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Five years ago, Jim Harrison’s campground 30 miles northeast of New Orleans was completely destroyed by Hurricane Katrina.

Undeterred, Harrison spent his life savings rebuilding the park, only to have the economy pull the rug out from under him with the worst recession in decades.But despite these calamities, snowbirds

Some parks are reporting increases in occupancy from 10-30% with many snowbirds extending their stay into April

have filled up Harrison’s 120-site New Orleans East Kampground in Slidell, La. this winter, and he expects to have his best winter season yet.

“We’re doing much better than last winter,” he said during an early February interview.

“In fact, we’re running plumb full. I don’t think we’ll have any spaces left.”

The uptick in snowbird business isn’t unique to the New Orleans area. It’s happening in Sunbelt destinations across the country.

“Most RV parks and resorts that cater to snowbirds are reporting higher occupancies this winter than they did last winter,” said Linda Profaizer, president and CEO of the National

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Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds in Larkspur, Colo.

Profaizer attributes the surge in snowbird business to a variety of factors, including a stronger economy, moderate fuel prices, an improving stock market, and a strong Canadian dollar. “Another factor in our favor,” she said, “is the fact that campgrounds, RV parks and resorts continue to offer the most affordable way for retirees to spend extended periods of time in the Sunbelt.”

And as snowbirds search for affordable places to winter, she said, growing numbers of them are landing at private parks across the Sunbelt, from independently owned and operated parks to parks that are operated by major RV resort chains.

Rincon Country RV Resort in Tucson, Ariz., for example, has seen a 30 percent increase in winter visitors since November, said park owner George O’Leary, adding that his current winter business even exceeds his 2006 figures by 4 percent. “From November on,” he said, “occupancies have been running steadily higher.”

Shadow Hills RV Park in Indio, Calif. has experienced a similar surge in business, said park owner Paula Turner, who noted that her winter business is at its highest level since she purchased

the park six years ago. “Our occupancy last January was only 75 to 80 percent,” she said. “This year, we have been running 97 to 99 percent since January 15th. We are completely booked in February and have been turning people away since the first of January.”Chicago-based Equity LifeStyle Properties, the nation’s largest Sunbelt RV resort operator, has seen flat revenues for seasonal visitors at its Florida properties during the fourth quarter of 2009 and first quarter of 2010. However, the company is experiencing seasonal revenue increases of 16.5 percent and 23 percent, respectively, at its Arizona and Texas parks, compared to the same period a year earlier, according to company spokeswoman Pat Zamora.

Scottsdale, Ariz.-based Carefree RV Resorts, for

its part, is seeing monthly revenue gains exceeding 11 percent at its 27 Florida RV parks during the first quarter of this year, compared to the same period a year ago, said company President Colleen Edwards. The company has not yet compiled estimates for its Texas parks. However, Carefree’s Texas parks have seen an increase in short-term visitors, Edwards said.

Meanwhile, La Jolla, Calif.-based SunLand RV Resorts, which owns and operates seven RV resorts in Southern California, is reporting a steady increase in business this winter. “We have seen a strong surge in new guests and many returns of people that skipped the 2009 season based on economic scares,” said SunLand Operations

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Linda Profaizer: ARVC

Manager Greg Sidoroff, adding, “Canadian traffic is extremely strong with a strong Canadian dollar and overall great weather in Southern California. Deposits for future (winter) seasons are (also) going very well.”

Of course, not every park is experiencing an upturn in snowbird businessthis winter. Central Park of Haines City, Fla., is full “right at the moment,” said park manager Chris Long, but the park’s overall business for the winter season has been down compared to last winter. Chris Freed, owner of Zachary Taylor RV Resort in Okeechobee, Fla., said his business is consistent with last winter’s figures, too, but those figures were down about 25 percent from normal.

Most Sunbelt parks, however, are seeing some improvement in theirbusiness levels this winter. Consider these examples:

Alabama

Anchors Aweigh RV Resort in Foley: Business levels are strong at this 112-site park near the Gulf Coast. But, then again, this park was sold out much of last winter as well. “I’m fully booked all the way to April,” said co-owner Anne Stephens.

Bella Terra RV Resort in Foley: This is a relatively new motorcoach only resort, which opened just

over a year ago. However, its occupancies are growing. “We reached 45 percent occupancy in January, versus 17 percent in January of ’09, and we expect to hit 50 percent in February, versus 26 percent last year,” said Operations Manager Courtney Fox.Arizona

Desert’s Edge RV Village in Phoenix: This park has seen an increase in its snowbird business, both in terms of daily and monthly visitors. “I’m very excited,” said park owner Saundra Bryn. “For January, we were up 10 percent over last year. That’s wonderful for us.”

Eagle View RV Resort in Fort McDowell: “Business is a lot better than last year,” said Merlin Jones, the park’s general manager. “We’re up a good 10 percent. We’re still receiving reservations for monthlies for February and March.”

Equity LifeStyle Properties: This national chain of RV resorts is reporting a 16.5 percent increase in seasonal revenue for fourth quarter of 2009 and first quarter of this year, with noteworthy revenue gains at the following parks:

Cactus Gardens RV Resort, a 430-site resort in Yuma, up 16.5 percent

Foothill West RV Resort, a 188-site resort in Casa Grande, up 26 percent

ViewPoint RV and Golf Resort in Mesa, up 10.5 percent.

Leaf Verde RV Resort in Buckeye: Snowbird traffic is up about 3 percent at this park, according to park manager Randall Hendrickson.

Mesa Spirit RV Resort in Mesa: “We’re pleasantly surprised this year,” said Jim Beach, general manager of National Mobile Development, which owns the park. “We’re not phenomenally up. But we’re up a couple of percent.” About 60 percent of Mesa Spirit’s RV sites are allocated for transient RVers, with the balance being by snowbirds who spend the winter in park models.

Palm Creek Golf & RV Resort in Casa Grande: “We’re doing extremely well. We’re up about 16.5 percent in terms of occupancy,” said General Manager Wendell Johnson. And while some snowbirds arrived early, others have booked extended stays well into spring. “We’ve gotten a sizeable number of three month reservations for February, March and April,” he said.

California

Bernardo Shores RV Park in Imperial Beach: “We’re doing pretty well,” said park manager Ted Smith. “(The surge in business) just started a heck of a lot later. Usually by Thanksgiving we’re full.

We were down at least 50 percent back then. But once all these storms over Christmas and the beginning of the year hit across the country, then the people started coming.” And now, he said, several of his guests are planning to stay longer than normal. “Usually, March and April are the transition months, when people start to leave. But this year we’ve got reservations for March and April that we haven’t seen before. We’ve also had a couple of people checking their weather back home and they’re already asking to stay another month.”

Fountain of Youth Spa in Niland: “We’re doing a little better than last year,” said Jolene Wade, the park’s managing partner. The Fountain of Youth Spa has about 450 sites that are available for rent each winter season.

Happy Traveler RV Park in Palm Springs: “We’re full,” said Diane Marantz, who owns the 130-site park.

