The past two weeks have been hectic to say the least for three major operators in the campground industry.

Not to mention the vendors who have to pack up their displays and hit the bitumen in order to make the trade expos on time.

The ARVC InSites convention was held in Orlando along with Leisure Systems Jellystone franchise.

By all accounts the ARVC conference and trade expo was well received although as a first time visitor to the Orlando Conference Center I found the decision to hold the seminars and the trade expo at two different locations and not under the same roof fairly disruptive.

The LSI seminars were well attended and the trade expo held on the floor above InSites suited those that wanted to

have the best of both worlds.

More than 250 campgrounds are represented at the Kampgrounds of America convention currently happening in Houston Texas where several days of on-site training, social networking and trade expo is happening.

Full report and photos start on page 10 of this issue.

The much awaited release of the variety of rental lodging units from travel trailers to park models were announced at the ARVC InSites convention held in Orlando last week.

Shane Ott, Campground Relations Director for Thor Industries said three companies are involved in the manufacture of the park models.

KeystoneBreckenridgeAirstream

Shane said that interest generated at ARVC InSites conference was generally what was expected with multiple expressions of interest from campground owners and that all goes well for the Thor/ARVC initiative.

Tim Howard from Breckenridge said "We have developed these particular models purely for the campground industry with help and advice from campground owners ensuring acceptance into the marketplace".

Shane Ott commented: "The pricing structure developed for ARVC members is extremely competitive; all are rental ready with base model pricing starting at around $14000 with a variety of 4 floor plans from 22’ x 12’ to 36’ x 12’".

Nick Eppert, Keystone product manager said "The Keystone model is perfect for campgrounds who want the ease and mobility to move rental units easily within the grounds, a major benefit for campground owners who are looking to maximize occupancy without permanently giving up a full hook-up site. Keystone Fireside by Springdale is available in

both 29’ and 37’ floor plans with 12’ sliderooms for maximum living space".The Airstream is an iconic brand and will appeal to certain types of campgrounds and we are focused on that particular market said Larry Huttle, Airstream Chairman.

More information will be made available in future issues of Campground & RV Park E news.

Shane OttThe spacious inside of the Keystone Fireside

The Breckenlodges designed for campgrounds The Breckenridge offers four distinctive floor plans

The 37' Keystone Fireside rental unit The iconic Airstream suiting the elite rental accommodation

http://www.jumpingpillowsusa.com/

ORLANDO, Fla., Nov. 16, 2009 – Thirty-one campgrounds and RV resorts have earned all around “A” grades in the second annual consumer satisfaction survey of independent parks.

The top parks were announced at the Rosen Centre Hotel in Orlando on Thursday during an awards ceremony hosted by the National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds.

Nearly 17,000 camping and RV enthusiasts participated in the online survey, which evaluated guest experiences at 1,840 independent campgrounds and RV resorts affiliated with the National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds.

“Sixteen of the nation’s 31 top parks in our survey also received ‘A’ ratings last year, but we also had 15 parks that received ‘A’ ratings for the first time,” said Bob MacKinnon, president and CEO of GuestRated.com, the Murrieta, Calif.-based company that conducted the online survey on behalf of the National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds.

MacKinnon said that GuestRated.com provides online survey tools to more than 3,600 parks that are affiliated with the National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds. That’s nearly half of the nation’s private parks.

The results of the surveys are gradually being posted the websites of state and national campground associations, including GoCampingAmerica.com, the website of the National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds, which uses a 5-point system to indicate each park’s scores in five critical areas of guest satisfaction.

Bob MacKinnon Continued next page

Continued from previous page

“The objective of these surveys is to help private campground, RV park and resort operators to pinpoint the improvements they need to make to provide their guests with the best possible camping experience,” said Linda Profaizer, president and CEO of the National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds.

Consumers are invited to submit their own reviews of private campgrounds and RV resorts they have recently visited by logging on to www.gocampingamerica.com and clicking on the “Review a Park” tab.

Survey results are currently posted for 265 parks on the GoCampingAmerica website.

