2011 Issue 1 - KOA Owners Association

Transcription

Owners
News
OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE KAMPGROUND OWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC.
Volume 31
Issue 1
January/February/March
2011
• Contents •
Presidents Korner......................................................................... 2
On the Road Again....................................................................... 3
OA Board of Directors ................................................................. 4
OA Board Spring Meeting Minutes............................................... 6
Disaster Relief Board................................................................. 10
Disaster Relief Update –by Steve Linde..................................... 11
State/Provincial Presidents 2011................................................ 12
Spring Meeting Dates................................................................. 13
Tennessee/Kentucky State Meeting Minutes............................. 14
From Your Accountant by Joe Serpico, C.P.A,........................... 18
Kamping Kabins- the good, the bad and the ugly-by Loren Smith.19
Insurance Korner........................................................................ 24
Mentor Korner............................................................................ 26
Work Kamper Korner.................................................................. 28
Is Your Campground “Googlized? By Jim Turner....................... 32
Problems with Comcast Cable- by Jerry Dale............................ 33
Bandwidth- by Checkbox............................................................ 34
Joke Korner................................................................................ 35
Associate Members.................................................................... 36
Planning for a Comfortable Retirement...................................... 38
Care Camps Board..................................................................... 41
Care Camps Board Minutes....................................................... 42
KOA Care Camps is Revin in 2011-by Mike Kuper.................... 45
Fund Raising at its finest!........................................................... 45
I Care Award Winner.................................................................. 46
Care Camp Traditions................................................................ 46
www.koaowners.org
www.koaowners.org
1
Volume 31, Issue 1
President’s Korner
Newsletter Issue 1, 2011
By the time this issue
of the OA newsletter
arrives most of you will
have already begun
your season, or will be
preparing to do so. I
have visited over 30
campgrounds
since
becoming
President
of the OA, and most
everyone Garry and I
have spoken to seem to be very optimistic about this
year’s activity. We are all concerned about events
occurring in the Middle East and hope the impact on
the price of gasoline will abate. This, obviously, could
have an impact on our business for 2011, but we still
look for a good year.
are not all completely satisfied with the new contract, the
board did feel that a number of concerns we expressed
were heard and as a result several changes were made to
the contract. Among the changes made because of your
OA board were the following:
Your OA board met on February 16 and 17 in
Birmingham. The minutes of that meeting are posted
on our website and are also printed in this newsletter.
We discussed the importance of more effective
communications with our owners during the coming
year. We need to keep the lines of communications
open so that we can more effectively represent the
feelings, needs and concerns of our owners and the
entire KOA system. Your area directors will make it
their number one priority to attend all state/provincial
OA meetings this year. I urge all of you to attend your
state or provincial area meeting. This is the best way to
keep up with the issues we are facing. It also provides
an opportunity to meet with and discuss questions or
concerns you have with your fellow owners. These
meetings also provide valuable input to our area
directors that can be shared and discussed by the OA
board.
Another significant issue that came out of our discussions
in Birmingham was the problem KOA.com is having. We
urged them to keep all of us updated on progress made to
correct the problem. I again urge you to go to ekamp to keep
abreast of progress being made. Your area representative will
emails on updates out as soon as we have any to report and
it will also be listed on koaowners.org.
A great deal of time at our meeting was spent on getting
brought up to date on the new U contract. While we
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a. Financial statement requirement was not changed.
b. Roll-over of a convention pass for one year was
included.
c Breakout of the $1,500 on the annual maintenance
invoice was discussed.
d. Ability to pay the $1,500 in payments if needed.
While we always feel we can do more, the most important
thing is that we let you, our fellow owners, know that we
are trying to do the best we can.
There were many other important issues we discussed.
Please read through the minutes and let us know if you
have any comments. You can contact Bill Ranieri in
Birmingham or your area directors with any questions,
issues or problems you have. I am certainly available to
discuss anything you would like so please don’t hesitate
to contact any of us. I appreciate your support and
encouragement and ask you to stay involved with what we
are doing, and to let us know your thoughts on what we
might do better.
Vicki Cole,
Owners Association, President
Owners News
ROAD AGAIN
E
H
T
N
O
Since the KOA Convention we have travelled over 10,000 miles in our Motor Home. My husband, Garry and I
have had some windshield time and it was a time for us to relax and enjoy the outdoors. Travelling from Ohio to
Savannah, to Orlando for IAPPA, to Las Vegas for ARVC, Ohio home for Christmas, and then back to Florida for the
Tampa Show, we have stopped and visited over 40 campgrounds on our trip.
It was fun seeing the owners, campgrounds, and the new ideas that we can bring to our campground. Sometimes
we just stop by to meet and greet, other times we are there to stay over night.
I would like to say “Thank you” to the owners and staff members that greeted us in the store with smiling faces. You
have to understand, we usually travel over 500 miles a day, so when we stop it, is later in the day, mostly at dark.
Better yet, is the staff member that takes us to our site, because we travel in our 40 foot motor home pulling a full
size Suburban, a site escort makes us feel comfortable; because the escort is watching for us to follow him and
guiding us to our site.
Unfortunately at some campgrounds, the store has been closed and there has been no information on sites that are
available. This is when Vicki takes the flashlight and looks to see where we can possibly park our rig. Talk about
the blind leading the blind, you don’t know where to go, what kind of sites you are looking at and if you can get out
of the site the next morning. Other campgrounds have posted the sites that were available and the amenities for
the site and a site map is in the night reservation box. The best yet was the campground that put sites by lengths
and what is available, listing 100 foot sites, 85 foot sites, 45 foot sites, etc. I stole this idea from a campground,
because I thought it was great: that way I know we are not trying to get our rig in a site for a 30 foot unit let alone
our customers trying to do it. God Bless You!
I look forward to stopping at many KOA’s and meeting the Great KOA owners that are in our system. May you have
a Great Camping Season.
Remember, Its not Camping its Kamping.
January/February/March 2011
Vicki Cole, CPO
www.koaowners.org
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Volume 31, Issue 1
KOA Owners Association
Area 1
TENNESSEE, NORTH CAROLINA, SOUTH CAROLINA, ALABAMA, GEORGIA, FLORIDA, KENTUCKY, VIRGINIA,
WEST VIRGINIA
Danny Goad 17139 BOWLING GREEN KO
1040 EDGEWATER LANE (temp) BOWLING GREEN, KY 42104
Phone :(270) 843-1919
Fax: (270) 843-1909
E-mail: [email protected]
Jerry Dale 42102
MANCHESTER TN KOA
586 KAMPGROUND RD
MANCHESTER, TN 37355
Phone: (931) 728-9750
Fax: (931) 728-9777
Area 2
OHIO, DELAWARE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, PENNSYLVANIA, MAINE, VERMONT, MASSACHUSETTS,
NEW HAMPSHIRE, MARYLAND, CONNECTICUT, RHODE ISLAND
VICKI COLE, PRESIDENT 35-164 SHELBY/MANSFIELD KOA
6787 BAKER 47
SHELBY, OH 44875-9103
Phone: (419) 347-1392
Fax: (419) 342-5353
E-mail: [email protected] KARL SCHMIDT, TREASURER 38181
ELIZABETHTOWN/HERSHEY KOA
1980 TURNPIKE RD
ELIZABETHTOWN, PA 17022
Phone: (717) 367-7718
Fax: (717) 367-3412
Area 3
MICHIGAN, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, NORTH DAKOTA, SOUTH DAKOTA, NEBRASKA, MINNESOTA, WISCONSIN, IOWA
CARROL MURRAY 27-104
West Omaha KOA
14601 Hwy 6
Gretna, NE 68028 Phone: (402) 332-3010
Fax: (402) 332-0246
Hope Perkins 14-133
Elkhart/Middlebury KOA
52867 State Rd 13
Middlebury, IN 46540
Phone: (574) 825-5932
Fax: (574) 825-1080
Area 4
LOUISIANA, MISSISSIPPI, KANSAS, MISSOURI, OKLAHOMA, TEXAS, ARKANSAS
DUSTY SULLIVAN 43-142
JUNCTION N/LLAMO RIVER KOA
2145 MAIN
JUNCTION, TX 76849 Phone: (325) 446-6219
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TINA HAITH 36-133
OKLAHOMA CITY EAST KOA
6200 SOUTH CHOCTAW RD.
CHOCTAW, OK 73020
Phone: (405) 391-5000
Fax: (405) 391-5004
Owners News
Board of Directors 2011
Area 5
ALASKA, WASHINGTON, OREGON, IDAHO, MONTANA, WYOMING
KIM CARRANZA 12-109
TWIN FALLS/JEROME KOA
5431 US HWY 93
JEROME, ID 83338
Phone: (208) 324-4169
Fax: (208) 324-4376
E-mail:[email protected]
STEVE LINDE, SECRETARY 26-122
YELLOWSTONE PARK KOA
PO BOX 348
WESTYELLOWSTONE, MT 59758
Phone:(406) 646-7606
Fax: (406) 896-8449
Area 6
HAWAII, CALIFORNIA, NEVADA, UTAH, COLORADO, ARIZONA, NEW MEXICO
PAMELA MENDALA 5275
SARAH MARTIN 61-03
CLOVERDALE KOA
BUENA VISTA KOA
1166 ASTI RIDGE RD, PO BOX 600
27700 COUNTY RD 303
CLOVERDALE, CA 95425
BUENA VISTA, CO 81211
Phone: (707) 894-3337 Phone: (719) 395-8313
Fax: (707) 894-9206
Fax: (719) 395-3103
Area 7
Canada
DAVE BARTON, Parliamentarian 55-203
1000 ISLAND/IVY LEA KOA
514 1000 ISLANDS PKWY
LANSDOWNE, ON K0E 1L0
Phone: (613) 659-2408
Fax: (613) 659-2992
Koa Inc. Liaison
Executive Director
Jef Sutherland
VP of Franchisee Service
PO BOX 3055
BILLINGS, MT 59114
(800) 548-7104
William Ranieri
3416 PRIMM LANE
BIRMINGHAM, AL 35216
(800)- 678- 9976
FAX: (205) 823-2760
www.koaowners.org
MICHAEL KUPER, V. President 55120
THUNDER BAY KOA
162 SPRUCE RIVER RD.
THUNDER BAY, ON P7B5E4
Phone: (807) 683-6221
Fax: (807) 683-6222
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Volume 31, Issue 1
Minutes
BOARD MEETING
Kampground Owners Association
Birmingham, AL
Embassy Suites
February 16-17, 2011
8:30 am to 4:30 pm Wednesday
8:30 am to 12:30 pm Thursday
1) Call to Order: The meeting was called to order at 8:35 am.
2) Roll Call: All board members were present.
3) Approval of minutes – First board meeting Nov. 7, 2010 and Old board/New board meeting Nov. 10,
2010. Motion to approve the Nov.7 meeting made by Dave Barton, seconded by Steve Linde.
Motion to approve the Nov. 10 meeting made by Steve Linde and seconded by Kim Carranza. Both
motions were approved unanimously. Motion to approve the agenda made by Steve Linde and
seconded by Karl Schmidt. Motion approved unanimously.
a) Discussion of format for board meeting minutes: Sara presented a format that it was agreed we would
follow. Sara will bring a format for us to look at and decided if this is what we want.
Report of the President – Vicki expressed a desire to see better communications with our owners both
franchisees and COP properties. She offered to attend any meetings that the board felt would be helpful.
She stated that she would like to see the OA stress the need to focus on going green. It was suggested
that we consider going to all email communications for future board meetings. Some board members
prefer to keep the board books and others go to email communication. Staff will offer a choice for the
next meeting. She further mentioned she has visited over 30 campgrounds since the annual convention.
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4) Review of OA Financial Statements for 2010: Karl Schmidt reviewed the financials for 2010. He
indicated he had received a complete detail of all expenses and revenue and all looked correct. Motion:
to approve the financial report made by Steve Linde and seconded by Mike Kuper. The motion
was approved unanimously.
