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The consumer magazine, GetawayUSA, now in it's sixth issue has increased distribution by adding 15,000 qualified leads purchased from the Go Rving media campaign carried out by RVIA.

"After speaking to a couple of high profile

leaders in the campground industry we have taken on board their recommendation to increase our 66 million public email addresses by way of gaining access to existing campers and RVers. For some time now we have been slowly adding to the data

base of campers using a direct approach to campgrounds and member association groups" said publisher Dennis Macready.

"These additional email addresses are qualified people who are likely to

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purchase a RV within 3-12 months".

The current issue promoted Virginia, Kansas, Oklahoma and Missouri with the next issue promoting Illinois, Pennsylvania, Nebraska and Delaware. Over the 12 month period 48 states will be promoted hilighting the camping and RVing lifestyle.

"The philosophy of promoting each state by way of outstanding photography combined with succinct editorial on why campers should visit seems to have worked. We have set about selling the sausage before the sizzle, campgrounds and state park lodging is promoted as the best option for accommodation" Macready said.

The online magazine is on the cusp of a new wave of internet readers. Research has shown an amazing growth in online magazine readership with younger managers preferring online to paper.

The current issue also promotes driving through Maine and New Hampshire as well as an article on "The city that never sleeps" New York. RVers are not forgotten with a review of the Forest River Hyperlite Toy Hauler and Evanne Schmarder's cooking show where each issue features a recipe from Evanne.

Easy ways to save on your vacation along with tips on choosing the right tent for the family and The Civilian Conservation Corps articles round off an issue aimed at pleasing everybody.

Four privately run campgrounds are promoted in each issue along with four state parks. The current issue features:-

In Kansas-High Plains CampingTuttle Creek State Park

In Oklahoma-Jellystone Park Camp Resort.Lakeview Lodge, part of Beavers Bend State Park.

In Virginia-The Hideaway Trav-L-ParkBelle Isle.

In Missouri-Huzzah Valley ResortLake of the Ozarks State Park.

Campgrounds interested in Dennis Macready

promoting in the next issue in the states of Pennsylvania, Delaware, Illinois and Nebraska should contact the editor at admin@getaway-usa.com

Every one of the roughly 80 campgrounds and RV parks that are affiliated with the Missouri Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds are open for business and ready to accommodate summer vacationers, despite the inclement weather that impacted the state several weeks ago, according to association officials.

“My park, Boiling Spring Campground in Dixon, was impacted by high water in late April and early May. But we hired extra staff to repair flood damage in the lower portion of the park adjacent to the Gasconade River, put new breakers in our electrical pedestals and cleaned up the park,” said Larry Helms, president of the Missouri Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds.

He added that his park was 95 percent full over Memorial Day weekend. “People couldn’t believe there was a flood here,” he said.

But business levels are below normal levels at some Missouri campgrounds, Helms said, because many people mistakenly assume that campgrounds are still affected by the recent storms.

“I don’t know of any parks that can’t fully accommodate people right now,” Helms said. “Some of our parks are even

accommodating relief workers who have been involved in tornado related cleanup efforts.”

Helms is asking news media to help spread the word that Missouri campgrounds are open for business. “Missouri park operators are ready for the fun summer camping season,” he said.

The Missouri Association

of RV Parks and Campgrounds is affiliated with the National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds, the national voice of the outdoor hospitality industry. For more information about Missouri campgrounds, please visit www.CampInMissouri.com and www.GoCampingAmerica.com.

Warner Bros is planning a sequel for their 2010 release ‘Yogi Bear’, Great New Movies reported. The studios have hired the writers Joshua Sternin and Jeffrey Ventimilia, who worked for Fox Studio’s “Rio.” They also worked for the upcoming movie “Mr. Peabody & Sherman.” The sequel will be produced by Donald De Line along with Karen

Rosenfelt, who has produced the original and Andrew Haas will be the executive producer of the movie.The original “Yogi Bear’,” a live-action/CG animation movie resulted as a better performer than the expected, as it received moderate openings initially. It was release during mid-December and grossed just $16.4 millions at the opening and later on went

on to earn $100 million in U.S. market and $100 million more in

international market, totaling $200 million worldwide.

8 August 2011Tennessee Association - 2011 Annual Conference The Tennessee Association of RV Parks & Campgrounds will be holding it 2011 Annual Conference on August 8-11 in Gatlinburg, TN at Adventure Bound.

