 sara@firesidelodgefurniture.com Rustic furniture made for your modern world.

firesidelodgefurniture.com JAMESTOWN ADVANCED PRODUCTS Shari Hallenbeck. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 800-452-0639 marketing@jamestownadvanced.com Commercial site amenities for campgrounds, parks, and rec areas.

www.jamestownadvanced.com KANGAROO JUMPER INC. Courtney Childress. . . . . . . . . . . . . 865- 387-8706 courtney@kangaroojumper.com We help make playgrounds even more fun! By delivering and installing the market’s leading Jumper product to you.

www.kangaroojumper.com KRAFTSMAN COMMERCIAL PLAYGROUNDS & WATER PARKS Lauren Quinn. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 281-353-9599 info@kraftsmanplay.com

playgrounds, splash parks, shade, shelter, site amenities, and more!

www.kraftsmanplay.com PLASTER OF PARADISE Maureen Burd. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 847-648-0457 maureen@plasterofparadise.com

family fun! Paintable plaster magnets, 400 themes to choose from, including camping! Custom logos always welcome.

www.plasterofparadise.com PORTER SUPPLY COMPANY Jeremy Porter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .402-871-4385 info@@portersupplycompany.com Offering the latest in outdoor furniture, grills, and custom campground promotional products.

www.portersupplycompany.com

TACOMEMBERS.COM TRAVEL EASY DECKS, LLC. Kristina Rowell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 903-267-1080 kristy@traveleasydecks.com

Matt Linnel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .888-391-3802 sales@bbelec.com

Electrical supplies for RV parks.

Save valuable time & money in maintenance expenses, add income to camp stores, and keep long & short term guests happy & content with Travel Easy Decks. Portable decking system created by Rvers for Rvers that makes campground owners happy.

www.bbelec.com INFINITY POWER PARTNERS, LLC Nick Altman. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 713-559-0558 nick@infinitypowerpartners.com

Upgrade your RV water heater to the Truma Aqua Go Instant water heater.

www.infinitypowerparnters.com PURE ENERGY CONSULTING Shana Hancock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 903-265-8095 shana@consultpure.com

www.traveleasydecks.com TRUMA CORP Melanie Gibson. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 855-558-7862 info@trumacorp.com www.truma.net WILCOR INTERNATIONAL Susan Corrigan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 800-346-2345 susanc@wilcor.net Camping goods - outdoor wholesale supplier.

www.wilcor.net

CONSULTING GORIN+COHEN CONSULTING GROUP, LLC. Jayne Cohen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .800-897-8836 info@gorincohenconsulting.com

National consulting group specializing in all aspects of RV park and campground development, investment and operations, land planning and design; feasibility studies, operational audits and more.

www.gorincohenconsulting.com HYTROPY Patrick Hardy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 800-914-7634 CustomerService@hytropy.com Disaster Preparedness.

hytropy.com MATTHEWS CONSULTING GROUP Wendy Matthews. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 903-372-7777 wmatthewsbc@gmail.com

Plan, design, pre-opening, marketing, and start-up operations.

A comprehensive fully integrated outdoor hospitality, park, recreational and resort firm.

www.matthewsbcg.com MERSMANN CONSULTING GROUP Amie Mersmann. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 832-494-7862 amie@mcg-hospitality.com Consulting firm for plans, designs, pre-opening, marketing, and start-up operations for the outdoor hospitality industry.

MOORE’S CAMPGROUND CONSULTING Joe Moore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 817-999-4108 moorescampgroundconsulting@gmail.com

Electricity and natural gas procurement management solutions, risk management service and marketing insight through the development of client-specific strategies.

Industry expert in electric and gas procurement assisting businesses to get the best possible electric and gas rates in all deregulated markets.

www.consultpure.com TEXEN POWER COMPANY Tom Stubblefield. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 281-989-7440 tstubblefield@texenpower.com

Aggregator Agent for Electric power/commerical electricity, save you up to 35%.

www.texenpower.com UTILITY SUPPLY GROUP Wade Elliott. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 800-800-2811 wade@go-usg.com RV Park utility products.

www.go-usg.com YOUR ELECTRICAL SOLUTIONS Margaret (Maggie) Linnell. . . . . . . 855-644-2400 sales@yourelectricalsolutions.net Electrical supplies for MH and RV parks.