5) Report from KOA, Inc.: Jef Sutherland began with an update of KOA.com. They had identified a
reservation problem on KOA.com. It had a bug and they are working on a fix that should be done in a
couple of weeks. It was suggested that the OA email our members about this potential problem. It was
suggested that Jef work with the Operations Partners to resolve some of the questions that need to be
addressed, particularly to discuss a positive way of communicating with the campers who have made
reservations to date. It is important
a) U contract update and discussion: Jef indicated all campgrounds received a letter in January regarding
the U contract. He also stated that the U contract will be effective starting in March 2011. So far he
has received less than 10 calls. Most of the questions were simple questions for clarification. It was
indicated you can rollover the convention fees for two years so that two individuals could attend for no
fee every other year. Dusty Sullivan indicated that many owners in Texas were concerned. They are
expressing concerns in the area of the convention costs in the new contract. On kampsite the costs do not
Owners News
seem to be allocated evenly between larger and smaller campgrounds. Dusty expressed concern about
details coming from Inc. being correct. Steve recapped for the new board members the events regarding
the U contract. He indicated that the OA was left out of the loop regarding the final changes that were
being considered and that KOA did not give a timeline as to when the OA would see a final version and
when the U contract was to be activated. Pamela stated that some of the early calls received indicated
the OA had not been actively involved. Some felt we did not represent owners as well as we could have.
It was suggested we recap our involvement and changes brought about in the U contract because of our
input. Discussion of previous suggestion from KOA on going to an 18 month convention schedule -- In
previous discussions KOA indicated they were considering ways to cut their expenses and also possibly
appeal to the part of the system that is impacted by the cost of attending convention by putting convention
to an 18 month rotating schedule. There was discussion and there were some valid pros and cons but
the consensus in Savannah was unfavorable. The update from Jef as of February 2011 is that KOA is no
longer pursuing this idea and is sticking to an annual convention in November.
b) Lodging definitions: At this time 5400 campsites defined as lodging, and among that total at this time we
have 110 as cabins C (not branded product) both bathroom and non- bathroom.
The Eastern Canadian OA asked for a clarification of definition of a cabin. There was some concern
if there was a drop in quality with the C cabin. Jef has responded to them regarding their concerns. A
question was asked about the royalty investment credit for lodges whereby the campground would not
have to pay royalties this year and a 2% rebate if purchased before the end of February. The concern
was that early buyers never received any reward and no acknowledgement for being innovators. The
point is that KOA should reward innovation rather than conformity. A question was asked if KOA was
making owners aware of some of the health regulations that might kick in with introduction of lodges at
the campground. The owners should be informed that owners check with local county officials regarding
regulations on lodges.
d) Involvement of OA in convention planning: Vicki indicated the tentative schedule for the OA at the
2011 convention. The board meeting at the convention will be on Sunday from 7:00 am to 12:00 pm.
On Monday from 4:00 to 5:00 will be the area meetings. The Care Camps board will meet from 5:45 to
6:45 on Monday, and the DR will meet at the same time. The annual meeting will be from 4:30 to 6:00
on Tuesday. The old/new board meeting will be on Wednesday from 1:00 to 1:45 pm. This schedule is
tentative. It was mentioned that ARVC is considering significant changes in their annual convention, but
no recommendations have been brought to the ARVC board.
e) General discussions: questions were asked regarding session topics for the convention, regulations
to conform to ADA requirements; pool regulations for handicapped individuals. There is a lot of
misinformation on these new regulations at this time, but they need to be monitored. A question was
asked regarding some of the responses to the convention surveys. Jef will pull some of the responses
together and share them with the board, but did indicate the responses were very positive. Jef also
indicated that our BDCs are available to attend state/provincial meetings, but would like to have 3 to 4
www.koaowners.org
c)Update on quality review issues with existing and conversion campgrounds: Jef informed the board
of Pat Hittmeier’s 2015 System Goals for quality review The goal is a benchmark of reaching 90% of
all KOA’s scoring a minimum of a 40 on the overall satisfaction score from the Rate Your Stay survey.
This is measured by the five star approach that matches the overall satisfaction scoring system from
KSS (keeps it consistent). We are currently at 79%. The 2nd Goal pertains to the quality review for ALL
KOA’s. 98% of KOA’s currently score above what is required to qualify for President’s Award with a 450
score or higher by their 2nd QA review. In 2010 within the system there were 23 campgrounds, or 5%,
that were below the 450. A question was asked if there are standard reviews for potential conversion
sites, including name competition on the Internet. The answer is yes, but Internet competition cannot be
controlled.
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Volume 31, Issue 1
hours for their presentation. Jef also indicated that KOA staff is still available to attend state/provincial
meetings but only if BDC’s are not available. 7) Discussion of adding a third area director for Canada: This would allow western Canada to bring up some
issues specific to their area that don’t really get discussed by eastern Canada. Also, an additional area
director would give the OA a total of 15 voting members that would be helpful on votes taken at board
meetings. The feeling is that it should be a representative from western Canada (from Manitoba west) to
ensure representation from the entire country. The discussion centered on whether to add an Area 8 or
have 3 from Canada with a representative from western Canada. MOTION: To change the bylaws as
to create a new area, called Area 8 with one director to be elected from western Canada (Manitoba
west) with the appropriate change in the bylaws identifying all provinces to be assigned to each
area. The bylaws will be voted on by the membership at the General Meeting in November in Las Vegas.
Motion made by Pamela Mendala and seconded by Hope Perkins. The motion carried unanimously. 8)
9) Report of Marketing Partners: Steve Linde gave a brief report updating activity. There will be a change
in the bags distributed at the exhibits held this year. They are too small and not professional looking.
The twelve card display was also not up to standards, and they are revising that. There has been some
concern regarding the supply of handouts that are provided. The partners are expecting KOA.com to be
a big part of the discussions. The VKR will be discussed. This year participation remained stable, but
KOA had set a goal of 5% increase each year. The program will be reviewed at year’s end. At this time
there is no other plan in the works, even though we are nearing the end of the 3year cycle.
Report of Operations Partners: The members of this partners group discussed some of the topics that they
will more than likely discuss at the upcoming meeting. The meeting is schedule for the beginning of
April
10) Discussion of enhancements to the mentoring program: There was a discussion on the mentoring
program. Staff has asked mentors to contact newer KOA mentorees, to introduce themselves and
see if the new owners have any special need. We currently have 13 new owners indicating interested
in receiving help. The board discussed the possibility of attending the newcomers welcome at the
convention. The board agreed more effective communications to all owners, new and more experienced,
on not only topics for mentorees, but to inform everyone on the discussions and decisions the board has
made on behalf of the owners. Enhancing communications will build up trust and confidence. Dave
Barton brought up the possibility of developing a face book page for the OA. The board agreed this
should be pursued. The board agreed that the state/provincial OA’s and the various 20 groups could help
build the value of the mentoring program.
11) Update on Workampers future actions: The board discussed the value for the award winner to be in
attendance at the convention, but agreed that it was not mandatory for the winner to be in attendance.
The board then asked Jef for an update on the workcampers status. There are now 1,735 Workamper
listings with most of those being couples. They are all active and have paid the membership fees to
be in the KOA Workamper Program. 900 of those listings have worked at least once at a KOA as a
Workamper. There still was no change forthcoming in regard to rating Workampers or filling in the gaps
in employment histories of Workampers that do not fulfill a season commitment. As always, the OA
board suggested that prospective employers call the previous KOA’s listed to get more details.
12) Report on Insurance Activities: The board reviewed and accepted the report submitted by Glenn Sudol, of
OIG, on the status of the OA endorsed insurance program.
13) Sign up for newsletter contributions: Vicki Cole asked the board members to commit to writing at least
one article for the OA newsletter for 2011.
8
Owners News
14) Old Business: The board discussed the Area 4 Resolution to include the icons for both the President’s &
Founder’s Award under the individual KOA’s Directory listing. The board discussed the recommendation
regarding editorial changes to the annual directory, including recipients of both Founders award and
President’s award. One of the comments made is that we should not appear to the public that we are
in competition with each other. We should recognize our accomplishments among ourselves, but not
necessarily to the public. Placing it in the directory with the campground information could put us in
competition with ourselves in front of the public.
The board voted on the resolution and the resolution was defeated. Dave Barton, Steve Linde and
Jerry Dale will work together with staff of the OA to implement the face book project. MOTION: to
accept the proposal to set up a face book page with some guidelines to move forward. Motion made
by Karl Schmidt and seconded by Danny Goad. The motion was approved unanimously.
15) New Business: MOTION: To scrap the forum feature to the OA website. The motion was made by
Carrol Murray and seconded by Dusty Sullivan. Motion was approved unanimously. Dave Barton
has been in contact with a webmaster to develop a much simpler OA website. The board agreed to have
him look into this possibility. Steve Linde and Jerry Dale will help in this investigation and report back
to the board by the end of April. Vicki Cole asked the board to consider adding an associate member
as an advisory member of the OA board. He could be invited to attend board meetings as an honorary
member, or as a guest. No formal action was taken. Mike Kuper brought up a question about when the
OA board members should be wearing their OA board shirts. The board indicated that we should wear
our OA shirts at any OA function. Vicki Cole proposed that we wear our OA shirts at the convention,
at the area meetings and at the general session, and consider a different color shirt for everyone to wear
at the convention (oxford shirts, black, with a double emblem). Sarah Martin brought up the suggestion
for adding a fall board meeting prior to the annual meeting. It was agreed that a conference call would
be better. The board agreed to keep the call to 1 hour, and have more than 1 call if needed. Jerry Dale
indicated many members are concerned about the new KOA.com website. Mike Kuper presented a report
on Care Camps. He indicated CC had a banner year. Over $626,000 was raised in 2010. The auction at
the convention raised over $70,000 an all time record. The silent auction this year will be held at expo
with a care camps row for an additional $500 (going to the Care Camps program); and on the auction night
at the convention.
16)Dates and location for next meeting: Conference call on May 4, and on June 2, September 7, and October
5 or after ops and marketing committees, all at noon eastern time; and on Nov 6 from 7:00 am to 12:00 pm.
We are moving the Fall Board Meeting that usually takes place Sunday afternoon to 7 AM in order to free
up the time so that the OA Board can also participate in the KOA “Green” project.
17)Adjourn: Motion by Tina Haith and seconded by Jerry Dale at 12:30 pm.
www.koaowners.org
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Volume 31, Issue 1
KOA Disaster Relief Board 2010-2011
Danny Goad 17-139
Bowling Green KOA
1040 Edgewater Lane
Bowling Green, KY 42104
Phone: (270) 843-1919
Fax: (270) 843-1909
[email protected]
Howard Stein 22-220
Port Huron KOA
5151 Lapeer Rd
Kimball, MI 48074
Phone: (810) 987-7075
Fax: (810) 987-7073
[email protected]
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]
Rick Dillon 38-117
Bellefonte State College KOA
2481 Jacksonville Rd.
Bellefonte, PA 16823
Phone: (814) 355-7912
Fax: (814) 353-8207
[email protected]
Loren Smith
Great Falls KOA
1500 51st Street South
Great Falls, MT 59405
Phone: (406) 727-3191
Fax:
[email protected]
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]
Steve Linde 26-122
Yellowstone Park KOA
PO Box 348
W. Yellowstone, MT 59758
Phone: (406) 646-7606
Fax: (406) 896-8449
[email protected]
10
Owners News
Disaster Relief Update for 2011
Greetings All,
At the KOA Owners Association General Session in Savannah last November the Disaster Relief Board
asked the membership of the KOA Owners Association for a vote of confidence for the Disaster Relief
Program. Overwhelming continued support was indeed granted by the assembly for the program. We
stated at that meeting that the reason for the need for a vote of confidence was due to the seemingly
lack of support that the membership had given to its program in terms of direct donations in the last
few years. I’d like to express gratitude to those campgrounds that have in the past stepped up and
donated directly to the program and I would hope that they will continue to do so in the future. The
Disaster Relief Board also decided to turn over the yearly fundraising 50/50 progressive raffle done
the last night of convention in conjunction with the Care Camps Auction to that organization. It was
our conclusion that Care Camps Night should be all about raising money for Care Camps and that the
Disaster Relief Committee should find other means to fund the Disaster Relief Program. As a result the
50/50 raffle did take place in Savannah, but the proceeds from that raffle went to Care Camps.
