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OWNERS NEWS - KOA Owners Association
Owners News OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE KAMPGROUND OWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC. Volume 30 Issue 1 January/February/March 2010 • Contents • President’s Corner...............................................................2 2010 Owners Association Board.........................................4 2010 Care Camps Board.....................................................5 2010 Disaster Relief Board.................................................6 Disaster Relief Fund Announcement for 2010.....................7 2010 State/Provincial Association Presidents.....................8 Meeting Calendar for State/Provincial meetings.................9 State/Provincial/Area News...............................................10 Roofing— What’s Best......................................................12 Work Kamper Corner.........................................................14 Spotlight on new Owners..................................................16 Shhhh! The Underwriters Are Listening.............................17 What Does the Future Hold for our KOA Lodging ............18 Today’s Thoughts..............................................................20 Tax Changes for 2009.......................................................22 Owner Association Associate Members............................24 News Releases.................................................................26 2010 CK & CWUW – Jump Start Your Fundraising . ........28 Pledge Form for 2010 CK &CWUW ................................29 New York State OA’s gift to Camp Good Days and Special Times.............................................................30 www.koaowners.org www.koaowners.org 1 Volume 30, Issue 1 President’s Message for OA Newsletter Issue 1, 2010 By the time this first newsletter of 2010 reaches you it will be springtime and most of our system will be up and running. There is no doubt that last year was a challenging one. It started out rather slowly, but fortunately, business really picked up in the summer and fall, helping many of us to meet or exceed our previous year camping nights! Your Owners Association board has just completed its winter meeting and we are looking forward to a strong year in 2010. For those of you who were not able to attend last year’s annual meeting in Houston, I would like to let you know that a major topic of discussion for the OA board was the concern that new and conversion parks were not being held to the same quality assurance standards as all of the other parks currently in the KOA system. Several areas submitted resolutions at our annual meeting on this topic. You can review these resolutions and the responses to them on our website: koaowners. org under the “Latest News” heading. We are very pleased at the open discussion and cooperation we received from home office on these issues and it remained one of the major areas of discussion at our winter meeting. We are also working with corporate on the clarification of lodging descriptions in order to be sure that camper’s expectations for reservations they make are consistent for every campground in our system. Our discussions with home office on these topics, and others; are ongoing. We are very pleased with the open and straightforward exchanges we have been having with the department heads in Billings. I will keep you updated on progress throughout the year. 2 We heard you! Many of you provided great feedback and suggestions on the website. Because of this the “password” requirement has been removed. If you had given up on the site we encourage you to pay another visit to koaowners.org. We continue to ramp up activities for our mentoring program. If you are a new owner, or an experienced owner, and would like to participate in the mentoring program just contact our headquarters office and we will set you up as a mentor or mentoree. There are a great many advantages to all of us that can come from this program. We can assist each other, and more effectively communicate problems and solutions that can be shared by all. We are working on our first forum for the mentoring program that will allow everyone to participate through our new website. We hope to have the first forum up and running by late spring. Finally, I would like to remind you that our Insurance loss prevention seminars are still available to everyone. These have proven to be very helpful and many of them have been conducted as part of the state/provincial meetings. We would need at least ten campgrounds to participate, and attendance by anyone covered by Philadelphia Insurance Company could be eligible for up to a 10% reduction in your premiums. If you are interested in setting up a seminar just call our office in Birmingham and they will handle all the details. In closing we would like to thank all of you for your strong support and encouragement last year. Remember that your area directors look forward to hearing your concerns and ideas, supporting your state associations and offering assistance where you need it! We are looking for this year to be even better and urge you to let us know of any ideas or concerns you may have that we, your Owners Association board can work on for the good of the entire system. Best wishes for the 2010 season! 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Call Today! 1-888-683-7808 Call Today! 1-888-683-7808 www.oigcorp.com OUTDOOR INSURANCE GROUP IS THE ONLY ENDORSED KOA OA INSURANCE AGENCY CA License #OC24080 www.koaowners.org January/February/March 2010 www.oigcorp.com 3 Volume 30, Issue 1 4 KOA Owners Association Board of Directors 2010 AREA 1 AREA 2 Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Kentucky, Virginia, West Virginia Ohio, Delaware, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Maine, Vermont, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maryland, Connecticut, Rhode Island Danny Goad 17139 Bowling Green KOA 1960 Three Springs Rd Bowling Green, KY 42104 Phone: (270) 843-1919 Fax: (270) 843-1909 [email protected] Vicki Cole 35-164 Shelby/Mansfield KOA 6787 Baker 47 Shelby, OH 44875-9103 Phone: (419) 347-1392 Fax: (419) 342-5353 [email protected] Jerry Dale 42102 Manchester, TN KOA 586 Kampground Rd Manchester, TN 37355 Phone: (931) 728-9750 Fax: (931) 728-9777 [email protected] AREA 3 AREA 4 Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Dakota, South Dakota, Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, Nebraska, Minnesota, Texas, Arkansas Wisconsin, Iowa Carrol Murray 27-104 Carol Preble 43233 Treasurer West Omaha KOA 14601 Hwy 6 Gretna, NE 68028 Phone: (402) 332-3010 Fax: (402) 332-0246 [email protected] Rusk KOA PO BOX 691 Rusk, TX 75785 Phone:(903) 683-6641 [email protected] Karl Schmidt 38181 Elizabethtown/Hershey KOA 1980 Turnpike Rd Elizabethtown, PA 17022 Phone: (717) 367-7718 Fax: (717) 367-3412 [email protected] Hope Perkins 14-133 Elkhart/Middlebury KOA 52867 State Rd 13 Middlebury, IN 46540 Phone: (574) 825-5932 Fax: (574) 825-1080 [email protected] Tina Haith 36-133, President AREA 5 AREA 6 AREA 7 Alaska, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming Hawaii, California, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico CANADA David Witt 47103 Leavenworth KOA 11401 River Bend DR. US 2 Leavenworth, WA 98826 Phone: (509) 548-7709 Fax: (509) 548-7709 [email protected] Pamela Mendala 5275 Michael Kuper 55120 Cloverdale KOA 1166 ASTI Ridge RD, PO BOX 600 Cloverdale, CA 95425 Phone: (707) 894-3337 Fax: (707) 894-9206 [email protected] V. President Thunder Bay KOA 162 Spruce River RD. Thunder Bay, ON P7B5E4 Phone: (807) 683-6221 Fax(: (807) 683-6222 [email protected] Steve Linde 26-122, Secretary Sarah Martin 61-03 Yellowstone Park KOA PO BOX 348 Westyellowstone, MT 59758 Phone: (406) 646-7606 Fax: (406) 896-8449 [email protected] Buena Vista KOA 27700 County RD 303 Buena Vista, CO 81211 Phone: (719) 395-8313 Fax: w(719) 395-3103 [email protected] Dave Barton 55-203 1000 Island/Ivy Lea KOA 514 1000 Islands Pkwy Lansdowne, ON K0E 1L0 Phone (613) 659-2408 Fax: (613) 659-2992 [email protected] Oklahoma City East KOA 6200 South Choctaw Rd Choctaw, OK 73020 Phone: (405) 391-5000 Fax: (405) 391-5004 [email protected] KOA INC. LIAISON Jeff Sutherland VP of Franchisee Service PO BOX 3055 Billings, MT 59114 Phone: (800) 548-7104 [email protected] EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR William Ranieri 3416 Primm Lane Birmingham, AL 35216 Phone: (800) 678- 9976 Fax: (205) 823-2760 [email protected] Owners News 2010 KOA Care Camps Board Mike Kuper, Chairman 162 Spruce River Rd Thunder Bay, ON P7B 5E4 Phone: 807-683-6221 Fax: 807-683-6222 [email protected] 2009 | EST Kim Carranza 5431 US Hwy 93 Jerome, ID 83338 Phone: (208) 324-4169 Fax: (208) 324-4376 [email protected] 2010 | MST Hope Perkins, OA Rep 52867 State Rd 13 Middlebury, IN 46540 