Continued page 2

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz., April 2010 – As the nation celebrates Earth Day, there will likely be calls for increased investments in energy and water saving technologies as well as other environmentally sustainable practices, several of which are already in use at the Flagstaff KOA.

In addition to having two windmills, which supply 10 to 25 percent of the electrical hookup needs

for its 200 campsites, depending on the season, all of the park’s outdoor lighting is solar powered, while it uses energy efficient light bulbs inside

its buildings. The park also uses six 55-gallon barrels to capture rainwater, which it uses to irrigate its native landscaping. Last year alone, the park captured about 5,000 gallons of rainwater, which was significant given that 2009 was a drought year. The park also sells only environmentally friendly holding tank products.

“We started in 2009 by trying to be as green as possible,” said Janyel Pitman, the park’s manager, adding that the windmills are “worth their weight in gold.”

“After all the tax rebates and credits, they didn’t cost very much,” she said, adding that the campground has used the land around the base of the windmills to create an “eco park” with educational displays that inform visitors about various recycling facts as well as things people can do in their homes to lessen their environmental impacts.

While the green initiatives undertaken by the Flagstaff KOA are exemplary, the park is actually one of a growing number of private campgrounds across the country that are making

investments in a variety of energy, water and natural resource saving programs.

Some are doing so on their own initiative, while others are doing so with active encouragement from the National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds in Larkspur, Colo., which launched a green parks initiative three years ago called “Plan-it Green.”

“Industry research shows that consumers like to go to parks that are environmentally friendly, which is an additional benefit to parks that invest in green practices,” said Linda Profaizer, president and CEO of the national association.

Profaizer added that the association has launched a new program with the Woodall’s North American Campground Directory

that recognizes parks that adopt at least 9 of 18 green initiatives with a “Green Friendly” icon next to their park listings on the GoCampingAmerica.com and Woodalls.com travel planning websites as well as the 2011 print edition of the Woodall’s campground directory.

Here’s a sampling of some of the things campgrounds and RV parks across the country are doing to help the environment:

Carlsbad KOA in Carlsbad, N.M.: This park has installed a 2.4-kilowatt wind turbine, which helps power the campground’s office, store, restaurant, bathrooms and laundry. The park has also installed a solar water heating system for its swimming pool, which paid for itself during the first season, said park co-owner Susan Bacher. The park also sells environmentally friendly holding tank products in its camp store.

Continued from Page 1

Crossroads RV Park in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa: Park operator Jeff Krug built this park with green initiatives in mind, including compact fluorescent light bulbs, motion detector light switches and a tankless water heater. “We also don’t use any paper products in our bath and shower rooms,” Krug said. “Instead, it’s electric hand dryers.” He also installed geomat under the park’s gravel roadways. “This strengthens, firms and holds a solid sub-base so the rock will not be lost in the mud,” he said. This year, Krug plans to provide his guests with separate bins so that they can sort their glass, plastic, and paper waste for recycling.

Hill Country Jellystone in Canyon Lake, Texas: This park recently added two energy efficient cabins that it purchased with R-19 insulation, dual pane glass, a metal front door and R-30 roof insulation. The park also uses electronic confirmations and recently started using an online brochure, which should cut down on the park’s printing costs and use of paper.

Jellystone Park Camp-Resort, Williamsport, Md.: This park has received awards from the

Washington County Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Corporation as well as the National Association of RV Parks & Campgrounds last year for its successful recycling initiatives involving local charity organizations. The park recycles all of its aluminum cans through Star Community, a local non-profit community for people with developmental disabilities. The park also collects plastic and cardboard on behalf of ARC Inc. of Washington County, which works to improve the lives of people of all ages with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Park owners Ron and Vicki Vitkun have also invested in motion activated lights and programmable thermostats and are exploring the merits of solar power for water heating and power generation.

Normandy Farms in Foxboro, Mass.: This park is landscaping its grounds with plants and flowers that require less water. It’s also using pressure reducing shower valves and waterless urinals to eliminate flushing and reduce water waste. In terms of its electrical consumption, the park has replaced all of its lights with

fluorescent bulbs and installed motion lights in its common buildings. The park also offers single sort recycling stations, which combine cardboard, glass and aluminum into one receptacle.

Ocean Lakes Family Campground in Myrtle Beach, S.C.: This park received a “Plan it Green” award from the National Association of RV Parks & Campgrounds last year for its successful iCare Program, which encourages guests to sort their trash into recycling containers, to properly dispose of pet waste and even to pick up trash along the beach, thereby lessening the environmental impact of the guests and the campground itself. Last year, Ocean Lakes guests and employees recycled more than 59,000 pounds of waste using five iCare stations currently available at the campground. The park plans to install additional recycle stations this year.