In 2011 we are also changing the Disaster Relief Program from grant assistance program to a loan
program. We have not finalized the details but we are going to offer similar qualification to Owners
Association members and non-members for short term prime rate loans. If funding of the program is
stabilized we will look at returning relief grants. As always our goal is to provide expedited financial
assistance as well as provide a knowledgeable resource for campgrounds in need.
We are owners helping other owners in times of need; that’s what it’s all about. I hope you all will
continue to support your Disaster Relief Program. Please help by donating $100 of more this year to
Disaster Relief.
Steve Linde
Chairman of KOA Owners Association Disaster Relief Program
www.koaowners.org
So how have we been doing? In 2009 the Disaster Relief Program received direct donations to the
program by KOA owners of nearly $500 while KOA Inc’s Company Owned Properties stepped up and
gave $12,500. (Keep in mind that KOA COP does not qualify for OA Disaster Relief under our bylaws.)
In 2010 a request to raise matching donations by owners to anything KOA Inc. would donate was
turned down and direct donations by campgrounds were only $800. At this point I think it is actually
only fair that we stop asking KOA Inc. to help fund our program and as I stated earlier we need to quit
haranguing people at conventions to buy raffle tickets. Instead this year we are trying something else:
with your membership dues notice you’ll find a line for a suggested donation to your Disaster Relief
Program for $100. With 300+ Owners Association member campgrounds we could potentially raise at
least $30,000 for the program this year.
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Volume 31, Issue 1
12
2011 State & Provincial Presidents
CALIFORNIA/NEVADA
Brian Cushman
Lake Isabella/Kern River KOA
15627 Hwy 178
Weldon, CA 93283
(760) 378-4669
[email protected]
ILLINOIS
John Downing 13-156
Rock Island KOA
2311 78th Ave. W.
Rock Island, IL 61201
(309) 787-0665
[email protected]
INDIANA
Hope Perkins 14133
Elkhart/Middlebury KOA
52867 State Rd. 13
Middlebury, IN 46540
(574) 825-5932
[email protected]
MICHIGAN
Cathleen Kuebler 22-225
Traverse City KOA
9700 M37
Buckley, MI 49620
(231) 269-3203
[email protected]
MONTANA/WYOMING
Homer Staves 26-161
Whitefish/Kalispell KOA
5121 Highway 935
Whitefish, MT 59937
(406) 862-4242
[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]
OHIO
Garry Cole
Shelby/Mansfield KOA 35-164
6787 Baker 47
Shelby, OH 44875-9103
(419) 347-1392
[email protected]
EASTERN CANADIAN KOA’S
Richard Marcoux 55-208
1000 Island/Mallorytown KOA
1477 CR 2 PO Box 29
Mallorytown, ON K0E 1R0 CANADA
(613) 923-5339
[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/ARKANSAS
Terry Haith
Oklahoma City East KOA
6200 S. Choctaw Rd.
Choctaw, OK 73020
(405) 760-3022
[email protected]
PA CENTRAL
John Dillon 38-117
Bellefonte/State College KOA
2481 Jacksonville Rd
Bellefonte, PA 16823
(814) 355-7912
[email protected]
NEW ENGLAND
Steve Jesseman
Lisbon/Littleton KOA
2154 Route 302
Lisbon, NH 03585.
(603) 838-5525
[email protected]
SOUTH CAROLINA
Bill Olendorf 40-113
Point South KOA
14 Kampground Rd
Yemassee, SC 29945
(843) 726-5733
[email protected]
UTAH/IDAHO
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]
WESTERN CANADIAN KOA’S
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]
TENNESSEE/KENTUCKY
Rodger Pannell
Memphis KOA
7037 I – 55
Marion, AR 72364
(870) 739-4801
[email protected]
SOUTH DAKOTA
Patty Gray-Miller 41-108
Deadwood KOA
PO Box 451
Deadwood, SD 57732
(605) 578-3830
[email protected]
NEW MEXICO
Susan Bacher 31-164
Carlsbad KOA
#2 Manthei Rd. Hwy 285
Carlsbad, NM 88220
(575) 457-2000
[email protected]
Owners News
State/Provinicial Associations
Spring Meeting Dates
Association
Location
Date
Wisconsin
Association
Stevens Point,
WI
Before the WACO
convention
Wednesday
March 16, 2011
Eastern Canada
Association
General Coach
in Henfall,
Ontario Canada
March 18-19, 2011
Illinois
Association
Granite City
KOA
March 21-22, 2011
Texas State
Association
Junction/North
Llano KOA
Junction TX
April 4 - 5, 2011
Hosted by Dusty
and Bebe Sullivan
New England
State Association
Augusta KOA
in Maine
April 9,2011
Hosted by
Nancy and Earl
South Dakota
State Association
Kennebeck
Fire Hall
April 20, 2011
at 9AM
New York
Association
Watkins Glen
KOA
June 1, 2011
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Services Guides and targeted marketing
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trailerlifedirectory.com and
goodsamclub.com ––
a benefit you’ll only get with AGS!
Call us at 800 245 9666 or visit our
website at www.agspub.com.
AGS
G U I D I N G Y O U R W AY
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13
Volume 31, Issue 1
State/Provincial News
KY-TN Meeting Minutes
Held at Nashville KOA
Speaker: Michael Stuart – Senior Business Development Consultant
Corporate Office
Phone- 406.254.7480
Dan & Yvonne Goad
Bowling Green KOA, Bowling Green KY
[email protected]
Rodger & Darlene Pannell – Memphis KOA
Email: [email protected]
David Masarik- Louisville KOA
Cell: 530.990.0424
Debbie Norris & Don Kirby- Tellico Plains KOA
Greg Batts- Kentucky Lakes/ Prizer Point KOA
Brian & Frank Kacuinsky- Lookout Mountain KOA (west)
Cell: 706.495.1444
Pat Gardell- Buffalo I-40 Exit 143
Email:[email protected]
Jerry & Barb Dale- Manchester KOA
Jay & Mary Wilson- Kentucky Lake/ Paducah KOA
Charles & Thelma Dameron – Ashland/ Huntington West KOA
Bert Bockoven- Newport KOA
Jenn & Fred Stott- Nashville KOA
Email: [email protected]; [email protected]
Cell: J 509-952-3771 or F 509-952-3773
14
Owners News
Meeting Notes:
TN-KY OA meeting held at the Nashville KOA on January 15th 2011.
Order of OA Business:
TN-KY OA Elected officials:
President- Rodger Pannell; Memphis KOA- [email protected]
Vice President - Charles Dameron - [email protected]
Treasurer- Dan Goad; Bowling Green KOA- [email protected]
Secretary- Jenn Stott; Nashville KOA- [email protected]
Dan Goad will invoice dues- either by email or snail mail- please advice him on your preference. Dues
are to be paid by June 1st in the amount of $100.
In order to participant in any of the planned events listed below you must send an official OA letter of
commitment to Rodger Parnell
Old Business: Picture Frames- email 3 pictures for frames to Dan Goad and he will have them loaded
into the frames by Russ
Email Blast importance: Passed around “10 Things to make a GREAT Email Campaign” article
Per article and outside marketing research email is our future
Research suggests that “blasts” should go out Tuesday through Thursday
As of March email blast fee will change; as of today price is undetermined, Dan will work out the details
with Patty.
OA moves to create two email blasts:
I. First offer is for ten dollars off your first night stay at any TN-KY OA campground participant. Will
run from 16th of March to April 15th
II.Second offer will state double your discount. This offer will run from April 16th to May 12th not valid
on Care Camp weekend.
TN-KY OA Webpage-TNKY.com
Need to keep site updated
Update on a regular basis
Rodger moved for a $1000.00 dollar budget; Greg seconded it, passed
Michael Stuart covered: E-Insite, Action, Lodge Investment Royalty Credit, Boot Kamp, Webinars,
EKAMP, U-Contract and Campground Inspection Updates, Mission Statements, Goals, Action plus Asking
and Managing your Google Listing
BDC Attendance at OA meetingsThis year we could have a BDC attend our OA a meeting at our designated meeting location but next year
www.koaowners.org
C9 is the kampsite discount code
Dan Goad will be in charge of orchestrating the email blast with the marketing department.
Each property is to formulate an excel sheet with your 200 mile radius customer email database. Please
email list to Dan Goad at [email protected]
15
Volume 31, Issue 1
we will have to invite them to attend our meeting at convention. Participants during these meetings will
earn points for there campgrounds inspection- (possibly 10 point)
E-Insite• January addition covers Action for the G (KOA Goals) and P (Franchisee Priorities) Look for the G or
the P
• 10 goals we’ll be working to achieve by 2015.
• We’re combining our five-year company goals with your annual list of priorities to take action in a
number of areas!
KOA’s 2015 Goals
We have determined the goals that KOA will be working toward during the next five years, to remain North
America’s leading camping company, grow our market share and increase incremental kamper nights. We
shared these goals with you at the KOA Convention in Savannah and in the December 2010 Holiday
Greetings mailing. We have identified the strategies and tasks we need to complete in order to accomplish
these goals, and we’re excited about the work we’ll be doing this year. You’ll be reading all about it in the
upcoming e-insite newsletters and on eKamp.com.
Franchisees’ Priorities
We are using your priorities to help guide and focus our efforts in 2011, along the path to our 2015 goals.
You submitted your top priorities in the last two questions of the 2010 Franchise Satisfaction Survey (FSS).
The FSS Questions that were used to identify KOA franchisees’ priorities:
“What are the most pressing issues that your KOA Kampground faces?”
“What should KOA’s number one priority be in the next 12 months?”
In the e-insite newsletters you’ll receive this year, many articles will be identified as:
Articles that address one or more KOA Goals.
Articles that address one or more Franchisee Priorities.
We’re in this together!
http://www.ekamp.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&catid=1109:january2011&id=1276:january-2011-e-insite-newsletter
o Lodge 2011 investment royalty credit•
Pay NO royalties (includes 8% and 2%)
•
on any approved KOA Lodging
•
installed and rented between January 1 and October 31, 2011,
•
for first full year of service!
•
No Minimum”
Work Kamper Boot KampMarch 25, 2011
at the Nashville KOA!
“This FREE day of training is designed to educate new Work Kampers, as well as
enhance the skills of those who have been in the system for some time.
We want the KOA Work Kamper program to be a valuable staffing option for KOA
Kampgrounds, comprised of KOA Work Kampers familiar with the KOA mission and
beliefs and who possess basic operational skills. We understand that each
16
Owners News
campground is unique in their staffing needs, but every kampground can benefit
from staff members who have solid overall knowledge of KOA and the GREAT service
skills our guests expect.” Check out the article in E-Insight
EKamp Information- Has updates, check out the BDC section & quality review
U-Contract• if you are already in a u-contract new rules will not apply until renewal
• Annual maintenance fee is 1,500- $500 Annual Franchisee Fee, 600 Kampsite Fee (one fee for
campground) and $400 Convention Fee for every year may be rolled over to cover the cost of second
person
• Billed in July
• New conversions on new build campgrounds
• Sale stays with campground
• Payment plan available
Inspection Upgrades:
• Removal of KOA truancy every 24 months (core item)
• Update playground cushioning
• Core item designation to FSS
• 100% Full hook-up sites will qualify as a having a dump station
• Signage required on main entrance of building (1 main entrance)
• Updated hot water requirements
Claiming Outdoor HospitalityMission Statement: Happy Campers who recommend KOA’s to others.