Phone: (574) 825-5932 Fax: (574) 825-1080 [email protected] [email protected] 2011 | CST Bill Ranieri, Owners Association Office Administrator 3416 Primm Ln Birmingham, AL 35216 Phone: (800) 678-9976 Fax: (205) 823-2760 [email protected] | CST Jerry Dale, OA Rep 586 Kampground Rd Manchester,TN 37355 Phone: (931) 728-9750 Fax: (931)728-9777 [email protected] 2010| CST Mike Gast, KOA Inc. Representative P.O. Box 30558 Billings, MT 59114 Phone: (800) 548-7104 Fax: (406) 248-7414 [email protected] MST "1,Ê*9Ê-9-/-ÊÊÊÊUÊÊÊÊ,-/ Ê*9,"1 Ê+1* /Ê Daniel Parent 609 Pittson Rd. RR 1 Cardinal, ON K0E 1E0 Phone: (613) 657-4536 Fax: (613) 657-8926 [email protected] 2011 | EST Ed Brennan S. 235A Stand Rock Rd. Wis. Dells WI 53965 Phone: 608-254-4177 [email protected] 2010 | CST John Downing 2311 78th Ave West Rock Island, IL 61201 Phone: 309-787-0665 [email protected] 2010 | CST Mike Groseclose 4460 Walnut Rd. BuckeyeLake, OH 43008 Phone: 740-928-0706 Fax: 740-928-0462 [email protected] 2010 | EST Shaping the Future of Play Miracle Recreation is your single source for the most innovative and highest quality playground equipment available. Locate your nearest representative by calling 1-888-458-2752 or visiting www.miracle-recreation.com. TM www.miracle-recreation.com 1-888-458-2752 January/February/March 2010 Audrey Eberhart 3101 Cart Rd. Richmond, IN 47374 Phone: (765) 962-1219 Fax: (765) 935-0817-call cell first [email protected] 2009 | EST -*" ,/ - Ê Ê " 1 / " " , Ê * 9 Ê + 1 * / Ê Ê Ê U Ê Ê Ê Ê - / Ê / - www.koaowners.org 5 Volume 30, Issue 1 6 KOA Disaster Relief Board 2009-2010 Area 1 Tennessee, N. Carolina, S. Carolina, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Kentucky, Virgnian, W. Virginia Danny Goad 17-139 Area 3 Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, N. Dakota, S. Dakota, Nebraska, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa Howard Stein 22-220 Bowling Green KOA 1960 Three Springs Rd Bowling Green, KY 42104 Phone: (270) 843-1919 Fax: (270) 843-1909 [email protected] Port Huron KOA 5151 Lapeer Rd Kimball, MI 48074 Phone: (810) 987-7075 Fax: (810) 987-7073 [email protected] Area 2 Ohio, Delaware, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Main, Vermont, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maryland, Connecticut, Rhode Island Rick Dillon 38-117 Area 4 Louisiana, Mississippi, Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, Texas, Arkansas Bellefonte State College KOA 2481 Jacksonville Rd. Bellefonte, PA 16823 Phone: (814) 355-7912 Fax: (814) 353-8207 [email protected] Area 5 Alaska, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming Steve Linde 26-122 (VACANCY) Area 6 Hawaii, California, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico Tommy Martin 61-03 Buena Vista KOA 27700 County Rd 303 Buena Vista, CO 81211 Phone: (719) 395-8313 Fax: (719) 395-3103 [email protected] Area 7 Canada Jeff Stovold 55-252 Toronto North/Cookstown KOA 139 Reive Blvd Cookstown, ON L0L 1L0 Phone: (705) 456-2120 Fax: (705) 458-1389 [email protected] Yellowstone Park KOA PO Box 348 W. Yellowstone, MT 59758 Phone: (406) 646-7606 Fax: (406) 896-8449 [email protected] Owners News DISASTER RELIEF FUND ANNOUNCEMENT WE ARE PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE THAT THE MAXIMUM SUPPORT FOR DISASTER RELIEF FOR 2010 WILL BE $13,000. AN OVERVIEW OF THE DISASTER RELIEF POLICY AND GUIDELINES IS SHOWN BELOW DISASTER RELIEF POLICY Major Loss Loss of Income caused by the destruction of buildings, roads or other facilities that close the campground for a period of thirty days or longer. The maximum benefit available for members is 13,000 dollars or 10% of the January 1st balance of the Disaster Relief Fund, and not to exceed the amount of the actual damage incurred. Intermediate Loss Loss of Income caused by minor damage to a building, pumps, waste treatment facility causing the closing of the facility for 30 days or less. The maximum benefit available for members is 7,800 dollars or 6% of the January 1st balance of the Disaster Relief Fund, and not to exceed the actual amount of the damage incurred. Minor Loss No damage to the campground, but closing is required due to uncontrollable circumstances. The maximum benefit available for members is 5200 dollars or 4% of the January 1st balance of the Disaster Relief Fund, and not to exceed the actual amount of the damage incurred. Other Conditions and Requirements: 1) Any disaster, which occurs on an ongoing basis, such as flooding, will be eligible only once every five years. 2) The Disaster Relief Committee Chairman, together with two committee members, will review and determine the amount of cash request. 3) If no government assistance is available to campgrounds suffering a major loss, they shall be eligible for low interest loans, based on need and availability of funding. 4) Loan requests must be approved by the Board of Directors as well as by the Disaster Relief Committee. 1) Call the Association office and request a claim form (1-800-678-9976). 2) Return request via mail, fax or email, within four months of the occurrence. 3) Committee will by phone call or email determine amount of funding and write check for such amount. 4) Check will be mailed from office to committee chair for his/her signature, and then be forwarded to the applying campground. A copy of sent check should then be sent to Association office for the files. 5) It is the intent of this committee to have the check in the hands of the applicant in not less than ten working days. Eligibility: 1) Only members are eligible for the above losses. 2) There shall be a grace period of one-year for all new owners that are not members of the Association. 3) At the discretion of the Disaster Relief Committee and with the approval of the Board of Directors, non-members may be considered for funds not to exceed 1,500 dollars. www.koaowners.org January/February/March 2010 Procedure for Receiving Aid: 7 Volume 30, Issue 1 8 2010 State & Provincial Presidents CALIFORNIA/NEVADA Darol Blunt 5180 Visalia/Fresno South KOA 7480 Avenue 308 Visalia, CA 93291 (559) 351-0544 [email protected] ILLINOIS John Downing 13-156 Rock Island KOA 2311 78th Ave. W. Rock Island, IL 61201 (309) 787-0665 [email protected] LOUISIANA Louise Bacot 18-105 Baton Rouge East KOA 7628 Vincent Rd Denham Springs, LA 70726 (360) 457-5916 [email protected] MICHIGAN Cathleen Kuebler 22-225 Traverse City KOA 9700 M37 Buckley, MI 49620 (231) 269-3203 [email protected] MONTANA Homer Staves 26-161 Whitefish/Kalispell kOA 5121 Highway 935 Whitefish, MT 59937 (406) 862-8967 [email protected] OREGON Michael Greig 37-176 Corvallis/Albany KOA 33775 Oakville Rd. SW Albany, OR 37321 (541) 967-8521 [email protected] NEW YORK Wayne Hempel Saugerties/Woodstock KOA 882 Rte 212 Saugerties, NY 12477 (845) 246-4089 [email protected] ONTARIO 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] OHIO Rhonda Landis Dayton KOA 7796 Wellbaum Rd Brookville,OH 45309 (937) 833-3888 [email protected] PA-WEST Gary Levesque 38-104 Philadelphia/West Chester KOA PO Box 920 Unionville, PA 19375 (610) 486-0447 [email protected] OKLAHOMA/KANSAS/MISSOURI Lynn Barrett 4-106 Hot Springs AR KOA 838 McClendon Rd Hot Springs, AR 71901 (501) 624-5912 [email protected] PA CENTRAL John Dillon 38-117 Bellefonte/State College KOA 2481 Jacksonville Rd Bellefonte, PA 16823 (814) 355-7912 [email protected] SOUTH CAROLINA Bill Olendorf 40-113 Point South KOA 14 Kampground Rd Yemassee, SC 29945 (843) 726-5733 [email protected] UTAH Kevin Wright 44103 Brigham City KOA 1040 W. 3600 South Brigham City, UT 84302 (435) 723-5503 [email protected] VIRGINIA Denna Fout 46111 (2009) Williamsburg KOA 4000 Newman Rd Williamsburg, VA 23188 (757) 565-2907 [email protected] WASHINGTON Carey Keith 47-161 Seattle/Tacoma KOA 5801 S. 212th St. Kent, WA 98032 (253) 872-8652 [email protected] CANADA James Brown 51124 Hinton Jasper KOA 4720 Vegas Rd NW Calgary, AB T3A 1W3 CANADA (780) 865-5062 [email protected] MINNESOTA Kim Hornbrook Minneapolis SW KOA 3315 W. 166th St. Jordan, MN 55352 (952) 492-6440 [email protected] FLORIDA Elliott Smith 9205 St. Augustine Beach KOA 525 W. Pope Rd St. Augustine, FL 32080 (904) 806-1431 [email protected] WISCONSIN Jeff Irwin 49106 Madison KOA 4859 Cty Rd V DeForest, WI 53532 (608) 846-4528 [email protected] COLORADO Tracy Hastings 6-124 Denver East/Strasburg KOA 1312 Monroe St. Strasburg, CO 80136 (303) 622-9274 [email protected] TEXAS Marshal Gray 43111 Concho Valley KOA 6699 Knickerbocker Rd San Angelo, TX 76904 (325) 656-6446 [email protected] KENTUCKY Danny Goad (2009) Bowling Green KOA 17139 1960 Three Springs Rd Bowling Green, KY 42104 (270) 843-1919 [email protected] INDIANA Hope Perkins 14133 Elkhart/Middlebury KOA 52867 State Rd. 13 Middlebury, IN 46540 (574) 825-5932 [email protected] SOUTH DAKOTA Patty Gray-Miller 41-108 Deadwood KOA PO Box 451 Deadwood, SD 57732 (605) 578-3830 [email protected] NEW ENGLAND Steve