www.yourelectricalsolutions.net FRANCHISE SERVICES KOA Larry Brownfield. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 406-248-7444 franchisesales@koa.net

A Franchise marketing-driven organization provieing owners with onsite training and KOAU; desings support for technology and site upgrades to serve today’s public.

www.ownakoa.com FRONT OFFICE / ONLINE RESERVATION PROVIDER ASTRA Matt Smithson. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 214-996-7216 AstraParks@AspiraConnect.com

moorescampgroundconsulting.com OUTDOOR DESIGN GROUP, INC. Matt Corrion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 303-993-4811 info@odgdesign.com

Combining the power of Astra and the reach of ReserveAmerica. com, Astra is a leading provider of RV Park and Campground management software providing your park exclusive access to the 13 million outdoor recreation enthusiasts engaging on ReserveAmerica. com..

www.odgdesign.com DIGITAL MARKETING APP MY COMMUNITY Joe Duemig… . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 636-459-5161 joe@armstrongsoft.com

Bonfire is a SIMPLE reservation management platform for campgrounds and RV Parks. Bonfire combines a simple-to-use reservation management platform, with a dedicated online booking page for each campground, and integrated payment processor options.

Professional campground assessment.

RV park and campground land use planning, design, financial analysis, marketing, start-up and operations consulting. Also landscape design, irrigation planning & design and signage design.

Custom mobile app provider.

www.appmycommunity.com MARKETING BONFIRE Heather Dudley. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 254-366-5025 heather@marketingbonfire.com Social media management & advertising, content writing, & customized marketing strategies to better engage your target audience & keep your park full.

marketingbonfire.com TXAD WEB DEVELOPMENT & DESIGN Michael Moore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 877-518-1989 info@texasadvertising.net

Website design and hosting, ADA Compliance Services, Adwords and Online Marketing.

www.txadinternet.com ELECTRICAL B & B ELECTRICAL Listing continued to next column SPRING 2021

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www.aspiraconnect.com BONFIRE Tori Harris. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 847-616-9974 marketing@rvspotfinder.com

www.letsbonfire.com CAMPGROUND COMMANDER LLC Mary Moeller. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 816-835-9571 mary@campgroundcommander.com

Keep it simple! Fill your campground with Campground Commander online reservation software designed and created specifically for RV Parks your size. Family owned and managed, our software helps to assure your campground stays full and running smoothly!

www.campgroundcommander.com CAMPGROUNDBOOKING.COM Sean Richards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 970-432-0226 info@campgroundbooking.com Online reservation software designed for campgrounds.

www.campgroundbooking.com CAMPLIFE INC. Tyler Duffy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 316-648-1566 conventions@camplife.com Listing continued to next column

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Campground operators are frustrated using systems that hold them back. CampLife creates reservation and park management software that helps operators easily maximize their properties and provide an experiences that guests can’t wait to repeat.

www.camplife.com NEWBOOK Kristen O’Hara. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 310-855-3773 marketing@newbook.cloud

kwalsh@advanced-outdoor.biz

RV Resort, RV Park, Campground Management - 3rd Party Management Consulting.

www.advanced-outdoor.biz HORIZON OUTDOOR HOSPITALITY Scott Foos. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 303-529-9770 connect@horizonoutdoors.com

www.goodsam.com PASSPORT AMERICA Tiffany Ingram. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 800-283-7183 info@passport-america.com Original 50% discount camping club, since 1992, offering free national advertising for participating campgrounds in North America.

www.passport-america.com REAL ESTATE BACHMAN REAL ESTATE GROUP Chris Bachman. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210-508-2147 cb@bachmanreg.com

All in one campground management platform.

Full service management, financial management, and consulting for RV resorts, RV Parks, and campgrounds, since 2004.

Management software for any business operating a reservation system to rent lease or scheduling for a camground.

Hospitality management services.

RV parks and other commercial investment properties.

Management and Development.

RV park, real estate.

RV Park Management provides owners with professional management services and systems designed to maximize RV park investments.