19 September 2011Twenty Group II Fall 2011 MeetingTwenty Group II will hold its Fall Meeting September 19 - 21, 2011 at Ponchartrain Landing in New Orleans Louisiana. For more information please call 877-376-7850.

23 September 2011Alaska Campground Owners Association Annual ConferenceThe Alaska Campground Owners Association will be holding its annual conference on September 23-24 in Anchorage

Alaska. For more informaiton please contact Shannon Miller, Executive Director

25 October 2011VA Fall Convention & Trade ShowVirginia Campground Association is holding its Fall Convention and Trade Show, October 25-26th at Bethpage Family Camp Resort in Urbanna, VA. For more information please contact David Gorin

25 October 2011Illinois Campground Association Fall ConferenceIllinois Campground Association Fall Conference Location: Hickory Hollow Campground - Utica, IL Start Date: October 25, 2011 End Date: October 26, 2011 Contact: Janet Bascom

Two people are dead after strong winds blew a tree down onto their trailer at a Sardis Lake campground in Mississippi, WTVA-TV, Tupelo, Miss., reported. Panola County Emergency Management Director Daniel Cole says the bad weather came through before 3 p.m. Monday (June 13) at the Oak Grove campground. It’s located on the lower end of the lake between

Sardis and Batesville, about 50 miles south of Memphis, Tenn. WMC-TV in Memphis reports the victims are 6-month-old Bell Lecompte and 74-year-old Mary Evelyn Brower. Brower is the baby’s great grandmother. One of them died at the campground. The other died at the hospital in Batesville.Article: WTVA-TV

Great Smokies Surround Newest KOA in North American System BILLINGS, MT (June 12, 2011) – The Murphy/Peace Valley KOA Campground – the newest jewel in the 475-park Kampgrounds of America system, will be celebrating its grand opening Friday, June 17 through Sunday, June 19. The Grand Opening Weekend at the KOA, located at 117 Happy Valley Road in Marble, North Carolina, begins with a ribbon cutting at 11 a.m. Friday, June 10. Saturday’s events include arts and crafts, numerous giveaways, face painting, a fishing tournament, games for dads and kids, an ice cream social, an outdoor movie and pancake breakfast. On Sunday, June 19, campers can take part in a church service featuring Pastor Jeff of the

Mountainview Community Church. Campers will enjoy shaded RV and tent sites along the Valley River, as well as four luxurious lodges. At the campground, guests can wade into the water to cast their lines for trout in the stocked river or rent a tube and go on a lazy river float. They can also take a dip in the pool, visit the game room, pitch horseshoes or play volleyball. Pets are welcome, and there is even a one-acre fenced pet play area. The campground is just a short drive from exciting whitewater rafting on the Ocoee River (Class III and IV rapids) or the mild, family-friendly Nantahala River. Guests can take a scenic ride on the Cherohala Skyway, visit Fields of the Wood Bible Park or join in a class at the famous John C. Campbell Folk School.

The Finals are over and we know who the champion team is for this year, but before we go on to the next great thing there are some things that we can learn from the NBA about using Twitter.

Back on June 3, Jason Feifer wrote an article titled Rules Of Engagement, From the NBA Social Media War Room. The NBA had a sophisticated plan that started at the beginning of the season and wrapped up with the NBA Finals. Mr. Feifer was allowed to follow the social media team members and wrote the article showing how they executed their plan. Much of what they did can be copied by any RV park during any special event and hopefully, if you plan well, you will see comparable results.

Here are the rules as outlined by Jason Feifer and how they relate to our industry:

Make fans feel like insiders.

Follow the leagues lead and find out what your Twitter fans are looking for from your tweets. Send your tweeters out in the campground taking pictures with their smartphones and then immediately upload those shots to your Face book page and your website. This will put immediacy to what is going on in the park and will spark an interest in finding out more.

The idea of seeing events as they happen can have a very positive influence on someone deciding that they need to jump in the RV and come to the park.

In addition, people are much more likely to interact with you on social media when they feel like they have been singled out as being special. Generating that one on one relationship is key to

a great social media program.

Don’t join the conversation. Create the conversation.

I’m sure you have seen tweets and Face book posts that are comments or replies to someone else. Have you ever tried to figure out what they are talking about? Yep, me too. The bad part is that you start feeling left out because you don’t know what is going on.