Jesseman, Lisbon/Littleton KOA 2154 Route 302 Lisbon, NH 03585. (603) 838-5525 [email protected] Owners News 2010 State/Provincial Presidents News At this time we are listing the places and dates for your State/Provincial meetings:. Location Western Canada Owners Association Date No Spring Meeting Eastern Canada Owners Association 1000 Island/Ivy Lea KOA April 10, 2010 at 10AM Heartland State Association Springfield/Route 66 KOA in Springfield, MO March 23, 2010 at 9AM California/Nevada Owners Association San Diego Metro KOA in San Diego, CA March 9-10, 2010 from 9AM – 5PM Illinois State Association Benton KOA in Benton, IL March 16, 2010 at 9AM Texas State Owners Association Waco North KOA in Waco, TX April 13, 2010 from 8AM-5PM New England Owners Association Brattleboro KOA in Brattleboro, VT April 26, 2010 at 10AM Kentucky/Tennessee State Association Nashville KOA March 5-6, 2010 Florida State Association St. Petersburg KOA April 27-19, 2010 Wisconsin State Association Stevens Point, WI March 17 Utah/Idaho Salt Lake City KOA March 21 at 11AM Indiana State Association Terre Haute KOA 1PM South Dakota State Association Black Hills Badland and Lakes Visitor Center in Rapid City SD April 19, 2010 at 9AM Minnesota State Association Rochester/Marion KOA April 27th, 2010 www.koaowners.org January/February/March 2010 Association 9 Volume 30, Issue 1 State/Provincial News California/Nevada Fall Meeting Updates I wanted to send out a brief update in regards to some of the marketing programs that we have attempted after our fall meeting. 1. The e-blast campaign was released on the 18th of December and we have some very positive feedback numbers. This e-mail targeted VKR holders within 150 miles of each KOA in California and Nevada. Each person to receive the mailing was a VKR holder with 6500 or more points. We encouraged them to redeem their points on their next stay and directed them straight to the California and Nevada Hot Deal pages. Though data is still coming in, we are able to track and report how many recipients received the e-mail, how many opened the e-mail and how many “clicked through” to the Targeted Landing Page. We are hoping to capture more data all the way down to who made a reservation based on that e-mail so that we can truly gauge how effective this marketing platform is. As of January- Mails delivered 9,153 open rate 46% click through rate 10.39% 2. A bit ago I also sent out a PDF of the Cal-Nev Referral brochure for us to use at our front desks as a way to incentivize folks to make reservations at another KOA in the Cal-Nev Region. The goal was to use a simple, self printed document that we could distribute to our guests via a hand-out map offering a $10 off their next Cal-Nev KOA stay coupon. While I did receive responses from some, I did not hear back from enough parks as to whether or not they wished to participate in the program. We can certainly table this to our March meeting, but if you are interested in being listed as a participating park, please let me know so that I can complete that piece and prepare it for distribution. Also, as a reminder, Our Spring meeting will be here in San Diego in March. Please spread the word to other owners and managers near you about the meeting and invite them to join us. I will be sending hotel information soon. We have 2 lodges left available for that time frame as well as Kabins and RV sites. All sites are complimentary and if you would like to e-mail me I will be happy to make your reservations for you. I would also like to generate an up to date contact list for all owners/managers and operators. Please send me your current and best e-mail/telephone/and mailing address as well as names. Thank you! Yours in Camping Clint Bell President Area 7 Report from Dave Barton We have a new KOA in Caraquet New Brunswick. It is located along the Pokemouche River. The owners are Art and Lorraine Savoie. They have owned the park for a couple of years and will now be flying the KOA flag. As of March 1st Larry and Judy Harrison will be the new managers at the Toronto West KOA. The provincial government in Ontario is proposing to harmonize the 5% GST (good & services tax) which is on the federal side, with the 8% provincial tax. This in turn will have our Kampgrounds in Ontario charging 13% tax on sites and just about everything else. The Eastern Canada Owners Association will be having their spring meeting on April 9th and 10th at the 1000 Islands Ivy Lea Kampground. Hosts are Dave & Sue Barton. All area 7 kampgrounds open between April 1st and May 15th with the exception of Revelstoke BC which is open year round. We are anxiously waiting for spring to arrive! 10 Owners News www.koaowners.org 11 January/February/March 2010 Volume 30, Issue 1 Roofing - What’s Best? Loren Smith, Prairie Kraft Specialties We take a number of calls concerning roofing. We are happy to assist and we consider ourselves knowledgeable. Lately, we have had a number of calls on leaking lodge, cabin, and other roofs. Hence, this article. What’s the best roof? Seriously, (we really are serious here) it’s a cosmetics or architectural question. Stating this in a clearer way, what color car do you like or what dress or suit would you wear to a formal dinner? Clearly, it’s personal preference and, that is also true with roofing. The popularity of metal roofing (currently) is due to wanting that look; usually a brightly colored roof. Done properly, a metal roof is not a “cheap roof” but it’s a good roof and it enjoys current widespread architectural appeal. If you want a “lifetime roof” (think 100 years+), it’s easily obtainable and they are good looking; however, usually the architectural look is more important. So, it’s a matter of balancing roof life against architectural look. What about cost? Cost is a non-issue. Yes, you read it right: In fact, all “generally used roofing” cost almost the same. “Generally used roofing” materials are: asphalt shingles, metal roof (excepting exotic metals), wood shakes, rubber membrane, hot tar, BUR Roofs, etc. There are “price ranges” for these type of roofs. By way of example, there are cheap (think short life) metal roofs and more expensive (usually longer life) metal roofs. The same is true with asphalt shingles, membrane, BUR Roofs, etc. It’s a matter of balancing the looks you want against the life you want and, to a small degree, the cost. The other consideration is the ease of repair following damage from a hail storm, hurricane, etc. Again, it’s a matter of balancing your local conditions against the look you want and the life you want. Now, let’s answer the “key question”: “What should I use on my building, lodge, etc.?” This is where a phone call and discussion may be helpful. However, the following will answer many questions. A roof’s purpose is simple; it’s to keep the water and outside elements/weather out of the building. That’s right… it’s that simple! It’s easy to keep the water out. The problem comes when we start dealing with weather. The sun, wind, rain, etc. deteriorates anything you put up for “a roof”. So, the life of the roof is directly dependent on how long it takes the sun and the outside elements to break it down to where it starts to leak. Therefore, when we look for a “lifetime roof”, what we are looking at is: “What will withstand the sun, etc. for 100+ years? The roof on the State Capital in Helena, Montana is made out of copper. They actually took copper sheets and soldered them together and it’s been on for about 150+ years and it still works…that’s a “lifetime” roof. When you think of Southern California, Mexico, etc., you see roofs made out of clay tile. A clay tile roof is a “lifetime” roof…it will last, literally, for 100+ years…the weather just can’t break them down. Here’s the part most find disbelieving: A wood roof, properly done, is a “lifetime” roof. That’s right; it’ll last over 100 years! A wood roof is usually thought of as a cedar shake roof. However, the wood may not be cedar. Here’s the “rest of the story”. If a wood roof is located in a reasonably dry climate and, more importantly, has direct sunlight on it, they will easily last for 100 years. There are numerous 100 year shake roofs throughout the entire Western United States that are on old churches, buildings, etc. and they still are dry and working today. As many of you know, cedar shakes roofs on Kabins in Florida haven’t held up. So, does that mean a wood roof can’t be a “lifetime” roof in the South? No, they can and are. The Kabin photo you see is located on Ernst and Paulita’s KOA Kampground in Wildwood, Florida. You are looking at 12 Owners News pressure treated cedar shakes. This is a “lifetime” roof. As you see in this photo, his roof looks like it is brand new! It has been in place in Wildwood, Florida, under trees, with leaves falling on it, since 1999. There are pressure treated wood roofs in Hawaii 80+ years old and they are still like the day they were put