Sam’s Family Spa Hot Water Resort in Desert Hot Springs: Occupancies at this 173-site park are running “about the same as last year, maybe a little bit more,” according to park manager Debbie Matas. “We’re getting lots of Canadians,” she said.

Sunland RV Resorts: This La Jolla-based RV resort company, which owns seven parks in Escondido, El Cajon, La Mesa, San Diego, Hemet and Palm

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Desert, has seen “a nice increase for the season as a whole,” said Greg Sidoroff, SunLand’s operations manager, adding that company’s Emerald Desert RV Resort property in Palm Desert is nearly sold out this month.

The Springs at Borrego RV Resort in Borrego Springs: Spaces at this 90-site park were sold out in January, February and March of last year and are “essentially sold out” again this winter, said park manager Dan Wright, adding that he regularly has to turn people away for lack of space. “We have multiple people per day that call and say, ‘I’d like to book a site for the rest of the winter.’ But the waiting list is now so long it’s becoming problematic for them,” he said.

Florida

Cross Creek RV Village in Arcadia: This 520-site park is experiencing slightly higher occupancies than last winter, according to park owner Bill Harvey.

Equity LifeStyle Properties: While this RV resort chain ireporting flat seasonal revenues at its Florida parks overall compared to last winter, several of the company’s Florida parks have experienced increases in revenues this winter, including:

Breezy Hill RV Resort, a 762-site resort near Fort Lauderdale, up 2.5 percent.

Pine Island RV Resort, a 363-site resort near Fort Myers, up 10.3 percent.

Royal Coachman RV Resort, a 546-site park near Sarasota, up 7.4 percent.

Holiday Cove RV Resort in Cortez: This 115-site park is seeing strong business levels consistent with last winter’s figures, said park co-owner David Gorin. “Camper nights and occupancy will be about even with last year for January to April, but revenue will be up based on price increases,” he said, adding that the park is fully booked through the winter season.

Sandy Oaks RV Resort in Beverly Hills: This family owned park, which was full last winter, has since added another 50 campsites, boosting the park to 150 sites, and it’s full again this winter, according to Anne Armstrong, the park’s office manager. “Our business has been consistently strong, even with our growth in campsites,” she said.

Louisiana

Pontchartain Landing in New Orleans: Occupancies at this park are 30 percent ahead of last winter’s figures, said Nate Gaarder, the park’s

general manager. “Every year has been better since 2005,” he said, adding, “Our Mardi Gras numbers this year should tie pre-Katrina figures.”

Texas

Equity LifeStyle Properties: This company’s parks in the Rio Grande Valley are reporting seasonal revenue gains of about 23 percent during the fourth quarter of 2009 and first quarter of 2010, with notable revenue increases at the following parks:

Lakewood RV Resort, a 301-site resort in Harlingen, up 45 percent, with an occupancy increase of 36.5 percent.

Sunshine RV Resort, a 390-site resort in Harlingen, up 34 percent, with an occupancy increase of 27 percent.

Tropic Winds RV Resort, a 531-site resort in Harlingen, up 40 percent.

Hatch RV Park in Corpus

Christi: Winter Texan business is up about 5 percent at this park compared to last winter, according to park manager Randall Henderson.

Hidden Valley RV Park in Von Ormy: “We’re doing great,” said park co-owner Teri Blaschke. “Last year we were 70 percent full from December through February. This year so far we’re 80 percent full.”

Rayford Crossing RV Resort at The Woodlands: “It’s very, very busy right now,” said park owner Gwen Craig. “We are sold out to April 1st.” Craig said some of her guests have also reserved sites as far out as 2014.

Surfside R.V. & Resort in Port Aransas: “We’re doing real good,” said park owner Charles Rhea. “I’m just as busy as I was last winter and my reservations are looking really good through April. Today, I even made two reservations for summer.”

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Lawmakers looking to balance the state parks' budget heard proposals ranging from a big-game hunt on Antelope Island to letting KOA campgrounds run some parks.

The park system is already looking at a cut of at least $615,000 from its $31.7 million budget, and more could be coming. The director of the parks system, Mary Tullius, said she worries what additional cuts could mean. "We have been doing more with less. Now we're doing less with less," she said.

To help make ends meet, Rep. Mike Noel, R-Kanab, proposed expanding the big-

game hunt on Antelope Island. He said that granting two tags for deer and two for bighorn sheep could bring in as much as $500,000 per year from eager hunters. There is already some bison hunting allowed on the island, according to the division, but the state has not permitted other hunts.

But Noel's proposal was not nearly as sweeping as the changes pitched by Sen. Chris Buttars, R-West Jordan, who recommended contracting with private businesses to run the state parks. "We got a lot of wonderful parks. We got a lot of parks that lose money,

too," he said. "I don't think there's any losers in this." Buttars hoped to realize $35 million in savings from the effort, although just $11.6 million of the state parks budget comes directly from taxpayers -- the rest comes from fees and a portion of boating and off-highway vehicle registrations.

Tullius said privatizing the state parks may require returning control of some lakes over to the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation. And 19 parks include property purchased with federal funds, so the state might have to repay the federal government. Buttars said that

explanation strengthened his resolve. "We're a slave to the federal government, and I'm sick of it," Buttars said. "Let's figure out a way to start getting out from under their thumb. If this state's ever going to stand up on its own, we need to quit taking federal funds." Article & Photowww.sltrib.com

Mary L. Tullius, right, director of the Utah Division of State Parks and Recreation, listens as Sen. Chris Buttars, left, R-West Jordan, makes a presentation

JACKSON CENTER, Ohio --Thor Industries has announced preliminary sales for the second quarter and six months ended Jan. 31, 2010.

Sales in the quarter were $429 million, almost double the $227 million from last year. RV sales were $335 million, up 148 percent from $135 million last year. Bus sales were $94 million, up 2 percent versus $92 million last year.

Sales in the six months were $932 million, up 40 percent from $665 million last year. RV sales were $726 million, up 56 percent from $465 million

last year. Bus sales were $206 million, up 3 percent from $200 million last year.Backlog on January 31, 2010 was a record $711 million, up 81 percent from $392 million last year. RV backlog was $449 million, up 157 percent from $175 million last year. Bus backlog was $262 million, up 21 percent from $217 million last year. Cash equivalents and investments on Jan. 31, 2010 were $155 million.

"Thor's record backlog is indicative of improving RV market conditions and continuing strength in bus," said Peter B. Orthwein, Thor chairman, president and CEO. "RV retail shows have been much improved so far this season which leads us to anticipate continued performance gains throughout 2010."

Peter B. Orthwein.Chairman, President & CEO Thor Industries

Due to a record-breaking snow storm in the Washington, DC area, coupled with an anticipated 5-10 inches of additional snow Tuesday and Wednesday, RVIA has canceled the association's Capitol Hill

Advocacy Day on Wednesday, February 10, and the Board of Directors' meeting on Thursday, February 11. RVIA is expected to reschedule the Board of Directors meeting at a future date.

In 2009 we launched the Campground Supplier Directory which through the year grew to 352 Industry Supplier listings.

We can also report that in 2009 the directory was visited 51,128 times, this number suggests that Campground owners are very aware of the directory and are making use of it several times during the year and why not? It’s the most comprehensive Campground Supplier Directory on the planet!