To solve that problem be the initiator. Try tweeting open ended questions like “The best camping food is __________?” or “Have you seen the ____________ in the park?” Any question that starts the conversation will work for you. Make sure that when you reply to any questions you reply in such a way that you are inviting participation in the conversation. For instance, if the reply to the camping food question is S’Mores, reply with “S’Mores are even better when made with dark chocolate and mint leaves.” Now you are encouraging more conversation while acknowledging the original tweeter.

Know what your readers want, and when they want it.

There are a number of programs that will let you schedule your tweets.

One of my favorites is Timely.Is which not only allows you to schedule your tweets, it also lets you know what the best time of day is to have your tweets read and acted on. You may find that you actually have different segments of fans, one that wants to know what the schedule is for the kids and another that is more interested on when adult activities will be going on. If there is enough interest, split your tweets into separate accounts to serve the individual segments.

Watch your followers tweets and friends posts closely to learn what subjects they prefer to talk about, what parts of the campground interests them the most as well as what times and what days are best for them. Then adjust your plans accordingly.

Don’t overwhelm your followers.

Take a look at how frequently you send updates to both Twitter and to your Face book page. Personally, I hate seeing tweets that are within seconds of each other and are not related. I get the feeling that the person is going through the motions and isn’t truly connected to the conversation.

Remember that Twitter is a here and now system while Face book posts will stay

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on the front page for a much longer period of time. During special events, a pie eating contest for instance, Twitter is a great tool as it can get the information out to the rest of the park and generate more interest. Face book is a great tool for letting your Face book friends know the schedule for events.

Plan ahead, because not every day has a big game.

Put your social media plan in place that addresses not only what you are going to do on special days, but also what you are going to tell people about on the off days.

Your social media plan should be an integral part of your overall marketing plan. Consider generating more interest for Sunday thru Thursday stays by tweeting and posting on Face book about things going on in the park on those days. It could be as simple as pictures of someone relaxing with a fishing pole in the water, snoozing under a tree or a lively game of horseshoes.

With a well thought out plan and an adept person handling the postings, you should be able to have a robust social media program without breaking the bank.

The number people using smartphones is growing daily. Along with those smartphones are the apps

that allow the person to be connected to their social media accounts. (Did you know that 95% of US internet users interact with Face book?) Add to that, with a smartphone in hand, you can get great video to post on YouTube and attractive shots for the website of people in the park and can have those up and available immediately. What is not to like? Don’t put off the chance to get a lot of and people actively engaged in discussions about your RV Park.

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, 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.

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November 6-9, 2011 (Expo on Nov. 9)South Point Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas, NVContact: (406) 248-7444

November 11-12, 2011 On the InternetContact: (877) 901-3976

November 14-17, 2011Embassy Suites, Covington, KYContact: (513) 831-2100

November 28 – December 2, 2011Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort Spa & Savannah International Trade & Convention Center, Savannah, GAContact: (303) 681-0401

PINE MOUNTAIN, Ga. – Pine Mountain, an RVC Outdoor Destination, raised approximately $1227.00 in a disaster relief fundraiser for the storm victims of Eclectic, Alabama. The business also filled three trailers and multiple trucks of donated every-day use items and food to be given to victims.

“It was a pleasure working with Pine Mountain in this effort and we hope the donations help many families. We think the fundraiser was successful and want to give a big thanks to everyone who donated and participated in moving the donations,” said Lamar Richardson, HSMM President and Alabama state representative.

Pine Mountain worked with Heaven’s Saints Motorcycle Ministry (HSMM), a national Christian motorcycle organization, who raised an additional $2570.00 in cash donations from Calvary Tabernacle Assembly in Smiths Station, Alabama, Blue Knights International Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club, and HSMM family and friends.

The donations were driven to Eclectic, Alabama for two days, starting on May 19 with HSMM. Jim Anderson, General Manager of Pine Mountain, an RVC Outdoor Destination, said the monetary donations are still trickling in and they are continuing to send these.

All donations were given to

Agape Assembly of God church, located in Eclectic. The church administration is using the money to purchase furniture and pay for hotel rooms for people who lost their homes from the damaging April tornadoes, as well as distributing the item

donations to people through an on-site store and via deliveries. The church is helping in the recovery process particularly for Myers Country Estate, a trailer park that was destroyed by a tornado.

