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KERRVILLE, Texas, May 2, 2011 – Texas Governor Rick Perry has signed legislation that would prevent water agencies from gouging RV parks with exorbitant fees.

The legislation, sponsored by the Texas Association of Campground Owners (TACO), requires water agencies to bill RV parks

for the amount of water they actually consume instead of using formulas that jack up water rates by applying residential rate structures to each RV site.

Park operators attending TACO’s Spring Convention at Guadalupe RV River Park in Kerrville received the good news

Sunday during a legislative briefing by Ron Hinkle, the association’s lobbyist.

“Until Governor Perry signed this legislation, some water agencies had been billing RV parks using a per-site allocation method with residential

Continued from Page 1rates, which had the effect of tripling water costs for RV parks in some jurisdictions,” said Brian Schaeffer, TACO’s executive director and CEO.

Other TACO legislative successes include obtaining approval on an amendment to an omnibus funding bill that would require the Texas Department of Transportation to use a bidding process for tourism related highway signage and to ensure that new tourism related signage is installed within 60 days.

Schaeffer said the amendment would result in lower fees and faster installation times for highway signage park operators purchase to direct travelers to their parks.

TACO is also continuing its efforts to suppress the introduction of new bills designed to extend the school year further into summer. TACO secured passage of legislation two years ago that requires school districts to start their school years no earlier than the fourth Monday of August in an effort to preserve the summer camping and travel season.

Schaeffer said statistical evidence proves that tourism businesses suffer from early school start dates, while school districts wind up paying for much higher air conditioning costs.

In addition to receiving a legislative update, the first day of TACO’s Spring Convention included a roundtable discussion for first-time park operators. The roundtable covered do’s and don’ts involving buying, building and marketing a campground or RV park.

The marketing session included discussions on the merits of Groupon discount coupons, e-newsletters as well as using Craigslist to market cabins and rental

accommodations. The session also included a discussion about the merits of having a liquor license.

Convention attendees finished the day with a Hawaiian-themed dinner and “Casino Night,” sponsored by Rowley Insurance. Bruce Manakas of Golden Eagle RV Park in Eagles Nest, N.M., received TACO’s “High Roller” Award. Manakas received a plaque and a certificate

from Outback Steak House after finishing Casino Night with half a million chips.

TACO’s Spring Convention and Tradeshow includes the association’s annual business meeting tradeshow today (Monday), while Tuesday’s activities include educational seminars and an awards luncheon.

More reports page 6

Brian Schaeffer

Our hearts and prayers go out to the families and loved ones of those who died this past week in the storms and floods, literally hundreds of people.

Loss and grief are all the harder when death is so sudden and seemingly needless. With the loss of human life there has come such a great amount of injuries and destruction: physical and financial devastation that has engulfed whole communities.

The common thread has been surprise at the size and intensity of what

happened. From the Dakotas to Minnesota to Ohio to Arkansas to Missouri to Alabama, Georgia, the Carolinas and hundreds of localities in between, the waters have been quicker to rise, deeper than imagined and more powerful than many places have ever experienced before.

The storms have packed winds that were ferocious. They seemingly came out of nowhere, with very little lead time and almost no warning.

Two points jump out by way of reminders: the

importance of warning and the need for a safety plan whether it be shelter or evacuation.

Campgrounds and RV parks are especially vulnerable, making warning systems, shelter and evacuation absolutely essential. There simply cannot ever be too much warning or preparation.

Just ask people who live in Washington State, California, Colorado, the Gulf Coast states, New England or Oklahoma, where storms are a fact of life and still the death and destruction happen.

The May 3rd 1999 tornado in the Oklahoma City area was a mile wide and on the ground for ten miles.

The winds were over three hundred miles per hour, believed to have been the strongest winds ever recorded on earth. Ten thousand structures were totaled. None of us are immune.

We all grieve with you. May they rest in peace.

Larry

One of the toughest jobs a park manager/owner faces is in merchandising the gift shop/RV supplies/ grocery area of the park.

Choosing what and when to carry products can be a daunting task. Here are some ideas based on my experience .

First of all, let’s talk about pricing. A lot of salesmen recommend “key stoning” a product. This means that you double the price that you paid for the item to establish the retail price.