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www.newbook.cloud RESNEXUS Travis Orton. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 385-218-2637 info@resnexus.com www.resnexus.com STAYLIST Angela Harness. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 865-205-0210 info@staylist.com Complete campground management software.

www.pro.staylist.com INSURANCE ARK ASSURANCE GROUP John Hinsley. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .903-509-2292 info@arkassurance.com RV Park Insurance services.

www.arkassurance.com LEAVITT RECREATION & HOSPITALITY INS. Marvin Aga . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 800-525-2060 marvin-aga@leavitt.com

Specialized Insurance for RV Parks, Campgrounds, & Resorts. #1 in the industryor over 40 years!

www.lrhinsurance.com MARSHALL & STERLING CAMPGROUND INSURANCE PROGRAM Irene Jones. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 800-782-2926 ijones@marshallsterling.com

Insurance broker with new, exclusive campground insurance carrier & industry-leading safety resources.

www.marshallsterling.com/specialties/ campgrounds-rv-parks OUTDOOR INSURANCE SERVICES Frank Hursh. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 832-497-5312 frankhursh@outdoorinsuranceservices.com Insurance for RV Parks, campgrounds, resorts, cabins, RV’s, and travel trailers.

www.outdoorinsuranceservices.com PHILADELPHIA INS. Lance Goff. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 469-221-7932 Lance.Goff@phly.com RV Park Insurance.

www.phly.com ROWLEY INSURANCE Ken Rowley. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 800-880-9397 ken@rowleyinsurance.com RV Park Insurance.

www.rowleyinsurance.com LAUNDRY BEST WASH INC. James West . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 281-441-2465 james@bestwashinc.com Commercial laundry equipment, sales and service, designs and more.

www.bestwashinc.com CLEC-COMMERCIAL AND COIN LAUNDRY EQUIPMENT CO. Michael Hand. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 713-472-4083 accounts@clecco.com Sales/service/parts for coin & card operated laundry equipment.

www.clecco.com MAIL HANDLING/FORWARDING TEXAS HOME BASE MAIL FORWARDING SERVICES Elaine Pennartz. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 940-766-2095 txhomebase@gmail.com Texas Home Base Mail Forwarding/Scanning Service has been providing quality mail forwarding and scanning services to our clients since 2002. If you have access to the internet anywhere in the world you have access to your mail with our scanning service.

www.texashomebase.com MANAGEMENT ADVANCED OUTDOOR SOLUTIONS Kathleen Walsh. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 800-579-9796 Listing continued to next column

www.HorizonOutdoors.com IVEE GROUP Tom Mason . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 404-477-6189 info@ivee.com www.ivee.com NEWPORT PACIFIC CAPITAL COMPANY INC. Karri Seeds. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 281-334-6426 karri.seeds@newportpacific.com

www.bachmanrealesategroup.com BAEHRE REAL ESTATE LLC Russell Baehre. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 830-896-5050 info@rvparksforsale.com

www.newportpacific.com RV PARK MANAGEMENT, LLC Austin Faught . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 855-515-1777 contact@Rvparkm.com

www.rvparksforsale.com KAPLAN BROKERAGE GROUP - MARCUS & MILLICHAP Jesse Pine. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 303-328-2074 jesse.pine@marcusmillichap.com

www.rvparkpm.com PARK MODEL / GLAMPING ACCOMMODATIONS ATHENS/CHAMPION HOME BUILDERS Kevin Kamin. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 817-402-0215 kkamin@championhomes.com

www.kaplanbrokeragegroup.com LEADSTRONG PROPERTIES Ryan McGahey. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 512-265-5700 ryan@leadstrongproperties.com

www.athensparkhomes.com CONESTOGA WAGON CO. Jason Olson. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 307-277-0525 jason@cwagons.com

www.leadstrongproperties.com YALE REALTY & CAPITAL ADVISORS Dana Smith . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 303-323-5649 dana@yaleadvisors.com

Manufacturer of Park Models and RVs.

Luxury glamping wagons, a unique rental accommodation.

www.conestogawagonco.com LELANDS COMMERCIAL CABINS Carol Stevens. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 817-587-6520 carol@lelandscabins.com Cabins, Portable Buildings, RV Covers.

www.lelandscabins.com NOMADICS TIPI MAKERS Tashina Youngstrom. . . . . . . . . . . . 541-389-3980 nomadics@tipi.com Native American Teepees as Glamping accommodations and community spaces.

www.tipi.com PINNACLE PARK HOMES Terri Stewart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 866-574-5159 terri@pinnacleparkhomes.com Park model homes & cabins.

www.pinnacleparkhomes.com PLATINUM COTTAGES Penni Feil. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 903-675-2525 pfeil@platinumparkhomes.com Park model manufacturer.