Pinewood Lodge in Plymouth, Mass.: This park has installed low wattage fluorescent lighting in its buildings and street lights as well as electric light timers. The park has also equipped its restroom facilities with low-flow toilets and solar panels. “The cleaning products we use to clean these facilities, as well as our rental units, are low in harsh chemicals,” said park owner Kim Saunders, adding that the park also

tries to reduce its carbon footprint by having its employees use electric golf carts for transportation around the campground as well as for transportation to and from work for those employees who live nearby.

Sacred Rocks Reserve in Boulevard, Calif.: Park owners Sharon and Dimitri Courmousis recently received a “Plan it Green” award from the National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds for various environmentally friendly initiatives, including removing nearly 80 tons of trash from the 163-acre property when they acquired the park in 2003; recycling 850 abandoned trees that had been discarded on the property; and rescuing hundreds of 400-year-old oak trees that were vulnerable to insect infestations. The park also invested in solar powered park models, which it uses as rental accommodations and sells to individuals and families, who can place them on leased sites at the park and use them as a weekend retreat or vacation cottages.

Sandy Pines in Hopkins, Mich.: This 2,220-site park recently invested in geothermal heating and

Continued from Page 2

cooling systems, which it uses to heat and cool the park’s laundry, store, beauty shop and donut shop in addition to heating water for use in the park’s car wash. The park has also converted two of its swimming pools from chlorine to salt water filtration systems. But the green initiatives didn’t stop there.

This year, Sandy Pines plans to add geothermal heating and cooling to two more buildings while adding saltwater filtration systems to two more swimming pools, said Managing Director Max Gibbs. The park has also recently installed T-8 florescent lighting and other high-efficiency lighting systems in 20 buildings, and added three

instant hot water systems to its buildings, he said.

Sugar Loafin’ RV Campground and Cabins in Leadville, Colo.: “We have always been a green park – even before green was in,” said park operator Don Seppi, adding that he has solar panels on a service building, which help with heating. The park also has native plants and grasses throughout the campground. Seppi also promotes and sells Eco-Save holding tank products to his guests.

Vineyard RV Park in Vacaville, Calif.: This park has engaged in various green initiatives in recent years, including requesting water and power audits from its local utilities and investing in more efficient water and power fixtures.

The resulting savings enabled the park to recoup its investment in one year. The park also uses only recycled content paper and Eco-friendly paper towels, toilet paper and cleaning products. The park’s owners plan to redevelop the entire property to green standards during the next two to four years. “During that time, we expect to rebuilt all buildings on the property and retrofit them with extensive solar installations,” said park owner Meaghan Bertram, adding that she will apply for LEED certification for all her new buildings, whose interiors and exteriors will be designed to green standards. “The office buildings and clubhouses will be primarily powered by solar and the pool will be heated

by a solar hot water heater,” she said. Bertram also plans to landscape the property with native plants, and irrigate them with weather sensitive irrigation controllers, which automatically adjust their watering schedules as weather conditions change. “Our goal is to achieve LEED platinum certification for the buildings, but of course this will depend on budget and timing,” she said. LEED certification is the green standard set by the US Green Building Council.

For more information about the “Plan it Green” program of the National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds, visithttp://www.arvc.org/planItGreen.aspx

Continued from Page 3

LARKSPUR, Colo., April, 2010 – Jeff Sims has about as much experience as anyone can get in the campground business.

He was 10 years old when his father, Dean, co-founded the Missouri Campground Owners Association. He worked in the campground business growing up and co-owned and operated Compton Ridge Campgrounds, Lodge & Convention Center in Branson, Mo. from 1967 to 2007. He also served as chairman of ARVC from 1997 to 1999 and served on the ARVC Foundation Board.

But while private parks have withstood the economic downturn much better than other segments of the travel and tourism business, Sims said the industry would be stronger if more campgrounds were members of ARVC and its state affiliates.

“When you boil it down,” he said, “it’s about numbers. The more people you have as members, the better able you are to take advantage of opportunities. But when you have no budget, you can’t. In fact, you can’t have effective outreach, public relations, government affairs or discounts if you don’t have enough members.”

So what’s keeping campgrounds from joining ARVC and its state affiliates?

“It’s about education,” Sims said. “We have to educate our constituency. Educate them about the work ARVC is doing and how it is benefiting the industry.”

And Sims has taken on the task of meeting face to face with park operators across the country to hear their concerns and talk to them about ARVC and

the work the association is doing on their behalf.