This works for many products but for a lot of them it won’t work. You have to know what the competition (and, yes, you do have competition) is charging, as well as what the customer is willing to pay. Books for example usually have a 40% markup (40% over what you paid for them) while jewelry is generally marked up 3 or 4 times what you paid.

I have divided the gift shop up into two separate sections, one for RV supplies and one for gift/souvenirs. Let’s take a look at RV supplies first.

Every park should have at least a small selection of supplies for their guests.

There are a lot of standard things that you can carry that will help your guest. Besides the usual sewer

hose, hose slinky (that collapsible thing that you set the hose on), and sewer donut, consider stocking a small selection of fuses, batteries, and black tank treatment.

Once you have your basics stocked, start looking at the types of things your guests ask for. Start with only three of an item until you see what kind of interest there is. By the way, an old rule of thumb is to stock and display in uneven numbers. Always have a minimum of three on the shelves and/or displayed.

Gift Shop:This can be the most difficult area to stock. Take a look around your area and find the local Merchandise Mart. This is typically a collection of vendors who sell wholesale. There may be a membership charge and you will have to have your sales tax license in order to purchase; however, not all of the dealers will require a huge minimum order, so there is a definite advantage to purchasing a membership. Usually, Merchandise Marts will have seasonal events to display what the new season’s gifts are going to be. This is a great time to plan a trip to purchase for your gift shop.

When you are deciding what to purchase, it is VERY important that you take yourself out of the

equation. Remember, you are purchasing to resell to your guests. They may or may not have the same taste as you do and while liking the items you are buying for the shop is good, wanting the item for your home may not be. Look at each item and answer the following questions:

1. Is this something an RVer would use? If your guests are full time RVer’s, they won’t have a lot of room for something that isn’t a necessity. If on the other hand, your guests are weekenders or vacationers, they will probably be looking for gifts to take back home. 2.) Can I keystone the wholesale price and still sell the item? I found that the threshold for gifts in a RV park/resort/campground tended to be around $25. If the price went over $25, the opportunity to sell dropped dramatically.

3.) Can I use this item as an enticement to get shoppers into the gift shop by only marking it up slightly (this is called a “loss leader”?) This approach can be used quite successfully; however, you

need to make sure that the item that you are using as your “loss leader” fits in to the rest of the items you have in your gift shop. It’s not going to entice your shoppers to buy more if your loss leader is a heavy sweater and your season is the summer months.

4.) Does the gift shop have a consistent look and feel? Give some thought to your display racks and shelving. Use the card table with a table cloth over it to display picnic items, not jewelry. Look in your yellow pages for places that sell used store fixtures to add a little professional look to the shop.

5.) Group items for displays with the extra stock on a shelf. It will help to showcase your stock and to attract attention. Don’t display small items that can be easily picked up and placed in a pocket in a back corner. Make sure those items are in plain view of your register.

6.) If you buy things at the dollar store, Costco or

anyplace that places a private label on the item, be sure that the label is covered either by your price tag or you are able to remove the label. I would strongly discourage buying a lot of gift items from the dollar store as your guests are going to have seen the same item in their dollar store and know that they can by it cheaper just down the road.

Grocery area:For the most part, carrying groceries is not a money making proposition.

Consider groceries to be a convenience for your guests and not a profit center. Here are some general thoughts on the grocery area:

1.) If you are going to have canned goods on the shelf, make them name brand. Items that can be picked up at a dollar store include name brand laundry and dish detergent, cleaners, garbage bags, etc.

2.) Look around and see if there is a “Cash and Carry” style store or a “You bag” type store in your area. Speak with the manager and see if you can get a discount on your purchase since you will be reselling the item, or at least not have to pay sales tax. Wal-Mart will give you tax exempt status on your purchases once you provide them with your appropriate business information.

3.) Carry the smallest size items you can purchase. Most people shop the grocery area in a RV park because they forgot something from home.

They don’t want to have to pay for a full size tube of toothpaste when they have three tubes sitting at home. The vacation size tube will do just fine.Stocking a store at a RV park can be fun and challenging. There is a rewarding feeling when you see that you have sold out of the cute knick-knack you picked up; but don’t let the non-sellers get you down. Put them on sale, give them away as prizes or donate them. Don’t let them sit on the shelf in your shop until they begin to show “shop wear”. Be prepared to take your loss and move on.