up. There are painted metal roofs in Florida and Hawaii that are “worn out” after 10 years. There are also metal roofs in Hawaii and Florida that are 100 years old and in good shape. The difference is: the metal is copper, zinc, Cor-Ten steel, etc. For further illustration, let’s look at asphalt shingles. Asphalt shingles are impregnated with materials other than pure asphalt. For fire resistance and strength, they use fiberglass. All “asphalt shingles” have granules on them. The granules are ground up rock coal cinders, etc. that have been colored and are laid into the wet asphalt as the shingles are made. What are these rocklike granules for? So the shingle will weather and reflect back the sunlight. Yes, it also allows you to choose different colors but it’s real purpose is to allow the shingle to weather. So, the type and amount of granules, the thickness of the asphalt, the use of fiberglass or other reinforcement in the asphalt (to withstand hurricane winds) are what determine the life of an asphalt shingle. A cheap asphalt shingle might last 10 to 15 years. A very good one, with lots of granules, might give you 30+ years. The next subject is usually roof insulation. Insulation is important as it controls energy costs and, of course, can make you “green”. You can put any amount of insulation to get any R-value you want under any kind of roof. That’s right…it doesn’t matter; it’s only how much insulation you want. When it comes to roofing, it is the “cosmetic” versus “life” question and, to a small degree, price, that will determine what you use. How the roof is applied and the quality of the workmanship is huge in roofing. Remember, the purpose of the roof is to keep the water and the weather elements out and a sloppy installation will greatly compromise that ability. Darol Blunt at the Visalia/Fresno South KOA was a former roofing contractor. He can speak volumes to the “quality of installation subject” if you are interested. Metal roofs are a subject in themselves. We wrote on this in the April/May/June 2009 Issue of the KOA Owners News. We will revisit it briefly, stating: “The purpose of a metal roof (in a commercial – residential building) is to keep the sun off the real roof that is underneath the metal.” That’s right; metal roofs leak! A good metal roof is, in reality, two roofs. The metal shields the membrane underneath from the sun. There will always be some water leakage around a metal roof. It’s really hard to make a watertight seam at the eaves, gable ends, hips, valleys, gambrel angles, etc. It’s basically impossible to make the metal totally watertight. Take a thunderstorm, hurricane, wind, etc. and it’s going to blow water up underneath the metal. Not much water; but a little. So, we put a membrane underneath and airspace (to allow it to cool) and we have a good watertight roof and, hopefully, a color we love. A metal roof can be a good roof but (that famous coordinating conjunction “but”) the installation and type of membrane and style of metal panels you use, play a huge role in its life and if it will keep you dry. For those of you who wish to pursue this subject further, give us a call at Prairie Kraft Specialties and we’ll be happy to visit about your particular problem, question, etc. Your friends at Prairie Kraft Specialties, Loren, Jane and Linda www.koaowners.org January/February/March 2010 What about hurricanes and wind? Again, most any roof can withstand hurricane winds. This photo is a Kamping Kabin that has sustained winds of 160+ MPH near Homestead, Florida! (it’s the old Miami South KOA). As you can see, the roof is okay. Not what you would expect from a cedar shake roof in a hurricane, but, properly applied any roofing can withstand any wind load! 13 Volume 30, Issue 1 “WORKAMPER’S KORNER” Introduction: This year I will be asking various KOA owners to share with us their ideas involving aspects of dealing with our employees, Workcampers. Feel free to contact them to discuss issues further; they are all very willing to share. Networking is the unique benefit of being part of the KOA system! Have a good summer. Sarah Martin, Buena Vista, CO KOA; Region 6 OA Representative. TIPS on hiring work kampers by Scott and Diane King of the Springfield, Missouri KOA: 1. Check ALL references 2. Don’t be afraid to ask if there is anything they cannot/will not do. And if there is something on their list that you need done, move on to another applicant. 3. Always remember, at the interview, they are the best that they will be. Don’t try to hope they “get better” because you really need to fill a spot. After all, you’ll end up being the one picking up the slack when things go south and you’ll be constantly frustrated. 4. Once hired, keep in contact with them through emails, calls, etc. and make them feel that you are excited to have them as part of your “team.” 5. Be up front with what your expectations are. Put it in writing and have them agree via signature or email confirmation. 6. Have prepared questions during the interview. Ask all applicants the same questions so you have a place to compare all of your prospective employees. A few favorite questions: a.) On a scale of 1-10, how honest are you? b.) If I called five of your past co-workers, what is one word they would use to describe you? c.) In a past job, describe a difficult situation you encountered and how you handled it. 7. Pay attention to the quality and careful preparation of their resume. If they are sloppy with that, they will probably be sloppy with their work product at your campground. We know that the current format on Work @ KOA is difficult to fix or change if a mistake is made, but be sure and verify all information and check dates, etc. In summary, this is a business and although we do use work kampers, they are the face of our business and this is a job they are applying for. 14 Owners News To: OA Members Following your request to establish and maintain a historical database of information on Workampers in the KOA system we are filing this update and overview. Early on we began working with KOA, Inc. to determine the feasibility of developing the program with them. After careful review it was determined they could not participate largely due to HR issues and the vagaries of laws in states and provinces governing the collection of personal information. Your OA Board, led by Sarah Martin, continued the development of this project and consulted with other directors, state presidents, human resource professionals and attorneys practiced in this field to identify the issues of concern in this project. Hurdles would include, in part, researching laws in each state and province where campgrounds are located to check for any possible violations in compiling this information, preparing acknowledgments, authorizations and consents for workampers and candidates to execute authorizing the OA to include them in the database. Clarity would be required on the taxability of benefits provided to them, are they covered by workmen’s compensation insurance and/or unemployment compensation - are they classified as independent contractors or employees. The latter points are familiar to all of us but the question would involve uniformity in some matters. The ever-changing legal environment, differing hiring practices and requirements i.e. drug testing, criminal checks, credit ratings, variance from state to state and provinces and the ability to disseminate personnel information in the required and legal manner - has led your current OA Board to the conclusion that, at this juncture, we cannot compile this data in any meaningful way for use in every campground. We very much regret not being able to deliver what you requested but be assured we are not closing the book on the subject and will be reviewing it from time to time and monitoring any changes to report back to you. Respectfully submitted, Pamela L. Mendala, Cloverdale/Healdsburg Koa www.koaowners.org January/February/March 2010 As this overview is being written, newspapers are carrying the story that certain states are reviewing the legality of collecting credit information as part of the hiring decisions following challenges to this procedure. 