The 31 parks earning “A” grades for 2009 include:

*Acres of Wildlife - Steep Falls, Me., www.acresofwildlife.com Baileyton RV Park – Greenville, Tenn., www.baileytonrvpark.com

*Buttonwood Campground – Mexico, Penn., www.buttonwoodcamp.com

Chalk Creek Campground & RV Park – Nathrop, Colo., www.chalkcreek-campground.com

Cooperstown Shadow Brook Campground – Cooperstown, N.Y., www.cooperstowncamping.com

*Dogwood Acres Campground – Newville, Penn., www.dogwoodcamping.com

Gettysburg Campground – Gettysburg, Penn., www.gettysburgcampground.com

*High Plains Camping – Oakley, Kan., www.highplainscamping.com

Keen Lake Camping & Cottage Resort – Waymart, Penn.,www.keenlake.com

Hocking Hills KOA – Logan, Ohio, www.hockinghillskoa.com

*Kozy Rest Kampground – Harrisville, Penn., www.kozyrestcampground.com *Lake George RV Park - Lake George, N.Y., www.lakegeorgervpark.com

Meadowcliff RV Resort – Coleville, Calif.

*Mill Creek Ranch RV & Cottage Resort – Canton, Texas, www.millcreekranchresort.com

*Misty River Cabins & RV Resort – Walland, Tenn., www.mistyriverrv.com

Mountain Vista Campground – East Stroudsburg, Penn.

*Normandy Farms Family Camping Resort – Foxboro, Mass., www.normandyfarms.com

*Ocean Lakes Family Campground - Myrtle Beach, S.C., www.oceanlakes.com

*Peace Valley Campground – Marble, N.C., www.peacevalleycampground.com

Pine Acres Family Camping Resort – Oakham, Mass., www.pineacresresort.com

*Pioneer Campground – Laporte, Penn., www.pioneercampground.com

Pontchartrain Landing – New Orleans, La.

Red Apple Campground – Kennebunkport, Me., www.redapplecampground.com

*Rutledge Lake RV Park – Fletcher, N.C., www.rutledgelake.com

Snowy Peaks RV Park & Rentals – Buena Vista, Co. www.snowypeaksrvpark.com

*South Haven Family Campground - South Haven, Mich., www.southhavenfamilycg.com

*Sunny Brook RV Resort - South Haven, Mich., www.sunnybrookrvresort.com

*The Vineyards Campground & Cabins – Grapevine, Texas, www.vineyardscampground.com

West Canada Creek Campsites – Poland, N.Y., www.westcanadacreekcampsites.com

White River RV Park & Campground – Montague, Mich., www.whiterivercampground.com

Willow Tree Resort – Longs, S.C., www.willowtreerv.com

* Indicates parks that also received “A” ratings in last year’s consumer survey.

The GuestRated.com national online survey program was launched inFebruary 2008 in collaboration with the National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds.For more information about the GuestRated survey, please contact Bob MacKinnon of GuestRated.com at (877) 707-7080 as well as Linda Profaizer at the National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds at (303) 681-0401.

Linda Profaizer, President & CEO ARVC

Lunch at InSites trade expo was a busy affair

The National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds has honored a number of its members during the gala awards night last Thursday at the completion of the 2009 InSites Convention & Outdoor Hospitality Expo in Orlando.

Parks of the year awards went to:Small Park of the Year, The Springs at Borrego, Borrego Springs, Calif., Dan Wright.

Medium Part of the Year, Cross Creek Camping Resort, Delaware, Ohio, Steve Cross.

Large Park of the Year, Holly Shores Camping Resorts, Cape May, N.J., David and Maggie Robinson.

Among the other recipients:Stan Martin Award, Mary Arlington, CPO, High Plains Camping, Oakley, Kan.

Small Directory Award, Maryland Association of Campgrounds, President Mike irons, CPO, Executive Director Deb Carter, CPO, Earleville, Md.

Medium Directory Award, New Jersey Campground

Owners Association, President Jay Sporl, CPO, Executive Directors Jay and Marji Otto, CPO, Cape May Court House, N.J.

Large Directory Award, California Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds, President Dan Wright, Executive Director Debbie Sipe, Auburn, Calif.

State Executive Director of the Year, Deb Carter, Maryland Association of Campgrounds, Earleville, Md.

State President of the Year, Jim Breneman, Pennsylvania Campground Owner’s Association, Lancaster, Pa.

Supplier of the Year Award, TengoInternet, Eric Stumberg, president, Austin, Texas.

Direct Mail Promotion Award, Lake George RV Park, Lake George, N.Y., David King, president, and Hearthside Grove, North Petoskey, Mich.,Wayne and Lorene Rose, Craig and Kirk Rose, proprietors.