Pamela and her company, FocusedWords, are dedicated to helping you promote and market your RV Park /Resort/ Campground to RVer’s everywhere. Be sure to follow her on Twitter: @RVStops and @FocusedWords. Check out her blog at www.FocusedWords.com/blog.

Pamela has redesigned her website, www.FocusedWords.com, to provide a place for you to tell Rally groups what your park has to offer for their next rally. Be sure to fill out your park form with your facilities information.

KERRVILLE, May 3, 2011 – The Texas Association of Campground Owners (TACO) raised a record $35,000 during its annual auction and tradeshow, which took place Monday at Guadalupe River RV Resort and Inn of the Hill Conference Center in Kerrville.

“We beat last year’s auction figures by about $5,000,” said Brian Schaeffer, TACO’s executive director and CEO, adding that auction proceeds will be used to fund the association’s government affairs program. “This additional revenue gives us a greater capability to protect our members’ business interests, not only during the legislative session, but between sessions,” he said.

The auction took place Monday night at Guadalupe River RV Resort following a daylong tradeshow at Inn of the Hill Conference Center that included 40 vendors.

Schaeffer said several vendors reported very strong sales activity at the show, including Campground Automation, Wilcor, Coba Systems, Jamestown Advanced Products, Philadelphia Insurance and TengoInternet. “The strong tradeshow activity is important,” Schaeffer said,

“because it shows that campgrounds and RV parks are continuing to invest in upgrades and expansions .”

Frank Drew of TengoInternet called the show “The best regional tradeshow in the country.”

Today’s activities include a keynote address by Lori Severson, executive director of the Wisconsin Association of Campground Owners and as well as a presentation by Paul Bambei, president and CEO of the National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds.

TACO also held its first vendor match award drawing, which rewards and vendors that do business with one another. Hill Country RV Resort in New Braunfels received $500 and an $1,800 marketing credit with TACO for doing business with Texas Advertising, which received a free booth at TACO’s 2012 Spring Convention and Tradeshow.

Schaeffer said TACO developed the award after seeing the success that WACO had with a similar program in Wisconsin.

The Texas Association of Campground Owners (TACO) today announced the winners of its annual awards competition during a luncheon at Guadalupe River RV Resort in Kerrville.

Winners included:Small Park of the Year: Johnson Creek RV Resort in IngramMedium Size Park of the Year: The Vineyards Campground & Cabins in Grapevine.Large Park of the Year: Guadalupe River RV Resort in Kerrville.Rack Card of the Year: Alamo Palms Manufactured Home and RV Park in AlamoBrochure of the Year: Hill

Country RV Resort in New BraunfelsWebsite of the Year: The Vineyards Campground & Cabins in GrapevineSupplier of the Year: Texas Advertising in Crowley

Past President Doug Shearer of Parkview Riverside RV Park in Concanwas also recognized for his years of service, while Guadalupe River RV Resort was given a host award for hosting TACO’s Spring Convention.

A “Lifetime Achievement Award” was presented Monday to Mac and Bettye McLaughlin of Hatch RV Park in Corpus Christi.

THONOTOSASSA -- John Rinker was chopping wood in his backyard Sunday night when his wife broke the news.

"Your dream has come true," she said. "They got him."

Rinker, a U.S. Army veteran, rushed into his house to hear that an elite American military force had killed Osama bin Laden. He was elated.

"I went out and fixed myself a cocktail at 1 a.m.," Rinker, 70, said. "But I thought I just couldn't

sit here and be happy. I had to do something else."

So he dug out 175 American flags from his

shed and started planting them on the curbs of his neighborhood, the Spanish Main RV Resort off U.S. 301 in Thonotosassa.

Rinker said he usually takes the flags out to celebrate Memorial Day, the Fourth of July and Veterans Day. The 20-inch-long flags, on posts about 3 feet tall, had also been displayed for the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

On that day, Rinker was visiting relatives in Indiana and called a neighbor to ask him to plant the flags.

"I didn't hear about the attacks until after I landed," the Vietnam veteran said. "I wish I could have been in New York helping people out."