15 Volume 30, Issue 1 SPOTLIGHT ON NEW OWNERS There are new owners for the Wellington KOA at 100 S. KOA Dr., Wellington, KS 67152. Please welcome Chad and Jodi Bateson and their son Cameron who opened Wellington KOA in September of 2009. Wellington was originally operated in the 1970’s and the Batesons’ have spent a lot of time renovating the older buildings and adding on sites. The whole family is really getting into the business. Jodie is the manager, clerk and chief toilet cleaner. Chad is the planner and maintenance and Chad likes to escort the guests to their site and supervise the recreation activates. Chad and Jodie found this campground when they drove by one day, it was run down, but the potential of it just shouted out to them. And the opportunity to meet a variety of people just called out to Jodie. In her past life, Jodie was a teacher and an accountant, and Chad was the manager of a Lumberyard and a Plumbing business owner. But that was before Wellington. The Wellington KOA is a great overnight stop for those traveling I-35 or a nice base camp for anyone wanting to explore South Central Kansas. They have got both pull-thru and back in sites. With the new individual and dual shower rooms in the men and women’s bath rooms, we also have a fishing pond, volleyball, playground, and picnic pavilion for groups or just community get together. With an air-conditioned/heated game room and laundry room, our campers get it all. We are pleased with the potential offered by the campground and already have two Kamping lodges being delivered for set up this year. Then our goal is to put in an above ground swimming pool. Wellington has been here for a long time, but you need to come in to see what we’ve done to bring the old girl into the 21st Century. Feel free to stop in for a visit and meet our family. 16 Owners News Shhhh! The underwriters are listening: It was great to see so many of you at the KOA Expo. What a success. What a great franchise with a great owners association. I want to thank Philadelphia Insurance Company for sending it’s team of underwriters to attend and provide a contribution of over $30,000 to the Owners Association. But, I have to say, sometimes you as owners may says things that alarm those underwriters. It takes a little coaching but there are things you should say, and things should keep to yourself. First, let’s be clear we are always ethical, we never lie, bend or stretch the truth, but we can spin things a little or omit certain historical instances like the time when the leach field backed up or when you had the big flood or the time when the bears kept coming into camp. More importantly, we can talk how we fixed the problem. Don’t just talk about the near misses or maybes? All responsible managers, after a near miss or incident that cause injury or property damage seek to fix the cause of the incident, unless totally weather dependent, most incidents can be mitigated with some risk management. But those risk management efforts you take never make into your stories. So next time you tell the story about the time an employee backed a customer’s RV into the office building, don’t forget to say how now you require two employees when trailer spotting. Remember safety first, the only way for repeat customers: You may be thinking of buying a climbing tower, go carts, jumping pillow, bumper boats or whatever and that is fine, but preface your comments with how safe it will be because of the controls you will have in place and not by how many dollars you will make from it. I overheard a owner say to underwriter about the thirty foot climbing tower displayed at the show “ That thing is cheap, I can make some money on this thing, cheaper than a jumping pillow, and made in Mexico” You should have heard the reaction from the insurance company at dinner that night, no chance. Underwriters don’t like to think about the reality of life, everything they think about is right there on your brochure or website: smiling families, beautiful weather and everyone is being safe. They don’t like to think about the rambling to restrooms in the middle of the night, unsupervised swimmers, fire ambers blowing into the forest on windy nights, or unruly patrons, or hurricanes, snow loads, thefts, vandalism. Understandably underwriters are skeptics; they make their living being skeptical, selecting and pricing risk. Everything to them is a potential problem or a potential cause for loss. If you tell them you have never had a claim, in the back of their mind they are thinking you are due for one, and therefore you are a bad risk. So we as agents need to help them through their miserable skeptical lives. Talk about the things you do that make you better than your competition: Safety, risk management, the new signs you put in, the new life vests you put on your boats, the liability waivers you use, the staff you hire, how you mitigate claims, the percentage of repeat clientele and returning employees you have. Why you are a KOA, why you are in the owners’ association, and why your campground should be insured with them. They will sleep better and you will be telling the truth. Glenn Sudol is the owner of Outdoor Insurance Group, Endorsed Insurance Agency of the KOA Owners association. Glenn can be reached at 303-951-5051 or by email [email protected]. www.koaowners.org January/February/March 2010 Don’t say anything about kids, sharp objects, amusement devices, animals and alcohol. 17 Volume 30, Issue 1 What does the future hold for our KOA lodging? By Jim Turner Ruth and I were at the KOA convention this past November in Houston. Thanks Julie and everyone else for another great convention. Hope to see /you’all/ next year in Savannah, GA. Meanwhile, one session at the convention caught my attention and I thought I would muse on it a bit here. Terry Shade, Vice President - Company Operated Properties, conducted a session on increasing value of our lodges. KOA Inc, is looking at their Lodges and Kottages (not Kabins) as an area where they can try out a new direction in customer service and rate optimization. They are going to make-up the main bed (sheets, blanket, pillows, and pillow cases) and possibly leave a setup on each bunk bed. Terry sees the move as a necessary strategic next step in the experience that Ms Camper is looking for from KOAs. Our Big 4 friends down under in Australia make all their main beds in their Ensuite Cabins. The caveat in this endeavor is that of how to do it efficiently? It is pretty easy to do if a campground has one Lodge or Kottage. But with the growth in the number of Kottages and Lodges across the system, something else needs to be done after a point. KOA Inc offers that their solution will be to build a dedicated commercial in-house laundry & supplies build on their campgrounds. Terry has a proposed floor plan of just what their building might look like. He went on to share that they are going to 1) Have unskilled labor strip the lodging unit (removing all dirty dishes and laundry) after the camper guest checks out and then wash/clean/refold/stack all such items in their laundry/supply building. 2) Later in the day, have skilled labor go in and clean the Lodge/Kottage and make the bed, then. 3) Have unskilled labor go back through and restock all dishes, toilet paper, dish towels, setups, etc. If this does happen and if it does grow, it will take years to have it adopted system wide with inherent standards problems. When Ruth and I toured Australia a few years back, we stayed in 15 or so Big 4 Ensuite Cabins and 7 or so Top Tourist Ensuite Cabins. The quality of the bedding ranged from very poor, worn out, torn and frayed on the one end to brand new, starched & pressed clean bright white and such on the other end. Here at Estes Park KOA, we have 7 Deluxe Kamper Kottages and we feel reluctant to become a motel and have no space to build a dedicated cleaning building. We specifically call our Kottages, “Kamper Kottages”, emphasizing that our lodging guests brings their own camping gear, including bedding. Granted, many would really like not to have to bring bedding and make beds. Be that as it may, as this concept is tested over the next 5-10 years, I vote that lodging units without made-up beds be referred to by the entire system with the adjective “Kamper” and lodging with made-up beds be referred to with “Guest”. The Kamper or Guest adjectives would make standards easier across the system. Guests can look at our campground information and better know what to expect. Jim Turner, Estes Park KOA -Jim Turner 1833 Ranch Circle Home/Cell: 970-577-0789 [email protected] 18 Owners News Take Pride in Your KOA Campground Eaton RV Park Hookups In today’s market where competition is growing, being sure that you have a strong brand image and brand recognition is key to ensuring that your current customers will come back, and that new customers will come stay with you! We can customize pedestals which will provide a consistent look and make them standout in the campground industry. Eaton has the highest quality weatherproof equipment on the market. We can supply not only the pedestals, but also the distribution equipment and wire. A complimentary electrical design is provided so you can feel confident that the electrical layout of the park is efficient and safe. Call Today for More Information www.koaowners.org 1-800-723-8009 www.rvparkhookups.com January/February/March 2010 Eaton has dedicated support to help KOA campground owners with technical help, replacement parts, warranty, and customer service. We also offer special discounts to KOA campground owners and will ensure you get the highest quality pedestals that Eaton has to offer - while staying within your budget! Proven Eaton technology is currently in use at many KOA locations throughout the country. 