Brochure of the Year Award, Point Sebago Resort, Casco, Maine.

Website of the Year Award, Buttonwood Campground, Mexico, Pa., Dennis and Nancy McFarland. Continued next page

Plan-It Green Award, Ocean Lakes Family Campground, Myrtle Beach, S.C., Barb Krumm, CPO; Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park, Williamsport, Md., Vicki and Ron Vitkun; Sacred Rocks Preserve, Boulevard, Calif., The Courmousis.

The new executive committee for the board of the National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds is as follows:

Chairman David L. Berg, CPO, Red Apple Campground, Kennebunkport, Maine, previously second vice chairman.

First Vice Chairman Rob Schutter, CPO, Leisure Systems Inc., Milford, Ohio, re-elected to the board at-large seat, previously secretary. Second Vice Chairwoman Marcia Galvin, CPO, Normandy Farms Family Camping Resort, Foxboro, Mass. Secretary Michael Gelfand, Terra Vista Management, Rancho Santa Fe, Calif. Treasurer Patrick O’Neill, CPO, Destin, Fla. Past Chairman Mark Anderson, CPO, Camp Chautauqua, Stow, N.Y., previously chairman. President Linda Profaizer, CEO, ARVC, Larkspur, Colo.

Continued from previous page

LUMBERTON, Miss. -- The federal government is continuing its auctions of travel trailers left in the Pine Belt area following Hurricane Katrina.

The United States General Services Administration has put up a single lot of 465 trailers at the Lumberton staging area for bid.

The trailers were used as temporary housing in the aftermath of Katrina, which roared through South Mississippi in August 2005.

Federal Emergency Management Agency

officials had estimated that heading into the fall, about 30,000 trailers remained at five Pine Belt staging areas: two in Lumberton and one in Purvis in Lamar County; Carnes in Forrest County; and Columbia in Marion County.

Weekly auctions started in late September and after rotating through all five locations, GSA had sold 2,316 trailers.

After the close, GSA will have auctioned 949 trailers from the Lumberton staging site.

KOA CONVENTION (November 17, 2009) - Ike and Charlene Eigenhuis, California natives who have been enjoying work kamping for the past four years, were named Tuesday at Kampgrounds of America's first ever KOA Work Kampers of the Year. The recipients were selected by the KOA Owners Association to receive the award, which honors the best of KOA's more than 1,000 work kamping teams in North America. The Eigenhuis' were nominated by Steve and Sara Jewell, owners of the Fayetteville/Wade, North Carolina KOA Kampground, where Ike and Charlene work kamped during the 2009 summer season.

"It is such an honor," said Charlene. "I am just overwhelmed.""For us, it's all about making it great for our campers," said Ike. "We know that there are a bunch of fantastic people out there work kamping for KOA. To be recognized like this is really something special."

KOA Chairman & CEO Jim Rogers, left, and KOA Owners Association President Tina Haith, right, present Ike and Charlene Eigenhuis with the KOA Work Kamper of the Year Award

Roger Powell, Chairman of the Big 4 group from Australia chats with Lorne Armer vice president of marketing as Margaret Watts looks on.

Joe and Diane Long, owners of the Lena, Illinois KOA Campground, received the Kampgrounds of America Rising Star Award Wednesday, Nov. 18 during KOA’s International Convention in Houston, Texas. “What the Longs have done in just three years is truly amazing,” said Jef Sutherland, Vice President of Franchise Services. “They added 29 new sites, renovated the swimming pool, and added a new community patio complete with a firepit.” In addition, the Lena, Illinois KOA now boasts a huge new jumping pillow, WiFi throughout the campground and a newly-remodeled campstore. “It is this type of investment in camper fun and satisfaction,” Sutherland said, “combined with the Longs’ enthusiasm and customer service, that led to the Longs receiving KOA’s Rising Star Award this year.” The Rising Star Award is given annually to one campground, and the