The flags line the main thoroughfare of the neighborhood, starting from the front entrance. Rinker said his neighbors approve of the display.

"They know how patriotic I am," he said. "I'm just crazy that way."

Article: www2.tbo.comPhoto: Eric Hausmann

The new Jellystone Park™ Campground in Montrose, CO, is a perfect home base for exploring the “Real Colorado,” including Black Canyon National Park and Ouray Hot Springs.

The slopes and upscale attractions of famous Telluride are less than an hour’s drive. Onsite, you’ll find 140 spacious campsites as well as camping cabins, all with spectacular views of the breathtaking San Juan Mountains, and a walking path leading to the state wildlife preserve, perfect for hiking.

A unique indoor/outdoor pool lets you enjoy the Colorado summer to its fullest, and the hot tub is the perfect place to melt your cares away. In-season activities include billiards, a fitness center, shuffleboard and bocce ball, planned daily activities, a playground, campfire nights, a dog run and even a horse pasture.

The new Jellystone Park is found at 22045 South Highway 550 with convenient access for big rigs.

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In the rolling hills of West Central Illinois is the 105-acre (including a 45-acre stocked lake) Jellystone Park™ Campground in Pittsfield, IL, formerly known as Pine Lakes

Resort. Guests will enjoy free fishing (no license required), beach swimming, hiking, boat rentals, golf cart rentals, planned activities, game room, hay rides, playgrounds,

volleyball, cable TV and more. Clean, comfortable cottages and camping cabins are available, and plans for a new pool are in the works.

Located in Pittsfield, the resort is a short drive from Springfield, hometown of Abraham Lincoln, and Hannibal, MO, where Mark Twain is celebrated at attractions like Historic Mark Twain Museum and the Becky Thatcher house.

The transition to the Jellystone Park family will be celebrated Memorial Day Weekend, when kids

can wake up Yogi Bear™ for the very first time, the lakeside beach opens and daily activities begin. Other great weekends include Pet Weekend, when all pets are welcome and you’ll get a chance to show off their best tricks; and Junior Rangers Weekend, when guests will learn about campfire safety and cooking, camping etiquette, and the Leave No Trace program while earning Junior Ranger badges.

You’ll find Jellystone Park Campground in Pittsfield at 1405 Lakeview Heights.

CAMP HILL, Penn. -- Governor Tom Corbett has proclaimed the month of May as Recreation Vehicle and Camping Month in Pennsylvania for the 21st straight year, the Pennsylvania RV and Camping Association reported today.

“The unique sites, history, and culture of Pennsylvania can be discovered by the entire family from the comfort and convenience of recreational vehicles,” Corbett noted as he encouraged “all citizens to pursue their passions and escape with their families on the road across the

farthest reaches of our state.”

RVing and camping continues to be a strong force for Pennsylvania’s economy. From campgrounds that extend to the outermost corners of the state to RV dealerships and manufacturers, Pennsylvania is an example of how people embrace the joys and benefits of RVing, said Corbett.

As host to the industry’s largest trade and retail show in the country at the Giant Center in Hershey, (www.largestRVshow.com),

Continued

Pennsylvania introduces consumers to the latest products the RV industry has to offer. Visitors are even welcomed into Pennsylvania at key locations with seven billboards directing them to the Pennsylvania RV and Camping Association website.

In conjunction with the governor’s proclamation, the Pennsylvania Recreation Vehicle and Camping Association (PRVCA) is kicking off its annual open house campaign.

“The goal of the open house campaign is to direct consumers to their local campgrounds and dealerships and expose them to the many benefits of RV ownership and the freedom that traveling by RV provides,” said Rebecca Lenington, PRVCA executive vice president.

"Not only does the RV industry offer a great way to discover Pennsylvania, but it also offers career

opportunities and apprenticeships to the many campgrounds and RV dealerships across the state of Pennsylvania," said Lenington.

"You can even become a trained RV technician from the comfort and convenience of your home with online instruction."

Pennsylvania also holds endless possibilities for adventure and exploration, she explained. People can learn what Pennsylvania has to offer when they receive a free copy of the 2011 RV and camping guide, Explore Pennsylvania.

"This 52-page publication is

a must for all RV, camping and outdoor enthusiasts," said Lenington.