www.platinumcottages.com PLAINSCRAFT COVERED WAGON Dennis Steinman. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 785-551-9190 info@plainscraft.net Create unforgettable glamping experiences with PlainsCraft Covered Wagons. Our wagons are built by hand in the heart of Kansas, not that far from where the Oregon trail first began. Let’s talk about how we can build something together!

www.plainscraft.net PRINTING AND PUBLISHING AGS GUEST GUIDES Michael Moore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 877-518-1989 michael@texasadvertising.net Guest guides, site maps and marketing.

www.agspub.com SOUTHEAST PUBLICATIONS Brian McGuinn. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 800-832-3292 brian@southeastpublications.com

Guest guides, printing & marketing.

southeastpublications.com PROMOTION GOOD SAM Christine Distl/Dawn Watanabe. . 800-685-6246 cdistl@goodsam.com Travel guide, website, mobile app, and social media marketing.

Listing continued to next column SPRING 2021

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A proactive full service real estate brokerage for Texas RV parks, using all tools and resources at our disposal to meet the needs of our clients.

Real Estate Brokerage - specializing in brokerange and financing nationwide for the RV & manufactured housing industry.

www.yaleadvisors.com RV DEALER, REPAIR AND SERVICE ATLAS MOBILE HOME & RV PARTS Bill Thomas. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 713-699-0276 cheryl@180039atlas.com Wholesale supplier of mobile home & rv parts.

www.180039atlas.com LAND N SEA DISTRIBUTION Shaunna Battles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 800-432-7652 shaunna.battles@landnsea.com RV parts distributor.

www.landnsea.net PPL MOTOR HOMES Diana LeBlanc-Link. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-988-5555 diana.l@pplmotorhomes.com

RV consignment dealer, serving locations in Houston, Cleburne and New Braunfels.

pplmotorhomes.com WIRELESS INTERNET PROVIDER ACCESSPARKS Tim Rout. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 858-353-0845 sales@accessparks.com

13 years as end-to-end managed services provider (MSP), offering true broadband Wi-Fi to RV Parks nationwide. Every installation fiber optic fed with 0 installation charges. We guarantee quality with over 30 million happy campers served annually.

www.accessparks.com CC CONSULTING Colin Cassells. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 866-884-2294 sales@cassellsconsulting.com Wi-Fi/Internet Provider, Security Cameras, Network Security, Help Desk Services, VoIP, Controlled Access and Manage IT Services.

www.cassellsconsulting.com TENGO INTERNET Kimberly Chung. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 512-469-7660 kchung@tengointernet.com Wireless internet provider.

www.tengointernet.com WIDE OPEN WI-FI Bruce LeVine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 972-731-6767 info@wideopenwi-fi.com

Wide Open Wi-Fi will design, install & maintain a High Speen Wi-Fi environment at a cost far below competitors, increasing profits and marketability.

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Longtime PPL Motor Homes President Shifts Into New Role By: Travis Pryor

After a 41-year career in the RV industry, Diana LeBlanc of PPL Motor Homes said she is ready for the next chapter in her life.

LeBlanc will continue as president of the full-service dealerships with locations in Houston, New Braunfels and Cleburn, Texas, but has decided it is time to take more of an advisory position for the business, which also consigns more than 2,000 RVs each year.

“I’ve handed the reins over to somebody new on the 22nd of last month – a new CEO – I’m still the president and I’m still on the board,” she told RVBusiness. “I’m not going to be in the office. I’m going to transition out. When they have needs or questions I’ll be there. The hardest thing is kind of sitting on your hands and not jump in and direct and realize there is somebody else to direct this ship.”

LeBlanc said the fact that she has great confidence in Juan Tejeda as the company’s new CEO makes her more comfortable in moving into the advisory role and making time for more RV travel with her grandchildren and husband Rick Link.

LeBlanc joined the dealership in the 1980s and took an active leadership position, quickly rising to general manager, a position she held for 23 years, before being appointed president in 2010 after leading a management buyout with sponsorship financial partner Main Street Capital.

Through the partnership with Main Street, a publicly traded investment firm, in 2010, she leveraged the growth capital available to expand PPL’s geographic footprint to three locations across Texas. continued on next page

Diana LeBlanc LeBlanc will continue as president of the full-service dealerships with locations in Houston, New Braunfels and Cleburn, Texas, but has decided it is time to take more of an advisory position for the business, which also consigns more than 2,000 RVs each year.