19 Volume 30, Issue 1 Tax Changes for 2009 The tax changes for 2009 are many and have all kinds of variations relating to when the provision date starts, some changes are only for 2009, while others will affect 2009 AND 2010. Although most people know of certain well publicized changes; such as First Time Homebuyer Credit; reinstatement of the Energy Credit and a partial exclusion of Unemployment Pay there are many more changes which affect all tax aspects. There have been so many changes as a result of the various Bail Out programs and Stimulus packages. During 2009 there were 3 major tax packages: February 17, 2009 “The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act”; mid June was the “Supplemental Appropriations Act” and then on November 6 the “Workers, Homeownership and Business Assistance Act”. In total these 3 packages had approximately 35 major tax changes affecting both individual and business taxes. Here are a few of the tax matters that may affect your returns. -NEW HOME Purchase: The original credit of 2008 had to be refunded over 15 years. The new law of 2009 increased the credit to $8,000 from the original $7,500 (or 10%) and no longer had to be repaid to the IRS. Then later in 2009 this provision was amended once again, to apply not only to first time homeowners, but also allowed a $6,500 credit for anyone purchasing a new home from November, 2009 to April, 2010. -NEW CAR Purchase: In addition to the various credits allowed for hybrid autos; taxpayers can get a deduction on the sales tax regardless of whether or not they itemize their taxes. 20 UNEMPLOYMENT compensation benefits received in 2009 are excluded from gross income for the first $2,400 received. - BUSINESS USED AUTO; vehicles bought and placed in service after 2008 and before 2010, the Recovery Act increases by $8,000 the first year depreciation dollar limit for a passenger auto that is “qualified” property meeting the original requirements. Remember a passenger car must be used more than 50% for trade or business purposes in order to be eligible for the additional first year depreciation. - MAKING WORK PAY CREDIT: The Recovery Act allows taxpayers a refundable tax credit for 2009 and 2010 of $400 ($800 for a joint return) or 6.2% of a persons earned wages, whichever is smaller. The credit is subject to certain phase AGI limits. - ENERGY CREDIT: Non business energy credit was amended from a 10% credit to 30% credit beginning after December 31, 2008 for property placed in service before January 1, 2011. In addition, the lifetime cap of $500 is eliminated and replaced with an aggregate cap of $1,500. Energy saving expenditures for such items as: new doors, windows; furnace; AC or other energy saving equipment which may have been purchased during 2009 (credit applies as long as you PAID for the item in 2009); - 529 PLANS: if you have such a savings plan; under the Recovery Act expenses paid or incurred in 2009 or 2010 for the purchase of any computer technology, equipment or internet access will qualify as educational expense if used by the qualified student or their family. - DISASTER AREA SCHOOL: if you have a child who attended a university in a qualified disaster area in 2008 you are entitled to a double credit in 2008 or 2009. Credit is based on where the school is not where taxpayer lives. - PARENTS AS DEPENDENTS: in certain situations your parents can now be considered your dependent even if they don’t live with you in your home. EVEN IF THEY LIVE IN THEIR OWN HOME. The individual circumstances surrounding this situation should be discussed with your tax accountant to see if you qualify for this benefit. Owners News Conversion of a TRADITIONAL IRA to a ROTH IRA Looking ahead to 2010; this is the year to consider changing your traditional IRA to a Roth IRA. In years past, taxpayers were denied the ability to convert if their modified adjusted gross income was $100,000 or more. This limitation factor is gone starting in 2010. In addition, if you convert to a Roth IRA in 2010 you can elect to defer the tax over the following two years (2011 and 2012, evenly). This deferral may or may not be a good idea if you think tax rates will increase. You can always follow the standard procedure and report all the taxable income from a 2010 conversion on your 2010 tax return. In addition, should you change your mind about a Roth IRA after the conversion; you have until October 15 of the following year to recharacterize the converted account back to the traditional IRA status. Benefits of a conversion include: qualifying withdrawals from Roth accounts are completely free of federal tax; there is no minimum mandatory distribution withdrawal at age 70 1/2, so Roth accounts can remain untouched for as long as you live. If you believe that federal income tax rates will rise in the future, and if you’re traditional IRA is still lower than before the last year’s market decline, then you are a prime candidate for converting. Certain considerations must be considered before deciding a plan of action: Your prediction about future rates of return on your ROTH IRA; Expectations about future tax rates; When and if you expect to withdraw money from your IRA account; Are there state tax implications FUTURE CONTRIBUTIONS TO A ROTH IRA!!! Although the income restriction for converting to a Roth IRA is being lifted for 2010, the income limits for annual Roth contributions will still be the same. You can contribute up to $5,000 for 2010 ($6,000 if you are age 50 by December 31, 2010). However, if you’re modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) exceeds $167,000 for married filing jointly ($105,000 for singles); the amount that you can contribute is reduced. So if your MAGI exceeds $120,000 for singles or $177,000 for married, your can not contribute to the Roth IRA. So you might be able to convert but unable to contribute any more to the new ROTH. NATIONWIDE DISTRIBUTORS A N D S U P P L I E R S T O R V PA R K S & C A M P G R O U N D S Plan-IT Green P R OD U C TS TO R E D U C E USAGE OF RESOURCES � � � � � High Efficiency Hand Dryers Electric Meter Kits Water Meters Timer Boxes Photocell Controllers 800-800-2811 (8am EASTERN to 5pm PACIFIC) www.koaowners.org XLERATOR HAND DRYER GREENSPEC APPROVED. Qualified for LEED CREDIT www.go-usg.com January/February/March 2010 8 /200 2007 nal Natio C ARV of lier Supp ear the Y 21 Volume 30, Issue 1 TODAY’s Thoughts And it’s winter before we know it.... You know, time has a way of moving quickly and catching you unaware of the passing years. It seems just yesterday that I was young, just married and embarking on my new life with my mate. And yet in a way, it seems like eons ago, and I wonder where all the years went. I know that I lived them all... And I have glimpses of how it was back then and of all my hopes and dreams... But, here it is..the winter of my life and it catches me by surprise... How did I get here so fast? Where did the years go and where did my babies go? And where did my youth go? I remember well.. seeing older people through the years and thinking that those older people were years away from me and that winter was so far off that I could not fathom it or imagine fully what it would be like... But, here it is...my friends are retired and really getting gray... they move slower and I see an older person now. Lots are in better shape than me... but, I see the great change... Not like the ones that I remember who were young and vibrant... but, like me, their age is beginning to show and we are now those older folks that we used to see and never thought we’d be. Each day now, I find that just getting a shower is a real target for the day! And taking a nap is not a treat anymore...it’s mandatory! Cause if I don’t on my own free will...I just fall asleep where I sit! And so, now I enter into this new season of my life unprepared for all the aches and pains and the loss of strength and ability to go and do things that I wish I had done but never did!! But, at least I know, that though the winter has come, and I’m not sure how long it will last... this I know, that when it’s over...its over....Yes , I have regrets. There are things I wish I hadn’t done ,,,,,things I should have done, but indeed, there are many things I’m happy to have done. It’s all in a lifetime.... So, if you’re not in your winter yet...let me remind you, that it will be here faster than you think. So, whatever you would like to accomplish in your life please do it quickly! Don’t put things off too long!! Life goes by quickly. So, do what you can today, as you can never be sure whether this is your winter or not! You have no promise that you will see all the seasons of your life...so, live for good today and say all the things that you want your loved ones to remember...and hope that they appreciate and love you for all the things that you have done for them in all the years past!! “Life is a gift to you. The way you live your life is your gift to those who come after. Make it a fantastic one.” LIVE IT WELL!!