criteria are strenuous ones. First, owners must love the camping lifestyle that is synonymous with KOA and must initiate exceptional business practices to ensure the growth of their campground. Second, they must be committed to developing services and facilities that will absolutely enhance campers’ experiences. And they must have owned their KOA campground for less than five years. “Since Joe and Diane purchased the campground, they have been in the Top 10 KOA Kampgrounds based on Kamper Satisfaction Survey score,” he said. “They really go out of their way to make every guest’s visit an excellent one—and that’s why their campground has steadily grown. In fact, in 2009 they had the highest camper satisfaction score of any KOA in our system.” Open April through October, the Lena KOA is just 35 miles from historic Galena, Illinois. During the season, guests enjoy ice cream socials, group campfires and “hey” rides through the campground. It’s not usual to see Joe or daughters Alexandra and Kaley grab instruments and entertain Continued next page

campers, or for members of the Lena KOA team to grab a hula hoop and join guests in some fun and games. And Diane is well-known for handing out giant flavored marshmallows when it’s time for delicious s’mores. Guests who visit the Lena KOA can choose from RV sites, tent sites, Kabins and Lodges, and the Longs have made sure that everyone can enjoy their campground by offering ADA-friendly accommodations. The campground is frequently home to family reunions and other group activities, and offers a beautiful outdoor camping kitchen complete with hot and cold water, multiple stove tops and grills, and seating for 40.

In addition to the jumping pillow and pool, there are many fun activities on site as well. Basketball hoops, horseshoe pits, a sand volleyball court and a large playground offer outdoor entertainment, and an air-conditioned and heated game room keeps the party going even when it’s raining. “The Lena KOA is an excellent example of how hard work, combined with enthusiasm and commitment, yields great rewards,” said Sutherland. “Certainly, we’re glad to have the Longs as part of the KOA family, and could not be happier to recognize them as Rising Stars.”

KOA Rising Star Award winners Joe and Diane Long from the Lena KOA are surrounded by KOA COO Pat Hittmeier, left; CEO and Chairman Jim Rogers, second from right; and Vice President of Franchise Operations Jef Sutherland, right.

Continued from previous page

The Big 4 contingent from Australia at the KOA convention with Pat Hittmeier. Des Watts, Margaret Watts, Ross Lavender, Hazel Elsley, Max Elsley, Alan Rowett, Roger Powell, Viv Lavender, Diane Beadel, Ian Beadel, Jenny Tait

HOUSTON, TEXAS (November 19 , 2009) – The Herkimer Diamond, New York KOA Kampground was named Kampgrounds of America’s Kamground of the Year during a ceremony Wednesday, November 18 at KOA’s annual Convention in Houston, Texas. “Being named Kampground of the Year is the highest award in the KOA system,” said KOA President Pat Hittmeier. “It is only given to those campground franchisors who truly are the very best of the best in every aspect of what they do.” Purchased in 1981 by Rudy and Rena Scialdo, and now run by their daughter, Dr. Renee Scialdo Shevat, and her husband Sam Shevat, the Herkimer Diamond, New York KOA has gained local and national acclaim for its excellent accommodations and outstanding customer service. Its beginnings were a bit more humble, however. It is said that the farmer who owned the property would see the cattle in his pastures trip, as their hooves broke through the ground. In the hole left behind, he would find a large pocket full of naturally occurring, 18-faceted quartz crystals, now known as Herkimer Diamonds.

The Herkimer Diamond Mines first opened to the public in 1955, with prospectors leaving a dollar in a mailbox as their fee. Eventually, the Mines were sold to a group of investors, who built a rock shop and a public campground to serve the needs of the prospectors.

That campground eventually became the KOA gem that it is today. At the Herkimer Diamond KOA, guests find 135 sites, including tent and RV sites. There are also 16 kabins, five kottages and two lodges. Each of the heated and air conditioned Kottages, which come with a private bath, kitchenette and dining area, have a different theme and are decorated accordingly. Those themes include

“World Wide Gems”, “Fish Tales”, “Captains Quarters” and more. Each of the kabins is named after a gemstone, like “Shady Sapphires”, “Amber Annex” or “Peridot Place.”

On site, campers will enjoy spending time on the West Canada Creek, jumping in the pool or playing disc golf, and there is always something fun happening during the season (April 15-November 1). And of course, everyone likes to try their hand at finding fortune at the Herkimer Diamond Mines. For a minimal fee (kids age 4 and under are free), campers receive a prospecting admission ticket/wristband, a hammer and a collector’s bag for their finds. They watch an instructional video and

head off to the mining area, where they can spend the day finding—and breaking—rocks and digging in pockets. They can then take their treasures to the rock shop to have custom jewelry made for them.