•
79% of KOA”S above a 41% (-100 to +100 scale)
Action: Lesson on asking for the reservation
“You create opportunities by asking for opportunities”
Create a value statement•
“It is a GREAT day at the Nashville KOA”. Make a reservation now so we have a space available for
that will meet your needs. E.g.
Managing your Google Places – Google new business
•
FREE advertising
•
Control and direct traffic through your content
•
More reviews give better placement
Barbara Dale, Manchester KOA
www.koaowners.org
Phone Reservation InterAction
•
Card will be made with tips for asking for the reservation for front desk staff
•
Secret Shopper $1000 challenge
17
Volume 31, Issue 1
ASK YOUR ACCOUNTANT
by Joseph Serpico, C.P.A.
March, 2011
How quickly things can change. Is it fact or fiction is the real question. A few months ago, we had
“Medical Reform.” The health and insurance world was about to change over the coming years like never
before. This situation was so massive that many (and I mean many) of the politicians, who voted for the
reform had no ideal what they even voted for. We even heard the House Speaker say, “If you want to know
what’s in the bill, then you’ll need to pass the bill.”
So in November, the people raised their voices. They didn’t want this type of massive, reckless change
on such an important matter. So many Democrats were voted out and Republics make in. And we think
that the Republicans will come in and stop this landslide of medical reform. WRONG! Don’t expect
medical reform to end; in the days ahead we will see more changes. Resulting in more uncertainty of
medical insurance in the future.
The only thing we do know for certain is that our cost for medical insurance coverage will continue to
rise and insurance companies will become more powerful in the type of care we are to get in the future.
With the large number of the baby boomers hitting social security age; the call for medical coverage from
Medicare will be sky rocketing. We can only hope for some mutual compromise so that the advancements
of the medical technology will be affordable to us. What good are the medical advancements cures and
technology if only a few can afford these improved conditions.
We will continue to watch the evolvement of the health reform, which is far from over or certain. Just
realize that the game rules will continue to change constantly for the near future, which means you must
be flexible and constantly knowledgeable about coverage you have and alternatives that maybe available
to you and your family.
Then there is the Tax Reform bill that was a rare display of bipartisanship. I think we all knew that the
Bush tax cuts were going to be extended. They had to be extended given the current economic recovery.
The tax rates for at least the next 2 years (2011 and 2012) will remain the same. The top rate for individuals
will remain at 35%. Also, the dividend and long term capital gain rates will remain at a maximum of 15%
and 0% for taxpayers in the 10% and 15% tax brackets.
The estate tax for the next 2 years will have a $5 million exemption, a 35% rate and a reinstatement of
stepped –up basis for heirs. The estate issue for 2010 however, remains a tricky situation. Anyone facing
estate tax issues for 2010 will need to talk with an experienced tax professional, because the taxpayer
could be facing some serious and important decisions, which may affected their taxes for many years to
come. In a very unusual situation, taxpayers will have choices for the last year.
Wage earners will save 2% in their FICA withholding during 2011. Social Security tax for the employee
portion will be 4.2%, while the employer portion will remain at the prior rate of 6.2%. However, this
savings merely replaces the Making Work Pay credit, which provided a maximum savings of $400 for
singles and $800 for couples.
There are also some significant business depreciation breaks available to businesses of any size. A
business will be able to immediately expense the costs of assets by claiming 100% bonus depreciation.
18
Owners News
The break is for assets put into use after September 8, 2010 and before January 1, 2012. Only new assets
with a useful life of 20 years or less qualify for this special treatment.
With the New Year, the standard mileage allowance for business driving increased from $0.50 to
$0.51 per mile. For medical travel and moving, the allowance is $0.19 per mile, up by 2 ½ cents. And for
charity driving there is no change in the driving allowance sill at $0.14 per mile.
For nearly all businesses, starting in 2011, all taxes need to be paid by wire. Uncle Sam says your cash
or check isn’t good enough; they want your money faster and wired. Please be sure to make all payments
Bowling Green main road
on time. The IRS plans to strictly enforce late payment penalties and related interest. This could be a big
and a soccer field
revenue generator.
Lastly, the following are a few miscellaneous items, which should be noted and if they apply to you
please research the specifics\ treatment and how it may affect your tax liability:
- tax free EE bonds used for educational purposes; the exclusion starts to phase out above $106,650 for
AGI for married and $71,100 for singles;
-Energy savings tax credit for 2011 is now 10%; down from 30% in 2010 and the maximum amount
of such credit drops from $1,500 to $500, with limitations on different categories for such qualified
items;
-Social Security recipients received no cost of living increase again this year. This is the second straight
year of no increase to seniors.
Chadwick_AD_122810:Layout 1
12/28/10
12:41 PM
Page 1
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www.koaowners.org
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19
Volume 31, Issue 1
Kamping Kabins
The Good – The Bad
and The Ugly!
Loren Smith
Prairie Kraft Specialties, LLC
Great Falls, Montana
Like most of you reading this, Jane and I enjoyed
visiting with our fellow franchisees at the KOA
Convention in Savannah. There was a common theme
in many of these conversations and they typically
sounded like this: “My cabins still rent great, are all
paid for, make me lots of money, and are 20+ years
old; but I have one that I’m having a “few” problems
with. Have you got a minute?” From here, we would
look at pictures on their iPhone or actual prints they
had brought with them, listen to word descriptions,
or “We’ll be home next week and we have a great
barbecue place if you would like to stop in and visit,
look at our cabin, etc.” Note the singular word “cabin”
not plural. Yes, they had lots of cabins but there was
only one that they were “having problems with.” How
could we possibly pass up an invitation to a great
barbecue place, so Jane would make arrangements to
stop by on our way home.
On our way home to Great Falls, we stopped at
Anderson/Lake Hartwell SC KOA. Yes, we went
to a great restaurant and then Chris and I went and
looked at the cabin. It was obvious that it had a musty,
moldy smell (their words: locker room) smell inside
the cabin. As Chris said: “Usually, it’s a lot worse;
it’s not too bad today”. However, you could definitely
smell it. The source of the odor (The Bad) was not
immediately apparent. It took a little bit of work but
we located it. The bulk of it was wood rot around
the air conditioners and that’s not an uncommon
phenomenon. There was also the beginnings of wood
rot on the ends of the floor decking down the sides of
the cabin.
The nice ladies at the Anderson/Lake Hartwell SC
KOA, Chris and Kathy, were a perfect example. They
had been speaking to us for over a year about a cabin
that they could no longer rent and had taken out of
service. They referred to this cabin as “the locker
room cabin”. The problem with this cabin was “there
was bad odor and smell inside the cabin and they
had to take the cabin out of service due to customer
complaints.”
They had been speaking to us for nearly a year and had
done all the usual things using Clorox, Lysol, cleaners,
etc. Sometimes the cabin would be okay for a couple
weeks but then the problem would return. Loren was
pretty sure that the problem was wood rot and mold
(based upon my experience) but from all the word
descriptions, it didn’t match and the reality was: We
hadn’t been able to find the problem. Remember “The
Good, The Bad and The Ugly?” – This is “The Bad.”
20
“The Good” is: This is easy to fix and, at the time
you are reading this, it has probably been fixed and
the cabin is back in service making money (the best
Good). As previously mentioned, this cabin had been
out of service not making any money for one year
(The Bad).
We also had the privilege of visiting the Charleston
SC KOA as well as the Forsyth GA KOA. Both of
these very nice campgrounds were involved in a
Owners News
At this point, Loren has to talk about termites versus
wood rot. When Loren is initially contacted on “cabin
problems”, generally I hear: “I have termites in my
cabins.” I’ve had the privilege of looking at hundreds
if not thousands of cabins over the past 30 years and
I can unequivocally state: Termite infestation in a
Kamping Kabin is extremely rare. I have seen it, but
it’s a rare phenomenon. However, I do see lots of wood
rot and the two are completely different. The biggest
difference is: Wood rot is easily fixed; termites take
more endeavor.
Wood rot is a natural phenomenon which exists
throughout the world. It is also one of the most
misunderstood processes. There are more myths and
“old wives tales” on the phenomenon of wood rot
than most other subjects. By way of example; in the
technical world, there is no such thing as “dry rot”.
However, in the real world, it is a term everyone uses
and it has meaning. “Dry rot” is simply wood that
has rotted when it was wet and now has dried out.
Contrary to popular belief, wood rot does not continue
once it has started. It’s not like cancer; it doesn’t keep
growing.
Wood rot is a natural phenomenon and all wood will
rot naturally. If it didn’t, the old dead wood in the
world would be thousands of feet thick due to the fact
that most trees have a life span of 100 years. Then,
they die, fall over, and lay on the forest floor.
The best analogy to wood rot is the deer, possum, or
skunk that’s been hit on the road and is now laying in
the borrow pit. Remember, “The Good, The Bad and
www.koaowners.org
The Ugly?” perhaps this is “The Ugly”. We all know
that a dead animal rots away in a month or so and
there is nothing left; maybe a few bones but that’s it. It
is a natural phenomenon and it takes place throughout
the world. If you don’t want meat to rot, you put it in
your deep freeze. A perfect example of this is a steak
you buy at the store. If you leave it on the counter, it
will turn green and rot. If you put it in your freezer, it
stays good. Wood is no different; if you take a piece
of wood and put it in your freezer, it will never rot.
So, here’s what it takes to have wood rot.
• The wood must be dead – the wood on your
Kamping Kabin is dead!
• It must be above 32° Fahrenheit. That’s right:
There is no wood rot in the dead of winter in
Montana but there is wood rot year round in
Florida.
• There must be oxygen. This is why logs laying on
the bottom of the Great Lakes never rot; there is
little or no oxygen down there.
• The moisture in the wood must be above 30%.
This is the key and the most important piece.
The wood in your house and your Kamping Kabin
is sheltered by a roof with overhangs that keep it dry
almost all the time. By dry, the moisture content of
the wood will be
6%-8%-9% at most. Another myth is: “We have
high relative humidity here” so my wood is always
wet. In all honesty, relative humidity makes little or
no difference to the moisture content in wood that
is inside a building. If you are in the desert, your
moisture will be around 4% to 6%; if you are in South
Florida, it will be 8% to 9%. Summing this up in one
sentence: When your logs or wood get wet and stay
wet, the wood will begin to rot once the moisture
content in it rises above 30%. Secondly, only the
wood that is wet (moisture over 30%) will rot; the
wood that is dry won’t. This is why wood typically
rots from the center out. The wood gets wet (rain),
then the outside dries out (sun) the outside wood
quits rotting but the center stays wet for awhile and
the wood keeps rotting in the center. Many of you are
now saying: “Loren, I pick up lots of wood on the
ground and it’s always rotting where it’s been laying
against the ground. That tells me: It has to be on the
ground to rot?” Not true. However, you are right;
the wood does rot next to the ground more than the
wood above the ground. Reason? The ground holds
the moisture or adds moisture to the wood; hence, we
have moisture content in the wood next to the ground
major renovation of their cabins. To be specific,
Nick Hammen (the cabin builder from Montana) was
there working on these cabins. Although somewhat
unimportant, the majority of these cabins were not
Prairie Kraft cabins but cabins supplied by a company
called “Barner and Danner” over 24 years ago. “The
Good” was: The cabins were fixable, and following
the fixing, will never have the problem again. In other
words, it wasn’t a continuing maintenance item; it
was simply modifications that needed to be made to
eliminate wood rot which was prevalent in the cabins.
“The Good” is: The cabins are now making lots of
money, will continue to do so, and are paid for. “The
Bad” was: Some had been let go which added to the
amount of repair and $$ and if done 10 years earlier
would have been considerably less “$$”.