----ENJOY TODAY!!!!-----DO SOMETHING FUN!!!---BE HAPPY!!!----BE THANKFUL!!!!! 22 Owners News • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Your fences need to be horse-high, pigtight, and bull-strong. Keep skunks and bankers and lawyers at a distance. Life is simpler when you plow around the stump. A bumble bee is considerably faster than a John Deere tractor. Words that soak into your ears are whispered...not yelled. Meanness don’t jes’ happen overnight. Forgive your enemies. It messes up their heads. Do not corner something that you know is meaner than you. It don’t take a very big person to carry a grudge. Every path has a few puddles. When you wallow with pigs, expect to get dirty. The best sermons are lived, not preached. Most of the stuff people worry about ain’t never gonna happen, anyway. Don’t judge folks by their relatives. Remember that silence is sometimes the best answer. Live a good, honorable life. Then when you get older and think back, you’ll enjoy it a second time. Don’t interfere with somethin’ that ain’t botherin’ you none. Timing has a lot to do with the outcome of a rain dance. If you find yourself in a hole, the first thing to do is stop diggin’. Sometimes you get, and sometimes you get got. The biggest troublemaker you’ll ever have to deal with, watches you from the mirror every mornin’. Always drink upstream from the herd. Good judgment comes from experience, and a lotta that comes from bad www.koaowners.org KOA Go With The Flow Financing From Independence Bank • Easy one-page loan application. • No down payment required. • Qualify at a competitively priced interest rate. • You and IB agree on a revenue split, typically less than 75 percent of the revenue generated by the lodge, that estimates paying off the loan in 5 to 6 years. • Make lodge payments only when your lodge 0HHWRXU is rented, which minimizes your risk. .2$7HDP • If lodge rents better than expected, your loan is 7RGG paid off early. &DURO • The loan may be paid 0\P off early, with 0DULH no pre-payment 0LOHV penalties. &KXFN 'RQ·WIRUJHWWR DVNXVDERXWRXU 'HEELH .2$3UHPLHU 6DYLQJV$FFRXQW Havre, Montana (406) 265-1241 • (800) 823-2274 www.ibyourbank.com January/February/March 2010 An Old Farmer’s Advice: 23 Volume 30, Issue 1 2010 Associate Members List These companies pay $200 a year to support our association. Please remember to purchase their products and patronize their businesses. Allied Specialty Insurance Rick D’Aprile 10451 Gulf Blvd Treasure Island, FL 33706 Phone: (727) 367-6900 [email protected] campground insurance Anderson’s Brochures Distributors Skip & Judy Deegans PO Drawer 467 Lweisburg, WV 24901 Phone: (866) 645-1897 [email protected] Campbell Insurance Agency Craig & Kirk Campbell PO Box 1695 Harrison, AR 72602 Phone: (870) 741-5423 Fax: (870) 741-4714 [email protected] www.insuretheoutdoors.com Insurance Chadwick Mft. Co Allen Smith 224 N Main St Chadwick, IL 61014 Phone: (800) 732-4602 Fax: (815) 684-5160 [email protected] www.chadwickmfg.com Picnic Tables & Grills Easton Corporation-RV Park Hook Ups Kathleen Kullberg; Greg Storck 149 Warwick Court Williamsburg, VA 23185 Phone: (800) 723-8009; (757) 258-8800 Fax: (757) 258-8805 [email protected] www.marinapower.com Electrical power hookups, digital electronic meters, and light bollards. We also custom build power substations and we sell transformers, wire and panels. Complementary electrical layout design is also available. 24 Ez-Dock Alissa Jones 878 E US Hwy 60 Monett, MO 65708 Phone: (417) 354-2650 Fax: (417) 235-2232 [email protected] www.ez-dock.com Provides modular floating dock systems for business and personal waterfront properties. Darrell Hess & Associates Darrel Hess 367 Dellwood Rd. Bldge E, Ste 2 Waynesville, SC 28786 Phone: (828) 452-1535 Fax: (828) 452-3180 [email protected] www.CampgroundsForSale.com Real Estate-RV parks & campgrounds Gattuso Distributing, Inc. Denise & Pat Gattuso 1576 Wald Rd New Braunfels, TX 78132 Phone: (830) 620-1618 Fax: (830) 620-1642 [email protected] www.gattusodistributing.com Summer/Water Items Gerber Manufacturing Chuck Gerber 2917 Latham Dr. Madison, WI Phone: (800) 393-9923 Fax: (608) 271-1920 [email protected] www.gerbertables.com Picnic Tables, benches, grills H.U.B. International Aaron Linden PO Box 6006 Sheridan, WY 82801 (800) 300-4370 [email protected] Offering a myriad of insurance products on a national scale. Independence Bank Miles Hamilton/Mym Cichoz PO Box 2090 Havre, MT 59501 Phone: (800) 823-2274 Fax: (406) 262-2173 [email protected] www.ibyourbank.com Loan development programs Jax LTD., Inc. Cindy Levine 141 Cheshire Land Minneapolis, MN 55441 Phone: (763) 449-9699 Fax: (763) 449-9695 [email protected] www.jaxgames.com The fun and games people. Exceptional family games including the long –time favorite, SEQUENCE game. Designed for providing entertainment for family and friends. Leavitt Recreation & Hospitality Insurance Stacy Torneton 1001 Lazelle St Sturgis, SD 57785 Phone: (800) 525-2060 Fax: (605) 347-0296 [email protected] www.lrhinsurance.com Property and casualty insurance for RV parks & campgrounds McNeil & Company-Advensure Steve Gulini PO Box 5670 Cortland, NY Phone: (800) 822-3747 x 124 Fax: (607) 756-6225 [email protected] www.mcneilandcompany.com Provides insurance and risk management for RV parks and campgrounds Owners News Miracle Recreation Don Hemingway 878 E US Hwy 60 Monett, MO 65708 Phone: (417)354-2640 Fax: 417)235-2232 [email protected] Water sports/docks Pacific Yurts Pete Dolan 77456 Hwy 99 S. Cottage Grove, OR 97427 Phone: (800) 944-0240 Fax: (541) 942-0508 [email protected] www.yurts.com The original designer & manufacturer of the modern yurt, offers a unique alternative to cabins 7 meeting halls for generating revenue. The highest quality design, materials & customer service backed by the industry leader Texas Meter & Device Co Steve Swenke PO Box 154099 Waco, TX 76715 Phone: (800) 247-5116 Fax: (254) 799-0266 [email protected] www.texasmeter.com Remanufactured and new electric meters and metering equipment Utility Supply Wade Elliott PO Box 267 Preston, WA 98050 Phone: (800) 800-2811 Fax: (425) 222-7845 [email protected] www.go-usg.com Distribution Panels THE FIRST DOCK OF ITS KIND... THE LAST DOCK YOU WILL EVER NEED. Phelps Honey Wagon Jaylene Shannon 158 Whiskey Spring Rd Dillsburg, PA 17019 Phone: (800) 463-3707 Fax: (717) 502-1090 [email protected] www.phelpshoneywagon.com Make full service sites available without the expense of an in-ground sewage system. Pump your own portapotties or holding tanks. Southeast Publishing USA., Inc. Peter Warrick 4360 Peters Road Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33317 Phone: 800) 832-3292 Fax: (954) 583-4109 [email protected] www.sepub.com site maps, publishing, printing www.koaowners.org EZ DOCK WORKS FOR YOU Patented UÊÝVi«Ì>ÊÃÌ>LÌÞÊÊÜ>ÌiÀ UÊ6ÀÌÕ>ÞÊÊ>Ìi>Vi UÊ-ÌÀi}Ì Ê>`ÊyiÝLÌÞ UÊ6iÀÃ>ÌiÊ>`ÊiÝ«>`>Li modular design UÊ}ÌiÀÊÛ>Õi UÊÀi>ÌÊÛiÃÌiÌ UÊ1ÛiÀÃ>Ê>VViÃÃLÌÞÊ (meets ADA guidelines) UÊÛÀiÌ>ÞÊvÀi`Þ UÊ->vi]ÊëÀiÃÃÌ>ÌÊÃÕÀv>Vi UÊ ÕÃÌÊ`iÃ}ÃÊ>Û>>Li Plus, with our full line of slides, swim ladders, fishing piers, benches, and easy-to-use boat and PWC lifts, EZ Dock can help you create your ideal waterfront environment. Visit www.ez-dock.com or call 1-800-654-8168 to find the representative near you. 1-800-654-8168 www.ez-dock.com January/February/March 2010 R.J. Thomas Mfg Pilot Rock Robert Simonsen PO Box 946 Cherokee, IA 51012 Phone: (800) 762-5002 Fax: (712) 225-5796 [email protected] www.pilotrock.com Picnic tables, benches, charcoal grills, campfire rings, trash and recycling receptacles and lids, latern poles, flag poles, bike racks, pet waste stations, picnic table covers, fire starters, more. Since 1959 25 Volume 30, Issue 1 PRESS RELEASE Custom-Fit Tablecovers 585-787-9620 – Fax 585-787-9666 811 Ridge Rd., Suite 100, Webster, NY 14580 Kwik Cover Press Release FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact Person: Bernie Puglisi Company Name: Kwik Covers Phone: 866-586-9620 FAX: 585-787-9666 Email Address: [email protected] Website URL: www.kwikcovers.com “COVER YOUR CAN” Now Available for 33 Gallon Garbage Cans! Rochester, NY – FEBRUARY 2010 - The Kwik-Can Cover is an innovative new way to cover 33 and 55 gallon barrels. Most metal barrels quickly become dented and rusty requiring continuous maintenance to re-paint them year-after-year... if it even gets done at all. Even the newer plastic drums become an eye-sore after a short period of time. The Kwik-Can Cover is simply a plastic sleeve which utilizes elastic at the top and bottom to hold the cover on the can. You simply slide the cover down over the can and you’re left with a clean, pleated look. KwikCan Covers are packaged 50 per