OWNERS NEWS - KOA Owners Association

Transcription

Owners
News
OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE KAMPGROUND OWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC.
Volume 33
Issue 1
January/February/March
2013
• Contents •
Presidents Message..................................................................... 2
2013 OA Board............................................................................. 4
2013 State/Provincial Presidents................................................. 9
Illinois KOA Owners Meeting Minutes........................................ 10
New Mexico KOA Owners Meeting Minutes............................... 14
Branding: An Overview............................................................... 16
Some Observations on Resort Segmentations.......................... 20
Madison/Shenandoah Hills KOA Letter regarding Branding...... 22
Refinishing Picnic Tables by Loren Smith................................... 23
Joke Korner................................................................................ 28
OIG - What does the Internet Say about Your Business?.......... 30
OA Associate Members.............................................................. 32
Murbles....................................................................................... 34
2013 Care Camps Board............................................................ 35
Report from the New Care Camps Chairman............................ 36
How I got a Cargo Trailer donated for KOA Care Camps........... 38
www.koaowners.org
www.koaowners.org
1
Volume 33, Issue 1
President’s Message
Newsletter Issue 1, 2013
By the time you receive this
newsletter many of you will
either be open or preparing to
open for the 2013 season. We
have all been concerned over the
questions raised and discussed
at our recent KOA convention
regarding the branding issue.
Your OA board has been
actively involved in ongoing discussions regarding
the branding issue. As you know we conducted two
surveys among the entire system to allow participation
and discussion of the many concerns that have been
expressed by so many of you. You will recall that right
after the convention we contacted the system and let
all of you know that we were not prepared to endorse
the concept as it was explained to us in Orlando. You
may recall the motion we made at the meeting was:
That KOA Owners Association recommends that
further design and implementation of branding be
delayed until further design and implementation of
branding be delayed until further discussions with
KOA, Inc take place.
I would like to review for you some of the actions the
OA board has taken since then. We have had several
conference calls and a 2 ½ day meeting to discuss this
very important issue. In addition, I asked the board
to form 3 ad hoc committees, journey, holiday and
resort. All the members of the board volunteered to be
on one of these ad hoc committees. They met several
times, and with the results of our surveys in hand
discussed the many concerns and suggestions you all
made through these surveys, as well as many direct
contacts between the area directors and many owners
in their respective areas. Each committee reviewed
issues, concerns and criteria published by KOA. Each
committee made specific recommendations that were
brought up at our winter meeting in February. We
met as a board first by ourselves and then with Pat
Hittmeier and Jef Sutherland to discuss our thoughts,
concerns and recommendations. We then reviewed
with them the criteria they were considering for each
segment—journey, holiday and resort. We invited
Chuck Celenia, from Independence bank, to review
first with us, and then together with KOA to discuss
the financial impact some of these criteria would have
on so many of us in the system. I feel your board
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and the KOA representatives conducted our discussions
in an open honest and professional manner. Many of our
recommendations were accepted, some were delayed
and others we were promised would be given serious
consideration to. They promised to let us review the
self assessment survey they were developing to ask the
entire system to respond to, so that we all could get a
better handle on the impact of the proposed criteria for
each segment. As of this writing we have, as a board,
received the draft and are all responding to it with
recommendations for change. Again, by the time you
receive this newsletter, the self assessment audits should
be completed.
I believe, as does your OA board, that progress is being
made. There are still many questions unanswered and more
thought and discussion on this subject must take place. We
continue to ask you to remain active and involved with us
and KOA as we move forward together too honestly and
sensibly move our system forward together.
It is most important that we continue to work closely with
KOA, Inc. in enhancing our KOA system and achieving
continued growth in camper nights and increase our market
share of the camping industry. I feel confident in saying
you are truly represented by some great board members!
This issue has some brief background information on
most of our OA board. We have sent up special email
addresses for each director by area to make it easier for
all of you to contact the board whenever you can. You
will hear from us as further developments occur.
In concluding, I have summarized below what the OA
position is as of this writing on March 31, 2013:
At this time the OA, does not endorse this program. We
acknowledge that KOA Inc has reformatted the program
considerably from its original inception due to feedback
from franchisees, the two partner groups, and the OA, and
we commend them for that. I believe it proves KOA, Inc.
is serious about making this program work. The Owners
Association is recommending further consultation in
regards to the marketing, the marketing budget, and
the results of the Brand assessment data gathered from
Ekamp, with KOA Inc as the next step.
Thanks again to all of you for your support of the OA.
David Barton
President KOA Owners Association
Owners News
January/February/March 2013
SE Publications Ad
www.koaowners.org
3
Volume 33, Issue 1
KOA Owners Association
Area 1
TENNESSEE, NORTH CAROLINA, SOUTH CAROLINA, ALABAMA, GEORGIA, FLORIDA, KENTUCKY, VIRGINIA,
WEST VIRGINIA
KEN BOWMAN FORSYTH KOA 10101
414 S. FRONTAGE RD
FORSYTH, GA 31029
Phone: (478) 994-2019
Email: [email protected]
Cell: (478) 319-5560
MARK MANNING
FANCY GAP/BLUE RIDGEPKWY KOA 46183
47 FOX TRAIL LOOP
FANCY GAP, VA 24328
Phone: (276) 728-7776
Fax: (276) 728-1014
Cell: (480)-390-6782
Area 2
OHIO, DELAWARE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, PENNSYLVANIA, MAINE, VERMONT, MASSACHUSETTS,
NEW HAMPSHIRE, MARYLAND, CONNECTICUT, RHODE ISLAND
VICKI COLE, Past PRESIDENT SHELBY/MANSFIELD KOA 35164
6787 BAKER 47
SHELBY, OH 44875-9103
Phone: (419) 347-1392
Fax: (419) 342-5353
Email: [email protected] Cell: (419) 564-3495 H (419) 347-2299
KARL SCHMIDT, TREASURER
ELIZABETHTOWN/HERSHEY KOA 38181
1980 TURNPIKE RD
ELIZABETHTOWN, PA 17022
Phone: (717) 367-7718
Fax: (717) 367-3412
Cell: (717) 201-0013
Area 3
MICHIGAN, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, NORTH DAKOTA, SOUTH DAKOTA, NEBRASKA, MINNESOTA, WISCONSIN, IOWA
JOE LONG LENA KOA
10982 US HIGHWAY 20 WEST
LENA, IL 61048
Phone: (815) 369-2612
Fax: (815) 369-2018
Cell: (630) 991-6690
Howard Stein
Port Huron KOA 22-220
5151 LAPEER RD
KIMBALL, MI 48074
Phone: (810) 987-7075
Fax: (810) 987-7073
Cell: (810) 650-8671
Area 4
LOUISIANA, MISSISSIPPI, KANSAS, MISSOURI, OKLAHOMA, TEXAS, ARKANSAS
MARSHAL GRAY
SAN ANGELO KOA 43111
6699 KNICKERBOCKER RD.
SAN ANGELO, TX 76904 Phone: (325) 949-3242
Cell: (325) 656.6446
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DIANE KING, SECRETARY
SPRINGFIELD/RT 66 KOA 25137
5775 WEST FARM ROAD 140
SPRINGFIELD, MO 65802
Phone: (417) 831-3645
Fax: (417) 863-0295
Cell: (417) 209-4845
Owners News
Board of Directors 2013
Area 5
ALASKA, WASHINGTON, OREGON, IDAHO, MONTANA, WYOMING
KIM CARRANZA
TWIN FALLS/JEROME KOA 12109
5431 US HWY 93
JEROME, ID 83338
Phone: (208) 324-4169
Fax: (208) 324-4376
Cell: (208) 490-0709
HOMER STAVES, Vice President
WHITEFISH/KALISPELL KOA 26161
3191 PARKHILL
Billings, MT 59102
Phone: (406) 656-7086
Fax: (406) 656-7086 Email: [email protected]
Cell: (406) 672-2383
Area 6
HAWAII, CALIFORNIA, NEVADA, UTAH, COLORADO, ARIZONA, NEW MEXICO
PAMELA MENDALA
CRAIG SISCO
CLOVERDALE KOA 5275
FORT COLLINS/LAKESIDE KOA
1166 ASTI RIDGE RD, PO BOX 600
1910 LAKESIDE RESORT LANE
CLOVERDALE, CA 95425
FORT COLLINS, CO 80524
Phone: (707) 894-3337 Phone: (970) 484-9880
Fax: (707) 894-9206
Fax: (970) 493-8900
Cell: (707) 849-4697
Cell: (970)-213-4081
Area 7
HANS WAGNER
1000 ISLANDS/KINGSTON KOA
2039 CORDUKES RD.
KINGSTON, ON, K7L4V4
Phone: (613) 546-6140
Fax: (613) 546-6178
Cell: (613) 546-6178
DAVE BARTON, President
1000 ISLAND/IVY LEA KOA 55203
514 1000 ISLANDS PKWY
LANSDOWNE, ON K0E 1L0
Phone:(613) 659-2817
Fax: (613) 659-2992
Cell: (613) 539-2018 (winter #)
Area 8
Koa Inc. Liaison
Executive Director
WESTERN CANADA
JIM BROWN
Jef Sutherland
HINTON/JASPER KOA 51124
VP of Franchisee Service
50409 B HIGHWAY 16; Box 5052
PO BOX 3055
HINTON, AB T7V 1X3
BILLINGS, MT 59114
Phone: (780) 865-5062
Phone: (800) 548-7104
Cell: (403) 815-4833; Winter (403) 288-8351
www.koaowners.org
William Ranieri
3416 PRIMM LANE
BIRMINGHAM, AL 35216
(800) 678-9976, (888) 461-2062
FAX: (205) 823-2760
Cell: (205) 587-5309
CENTRAL & EASTERN CANADA
5
Volume 33, Issue 1
Board of Directors’ biographies
Area 1
Kennie E. Bowman
Bowman was born in Arcadis, LA in 1937. He
graduated from Louisiana Tech University in Ruston, LA and attended graduate school at Louisiana State University. After graduation, he went
to work in the Hospital Administration field. In
1961, he became a Hospital Administrator. Kennie served as a
hospital administrator in several hospitals over the next fifteen
years—before entering private business. He left this field to start
his convenience food store and self-serve gas station. He ended
up with three stores over the next eighteen years. After this experience, he entered politics and served as County Commission
Chairperson. After completing that service, he accepted a position as Federal Programs Administrator for eleven counties in
Northeast Louisiana. He held that position until he and his wife,
Mary Ann, decided to purchase a KOA.
Mark Manning
Mark Manning was born and raised in Michigan.
His date of birth is July 6, 1958. Mark has an
Associate’s Degree. While at college, he met his
wife Cheryl, and they were married in 1979. He
started his own painting company in 1982. And
in 1993, he moved his family to Phoenix, Arizona. In Phoenix,
he started a successful painting and wall covering company and
managed five employees. He built his wife a new home in 2002
in Queen Creek, AZ. He was elected to the OA board at our last
meeting in Orlando.