Sims said he has already visited more than 230 park operators across the country to talk to them about ARVC and the work the association is doing. He said he plans to visit many more parks across the country in the months ahead.

“The campground industry has been good to me and my family,” Sims said, adding, “I feel like I have an opportunity to give back.”

ARVC President and CEO Linda Profaizer, for her part, sees great value in having Sims working on the association’s behalf.

“We are extremely fortunate that Jeff has the conviction of his beliefs in the value of belonging to ARVC and the state associations,” she said. “He is so particularly well-suited to be on the road talking to park owners and managers about the benefits of

associations and to lend an ear to their concerns and their business needs.”

Profaizer said ARVC is working with Sims on a test basis. “If successful,” she said, “we will see how this can be continued and expanded into the future. “

Sims is currently focusing his efforts on the ARVC-affiliated states of Missouri and Colorado and non-affiliated states of Texas, Utah, New Mexico and Mississippi.

Linda Profaizer

Jellystone Park campground in Tunkhannock, PA knows how to make camping fun AND affordable! The campground is offering lots of new economical ways to take the family out for a good time.

At the top of the list is “Kids Stay and Play Free”… When camping with their parents, kids will be able to enjoy so many FREE activities like pedal karts, mini golf, heywagon rides, movies, cartoons, pool games, scavenger hunts, face painting, award-winning activities and more.

And how about $29.95 for any campsite or $99.95 for a 2-Bedroom deluxe cabin?

That’s the new low rate on offer for summer weekdays,

and during spring or fall.

Other ways to save on Pennsylvania camping include the 4-Nite Frenzy that gives campers four nights for the price of three.

Or the 7-Nite Value Vacation which includes Sno Cove Waterpark tickets and more.

TRURO — After several years of patience and perseverance, Steve Currier, owner of the North of Highland Camping Area, working with yeoman’s assistance from the Trust for Public Land, has struck a deal to sell a conservation easement to the National Park Service.

The $2.4 million one-time payment will ensure that the 57-acre parcel remain a campground in

perpetuity, never to be subdivided for development.

“It was my father’s vision, to keep as many trees as possible,” said Currier who, like all the parties involved, is extremely pleased. “It’s been a long process. The National Park Service wanted to continue to allow younger families to camp on Cape Cod, and we’ve been real big on that.”Full Article: www.wickedlocal.com

Pinnacle Park Homes of Ochlocknee Georgia has completed a project at Sam Houston Jones State Park in Lake Charles, Louisiana.

The state of Louisiana awarded Pinnacle Park Homes the contract for six park models which they were adding to the park.

With spring time arrived, the park is in full bloom and families will be able to enjoy the park and all that it offers.

This is just one of many projects that Pinnacle Park Homes has been a part of for state and local governments.

Campground owners know the value of offering rental cabins at their parks and now many states are looking to increase revenue at their parks by adding park model and cabin rentals.

Pinnacle Park Homes has recently released three new cabin and park model price point packages designed just for campground owners.

These units are designed to sleep six people and come complete with all appliances and heat/ac, one of the units even comes with two TV’s.

Pinnacle Park Homes does offer an optional furniture package with all of their units.

Anything we can do to accommodate our campground owners to make it easy for them to generate income faster is

what we are all about says sales manager, Andy Davis.

Currently Pinnacle Park Homes offers many different options for financing, including one plan that allows you to get

your cabins and park models now and make no payments till 2011*.

Visit them on the web at: www.pinnacleparkhomes.com or call them at 866-574-5159 for more information.

BILLINGS, MT (April 7, 2010) – Kampgrounds of America is again partnering with the American Motorcycle Association (AMA) to sponsor the 2010 AMA Grand Tour Series. This year, five AMA Grand Tours will offer participants exciting competitions, fun destinations and great prizes, including a new set of Dunlop motorcycle tires. Motorcyclists from throughout the United States will ride along with five AMA-chartered clubs in self-guided events. Each event will take riders to places they likely have never seen before. “This year’s series features events for all types of riders, from the casual to the extreme,”

said AMA Road Riding Manager Dave Hembroff. “Three tours run between April and October and are perfect for riders who can only break away for shorter adventures. Two will finish toward the end of the year, and are intended for riders who plan to really put in the miles.” Every registered participant will receive a season-long KOA Value Kard Rewards card, good for immediate discounts on camping fees at the more than 475 KOA locations in North America. “Motorcycle travel and camping go together well,” said Chris Mink, KOA Value Kard Rewards manager. “We’ve got great accommodations from tent sites to luxury