One of the big plusses of the directory is its easy access. Campground

Owners know that there is a link to the directory on page two of Campground & RV Park E-News each and every week of the year, so when it is required it’s easy to find and access, although I suspect that most Campground Owners have bookmarked the site in their own computer systems as well.

The basic directory listings are free to suppliers although understandably, the lion’s share of the business generated by the directory goes to ‘Premium Listed Suppliers’. At $150 per year for a ‘Premium

Listing’ it would seem a ‘no brainer’ that every supplier should make this small investment a priority,

Look for the Premium Listing renewal in your e-mail box soon or simply go to the site and create your Premium Listing now!

This article may also serve as a reminder to Suppliers to check their listing information for accuracy and Premium Members should make sure their listed products and services are up to date.

http://www.industryenews.com/dir/index.html

Premium Listing Benefits• Premium Listings are always listed first above the free listings.

• They allow for two images - usually a company logo and a product, but the choice is yours.

• The title (Company name) of your listing is linked directly to your web site.

• 6 lines of information can be included in the Description area of the listing.

• Each Premium Listing contains hidden 'keywords' which you nominate on the sign-up form. These keywords are of great benefit when Campground Owners use the search panel to find a specific product or service.

We believe that the main body of Campground Owner inquiries will be via the search panel. (of note is that 1024 searches took place in the directory in the first 3 days of operation).

• Premium listings give your company a high profile and demonstrate your eagerness to be part of the Campground Owners Business Plan.

• Premium Listings are profiled in the E-News.

• Premium Listings are extremely cost effective at $150/year. Compare that to ANY other directory!

Banner PlacementThe banner that you see on every category page is available on an annual basis for $500. Banners rotate equally and indiscriminately - maximum 10 banners in the rotation.

Caroline Beteta, president and CEO of the California Travel and Tourism Commission, will keynote the opening lunch for the ReVupinReno campground conference April 19-21 in Reno, Nev.

The California Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds (CalARVC) is the lead organizer for the conference which is drawing campground owners and operators and other industry members from 11 Western states.

Besides her duties in California, Beteta chairs the U.S. Travel Association. In her Reno presentation, she will share current travel trends and provide insights on how those trends will impact RV parks and campgrounds in 2010.

Beteta is active on the federal level promoting the key role tourism plays in the national economy.

In her role as national chairwoman, Beteta oversees U.S. Travel’s board of directors, the governing body of the association, and its executive committee.

Her national platform includes three areas:Expanding U.S. Travel’s

public affairs focus. Successfully launching DiscoverAmerica.com, the official travel and tourism website of the United States.

Becoming the champion of travel and the traveler and continuing to position travel and tourism as an economic engine for local, state and national economies.

Beteta has also been the recipient of numerous national and state awards

for her creative work and leadership in the travel industry, including 2009 State Tourism Director of the Year.

Shane Ott of Thor Industries Inc. will keynote the closing lunch.

For more information on the seminars, speakers, fees, a complete schedule and exhibitors registered to date visit www.ReVupinReno.com.

Caroline Beteta Shane Ott

In 2010, ten (10) scholarships were granted by Evergreen USA RRG, Inc. for attendance at The National School of RV Park & Campground Management.

The $300 scholarships were awarded to individuals in the states of Michigan, Maryland, California, Florida, Tennessee, Pennsylvania and North Carolina.

These ten students will be attending the school at the Oglebay Resort from February 16-21.

Each year Evergreen awards scholarships to campgrounds, RV parks, and resorts wishing to attend The National School of RV Park & Campground Management.

Evergreen understands that education is essential to the future of the camping industry and that providing scholarships to the school will help the camping industry in the long run.

Evergreen will continue to provide these scholarships to their clients to help

improve the camping industry. About Evergreen USA – Evergreen USA was formed in 1989 and is an insurance company that is owned and directed by members of the camping industry. Evergreen provides long-term stable insurance solutions for campgrounds, RV parks, and resorts throughout the United States. For more information contact Evergreen at 1-800-343-7900 or www.evergreenusa.com

About The National School of RV Park & Campground Management - The National School of RV Park & Campground Management enhances the skills of its students through a high-quality educational program focusing on business management principles and practices as applied to the RV park and campground industry. For more information contact Cheryl Smith the Director of Education at (303) 681-0401 or www.campgroundschool.org.

The effort is enticing growing numbers of travelers to give camping a try. It’s also creating new job opportunities and an industry-wide need for more and better trained outdoor hospitality professionals

LARKSPUR, Colo., Feb. 9, 2010 -- For many years, America’s campgrounds and RV parks were simply designated areas where people could pitch their tents or park their RVs for the night. The better ones had clean restrooms and showers and a perhaps a swimming pool and a small playground and a camp store, but not much more than that.

It’s a different story today.

Privately owned campgrounds and RV parks are increasingly moving into the accommodations business with luxury cabins, park models and yurts with clean linens and daily maid service.

Many are also moving into the entertainment business, offering their guests a growing array of activities and special

events, from weekend scavenger hunts and arts and crafts classes to Karaoke contests and live entertainment with professional entertainers.

But while the private park industry’s twin thrusts into the accommodations and entertainment businesses are proving to be very successful, these initiatives have also created a need for more and better trained park managers and support staff.

“It’s a constant struggle for our members to find the managers and support staff who have the training and experience they need to know how to deliver a top notch guest experience,” said Linda Profaizer, president and CEO of the National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds.

The challenge is compounded by the fact that an entire generation of private park owners who started their campgrounds and RV parks in the 1960s and 70s are now retiring and selling their parks to new owners.“Much of the hospitality industry does not even know that hospitality, entertainment and management job opportunities exist in the private park sector, which is why we’re trying to get the word out,” Profaizer said.

The National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds has created a national job listings section on its member’s only website and the association regularly fields calls from job seekers looking for career opportunities in what the association calls “the outdoor hospitality business.”

The national association has also developed a fast track park management training program, The National School of RV Park & Campground Management, which is

offered at the Oglebay Resort in Wheeling, West Virginia. Registration information is available at www.campgroundschool.com.

The national association has also begun to develop park management and guest service training programs through local universities, the first of which is now being offered through Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff as part of the university’s accredited Parks and Recreation Management Program.

HENDERSON, Texas – A Frisco couple died from carbon monoxide poisoning at an RV park in Rusk County over the weekend, a medical examiner has ruled.

Gator Run RV Park Matthew Thomas Rawley, 43, and his wife, 34-year-old Erica Nicole Rawley, were to have checked out of Gator Run RV park Sunday morning, said Sgt. Viki Penny of the Rusk County Sheriff's Department.

When they didn't, their family called local authorities.

Penny said deputies were dispatched to the RV park, about 15 miles southeast of Longview, on Sunday night and found the couple dead in their trailer.

The Southwestern Institute of Forensic Science in Dallas confirmed the cause of death was carbon monoxide poisoning.