“With the help of our home church (Agape Assembly) and the assistance of its pastor, Joe Creamer, we have been able to coordinate deliveries, set-up a store, and arrange distribution of all donations through the use of this facility. Community volunteers have worked tirelessly since May 21 alongside (HSMM) chapter members, making an array of phone calls - from contacting victims to coordinating donation deliveries - and stocking shelves, packaging and arranging items for delivery to families, and continually meeting the needs of the people,” said Denise Grier,

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A contest turned deadly in Pennsylvania Friday as a 17-year-old girl died in the pool at the Hideaway Beach Campground in the Dias Creek section of Middle Township. The unidentified teen and a group of friends were taking turns holding their breath under water, though she did not come up and had to be pulled out of the water by the other girls.

Calls to 9-1-1 starting coming in at 2:20 p.m. and

an adult friend and a family friend tried CPR on the victim, though they were not succcessful.

She was taken to Cape Regional Medical Center where she was pronounced dead just after 3 pm.

Sgt. William Adams and Detective Mark Higginbottom are reportedly investigating the girl's death and an autopsy will be performed.

HSMM representative and church member/fundraising coordinator.

Jim Anderson explained how gratifying it was to see guests and others from Pine Mountain work together voluntarily for this cause to

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support the Alabama cities “that are only a couple hours from us.”

Pine Mountain, an RVC Outdoor Destination, is located at 8804 Hamilton Road in Pine Mountain, GA.

NEWARK, N.J. (Legal Newsline) - New Jersey Attorney General Paula Dow announced on Monday that the state Division of Consumer Affairs has reached a settlement with a campground that allegedly used deceptive business practices.

Driftwood Camping Resort, a Camp May County campground, allegedly failed to tell mobile home owners it would take half of the profit when their mobile home was resold, plus a 10 percent sales commission.

Driftwood agreed to pay $38,400 in restitution to five consumers and to pay restitution to additional customers who file complaints in the next 90 days unless it provides proof the residents had been previously notified about the terms of resale. In addition, Driftwood will provide written notice of all sales policies and fees in effect at the time of the sale to those selling a mobile home unit. The company can still charge commissions when consumers re-sell their mobile home units as long as the company has given each consumer notice of those commissions.

"This case underscores why consumers must get all contract terms in writing and then keep the contract and all addendums safe and secure," Dow said. "The alleged failure of Driftwood to provide disclosure to consumers cost mobile home owners thousands of dollars when they resold their units."

The consent order includes restitution for five consumers that ranges from $4,400 to $10,400. A total of $32,210.40 was assessed against Driftwood, with $17,210.40 to reimburse the state and $15,000 in civil penalties that is suspended but payable if Driftwood does not meet the terms of the agreement over the next 90 days. Article: www.legalnewsline.com

Paula Dow

The National Association of RV parks and Campgrounds (ARVC) has announced the appearance of Tim Richardson, author of ”Transformation Thinking,” as keynote speaker at the Outdoor Hospitality Conference 2011 in Savannah, Ga. It shouldn’t be shocking to hear that we are never going back to the ‘good old days.’

Uncertain economic times, changes in technology, and a more demanding customer are all proof that won’t happen.

To be competitive requires a new and evolving skill set – a skill set most of us weren’t taught – thinking. Based on researched principles for his Putnam-published book, “Transformation Thinking,” Tim will show you how to think innovatively while cultivating innovative thinking with your staff.

He’ll provide tips and techniques to increase your personal brain power and open your brain up to a wealth of new possibilities. What Your Park Can Expect to Learn…

■How to listen to your staff when new ideas are presented. ■How to cultivate those new ideas to further your park’s success. ■How to cultivate a more innovative work environment. ■How to create new models of customer service. ■How to re-charge your brain for new thinking. Join us on Nov. 30 at 12 p.m. to hear Tim’s keynote address at the Opening Luncheon. Tickets included in full-registration or purchase tickets for $75/member or $125/non-member. Register Here: http://arvc.org/outdoor-hospitality-conference.aspx

Tim Richardson

http://www.jumpingpillowsusa.com/

MERRIMAC, Wis.--(EON: Enhanced Online News)--Tourism Secretary Stephanie Klett and former Green Bay Packers Gilbert Brown and William Henderson kicked off this summer’s “Go Camping Wisconsin” initiative at Merry Mac’s Campground on Saturday, June 11 in Merrimac. The Wisconsin “celebrity camp out” is part of a national initiative to get families outdoors and spend time together through affordable camping experiences.