Mark and Cheryl always dreamed of owning a campground, and
that dream came to fruition in 2005. At that time, they purchased Fox Trail Family Campground in Fancy Gap, Virginia. In
2007, they converted the campground. Managing Fox Trail Family is a family affair-- as his son, Benjamin, and daughter-in-law,
Sheryl, also work at the campground. Mark has two wonderful
grandsons—Zeke and Matt. His daughter (Julie) is an R.N. and
is gainfully employed in Arizona. Mark belongs to KOA Owners’
Association and Blue Ridge Host. In his spare time, he enjoys
bowling, reading, running half marathons, and traveling.
Area 2
Vicki Cole
Vicki and her husband, Garry, have owned the
Shelby/ Mansfield KOA since 1991. Their site
was formally known as the Wagon Wheel Campground before it was converted in 2002. Vicki
and Garry are heavily involved in the camping
industry; they serve on several boards and are presenters at many
national conventions. She is now serving on the OA board as our
Past President.
Vicki earned a Bachelor’s of Science in Music Education from
Capital University and a Master’s of Education from Heidelberg
University. Vicki’s main interest is the education of campground
owners and managers. She just finished her term as Chairwoman
of the ARVC Foundation Board-which is the educational board
of ARVC. The board was also responsible for having the educational program which was Certified Park Owner revitalized to the
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Outdoor Hospitality Education Program. Providing recreational
programs in the campground is her main focus, and entertaining her campers is paramount. She has an intensive recreational
program for all age levels at Shelby Mansfield. Vicki belongs to
the Mansfield & Richland County Chamber of Commerce, and
Bucyrus Tourism Association. She enjoys spending time with her
two granddaughters.
Karl Schmidt
Schmidt was born in 1963 in Illinois. He and his
wife, Linda, have three children. Karl achieved
several professional certifications and has worked
a variety of jobs in the public and private sectors.
He and his family purchased the Elizabethtown/
Hershey KOA in 1994.
He was elected to the OA Board in 2008 and belongs to several
organizations (including the Pennsylvania Campground Owner’s Association, Pennsylvania Recreational Vehicle and Campground Association). At the 2012 meeting in Orlando, Karl was
elected to serve as Treasurer of the Owners’ Association.
Area 3
Joe Long
Joe Long and his wife, Diane, have two daughters- Allie and Kaley. Joe and his family purchased
the Lena KOA in July 2006. He loves the campground lifestyle. Prior to buying the Lena KOA,
Joe worked in the Public Parks and Recreation
Sector for twenty-two years. He primarily worked in the Chicago suburb of Westmont. He also worked for a few years in his
home state of Kentucky. His education background includes a
B.S. Degree in Recreation & Park Administration from Eastern
Kentucky University. Joe belongs to the KOA Owners’ Association, Illinois Campground Association, and ARVC. He enjoys
music, sports, and outdoor activities. He was elected to the OA
board at our last meeting in Orlando.
Howard Stein
Howard holds an Associate’s from Port Huron
College, and a Bachelor of Science from Western
Michigan University in Engineering Technology. He has attended several post degree courses
in business, engineering and real estate. Howard
has been a self-employed businessman since 1968. He has over
thirty-five years of experience as a Defense Contractor for the
United States Department of Defense. His job description included making numerous plastic munitions and rubber molded
items such as life vests, the PASGT Kevlar helmet for ground
troops, and the Sun Wind and Dust (SWID) Goggles used during and after Desert Storm. He was a certified law enforcement
officer in Michigan from 1980-2000 and was employed as a St.
Clair County Deputy Sherriff. In 2000, he decided to hang up
his Smith & Wesson in order to spend more time at Port Huron
KOA with his family. In 1990, Port Huron KOA was a 160site/ 5500 camper night campground. However, Stein developed
Port Huron KOA from a 160-site/ 5500 camper night campground to a 462 site/ 33,000 camper night destination in 2012.
He proudly served 17 years on the KOA Advertising Committee
(later to be called The KOA Marketing Partners).
Owners News
Howard has been married to his wife (Shirley) for over fortyeight years. Shirley is a retired Medical Technologist and selfemployed business woman. They have three daughters—each of
whom has two boys. So, Howard and Shirley have six grandsons!
All six grandchildren are employed at the campground as they
work their way through college. Howard is a Lifetime Member of
The National Rifle Association. He also belongs to the National
Sheriff Association, Elks, and St. Clair County Republican Party.
In his spare time, he enjoys motor home traveling, photography,
collecting fire arms, horses, developing landscape for the enjoyment of others, campgrounds, operating equipment such as bull
dozers, hydraulic excavators, tree shears, and farm tractors.
Area 5
Area 4
He and his wife (Andrea) purchased Whitefish Montana KOA
in 1999, and he retired from KOA Inc. in 2000. Homer and his
wife currently live in Billings but move to an apartment at their
KOA site for the summer. Homer’s sons live full time on the
KOA grounds. His son, Walt, manages the campground. His
son Neil owns his own custom furniture business but helps out
when needed. Homer also owns Staves Consulting and helps
people who want to build a campground throughout the United
States, Canada, and overseas. He proudly worked on twenty-five
campground sites in China in 2012. At the 2012 meeting in
Orlando, Homer was elected to serve as Vice President of The
Owners’ Association.
Marshal was born in 1954 in San Angelo, Texas.
He graduated from Angelo State University with
a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and a Minor in Math. Marshal and his wife, Sherri, have
been married for thirty-two years. They have four
sons-Michael, Mathew, Mark and Mason.
Marshal has been the proud owner and operator of Pack Saddle
BBQ for twenty-six years and the San Angelo KOA for eighteen.
His former job titles included project analyst for an oil field construction company, realtor and accountant. His interests include
hunting, fishing, camping and archery. He has served on the OA
board several years ago, and was re-elected to the board at our
last meeting in Orlando.
Diane King
Diane and her husband (Scott) have owned and
operated the Springfield/Route 66 KOA since
2004. She and her husband are native Californians and moved to Springfield when they purchased the campground. KOA is a great fit for her
family because they enjoy having the freedom that comes with
owning and operating their own business. Before KOA, Diane
worked in sales and sales management for a gift company and
also worked with non-profits and fundraising. She also worked
as a Court Reporter/ Stenographer and taught Adult Education.
Diane is currently employed in Missouri as a Licensed Realtor;
she sells both residential and commercial properties.
Diane has always been an active volunteer with organizations.
She has worked with PTA, Boy Scouts of America, KOA Operations Partner and Greyhound Pets of America. She has served as
KOA State President and a board member of Juvenile Diabetes
Research Foundation. She takes her position as Area Representative seriously and is confident that she can represent her peers
well. She promises she will work tirelessly to be your voice with
KOA. Her main goal is working with others to make the system better for all franchisees. Diane’s interests include antiquing,
traveling and watching UCLA Football and Basketball. She and
her husband have a twenty-eight year old son named Jason who
lives in Chicago. At the 2012 meeting in Orlando, Diane was
elected to serve as Secretary of the Owners’ Association.
www.koaowners.org
After earning a MBA from the University of Montana, Homer joined his family’s electrical construction company and did the electrical work on one
of the earliest KOAs in 1965. Two years later, he
left the family business and moved to Billings to
work for Darrell Booth at the Billings Chamber of Commerce.
He joined Darrell Booth at KOA in 1967. From 1973 to 1980,
Homer owned and operated a large cherry orchard and process
business in Western Montana but returned to KOA in 1980.
Area 6
Craig Sisco
Craig Sisco was born in October of 1969 in northern Michigan. He earned a degree in Accounting
from Michigan State University in 1992. Craig
has held Accounting positions in the Detroit area
hotel, restaurant, and automotive industry. He
and his wife, Heidi, moved to Colorado in 2006 to operate the
Fort Collins Lakeside KOA. He is the son-in-law of Guenter
Kippschull, a past president of the Owners Association. Craig
was elected to the OA board at our last board meeting in Orlando. Craig enjoys fishing, sports, and games.
Area 7
Hans W. Wagner
Hans was born in March of 1959 in Laubach,
Germany. He has a Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering. Wagner purchased the 1000 Island Kingston
KOA Campground in the summer of 2000 and
relocated with his son (Patrick) from California.
The lifestyle change was a family decision. Hans served as CEO
for a machine manufacturing company; this role was hectic and
included a lot of travel. He eventually decided to “slow down
and smell the roses.” Over the past thirteen seasons, he and his
family have worked hard to make many improvements to the
campground. These changes were made in order to provide an
outstanding camping experience for his guests. Five years ago,
Hans met Rhonda, and last year (just prior to the KOA Convention), they got married. In their spare time, Hans and his
wife enjoy traveling, hunting, and motor bike riding. Hans was
elected to the OA board at our last meeting in Orlando.
Marshal Gray
Homer Staves
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Volume 33, Issue 1
Dave Barton
Dave Barton and his wife, Susan, have owned the
Ivy Lea KOA for over twenty-five years. Dave was
elected as the Owners Association president at the
last OA board meeting in Orlando. Dave’s educational background is in computer sciences. The
Bartons are actively involved with the KOA system. Dave has
spent seven years on the Technology/ Operations partners and
is now on his second term with the OA. Sue is currently sitting on the Marketing Partners Board. They have both served
on their regional Owners Association in the past and are proud
members of the KOA Green Team. Dave has also served on local and regional Economic Development committees for over 7
years. They have several pets—including a Pot Bellied Pig named
Stewie. They also have two great dogs named Cooper and Sam.
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
These emails will go directly to both area directors in the area you
want to contact.
Area 8
James Brown
Brown was born in Manitoba on January 12, 1947
and grew up on a farm in
Saskatchewan. He went
into the insurance business the day he wrote his last exam in
high school. He worked mainly in Calgary and worked for a short time in Edmonton and Vancouver. James spent ten
years working for two different insurance
companies—first a British company and
then an American. He also purchased
an insurance brokerage office in Calgary
which he operated for the next twentyeight years. In 1983, he wrote KOA in
order to get a KOA franchise. He had previously acquired his land in 1981. However, KOA would not sell a franchise in
Alberta because their lawyer had advised
them against so due to Alberta Franchise
requirements. After writing them several
more times over a period of years, KOA
finally started selling franchise in Alberta
in 1997. I purchased a franchise that
year, but by then, development was occurring around us. This caused me to try
to get a permit to build the campground
for the next five years. Brown built the
campground in 2003, and the grounds
have been in operation since late 2003.
Brown and his wife, Verna, have three
children (Jason, Christopher, Lacey and
a grandson-Jimmy).
Are the year
to year
fluctuations
in your
insurance
rates making
your stomach
do flip-flops?