Sgt. Penny said the likely source of the carbon monoxide was the heater in the couple's RV.Article: www.dallasnews.com

The National Association of RV Parks & Campgrounds (ARVC), the ARVC Foundation and Northern Arizona University (NAU) are pleased to announce that college credit is now available as an option for participants in the Foundation’s National School of RV Park and Campground Management. “The school’s Board of Regents and the ARVC Foundation are pleased to offer another benefit from the school,” states Cheryl Smith, ARVC Education Director. “Through this effort we hope to encourage college students to consider campground management as a career emphasis and to help our participants fulfill their educational goals. Northern Arizona University has been a partner with ARVC in industry research and this is a natural match.”

The college credit will be offered through Northern Arizona University’s accredited Parks and Recreation Management program. Details on the college credit option will be provided at the time of registration.

Completion of the School, which is a two-year management school held for one week at a time over two years, also helps to qualify students for the “Fast Track” program for the ARVC RV park and campground industry’s Certified Park Operator

(CPO) designation. Completion of the school, along with attendance at two national or state industry conventions and two year’s experience in the industry will completely meet the CPO requirements.

Aside from the academic and certification benefits, participants will receive outstanding instruction from industry experts and real-life discussions with RV park and campground operators that represent all regions and aspects of the RV park and campground industry. Most students have reported the school experience to be the turning point toward their success.

The National School of RV Park & Campground Management will be offered February 16-20, 2010 at the Oglebay Resort in Wheeling, West Virginia. Only a few openings are left. To register, go to www.campgroundschool.com or call the Oglebay National Training Center at 304-243-4126.

Please be aware that in addition to the cost of attending the School, you must pay for registration in the Parks and Recreation Management program at NAU to earn college credits.

Don’t miss this experience!

MYRTLE BEACH Barbara Wood and her husband first visited Ocean Lakes Family Campground in Horry County right after it opened in 1970.

The couple from Ohio loved it so much, they moved here permanently in 1982.

“We didn’t have a transition (when we moved),“ said Wood on Tuesday morning. “We had our tennis bunch, and we knew people locally, and we just kind of fell into things.“

The move allowed the Woods to be closer to their friends Nelson and Mary

Emily Jackson, the owners of Ocean Lakes.

“He’d call, and he’d talk, and we’d talk with them, and it was very rewarding,“ said Wood. “He was a very interesting person that was always ready to listen to you,“ she said.Jackson died Monday morning at the age of 89. He was a very successful businessman for much of his adult life, and it was his family’s need to find an affordable place to stay in Myrtle Beach in the late 1960s that lead him to purchase the land that would become the sprawling campgrounds that it is today.

The Jacksons have five daughters, and would travel around as a family while he worked for

Jackson and Jackson, Incorporated.“He was truly a visionary,“ said Ocean Lakes Vice President and General Manager Lance Thompson, who soon will celebrate 25 years at the resort. “(Mr. Jackson) was a man with tremendous foresight, and was able to look into the future, and see what would be succesful,“ he said.

Along the way, Ocean Lakes and the Jacksons racked up numerous awards and industry honors, including South Carolina’s highest honor, the Order Of The Palmetto.

“I said: ‘Did you ever in your wildest dreams think that you would have a development like this?‘“ said Wood. “He said: ‘Never. Never.‘“

Nelson and Mary Emily Jackson.Photo courtesy Ocean Lakes Campground: Reproduced from www2.scnow.com

RVparkstore.com, has announced a RV Park Investor's Boot Camp, to be held on April 24th – 25th in St. Louis, Missouri. The event is held over the weekend on Saturday and Sunday.

The only one of its type in the U.S., this event allows participants to learn the RV park business first hand in the field, as well as in the classroom.

Students will tour different types of RV parks, and will learn how to spot the good from the bad.

The event is taught by Frank Rolfe, who has ranked as high as the 63rd largest owner of mobile home and RV parks in the U.S.

For more information, call (800) 950-1364 or go to RVparkstore.com

The Michigan Association of Recreation Vehicles and Campgrounds (MARVAC) is sponsoring the 44th Annual Detroit Camper & RV Show, February 10-14, 2010, at the Rock Financial Showplace in Novi (located on Grand River, just 1 mile west of Novi Road).

Over 200 new recreation vehicles will be on display including folding campers, motorhomes, travel trailers, truck campers and fifth wheel travel trailers.

Special discounts include folding campers from $4,999; trailers from $8,999; and motorhomes from $49,999. Plus, manufacturer rebates on select RVs. Booths featuring parts and accessories, campground information, on site RV financing and RV rentals make this the complete RV show experience.

To celebrate the 100th anniversary of the RV industry, the show will feature a special historical display showcasing some of the earliest RVs in the country.

At the show, enter to win the Ultimate MIS Race Experience package from Michigan International Speedway. Includes tickets, camping and VIP access (valued at nearly $3,000). A "your discount" coupon is

available on www.marvac.org, at southeast Michigan and Flint area Sunoco gas stations, Big Boy restaurants and in area newspapers. With this special coupon, consumers can choose one of three discounts offered—$2 off adult admission any day; senior admission for $5 on Wednesday or Thursday, or 2-for-1 admittance coupon on Friday. The new, 2010 RV & Campsite, a guide to camping in Michigan, will be available free to consumers.

The 44th Annual Detroit Camper & RV Show will be held at the Rock Financial Showplace and is open weekdays 2-9 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m.-9 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m.-6 p.m. The cost for adult admission (ages 13 and up) is $9; children ages 12 and under are admitted free! Seniors (ages 55 and over) are admitted for just $5 on Wednesday, February 10 and Thursday, February 11 (no coupon necessary).

The RV & Campsite directory celebrates its 20th anniversary as MARVAC's official consumer publication with the 2010 issue and features winners of MARVAC's first annual photo contest. This issue also provides tips for camping with pets, activities for families, Michigan grown recipes, RV maintenance Q&A, Michigan destinations and of course the ever popular

directory of campgrounds, dealers and servicers. Don't miss out;

CASA GRANDE — At Palm Creek Golf & RV Resort, the recycling program tells the story of the 2010 winter visitor season. As more empty cardboard boxes for new flat screen televisions and other luxuries flood the recycling bin, the message is clear – winter visitors are back in larger numbers and they are spending money and spurring the local economy.

“It’s been a dramatic turnaround,” said Wendell Johnson, Palm Creek general manager. “I think some winter visitors are still in restrained mode, but we do see many bright spots as well.”

Johnson said the community’s active recycling program has been busier then usual, sorting discarded boxes after winter visitor shopping sprees.

Every week, there are more and more boxes in the containers, he said.

Reservations at the resort have increased from last year.

“We are up substantially,” Johnson said.

Lower fuel prices, an improved stock market and a strong Canadian dollar are contributing to this year’s busy winter visitor season, Johnson said.

“This year we are seeing the return of the Canadians,” Johnson said. “Last year their dollar dropped and winter visitors from Canada declined. This year, it’s back up. The weather up north isn’t hurting us either.”

Reservations are also on the rise at Fiesta Grande RV Resort in Casa Grande, said community manager Beth Kortsen.

So far this year, park reservations have been up by between 1 and 2 percent and by late January, the resort was 92 percent full. That percentage is expected to rise as winter progresses.