President Obama proclaimed June as national Great Outdoors Month building upon First Lady Michelle Obama's “Let's Move” effort to help children eat more nutritious foods, lead healthier lives, and increase their physical activity. In recognition of

Great Outdoors Month, the Wisconsin Association of Campground Owners (WACO) has partnered with the Gilbert Brown Foundation to offer special discounts, prizes and contests during the month of June.

“It wasn’t until I began working with WACO campgrounds that I even realized what camping was. I never even heard of a S’more. Now I RV camp with my own family and know how much camping provides a fun opportunity to spend family time together and get outdoors,” Brown said. “Camping encourages kids to get outdoors instead of playing video games.”

The Outdoor Industry Association reports that 44 million people participated

in camping in 2009. Wisconsin boasts 784 campgrounds that are home to 68,448 campsites, 432 more sites than in 2009 according to a report prepared by Davidson-Peterson for the Department of Tourism.

“Today’s camping experience is very different than what most people imagine because the options in Wisconsin are truly endless. You can camp in a yurt, tree house,

Stephanie Klett

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villa, a covered wagon … whatever our tourism industry can dream up,” Klett said. “In fact, many private campgrounds offer amenities like kitchens, sleeping lofts for kids, decks, grills and TV’s. You can have a 5 star home away from home and have access to all of the traditional camping activities.” “Camping is a relatively inexpensive way to experience Wisconsin’s outdoors in a fun and healthy environment and create family memories that will last a lifetime,” said

WACO Executive Director Lori Severson. “Depending on the camping experience, a family of four can camp and enjoy lots of inclusive fun starting at just $40 for the weekend.”

WACO is offering several promotions and giveaways during the month of June to

make camping even more budget friendly for families: • Participating WACO members are offering 20 percent off camping through Saturday, June 25. Discount coupon is available on www.wisconsincampgrounds.com. • Camp at any WACO campground during the month of June and register on www.wisconsincampgrounds.com to win a $500 camping package. • Post a photo from your camping experience on the WACO Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/wisconsincampgrounds and enter to win a $500 camping package. Also post your photo to the Travel Wisconsin Facebook page

for a chance to win $250 in free gas. • Participating WACO campgrounds will be selling T-shirts with a QR code that allows campers to track and share their outdoor activities with others on the WACO Facebook page.

Go Camping Wisconsin is a collaboration of the Wisconsin Association of Campground Owners, Wisconsin Department of Tourism and the Gilbert Brown Foundation. The initiative is part of the national Get Outdoors and Go Camping America program.

Debbie Sipe

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NEW YORK — Many visitors to New York plan their trips to include shopping, a Broadway show and a hotel with fresh, clean sheets.

Sleeping bags under the stars? Not so much.

But Interior Secretary Ken Salazar said Monday that the National Park Service will develop the nation's largest urban campground at Floyd Bennett Field in Brooklyn, a former airport used by Amelia Earhart and Howard Hughes.

"We want to make New York the leading example of what we can do around the country with urban parks," Salazar said.

Floyd Bennett Field was the city's first municipal airport but is essentially unused for aviation, except for police helicopters. It has been managed by the park service since 1972 as part of the Gateway National Recreation Area.

Salazar visited the former airfield and said the campground there will expand from five campsites to 90 over the next two years and may ultimately grow to 600 campsites. "You don't even realize you're in the middle of the city," he marveled.

The development of the Floyd Bennett Field

campground is one of several initiatives aimed at improving access to the outdoors in the New York region under President Barack Obama's America's Great Outdoors campaign.

Salazar said the park service will work with local agencies in New York and New Jersey to link existing waterfront parks through a New York Harbor trail and greenway network.

The park service operates more than 26,000 acres of natural and historic properties, including the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, in the New York region.

Salazar said the park service is beefing up its use of social media to reach younger audiences with stories of the region. For example, historic sites overseen by the park service will be featured in smartphone applications and video podcasts available on iTunes.

The EPA recently declared carbon dioxide to be a toxic substance, harmful to the environment. The reason given is that it contributes to global warming i.e. it is a greenhouse gas.