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
8
If so, it’s time to get off the insurance rate roller coaster
and call Evergreen USA. We’re owned and operated by
the camping industry, so we understand your business.
And because we base our rates on a long-term, stable
approach, you won’t have to fasten your seatbelt every
time your policy renews.
Discover the Evergreen difference—friendly, knowledgeable
service, flexible payment plans, and a 20% discount as an
industry association member.
PLEASE NOTE: We have created
emails for all the area directors and officers
so that you can contact them directly with
any issues, concerns or suggestions that you
would like to share with them and the entire OA board. The direct emails are listed
below.
Some insurance companies’ rates
vary wildly from year to year.
Call Evergreen today for a free quote:
1-800-343-7900
Official Campground Insurance Provider
‘Secure’ rating from A.M. Best Company
Evergreen USA RRG, Inc. • 10 Falcon Road, Lewiston, ME 04240
1-800-343-7900 • www.evergreenusa.com
Owners News
CALIFORNIA/NEVADA
Brian Cushman
Lake Isabella/Kern River KOA
15627 Highway 178
Weldon, CA 93283
(760) 378-4669
[email protected]
NEW ENGLAND
Steve Jesseman
Littleton/Lisbon, NH KOA
2154 Route 302
Lisbon, NH 03585
(603) 838-5525
[email protected]
TENNESSEE/KENTUCKY
Charles Dameron
Ashland/Huntington West KOA
80 KOA Lane
Argillite, KY 41121
(606) 929-5504
[email protected]
COLORADO
Carolyn Stowe
Pueblo KOA
4131 Interstate 25 N
Pueblo, CO 81001
(719) 542-2273
[email protected]
NEW MEXICO
Larry Pasekoff
Santa Fe KOA 31159
934 Old Las Vegas Hwy
Santa Fe, NM 87505
(505) 466-1419
[email protected]
TEXAS
Marshal Gray 43111
Concho Valley KOA
6699 Knickerbocker Rd
San Angelo, TX 76904
(325) 656-6446
[email protected]
FLORIDA
Elliott Smith 9205
St. Augustine Beach KOA
525 W. Pope Rd
St. Augustine, FL 32080
(904) 806-1431
[email protected]
NEW YORK
Anita Perry
Chautauqua Lake KOA 32233
5652 Thumb Road
DeWittville, NY 14738
(716) 386-3804
[email protected]
UTAH/IDAHO
Oscar Carranza
Twin Falls/Jerome KOA 12109
5431 US Hwy 93
Jerome, ID 83338
(208) 324-4169
[email protected]
Heartland-AR, OK, KS, MO
Scott King
Springfield/Route 66 KOA 25137
5775 West Farm Road 140
Springfield, MO 65802
(417) 831-3645
[email protected]
OHIO
Garry Cole
Shelby/Mansfield KOA 35-164
6787 Baker 47
Shelby, OH 44875-9103
(419) 347-1392
[email protected]
VIRGINIA
Steven Albrecht
Staunton/Walnut Hills KOA 46187
484 Walnut Hills Road
Staunton, VA 24401
(540) 337-3920
[email protected]
ILLINOIS
John Downing
Rock Island KOA 13156
2311 78th Ave. W.
Rock Island, IL 61201
(309) 787-0665
[email protected]
OREGON
Michael Greig 37-176
Corvallis/Albany KOA
33775 Oakville Rd. SW
Albany, OR 37321
(541) 967-8521
[email protected]
WASHINGTON
TBD
INDIANA
Hope Perkins 14-133
Elkhart/Middlebury KOA
52867 State Rd. 13
Middlebury, IN 46540
(574) 825-5932
[email protected]
PA CENTRAL
John Dillon 38-117
Bellefonte/State College KOA
2481 Jacksonville Rd
Bellefonte, PA 16823
(814) 355-7912
[email protected]
WISCONSIN
Jeff Irwin 49106
Madison KOA
4859 Cty Rd V
DeForest, WI 53532
(608) 846-4528
[email protected]
MICHIGAN
Cathleen Kuebler 22-225
Traverse City KOA
9700 M37
Buckley, MI 49620
(231) 269-3203
[email protected]
PA-WEST
Gary Levesque 38-104
Philadelphia/West Chester KOA
PO Box 920
Unionville, PA 19375
(610) 486-0447
[email protected]
WESTERN CANADA
James Brown 51124
Hinton Jasper KOA
4720 Vegas Rd NW
Calgary, AB T3A 1W3 CANADA
(780) 865-5062
[email protected]
MINNESOTA
Carissa Vannoy 23125
Bemidji MN KOA
510 Brightstar Road NW
Bemidji, MN 56601
(218) 444-7562
[email protected]
SOUTH CAROLINA
Bill Olendorf 40-113
Point South KOA
14 Kampground Rd
Yemassee, SC 29945
(843) 726-5733
[email protected]
EASTERN CANADA
Richard Marcoux 55-208
1000 Island/Mallorytown KOA
1477 CR 2 PO Box 29
Mallorytown, ON K0E 1R0 CANADA
(613) 923-5339
[email protected]
MONTANA/WYOMING
Homer Staves 26-161
Whitefish/Kalispell KOA
5121 Highway 935
Whitefish, MT 59937
(406) 862-4242
[email protected]
SOUTH DAKOTA
John Adler
Hot Springs KOA 41114
27585 SD Highway 79
Hot Springs, SD 57747
(605) 745-6449
[email protected]
www.koaowners.org
2013 State & Provincial Presidents
9
Volume 33, Issue 1
ILLINOIS KOA OWNERS MEETING Minutes
March 18 -19, 2013
Benton KOA
Hosts: Walt and Karen
March 19th
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10
Welcome and introductions 9:00AM
o Parks present Chicago Northwest, Lena, LaSalle/Peru, Kankakee, Casey, Granite City, Benton and Rock
Island
Financial Report
o John gave the report with the treasury currently hold just over $800
Minutes of October meeting
o Read and approved
Old Business
o Marketing Efforts
Rack card distribution update. Joe said we are down to about 5000 tri folds and that may be enough to get us
through the next show season. He also said that the cards are being sent to the Visitor Centers as the centers
request. The group entered a discussion as to so possible changes we might make to the next printing. It was
decided that all parks will bring their inventory of the Illinois cards to the fall meeting so that an allocation
can be made and used for the shows.
KOA camping shows.
How did each show preform?
o Rosemont – Rob presented on Rosemont and stated the attendance was back to 22,000. Again KOA sent
far too few bags and other supplies for the show so everything was gone by Saturday afternoon. Part
of the problem is that the biggest show in the state is first and the small shows always have excess that
cannot be used for Rosemont. Rob will check with Louie Mann about the possibility of taking a small
distribution for Rock Island, Peoria and Springfield and redirecting to Rosemont. Rob will see if Louie
thinks that is possible. Also, the mile marker signs looked great. It was agreed that the association would
reimburse Tom DeRosa and to add signs for Casey, Benton, Granite City and Springfield for next year.
Again the South Haven MI Park helped with the show and this has been a great plus.
o Quad Cities & Peoria – John indicated that both shows had a good increase in numbers from last year
and each show came in with about 6000 in attendance.
o Springfield – Glenn stated that the Springfield show has not taken place but that the last two shows were
not very good. He will provide an update at the fall meeting. That led to the discussion of dropping
Springfield in favor of adding Rockford. Both shows take place late March and the Rockford show has
been showing signs of strength. The decision to take on Rockford and drop Springfield.
o Joint Marketing Efforts
This year six parks, as members of the Illinois Campground Association, took advantage of that membership
to purchase a full page ad in the ICA directory just opposite of the Yogi ad. John encouraged those that are
not members of ICA to think about the opportunities to advertise and take advantage of ARVC discounts
by becoming members. John thought it would be great if all the parks in Illinois could be listed on the ICA
directory ad. 50,000 of these travel guides are distributed through the mail, visitor centers and RV shows.
Constant contacts discussion. John asked who was signed up to use Constant Contacts and had anyone sent
out a message. There are about four parks now signed but no park has sent out an email. A couple of parks
indicated some dissatisfaction the support. Thomas tried at the meeting to get some answers to questions but
found the Constant Contacts person to be lacking in answers. It appears that to send out a good email the park
owners will need to do a bit of work to be sure that the email lists are good. This took us to a discussion of the
Owners News
•
•
•
Lunch
Park Tour Benton KOA. Walt and Karen gave the group a tour of the park and the many changes they have
been making in their first couple of years of ownership. What was a little concerned that some of his changes
occurred before KOA announced the branding concept and that this could force him to spend money on areas
he just put down some $ only to have KOA change the rules in mid-stream. For those that were at the park
would John and Deb were the owners it was clear that Karen and Walt are serious at making this park a better
place for their guests to stop.
Owners Association Items
o Joe Long our board member for area three on the OA provided a briefing on issues discussed by the OA
board. First off the OA board does not now endorse branding as presented and thinks there are many
unanswered questions. Through the discussion with KOA the board has identified many issues that
don’t make financial sense or operational sense. Many of the park owners said to Joe that they think
KOA has not done their homework and that the plan appears to be poorly developed and that those most
impacted, the owners, were not consulted in the development of the plan. It was also noted by some
that things like fixed location benches in tent site goes against what our campers prefer as it is well
know that tenters like to arrange their space to meet their needs and resent having a park lock things
down as if we know better than our guest what will meet their wants and desires. Joe pointed out the
Independence Bank, a major lender to KOA parks, thought that the financial numbers KOA was using
for lodging was not realistic and yet KOA, Inc. had no desire to rethink their position. It would appear
that KOA has no realistic concept of the cost to the system or individual parks. It was also pointed out
that KOA had no measure for the success of the plan, no ROI or any accurate way to determine if there
is a real increase in camper nights. Joe also pointed out that KOA had promised a follow up assessment
of the VKR program and to date has failed to provide the OA with that information. Several parks spoke
of the possibility of alternatives to staying in the system if the financial burden becomes too great.
Joe said it was clear this whole thing is in limbo. Joe did encourage all the owners to fill out the KOA
assessment form, located on ekamp. He stated owners need to comment on issues when they prepared
the form.
New Business
o ARVC music license. John pointed out that those who are ARVC members and play music in their parks
can now obtain at reduced cost a music license.
o Rob, brought up the issue of ADA pool lifts and asked who had proceeded forward with installation.
www.koaowners.org
•
dirty information in Kampsight and the problems to clean that information before using Constant Contacts.
It was clear from the discussion that the use of Constant Contacts was not as easy and simple as it is made to
appear. It was decided that those of us signed to use Constant Contacts will test some emails and share our
results as to ease of use, effectiveness and cost. This will be done at the fall meeting.