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LeBlanc said when she started with the company, there were two employees and the two owners of the company. Just before COVID hit, PPL had 139 employees over the three locations.

Over the years, she served with the Texas RV Association (TRVA) and became known across Texas as “RV Nana,” a persona that kind of took on a life of its own. In fact, LeBlanc talks of the character in the third person.

“We started that about 10 years ago. It was the best of both worlds,” she said. “I love being a grandmother, so now I’m the Nana.

I’ve always loved the RV lifestyle and RV Nana was born. She goes on some fun adventures and talks to people.”

She will continue to host a Tuesday Tips with RV Nana event that talks about little things that campers – especially those new to the lifestyle – need to know before heading out.

LeBlanc said she was particularly proud of receiving TRVA’s Bill White Award for outstanding achievements last year. The award, honoring the founder of United Recreation Center in Fort Worth, had not been given out since 1999.

She said that one of the things that saddened her in the industry over the years was watching mom-and-pop dealerships pass to the next generation and then fail. Sometimes, she has even seen original owners have to come out of retirement to try to save their businesses.

With that background and the current strong team in place at PPL, she said it just seemed like the right time to let the next generation take over.

She also encourages any young women who are interested in getting into the industry to not hesitate and not be intimidated.

“30 years ago, I was in the old boys’ school,” she said. “The enthusiasm that women bring to this market because they see RVing as more than just a transmission and engine and bunk beds. We see it as a way to express ourselves. There are people out there who have brought so much. PJ Buerger of Princesscraft here in Texas served on my board and we worked together for years. She founded that company and it’s just amazing. There was a time women couldn’t do that. My advice would be it’s not a man’s world or a woman’s world.

It’s the RV world. Just enjoy it.” H

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Cut the Cable!!

BIG HEADLINES continued from page 4

SB 6 provides civil liability protections to a person who designs, manufactures, sells, labels, or donates certain products that have a defect or inadequate instructions unless the person had knowledge of the issue and acted with actual malice.

SPORTS BETTING AND CASINO GAMBLING

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HB 2070 by Rep. Huberty, R-Woodlands, regards the regulation of sports wagering. The bill would require the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) to regulate the state’s sports wagering program, including issuing permits to interactive sports wagering operators. HB 2070 would require Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation to certify sports wagering revenues and expenses to the Comptroller of Public Accounts on a monthly basis.

HJR 133 by Rep. Kuempel, R-Seguin, proposes a constitutional amendment to foster economic development and job growth and to provide tax relief and funding for education and public safety by creating the Texas Gaming Commission, to authorize and regulate casinos. The amendment allows the issuance of not more than four Class I casino gaming licenses for resort destinations in metropolitan statistical areas of the state (with estimated population of two million or more). Also included would be not more than three Class II licenses for limited casino gaming to holders of an active license for pari-mutuel wagering on horse racing at a racetrack in a metropolitan statistical area (with population of two million or more). The bill authorizes not more than three Class III licenses for limited casino gaming to holders of an active license for pari-mutuel wagering on greyhound racing at a racetrack in a metropolitan statistical area (with population less than two million) and not more than three Class III licenses for limited casino gaming to holders of an active license for pari-mutuel wagering on greyhound racing at a racetrack in a metropolitan statistical area with population less than two million. The amendment would require that a federally recognized Indian tribe be allowed to operate slot machines or casino gaming on its Indian land, subject to agreement or law requiring the tribe to remit a portion of its gaming revenue to the state. The proposed constitutional amendment would be submitted to voters at an election to be held November 2nd.

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HB 1478 by Rep. Cyrier, R-Bastrop, amends the Civil Practice and Remedies Code to exempt a recreational vehicle park or campground entity from liability to any person for an injury sustained by a participant in a recreational or educational activity at the park or campground or for damages arising out of such an injury if, at the time of the activity from which the injury arises, a prescribed warning sign was posted and maintained in a clearly visible location on or near the park or campground. The bill sets out the required language of that sign. The bill’s limitation on liability is in addition to other limitations of liability and does not limit liability for the following injuries: • an injury intentionally caused by the recreational vehicle park or campground entity; or • an injury proximately caused by:

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continued on next page TACOMEMBERS.COM

BIG HEADLINES continued from previous page

Fresh Air. Adventure.