According to Gary Hoover, a geophysical consultant with a doctorate in experimental physics, this is not good science. In a recent column he noted that each of us breathe out more than 2 pounds of carbon dioxide each day. Humanity generates more than 8 million tons per day, yet the EPA proclaims this to be a noxious gas, responsible for severe global warming.

One assumption used as a basis for the ruling is that increasing carbon dioxide increases water vapor, which is the predominant greenhouse gas. So the logic is that with more carbon dioxide there will be more warming.

Empirical observation, with satellites, however, suggests that the opposite might be true, as do weather

balloon observation as far back as 1948: there may in fact be no greenhouse effect due to increasing carbon dioxide whatsoever. Carbon dioxide may actually help keep the atmosphere cool.

Environmental research is a mix of theory, models, and actual data. In this case, the theory to some extent and the modeling have gotten so far ahead of the data that the data is being misused to support the model.

The bad policy unfolding is that EPA is said to be ready to base regulations (and penalties) on unproven assumptions, while also lobbying Congress to support them in this ill-advised initiative against carbon dioxide. More regulations, more expensive (very expensive) equipment, more penalties, and taxes on emissions are the “solutions” being posed to a problem that may not even exist.

That, friends, is bad policy!

By Larry

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The Obama Administration has announced the creation of a new federal interagency council to coordinate and promote outdoor recreation opportunities on public lands in partnership with federal, state, and tribal agencies. As part of President Obama's America's Great Outdoors Initiative, the Department of the Interior, Department of Agriculture, Department of the Army, Department of Commerce, and the White House Council on Environmental Quality signed a Memorandum of Understanding to establish the Federal Interagency Council on Outdoor Recreation (FICOR). The FICOR Memorandum was announced today at a White House event with the Wildlife and Hunting Heritage Conservation

Council, the Sport Fishing and Boating Partnership Council, and other wildlife conservation and outdoor recreation organizations. "With the outdoor industry contributing an estimated $730 billion to the U.S. economy, outdoor recreation is a vital part of growing our nation's economy and creating jobs," Salazar said. "The Federal Interagency Council on Outdoor Recreation will help achieve the goals of the America's Great Outdoors initiative to reconnect Americans – especially our young people - to the natural world. By ensuring the federal government is coordinating its policies and programs with our state, local and tribal partners, we can better fuel our nation's spirit of adventure and economy."

"Through community-led 21st century conservation, President Obama's America's Great Outdoors initiative aims to reconnect American families with the outdoors that are vital to the health of our communities and economy," said Nancy Sutley, Chair of the White House Council on Environmental Quality. "The Federal Interagency Council on Outdoor Recreation will ensure that the Federal Government is a smarter, better partner for Americans, making it easier to access opportunities to explore and enjoy the outdoors." "America's Great Outdoors initiative provides a great opportunity for Americans to reconnect with our country's amazing forests and grasslands," said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. "Together with the

rest of the Obama administration, USDA is working to revitalize our rural economies and communities, many of which neighbor the 193 million acres of forests and grasslands managed by the U.S. Forest Service. The Forest Service offers a huge array of programs to help families and individuals connect with their natural environment and learn about how to conserve our vital natural

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resources. AGO is also important in our efforts to offset childhood obesity through outdoor activities and healthier lifestyles, led by the Let's Move! Outside campaign launched by First Lady Michelle Obama." "Americans are fortunate to have diverse opportunities to recreate on our federal lands and waters," said Jo-Ellen Darcy, Assistant Secretary of the Army, Civil Works. "The Corps of Engineers manages 12 million acres of lands, hosts 370 million recreation visits a year, generates $18 billion per year for our nation's economy, and supports 350,000 jobs. The Federal Interagency Council on Outdoor Recreation will provide a framework wherein our agencies will work together to improve the quality and access of the public's recreation experiences. The Corps and the staff at our 422 recreation sites are pleased to be able to work with the other federal partners to make this happen." "The America's Great Outdoors Initiative encourages our citizens to get outdoors and rediscover adventures in our own backyard. From coasts and mountains to farmlands and forests, our country is rich in cultural and natural treasures. We must continue to do all we can to make sure we have healthy and accessible lands and waters to enjoy