There was also some discussion of the new Facebook feature that allows for placing coupons on the
Facebook page. Rob has given this a try and has had some success. He will provide an update this fall. In
addition to the coupon Rob wanted to let everyone know about giving KOA admin access to park Facebook
accounts so that updates by KOA, Inc. will move through to park Facebook account. Owners were informed
that Katie Gill is the contact person at KOA and that we should take advantage of this opportunity.
o Any Other Possible Joint Marketing Ideas? Rob brought up the issue of an owners domain that would
be used to pull in potential guests who are searching to camp in Illinois at a KOA. It was agreed that the
domain name www.IllinoisKOAcamping.com would be purchased for the association and that Thomas
and Rob would investigate producing a static web page that would redirect to KOA.com/Illinois and
or directly to individual park web pages. As everyone was now on board to precede the group also
authorized the treasury to spend funds for the purpose of purchase and hosting. Rob said he could
handle the technical issues and Thomas said he could do the design. So a committee of two was formed
to move the project forward.
11
Volume 33, Issue 1
•
•
One park had a lift but not installed, other parks were hold waiting to see if rules, requirements or state
rules would change. As Illinois requires, engineered plans, plan approval as well as installation, the cost
and time to get a lift installed is substantially greater than some other states.
o Another discussion took place concerning keeping water on during the winter. It was pointed out
that a new product on the market provides heat in the cable only where the heat is needed when the
temperature fails to about 37 degrees. The name of the product is Easyheat a PDF is attached to this file
for your review.
o One other item discussed was the nonattendance of Howard Hawkins at the meeting. John explained that
for some unknown reason we can no longer make a direct invitation for Howard to attend our meetings
but must do so by making a request through the “approval gods” as such the group asked that approval
be sought to have Howard at our next spring meeting.
Next Meeting location and date will be held at Chicago Northwest on October 7 and 8. Everyone is looking
forward to this first ever owners meeting at this park, so until then, Happy Camping.
Adjourn 3:00pm
HOW TO INSTALL SYSTEM
Each component in the Freeze Free system includes
complete and well-illustrated instructions. Follow these
instructions closely when installing the system. Remember to use only Easy Heat Freeze Free components. You
may wish to consult your local electrical code.
Step One
The first step is to prepare the cable for installation.
Easy Heat’s special Freeze Free end seal must be
installed to protect the end of the cable.
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Self Regulating
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For 120 VAC
Step Two
Following instructions
carefully, assemble
cable into plug kit.
PrOducT SELEcTION GuIdE
cABLE (maximum cable length: 75 feet per application)
2102
100 feet of Freeze Free cable
2302
2502
AccESSOrIES
Step Three
Apply the cable to the pipe.
If a spiral is required, the
distance between the spirals
will ensure that the pipe has
the appropriate coverage. See
Chart 1 or 2 inside.
Step Four
Secure the cable to the pipe
using the Freeze Free HCA tape
or a high quality electricians
tape.
Step Five
Wrap the entire pipe and cable
with insulation. Complete the
installation with the weatherproof
wrap and the caution signs.
12
10802
Connection Kit (plug & end seal),
clamshell individual or 10-pack tray
10803
HCA
EH38
GWI-25
GWI-35
Connection Kit, polybagged 25 count
30 feet of application/caution tape
Thermostat for automatic operation
1/2˝ x 3˝ x 25´ Insulation
GWI-65
KITS
10805
10815
Includes 5´ of cable with plug and end seal
Includes 15´ of cable with plug and end seal
Stop Pipe
Freeze-up
30˝ cord-set
• Grounded
requires less heating cable
• Power indicator light
• Built-in, fast-reaction fuse
• Easy to install
Easy Heat products are provided with a limited warranty: see
owner’s manual or contact Easy Heat for complete terms and
conditions.
System
Listed
952S Mobile Home
Pipe Heating Cable
11001-092 Rev. 5
©2008 Easy Heat
Application
Guide
Owners News
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WITH A FrEEZE FrEE PIPE HEATING SYSTEM
Easy Heat, the leader in residential pipe freeze protection,
presents the Freeze Free pipe heating system. Using selfregulating technology, this cable actually produces only
the heat that is needed, where and when it is needed, to
prevent pipe freeze-up.
This system, C UL US Listed, can be installed with confidence
and with the assurance that it will operate for years without requiring service.
A Freeze Free system is easy to install and includes all
the materials needed for a safe and proper installation.
This product is suitable for use on plastic and metal water
pipes. Use the Freeze Free system to make sure your pipes
don’t freeze.
HOW IT WOrKS
A special self-regulating core is
at the center of the Freeze Free
cable. This core is conductive and
adjusts according to the surrounding temperatures. When it is cold,
the cable’s core has many conductive paths that generate enough
heat to keep the water flowing
in the pipe. As the surrounding
temperature warms, there are
fewer conductive paths and less
heat is generated. This selfregulating technology ensures the
right amount of heat when and
where it is needed.
cOLLEcT THE FOLLOWING
NEcESSArY INFOrMATION:
rEFEr TO THE LENGTH SELEcTION cHArTS
EXAMPLE
• Pipe Size
• outside diameter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11⁄2 ˝ pipe
• length. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 feet
• Lowest expected air temperature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(disregard windchill, it has been figured
into the length selection chart)
–20°F
• Number of valves and spigots. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 ball valve
• Distance from pipe to electrical outlet . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 feet
Freeze Free plugs come with a 30˝ cord-set to bridge the gap
between the pipe and the electrical outlet.
+ 20°F
1/2 ˝
1´
3/4 ˝
1´
1˝
1´
1 1/4 ˝
1´
1 1/2 ˝
1´
2˝
1´
str.
str.
str.
str.
str.
str.
Lowest Expected Temperature
0°F
– 20°F
– 40°F
1´
1.1´
1.3´
1.6´
1.8´
2.1´
str.
7 1/4˝
5˝
4 1/4˝
4˝
4˝
1.5´
1.7´
2´
2.3´
2.5´
3´
2 3/8˝
2 3/8˝
2 3/8˝
2 1/2˝
2 5/8˝
2 5/8˝
2´
2.3´
2.7´
3.2´
3.6´
4.3´
+ 20°F
1/2 ˝
1´
3/4 ˝
1´
1˝
1´
1 1/4 ˝
1´
1 1/2 ˝
1´
2˝
1´
str.
1 1/2˝
1 5/8˝
1 5/8˝
1 3/4˝
1 3/4˝
1 3/4˝
– 60°F
2.4´
2.9´
3.3´
4.1´
4.7´
5.4´
1 1/4˝
1 1/4˝
1 3/8˝
1 3/8˝
1 3/8˝
1 1/8˝
str.
str.
str.
str.
str.
1´
1´
1.1´
1.2´
1.5´
str.
str.
str.
11 1/2˝
9˝
6 5/8˝
1´
1.1´
1.3´
1.6´
1.8´
2.2´
str.
7 1/4˝
5˝
4 1/4˝
4˝
3 3/4˝
From chart #1:
• You need 2.5 feet of cable per foot of pipe for
plastic pipes
From chart #2:
• You need 1.8 feet of cable per foot of pipe for
metal pipes
EXAMPLE
Lowest Expected Temperature
0°F
– 20°F
– 40°F
1´
Choose either Chart #1 or Chart #2 for your type of pipe
(plastic or metal). Read down to find your pipe diameter,
then read across to the box below your lowest expected
temperature. The first number appearing in the box will
tell you the length (feet) of cable you need per foot of
pipe. The second number indicates the recommended
distance between each spiral wrap of cable on the pipe.
The abbreviation “str” indicates that Cable Lngth. Req.
ft. of
the cable should be run in a straight per
pipe
Distance
line instead of spiral wrap.
betw. spiral wraps
• Your pipe diameter is 11⁄2 ˝
• Your lowest expected temperature is –20°F
• Your pipe length is 12 feet
chart #2: Length Selection for Metal Pipes
(based on the use of 1/2˝ insulation)
Pipe Dia.
HOW TO uSE THE LENGTH SELEcTION cHArT
EXAMPLE
chart #1: Length Selection for Plastic Pipes
(based on the use of 1/2˝ insulation)
Pipe Dia.
These charts will tell you the length of the cable you need
per foot of pipe and also the recommended distance to
leave between each spiral wrap of cable on the pipe.
1.3´
1.5´
1.8´
2.1´
2.4´
2.8´
3 1/8˝
3˝
2 3/4˝
2 7/8˝
2 3/4˝
2 7/8˝
– 60°F
1.7´
2´
2.4´
2.9´
3.2´
3.9´
2˝
2˝
You Have:
12 feet of plastic pipe length
one ball valve
You Need:
2.5 feet of cable per foot of plastic pipe
calculate:
(12 feet x 2.5) + 1 foot for ball valve
Total cable length = 31 feet
1 7/8 ˝
1 7/8 ˝
1 7/8 ˝
2˝
cALcuLATE THE EXAcT HEATEr LENGTH YOu NEEd
• Multiply the cable length required per foot of pipe by the
length of your pipe. Add one extra foot for each valve located
in your line. Maximum cable length is 75 feet.
Cable length required per foot of pipe x pipe length
+ one foot for each valve or spigot
= total cable length
www.koaowners.org
Stop Pipe Freeze-up
Self Regulating
Pipe Heating System
13
Volume 33, Issue 1
March 2, 2013
Meeting Minutes NM Owners Association
February 26, 2013
9:00am
Albuquerque Central KOA
Attendees:
Brian Bacher – Carlsbad
Keith & Suzanne Waite – Grants
Denny & Debbi Matthews – Las Vegas
Marin &NatyCastro– Lordsburg
Larry & Phyllis Pasekoff – Santa Fe
Jim & Jackie Blurton – Silver City
Lane & Cindy Lewis – Tucumcari
Teri Glenn – Albuquerque Central
Craig Sisco – Lakeside, CO KOA (National OA Rep)
Mike Booth – via conference call from San Francisco
Absent:
Craig & Karen – Albuquerque North
Jeff & Carol Childress – Clayton
Tony & Chris – Las Cruces
Grant & Lisa Robertson – Raton
Discussion items:
Cindy Lewis from Tucumcari KOA gave an update on efforts to exempt RV stays from the Lodger’s Tax. The
Lewis’ met with the Lt. Governor John Sanchez recently. Mr. Sanchez listened to their concerns but, so far, no
action from the state has occurred. The Lewis’ encouraged each campground owner to consider writing to Mr.
Sanchez as he heads up a “fairness” committee for the State of NM.
Larry Pasekoff from Santa Fe and Craig Sisco from Lakeside, CO indicated there were vacancies in the Rocky Mtn.
20 Group. Several other NM campgrounds had previously been members. Currently only Santa Fe represents NM
in this 20 group. Anyone interested in possibly becoming a member is encouraged to contact Larry in Santa Fe or
Craig in Lakeside.
It was suggested that the NM OA might want to consider inviting campgrounds in AZ to the NM OA meeting.
Many states by themselves cannot support an OA so several states may have grouped together. This could be an
option for NM and AZ. Many guests traveling to/from NM or AZ overnight in the other state. It does not appear
that AZ currently has an OA. It was suggested that regardless of including AZ we continue to meet in Albuquerque
because of the location and facilities.