Lodges with private bathrooms and kitchens. So, along with all of the other fantastic amenities we offer, there is no reason to be uncomfortable at the end of a long day of riding.” Riders who complete at least four of the five Grand Tours will receive an AMA Master Grand Tourer certificate, as well as an extra chance to win a valuable prize from an AMA benefits partner. The five AMA Grand Tours are:- The Call of the Wild with KOA Grand Tour, presented by Midnight Riders, April 1 - October 31.- The Titantic Grand Tour, presented by the Great Lakes Motorcycle Club, April 14 – September 15.- The I’ve Been Everywhere Classic Grand

Tour, presented by Road Winders, April 1 – October 31.- The National Parks Master Traveler Award Grand Tour, presented by the Iron Butt Association, now through December 31.- The USA Four Corners Grand Tour, presented by the Southern California Motorcycle Association, now through December 31. For more information on individual tours, go to: http://www.amadirectlink.com/roadride/touring2010/GrandTours.asp

What is the ideal chlorine level?

That can vary pool to pool.

With that said, pools that have users in for long periods of time such as high schools with swim teams should run about 1.5 ppm. If they run the chlorine level too high there is a good chance the swimmers will have problems such as lost hair, bleached suits, etc. However, they shouldn't let the chlorine drop below that. Low chlorine levels are dangerous to bathers, will increase the chance of combined chlorine problems, increase the chance of chlorine odors, increased expense on ancillary chemicals, and most importantly - it is low chlorine levels that kill bathers. The CPO manual published by the National Swimming Pool Foundation sites the Center for Disease Control (CDC) at recommending pool with solid fecal contamination

close the pool for 25 minutes if the chlorine level was over 2 ppm. Thus, we believe 2 ppm should be the absolute minimum for most pools.

Most other pools should run 3-5 ppm. Per NSPF, if you have solid fecal contamination, you need to close the pool for about a half hour if your chlorine level is over 2 ppm. Thus, 2 ppm becomes the minimum for most pools. We at Commercial Pool feel most pools, especially if they are busy, should run their chlorine between 4-5 ppm. We don't think a pool that runs at 3 ppm will use more chlorine than if they ran the pool at 5 ppm. We also believe pools that run higher chlorine levels spend less money with us because they aren't buying shocking chemicals, clarifiers, algaecides, etc.

Information supplied bt Bill Soukup: Commercial Pool & Spa Supplies 651 766 6666

Art Lieberman

New Berlin, PA – A rather new concept in educational webinars will be introduced at the International Virtual Outdoor Hospitality Expo this Fall.

The event, scheduled to be broadcast live on the Internet on November 1st to 3rd this year will hold several panel discussions called “Open Forums”. The Forums will discuss particular topics of interest to attendees with panelists with direct expertise in the field. One of the Forums will discuss computerized reservation services and is scheduled to feature

panelists from Campground Manager, Campground Master, Campground Automation, Virtual Campground Manager and Leisure Interactive to name a few. After a brief panel discussion on the subject, the floor will be open to questions from the attendee audience.

The same format will be employed at the Forum about Wi-Fi. At the present time several panelists will take part representing Checkbox Systems, CA World Wi-Fi and several other companies which market Wi-Fi to outdoor hospitality businesses.

Deb Kohls of Leisure Interactive, who is in charge of the educational programs at the Expo, is confident that attendees will appreciate the opportunity to actually participate in discussions at the Forums. Because the Expo is expanding to the entire outdoor hospitality industry, speakers are being targeted to bring a wide variety of panel experts with

Continued

travel, marketing and technology experience. The Expo promises to be an exciting way to connect, network and learn through an interactive online experience.

Expo Producer Art Lieberman has utilized the “Open Forum” format at previous trade shows he has produced. He has found that attendees love the opportunity to address experts in various fields and ask questions or make comments about the specific topic being discussed. These Forums can be lively, informative and even entertaining.

“Perhaps our biggest challenge at the Expo at this point is to get companies that sell hard goods to exhibit”, says Lieberman. “Service-oriented businesses will have no problem marketing themselves at a virtual show”. “Most service businesses exhibit at trade shows to obtain ‘leads’ for future sales”, he adds, “but sellers of hard goods rely on

live sales and on the ability of their customers to touch, smell and even taste their products”.

The Expo has been targeting those companies that make live sales at trade shows to exhibit at the event. They have been very successful in attracting companies that sell park models and cabins at this early stage in their marketing efforts and they are happy to announce that Kings Supply Company, discount supplier of plumbing and maintenance items of Manchaug, MA, has joined the list of exhibitors at the Expo. “Kings Supply is the first of many companies who sell a variety of items to outdoor hospitality facilities who we feel will exhibit at the Expo”, says Lieberman.