carton and are stocked in white, black, royal blue, black& white check and their new patriotic design for 55 gallon cans. Their new 33 gallon covers are available in white or black only. Kwik-Covers warehouse and ship from their fulfillment centers in Syracuse, NY and Carson, CA. For more information about Kwik-Can Covers or a free sample, call toll-free 866-586-9620 or visit us at www.kwikcovers.com ### 55 Gallon 55 Gallon- BLK/W Check 33 Gallon Version C 26 Owners News PRESS RELEASE Custom-Fit Tablecovers 585-787-9620 – Fax 585-787-9666 811 Ridge Rd., Suite 100, Webster, NY 14580 Kwik Cover Press Release FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact Person: Bernie Puglisi Company Name: Kwik Covers Phone: 866-586-9620 FAX: 585-787-9666 Email Address: [email protected] Website URL: www.kwikcovers.com Introducing Kwik-Covers in Convenient Variety Packages!! Rochester, NY – FEBRUARY 2010: Kwik-Covers introduces their new Variety Pack in a convenient shipper display case. Simply cut the bottom of the outer case… slide it off and you’ve got a handy Point of Purchase display perfect for countertops or shelves. The Kwik-Cover is a lightweight “fitted” vinyl table cover that features elastic edging to hold it in place. This easy-touse “plastic-with-elastic” specialty cover stays tight on tables even in the wind. Their new 48 count Variety Pack contains 12 covers each in 4 popular colors…red, white, blue and red gingham. Variety packs are available for 6’ and 8’ banquet as well as 60” round table sizes. Kwik-Covers may be re-ordered in dozen quantities with their new refill packs. Kwik-Covers are great for covering tables from backyard parties…to church festivals…to tables for children’s arts and craft projects. They even fit standard size picnic tables. With KwikCovers, there’s no longer a need for time consuming rolls of plastic which require the use of scissors, staples, tape or tacks. It’s literally “a snap” to cover tables with the Kwik-Cover. All Kwik-Cover products are made strong enough to clean and re-use or can be disposed of making clean-up a breeze….it’s up to you. Kwik-Covers warehouse and ship from their fulfillment centers in Syracuse, NY and Carson, CA. For more information about Kwik-Covers or a free sample, call toll-free 866-586-9620 or visit us at www.kwikcovers.com. January/February/March 2010 ### www.koaowners.org Version D 27 Volume 30, Issue 1 2010 CK&CWUW “Jumpstart your fundraising” May 14th is the 2010 CK&CWUW challenge!!! Our goal is to raise $137,500.00. This will not only be matched by Oscar Tang in 2010, it will also be matched in 2011!!! Please take part in this fantastic fundraiser. It can only be accomplished with a team effort. It’s not just a free night…It’s a kickoff to our 2010 fundraising season!!! Try a new event. Get your kampers and volunteers involved. Give that extra effort and together lets generate more kamper nights and bonus $$$ for KOA Care Camps. For those of you that already use great fundraising ideas and successful events, I hope you have sent them to our Care Camps office, and if you haven’t done so yet please forward them by email at info@koaowner. org or by fax at 205-823-2760. We will put together “Recipes for Fundraising” and share them with the whole system. We announced the introduction of pledge forms for the CK&CWUW at the auction in Houston. By the end of that night we had $30,000.00 pledged! We are off to a great start! These pledge forms are available in this issue as well as on ekamp. By mid February we have 392 Kampgrounds registered for the 2010 CK&CWUW! If you do the math this works out to about $350.00 per kampground. I BELIEVE-DO YOU BELIEVE!!! Keep your eye on Kampsight, as you log on you will see our current total in pledges. Once the CK&CWUW is over we will show the actual dollars raised. “Together let’s watch it grow” Thank you for participating, Mike Kuper Chairman KOA Care Camps 28 Owners News Pledge for 2010 Come Kamp & Care with Us Weekend As you know, for the last three years all the money collected by the franchisees on that weekend has been matched by KOA Holding. Because of their commitment to KOA Care Camps their matching funds have enabled the Care Camp Program to send over 6,500 children who have or had cancer to one of the 43 cancer camps that requested help from us. We would like to ask Oscar Tang continue his support of KOA Care Camps and he has asked something from us in return. In the spirit of a friendly challenge he is asking the KOA franchisees to do their best. For the 2010 CK&CCW, if the franchisee’s raise $100,000 he will match it by 50%, if they raise $125,000 or over he will match that amount 100% and if the franchisees reach $137,500 there will be an automatic fund match for 2011! I believe that by working together we can reach over that goal and show Mr. Tang how much WE Care. To that end I am asking if you would please sign the pledge below and name an amount that you will do your best to reach next spring. “ I ____________________ of Campground _______________________do hereby pledge that my And please be sure to mail what you’ve raised for the National Care Camp Office no later than June 15th, 2010 in order to be included in the matching funds total. Remember “High achievement always takes place in the framework of high expectation.” Charles F. Kettering Name:_______________________________________________________________________________ Campground:_________________________________________________________________________ Phone:___________________________________Email:______________________________________ www.koaowners.org January/February/March 2010 campground will raise at least $_____________during the Come Kamp & Care with Us Weekend in 2010. 29 Volume 30, Issue 1 New York State Owners Association Gift to Camp Good Days and Special Times This past August, owners of the KOA Canandaigua/ Rochester Kampground invited staff from Camp Good Days and Special Times to tour and visit the operation. At the same time, a $10,000 check was presented by the New York State Owners Assoc. to Gary Mervin, Chairman of Camp Good Days. From left to right: Victor and Kathy Arsenault, owners; Gary Mervin; Gail Allen, CCCWU Committee, Curtis and Kim Chance, Workercampers; and Ruth and Shelby Aucoin, Workercampers. Camp Good Days and Special Times, Inc., a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization is dedicated to improving Photo from Victor and Kathy Arsenault the quality of life for children, adults and families whose lives have been touched by cancer and other life challenges through summer camping experiences and year-round events and activities. Camp Good Days and Special Times, Inc. was founded over 30 years ago by Gary Mervis to provide a residential camping program for his daughter, Teddi Mervis, and 62 other children with cancer from Upstate New York, and has grown to become one of the largest organizations of its kind in the world. Camp Good Days was the fourth program of its kind in the country and the first to be started by a layperson. What was started to provide a residential camping experience for Teddi and 62 other children with cancer from Upstate New York (21 from Rochester; 21 from Buffalo; 21 from Syracuse) in 1979 has grown to become one of the largest organizations of its kind in the country. Many of the programs and services started right here at Camp Good Days have been used as models for cancer treatment centers and organizations throughout the United States and Canada. This past summer, over 1500 children, including children with cancer from several foreign countries, participated and experienced the magic of Camp Good Days firsthand at our own beautiful Recreational Facility, located on the shores of Keuka Lake. All of the programs and services at Camp Good Days and Special Times, provided to many children and their families, are offered free of charge for the participants. The only reason we are able to continue doing this is because of our many successful fundraising events and the generous donations from very special individuals and organizations in our community. Camp Good Days maintains our own Recreational Facility, located on the shores of Keuka Lake, where the residential camping programs take place. The Camp Good Days’ Headquarters & Volunteer Training Center is located in Mendon, NY and Camp Good Days also maintains offices in Buffalo, Syracuse, and Ithaca, NY. 30 Owners News www.koaowners.org 31 January/February/March 2010 Volume 30, Issue 1 KOA Owners Association 3416 Primm Lane Birmingham, AL 35216 KOA Owners Association Owners News 3416 Primm Lane Birmingham, AL 35216 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] Email other than newsletter information: [email protected] Publication: Owners News is published six times per year by the KOA Owners Association. Printing services are donated by Southeast Publications USA, Inc. Telephone: 800-832-3292 32 Owners News