The remainder of the meeting focused on KOA’s decision to pursue “branding”. Mike Booth, AVP Franchise
Services, was supposed to attend the meeting. Unfortunately, Mr. Booth’s flight from Austin to Albuquerque was
canceled. Mr. Booth was able to conference in from the airport.
Craig Sisco gave an update from the recent national OA meeting in which branding was the major topic. At this
point the national OA does not support branding. There are too many issues being raised by campgrounds that KOA
is not able to answer. KOA produced another set of draft guidelines dated 2/15/13 that were reviewed by the NM
OA. This document generated numerous questions which we tried to consolidate and discuss with Mr. Booth. It
14
Owners News
appears these guidelines have, again, been revised and will be released by KOA in the next few weeks.
The questions specifically posed to Mr. Booth were:
1. Define an updated standard cabin. KOA has decided to “rebrand” cabins so that everything that has a
bathroom will be referred to as a Deluxe Cabin regardless of whether it is a lodge or a basic cabin with a
bath. A “cabin” will be any cabin that does not have a bathroom. The “updated” reference is to returning
these cabins, regardless of type, to a “like new” condition.
2. KOA owners do not believe they can recoup the cost of the required upgrades in added revenue. Where is
the evidence that leads KOA to believe there will be increased revenue? Mr. Booth was unable to directly
answer this question.
3. Many KOA owners are feeling threatened by the changes KOA is proposing. What are the ramifications if
a campground chooses not to perform these upgrades? Mr. Booth indicated he thought these changes would
take longer to implement than what KOA anticipated. He did not have clear feedback on what would happen
to campgrounds that chose not to participate.
4. Are branding “deficiencies” going to be communicated to prospective buyers? Mr. Booth indicated he did
not think so. (There was significant discussion regarding this issue in that the expectation was that KOA
would revise the franchise agreement to ensure prospective buyers understood their obligations).
5. Why is KOA dictating these changes? KOA owners feel like their losing the ability to own their own
business. Mr. Booth indicated KOA is convinced a rebranding is necessary for long term viability of the
company.
Further discussions after speaking with Mr. Booth were held with Craig Sisco. The consensus was that NM
owners supported branding for “resort” type properties but would prefer to do away with the Journey and Holiday
designations and stay with KOA Campground. There are concerns that the segmentation associated with branding
will negatively impact customer perception resulting in guests not wanting to stay at various parks.
The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, February 18, 2014 at the Albuquerque Central KOA. Jim and Jackie
Blurton, assuming they don’t sell first, will coordinate the meeting.
Larry Pasekoff
Santa Fe KOA
Addendum:
Since this meeting further conversations have occurred with Jef Sutherland at KOA Corporate. Each of you should
have received an email from Jef. A new evaluation tool is due to release from KOA in the near future. This is
supposed to be a “readiness assessment” for branding designations. It is very important that if you have capital
costs associated with these upgrades that you obtain reasonable estimates and communicate to corporate. It does not
appear that KOA Corp has any idea what these improvements are going to cost.
In addition, Jef has asked, and I have agreed to be the communication focal point for New Mexico. Any issues,
comments and/or questions should be forwarded to me at: [email protected] . I will organize, consolidate
and communicate with the NM owners and KOA corporate.
www.koaowners.org
15
Volume 33, Issue 1
06
BRANDING —
AN OVERVIEW
Branding:
an overview
EVERY SMALL BUSINESS HAS A BRAND. WHETHER
STARTING UP OR CONSIDERING A REFRESH, FIND OUT
HOW TO POSITION YOURS FOR SUCCESS
Brands occupy every corner of our lives, and
affect almost every decision we make each day.
Why do we choose one brand of soda over
another? Why does owning one particular
make of car give us a sense of pleasure or pride,
while owning another satisfies less?
Branding is every bit as important
to small business as it is to big companies. As
marketing expert and OPEN Forum blogger
John Jantsch says, “Every small business has a
brand. The question is whether the makeup of the
brand is created intentionally or accidentally.
There is little doubt in my mind that small
businesses that find themselves in possession of
what some would call a strong brand are far more
likely to achieve great things than those that
simply go out there and compete.”
—
So What Is a Brand?
Your brand is how you communicate the
essence of your business. Many think branding
is simply a logo plus typefaces and color palettes,
but that’s only part of it. It’s also your business
name, the products or services you provide, and
how you deliver them to your consumer. It’s the
idea you create in your audience’s mind about
16
who you are and what you do. It’s this idea of
your brand that’s so powerful, and prompts
your customers to choose you over a rival.
whi
doe
stra
—
nee
taki
it’s
team
esse
tim
How Is a Brand Expressed?
Depending on your business,
branding can mean very different things. If
you’re in the service industry, for instance, you
may need to give more attention to the point of
delivery, such as customer service and employee
uniforms, than to the logo or website. If your
business is international, you’ll need to take
cultural and linguistic implications into account.
And if your business exists predominantly
online, there’s the issue of how your branding
will work in digital environments.
—
Who Creates Your Brand?
Whether you’re creating a whole new
brand from scratch or just refreshing your
existing brand, you need to decide who will be
involved in the process. For a project this crucial
to your business, it’s well worth calling in the
pros and hiring a branding agency. They can add
value by developing your strategy and revealing
game-changing insights into your marketplace,
Owners News
—
with
it n
or s
e-m
aw
way
way
from
rece
and
of t
Do
nt.
w
e
al
d
while delivering first-class design. If your budget
doesn’t stretch to a full design service, their
strategic input alone can prove invaluable.
Even if you’ve hired an agency, you’ll also
need to decide who will steer the project internally,
taking on the role of brand guardian. Whether
it’s you, another member of your staff or a small
team, choose people who really understand the
essence of your business and can contribute their
time, energy, and expertise throughout the process.
—
Where Will Your Brand Be Expressed?
Where and how consumers interact
with your brand is key to understanding what
it needs to accomplish. Do you have an office
or storefront? Do you use printed stationery,
e-mail templates or both? Packaging, uniforms,
a website, even your business cards – these are all
ways consumers will interact with your brand.
“Think about everywhere and every
way your customer encounters your business,
from the store window, to the greeting they
receive as they enter, to signage, delivery trucks,
and the way the product is wrapped – all
of these are your brand’s touchpoints,” says
Dominic Sinesio, Co-Creative Director of the
www.koaowners.org
07
New York-based branding agency Officelab.
What are the key touchpoints for your
business? Make a list of the ways people most
frequently interact with your brand, then
prioritize them. Be realistic: if necessary, you
may have to sacrifice some of the “nice to
have” items to make sure you get the more
critical touchpoints absolutely right.
—
Starting the Branding Process
Once you’ve identified your consumer
touchpoints, you’re ready to get on with the
business of branding. But don’t leap straight
into the design phase – first, you need to do
your research. Seeing what the best of your
industry is doing, and understanding who and
where your audience is, will help you develop
a blueprint that will not only make the rest
of the branding process more streamlined,
but also help as you continue to grow your
business in all aspects.
Start Your Brand Assessment
See page 46 of this guide for a worksheet to help you
start the process of defining your brand, or find an online
version at OPENForum.com/rebrand
u
of
e
Illustration: Frank Chimero
17
Volume 33, Issue 1
08
BRANDING —
AN OVERVIEW
A BRAND DEVELOPMENT PRIMER
Building a brand requires assessing your own
enterprise as well as the environment in which
it operates. Here, we walk you through the
steps to creating your brand – from defining
your brand proposition to managing the design
process, to launch and beyond.
STEP 1: Define Your Brand Proposition
Branding, or rebranding, is your chance to
examine, refine and communicate exactly what
your business is about. What values underpin
your company? What does it stand for?
What is your competitive advantage?
“Defining your mission as a brand
and a company is the most important part
of the whole process,” advises Stefan Boublil,
Creative Director at The Apartment creative
agency. “Every decision that you later make
in the life of this iteration will be measured
against the principles set forth here, hence
it should be should be precise, condensed
and honest. Get this right and the rest of
the operation shall be a breeze!”
STEP 2: Get to Know Your Audience
It helps to visualize your typical customer,
including their life stage, priorities, purchasing
habits and media consumption. Where
possible, back this up with research – look for
metrics and statistics in your own business,
or a competitor’s if you’re just starting
out. American Express Business Insights
(americanexpress.com/businessinsights)
offer competitive and market insights to
deliver customized research specific to
geographic areas.
To start a conversation with your
customers, you first need to know where to
find them; then you can determine how best
to communicate with them. Are they local,
or passing pedestrian traffic? Perhaps a local
advertisement or a revamped storefront is the
best way to elicit interest. Are they online, and
if so, which sites are they visiting? Check your
answers against your list of touchpoints to
make sure your brand covers all the bases.
STEP 3: Get to Know Your Competitors
Find out as much as you can about your peers
and competitors. What are they doing right?
How are they advertising to your customers?
What makes them stand out? Collect examples
of branding you like, whether it’s from your
direct competitors or elsewhere. It could be a
logo, an advertisement, packaging or a tagline.
Figure out why you like it – this will really
help inform your own design process.
STEP 4: Create a Brief
Once you’ve defined your touchpoints and
conducted some basic competitive research,
you’re ready to start the design process.
First, you’ll need to put together a brief to
distill all your thinking and requirements into
a plan of action. Ask your branding agency if
they have an existing brief you can follow.
The brief is a document that will guide
the design and development of your brand. It
should summarize your research, best practices
by competitors, elements of other brands you
find relevant and reasons why. It should also
include your mission statement, your required
touchpoints and any current branding (if you’re
an established business). Essentially, it should
18
Owners News
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contain everything your design team needs to
know to create something that’s right for you
and for your business. Once you’re satisfied
that the brief document does this, you’re ready
to pass it to the design team.
STEP 5: Begin the Design Process
Make sure you agree on a budget, process
and a time limit for the design phase in
order to avoid spiraling costs. As a basic rule,
it’s a good idea to have at least one rough
draft of designs, after which you’ll give
feedback, followed by two or more rounds
of design refinement. Your design team’s
first presentation may take the form of a
mood board – essentially a visual scrapbook
that captures the essence of your brand. Is
it formal, carefree, smart, fun, outlandish,
traditional? It’s vital that you’re in agreement.
Next, you should see the design
team’s initial ideas for some of the core brand
elements, such as a logo or logotype, tagline,
brand-positioning statement or even product
names. When reviewing any materials, ask
yourself: Is it aligned with your brief? Does
it reflect your mission statement? Did they
capture the true essence of your business?
The next check-in point should
include several different designs for your
core brand elements. At this stage you and
your team need to make several critical
decisions – which design you prefer, color
palettes, and any major adjustments needed.
Circulate the work to others not as immersed
in your brand as you are, including friends and
family, to see what type of response it elicits.