“By February, we expect to only have about 12 sites open,” Kortsen said. “We are doing extremely well this year.”

An increase in Canadian visitors to the park is partly behind the upward trend.

“Their dollar is high now,” Kortsen said.

But she said Fiesta Grande’s reputation as a destination park and Casa Grande’s location as a great winter vacation spot also contribute to the increase in reservations.

“This is a prime spot to winter,” she said.

This year has brought many first-time visitors to Casa Grande, but Kortsen

Palm Creek Golf & RV Resortsaid many regulars have returned as well.

The number of people stopping by the Greater Casa Grande Chamber of Commerce this winter visitor season has remained about on par with last year, at about 80 a day, but staff has noticed some new trends, said Helen Neuharth, president and CEO of the chamber.

Traffic to the organization’s Web site increased last year, generating more than 2 million hits.

“We have also noticed an increase in the past year of our neighbors to the north — Canadian visitors,” Neuharth said.

Whether they come from Canada or snowy parts of the United States, Kortsen said winter visitors do more then spend money and spur the local economy. Many get involved in the community and work to make Casa Grande a better place.Article: www.trivalleycentral.com

A quiet day at a South Texas RV park was interrupted Monday by gunfire.Residents found themselves in the middle of a battle between border agents and suspects in Mexico.The sounds of Bingo are common in the RV park, but Monday in Chimney Park south of Mission,

Texas people heard sounds of a different kind.

"I was in my camper, and I heard shots," said one RV resident. "And I mentioned to my wife those sounded like gunshots."

The gunshots came from Border Patrol agents on boat patrol after coming under attack.

MARSHALL COUNTY, AL (WAFF) - Marshall County is planning to build a new county park. But the problem is, the plans are not new.

Plans are to build a park just north of the Highway 431 bridge. But those plans date back to 1966 and nothing's been done.

People here over 40 remember a park that used to be there in the 1970's and wish one would return for their children."We used to play there a lot. They had a little train. They had a beach," said Rhonda McCoy.

With just a few picnic tables now, Marshall County residents remember decades ago what used to be here at this site just

north of the bridge on Highway 431.But that has long been dismantled.

The county plans to put a full scale park here but those plans have been in the making since 1966.

"We're going to move forward on it. There's been planning ever since the sixties and they've about planned it to death, our intention there is to put in a RV park, approximately 70 parking spaces," said Marshall County Commissioner James Maze.

He plans to use county equipment to build the RV park and make it a revenue producer for the rest of the project.Full Article: wwwwaff.com

Pinnacle Park Homes has been awarded a state contract and reports that 2010 is off to a great start.

In fact, due to their back log of orders they have had to increase production.

Pinnacle Park Homes will be attending the CARVC 2010 Annual Membership Meeting & Trade Show this coming February 22-23 at

Resort in Myrtle Beach, SC.

Pinnacle Park Homes will be hosting a seminar titled “Park Models in Your Park” at this event.

For information you can contact Andy Davis at 1-866-574-5159 or visit them on the web at: www.pinnacleparkhomes.comYou can also become a fan on facebook.

Anderson-based BIS LLC has developed an “Eco-First Building Program” to help manufacturers develop “green” standards for their housing products as well as their manufacturing processes

ANDERSON, Ind., Feb. 8, 2010 – Some may consider it foolhardy to start a new company in the midst of a recession.

But the founders of BIS, LLC have discovered that the worst economic downturn in decades hasn’t stopped manufacturers from producing environmentally friendly products or investing in “green” production practices.

“Consumers increasingly want ‘green’ products and manufacturers realize that they can tap into that market, even during a recession,” said Andy Crisp of BIS, LLC, whose consulting firm has developed an Eco-First Building Program to help manufacturers become certified green builders.

“Many manufacturers have already been taking steps in recent years to reduce their construction waste and to use water and energy more efficiently, so for many of them, becoming ‘green certified’ is not that difficult or

costly,” Crisp said. “What we do is show them what they need to do to have their products and manufacturing processes certified to nationally recognized green building standards.”

BIS’ Eco-First Building Program is based on the National Green Building Standards, which have been developed by the American National Standards Institute.

BIS, which opened its doors in October, already has consulting contracts with several nationally known park model and manufactured housing companies, and Crisp said he hopes to eventually help some of the country’s RV manufacturers to go green.

BIS’s clients, for their part, are pleased with the company’s services.“They are on time. They do what they say they are going to do. They make it easy,” said Donald Aheron, vice president of engineering for Martinsville, Va.-based Nationwide Custom Homes, which builds green modular homes.

Bob Holliday, founder and CEO of Chariot Eagle, an Ocala, Fla.-based park model manufacturer, said he met Crisp during the National Association of RV Parks & Campgrounds’

annual InSites Convention & Tradeshow, which took place in November.

“We met with BIS representatives during the tradeshow and they offered to come to our Florida plant immediately to do an inspection,” Holliday said, adding that the BIS team has been “very efficient.”

As a result, Chariot Eagle has achieved its green certification.

In Indiana, BIS is also generating business with Elkhart County manufacturers, including Country Log Cottages, an Elkhart-based park model manufacturer.

“The BIS team has given us great advice,” said Country Log Cottages National Sales Manager Carol Holdren, adding, “It’s been an enjoyable

experience working with them. They have taught us a lot.”

BIS offers four levels of green certification, including bronze, silver, gold and emerald. “Our manufacturers install low-flow water fixtures and use low VOC paints and sealants as well construction materials with a high percentage of recycled content. They also use manufacturing practices that maximize building resources and minimize the amount of waste that has to be taken to a landfill,” Crisp said.

For more information on BIS or for background on the latest trends involving green building, please contact Andy Crisp at (574) 527-0192 and visit the BIS website at www.eco-first.org.

PA: A campground planned for land formerly occupied by a gun club in Foster Township has been granted zoning approval.

David Pfiel of White Haven, who already owns a bed-and-breakfast and a general store near the site, plans to develop the campground. He was represented by attorney Albert Maier at this week's township zoning hearing board meeting.

The property, at 148 Tannery Road near the Lehigh River, was owned by the Tannery Rod and Gun Club and is surrounded by homes, a water bottling company, a state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources bike path and state game lands.

Pfiel said he wants to rent out campsites on a seasonal basis from April to Thanksgiving Day. Rentals will be administered through his store.

The campground will be gated; campers will gain access through a security PIN pad, he said.An existing clubhouse on the land will remain for indoor recreation.

A grass field at the site can accommodate 30 to 40 campers, depending

on the final layout, Pfiel said.

The campers, recreational vehicles and any personal vehicles will sit on 30-by-40-foot gravel pads he plans to install. An open area will contain a swing set and a horseshoe pit.

Each camp site will have well water and electric hookup, while community bathrooms and showers will be built.

The facility will have a sewer holding tank for recreational vehicles that will be pumped out regularly.

Pfiel had to obtain approval for a special exception to operate the business.

Zoning board members Greg Capozzelli, Al Diaz and Francis Swankowski gave unanimous approval.