21
Volume 31, Issue 1
above 30%. So, the wood rots, assuming it’s above
32° Fahrenheit and has oxygen.
“Loren, I don’t really want to hear all the technical
stuff; what does this mean to my cabin?” It means:
If you have logs that are wood and wet; they will
rot but the minute you dry them out, the rot will
quit (remember, it’s not like cancer – it doesn’t
keep growing) and it will never come back. That’s
right – Wood rot is not like termites that keep eating
away. Once we take the moisture away, the wood rot
will stop and will not continue. So, all we have to
do is: “Get the water away from the wood.” Really?
Surely, it’s more complicated than that. No, it’s not.
It’s really that simple.
Nearly every cabin we look at, in the East and in the
South, has some wood rot around the air conditioner.
Not every one but particularly those that have an
inexpensive air conditioner unit installed (Wal-Mart)
that don’t have a separate metal sleeve. The water
drips off the roof (dew, rain, etc.) and unless the air
conditioner is sloped away from the wall, water runs
back to the cabin wall where it typically collects
underneath the wood trim around the air conditioner.
As previously mentioned, this was the major source
of the “locker room smell” at the Anderson/Lake
Hartwell SC KOA.
The solution is simple: You cut out the rotted log (and
replace with new), reinstall the air conditioner (slope
away from the cabin), put good sealing around the air
conditioner, and, most importantly, install a “Metal
Drip Rain Shield” over the top of the air conditioner.
In all honesty, we should have been using this “Metal
Drip Rain Shield” on all air conditioner installations
on all 1-Room Kamping Kabins since the inception
of the Kamping Kabin Program.
“The Good” is: The air conditioner water problem
is mostly on 1-Room Kamping Kabins. Two-Room
22
Kamping Kabins have the air conditioner mounted
in the back wall or, for those that had installations on
the side walls, there is enough extra roof overhang
on 2-Room Kamping Kabins to help keep the wall
logs dry.
The other locations of wood rot are the wood
(generally logs) down near the ground, the corners
where the logs “stick out” and the ends of the roof
and floor decking “wicking” water into themselves.
The following is a summary of this:
• Although it may sound self serving, the problem
is largely in non-Prairie Kraft cabins. However,
we help all of our fellow campground owners fix
their cabins irrespective of who they came from.
• The problem is largely in 1-Room cabins and, if
you’ve replaced your cedar shakes with an asphalt
or metal roof, it’s important to continue reading.
• The cedar shakes provided an additional 2½” to 3”
of roof overhang on the 1-Room Kamping Kabin.
This was important as it kept water off the log
ends (at the corners) as well as moving it away
from the bottom logs near the dirt.
• We’ve now visited many locations where the
cedar shakes were replaced with asphalt shingles
Owners News
• “The Good” news is: It is easy to extend the roof
overhang. You attach a pressure-treated (must be
pressure-treated) 2x6 down the length of the roof
decking and, thereby, extend the roof overhang if
you want to use a metal roof or asphalt shingles.
• It is this “roof overhang issue” that causes us to be
such staunch supporters of cedar shake roofs on a
KOA Kamping Kabin. If you have issues of shake
deterioration, that is easily solved using pressuretreated shakes. As stated in an earlier KOA Owners
Association article, a pressure-treated cedar shake
roof is a 100+ year roof, far exceeding any asphalt
or metal roofing by a factor of over 3 to 1, and the
cost is actually cheaper if you consider “life cycle
cost (time)” essentially the same.
• For those of you who have replaced your cedar
shakes roofs with asphalt shingles or metal
roofing, we would encourage you to give us a
call and we will supply additional information on
how to extend the 2x6 tongue-and-groove roof
decking and, thereby, extend the metal roof and
the asphalt shingles “roof overhang”.
On a closing note, relative to “The Good”, I offer the
following regarding to on-site accommodations:
• Our franchisor, KOA, Inc., has very generously
offered a one year waiver on royalties for adding
on-site accommodations. This is a good deal.
• At Prairie Kraft Specialties, LLC, we have the
privilege (and I truly do mean privilege) of seeing
a lot of campground occupancy and financial data.
One thing is very clear: The 1-Room Kamping
www.koaowners.org
Kabins continue to rent very well and are making
lots of money.
• There are no more than a handful of campgrounds
in the KOA System that have adequately satisfied
the customer demand for accommodations;
whether it be a 1-Room Kamping Kabin, Lodge,
or a Kamping Kottage. The real question is:
Do you want more Kamping Kabins, Lodges,
or Kamping Kottages; not will more Kabins,
Lodges, or Kottages rent. In every case, where
people add additional accommodations, they
always rent and we see an increase in Kamper
Nights. Again, there is an occasional exception
to this but it’s rare.
• On the other hand, many of my fellow franchisees
are comfortable with their campground as it is and
do not wish to add more debt or capital on projects
involving building things, rebuilding sites, etc.
In all honesty, Loren respects this; but from a
financial standpoint, I will always state: “You
are missing an opportunity to make additional
money; however, it is a personal choice.”
In closing, I encourage any of you to give us a call at
Prairie Kraft if you have questions relative to possible
wood rot or termites in your cabins. We are happy to
help as best we can. As previously stated, wood rot
is definitely solvable and solvable to the point that it
will not continue nor will it come back. We are also
always happy to visit about the pluses and minuses
of adding additional on-site accommodations. Give
us a call for anything we may help with.
Your friends in Great Falls at Prairie Kraft Specialties, LLC
Loren, Jane and all the folks at Prairie Kraft
Specialties, LLC
or a metal roof which, unfortunately, eliminated
the 3” overhang. Before, their 1-Room cabins had
no wood rot and were 20+ years old. Now they
have the beginnings of wood rot due to that loss
of roof overhang.
23
Volume 31, Issue 1
Insurance Corner
How the Insurance Market Hardens
Are premiums on the rise? Is it harder to find insurance for amusement devices, outdoor
activities, and unprotected property? Is the market tightening? If not, when will it?
It mostly goes unnoticed but premiums have been on the steady decline for about 4-5 years in the
campground industry. The rates are down because of increased competition. More companies are looking
to put their capital to work and they do this by taking more risk. The only way to take more risk is to sell
more insurance, and the only way to sell more insurance is to lower prices or increase coverages to attract
customers. Increased coverages are seen in things like trailer spotting, equipment breakdown, business
income, and broadened property terms. These are coverages that were offered a la carte a few years ago, and
are now common place among most carriers. Not only are they now standard coverages, they are mostly
offered at no additional premium. When will this trend end?
The economy is slowly turning for the better and the insurance companies are probably over due for rate
increases. However the economy has been so bad that any premium increases would be wildly unpopular.
Investment interest rates have been negligible, so companies must make money from underwriting profits;
that is, to collect more in premium than they pay out in claims.
Let’s take a simplified look at each dollar an insurance company collects and see where it goes to determine
how insurance companies make a profit. The costs of selling insurance must first be taken out of the
premiums: commissions to agents are on average 15%, corporate home office expenses are around 13%,
taxes take about 3%, and reinsurance another 3%. The total expenses are about 34%, so to make a
profit the claims need to be less than 66% percent of premiums. When interest rates and bond yields are
significant, insurance companies also make money from the investments while the money is held in reserves
to pay claims. So in order for an insurance company to be successful, they need to price premiums so that
no more than .66 cents of each dollar goes to pay claims.
I think we have seen the first signs of the pendulum turning back or at least stopping. First of all, insurance
companies have ceased writing snowmobile and ATV rentals business. This business has become very
difficult to place and rates for those activities are up across the industry. Secondly renewal premiums are
going up on all accounts with claims. Lastly, and more common, is the stricter underwriting of the peril
hail. The largest campground insurer is now demanding higher deductibles and increased pricing for hail
in areas prone to the exposure. There have been numerous hail claims in the Midwest and after years of
stability, there is chink in the soft market.
After years of decreasing premiums, increasing coverages, and more markets than ever before competing for
the business the recreational market has its’ first sign of change. However, there have been no major worldly
catastrophes and reinsurance is still cheap. Insurance companies are taking larger net lines therefore taking
the sting of first dollar hail claims. The new tightening of underwriting is testing the market for the first
time in several years. The reality is when one company takes a more profitable position; others are likely to
take the opportunity to follow. Just look at the airlines and baggage fees, what was once seen as a maverick
move in collecting fees, is now the norm.
Glenn Sudol is the current President of Outdoor Insurance Group, past President and owner of Gillingham &
Associates, Inc. and was a Senior Underwriter at Gulf Insurance Group and VP of underwriting at Philadelphia
Insurance Companies. He has held the designations of Certified Risk Manager and Certified Insurance Counselor.
24
Owners News
For Immediate Release
Contact: Chris Hipple 1-800-525-2060
Leavitt Recreation & Hospitality Announce Fireman’s Fund Grant Winner
Sturgis, SD (date) – Leavitt Recreation and Hospitality Insurance (LRHI) is proud to announce the
Evergreen Volunteer Fire Department of Kalispell, Montana, as the winner of a $5,000 grant funded by
the Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company Heritage Program. The fire department was nominated by
Rocky Mountain Hi RV Park and Campground of Montana.
Fireman’s Fund, in partnership with LRHI, recently asked RV Park and Campground owners to
nominate their local fire departments for this grant. Nominees were entered into a random drawing. As
this year’s winner, Evergreen Volunteer Fire Department can use the money for needed equipment,
firefighter training, and community education programs.
“We had a lot of positive feedback at industry conventions about this program,” said Chris Hipple, vice
president of LRHI. “We were very pleased with how many people sought us out and took the time to
register for the benefit of their local fire department.”
Last year a $10,000 grant was awarded to Crisp County Fire Department in Georgia through the LRHI
drawing. Fireman’s Fund has awarded over $7,000,000 in grants nationwide through their employees
and independent agents.
Group and LRHI can be found at www.leavitt.com and www.lrhinsurance.com.
LRHI has over 25 years of experience insuring RV parks and campgrounds and is one of the largest
www.koaowners.org
25
servicing agencies in the nation. With this focus, the agency has achieved an elite status with the
insurance companies they represent. LRHI maintains open communication with their carriers to modify
coverage and to respond to the changing insurance needs of their clients.
LRHI is affiliated with the Leavitt Group, an organization of independent insurance agencies with 115
offices across the United States. As the 12th largest brokerage in the nation, the Leavitt Group provides
affiliated agencies with management services, specialty products, and greater access to insurance
markets that create a stable insurance environment for clients. More information about the Leavitt
Volume 31, Issue 1
Mentor’s Korner
MENTORING PROGRAM CHANGING
The Mentoring Program from
the KOA Owners Association
is going to have a new look and
name. The new name is “Best
Friends Forever”. This will be
a peer to peer relationship that
a new owner can talk to another
owner about whatever it is on
their mind. They will discuss
with you information on the
State Association meetings,
campground issues, help you
with vendors that they work
with, and just the “ins” and
“outs” of everyday business.
The “Best Friend Forever” is
someone you can call when
ever you want to discuss
problems or have a shoulder to
lean on.
Your “Best Friends Forever”
will not have the answers to
all of your concerns, but will
provide the New Owner of a
campground with someone
to talk to. The first year of
running a campground seems
to be the hardest, so many
questions, concerns, and doubts
arise of what the new owner
needs to do. If we, as owners
with experience, can help new
owners, we can make the KOA
system stronger and Greater.
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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.
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I have sent a list of new
campgrounds that have come
into the system since July 1st, 2010, to all of the State Presidents. If your are interested in being a part of
“Best Friends Forever” let your State President know,
or email Vicki Cole at [email protected].
26
Owners News
Mentoring
Three Kinds of Mentoring adapted from an article by Fred Smith
Upon doing some research on mentoring we have come across descriptions for the three kinds that are
found in the work place. There are role models, lifestyle and skills.
Role Models
Role models personify whom we would like to become.