They may identify things you don’t see, as
impartial observers. The next time you see the
revised designs, they should need only minor
tweaking. At this stage, you should also see
how the new brand looks applied across the
major items on your list of brand touchpoints.
STEP 6: Bringing the Brand to Life
Launching the brand to your team should
inspire and empower them to become its
guardians. Unveil all the elements of the
new brand including your brand guidelines
and enthuse the whole team about your new
public face. (See page 14 of this guide for
more on creating effective brand guidelines.)
GLOSSARY OF BRANDING
TERMINOLOGY:
Brand Elements
Brand elements are the various items that together
make up your brand’s visual identity, such as a logo,
color palette, and typefaces.
Brand Guardian
Your Brand Guardian ensures that your
brand elements are applied correctly – they’re
the “go-to” person with whom to raise any
brand-related questions.
Brand Identity
Together, all of your brand elements (see above)
make up your cohesive brand identity.
Brand Proposition
Your brand proposition is your elevator pitch,
encapsulating what your brand stands for, what
makes it different, and where it’s going.
Brand Strategy
Your brand strategy is your plan of action, including
an overview of your strengths and opportunities,
brand values and proposition: it’s a blueprint for
where your brand is going.
Brandmark
A brandmark is a graphic or illustrated logo
(as opposed to a wordmark – see below).
Brief
Your brief is a document containing everything
your design team needs to know to properly
capture the essence of your brand, including
proposition, values, an overview of your audience
and competitors, your objectives, touchpoints
and deliverables.
Logo
Your logo is the visual shorthand for your brand,
and can be either word- or image-based, or a
combination of the two.
Tagline
A tagline is a slogan that communicates the
essence of your brand and is used alongside your
logo or in advertising as a sign-off.
Touchpoints
Your brand’s touchpoints are the ways in which
your consumers encounter your brand, be it in-store,
online, a business card, packaging, or advertising.
Wordmark
A wordmark is a logo that’s a typographic
treatment of your brand name.
e
09
Editor Note: Because of the interest in branding issues we have included this article containing and overview of the concept of branding. The article is printed with the
permission of American Express, and was published In a recent article in their publication OPEN.
www.koaowners.org
19
Volume 33, Issue 1
Some observations on Resort Segmentations
by Ralph Newell
KOA is in the process of studying segmentation of their branded campgrounds. You have asked for
comments, and feedback. While I have serious questions about the standards, implementation, marketing,
and motive of this discussion I do believe there is a long term benefit to the brand if properly implemented.I
have not read the criteria for branding of Journey or Holiday campgrounds, concentrating on the Resort
segment only.
I looked at the resort standards that have been suggested to see if that is a future goal of the Branson
KOA. In the process of going through the different requirements I gave thought to the cost and rewards
that goal would have in our market. I compared the standards of existing resorts that are perceived to
have that designation currently.The Branson KOA and Convention Center began using the term Resort
in our marketing when we converted to the franchise seven years ago. We stopped marketing that term
when we realized it was overused and too subjective. Our customers came with much higher expectations
and were quick to criticize anything they perceived fell short of the experience (in their opinion). “In their
opinion” should be a very critical standard for your consideration. Unless KOA is very prepared to spend
a vast amount of time, energy, and capitol to define this segment we will fail.
The process of defining segmentation in the resort segment is not going to be accomplished through
press releases or a few parks meeting the criteria. KOA will have to proactively define the resort brand
in all areas of print and digital marketing and they will have to flood the industry with digital images that
set the standards and expectations of an audience we are not already marketing to. Is KOA prepared to
increase staff and marketing dollars needed to make this standard a reality? I am not saying this is an
impossible task. But I have grave concerns about the reality of either the franchisor or franchisees true
projection of costs and benefits.
The recent decision of KOA to reduce their marketing budget by capping the 2% contribution of parks
that are the most likely to consider the Resort segment is troubling. While this may give an advantage
to the highest income earning campgrounds, implementation of these goals will certainly increase the
financial liability of the KOA and parks necessary to define, market, and defend their resort classification.
20
Owners News
The already strained system budget in marketing dollars before this reduction produced little if any same
store camper night increases over the last decade. Having served on the KOA Marketing team for a long
time I am familiar with the budget demands and I can’t recall any dialog that indicated less marketing
dollars would be beneficial to our system. How will segmentation increase camper nights given a reduced
marking budget across three KOAsegments?
If we are to be successful in all
areas of segmentation we need to
view everything from the eyes of the
customer. While I do believe that some
accommodations can be made through
stretch goals and grandfathering,
the expectations and comments of
customers are paramount. I believe
all campgrounds should be held to a
high standard in each segment and I
believe segmentation should include
minimum standards of customer
satisfaction expectations.
www.koaowners.org
Looking at the industry and using my own expectations while camping I believe there are a few shortcomings
in the criteria of the Resort segment. As a camper coming to a resort campground;
• I believe any campground using the term Resort should offer escort service to the site.
• I also believe the increased expectations should require security on all resort properties until at least
midnight.
• A professional private website
should be required along with area
links to activities or an updated
campground activity schedule
• What kind of resort in any hospitality
industry does not have a hot tub as
a standard service to their guests.
• I also question how a resort facility
would choose to only have food
service part of the week.
21
Volume 33, Issue 1
Madison/Shenandoah Hills KOA
110 Campground Lane
Madison, VA 22727
540/948-4186
March 14, 2013
RE: KOA Branding
To: Jef Sutherland, Mike Booth, Michael Stuart, and Fred Prichard
Bob and I spent quite a while answering the Assessment Form for Holiday, and we’re still upset. KOA
seems to be “going after” the big rigs and people willing to spend a lot to rent a Deluxe Cabin. There has
been no consideration to people who want and prefer the WE sites. They don’t want and won’t pay for all
the “fancy stuff”. We’re still in a recession, at least here in VA, gas is high and people are watchful of their
money. They WILL camp, we agree, but they are going to go where they can get what they want and can
afford. Sites rates will have to go up considerably, with the new requirements, and people with pop-ups
and vans won’t pay the extra money for something they don’t want.
Regarding the sign issue; the cost of our double-sided lighted 96” square sign is over $6000.00, for which
you are only willing to pay $1000.00. We can’t afford $5000.00 for a new sign when an LED sign under
it would work fine.
Financing – There still have been no mention of financing help. Small KOA’s have smaller budgets and
are not able to do all this in the time frame you’ve set. Our bank has already told us no! We have a good
relationship with them, but they have told us NO for a cabin and NO for ~$50,000.00 for new electric,
furniture, RV pads, landscaping etc.
KOA came to us 5 years ago and said we’d make a great KOA; location, location, location! One of the
biggest reasons we converted was the fact we were told: It’s still your campground and you can run it like
you always have but it will be with the KOA Brand. All we needed to do was take out the pay showers
(which were put in for water conservation) and paint the BH floor. We did both and things have been
going along pretty well until Branding came along and now you want us all to change. It may still be our
campground, but we’re not running it anymore, you are.
KOA has always been a leader, but KOA is going to lead a lot of us right out of business. Is that what you
really wanted all along?
22
Sincerely & Respectfully,
Sandi and Bob Aldrich, Owners
#46-186
Owners News
Loren Smith
Owner, Prairie Kraft Specialties
Owner, Great Falls, MT KOA
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27
Volume 33, Issue 1
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Q: What creature
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28
Three Little Pigs
Three Little Pigs went out to dinner
one night.
The waiter comes and takes their
drink order.
“I would like a Sprite,”
said the first little piggy.
“I would like a Coke,”
said the second little piggy.
“I want water, lots and lots of water,” said the third little piggy.
The drinks are brought out and the waiter takes their orders for dinner.
“I want a nice big steak,” said the first piggy.
“I would like the salad plate,” said the second piggy.
“I want water, lots and lots of water,” said the third little piggy.
The meals were brought out and a while later the waiter
approached the table & asked if the piggies would like any dessert.
“I want a banana split,” said the first piggy.
“I want a root beer float,” said the second piggy.
“I want water, lots and lots of water,” exclaimed the third little piggy.
“Pardon me for asking,” said the waiter! to the third little piggy, “but why
have you only ordered water all evening?”
The third piggy says,
“Well, somebody has to go ‘Wee, wee, wee, all the way home!”
Owners News
www.koaowners.org
29
Volume 33, Issue 1
What Does the Internet Say About Your Business?
Your Premiums and Insurability Depend On It.
When premiums increase and underwriting guidelines tighten, the insurance market becomes more difficult
for buyers. We are seeing this now. After years of decreasing rates, prices are on the rise and stricter guidelines are surfacing. For example, we’ve seen declinations of certain risks like bounce houses and guidelines
for “aggressive dogs”.
As underwriting tightens, insurance companies look to reduce risk and increase premiums. They do this by
identifying exposures and pricing for them. Much like your potential clients shopping for a vacation, when
insurance companies underwrite your business, they go to the internet.
When underwriting your new or renewal application, insurance companies first look you up on Google. If
they see anything negative — true or not — they’ll take action. You need to be sure potential customers as
well as your insurance underwriters only see the truth about your business. Start by eliminating negative
material from your top search results. These include:
30
•
Unfair news articles
•
Disparaging blog posts
•
Exaggerated reviews
•
Hostile forum comments
•
Outdated legal issues
•
Blatant smear campaigns
Owners News
Know what’s being said about your business and react. Anyone can post rumors and fake reviews online at
any time — including your competitors. The longer the negative material is on the internet, the more difficult it is to remove and the more damage it does. A recent study found that a single negative online review
can result in a potential 9% cut in revenues. You simply can’t afford to ignore this potential hazard. There
are several companies that can you help with you monitoring the internet if you do not have the time or skill
to do it yourself. This could prove to be a smart investment for some businesses.
You also need to be cognizant of what you post on your website. Pictures tell the tale of a potentially unsafe
environment and insurance underwriters know what to look for. Some examples of things I have seen over
the years include: diving boards, children on bikes with no helmets, double riding on horseback, no helmets
on ATVs, paintball with no masks, children head first on waterslides, waterskiing near docks, etc…. Pictures
that show excitement and fun for your potential customers are the same ones that can cause underwriters to
ask questions, raise premiums, or decline accounts. Websites are also used by insurance companies to corroborate the information on insurance applications. If applications and websites don’t tell the same story, it
raises a red flag and the questions start stacking up. Take some time to look at your website, see if it’s an accurate snapshot of who you are and what you do.
On the World Wide Web, what you don’t know can hurt you. Likewise, how you advertise yourself could
also cause harm. The bottom line is that your potential customers are looking and so is your insurance
company. As the market conditions harden, insurance companies are especially looking to re-underwrite
their exposures, reduce their risks, and increase premiums. Don’t let the internet make it easier for them.