There are several other very reputable companies in the outdoor hospitality marketplace who are very close to joining the growing list of Exhibitors and Sponsors at the event but have yet to make a formal commitment.

AB 1824, sponsored by Assemblyman Bill Monning at the urging of the California Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds, would prohibit the use of non-biodegradable toxic chemicals in the toilets or holding tanks of boats and recreational vehicles

AUBURN, Calif., April 7, 2010 – Assemblyman Bill Monning (D-Santa Cruz) has introduced legislation that would force the state to ban the use of six chemicals that have proven to be capable of damaging various types of septic systems while posing significant threats to groundwater supplies.

The legislation, AB 1824, would ban the use of holding tank products containing bronopol, dowicil, formaldehyde, glutaraldehyde, paraformaldehyde and para-dichlorobenzene.

“We fully support this legislation and think it will encourage businesses to step up their marketing and distribution of environmentally friendly holding tank products in California,” said Debbie Sipe, executive director of the California Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds, which has spent the past five years trying to find ways to protect its members’ septic systems and nearby groundwater supplies

without forcing private park operators to become “potty police.”

California, in fact, has a blemished record of enforcing holding tank regulations.

In 2005, the State Water Resources Control Board sent cease and desist letters to 25 RV parks and campgrounds in Southern California notifying them that they must not allow RVs to empty waste into their septic systems.

In addition, the state closed down at least two state park dump stations.

At the same time, the state board was writing new septic system regulations that would make it illegal for RV parks and campgrounds to allow “deleterious or biocide” products to be dumped into septic systems. “In order to prevent RV parks and businesses from having to play ‘potty police’ with their guests, we asked the California Department of Substance Control to review its 1979 law banning toxic, non-biodegradable chemicals from RV & boat holding tanks,” Sipe said.

After pressing the issue for three years, the Department of Toxic Substances Control sent Sipe a letter in April 2008 confirming that the

formaldehyde used in RV holding tank products was prohibited under state law.

It took the state agency another nine months to complete a fact sheet explaining the prohibition under the 1979 law, which it posted on its website.

Sipe sent copies of the posting to manufacturers and distributors of chemically based holding tank products.

But after a single company disputed the state’s findings, Sipe said the Department of Toxic Substances Control buckled and removed the fact sheet from its website, signaling that it wasn’t serious about enforcing the 1979 law.

Sipe then sent letters to the CEOs of major retailers and distributors of chemically based holding tank products, including Wal-Mart and Camping World, asking them to refrain from selling chemical-based RV holding tank products in California.

Sipe suggested these companies could make a positive statement on this issue by announcing their decision to ban chemically based holding tank products and instead carry environmentally friendly holding tank products before April 22nd 2009, when the nation was to celebrate Earth Day.

No one took her up on the offer.

That may change, however, if Assemblyman Monning’s proposed legislation banning the use of six non-biodegradable chemicals in holding tank products becomes law.

“Perhaps after this legislation is approved,” Sipe said, “companies that market chemically-based holding tank products will see that they have more to gain, economically and otherwise, by marketing and distributing environmentally friendly holding tank products.”

For further information contact Debbie Sipe at the California Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds at(530) 885-1624 or(530) 906-4592 (cell)or visit www.Camp-California.com.

Debbie Sipe: Executive Director of the California Association of RV Parks & Campgrounds

Having been in the country now for 18 months I am staggered after listening and watching Dolly Parton espouse the Great Smoky Mountains why no Campground Association has capitalized on this iconic personality to promote the camping lifestyle.

Dolly sings from her heart when singing about her home region- The Smoky Mountains.

OK, so that's Tennessee but why don't the powers that be in both State and National levels get pro active and seek out a national personality to capture the minds of Joe Public?

Any comments appreciated.

Editor

Larry and Kim Jones, owners of the Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park campground in Canyon Lake, TX, have been recognized as Operators of the Year by the Jellystone Park franchise system.

The Operator of the Year Award is given to the individual or team directly responsible for the day-to-day operation of a Camp-Resort in recognition of excellence in management. Evaluation

criteria include customer service, inspection ratings, daily management and business growth.

“God truly blessed us last year as we were able to flourish despite a season of drought, record heat and recession,” said Larry Jones, campground owner. “We are honored to receive the Operator of the Year Award.”