Also available are sluice bags full of rough material, perfect for young campers. “Of course, the Mines are a huge draw for the Herkimer KOA,” Hittmeier said. “But what we hear from KOA guests time and time again is how well they’re taken care of when they stay there.” That includes, he said, the friendliness of the staff and their willingness to go out of their way to meet the needs of campers. “At KOA, we frequently survey our campers,” Hittmier noted, “and time and time again, this campground gets some of the highest scores anywhere in North America.

That’s why they won the President’s and Founders Awards this year as well. “It’s an outstanding accomplishment that accurately reflects the outstanding efforts of the Scialdos and the Shevats.”

The owners of the Herkimer Diamond, NY KOA are flanked by KOA CEO Jim Rogers, left, and COO Pat Hittmeier, right.

Long time friends John Trigg and Randy Jenkins caught up over lunch at the award ceremony

VENTURA, Calif. -- On Sept. 14, 2009, Affinity Group Holding, Inc., received consent letters (the “institutional consents”) from certain institutional holders of its 10 7/8 percent senior notes due 2012 (the “AGHI Notes”) holding in the aggregate $65,835,969 principal amount of the AGHI Notes outstanding and consent letters (the “other consents” and collectively with the institutional consents called the “consents”) from certain non-institutional holders of the AGHI Notes holding in the aggregate $46,555,946 principal amount of the AGHI Notes outstanding.

The aggregate principal amount of the AGHI Notes outstanding is $113,648,603 so the holders executing the consents held 98.9 percent of the outstanding principal amount of the AGHI notes.

On Sept. 14, 2009, the company paid the interest on the remaining $1,256,688 principal amount of AGHI notes that are outstanding and for which an institutional consent or an other consent was not obtained.

The company has engaged in discussions with the holders of the AGHI notes regarding a refinancing or

restructuring of the indebtedness of the company and its subsidiary, Affinity Group, Inc. (“AGI”). As part of those discussions, the company did not pay the interest on the AGHI notes that was due Aug. 15, 2009, but the indenture governing the AGHI notes provides a 30-day grace period for the payment of interest that was to have been paid on that date.

Pursuant to the institutional consents, the company has agreed to pay the legal fees for a law firm to represent the holders who signed the institutional consents in connection with such discussions and has paid a $150,000 retainer to that law firm. In addition, the company has paid a consent fee equal to 0.25 percent of the principal amount to the holders who

signed the Institutional Consents or an aggregate of $164,600.

As of Nov. 13, 2009, the holders who signed the institutional consents have agreed to extend the interest payment date on their AGHI notes to Nov. 20, 2009.

As of Oct. 28, 2009, the holders who signed the other consents have agreed to extend the interest payment date on their AGHI notes to the date that is five business days after the date of termination of the institutional consents, including any additional extensions of the institutional consents.Full story: Securities Exchange Commission filing.

North Hollywood, CA, November 18, 2009 – When in Albuquerque, New Mexico, RV Buddies had a chance to sit down and film a segment with Richard Daniels, the Good Sam’s Club inaugural “RVer of the Year.” That video is now live on RV Buddies Online (www.rvbuddiesonline.com).The award, which was created to recognize outstanding achievement benefiting fellow RVers and the community at large, was presented to Daniels at the 10th anniversary of the nation's largest RV rally, which is popularly known as "The Rally."In a revealing and

introspective interview with RV Buddies host Mark Summers, Daniels chronicled the story of a life based in giving, including years devoted to Baptist ministry work. Now in “retirement,” he devotes his life to animals – because of the remarkable dog that started it all – “Old Fella.”What began as a vacation in Modoc, South Carolina, over Labor Day weekend in 2005 for Daniels,

became the beginning of a life-changing discovery. He came upon a shy, thin dog with part of one leg missing. While the dog accepted food, he kept his distance. After leaving the RV park, Daniels was moved and spent much time talking with friends on the Good Sam internet forums seeking advice and counsel. He returned to the RV park several times slowing gaining the dog’s trust until he was able to rescue him and welcome him into his own home. It was this event that changed Daniels life and began a new chapter - still being written - that has saved countless animals'

lives. Sadly, Old Fella crossed the rainbow bridge in 2008. Nevertheless, Daniels’ work continues and a statue of "Old Fella" is to be raised in his town of Waynesboro, Georgia to honor his memory and to pay homage to the American ideal that one man, one action, can make a difference in many lives.While Daniels may no longer be active in the Baptist ministry, he is surely doing God's work, and preaching to the choir of all of those, including us here at RV Buddies, that love animals so much.To watch the video, go to RV Buddies Online (www.rvbuddiesonline.com).