for generations to come," said Commerce Secretary Gary Locke. "Outdoor recreation and tourism related businesses have become powerful elements of rural and urban economic development. Hunters, anglers, bird watchers, boaters, and others who enjoy outdoor recreation spend billions of dollars on their activities." The purpose of the FICOR is to: * Coordinate recreation management, access and policies across multiple agencies to improve public enjoyment and recreational use of federal lands; * Provide the public with reliable and up-to-date web-based information, on outdoor recreation that is easily accessible with modern communication devices; and to evolve and promote the federal interagency www.recreation.gov website to become a one-stop portal for information and resources about federal and federally supported outdoor recreation opportunities, locations, permit and reservation requirements, access, routes, features, and transportation options; * Streamline and align policies and procedures among federal, state, local, tribal and other outdoor recreation providers; * Improve engagement of young people and their families in outdoor recreation through healthy, active lifestyles; * Target underserved and disadvantaged communities

for both access and engagement in the benefits of and opportunities for outdoor recreation; * Identify ways to improve access to and benefits from our parks, refuges, and other public lands, waters, and shores for persons with disabilities; and * Identify partners outside the federal government who can promote outdoor recreation and provide

additional resources and access. The new council will work closely with the existing Federal Advisory Committee Act bodies and will work to strengthen the relationship between health and the outdoors through the First Lady's Let's Move! initiative and the President's Council on Fitness, Sports, and Nutrition.

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SANTA FE SPRINGS, Calif. -- Mike Thompson RV is sponsoring the annual I5 Summer RV Show, and a record number of attendees the first weekend shows the RV business is back. In addition to special show sale prices, the event features seminars to educate consumers about the RV lifestyle. Mark Rosenbaum of Mike Thompson RV notes: "I believe a customer considering the purchase of a RV comes to the Annual I5 RV Show with expectations of getting the most for their money. They expect not just the best possible price on their purchase, but a quality product with strong dealer and manufacturer support. That's why they make the choice to purchase from us. Service after the sale is a necessity and many dealers no longer offer that benefit to their customers.

We do, and actually take it a step further." At Mike Thompson RV we have carefully selected the RV manufacturers that have a strong solid happy customer reputation and a history of always supporting their products with a strong service network."At the I5 Summer Show, there are 10 manufacturers competing for business, and the good news is the customer can't make a bad decision because they are all top selling, high quality products. In addition we have a huge selection of great affordable preowned units at the show. I am happy to see the response to this event. It just shows you can't keep America down; family time is still our priority and there is no better way to make the most of that time than vacationing in an RV." The Annual I5 RV Show offers new and used RVs, tent trailers and Class A diesel pushers.

Merchants’ Choice Payment Solutions for Campgrounds, which has been conducting free webinars, open to any campground that wishes to attend, has announced that they will be conducting a webinar this month exclusively for Best Parks In America.

The webinar will deal with the Processing Card Industry’s (PCI) regulations regarding merchant security standards. Theft of data and the scourge of identity theft has become the most common crime in the United States. All one needs to do is glance at the newscasts to discover

how common this crime has become. Witness the data breach suffered recently by SONY for participants in their Playstation network. SONY is suffering huge fines and will have to handle the many suits which will result from consumers whose information was stolen by hackers.

MCPS for Campgrounds has been informing campground owners about these PCI regulations for several years and may be responsible for the lack of data breaches in the campground industry. As far as can be discerned

only several State campgrounds in Maine have been breached, although hotels, resorts, and other locations where consumers gather in groups are among the most susceptible to data theft.

This year, MCPS became a Strategic Partner of Best Parks In America and, together with BPA President David Gorin, decided to produce a webinar specifically for Best Parks members. The webinar will be run on June 27th at 10 AM EST. Members are being sent the link to the session being conducted on gotowebinars.com.

“Some of the BPA members have already viewed this webinar according to our records,” says MCPS President Art Lieberman, “but many have not. We sure hope they take advantage of the information to keep their facility out of harm’s way”.

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

It’s not too late to make your plans to participate in National Wildlife Federation’s annual “Great America Backyard Campout” Saturday, June 25.

Kampgrounds of America Inc., the world’s largest system of family-friendly campgrounds, is an official sponsor of the popular nationwide event. KOA invites all interested campers (experienced and first-timers) to go to www.KOA.com and make reservations today.

The June 25th Great American Backyard Campout 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 Follow REI on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/REI.

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