Pfiel still must obtain land development approval from the township, sewage disposal system approval by necessary regulatory commissions, soil and erosion approval if necessary, impact analysis if the township requires, and any other permits and licenses necessary to operate.Article: http://standardspeaker.com

North Hollywood, CA, February 8, 2010 – The second of a three-part exclusive interview with Brian Brawdy is LIVE on www.RVBuddiesOnline.com for viewing now.

In part two of the series, Brian Brawdy talks about his experiences RVing across America. Beyond the technology, toys and RVs, Brawdy shares insights and experiences with humanity that have changed his life.

"You can prepare all you want before an interview," says show host Mark Summers, "But what happens in the moment is always a surprise. With each part of this series Brian shares and inspires more than I would ever have imagined."

For more information contact Mark Summers at Mark@RVBuddiesOnline.com.

About Brian BrawdyA nationally known conservationist, Brawdy has traveled across America in his customized Lance Camper, trumpeting the benefits of his array of eco-friendly RV gear.

His solar panels, satellite dishes, wind turbines and other innovations mingle with his personal commitment to a self-sustaining life style, and make for a fascinating story.

The former undercover cop, cancer survivor, and RV industry spokesman is often referred to as “Eco-Brian” or the “Green RVer.”

He is inspiring new environmentally-sound ways to RV today, and is influencing the industry’s view of tomorrow.

Its iPods and iPhones wooed the young and tech savvy. But with its iPad, Apple may reach a new demographic: the middle-aged.

The sleek, soon-to-launch multimedia tablet is expected to find traction among those looking for something light to carry and easy to operate.

Consumers most likely to spend $499 to $829 for the iPad — at least in the beginning — are business executives weary from lugging around heavy laptops and parents in need of digital pacifiers to soothe fidgety children in restaurants and airplanes, experts say.

The half-inch-thick iPad, some models of which will be able to connect to a 3G cellular network, may not introduce major new technology, but it signals a potential sea change in how people engage with everything from newspapers to legal documents and video.

The device brings together functions common to laptops and smartphones in a new — and fun — form that lets people navigate the Web, flip pages of a digital book and create business presentations by tapping the iPad's screen.

When Apple unveiled the iPad on Jan. 27, CEO Steve Jobs and other executives positioned it as a device for everyone — a game gadget for teens, an e-reader for all ages, a photo album for the family.

Apple's latest creation, and other new tablet computers hitting the market, may eventually change how students read textbooks and how families in their living rooms access everything from TV episodes to Web sites.

The profile of iPad users is certain to change over time. Analysts believe its price will eventually come down. Furthermore, the device, which will go on sale beginning next month, is sure to have a rich ecosystem of new programs that will make it appealing to a broadening audience, much as the iPhone became more popular with the growing number of apps offered through Apple's App Store.

Spring Zone Meetings: From March 29 to April 1, CONY will hold four one-day mini conferences in four locations across New York State, with presentations on association activities, camping industry happenings and updates, and business operation issues.

At these meetings, agenda items will include the unveiling of the new and improved content for CampCONY.com - the corporate website for CONY business and communication (currently in development), the 2009 occupancy survey results, legislative updates, Guest

Satisfaction survey program, and a vendor trade show.

Registration fee to attend is $25 per person, and covers meeting materials, continental breakfast and lunch. Additional fees apply for trade show space.

Zone Meeting Dates/Locations:March 29, 2010: Queensbury Hotel, Glens Falls, NYMarch 30, 2010: Holiday Inn, Kingston, NYMarch 31, 2010: Holiday Inn Liverpool/Syracuse, Liverpool, NYApril 1, 2010: Batavia Party House, Batavia, NY

NEW YORK (AP) - Shares of Winnebago Industries Inc. leaped Monday after a R.W. Baird analyst upgraded the stock to "Neutral" from "Underperform," citing a recent decline in its share price.

Winnebago stock had lost 31 percent of its value since hitting a year high of $16.44 in October.

In afternoon trading,

shares added 87 cents, or 7.7 percent, to $12.20.

Despite his upgrade, analyst Craig Kennison urged investors to be cautious, suggesting that the recreation vehicle maker has a long road to travel before its profit fully recovers. RV makers have been hit hard by the recession as consumers avoided large purchases.

Arkansas Attorney General Dustin McDaniel is warning the state's consumers about predicted efforts to resell the more than 100,000 FEMA surplus manufactured homes and travel trailers which are being auctioned by lot to brokers and other resellers. The Attorney General predicts that the retail market may soon be flooded with these surplus units which have been stored by FEMA at several locations across the South since shortly after Hurricane Katrina in 2005. “We expect that these units will be offered to the public in various venues, including the internet, and at prices which may appear to be deeply discounted,” McDaniel said. “However, a discounted price does not necessarily mean the buyer is getting a good deal, and buyers interested in acquiring a surplus manufactured home or travel trailer need to proceed with caution.” Over 90,000 of the surplus units being auctioned are travel trailers. The buyer will not know how long the travel trailer has been stored, or the conditions of storage. Many of these units may suffer from a lack of maintenance, and may have mold, mildew, or other water damage.

There may also be issues with possible formaldehyde giving off gas and possible leaks in any LP gas equipment. Rules adopted by the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA), which is overseeing the auctions, prohibit the resale of the travel trailers for use as housing. While resllers are required to provide prospective buyers with disclosure information received from FEMA regarding the condition of the unit, McDaniel urged Arkansas consumers who may be interested in purchasing any travel trailer or manufactured home to ask questions about the source of the unit and its condition before buying. He also suggested that potential buyers not rely solely upon the information provided by the seller, but also obtain an independent inspection of the unit before buying. Finally, the Attorney General noted that buyers may be faced with issues regarding titling and registration of a purchased unit, and questions regarding the payment of sales tax on the purchase. “Proceed with caution, extreme caution, if you are tempted to respond to what appears to be an attractive offer for a travel trailer or manufactured home,” McDaniel said. Article:www.arkansasmatters.com

More than six months after it was repossessed and ultimately auctioned, Rarity Club still sits abandoned, awaiting a potential buyer. Just down the road, Shellmound Campground is waiting as well, waiting for some word of their fate.

“I’m just the little guy in the middle,” said Shellmound Campground owner Mickey Rose. “But they can’t close us until they have a buyer who is ready to develop down here.”

Rarity Developers acquired the lakeside property that houses the campground in a land swap with TVA back in 2005. The park and the campground were to be relocated further down the coast to make room for the planned Rarity Club Marina.

Today, the only signs of the marina that may have been are the stacks of

building materials still lining the parking areas and sand volleyball court of Shellmound.

According to Rose, the popular campsite has suffered a bit of a decline since Rarity developers bought the property five years ago.

“There was a decline this year from the year before,” said Rose. “I’m sure the economy is a factor but a lot of people just think we’re closed. We’re not. We are open and will remain so.”

At present, and according to an agreement with TVA, if a developer fails to come forward, relocate Rose’s business and develop the park/campground by June 2011 the land will revert to TVA ownership and Shellmound Campground will stay put.Full Article: www.marioncountynews.net

The survey by TexasCampgrounds.com also found that only 24 percent of Winter Texans spend the season in the Rio Grande Valley as growing numbers of winter visitors are lured to RV parks and resorts in the Hill Country and the Gulf Coast

CROWLEY, Texas, Feb. 9, 2010 – An online survey by Texas Campgrounds.com has confirmed what many park operators are reporting: There are more snowbirds or ‘Winter Texans’ this winter than last winter, and they’re staying longer.