Memories. Freedom.

• the entity’s negligence evidencing a disregard for the safety of the activity participant; • a potentially dangerous condition on the land, facilities, or equipment used in the activity, of which the entity had actual knowledge or reasonably should have known; or • the entity’s failure to train or improper training of an employee of the entity actively involved in a park or campground activity.

HB 1478 defines, among other terms, “recreational vehicle park entity” and “campground entity” as a person engaged in the business of owning or operating a recreational vehicle park or campground, respectively. The bill clarifies that an employee of such an entity is not considered a participant in an activity, and that applicable injuries include bodily injury, emotional distress, death, property damage, or any other loss arising from a person’s conduct of or participation in an activity. HB 1478 is on the House calendar for debate on the House floor.

HB 3802 by Rep. Lozano, R-Kingsville and companion bill SB 1676

by Sen. Zaffirini, D-Laredo, seek to provide a level playing field for RV Parks and the water utility billing from water supply corporations. As many of you already know, TACO has been up in the forefront of passing significant legislation that brings fairness to utility billing for RV Parks, especially in the water utility billing category. HB 3802 will be up in House Committee on Natural Resources on April 20, 2021.

There have been changes to the original language and TACO officials are in consultation with the bill’s authors and with officials from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) to hammer out fair legislation for all RV Parks. Stay tuned on the results of this timely legislation.

SB 1733 by Sen. Hall, R-Greenville and companion bill HB 2947 by Rep. Cyrier, R-Bastrop, provide a unique set up for a new type of RV Park that intends to create a long-term stay experience creating what appears to be a RV Park with Park Model Units. The bill was created on behalf of a developer in Williamson County, the authors of the bills reached out to TACO officials to help write a state law that would assist in the creation of their particular development while not infringing on how RV Parks operate and are regulated in Texas. There has been great harmony with this relationship as well as support from friends with the Texas Recreational Vehicle Association and the Texas Manufactured Housing Association. At this writing the House bill should soon pass out of committee and the Senate bill will remain in committee for now.”H

For over 40 years, Newport Pacific’s RV Resort Management has helped people of all ages experience these very things. Let us help you bring simplicity to your life.

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RV sales soar ahead of pandemic’s second summer other trailers, Gorsh kept them for rental. He also rents out a mini camper with a rooftop tent that sleeps five, a Sprinter van that sleeps two and a 15-passenger van equipped with 10 bike rails.

Distributors have limited inventory because of demand and because many manufacturing facilities have not run at full capacity during the pandemic. Gorsh is a new dealer and has to take what’s left after distributors have served their longtime customers, he said.

Sun & Fun RV, in Tiffin, also has had challenges getting enough RVs for all the potential buyers.

‘Sales took off in May last year and went nonstop until we ran out of inventory,” owner Chad Goedken said.

The company restocked somewhat over the winter, but RVs are again in demand as warmer weather arrives.

The recent soar in consumer interest in RVing driven by the pandemic has led to a marked increase in RV shipments.

For the month of February, RV manufacturers shipped more than 48,000 units, a 30 percent increase over the same month last year, making it the best February on record, due to strong demand from new customers, according to the RV Industry Association. And the industry remains on track to build more RVs in 2021 than in any previous year.

The industry anticipates a surge in RV shipments this year. The association estimates shipping more than 507,000 units in 2021, a 19.5 percent increase over record sales witnessed in 2020.

Many of those purchasing an RV, like the Micheners of North Liberty, are first-time buyers, said Doug Bahls, general manager at Camping World of Davenport.

Dealers estimate anywhere between 50 and 80 percent of buyers, depending on location, are first-time purchasers of RVs. Pre-

continued from page 7

pandemic, that number was between 25 and 35 percent of buyers.

In the first nine days of March alone, Camping World of Davenport sold 71 campers compared with 48 sold for the entire month of March 2020, with 39 sales made over just two Saturdays alone.

‘There was a lot of uncertainty in March, April and May time frame last year, and once we hit summer people realized (the pandemic) wasn’t going away any time soon,” Bahls said. ‘And they were canceling or had their vacations - to Disney, to Mexico, whatever they did for vacation - and they took those funds and purchased RVs where they just can go out and be with their family and still be out of the house and be out in the open.”