Located in the heart of beautiful Texas Hill Country, the campground

is less than half a mile from the Guadalupe River and two miles from Canyon Lake, so water activities abound. Laser Tag, the popular Jumping Pillow and the Old Faceful Gem Mining Company set it apart; other amenities include indoor and outdoor pools, meeting rooms, a playground and planned weekend activities.

Rustic tent sites and more than 150 RV sites accommodate campers, while 20 lodge rooms, five cottages (including two new this year) and RV rentals extend the fun to everyone. This year the park will install cable TV throughout most of the facility.

The Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park campground at Canyon Lake is open year-round.

The Jones Family

Jumping Pillow is always busy

BILLINGS, MT (April 7, 2010) – It started 10 years ago as a typical “greenhouse” project on several Kampgrounds of America company-owned facilities. A handful of new Lodge units, complete with their own full bathrooms and kitchens, were delivered to selected locations in the 475-campground KOA system. But would accommodations campers, long accustomed to walks to the showers from their more rustic Kamping Kabins, really make the move to the more luxurious – and expensive – KOA Lodges? It quickly became apparent that current KOA campers were ready for more luxury, and so were a lot of potential campers that weren’t willing to give camping a try until they could do it with the comfort and convenience afforded by the upscale Lodges. “The camping industry had a few of these park model lodges scattered around North America for years,” said Mike Atkinson, KOA’s Director of Lodging. “But there really weren’t enough units to get a good idea whether or not there was a real, viable market of campers for the luxury lodging sector.”

Kampgrounds of America discovered there was a market – and it was a very profitable one. “As we’ve added KOA Lodging units, we’ve seen a substantial growth in both occupancy rates and revenues,” Atkinson said. “We currently see a 15 percent higher Lodge occupancy rate compared to other types of accommodations, and Lodges generate almost four times the rates of those charged for recreational vehicle sites.” The rapid growth in KOA Lodge inventory really began in 2009, when nearly 225 Lodges were added to KOA campgrounds throughout North America. Another 364 Lodges have been added so far in 2010 alone. That number includes 281 brand new Lodges, and an addition 83 existing units

added a new KOA conversion campgrounds. “In total, we now have 1,369 KOA Lodges and Kottages with bathrooms and kitchens at nearly 250 of our campgrounds,” Atkinson said. “And we’re not done. I expect another 80 to 100 units to be added yet this year.” Atkinson credits KOA’s three primary Lodge providers (Cavco Industries and Breckenridge in the U.S., and General Coach in Canada) for much of the growth. “We worked with all three suppliers to develop proprietary construction

specifications, floor plans and pricing for our franchisees, and they have all done a wonderful job of keeping up with the demand,” he said. Atkinson – who now specializes in Lodge development for KOA – expects the growth trend to continue. “Lodges are certainly a big investment for our franchise owners,” he said. “But the payoff is huge. Now, we can truly say at KOA, it doesn’t matter if you prefer tenting or your own private luxury Lodge in the woods. We have camping any way you want it.”

Mike Atkinson

Why fishing? It’s an age-old way to relax. Those who manage to catch something also feel good about themselves. Those who catch more also get a good meal out of the event. It’s perfect for people of all ages, a truly great activity to do with children.

RV parks and campgrounds will have more than their share of fisher people. You can be sure they will appreciate knowing where the fish are biting – and when – and on what. What you will not hear but should assume: your patrons trust to hear from you if the fish are contaminated and therefore unsafe to eat, especially when they are fishing on your premises. Also:

• keep an ear to the ground by talking to fisher people (something most people who fish love to

do). Pass the word when the fish are biting.

• be helpful with bait for those who use live bait. Either make live bait available or provide clear directions to the nearest bait shops.

• provide a place for cleaning fish and disposing of the leavings.

• stay informed about regulations. Somebody will inevitably ask about licenses and limits. Keep a few pamphlets about the annual regulations handy.

• post pictures with dates and fish sizes and where the fish were caught.

Give credit where credit is due. Bragging is part of the sport.

Most importantly: do a little fishing yourself! It’s good for the soul.

By Larry

LARKSPUR, Colo., April 12, 2010 – The National Association of RV Parks & Campgrounds (ARVC) is launching a major advertising effort to heighten business awareness and support for the GoCampingAmerica website.

“We’re going to be targeting REI and other big retailers and telling them why they need to be partnering with ARVC on GoCampingAmerica.com,” said Marc Cramer, a Florida-based advertising consultant who has signed a two-year contract with ARVC to set up and manage a national website sales operation for the association.

While Cramer’s initial campground industry experience involved designing and developing advertising support for CampGulf.com, the website for Camping on the Gulf in Destin, Fla., he has worked on advertising campaigns for prominent clients, including Microsoft

Corp. and Major League Baseball and has designed more than 600 websites along with the associated advertising programs to support the websites for virtually every industry during the past 12 years.