"Feature articles include fun tips and helpful hints to help make your already enjoyable outdoor experience that much more.

June 25 Event Helps Raise Funds to Expose More Children to Outdoors

BILLINGS, MT (May 2, 2011) – Kampgrounds of America Inc., the world’s largest system of family-friendly campgrounds, is now an official sponsor of the National Wildlife Federation’s annual “Great America Backyard Campout” event. The Great American Backyard Campout, planned for Saturday, June 25, will bring thousands of people across the nation out into their backyards, neighborhoods, communities, parks and area campgrounds to take part in a one-night event that will provide an experience for all generations to connect with nature. “The solution for many of society’s current

challenges, including obesity and stress, can be found outdoors,” said Kampgrounds of America CEO Jim Rogers. “We’re thrilled to be able to help National Wildlife Federation in their efforts with the Great American Backyard Campout.”

No prior camping experience is required to take part in the June 25 event. Campers are encouraged to go to www.backyardcampout.org to register their campout and receive creative ideas and simple cooking recipes to enhance their Great American Campout experience.

Campers taking part in the event are also encouraged to take pledges to raise donations for National Wildlife Federation programs that address the problem of America’s “indoor childhood’ and the

health risks associated with a lack of outdoor activities. The National Wildlife Federation uses 80 cents of every dollar raised during the Great American Backyard Campout to support children’s outdoor programs. The Great American Backyard Campout is part of the special event series from National Wildlife Federation’s Be Out There™ movement. National Wildlife Federation is celebrating its 75th anniversary as America's largest conservation organization. National Wildlife Federation works with more than 4 million members, partners and supporters in communities across the country to protect wildlife and reconnect people with nature.

Today, 75 years and many successes later, NWF

continues to be the nation’s leading advocate for wildlife and wild places.

A second co-sponsor of the event is REI (Recreational Equipment Inc.) the world leader in retail recreational equipment sales and service. Find out more at www.rei.com. Both REI and KOA are committed to the success of the Great American Backyard Campground event, and National Wildlife Federation’s mission regarding youth-oriented programs. Follow KOA on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/REI#!/KOAKampgrounds.

http://www.jumpingpillowsusa.com/

April 30, 2011, Columbia, S.C. - The Carolina Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds (CARVC) is pleased to announce it is under new management. Effective May 1, 2011, Queen Communications LLC, headquartered in Columbia, South Carolina, is CARVC’s management company.

Campground owners and operators in North Carolina and South Carolina join together to form the Carolinas Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds (CARVC). CARVC, a non-profit organization, is committed to the continuation and expansion of campgrounds and RV parks in the Carolinas for the enjoyment of all visitors to the Carolinas. The CARVC board of directors is equally comprised of park owners and operators from both North and South Carolina forming a strong

and vibrant association on a national level. CARVC’s services reach both campground owners/operators, as well as potential campers and visitors to the Carolinas. CARVC is recognized as the official industry association for both North and South Carolina and is affiliated with the National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds (ARVC) located near Denver, Colorado.

Queen Communications LLC is an association management company providing turn-key management solutions to state, regional, national and international associations, societies and other non profit entities. It has been in operation since 1990, and is a member of the American Society of Association Executives and AMC Institute.

“We’re looking forward to our partnership with Queen Communications,” explains Dana Gabriel, President of CARVC. “They are a premier management company in the southeast and were selected because of their proven expertise in membership services. They will provide our members and constituents with proactive forward thinking services, taking this industry association to the next level.”

CARVC membership is open to all privately owned campgrounds and RV parks in North and South Carolina and industry suppliers. Membership services include: educational and networking opportunities on a state and national level; year round legislative monitoring and a voice on federal and state issues impacting the camping and hospitality industries; a members’ benefit and

discount program with some of the industry's most well known suppliers; marketing and public relations for both North and South Carolina campgrounds and RV parks to consumers. Marketing efforts include print and technology based efforts. CARVC publishes a Carolinas camping directory as a service to campers and RVers to assist them in vacation planning in the Carolinas, 75,000+ are distributed in both NC and SC welcome centers, at travel shows and can be requested at www.campingcarolinas.com or www.carvc.org or by calling toll free 800-906-0907.