RVIA’s 47th Annual National RV Trade Show brings 2010 product lines, thousands of industry officials and a renewed sense of optimism to the Kentucky Exposition Center (KEC) in Louisville, December 1-3, 2009.

With pre-registration numbers for show attendees higher than last year’s numbers – and RV dealer pre-registration a full 15 percent higher than at this time last year, industry members are feeling positive as they head to the show, which comes on the heels of encouraging sales this fall at consumer shows across the country.

“This year’s show provides a rallying point for the RV industry as we start to recover from a historic recession,” said RVIA President Richard Coon. “And I’m glad to say that we have many reasons for optimism. RV shipments are improving, Americans still love our products, and the forecast is for market growth in the upcoming year. I think we will have a strong show that will help speed us along the road to recovery.”

“Outlook 2010: Let the Sun Shine”Highlighting the growing optimism about the RV market, the National RV Trade Show will kick off with “Outlook 2010: Let the Sun Shine,” the market expansion showcase breakfast taking place on Dec. 1 from 6:45 – 9 a.m. in the KEC’s South Wing Mezzanine Ballroom. One of the most anticipated annual industry events with more than 1,000 RV dealers and show exhibitors expected to be on hand, “Outlook 2010” will be hosted by RVIA Chairman Jim Sheldon and feature “Radiant, Relevant, and Ready,” RVIA President Richard Coon’s thoughts on how RVIA has helped the industry weather the storm and prepare for a new beginning. Special guests at “Outlook 2010” include Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz, renowned antiquers and the hosts of History’s new show, American Pickers, who have made their careers traveling off the beaten path on a hunt for American treasures; David Woodworth, who

will discuss the growth of the RV industry over the past 100 years, the evolution of RVs, and plans for the RV Centennial Celebration; and Silvio DiSalvatore, winner of NBC’s summer reality hit Great American Road Trip, who will share tales of his family's RV adventure. Go RVing Coalition Co-Chairmen Dicky Riegel and Tom Stinnett join RVIA Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer Gary LaBella for Go RVing: “Spreading Sunshine in ‘09 and Beyond” — a discussion of how the national advertising campaign stoked consumer demand in 2009 and plans to keep the momentum going in 2010. The trio will also unveil new television spots and innovative website content scheduled for launch early next year. See story titled, "Go RVing Will Unveil New Creative," for details. Public Relations Committee Chairman B.J. Thompson joins LaBella for RVIA Public Relations: “Keeping Our Image Bright,” a demonstration of how RVIA PR protected the image of the RV industry despite the year’s gloomy news environment. The presentation will feature the popular “RVTV” video showcasing the best in RV news and entertainment during 2009. Show attendees are urged to save the 6:45 to 9:00

a.m. time slot and avoid scheduling conflicting events to enable industry representatives at all levels to attend. Show badge registration will be available in the South Wing Lobby C Entrance prior to the event. Product Seminars ScheduledAttendees can take advantage of several sales and product seminars offered throughout the three-day show through hour-long sessions offered at no cost by exhibiting companies in Exhibit Hall 1A – South Wing Corridor, Conference Room 109. Seminars are included in the complete show schedule below.

The show offers attendees one-on-one opportunities to learn more about local resources available to them. RV dealers can stop by the Go RVing booth for information about tying into the Go RVing advertising campaign. For information about RV technician learning opportunities and certification, attendees can stop by the RVIA Education booth. There will also be an RV Centennial booth where industry members can learn more about the 100th Anniversary of the RV industry taking place in 2010 and how to take part in the year-long celebration. For more information on the National RV Trade Show, call RVIA’s Show Department at (703) 620-6003 ext. 365.

Boulder, Colorado, November 18th, 2009 — Sentiment Improves, but Economy Remains a Top Concern

In a survey released today by Outdoor Industry Association (OIA), small businesses reported that while they are still concerned about the economy, their revenue expectations are up sharply in the past three months.