Cramer’s contract was approved by ARVC’s Executive Committee during a series of meetings in late March.

ARVC President and CEO Linda Profaizer said Cramer’s work is the first major advertising effort involving the GoCampingAmerica.com since its redesign was completed last year.

“With the addition of Marc Cramer as our National Sales Director on an independent contractor basis, I am looking forward to building the traffic to

GoCampingAmerica.com for our members and increasing the advertising sales income to the association to help offset costs of running the website,” Profaizer said, adding, “Marc brings a wealth of capabilities and experience to aid and increase our efforts.”

In addition to helping consumers locate campgrounds by state and by city, GoCampingAmerica.com has an advanced search function that allows consumers to search for parks that offer nearly 40 different types of activities and outdoor recreation, from biking and bird watching to hunting and fishing, golfing and kayaking. Links to information about outdoor recreation, festivals and special events in each of the 50 states are also provided on the site along

with helpful information for first time campers, such as “What to Pack” lists and recipes. Links to the state affiliates of the National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds are also provided.

Consumers can also use GoCampingAmerica.com to quickly find parks that are affiliated with major campground chains, such as Equity LifeStyle Properties, Kampgrounds of America (KOA) and Leisure Systems Inc., which franchises Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp Resorts as well as the many parks that offer AAA, AARP, FMCA, Good Sam and other popular discounts.

GoCampingAmerica.com has had more than 616,000 unique visitors and 3.2 million page views since it went live last fall.

The sun is shining once again. Downgrades are turning to upgrades. The IAB and PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) reported that fourth quarter online ads in the U.S. hit a record $6.3 billion, a 14% gain over 3Q, and 2.6% more than 4Q '08.

While modest, the increase is an increase, and the IAB was bullish on the coming year.

"The worst of the economic impact on Internet advertising is over and the seeds of growth have been planted," said PwC's David Silverman.

For full year 2009, online ads were down 3.4% from 2008, but that was much lower than the overall ad drop of 12.3%, according to WPP's Kantar Media.

Online ads made up 17% of all ads sold in 2009, the IAB found, and display ads grew 4% in 2009, while search ads were up just 1%. Plus, ZenithOptimedia upgraded its forecast for global online ad sales, predicting double-digit growth the next three years: 13.9% in 2010, 15.4% in 2011, and 17.1% in 2012.

And online ads will nab 17.1% share of all ads sold by 2012, up from 12.6% in '09.

Good news for Campground & RV Park E News! 2009 held steady but ad revenue increases steadily and promises a bright future for the coming twelve months.Editor

B.C. campground bookings jumped 30 per cent in the first five days of the province's revamped online reservation system compared with last year, says Parks Minister Barry Penner.

That is a "pretty significant increase year-over-year," Penner said in an interview.

"I'm certain some of that increase is due to the new features that we are now offering through the reservation system. In particular, you are now able to request a specific campsite within a campground."

Penner, who used to work as a park ranger on the Lower Mainland, remembers campers who were devoted to certain spots. Some prefer to be next to a creek, hiking trails, near a woodlot, or washrooms and hot showers.

The province also recently moved the overnight rate in B.C. campgrounds up by as much as $6 a night on April 1, depending on the location. Camping at the most popular spots on the Island, such as Goldstream Park near the Malahat, or Rathtrevor Beach near Parksville, has gone up to $30 per night.However, 60 per cent of B.C. park campgrounds

still offer campsites for $16 per night or less, Penner said.

There has been little feedback to the new rates, he said. "The new fees have hardly been a deterrent to camping as evidenced by a 30 per cent increase in bookings," Penner said.During the first five days of bookings, there were 8,259 reservations for the season, up from 6,327 for the same days last year, Penner said.

B.C.'s provincial parks have more than 340 campgrounds with 11,000 campsites. Overall attendance rose five per cent last year.

Fees were increased to cover escalating operating costs, Penner said.

Currently fees cover 40 per cent of the cost of operating the B.C. parks system. Taxpayers pay the rest.www.timescolonist.com

Barry Penner

Orange, CA — April 13, 2010 – After 8 years the Friend Communications name will be retired and will now officially be known as Leisure Interactive.

The new company name establishes a clearer link with the broader mission of the company – to deliver best-of-breed software, management and marketing solutions for the leisure lifestyle industry.