CARVC’s office address and telephone numbers are 1215 Anthony Avenue, Columbia, SC 29201, toll free: 800-906-0907 or 803-540-7523. Fax is 803-254-3773. Website is www.carvc.org.

AUBURN, Calif. -- The California Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds is working with the national association to bring new customers and new business to California RV parks using short-term discounts and special events.

The purpose of the campaign is to encourage young families to go camping during the month of June.

There are two aspects to the program, and California campgrounds can participate in one or both:

Honor a 20 percent off e-coupon for up to seven-day stays between June 1 and 25. This will be promoted by Go Camping America. Discounts will be available to campers who choose ARVC members, Camping

World, Coleman and El Monte RV Rentals. The list of California participating parks will be published at Camp-California.com and heavily promoted via California Campin', Facebook, Twitter and press releases.

Host a Special Event June 11, which is National Get Outdoors Day. Parks are encouraged to host a special event such as an open house, meal, tour or scavenger hunt. Events should be free, accessible and welcoming.

"The goal is to get kids engaged in the outdoors," said Debbie Sipe, CEO of Camp-California. "A toolkit is available to assist you in getting ideas for a special event. Even consider opening it up to the general public to raise awareness of your park. A press release template will also be available for you to promote your park locally."

More than 20 states have joined ARVC and will be helping to get the word out about the Get Outdoors & Go Camping discounts. Plus, a number of state newspapers, USA Today and other media outlets have shown interest.

The media outreach, combined with ARVC's viral video strategy, social media efforts, and promotion by member parks and state associations, offers some

great visibility, said Sipe.

For more information, call Sipe at 530.885.1624 or visit www.camp-california.com.

Debbie Sipe

Westlake Village, CA. April 26, 2011 – Horizon RV Resorts announced today that they have added Leisure Resort (www.LeisureResort.net ) to their group of managed and affiliated RV Parks, Campgrounds and RV Resorts.

Leisure Resort is located in Fentress, TX, just 15 miles east of San Marcos.

Randy Hendrickson, Founder and President of Horizon RV Resorts, observes:”Leisure Resort is just a phenomenal property. It has been family owned and operated for over 20 years, and it is the quality leader in the market by a wide margin. We are really pleased that the owners have engaged us to further their vision for Leisure Resort, to build on the foundation they have in place, and through our marketing channels introduce this park to a wider audience’.

Sitting on the banks of the San Marcos River and

boasting over 5,000 feet of river frontage, Leisure Resort is the ideal place to vacation with family and friends while in Central Texas. Guests will relax under the ample shade of towering, mature trees and take a relaxing float down the river by virtue of on-site tube rentals. RVers will find over 100 oversized full hook-up sites from which to choose (including the longest pull-through sites in the area), and with 22 cabin rentals as well as tent camping, there is literally something for everyone.

Nestled among a hundred-year-old pecan orchard, this family-friendly resort is the ideal retreat for a day, a week, or longer! Looking to host your next family reunion, party or event someplace new? The spacious clubhouse and outdoor pavilion offer the perfect setting to bring everyone together. The air-conditioned clubhouse features banquet tables and chairs, full kitchen, covered porch and large BBQ grill/smoker. The

pavilion features picnic tables, evening lighting, and a large BBQ grill/smoker.

“We couldn’t be more thrilled to assist Leisure Resort by elevating its presence to the consumer’ said Hendrickson. ‘This is just an outstanding property with very solid, visionary ownership and we are delighted to be able to work with them. Through their efforts and the efforts of Horizon RV Resorts, we believe we can achieve something really special here. We are confident that as we reach new consumers and introduce them to Leisure Resort, these new guests will in turn join the ranks of the many loyal repeat guests we currently serve. Even with the already rich tradition, the best days are yet to come!’

Leisure Resort www.LeisureResort.net is the premier waterfront RV

Resort and Campground in the central Texas region, featuring RV sites, Rental Cabins, Treehouse rentals, Tent Camping and Tubing. Only 15 minutes from San Marcos, TX, Leisure Resort is the ideal retreat year-round.

Horizon RV Resorts (www.HorizonRVResorts.com )is a third-party Campground & RV Park Management and Consulting group exclusively serving the Outdoor Hospitality industry.