In the fourth quarter of last year, Bahls estimated about 70 percent of the customers purchasing RVs were first-time buyers.

‘And the people that purchased last year - the first-time campers - are already coming back in and realize they love the lifestyle and they’re trading from a small travel trailer into larger travel trailers already,” Bahls said. ‘Frankly, we pulled so many firsttime RVers into the market that I think the word is just spreading that, ‘Hey, this isn’t such a bad thing. We don’t need to spend a bunch of money on vacations. We can buy an RV and go on a mini vacation every single weekend with our family.’”

Erin Jordan of The Gazette contributed to this report. H

“The RV market has seen record sales in the time of coronavirus, providing the comfort of home with the benefits of the outdoors, with less stress, worry and cost of booking a flight and hotel room, according to John Dresselhas, president of US Adventure RV in Davenport.”

Jessica Gallagher/Quad City Times

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Adopts Revisions and New Forms for CNG and LNG Licensing, Container Manufacturing The Railroad Commission of Texas (RRC) has adopted revisions to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Form 1001, Application for CNG License or License Renewal and Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Form 2001, Application for LNG License or License Renewal. The form revisions are related to recent amendments to Texas Natural Resources Code Chapter 116 and 16 Texas Administrative Code (TAC) Chapters 13 and 14, respectively, that went into effect February 15, 2021. The revised form assists applicants with the initial licensing process and assists current licensees with the renewal process.

In addition, the RRC has adopted new forms for manufacturers of CNG and LNG containers to register with the agency. The form was created as a result of recent amendments to Texas

Natural Resources Code Chapter 116, which require container manufacturers to register with the RRC instead of being licensed.

Recent changes to 16 TAC Chapters 13 and 14, that went into effect February 15, 2021, included the adoption of CNG Form 1001M, Application for CNG Container Manufacturer Registration and LNG Form 2001M, Application for LNG Container Manufacturer Registration. The new forms allow applicants for initial registration to complete the process with guidance and assists current manufacturer registrants with the renewal process.

The revised and new forms are available for download from the RRC website at https://rrc.texas.gov/alternative-fuels/alternativefuels-forms. H

WELCOME! NEW CAMPGROUND MEMBERS REGION 1

SAN ANGELO’S ORCHARD RV PARK 2726 OAK MOUNTAIN TRAIL SAN ANGELO, TX 76904 RIDGEVIEW RV RESORT 2233 E. STAMFORD ABILENE, TX 79601

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REGION 2

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TEXAS BREEZE RV PARK 1545 FM 2104 #A PAIGE, TX 78659

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REGION 5

NEW TRADE MEMBERS LEADSTRONG PROPERTIES - Ryan McGahey . . . . . . . . (512) 265-5700 108 E Bagdad #300, Round Rock, TX 78664 ryan@leadstrongproperties.com www.leadstrongproperties.com Texas RV Park real estate broker

PASSPORT AMERICA - Tiffany Ingram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (800) 283-7183 info@passport-america.com www.passport-america.com Original 50% discount camping club, since 1992, offering free national advertising for participating campgrounds in North America.

MERSMANN CONSULTING GROUP - Amie Mersmann . (832) 494-7862 17515 Lariat Ln, College Station, TX 77845 amie@mcg-hospitality.com www.mcg-hospitality.com Consulting: Plan, design, build, pre-opening, marketing, and start-up operations, resort/campground management. A comprehensive fully integrated outdoor hospitality, park, recreational and resort firm.

PLASTER OF PARADISE - Maureen Burd . . . . . . . . . . . . (847) 648-0457 1250 Whitetail Run, Cottonwood, AZ 86326 maureen@plasterofparadise.com www.plasterofparadise.com Family fun! Paintable plaster magnets, 400 themes to choose from, including camping! Custom logos always welcome.

NEWBOOK - Kristen O’Hara . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (310) 855-3773 19800 MacArthur Blvd, Suite 300, Irvine, CA 92612 marketing@newbook.cloud www.newbook.cloud/us All in one campground management platform.

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PORTER SUPPLY COMPANY - Jeremy Porter . . . . . . . . . (402) 871-4385 9620 Cinnamon Drive, Omaha, NE 68136 jporter@portersupplycompany.com www.portersupplycompany.com Offering the latest in outdoor furniture, grills, and custom campground promotional products.

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