Dane Thorne, CIC
Certified Insurance Counselor
Outdoor Insurance Group is the official endorsed insurance agency to the Kampgrounds of America Owners Association
(KOA OA), Association of Consulting Foresters (ACF), Hunt Lease Liability of America Program and the Texas
Forestry Association (TFA).
www.koaowners.org
Outdoor Insurance Group Inc.
726 Front St. Suite C
Louisville, CO 80027
Direct: 303.951.5053 | Fax: 303.951.5060|
Web: http://www.oigcorp.com
31
Volume 33, Issue 1
Owners Association Associate Members
Call them first!
THE FOLLOWING ARE ASSOCIATE MEMBERS OF THE KOA OWNERS ASSOCIATION. PLEASE REMEMBER THAT THESE
VENDORS PAY DUES TO SUPPORT THE OWNERS ASSOCIATION:
AGS/TXAD
Brian Schaeffer
910 S Crowley Rd, Suite 9-504
Crowley, TX 76036
877-518-1989
FAX: 877- 343-9397
[email protected]
http://www.agspub.com
AGS, owned by Texas Advertising, Inc.
(TXAD), offers high quality marketing
services to the RV Park and Campground
sector, specifically guest directories and
website design to marketing consulting.
ANDERSON’S BROCHURE
DISTRIBUTION Service
JOE TICE
3625 FOX HILL DRIVE
CHAMBERSBURG, PA 17202
866-645-1897
[email protected]
Anderson’s distributes campground
and RV resort brochures at 21 RV and
camping shows in the US and Canada
BERG USA
Gary Landis
45 N Broad Street
Suite 100
Lititz, PA 17543
717-625-2374
[email protected]
15 years in the US commercial market
and more than an additional 12 years in
the European market give BERG toys
over 27 years of commercial kart and
toy building experience. All commercial
BERG pedal go-karts are made in Holland
and held to the highest quality standards,
just as they’ve always been. The karts
are unique enough that your customers
will be intrigued with the construction
and idea of a pedal powered go-kart and
simple and smooth enough that they’ll
have no problem riding them around.
Burco Promotional Printing
Autumn Myer
1900 Hendersonville Rd #10
Asheville, NC 28803
866-439-4404
[email protected]
http://www.goburco.com
BURCO specializes in promotional printing
for the recreation, golf, and hospitality
markets. We’re well equipped to handle all
your projects, from rack cards to brochures
and more. Plus, our ad program can
supply you with FREE campground site
maps, financed by advertisers that we seek
out.
32
Chadwick Manufacturing, Ltd.
Allen Smith
PO Box 85
Chadwick, IL 61014
815-684-5152
[email protected]
http://www.chadwickmfg.com
Chadwick Manufacturing has been a
leading manufacturer of high quality picnic
table frames, park benches, grills, and fire
rings to parks and campgrounds for over
fifty years.
Conestoga Log Homes
John Brown
246 N Lincoln Ave
Lebanon, PA 17046
800-914-4606
[email protected]
http://www.conestogalogcabins.com
Conestoga Log Cabins has provided
cabins, bathhouses, bunkhouses and
commercial buildings for KOA for over 15
years with over 3,000 cabins sold. Now
offering Timberframe cabins.
Darrell Hess & Associates
Darrell Hess
367 Dellwood Road
Building E, Suite 2
Waynesville, NC 28786
828-452-1535
[email protected]
http://www.campgroundsforsale.com
Campground sales.
Evergreen USA
Lucas Hartford
10 Falcon Road
Lewiston, ME 04240
800-343-7900
[email protected]
http://www.evergreenusa.com
Evergreen is the insurance company
owned by the camping industry.
For 35 years we have been helping
campgrounds, RV Parks & Resorts with
their insurance needs.
Gerber Manufacturing
Brian Legler
2917 Latham Drive
Madison, WI 53713
800-393-9923
[email protected]
http://www.gerbertables.com
Picnic tables.
Green Light Fire Bag
David Hidalgo/Shannon SchmidtHidalgo
16449 7th Street, Unit 1
Montverde, FL 34756
321-322-8367
[email protected]
http://www.greenlightfirebag.com
Green Light Fire Bag is a complete
Eco-friendly campfire in a bag. Natural
and sustainable materials; you simply
tear open the bag, light and enjoy your
campfire for up to two hours.
Independence Bank
Debbie Callahan
PO Box 2900
Havre, MT 59501
406-265-1241
[email protected]
http://www.ibyourbank.com
Independence Bank is a premier lender
for campground purchases, refinances,
cabin/lodges financing and improvement
loans.
Kramer Kreations – Murbles
Murry Kramer
9141 Sebring Drive
Pensacola, FL 32506
850-458-5858
[email protected]
http://www.murblegame.com
Murble, what’s a Murble? I came up with
the game of Murbles about 32 years
ago, because I got tired of losing at
horseshoes! I wanted to make a game
that anyone could play and win. I based
it on a game called Bocci that I saw some
old men playing in Italy. Bocci was played
on a designated court with 4 red & 4
green big heavy balls and 1 really small
white ball. I decided to modify the game
so that it would be more user friendly and
easier for more people to play.
Leavitt Recreation & Hospitality
Insurance
Chris Hipple
1001 Lazell Street
Sturgis, SD 57785
866-465-2797
[email protected]
http://www.lrhinsurance.com
We specialize in resort, campground
and hospitality business throughout the
nation. Coverage designed exclusively
for your industry coupled with exceptional
customer service.
Outdoor Insurance Group
Glenn Sudol
726 Front Street
Suite C
Louisville, CO 80027
303-951-5050
[email protected]
http://www.oigcorp.com
Outdoor Insurance Group is a specialty
insurance agency for the outdoor
hospitality and recreation market.
Owners News
ParknPool
Laura Dudley
40 Park Place
Lexington, VA 24450
877-777-3700
[email protected]
http://www.parknpool.com
We are the original online vendor
of commercial pool furniture now
offering superior products from over
40 manufacturing companies. We
are proud to be a Veteran Owned
SBE/WBE Corporation. High quality
commercial furnishings.
Phelps Honey Wagon
Jaylene Shannon
158 Whiskey Spring Road
Dillsburg, PA 17019
800-463-3707
[email protected]
http://www.phelpshoneywagon.com
Since 1970 our product line offers
RV parks and campgrounds the most
efficient and economical method of
providing full hookups to all your sites.
Philadelphia Insurance Companies
Susan Hortsmann
One Bala Plaza, Suite 100
Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004
800-873-4552
[email protected]
http://www.phylins.com
Philadelphia Insurance Companies
designs, markets and underwrites
stand-alone Campground and RV park
operators, incorporating value-added
coverages and services. PHLY is rated
A+ by AM Best Company.
Recreational Business
Partners
John Halstvedt
1643 24th Street W
Suite 113
Billings, MT 59102
406-294-3860
john@recreationalbusinesspartners.
com
http://www.
recreationalbusinesspartners.com
Dan Singer and John Halstvedt of
Recreational Business Partners
have spent the past 25 years in the
campground business, past vicepresidents of KOA, Inc. and managed
campground sales across the country.
John is also a past KOA owner.
www.koaowners.org
Southeast Publications
Carlene Morris
10601 State Street
Suite 1
Tamarac, FL 33321
800-832-3292
[email protected]
http://www.southeastpublications.com
Since 1986 we have been providing
the BEST full color and limited color
site maps and area guides, rack cards,
specialty advertising promotional
products. We also offer free listing
service for all our campground clients –
Rving USA.com
hotels and marinas in North America.
Steradian Technologies
Jenny Richardson
643 Ferry Street
Lafayette, IN 47901
765-420-9201
[email protected]
http://www.steradiantech.com
Lasertag combines fun with exercise!
We are a family owned/operated
business and we design and
manufacture Steradian outdoor/indoor
lasertag gear. This game is perfect
for all age campers whether in the
recreation center or a small field.
Wilcor International
Michele Medina
161 Drive In Road
Frankfort, NY 13340
800-356-2345
[email protected]
http://www.wilcor.net
Wilcor International is the #1 supplier
to the vacation industry with the
largest variety from one source. We
proudly research and develop new and
innovative products to help make your
business prosper
Utility Supply Group
Wade Elliott
26519 Bond Road NE
Kingston, WA 98346
[email protected]
http://www.go-usg.com
National provider of RV pedestals
and boxes. Electric meters, wire and
distribution load centers are also
available. USG sells the Xlerator hard
dryer in KOA yellow. The Xlerator not
only dries your hands, but will save you
about 90% over paper towels and up to
85% over hand dryers.
Telamode Inc.
Susan & Allan Millward
PO Box 5298
Massena, NY 13662
800-263-2951
Chadwick_AD_122810:Layout 1
[email protected]
http://www.telamode.com
Telamode
manufactures,
formulates and
distributes Eco-Logo
Certified products.
They deodorize,
clean and digest fat,
oil and grease found
in RV/Septic tanks
and grease traps.
Telamode distributes
water-free urinals.
12/28/10
12:41 PM
Page 1
Heavy Duty American Made
Campground Equipment
TengoInternet,
Inc.
Eric Stumberg
106 E 6th Street
Suite 900
Austin, TX 78701
512-469-7660
marketing@
tengointernet.com
http://www.
tengointernet.com
TengoInternet is the
oldest and largest
wireless service
provider to the
outdoor hospitality
industry, delivering
turnkey Wi-Fi
Solutions for over
900 campgrounds,
Picnic table frames,
fire rings & grills at
competitive prices.
P.O. Box 85 • Chadwick, IL 61014
[email protected]
Call toll free or
visit our website
to receive a
free catalog.
800.732.4602 • www.Chadwickmfg.com
Pacific Yurts Inc.
Pete Dolan
77456 Highway 99 S
Cottage Grove, OR 97424
800-944-0240
[email protected]
http://www.yurts.com
33
Volume 33, Issue 1
By now you’re probably aware of Murbles. You may have seen the Murbles exhibit booth at the last
two KOA EXPOs. If you did not have time to visit the booth, here is the Murbles story.
Murbles were inspired by the ancient European game of Bocci that weighs around 35 lbs and was
designed for men to be played on a designated court. The dark red and green game balls were very
heavy and the point ball is quite small and hard to see.
Murbles are proudly made in America and designed to be family friendly, totable and are easy to play.
Murbles fit in a kid’s hand and at only ½ lb each are easy for older people to throw without shoulder
pain. Murbles can be played and enjoyed by all ages. The game can be learned in minutes and can be
played all most anywhere. Just open the bag, dump and play. It’s that EASY! There is no set up or skill
required so almost anyone can play Murbles!!! And, the balls are buoyant!
Murble sets come in a convenient canvas draw string bag. The retail game comes with the rules printed
rite on the back of the bag. Murbles are available in 20 popular colors for custom color sets.
Murbles are easy, fun and exciting to play and makes the perfect campground Activity game. Murbles
does not require s dedicated play area. Murbles requires no real capital outlay and offers additional
retail sales. There is no construction cost or down time. There is no yearly maintenance expense.