The legal structure of Friend Communications has also changed, from a corporation to a limited liability company.Leisure Interactive founder and CEO, Gary Pace,

named the company Friend Communications in 2002 when he launched the first real-time online reservation system for the campground and RV Park industry. “At the time we launched “Friend”, companies like Orbitz and Expedia were successfully changing the way consumers booked business and pleasure travel for airlines, hotels and rental cars. But no one was doing that for the campground industry.

As long-time industry veterans we decided to change that – the name Friend Communications reflected the connection we

wanted to create with our customers and consumers.

The concept of “Friend” will always be at the heart of what we do but as our company grows and expands into different markets and industries we needed a name that would better reflect our future vision.”

Hercules, the company’s flagship product has rapidly gained market share in the campground and RV Park industry.

Product enhancements are currently underway for planned expansion into

other leisure lifestyle industries, such as marinas and RV rentals.

With the name and legal structure change all brands and products formerly owned by Friend Communications and parent company Leisure Holding, including ReservationFriend.com, CampingFriend.com, Hercules Front Office, PARCS software, the CampingAds network, Camping.com, and RVSales.com, will live under the Leisure Interactive umbrella.

ALBANY, NY - State Senator Joseph A. Griffo (R-IP-C, Rome) today called on parks officials to “get creative” in identifying ways to prevent closing parks and campgrounds just weeks before the start of the busy tourist and travel seasons.

With the state budget nearly two weeks late, parks officials were again warning that they will close or severely cut back operations at 77 facilities across the state, including a large number in Central and Northern New York, even as they acknowledged the closings would have a serious impact on local economies.

“Closing parks and denying New Yorkers outdoor recreational opportunities—moves that even state officials admit will do more harm to already struggling local economies—is the wrong solution to fixing Albany’s budget problems,” Griffo said.

Griffo grilled state Parks Commissioner Carol Ash at a Senate hearing last week over the proposed cuts, and asked about alternatives, like leasing or selling some of the nearly two dozen state-owned golf courses to private operators as a way to plug the agency’s

budget holes, an option that Ash conceded had not been considered.

Nearly two decades ago, facing a similar budget crunch, the state made such a deal involving a golf course in Marcy, allowing for continued operations and returning a profit to taxpayers.

Griffo also suggested looking at ways to consolidate operations at state campgrounds, now run by two different agencies, and relying more on volunteer groups to help with parks operations.

“I challenged state Parks officials to think creatively and find better ways that won’t cut access to parks and historic treasures that have been developed over generations for the enjoyment, education and recreation of New York families,” he said. www.gouverneurtimes.com

Senator Joseph Griffo

North Hollywood, CA, April 13, 2010 – The RV Buddies video review of the 2010 Forest River Rockwood Roo is LIVE on RVBuddiesOnline.com for viewing now.

Forest River describes the Rockwood Roo as a "Hybrid Camper," a towable that combines the features of a pop-up trailer and a hard-sided trailer.

The advantage of a hybrid trailer is that it offers a greater space-to-weight ratio, making it easier on the fuel budget yet still providing plenty of room.RV Buddies decided to take a close look at the Roo and we were impressed by this versatile towable. "The Roo is perfect for RVers who really like to camp, but don't want to rough it 100%," says Mark Summers, Host and Producer of RV Buddies.

From the outside, with the pop-ups and slide-outs in

place, the Roo looks like a regular trailer, but when fully deployed, the interior space is amazing. We looked at the 21SS which has a full-wall slide. There's a reasonably sized kitchen, a full size bath, and a dinette and sofa bed – all in just over 21 feet. Plus, this package is fairly light with a hitch weight of 645 pounds and a dry weight of 3972 pounds!

What really makes the Roo 21SS special is the pop-outs on the ends.

With a few easy latch releases, the ends of the Roo pop out and extend the coach an additional five feet in either direction, dropping two full queen-size beds down in tent-style enclosures

Here’s our favorite part – the beds are heated!

The result of this ingenious design combines the feeling of tent camping with the conveniences of a real trailer with air conditioning and TV. And did we mention heated beds?

The "Roo" is available in a variety of floor plans – including with and without a slide, with up to three pop-out beds, and one that even features a front metal deck - creating an area to haul your toys.

If you are looking for a unique "hybrid" at a very reasonable price, consider looking at the Forest River Rockwood Roo.

It's a wonderful way to RV and experience the great outdoors.

To see the review, photos and more, go to RVBuddiesOnline.com. Videos stream easily on any internet connection and are available 24/7 – always for free.

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

RV Buddies films and produces promotional videos for RV manufacturers and suppliers, as well as providing internet marketing and consulting services to the RV industry.

mailto:admin@industryenews.com