Observation and identification are the important elements in role-model mentoring. Often the role
model is not conscious of his or her effect on another person. Sometimes there is little personal contact
between the two. In other words, role-model mentoring is largely unintentional on the mentor’s part.
Many of you already exemplify this type of mentoring to not only your family members but to your
fellow owners. It’s seen in your interaction with them when ever you meet.
Lifestyle mentoring
Another form of mentoring defines the principles of living. The responsibility of the lifestyle mentor
is to be open and real and to consistently personify who he is so that the person receives a clear signal.
The mentor must provide a comfortable atmosphere in which the mentee feels free to ask any question
he or she needs answered.
A good mentor never ridicules a question. He may choose not to answer it, but he is careful never to
ridicule, for questions are the pump that makes the answers flow.
Skills-art mentoring is a one-on-one relation between a mentor and mentee for the specific and definable
development of a skill or an art. There are many ways to do this though the most effective way is a face
to face, when distance is great you can never mitigate your effect using the phone or email. Being sure
to let them know that you are open and ready to guide them is key to making a mentoring program good
for them and others.
Effective mentoring has no set formula. It’s a living relationship and progresses in fits and starts. It takes some effort on both sides to make it effective. The mentor needs to be open and keep
communication lines moving, but the mentee needs to be forward in asking for assistance too.
www.koaowners.org
Skills-art mentoring
27
Volume 31, Issue 1
“WORKAMPER’S KORNER”
by Sarah Martin, Owner Buena Vista KOA, Colorado
Region 6 area Representative
Wow, can you believe that the winter months are behind us, and spring/summer is upon us! For us
campground owners that means the “camping season has begun!” Not only does it bring the arrival
of campers, but the arrival of new staff/workampers. Soon we will see the products of our hard work
during the winter months.
Meeting and greeting the workampers as they arrive, sets the tone for the season. As the workampers
arrive, step out of their rigs, and we meet face to face (often for the first time) is always an interesting
experience; apprehension exists by both the staff and the owner/manager.
As an owner, I am anxious to see how the physical product actually matches up with the resume and
phone conversations. Likewise the workcamper is filled with same feelings as for many, this is their first
physical visit to the campground which will be their home for the next several months. My husband and
I are always present for the new arrival, to give a warm welcome and firm handshake as they join our
business team. It is that first 5 minutes that makes the first impression!
Training the staff is the next step of the employment process after the interviewing/hiring. The quality
of training that the Owner/Manager gives to the staff is one of the most important elements of the
employment process. Education is vital to building the employee/employer relationship, which in turn,
conveys to your customers. During this time the employer communicates to the employee his/hers
expectations, job duties, performance standards, customer service values, campground philosophy,
and management style. All staff hear the same thing at the same time from the owner/manager.
Consistency of information is very important for building your team of workers. The workamper will not
know how to function appropriately, if he is not informed of your expectations. Even though we are all
in the KOA system, our campgrounds and management styles can vary greatly! And remember our
campgrounds are a business, and should be operated in an effective, efficient, quality manner.
The initial training can take place in a variety of methods, and time elements; but is so important as it
lays the foundation for the remainder of season for employer/employee relations. Every campground
is different regarding size, number of staff, season length, and camper characteristics. Adapt your
training to your needs, but TRAIN! To assume that the staff knows how to perform without instructions---is asking for trouble! Think of The Golden Rule----how would you feel if you were in the role of a
workamper? Training involves Educaton and Communication of your expectations to your staff.
“How” do I train my staff? The Owners Association is a great tool for networking and sharing,
and offers the Mentoring program. KOA corporate offers on-line training modules, DVDs, etc. It is
advisable to include the 3 learning methods in your training process---visual, auditory, and kinetic.
Some of us Owners have developed our own training materials and are happy to share. As an
example, my training consists of 2 days classroom instruction. First is introductions of the group along
with an icebreaker, which helps with the forming of The Team; merging the new staff with the returning
staff. Agenda items include a background of KOA, our business philosophy here at our BV KOA,
customer service with the GREAT presentation, Team building, Conflict resolution, Safety, Outside and
Inside duties, Cleaning practices, and an informative walking tour of our sites. We also take a driving
tour of our community introducing the Chamber of Commerce, and visiting our most frequent referral
sources. That personal contact between the staff and community people is of immense value. Each
couple is given a Training Handbook as a written referral source for the entire summer. As I developed
this Handbook, I included policies and procedures, forms and usage, Kampsite computer information
with both reservations and registration processes, VKR info, list of most frequent asked questions, and
28
Owners News
referral sources. In the week following, each staff person is assigned a preceptor who works 1:1 with
him/her to ensure appropriate performance. As we are a destination campground, the staff is also
given a list of tourist attractions that they are to visit on their own within a given timeframe. We strongly
encourage our staff to participate in the various activities present in our area; the more they experience,
the more they will enjoy their job stint , and the more they can share with our campers. Result is that our
staff is better able to give great customer service.
Develop your training in accordance to your campground-----we are a middle size campground located
at the base of the Rocky Mountains. The general profile of our campers are families and outdoor
enthusiasts. Overnight campgrounds vary from destination campgrounds. Likewise the profile of
workampers vary. Training a couple brand new to workamping will differ from an seasoned worker or
from a worker who is returning for a repeat season with you. Again I caution regarding the assumption
of knowledge.
Continuing training activities throughout the season is important. Activities with which this may be
achieved by, can be through staff meetings, classroom settings, one-on-one conferences, or social
events. Such meetings may involve only 15 minutes or a whole day depending on your campground.
In addition to giving instructions, use this time to share camper feedback, camper statistics, operations
changes, upcoming events, and appreciation to your staff. The element of “fun” is important to include
during these times. And Always have Food! Sometimes we have a 15 minute coffee & donut time,
or a potluck meal. We schedule this on the least busiest day, at the least busiest time. As the season
evolves, the staff evolves, and it is imperative that communication continue. It is these times of gentle
reminders that you are the employer, they are the employees. Also these are times that the owner/
manager needs to set a presence of being the Leader with a designated direction. “A ship without a
captain, loses course”.
Many times I hear the comment from owners/managers that they just do not have the time for such
training activities. From my past experience both in past professional life and current campground
---- You cannot NOT have the time! Training is an investment in the operational success of your
campground business, and deserves a high priority in your time allotment schedule. This is a time for
the staff to understand your campground, and “buy in” to your goals and work philosophy. It is less
expensive and less time overall for education versus the time and money spent in interviewing and
rehiring new staff in high turnover situations. Education and Communication are the keys to retention!.
We would love to hear more training ideas from you, the owners/managers! I
am always looking for new ideas, and constantly revising my Training process.
Feel free to contact the Owners Association or me, personally, at email:
[email protected]
www.koaowners.org
A question often asked is----“who is watching the office while the training is happening?”
The office is closed with a sign posted as to a reopen time. One staff is designated to carry the phone
for messages. For the initial training (at beginning of the season), one of our repeat/regular workers
will man the office and phone. The location for that training is in our game room which is in the same
building and gives close accessibility. Sometimes we meet at the Cookshack which is located within
visibility of the office. Frequently one of our “regular” campers will sit at the office front to inform
campers; these campers love to help out. Be creative with times, locations, and coverage.
29
Volume 31, Issue 1
“WORKAMPER’S KORNER”
How to Motivate your Work Kampers
The most challenging part of running a business is finding and keeping good employees. One of the things
that will first be noticed about highly successful owners: no matter what their campground size, they spend the
time and energy necessary to build a good team. Just ask Jacki Bradbury-Guerrero, owner and president
of Coastal Comfort Heating and Air Conditioning, Ventura, CA. She’s written several articles for
Contracting Business.com” in which she outlines several ways to improve your employee’s performance and team
work.
Her observations and conclusions will work well for any employer and they are worth passing on to you the
campground owner. The bottom line is to ensure that your employees are the very best at what they do and you
and your customers will benefit.
How do we go about building a good team? First, we need to find people who want to succeed. Then, we need to
figure out ways to help them succeed. As owners and managers, what we need to do is figure out how to keep
them motivated.
Ask Your Employees what’s Important to Them: do a survey and ask your employees to be honest and frank
on it. First, it lets your employees know you really do care. It tells them they were important and their opinion
mattered to you. Second, it gives you an idea of what was important to them. The results may surprise you as to
what they think is important.
The following are some tips to help you keep good employees, and most important of all, keep motivation high.
Ms. Jacki Bradbury-Guerrero; who listed these tips has tried and tested each one of them. .
1. Ask your employees what they want.
•
Conduct a survey.
•
Listen to them. Hold weekly meetings and monthly meetings for the entire staff. Find out what’s on their
minds, and listen to not only what they say, but how they say it.
2. Pay them well.
•
To keep the best people, you’re going to have to pay them good wages.
•
Give them opportunities for spiffs/perks. Put these in writing, and keep the plan simple.
3. Make them part of a team.
•
Be selective when hiring new employees. Have a written hiring plan and always be aware of the image of
your campground that you want employees to convey.
•
Create opportunities for staff goals that support team building.
We Appreciate You!
The Manchester KOA owners Jerry and
Barbara Dale really appreciate their work
kampers. To show their appreciation this
year they took their work kampers on a
Christmas river day cruise with dinner. The
weather was a little nippy as you can see,
but everyone one had a great time.
30
Owners News
4. Reward them.
•
Give your employees gifts for excellence. The gifts don’t have to be extravagant. For example, give a new
tool or movie tickets to the staff/work kamper who goes the extra mile for a customer or who consistently
turns in the neatest paperwork.
•
Let them know their value. Bring a meal in for everyone to share, or at the end of the season take them to
dinner.
5. Commend them.
•
Create a “Wall of Fame” for employees’ certificates, and letters of thanks.
•
Write about your employees on your website, or send in for publishing in the OA Newsletter.
•
Have an employee of the season/year. This works particularly well if the winner is chosen by the other
employees.
6. Thank them.
•
Always acknowledge employees’ anniversaries with an anniversary card and an announcement at a staff
meeting.
•
Make a note of employees’ birthdays and give them a card or gift.
•
Give employees thank-you cards for suggestions they share at staff meetings.
7. Challenge them.
•
Teach employees how to set goals. This can apply to the campground and individual goals. Make sure the
goals are S.M.A.R.T.: specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and timely.
8. Empower them.
•
Set up training times. This allows employees to cross-train each other.
•
Don’t make them be perfect. If you want employees to try new things, there are going to be failures as
well as successes. Don’t forget that both bring growth.
None of these tips are very complicated; in fact, most of them are very simple. The hardest part, ironically, may be
convincing your self that these steps will make a difference.
Just try a few things to start. Find out about your employees. What will motivate them? Try the things with the
most impact first. Don’t get discouraged if it doesn’t work all the time, with every employee. Over time, your
customers and you will see the difference.
Jacki Bradbury-Guerrero is owner and president of Coastal Comfort Heating and Air
Conditioning, Ventura, CA. She has been in the HVAC business since 1987. She can be reached
at 888/845-4247, e-mail [email protected]
www.koaowners.org
Excerpts’ taken from website “Contracting Business.com” written by
31
Volume 31, Issue 1
Is your campground “Googlized”?
- By Jim Turner
Get your campground Googlized. If you don’t have a Google account for your “campground” you should create
one. Go to http://www.google.com and click on the “Sign in” link at the top right side of page. On the right
side, click on “Create an account now”. Follow the instructions for creating a campground account. Use your
campground email address, campground phone number, etc, etc. Once you have that completed and you are
logged into your “Google My Account”. There are several things you will want to do to get your campground
Googlized. In the “My Products” area of your campground’s Google Account page ….
1) Google Alerts: For FREE… Set up a Google Alert that will send you an email every time a Google web
search bot finds a new reference to your campground out there on the Internet anywhere. You will need
to use the advance feature to make sure that the name phrases your campground uses are exactly correct.