Founder Randy Hendrickson has been involved in the industry for 16 years, providing management services to properties in California, Arizona, Nevada, Colorado, Utah, Texas, Florida, North Carolina and New York.Contact: Randy HendricksonHorizon RV Resorts623.293.3174www.HorizonRVResorts.com

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - RVC Outdoor Destinations has announced multiple environmentally friendly redevelopments for each of the company’s four properties. In addition, the RVC Resort Cottages are officially certified “Green” by the NTA, Inc.

“Finding ways to make our properties more environmentally friendly has been an on-going process and we’re always researching different strategies to do this,” said Yale Spina, RVC Vice President and Director of Operations. “One of the core principles of our company is to be as respectful in construction to nature as possible, especially since the main focus of RVC’s destinations is appreciating the outdoors.”

All Resort Cottages, designed by RVC and manufactured by Athens Parks Homes, have a label showing that they are approved green. This basically means that they have been built as energy efficient and environmentally friendly as possible, which is displayed in certain features of the cottages

(there is a list on APH’s website). RVC added instant water heaters to the cottages as an additional sustainable feature.

The Resort Cottages are available for rent and for purchase at Carrabelle Beach (Florida), Live Oak Landing (Florida), and Catherine’s Landing, the newest property located in Arkansas.

RVC has also installed LEED® certified Xlerator® hand dryers in the restrooms of their properties to eliminate paper towel waste; and every property has undergone landscaping changes of a xeric nature, specifically planting native plant species that require very little water and provide natural beauty.

Additionally, RVC has initiated an energy audit process for all of the Outdoor Destinations to manage the waste consumption of electricity.

Catherine’s Landing features LED lights at every RV site, which use 80 percent less energy than an incandescent bulb.

Last week, we defined the different Credit Cards rates that campground owners might encounter from processors.

This week, we’ll try to give you a brief history of Debit Cards and the rates that are applicable to them. We’ll also try to dispel some of the myths and misunderstandings that the public and merchants have about them.

Debit Cards started in 1978 when Seattle’s First National Bank offered debit cards to business executives.

Initially they were like a check signature card and First National was guaranteeing payment on them. But they were only issued to people with excellent credit since the funds were not directly deducted from their accounts, as debit cards are now.

It wasn’t until 1984 when Landmark created the first national debit network for use in ATMs. Soon funds were directly debited from the money in accounts.

In 1998, debit card transactions first outnumbered credit card transactions.

Debit cards (also known as checking cards or bank cards can be used to purchase merchandise or services or in an ATM to

withdraw cash from an account.

Though they bear a Visa or MasterCard emblem, debit cards are processed by Debit Networks not credit card companies.

Their names are: Accel, AFFN, Credit Union 24, Interlink, Maestro, NYCE, Pulse, Shazam and Star (which includes MAC & Honor).

There are dozens of other Debit Networks internationally.

There are basically two ways to process debit cards: online debit (also known as PIN Debit) and offline debit (also known as signature debit).

As a merchant you have an option on which method to use – however online debit requires that your POS terminal either have a separate pin-pad attached or one built in. Offline debit does not require a pin-pad.

The advantages of Pin-Debit are transactional savings. Debit Network charges vary generally from 70-cents to $1.05 with no percentages. The larger the transaction, the greater the savings with Pin Debit. When a pin-pad is either attached to a POS device, or built-in, the device will prompt “Debit or Credit”, upon swiping a card.

When a debit card is swiped in a terminal without a pin-pad it will be an offline or signature transaction. The campground will be charged a debit rate for the transaction in percentages. However the transaction should be a lesser percentage than a credit card transaction. When we evaluate statements sent to us by other processors we find that nearly 1/3rd of them charge the same for debit card transactions as credit card transactions.

Finally, debit card transactions should be deposited into your account sooner than credit card transactions. Also, due to the current financial situation, campers are more likely to pay with a debit card than a credit card since they can only pay with what they currently have on deposit!

Some people are also buying pre-paid re-chargeable debit cards.