OIA, in conjunction with Piper Jaffray Companies, recently surveyed industry executives with respect to their view of current economic prospects, recovery timeline, cost inflation, and the effect of tighter credit market on near-term business operations. Results of that

survey are now available in a new report entitled, The Piper Jaffray Outdoor Industry Survey.

This was the fourth survey conducted by OIA and Piper Jaffray in the past twelve months, and was conducted during late September through early October. This survey continued to reflect a cautious and realistic picture of the economic situation facing the industry.

Nearly all respondents were independent businesses with revenues less than $50M annually, which provides an excellent gauge of the independent channel within the outdoor community. The majority of respondents identified themselves as either vendors or retailers.

Cedar Springs, MI—October 5, 2009—The US Forest Department has issued Campmasters LLC a license to make The Smokey Pokey tm…. Smokey Bear Campfire pokers!

Campgrounds all across America will now have the chance to carry Smokey Bear campfire pokers in their camp stores.

After an extensive marketing study, at General RV, KOA, ARVC, and Jay’s Sporting Goods in Clare Michigan Campmasters will now offer the new Smokey Bear campfire poker just the way you want it.

According to Mark Loucks, “We are now prepared to offer the new Smokey Bear campfire poker at the price and quality everyone asked for.” Both the campground industries, retail stores and end users have demanded a price and quality that they will purchase.

“We have tested many different manufacturers, prices places and promotions to compile the exact formula that both the

customers and retailers want Mark said.”

Now we are going to launch this new Smokey Bear campfire poker at the National ARVC show in Orlando on November 9-11 2009 and the National KOA show in Woodland Texas November 18-22 2009.

Campmasters would like to thank all of the early innovative Campground owners for their great vision to purchase and untried product and to all of the RV and Retail stores who participated in our marketing study.

Smokey Bear campfire pokers is now available to

order for Christmas presents and we are also taking wholesale orders for Spring of 2010.

You can order by contacting Campmasters@charter.net or calling Campmasters at 616-918-3732.

Our new Campfirepoker.com website is currently under construction due to the Federal Licensing by Smokey Bear.

We hope to see you at the KOA and ARVC shows in November. If not, contact us at Campmasters@charter.net

By Art LiebermanPeople involved in the credit card industry are all excited right now. Their season is upon them: the long-awaited holiday season, when people will demonstrate that the economic recovery is under way and shoppers will be whipping out their plastic money. It’s enough to make a processor’s heart flutter.

But for MOST campground owners and those that process credit or debit cards for them, this is a time of reflection, planning and adjustment of their finances, as Deanne Bower reminded readers in her article in last week’s E-News. Fresh from our exhibit at ARVC’s Insites show where there were several card processors, financial planners and allied businesses we were reminded that those companies that dedicate themselves to the campground industry are looking forward to spring 2010, not to the winter of 2009.

Not that we are ignoring our brethren in the southern and western-most parts of the US to whom the Fall and Winter season are the most profitable, but it is clear that those campgrounds located above the Mason-Dixon line or in the north or mid-western US have now gone into a period of

rest for the remainder of 2009. As Deanne pointed out, last week, this is their opportunity to evaluate their needs, attend shows and conferences, learn more about their own industry and, generally, not go into complete hibernation.

As for us, this represents our primary selling season. We attend shows, reach those campground owners who can be reached and attempt to educate campground owners about concerns such as security and savings. It is also a time for evaluation for us and to take the opportunity to share the information that we have acquired with the industry. It should be noted that we are in a unique position to do so. We have several hundred campgrounds for which we do processing and have done so for several years. Consequently, we have access to processing information from campgrounds of all sizes and locations. The statistical information can be easily gathered historically, evaluated and the information shared to help determine industry strengths and weaknesses.

We will be issuing a White Paper which will be available to any campground that would like to see our overall evaluation very shortly.

Right now, our analysts are gathering the information from the extensive data that we have. The data is, of course, only compiled from our own customers, which represents campgrounds that range from 24 campsites to many hundred. It ranges from campgrounds that do 80% of their business in credit and debit card processing over the phone - to those that do 90% by swiping cards. In other words it represents the complete variety of processing done by our campground customers. It will show where geographically business was good and what percentage of growth there was in credit versus debit transactions. This information could help guide the operation of your campground.

Perhaps the best news is that we will present this information as a FREE webinar which will be the third of our webinar presentations, joining our “Saving Money on Credit/Debit Card Processing” and the “PCI Compliance” webinars. We also will provide the statistical data on hard copy as a back-up, which we will e-mail to interested people in our industry.