We use “Estes Park KOA” here (in quotes). If you set it up without the quotes, then the Google bot will
show you every reference out there (as in our case) with “estes”, “park” and “koa”. With the quote marks,
it finds just “Estes Park KOA”. This gives you alerts to every instance out there where your campground
name is mentioned. Create a new separate alert for each different way your campground might be
mentioned,
2) Google AdWords: Optionally, for a relatively nominal fee of $5 to $30 a month (you set the limit) you can
create special search words and/or phrases that, when used by a searcher, a reference to your campground
will be displayed in a sort paid ads list on the right side of the screen. Google has a huge list of historical
search terms and phrases that you can use as a reference to customize your preferred search terms. You
want terms that are related to your campground that will not normally show your campground in the free
listings in the middle of the left side.
3) Google Places: For FREE… Click on the link “Google Places”. If your campground shows up on Google
Maps, then claim your listing. If it does not currently show up on Google Maps then create it. Make sure
the pin is placed accurately (click on “edit” to move the pin a little if need be). Make sure all the information
about your campground is accurate and then upload photos and videos of your campground. Google
has some security hoops that they have you jump through to make sure that you are the real owner of the
property and pin. While in Google Places… Click the “Google Offer” Tab: For FREE... Set up a Google
Offer associated with your KOA listing in Google. When someone searches Google using a search phrase,
that produces a search results page with your KOA’s Google Place listing the results, there will be a “Place
Page” link just below the name of your campground. Click on this link to pull up your KOA’s Place Page.
Your Google Offer will be displayed about half way down the page. People will see the offer and have the
ability to click through.. PLUS.. the offer goes out to thousands of iPhone and other smart phone users who
have the Google Mobile App on their phone. I just created a hot deal in KOA.com, then posted the same
words, code as a Google Offer.
4) Google Tag: For $25 per month.. Place a tag on your Google Map pin image that gives a Google
Map user a quick click through tag for online reservations. For an example, go to maps.google.
com and type in “Estes Park KOA” in the search field. You will see our listing on the left with
pictures that I uploaded and a map with a pin and tag for our campground. Hoover you mouse pointer over
the yellow tag with the small clock image.
Is this all? .. not by a long shot. There are hundreds of other things you can do to get your campground better
Internet connected. For starters, also claim your business on Yahoo maps also. Like it or not, this IS the age of
the Internet.
Jim Turner, Estes Park KOA
32
Owners News
Problems with Comcast Cable
Last year while attending the Tennessee ARVC Conference, Barbara and I
discovered a problem in new plans with Comcast Cable. Comcast is currently the largest cable provider
in America. Their plans are to go totally digital by 2012. This means to us that they will be expecting
us to put in small cable boxes to be rented and installed to each camper as they check in. At our first
meeting with them they were a little surprised how adamantly we all stated this system would not work
for campgrounds.
As you all know, RV manufacturers always bolt down their TV which makes it difficult to access. Most
of them have their TV installed in a cabinet. Most campers have 2-3 TV’s which would require a box
for each TV. Our campers would not be happy with us when they try to activate the box with Comcast’s
main office and they find out it will happen sometime that day, not immediately.
Although Comcast will provide the boxes at no charge to us the first time, we are responsible for loss
or damage. We all know it would be a nightmare issuing boxes and trying to get them back. So far
Comcast is the only cable provider dedicated to an all digital format like this. This won’t be a problem
in your home. They have a special box for hotels that would work fine in your kabins and lodges. Your
monthly and seasonal campers will probably be ok with the extra hassle, especially for a more quality
TV. The real problem is our nightly business, whether it is for a week or just a day this would be totally
unacceptable.
Another big problem that came out of this meeting is the rewording of your lines in the new contract.
Most of us have spent our own money putting cable in the ground. Under the old contract we all
own all our cables up to the pole connection. When we sign a new contract, WE WILL BE SIGNING
OWNERSHIP OF ALL THE CABLE LINES OVER TO COMCAST CABLE. This is a real tricky maneuver
on their part. Most of us have spent $30,000-$50,000 plus to put the cable wires in the park in order to
have Comcast provide service to us. This was required by Comcast in order to get service and most of
the time we used the same subcontractors that Comcast suggested.
Here is what we can do:
2. Remind them of the wording in their old contract which states they will supply all equipment
necessary to bring cable to the sites. Then request that they put in what they call a “head in” unit.
This is a very expensive unit (they claim about $40,000). They always say no in the beginning but I
have seen them cave in to several campgrounds already, even after saying no. Stand your ground.
This will solve all your problems except there are a few drawbacks. You only get about 40 channels.
They will be only analog. Some campers are already loving digital and may not be happy.
So far no other large cable provider has plans on going totally digital at this time. (At least that is
what they say). The other good news is that most of you have time. They are starting in a radius of
Knoxville, TN which includes the surrounding states and they are spreading out from there. This will
take time. They also promised us in Tennessee to help find a solution before making us go digital.
Some parks have already been fixed to make this work. Although one park that I know of in Georgia
was not offered help. Obviously, if you don’t have Comcast, be very careful before switching over to
them.
3. The ultimate solution would be to not sign again with Comcast and go with a satellite system. This
could be either analog or digital, depending on what you want to buy. In any event, we all should
start to communicate with Comcast and satellite providers to find out our time lines and options.
Comcast has stated that they are trying to find a solution for our camping industry, hopefully they will.
Article written by Jerry Dale, area 1 OA Board member
www.koaowners.org
1. If you want to sign a new contract with Comcast, make sure you get them to amend the contract so
you still own your cable up to the pole.
33
Volume 31, Issue 1
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34
Owners News
Funnies
Paraprosdokian
A paraprosdokian (from Greek “παρα-”, meaning “beyond” and “προσδοκία”,
meaning “expectation”) is a figure of speech in which the latter part of a
sentence or phrase is surprising or unexpected in a way that causes the
reader or listener to reframe or reinterpret the first part. It is frequently used for
humorous or dramatic effect, sometimes producing an anticlimax.
Some examples:
Ø Change is inevitable, except from a vending machine.
Ø Do not argue with an idiot. He will drag you down to his level and beat you
with experience.
Ø The last thing I want to do is hurt you. But it’s still on the list.
Ø Light travels faster than sound. This is why some people appear bright
until you hear them speak.
Ø If I agreed with you, we’d both be wrong.
Ø We never really grow up; we only learn how to act in public.
Ø The early bird might get the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese.
Ø Evening news is where they begin with ‘Good evening,’ and then
proceed to tell you why it isn’t.
Ø How it is one careless match can start a forest fire, but it
takes a whole box to start a campfire?
Ø A bank is a place that will lend you money if you can prove that
you don’t need it.
Ø I didn’t say it was your fault, I said I was blaming you.
Ø Why does someone believe you when you say there are four billion stars,
but check when you say the paint is wet?
Ø A clear conscience is usually the sign of a bad memory.
Ø The voices in my head may not be real, but they have some good ideas!
Ø A diplomat is someone who can tell you to go to hell in such a
way that you will look forward to the trip.
Ø Hospitality: making your guests feel like they’re at home, even if you wish
they were.
Ø Some cause happiness wherever they go. Others whenever they go.
Ø I used to be indecisive. Now I’m not sure.
Ø I always take life with a grain of salt... plus a slice of
lemon... and a shot of tequila.
Ø When tempted to fight fire with fire, remember that the Fire
Department usually uses water.
Ø You’re never too old to learn something stupid.
Ø To be sure of hitting the target, shoot first and call whatever
you hit the target.
www.koaowners.org
Ø Always borrow money from a pessimist. He won’t expect it back.
35
Volume 31, 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
KATHLEEN FERGUSON
2575 VISTA DEL MAR DRIVE
VENTURA, CA 93001
(805) 245-9666
[email protected]
http://www.agspub.com
Let AGS grow your business with
unequaled Guest Services Guides and
Internet Marketing
CHADWICK MFG. LTD.
ALLEN SMITH
PO BOX 85
CHADWICK, IL 61014
(800) 732-4602
[email protected]
http://www.chadwickmfg.com
Chadwick Manufacturing Ltd. Has been
serving KOA campgrounds for over 40
years
ANDERSON’S BROCHURE
DISTRIBUTION
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
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
BELLA BAGNO, INC.
JEFF LAZARUS
5500 W. TOUHY AVE, UNITE E
SKOKIE, IL 60077
(847) 673-7328
[email protected]
http://www.bellabagno.com
We offer sanitary washroom products,
store pet items to sell, customer t-shirts
and toys to sell, pet waste stations and
trash receptacles
BUDDEEZ, INC.
MATT HOLZ
1106 CROSSWINDS COURT
WENTZVILLE, MO 63385
(636) 639-6804
[email protected]
http://www.buddeez.com
Buddeez domestically produced
dispensers feature the unique “Bag-In”
functionality, offering consumers the
freshest possible storage solutions for
bread, cereal, sugar, coffee and pet
products
36
INDEPENDENCE BANK
MYM CICHOSZ
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
JAX LTD. INC.
CYNTHIA LEVINE
141 CHESHIRE LANE
MINNEAPOLIS, MN 55441
(763) 449-9699
[email protected]
http://www.jaxgames.com
“We bring families together!” JAX LTD.,
the fun and games people, is recognized
for their exceptional family games,
including the long time favorite Sequence
game. JAX games are designed with the
idea of providing entertainment for friends
and family
JUMPING PILLOWS USA, LLC
GARY WAKERLEY
3275 NEWPORT HIGHWAY
SEVIERVILLE, TN 37876
(865) 387-8707
[email protected]
http://www.jumpingpillows.com
OUTDOOR INSURANCE GROUP, INC.
GLEN 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
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
hook ups 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
coverage’s and services. PHLY is rated
A+ by A.M. Best Company
Owners News
SOUTHEAST PUBLICATIONS USA, INC.
WAYNE MORRIS
4360 PETERS ROAD
FT LAUDERDALE, FL 33317
(954) 583-3900
[email protected]
http://www.sepub.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
TENGOINTERNET
ERIC STUMBERG
106 E. 6TH STREET
SUITE 900
AUSTIN, TX 78701
(512) 469-7660
[email protected]
http://www.tengointernet.com
TengoInternet is the oldest and largest
wireless service provider to the outdoor
hospitality industry, delivering turnkey WiFi solutions for over 900 campgrounds,
hotels and marinas in North America
UTILITY SUPPLY GROUP
WADE ELLIOTT
PO BOX 267
PRESTON, WA 98050
(425) 222-7950
[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 hand 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
www.koaowners.org
MODULAR PLAY SYSTEMS • FREE-STANDING PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT
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
SPORT S A N D O U T D O O R P L AY E Q U I P ME N T
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 innovate
products to help make your business
prosper
•
S I T E A ME N I T IES
XCELL INTERNATIONAL CORP.
MEGHAN FITZGERALD
16400 W 103RD ST
LEMONT, IL 60439
[email protected]
http://www.xcellint.com
Gourmet Food and Fun Packaging
manufactures S’Mores Kits, sprinkles,
spices and funnel cake kits which are only
a few of our best selling items
RECREATIONAL BUSINESS PARTNERS
JOHN HALSTVEDT
3860 AVENUE B, SUITE C WEST
BILLINGS, MT 59102
(406) 294-3860
[email protected]
http://www.recreationalbusinesspartners.
com
Dan Singer and John Halstvedt of
Recreational Business Partners have
spent the past 25 years in the campground
business, past vice presidents of KOA, Inc.
and managed campground sales across
the country. John is also a past KOA
owner. Currently, they help campground
owners improve, value and prepare their
campgrounds for sale.