Art Lieberman is the President of MCPS for Campgrounds and has been running FREE webinars on this subject and PCI compliance every month for several years. Along with Deanne Bower, Art is the Producer of the Virtual Outdoor Hospitality Expo II, which will begin on 11/11/11. Art can be reached at MCPS at 877-858-9010 or at Campground Expo at 877-901-EXPO (3976)

During the week of April 3 the first shot was fired in the House of Representatives: Cap and Trade legislation was debated as the Republicans took up legislation designed to curb the power of EPA to regulate emission from all buildings. Some commentators expect the EPA to begin setting limits on emissions from commercial buildings and then gradually expand limits and enforcement to all structures including the estimated 126 million homes in our country.

“Enforcement” would mean a fine (or tax, depending on who one asks) on structures exceeding the limits on carbon dioxide and other contaminants as set by EPA. “Safe limits” will in all likelihood mean expensive emission control equipment or significant fines every year.

In this debate the fundamental dilemma is being confronted: too little environmental regulation could contribute to health hazards but too much regulation could contribute to a collapse of our economy. Further, how far should a federal agency be allowed to reach into the private lives and homes of citizens? Why should an agency in Washington D.C. override local judgment about actual conditions?

The debate will likely be a running debate, surfacing over and over as efforts to cut federal spending lead to the targeting of specific agencies that should be abolished, defunded, or severely trimmed of money and power.

If the Republicans lose on this issue we can all reach for our pocketbook.

By Larry

A local development company is hoping a proposed RV park located two kilometres east of New Harbour will be up and running this year, according to a document filed with the Department of Environment and Conservation.

Anthony Developments Ltd. in North River is hoping to set up an 18-hectare park with 150 camping sites on Route 73 between New Harbour and Tilton. The entrance to the site would cover the former

location of a senior's complex torn down several years ago. That two-hectare piece of land is already the property of Anthony Development, and an application is in the province's hands to purchase another 16 hectares of land.

According to the registration document for the environmental assessment already underway, Anthony Development believes the growing popularity of RV camping has created a

need for more camping grounds. It cites the activity as an enjoyable one for the entire family that encourages "stay at home" tourism.

The need for more sites to host RVs may also be linked to measures put in place two years ago by the provincial government to prevent campers from illegally occupying crown land on a long-term basis.

The proposed location for Island Pond RV Park borders the shoreline of its namesake. According to an illustration included with Anthony Development's registration, there would be a buffer zone between the park and the pond.

It also highlights the

location's accessibility via the paved road and its isolation from neighbouring communities and the existing cottages located five-kilometres east of the proposed site.

Like most RV parks, the camp would operate from the May 24th weekend until Labour Day.

The registration document adds that the business could remain open beyond the Labour Day weekend depending on weather and public demand. It would employ two seasonal workers, with one handling clerical duties and the other dealing with maintenance and security.

Full Article: www.cbncompass.ca

"Stay–cation" has become a term many people are warming up to this summer due to the rising costs of travel.

With gas prices like this it's no wonder people don't want to travel far for summer vacations.

Waseca planning and zoning administrator Mark Leiferman says, "If you can find something a little closer to home you can take advantage of that definitely."

Kieslers campgrounds is hoping to be just that place since they are finalizing plans for a 2,400 square foot expansion.Making room for 29 new RV spots and additional outdoor recreation.

Kiesler says, "It's really we believe a win, win for the community and us."

And as those spots fill up the city hopes more business will be seen around town.

Leiferman says, "On any given weekend Kieslers can bring in 1,000 to 1,500 people to the community, I mean the county."

He says the campground is the number one attraction for the entire county and says the expansion is just one reason it's getting better.

Leiferman says, "As Highway 14 gets relocated the traffic will be more local traffic rather than

people who are unfamiliar with the area."

He believes that will decrease traffic on the road separating campers from the lake.

Owner Steve Kiesler doesn't expect a much larger crowd this year but maybe a change in how some people choose to stay.

Kiesler says, "We might see a bump in the ones who just want to leave it here and then just come in their cars."

No matter how people decide to camp he is hoping for one thing to change.

Kiesler says,"There's kind of some long faces because they're tired of the rain and the cold and they're looking for a day like today."So even if gas prices fall– good weather could be

reason enough to stick around.

Kieslers owner says the busiest time for RV resorts is between memorial day and labor day and so far they are on track with previous years for number of reservations during that time.Article: www.keyc.tv

Steve Keisler

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