The survey found that 52 percent of Winter Texans plan to spend as much time wintering in Texas as they did last winter, while 35 percent plan to stay even longer. Only 13 percent of respondents were planning shorter stays, according to the online survey, which drew 1,250 responses in December and January.

“I was impressed with the fact that 87 percent of Winter Texans plan to spend as much time or longer wintering in Texas than last year,” said Brian Schaeffer, executive director and CEO of the Texas Association of Campground Owners, which markets

campgrounds, RV parks and resorts through TexasCampgrounds.com and TexasCabinRentals.net.

“I think you can attribute a lot of those longer stays to some bounceback in the economy,” he said, adding that colder than normal weather in Texas and other areas across the Sunbelt hasn’t deterred retirees from coming to the Lone Star State because it’s a lot colder up north. “All temperatures being equal,” Schaeffer said, “50 is 50 and 5 is 5.”

But the survey also revealed that many Winter Texans are cutting back other expenses in an effort to spend the winter in Texas. In fact, 37 percent of respondents said they were cutting expenses because their income had been reduced, while 52 percent said their income was the same as it was last winter. Eleven percent of respondents said their income had increased.

The survey also produced some unexpected findings, namely, that only a fraction of Winter Texans spend the season in the Rio Grande Valley. According to the survey, 38 percent of Winter Texans spend the season in the Hill County, with another 38 percent staying in parks along the Gulf Coast. Only 24 percent of respondents

said they spend the winter in the Rio Grande Valley.

“This survey pretty much shatters the stereotype of where people spend the winter in Texas,” Schaeffer said. “It also suggests that younger winter visitors are coming into Texas and they’re exploring other areas of the state.” In fact, the survey found that only 26 percent of respondents planned to stay at one park for the whole season, with 74 percent of winter visitors planning to travel from one park to another throughout the winter season.

“This survey shows that ‘Winter Texans’ are much more mobile than they were in the past,” Schaeffer said. “This is a group that often travels and is increasingly spontaneous about where they go and how long they stay at each park.”

Here’s what the survey showed regarding advance reservations:31 percent book all of their reservations in advance.37 percent book part of their winter stay with reservations, and leave time open to travel to parks in other areas as they see fit.32 percent never make advanced reservations.

And while 47 percent of Winter Texans spend all of their time in Texas, 53 percent also visit other

states at some point during the winter. Here’s a closer look at those numbers:27 percent spend most of their time in Texas, but also travel to surrounding states.26 percent spend some of their time in Texas and also travel to surrounding states.

With regard to the length of their winter stay in Texas, the survey produced the following statistics:15 percent planned to stay three to four weeks40 percent planned to stay one to two months13 percent planned to stay three to four months25 percent planned to stay six months or longer.

The survey also found that 60 percent of Winter Texans arrive afterChristmas; and 13 percent coming between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Twenty seven percent arrive sometime in the fall before Thanksgiving.

In terms of their RV accommodations, the survey found that Winter Texans use the following types of equipment:45 percent spend the winter in a travel trailer of fifth wheel43 percent spend the winter in a motorhome12 percent spend the winter in a recreational park trailer or “park model,” and use a car to travel to other locations.

Australia's BIG4 Holiday Parks chief Terry Goodall abandoned his office desk and rolled up his sleeves for a stint of hard labour at Queensland caravan parks.

He was honouring a commitment to work at ground level after being 'bought' at auction during BIG4’s National Charity Conference.

He ditched suit and tie in favour of the BIG4 uniform and pitched in at the Cairns Coconut Holiday Resort doing day-to-day tasks such as pool cleaning, making reservations and trimming trees. Park

owners Geoff and Jenny Olholm bid a whopping $15,000 for Terry’s services. Cairns Coconut and Beachlands Holiday Park, both BIG4 members, won the bidding war using a combined $15,000 donation, with Terry’s time being shared across both parks for three days. BIG4 Harrington Beach Holiday Park donated a further $15,000 to secure his services for an additional three days. BIG4 raised a record $105,000 at the conference for its charity partner, The Humour Foundation and its flagship Clown Doctors programme.

Terry prepares for a spot of housekeeping with Margaret Claremont, who had notched up 14 years' employment with Cairns Coconut that very day! www.caravanningnews.com

Texas has had its share of cold snaps this winter. But that hasn’t stopped Parkview Riverside RV Park in Concan from having its best winter since it opened a decade ago.

“We’ve had a few people who have left early because of the colder weather.

But it really hasn’t cost us because it’s cold all over,” said park owner Doug Shearer. “Our bookings going forward now through May are well ahead of last year.”

Shearer, who also serves as president of the Texas Association of Campground Owners, added that private campgrounds and RV

parks across the Lone Star State are having a good winter. “We had our board meeting two weeks ago and everybody is reporting excellent winter business,” he said, particularly in the southern parts of the state.

Here’s a sampling of what Texas parks are experiencing:

Hidden Valley RV Park in Von Ormy: “We’re doing great,” said park co-owner Teri Blaschke. “Last year we were 70 percent full from December through February. This year so far we’re 80 percent full.”

La Hacienda RV Resort in Austin: “We’re doing better than last winter,” said park owner Ken Butschek,

adding that his park is rebounding from the recession. “In 2007, I only had 60 sites and we turned away about 175 winter reservations. So then we added 188 sites,” he said. Then the market fell into a hard recession. But despite the downturn, Butscheck had a net gain of 30 winter visitors last year and 45 winter visitors this year. “Despite the recession, we picked up a net gain of 75 winter visitors,” he said, adding that he has doubled the park’s gross revenue.

Rayford Crossing RV Resort at The Woodlands: “It’s very, very busy right

now,” said park owner Gwen Craig. “We are sold out to April 1st.” Craig said some of her guests have also reserved sites as far out as 2014.

Surfside R.V. & Resort in Port Aransas: “We’re doing real good,” said park owner Charles Rhea. “I’m just as busy as I was last winter and my reservations are looking really good through April. Today, I even made two reservations for summer.”

Winter Haven Resort in Brownsville: “Business is as good as it always is,” said park manager Rosie McGowan. “We expect to be full through March.”

Unless you are a hermit, you are familiar with what has happened in the world of finances over the past 7 or 8 decades. During that period of time, customers, merchants and suppliers alike have used credit as a method of obtaining goods or services without paying cash for them. In the early 1900s, some department stores and oil companies had issued “credit cards” which could be used only by the issuer and at selected locations. These cards were made of cardboard.