Murble Activity Sets are available in two sizes. The medium game bag has 14 custom color balls and is
good for 2/6 players. This set has 2 point balls and can be played in two separate areas.
The Big Bag has 36 balls and is designed for 2/16 players. This set comes with 4 point balls so that the
activity can be played in 4 areas simultaneously.
Retail KOA LOGO Murble sets have 7 balls designed for 2/4 players and is an excellent souvenir for
campers to take home and play with their family & friends.
Playing Murbles helps to generates good memories and good camping memories generate repeat
camping business… And, well, we all need that!!!
34
Owners News
Mike Kuper-V. Chairman
Jerry Dale-Chairman
Kim Carranza-Treasurer
Thunderbay KOA 55-120
Manchester TN KOA 42-102
Twin Falls KOA
182 Lakeshore Dr
586 Kampground Rd
5431 Us Hwy 93
Shuniah, ON P7aop4
Manchester, TN 37355
Jerome, ID 83338
Phone: 807-683-6221
Phone: 931-728-9750
Phone: 208-324-4169
Fax: 807-683-6222
Fax: 931-728-9777
Fax: 208-324-4376
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
Hope Perkins-Secretary
Kathy Gross
Wade Elliott
Elkhart/Middlebury KOA
Oregon Dunes KOA
Utility Supply Group
52867 State Rd 13
68632 Hwy 101
PO Box 267
Middlebury, IN 46540
North Bend, OR 97459
Preston, WA 98050
Phone: 574-825-5932
Phone: Phone: 800-800-2811
Fax: 574-825-1080
Fax: Fax: 425-222-7845
[email protected]
[email protected] [email protected]
Daniel Parent
Diane King
Carlene Morris
Cardinal KOA
Springfield/Rte 66 KOA
SE Publication
609 Pittson Rd RR 1
5775 W. Farm Rd 140
4360 Peters Rd
Cardinal, ON K0E 1E0
Springfield, MO 65802
Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33317
Phone: 613-657-4536
Phone: 417-831-3645
Phone: 954-294-8040
Fax: 613-657-8926
Fax: 417-863-0295
Fax: 945-583-4109
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
John Downing
Mike Groseclose
Jim Rogers
Rock Island KOA
Buckeye Lake KOA
KOA Inc.
2311 78th Ave W.
4460 Walnut Rd
PO Box 30558
Rock Island, IL 61201
Buckeye Lake, OH 43008
Billings, MT 5911
Phone: 309-787-0665
Phone: 740-928-0706
Phone: 800-548-7104
Fax: 309-787-1320
Fax: 740-928-0462
Fax: 406-248-7414
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
KOA Inc. Representative Owners Association Office
Karen McAndrews
Mike Gast
Administrator: Bill Ranieri
(Canadian Care Camps Trust Rep)
PO Box 30558
3416 Primm Lane
Cardinal KOA
Billings, MT 59114
Birmingham, AL 35216
609 Pittson Rd RR 1
Phone: 800-548-7104
Phone: 800-678-9976;
Cardinal, ON K0E 1E0
Fax: 406-248-7414
888-461-2062 (Canada)
Phone: 613- 657-4536
[email protected]
[email protected]
Fax-613-657- 8926
[email protected]
The healing nature of camping
www.koaowners.org
2013 KOA Care Camps Board
35
Volume 33, Issue 1
Message from Our New Care Camps Chairman
Big Things Coming!
We are all very excited about this year at KOA Care Camps. This is the
tenth year of what we now call, “Big Weekend.” Last year’s efforts were
successful. We collected over $760,000!
We made new programs, and I think you are going to love them.
I would like to extend an invitation to donate at koa.com. The website is set up to allow campers to
contribute a dollar or more while they make their reservations. The website is active, and this online
fundraiser is already bringing in money! Campers love to donate. You can also set up automatic
donations at your campsite through Kampstore. Do this by setting it up in your user defined fields on
Kampsite. Step-by-step instructions can be found on our Annual Report (which is on KOA Care Camps
or page 26). Once you have automatic donations set up, you can ask campers at your desk if they
would like to donate a dollar or more. Generous donations from campers will help us send children with
cancer to specialized Care Camps. You can even point out locations of the 52 camps we support on our
KOA wall map! You will be surprised by how easily campers will say,“Yes.” The receipt will show their
donation, and the funds will already be sent in. If you continue to keep receiving online donations, just
think about how much your camp can give!
This is a first full year of Big Weekend. Last year, we jumped the gun and combined the event with Come
Camp and Care with Us Weekend. I think you will find it fits nicely this year with all of the advertising
KOA is doing. This advertisement campaign is called The Big Three Events. Be sure to get all of your
activities together because we will be there before you know it. One idea is to ask for ½ off of the price
of the free day you are offering at check-in. You will be surprised that a lot will give at least something.
Then, you will still have your activities monies.
The Badge of Honor is a new award you can earn that will display on your home page of KOA.com. It
will be available soon. When you give to KOA Care Camps, you can get a logo that reads, “We Care.”
This logo will go along with your other awards now—such as Founders, President, or Green Award.
Right now, only about 200 campgrounds give to KOA Care Camps. This is a low donation range, and I
am surprised that more people don’t give. Overall, I think this will help increase donations.
Starting this year, our FFR’s will train Owners to set up user defined area of Kampsite and explain how
to ask for a dollar or more at registration. Both campsite and campstore shows donation on receipt and
automatically sends in with your weekly remissions.
Jim Rogers and KOA Corporate have donated the funds it costs to pay for a complete Marketing
Package with Kinetic for three years. Dana Pulis and Brandi Simpson at Kinetic will help us move to a
new level in marketing and organization.
In other news, look for T-Shirts to have the KOA Care Camps logo on the sleeve soon. If you will
support this venture, we may be able to expand to Polo’s and all shirts; but for now, we will test them
on our T-Shirts.
36
Owners News
You may already know all of them, but I’d
like to introduce the KOA Care Camps
Board to you.
Looking at the picture from the top: Mike
Kuper, Vice Chairman and Chairman
of the Canadian Trust. Mike and I traded places;
this way—some of the stress is off of him. (He
was a little too happy at our last meeting. Haha).
Everyone knows Mike has a heart of gold and can’t
leave us for total retirement yet.
Mike Groseclose. We base our modern dollar at register and KOA.com on his Round-Up your change.
I, Jerry Dale, am the newly elected Chairman.
Jim Rogers. Jim is helping us work together at KOA Corporate. We also appreciate all the donations that
Jim, Pat, and Oscar have given us over the years.
Wade Elliott from Utility Supply Group. He has helped many of you with your electric needs already. I am
so glad he is helping us!
Karen McAndrews. She and Dan Parent are always willing to throw in a helping hand. She volunteered
to be our Canadian Trust Treasurer.
Hope Perkins. Hope is our Secretary. She truly has her heart on the children.
Dan Parent. Dan is our go-to-guy when we are thinking up games, activities, or wows.
Kathy Gross is new to the board but is already a great help.
Mike Gast (Not Pictured). Mike is not an official board of director, but his fingerprints are all over the work
that KOA Corporate has done for us.
Carlene Morris. Carlene is from Southeast Publications. Many of you have their site maps. Wayne and
Carlene Morris, along with Peter and Wally Warrick, have been great supporters of our trust. Peter and
South East Publications were among our first We Care Award winners. Wayne was our director and
Carlene’s husband. Both Peter and Wayne were our friends and were always jumping to help us with
anything we needed. They are both in Heaven now. We miss them greatly and thank God for Carlene.
www.koaowners.org
37
John Downing. John is a go-to-guy when deep thoughts are needed to solve a problem. He always
solves them with common sense and compassion.
Kim Carranza. Kim is our Treasurer. She makes her job look easy, but let me assure you—it is not. Her
dedication is much appreciated.
Diane King. Diane is always dependable—always up and ready to help.
Volume 33, Issue 1
Let’s not forget all the work Prime Management has done for us for years. Bill Ranieri has
been there for us; he is always just a phone call or email away. His compassion and love for
KOA Care Camps always shows. His son, Jim Ranieri, has also been instrumental in the
gears that work the office. Ashanti Pretlow maintains a bright and cheery attitude, and this
ensures that everything stays in smooth transition with our management office. These are
just a few of the faces who help us. Many times, the whole office is there for us.
Many of you are also out there helping us all the time. You know who you are, and everyone else does
too. Thanks to everyone who helps. This will be a great year due to all of your assistance and generosity.
We certainly can’t do it alone! Always remember: You are bringing joy to the heart of a child when you
give!
How I got a cargo trailer donated
for KOA Care Camps
You may ask me how I got a cargo trailer donated for KOA Care
Camps; my response would be ‘that’s a great question!’ You see,
I didn’t ask for a cargo trailer, I simply asked for any item they
would like to donate for our auction at our KOA Care Camps BIG
Weekend. I explained all about KOA Care Camps and what we do
for kids with cancer. How we dedicate an entire weekend in May to
raising awareness in the KOA system for KOA Care Camps and to raising funds for this great organization.
I explained how all the money we raise allows kids that are dealing with cancer to enjoy a week of fun
with other kids going through much the same thing. How these camps allow them to go to a place that
makes their parents feel safe while they are away because of all the great medical staff that is there to
meet their child’s needs. How there is a week dedicated to their siblings so that they can get together with
other siblings to share their stories and experiences. I explained that all of these are completely FREE to
the kids because of what we do to raise the money. I let him know we sponsor 50+ Oncology camps with
the money we raise throughout the KOA system, how we help send over 200 kids each year to camp, and
how we hope to raise that to so much more in the years to come. You see it’s not about ME or what I can
do – it’s about US and what WE can accomplish for the great organization. I thought ‘small’ like a TV or
something when I asked for ‘any item’, but what I told them what WE were doing it all for – THAT’S when
they came back to me with this AMAZING donation! I was told the information provided to them and the
reason behind it all is how they came to the conclusion to donate an item that would do MORE for the
kids. That’s what it is all about – THE KIDS! We don’t do this for us, for our place, for our company, we do
this for THE KIDS! If we can remember the real purpose for our request in the end our results may turn
out to be so much more than we ever dreamed!
38
Owners News
www.koaowners.org
39
Volume 33, Issue 1
KOA Owners Association
3416 Primm Lane
KOA Owners Association Owners News
3416 Primm Lane
To submit articles or request advertising
information, write to the above address or
use the following contact information:
c/o Jim Ranieri
Telephone: 800-678-9976 or
205-824-0022
Fax: 205-823-2760
Email:[email protected]
Publication: Owners News is published
four times per year by the KOA Owners
Association.
Printing services are donated by
Southeast Publications USA, Inc.
Telephone: 800-832-3292
40
Owners News

OWNERS NEWS - KOA Owners Association

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