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for more sponsorship information contact Kera Tomlin at ktomlin@arvc.org
In the News
ARVC tracks news alerts and RSS feeds for the latest information concerning member parks, campgrounds and the National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds. Here is some of the most recent press coverage.
NASCAR, partners plan up to 500 branded campgrounds
CHICAGO (Reuters) - NASCAR plans to roll out up to 500 branded campgrounds in the United States in a move to build consumer loyalty to the U.S. auto racing circuit and attract a new generation of fans.
The sports organization, known for its three stock car and pickup truck racing series, said on Friday it is teaming with Morgan RV Resorts and real estate investor and developer Silver Companies to open 13 locations this spring. The goal is to expand over the next decade.
To read more click here.
Record Visitation at SD State Parks in 2009
South Dakota's state parks and recreation areas set records in visitation and camping use last year amid a shaky economy and higher entrance fees.
Camping in 2009 increased 10 percent over the previous year, while overall visitation was up 7 percent, said Doug Hofer, director of parks for the state Department of Game, Fish and Parks.
To read more click here.
Resort Gives $27,000 to Cape Regional
COURT HOUSE — Representing Beachcomber Camping Resort and the Brodesser Family, Tammy Gomez and Kristen Gallego presented a check for $27,000 to Joanne Carrocino, president and CEO of Cape Regional Medical Center and Tom Piratzky, executive director of Cape Regional Medical Center Foundation.
The occasion marked the 16th year Beachcomber Camping Resort has held major “fun-raising” events to benefit Cape Regional, according to a release.
To read more click here.
Camping Up in State Parks for 2009
Trailer Life, January 4, 2010
A new survey of state parks by the National Association of State Park Directors features some encouraging news for the camping and RV industry.
For 28 state-park systems reporting on camping activity for calendar year 2009, all but one reported an increase in camping. The sole exception is Hawaii, which has experienced a significant drop in tourism overall. The average increase in campground stays for 2009 over 2008 for the 28 states was 7.38%, according to a preliminary report issued by Philip McKnelly, NASPD executive director.
The same states also reported a significant increase in overall state-park visitations with just two states — New Jersey and Arkansas — reporting declines. The overall increase in visits for 2009 was 6.94%.
Story courtesy of RV Business.
ARVC Members Report Resilience, Optimism
By anyone’s standards, 2009 has been a tough year for the U.S. economy.
But while most Americans have tightened their budgets in response to job losses, difficulties obtaining credit or simply because of economic uncertainties, campgrounds and RV parks have remained economically resilient, according to a news release from the National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds (ARVC).
“We are very grateful for the level of business we’ve had,” said Jayne Cohen, president of Adventure Bound Camping Resorts in Center Harbor, N.H., which owns and operates nine RV resorts in New Hampshire, Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Tennessee and Arizona. “When we closed down our November numbers, we were even with last year in revenue.”
To read more click here.
President's Corner
Important association updates by ARVC President/CEO, Linda Profaizer.
SESAC Proposing “Limited Music Usage Fee Schedule”
Bill Stevens, Director of Business Development for SESAC has recently submitted a new plan called the “Limited Music Usage Fee Schedule” to SESAC’s legal department for review. Mr. Stevens is trying to create this program in response to the feedback he has received from ARVC and ARVC members wanting a program that addresses the limited music usage at their parks. Once legal approves the document then it will be submitted to SESAC’s Senior Management and when they approve the document the program will then be able to be offered to our members. Mr. Stevens stated he hoped to have a completed document by late February 2010. He has not shared any details of the proposed new program since details will most likely change by the time we receive a final document.
2010 National Issues Conference
ARVC’s National Issues Conference is scheduled for Tuesday, April 27 thru Wednesday April 28, 2010 in College Park, Maryland and Washington, DC. The host hotel will be the Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites in College Park, Maryland. This is the same hotel that will host the CAMP meeting. Find out the latest information on healthcare and small business issues among other topics. More information available shortly.
Thor Rental Program
Please don’t forget about the special member pricing opportunities offered through THOR, our official provider, for the purchase of park models and RVs to add to your rental business. Both KOA and Yogi Bear Jellystone Parks believe that to an extent, the future may lie in the area of lodging. KOA added more than 220 full-service “lodges” to their system in 2009 and have a goal of converting 20% of their cabins without restrooms to fully equipped “lodges” per Woodall’s Campground Management December 2009 issue.