In the interim, as we ready our White Paper, I second Deanne’s motion that you use the so-called “down time” to benefit your

business. Learn all you can about regulations.

Investigate new ideas and resources. Discover ways to save money. Think about expanding you business by investing in cabins or rental units. And, finally, spend money to help improve your personal lives and the economy. Oh, yes, and use your credit cards! Art Lieberman is President of MCPS for Campgrounds, a credit card processor sponsored by Woodforest Bank NA. Art has been in the Credit Card industry for nearly 12 years. Art has been conducting webinars online and seminars on credit cards in many State and Regional Association Conventions. He can be contacted at art@mcpsforcampgrounds.com

LINCOLN COUNTY Miss.The Lincoln Center, with its sophisticated new moniker, also has new parking spots. To be specific, 39 concrete recreational vehicle slots, complete with water, sewer and electrical hookups.

Area dignitaries gathered at the Lincoln Center Monday to cut the ribbon on the new RV park and to christen the facility under its new name. Lincoln Center Manager Quinn Jordan said the RV park project was one that made a lot of financial sense."We looked at what would be the best return for our investment," he said. "This will bring people into Lincoln County where they'll spend their tax dollars, shop in local shops and eat at local restaurants. We thought it was the best way to create economic impact in Lincoln County."

The multi-purpose commission also chose to undertake the RV park project because of its potential to pay for itself, officials said. It cost $575,000, with $250,000 available via a grant from the Pearl River Basin Development District.

"An RV park is needed in this area, because when there are events at the multi-purpose building, it gives another option for people who come to

Brookhaven," said commission member McNair Smith. "We hope to see this really impact our community. This is a beautiful place and we have a lot of pride in what's going on here."

Some local leaders are excited about the project because it allows visitors to park their RVs and stay for days.

"We hope to draw as many people to this area as we can," said District 92 Rep. Becky Currie. "This is one more tool that we can use, because it's a place for people to hook up and stay when they come in for events in Lincoln County."

District 39 Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith said the addition of the RV park at the complex is one that has been needed for some time.

"Throughout the state, when we attend many functions, you can bring your RV and hook it up, but until now you couldn't do that here," she said. "This allows us to market to more events and more individuals ... so many people have campers, it's great for us to be able to offer this opportunity."

Full Article:Daily Leader

EDMONTON — Parks Canada hopes to entice inexperienced and reluctant campers to Jasper National Park with three new luxury canvas tents that come complete with mattresses, heaters, electric lights and kitchen utensils.

The tents are expected to rent for about $90 each night, a price that includes a complimentary "Camping 101" lesson, in which campers will learn to light a fire and cook bannock.

The high-end camping pilot project comes in response to declining numbers of Canadians taking advantage of the country's national parks.

New statistics show the number of visitors to Jasper National Park dropped nine per cent over the last year, to 1.8 million visitors in 2008-09 from two million the previous year.

Park attendance across the country also dropped nine per cent, including a seven-percent drop in Banff and a six-per-cent drop in Elk Island.

Parks Canada tourism specialist Gloria Keyes-Brady said the causes for the drop are not clear, but a slow economy and poor weather last year likely played a role, along with changing expectations from an increasingly urban population. "Camping is changing," she said. "We have started to see that we

need to change what we're offering. People are asking for more services."Starting next spring, neophyte campers can book the "cottage tents" at Whistler's Campground, about three kilometres south of the Jasper town site.

The tents have raised wood floors, and futons, bunk beds and other furnishings such as tables and lights.

The tents also have baseboard heaters, which won't keep them at room temperature but will take the chill out of the air, Keyes-Brady said.

New campers will also find everything they need to prepare meals, except the food. Basic wildlife safety practices still apply, and all cooking must be done outside the tents.

The tents sleep five or six people, one is wheelchair accessible, and they are close to kitchens and bathrooms.

Keyes-Brady said the initial response from campers has been positive and park managers will ask for feedback from those who use the tent-cottages next summer.

If the pilot project is successful, the tent-cottage project could be expanded to other mountain parks.

Full Articlewww.edmontonjournal.com

This week's featured Listing

Click on the image below to search the directory:Listings added

daily

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

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

The bikes are not only "green" environmentally

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

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

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