Then in 1946, a man named John Biggens, a banker with the Flatbush National Bank of Brooklyn, NY invented the first bank credit card. This card was between the bank customers and local merchants. The merchants deposited signed sales slips into their accounts and the banks then billed the customer. However the “credit” was short term and the account had to be paid upon the customer receiving the billing.A few years later, in 1950, Frank McNamara, President of the Diner’s Club invented the Diner’s Club Card which was intended to pay for restaurant bills. These cards were made of plastic. It later expanded to cover other services and goods. By 1951, only a year later, there were 20,000 Diner’s Club

cardholders. American Express, according to their archivist, had intended to issue a travel card as early as 1946, but the launch of the Diner’s Club card caused them to create their card in 1957. Within five years over one million cardholders were using their cards in over 85,000 locations in America and in some foreign countries. But both Diners Club and American Express operated on what was called a “Closed Loop” system, which consisted of the customer, the merchant and the issuer. The issuer, therefore handles everything involved in the transaction.

In 1966, a large bank named Bank of America of San Francisco, created “BankAmericard” a franchise that was sold to banks across the country. This card later evolved into Visa. A network of these issuing banks was later formed called the InterBank Card Association. The ICA is now known as MasterCard International. Its former name was MasterCharge. They compete directly with Visa. The two Cards tried to combine into one organization called “UniCard” but that didn’t last long.

These two card types differed from the from Diner’s Club or American Express (sometimes called Amex) in that they are “Open Loop” which set up cooperation and fund

transfer between banks.When the new ICA was formed, their return policy and chargeback policy heavily favored cardholders and not merchants. Several Department stores despised the policy. A customer could simply cancel the transaction – or charge it back - without ever returning the merchandise. Sears decided to take action and formed their own credit card company in conjunction with other large retailers. They called it Discover, another “Closed Loop” system.

Then the industry began to expand beyond the processing banks and Independent Sales Organizations (ISOs) began to market the cards to merchants. These ISOs often represent more than one processing bank and would assign accounts to a particular bank depending upon the rates they were given and the profit margin they would make.

By the mid-1970s the Federal Government starting regulating the sales and solicitation of credit cards. No longer could ISOs or banks send out a mass mailing of credit cards to consumers who had not requested them. Some decisions by the government were not consumer friendly, however. In 1996, the US Supreme Court lifted the restrictions on the amount of late penalty fees a credit

card company could charge in Smiley vs. Citibank.

Crimes such as mail fraud and card counterfeiting were rampant in the early 1970s until the latter part of the 1980s. Identity theft is now the most prevalent all crimes representing 60% of total theft in America.

In order to give their checking customers access to their accounts, banks, utilizing several Debit Networks began issuing free debit cards to checking account customers. This has revolutionized the credit card industry and is close looped because the customer is not using his credit but merely the amount of funds he/she already has on deposit.

Recently Discover has abandoned its closed loop system and now is allowing solicitation and processing by credit card banks. Although there aren’t many Diner’s Club Cards or Carte Blanche Cards in existence, they still can be accepted as they carry a MasterCard logo.

On a personal level, when I first started in the credit card industry, 23% of all sales of goods or services were on credit cards. Now, because of the increase in credit card debt (most people in the US have 4 credit cards) and because of the influence of debit cards, an astounding 70% of all transactions in the US are done on credit or debit cards.

By Art Lieberman

By Larry

“We’ve had one before!” and “it’s never been this bad!” are the first words when it floods. Floods are sneaky!

A surprise thunderstorm, a broken levy, a rain that doesn’t stop, debris blocking a creek or stream and presto, flooding!

A flood can be no more than one or two feet deep. With a current, two feet of flowing water can wash people, animals and vehicles off the road.

Some floods are surprising because they are deeper or have swifter currents than previous floods.

Example: Atlanta last year. Even more surprising are floods that happen where they never happened before. Floods come in all sorts of ways from all sorts of causes: • high tides with winds, as in hurricanes and coastal storms. rivers that back up from debris or ice forming temporary damns.• flash floods from cloudbursts.• slow long- lasting river floods from prolonged precipitation.• snowmelt.• broken dikes and damns.

Floods can happen where we do not think they should happen. Desert floods are a good

example: flat ground, dry land and yet within an hour the water can be chest deep and swift-flowing.

Floods can happen in the middle of cities. Urban flooding is every mayor’s dreaded nightmare.

Example: the great Memorial Day flood in Tulsa, Oklahoma years ago. The floodwaters stood 15 feet deep in some intersections and blew through the first floors of apartments.

Flood season is upon us. Ask around, read up on emergency preparedness information, check with local officials such as Homeland Security, fire and rescue crews, the Conservation Office and the Red Cross. Talk to your local meteorologists.

It only takes one flood to make a disaster.

It only takes one flood to make a disaster.

Jamaicans are not big on recreational vehicles (RVs); but Nadine Hamilton has made a million-dollar bet that a market is out there just waiting for the supply.

Jamaicans are not big on recreational vehicles (RVs); but Nadine Hamilton has made a million-dollar bet that a market is out there just waiting for the supply.

Though it sounds counter-intuitive, Hamilton has designed and outfitted Jamaica's first RV - a mobile luxury home that cost $8 million and started out being makeshift moving quarters for scrap-metal collectors.

The outside, though beautifully designed in Jamaican colours, is not all that special, but step inside that trailer, and a new world of travelling luxury opens up.

Hamilton, chief executive officer of Hamilton Demolition and Scrap Traders Limited, said that

since rolling out her "luxury mobile home" concept in early December, she has been fielding calls from film companies and tour operators interested in her 40-foot rolling living quarters.

Housed in Vineyard Town in St Andrew and sitting atop a 2001 Peterbilt truck, Hamilton's luxury ride started out with an initial $600,000 investment.

"It's a ranch," she boasts.

The unit is registered in the name Jamaica's First RV (JFRV).

The air-conditioned mobile, which rents for US$2,500 per day, comes with chauffeur, canine or armed security, and features bunk beds for eight, a kitchen equipped with stainless-steel appliances, and what the craft's designer refers to as a state-of-the-art bathroom. Article:www.jamaica-gleaner.com

The new magazine proposed by the publishers of Campground & RV Park E News called Getaway USA has set the industry talking.

The main talking point is the initial distribution list- 66 million Americans will receive the first issue planned for late March.

The list is a random data base where it is suspected the majority

are not dedicated campers - which fits right into the concept to encourage the public, especially children to get outdoors and experience what campgrounds have to offer.

In addition to the large distribution list campgrounds will be encouraged to forward the e magazine on to their existing email data base of clients.

Speed: Up to 16 mphRange: Up to 25 MilesMotor: 350 watt brushless motorDriving Sytem: Powerful 48 volt front hub drive System built into the front wheel!Charging Time: 4-6 hours for penniesBattery: 48 volt 14 AH sealed lead battery acid

The latest product to hit the campground industry is receiving major interest by owners who see these bikes as an opportunity for good revenue by renting them to campers.

The bikes are not only "green" environmentally

friendly but are safe and extremely economical with a battery charge range of up to 25 miles.

Campgrounds can purchase the bikes outright for as low as $1195 ensuring an excellent and fast return on investment.

Battery Charger: 110 volt smart charger, UL ListedTires: Front 16 x 2.5" and rear pneumatic 10 x 3.5"Color: White and Black (Custom Paint Jobs Also)Size: 40" L x 26.8 "Wx 5.7" HWeight: 93 lbs.Comes With: headlight, taillight, and horn. (Basket Optional)

This week's featured Listing