USDA Loan Program
The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has a guaranteed loan program for businesses in rural communities which are defined as areas that are outside the limits of any city with a population of 50,000 or more. That would include a great many of our members. It may provide a method to obtain very low rate loans that could be used for equipment purchase, expansion, development of a new park and even to use to start a recreational park trailer rental program as our friend Bill Garpow, Executive Director of RPTIA suggests. This program comes with up to an 80% federal guarantee of the loan and it is outside of the problems that financial institutions are having trying to maintain the liquidity requirements imposed by the FDIC that has made it so difficult to get a loan. Like any loan however it does require secured capitalization . Terms can be up to 30 years for property and less for other things. Look it over.
Click here for more information.
We'd Like to Know How You Are Doing
We know these can be tough, scary times. We'd like to know how you are coping with the economy, where you are marketing, any information on reservations compared to last year or current occupancy. You can go online to make comments at goodnews@arvc.org or newsofconcern@arvc.org or just email me directly at lprofaizer@arvc.org Thanks.
Marketing/Partnerships
ARVC Marketing information and latest partnerships submitted by ARVC Marketing & Communications Director, Kera Tomlin.
Join ARVC’s Facebook Fan Page & Help Us Reach Our Goal of 500 Fans!
We currently have about 125 ARVC Facebook Fans, let’s continue to grow our fan base. If you’re already a fan, please share with other colleagues in the industry. If you’re not a fan, make sure to become a fan of the National Association of RV Parks & Campgrounds on both Facebook & Twitter! We’ve recently posted all the photos taken at InSites 2009. Use Facebook & Twitter to share ideas with ARVC and other members.
Become a Fan of ARVC Facebook
Become a Fan of MyARVC on Twitter
Jeff Crider Needs Your Input – Please Respond!
Help Jeff Crider, ARVC’s PR specialist gather some important info needed for future press releases. By participating, your park will likely be listed in releases related to the information you provided to Jeff. It is a way to get additional free publicity for your park.
Just click here and fill out and provide answers to questions pertinent to your park.
Thank you very much.
Upgrade Your GoCampingAmerica.com Park Listing Today
Gain more exposure for your park on the GCA website. Now you can add photos and even videos to your GoCampingAmerica.com park listing by upgrading your profile from a basic listing to either a Silver or Gold Listing!
Silver Listing: Upload up to 10 park photos to your park’s listing page
What Does It Cost?
- $195 per year
- $370 for 2 years
- $112 for 6 months
- $19.99 per month
Gold Listing: Upload up to 10 park photos to your park’s listing page AND upload a promotional video of your park!
What Does It Cost?
- $295 per year
- $560 for 2 years
- $160 for 6 months
- $27.95 per month
Click here to go to the Online ARVC store and upgrade your listing today.
Plan-It Green Corner
Tell Us How Your Park Is GREEN
Email us and tell us what your park is doing to be green!! info@arvc.org
Membership Corner
ARVC Membership information submitted by ARVC Membership Director, Daniel Gurley.
Check out the newly redesigned GoCampingAmerica.com website to make sure your park’s contact information is accurate. Please visit: www.arvcgateway.com to update your listing today!
Did you Miss the Music Licensing Webinar?
If you were interested in learning more about music licensing but couldn’t make the webinar, a FREE recording of the webinar is available for your convenience. It is approximately 75 minutes in length and can be found in the Member Benefits section on www.arvc.org.
Or you can click here to go right to the recording.
The 2010 forms can also be found in this same section on the website. Keep checking back for more information on this topic. We are expecting to have a printable version of the key information and Q&A from the webinar. If you have any questions, please contact dgurley@arvc.org or mtack@arvc.org.
Education Corner
Educational information submitted by ARVC Education Director, Cheryl Smith & Education Specialist, Mary Tack
Wondering About Your CPO Credits?
If you’ve submitted information to earn CPO credits, rest assured that we do have your information. We encountered some technical difficulties which delayed getting the CPO credits entered into your records. You should start seeing your revised CPO transcripts this month. It may take a little longer for all the credits from the 2009 InSites convention to be entered due to the volume. CPO certificates earned in 2009 are also on their way. If you have any questions, please contact mtack@arvc.org. Thank you for your patience!
ARVC Foundation Corner
The ARVC Foundation Board is the non-profit organization established by the National Association of RV Parks & Campgrounds (ARVC) for the purpose of providing educational opportunities for the outdoor hospitality industry. The Foundation aids in the development of our professional skills and business profitability.
As the newly elected Chair, I consider that educating campground owners is one of the most important programs for the Foundation. Continuing the traditions of the Foundation and relating to the educational needs of the future is going to be the Foundation's goals.
To read more click here.
If you have questions or concerns, please contact ARVC at 1-800-395-2267