37
Volume 31, Issue 1
John Halstvedt
3860 Avenue B, Suite C West
Billings, MT 59102
T: 406-294-3860
F: 406-294-5702
[email protected]
Recreationalbusinesspartners.com
PLANNING FOR A COMFORTABLE RETIREMENT STARTS TODAY
It is a great day when you take over your new campground. The last thing you are
thinking about is preparing to sell. But…should you be thinking about selling? The natural
lifecycle of a small business includes the day the owners sell their business and retire on
the proceeds. If done properly, it is a dream come true for many business owners and the
start to a great stage in life (someone else is cleaning the bathrooms!)
According to a recent Wall Street Journal article, seven of ten midsize businesses will
transfer ownership during the next decade, and at least 90% are now ill-prepared. In
many cases, the problem is that small business owners with limited resources have not
kept up with the documentation that today’s buyers demand.
Is this a big problem? No, it’s the perfect opportunity for an owner who is willing to listen
to advisors and take the steps necessary to prepare their campground for sale. The
one thing that I have always enjoyed about the campground business is the fact that
campground owners are used to getting things done. Are the necessary steps difficult?
No, most of them revolve around knowing what buyers are looking for and how to
communicate in a way that makes sense to them. Your goal is to maximize the value of
your campground in the eyes of a buyer.
If you are planning to retire in the near future, you have choices. You can be on a “list for
sale” on the internet or you can use a process to position your campground to be the one
that a wise buyer wants because it has a future. You can market and sell the campground
yourself, hire a full-service broker or save a substantial amount of money by using
advisors and participating in the process yourself.
Preparing a campground is not the same as an exit strategy. It is part of an exit
strategy. It is the practical implementation of an exit strategy and involves the downto-earth activities that need to be in place for a campground to have a higher value or
to be the one that sells when all the others don’t. It doesn’t do much good to advertise
a campground for sale on the internet if the tools aren’t there to make a great first
impression. Where you start determines where you end up. A chain reaction occurs when
you begin the process of selling your business. It is difficult to stop it. If you are not
adequately prepared, you can be swept along in the wrong direction, to your detriment.
38
Owners News
So, let’s talk about the bright side. People are looking for campgrounds to purchase and
are excited about getting into the business. They just need a bit of an education and
information that they feel confident about. Buyers are used to a 401k account and look
at a business like an investment. They want to see some independent justification for the
sale price, why the campground has a future and reasonable terms.
What should you do to get started? There are five main functions when preparing your
campground for sale:
□ Your goals. This is really about your plans for the future. Document what you want
to have happen financially and when you want to retire. Know everything about
your financial and tax needs.
□ Your financial systems and statements must be put in order keeping in mind the
buyer’s need to confirm facts. Buyers are naturally skeptical and need solid answers
before they have to ask awkward questions.
□ Deal with value up front. A third party valuation report that justifies your asking
price will allow a buyer to relax and focus on the other important aspects of the
business. This does not have to be an expensive appraisal.
□ There should be a proven marketing plan implemented. This helps the buyer
visualize the future for the campground.
□ Systems should be in place to improve efficiencies and show the on-the-job role of
the owner and other employees as the business runs today.
The thought I would like to leave you with: “Nobody who has failed complains that they
got too much useful advice”.
John Halstvedt
www.koaowners.org
Is all of this expensive? No! Is it hard work? Not if you work at it gradually and are willing
to ask for advice. Most of the mistakes made by sellers are errors of omission-not knowing
what to do or wanting to sell so badly they suspend their common sense. If you gradually
position yourself for the day you want to retire, most of the pressure goes away and you
can remain in control during the selling process. Also, if you are always prepared to show
your business and the unthinkable happens that forces you to sell, you are ready.
39
Volume 31, Issue 1
Congratulations Are in Order
for our long time National Sales Managers and Vice Presidents of Sales,
Wayne and Carlene Morris. They have been promoted from Vice
Presidents of Sales, to Vice Presidents of Southeast Publications as of
January 1, 2011. Happy New Year!
Since 1990, Wayne and Carlene have provided the partnership to this company that helped it
and my Father escalate its success to what it is today and what it has represented for the last 20
years. They are a very vital and significant part of this companyís success and future, and are being
rewarded this promotion in recognition of their stature, dedication and accomplishments with this
company.
They have led the sales force by example and with diligent professionalism for decades and that
wonít change. They will be changing their tactical methods of managing, recruiting and training as
they will no longer be going on the road participating in personal sales. They will be concentrating
strictly on helping all the reps be more proficient and successful with their
independent business practices. They will be spending more time developing
better recruiting and training procedures to ensure high success rates for
all reps. They will work at building a closer and stronger relationship with
establishments and help increase national advertising.
With all the adversity and tragedy Southeast Publications has faced in the previous year as a
company and with so many vital losses, Wayne and Carlene have been the ones to stand strong
through it all and embrace this company with solidarity, providing the support we all needed.
Without them we wouldnít be who and what we are today, and without their leadership we
wouldnít be heading in this very exciting and prosperous direction that we are currently. We have
found great leadership in them and they provide the BEST support system this company could ever
have.
They are Southeast Publications, and we are all Southeast ìProud!î
40
Owners News
2011 KOA Care Camps Board
Mike Kuper-Chairman
Jerry Dale-OA Rep.
Kim Carranza
Thunderbay KOA 55-120Manchester TN KOA 42-102Twin Falls KOA
162 Spruce River Rd
586 Kampground Rd
5431 US Hwy 93
Thunder Bay, ON P7B 5E4Manchester, 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: [email protected]:[email protected]
[email protected]
Hope Perkins-OA Rep.
Audrey Eberhart
Elkhart/Middlebury KOARichmond In. KOA
52867 State Rd 13
3101 Cart Rd
Middlebury, IN 46540Richmond, IN 47374
Phone: 574-825-5932
Phone: 765-962-1219
Fax: 574-825-1080
Fax: 765-935-0817-call first
[email protected]
[email protected] Owners Association Office
Administrator: Bill Ranieri
3416 Primm Lane
Birmingham, AL 35216
Phone: 208-324-4169
fax: 208-324-4376
[email protected]
John Downing
Rock Island KOA
2311 78th Ave W.
Rock Island, IL 61201
Phone: 309-787-0665
Fax: 309-787-1320
[email protected]
Mike Groseclose
Buckeye Lake KOA
4460 walnut Rd
Buckeye Lake, OH 43008
Phone: 740-928-0706
fax: 740-928-0462
[email protected]
Advisory Board Members
Jim Rogers
Wayne Morris
Wade Elliott
KOA Inc.SE PublicationUtility Supply Group
PO Box 30558
4360 Peters RdPO Box 267
Billings, MT 59114
Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33317
Preston, WA 98050
Phone: (800) 548-7104
Phone: ((954) 294-8040
Phone: (800) 800-2811
Fax: (406) 248-7414
Fax: (945) 583-4109
Fax: (425) 222-7845
Email: [email protected]: [email protected]: [email protected]
Daniel Parent
Diane King (2010)
KOA Inc. Representative
Cardinal KOA
Springfield/Rte 66 KOA
Mike Gast
609 Pittson Rd RR 1
5775 W. Farm Rd 140
Po Box 30558
Cardinal, ON K0E 1E0
Springfield, MO 65802
Billings, MT 59114
Phone: 613-657-4536Phone: (417) 831-3645Phone: 800-548-7104
Fax: 613-657-8926
Fax: (417) 863-0295
Fax: 406-248-7414
[email protected]
[email protected]: [email protected]
revised 11/17/10
www.koaowners.org
41
Volume 31, Issue 1
Minutes
CARE CAMPS MEETING
Kampground Owners Association
Embassy Suites Hotel
Birmingham, AL
February 15, 2011
9:00 am—4:30 pm
1. Call to Order-- The meeting was called to order at 9:00 am
2. Roll Call— all present with the exception of Audrey Eberhart
3. Approval of minutes from Nov. 8, 2010 meeting – the minutes were reviewed and a motion was
made to approve the minutes. Motion: to approve the minutes of the Nov 8 meeting. Motion
was made by John Downing and seconded by Kim Carranza. The motion was approved
unanimously.
4. Introduction of board members and advisory board members – Mike welcomed everyone and
thanked them for their participation. He then asked everyone to introduce them selves.
5. Chairman’s Report: Mike Kuper—he asked to discuss the appointment of an Executive
Committee. Motion: that the bylaws be amended to allow for an officer position consisting
of a Secretary and Treasurer to be elected by the Board on an annual basis. Motion made
by John Downing and seconded by Hope Perkins. The motion passed unanimously. Mike Kuper
nominated Hope Perkins as secretary and Kim Carranza as Treasurer. John also offered to serve
as a committee of one to review the bylaws and present the changes to the board. Motion: to
unanimously elect the officers nominated and to have John Downing review the bylaws and
present changes to the board. Motion was made by Jerry Dale and seconded by Daniel Parent
and was passed unanimously.
6. RV vehicle donation program benefitting Care Camps: Barry Stern introduced the KOA RV
donations, a program to increase contributions to the Care Camps program. This program has
been developed to solicit RV donations. He presented an in-depth explanation of how the program
would work, and the potential for increased contributions. The board discussed the advantages
of the program, and asked Barry to move forward with the development of a partnership
relationship. Barry is asking to be endorsed by Care Camps to be the exclusive “Authorized Agent”
for the charity. MOTION: to discuss the endorsement of the RV vehicle donation program with
AutoMarine, Inc. subject to clarification of legal responsibilities by Care Camps. Motion made
by John Downing and seconded by Hope Perkins. The motion was passed unanimously. After
discussion the board made another motion. Motion: to review this proposal in depth and compare
the proposal with at least one other company. The motion was made by John Downing and
seconded by Hope Perkins and was approved unanimously. The board asked staff to review two
other companies in this same type of business to compare their fees and services to AutoMarine’s
proposal.
7. Marketing Committee (New logo ideas, awareness campaign): Mike Kuper reviewed the
background of the committee he had appointed to work with corporate to review and develop
some promotional materials. He asked Mike Gast to present the latest update on the progress
they have made. MOTION: to approve the logo presented by Mike Gast. Motion made by John
Downing and seconded by Daniel Parent. The motion passed unanimously. The board then
discussed the slogan that Mike Gast presented. Motion: to approve the initial slogan “The healing
42
Owners News
nature of camping” The motion was made by John Downing and seconded by Hope
Perkins. The motion passed with a vote of 7 to 1. Mike Gast then discussed with the
board a process to invigorate the online presence for Care Camps. Motion: to move
forward with the ideas expressed to ask the marketing committee to continue working
on the implementation of these new programs. Motion made by Jerry Dale and seconded by Hope
Perkins. The motion passed unanimously. The board also agreed that going forward we need to
work on our validity as well as provide a professional media kit.
9. 2011 Budget Review with final 2010 financial statements—several motions were made to revise
some of the line items to the budget. The budget is to remain open until the marketing numbers
are in.
1) Motion: to include a new line item for Website Development for a new site for $15,000.
Made by John Downing, seconded by Daniel Parent
2) Motion: To increase the budget for Cannisters to $2500 from $800. Made by John Downing
and seconded by Hope Perkins
3) Motion: to raise the amount of payments to Cancer Camps to $400,000. Motion made by
John Downing and seconded by Hope Perkins
4) Motion: to do a full audit for Care Camps for $6,000, Motion made by John Downing and
seconded by Kim Carranza. All the motions passed unanimously.
10. Update on Canadian Care Camps—The board reviewed the proposal to set up a Canadian
Trust. MOTION; TO establish a Canadian Care Camps organization to handle contributions
received from Canadian Campgrounds, and to allocate $8,000 in the budget to set up the
Canadian trust. Motion was made by Kim Caranzza and seconded by Hope Perkins. The motion
passed unanimously.
11. Review convention schedule and auction procedures from Savannah-- Mike Kuper indicated
that the silent auction running for the entire convention resulted in a positive increase in revenue.
www.koaowners.org
8. 2011 CK&CWUW—It was agreed to have Prime redo the database to identify campgrounds
by their franchise number to be able to more easily compare those campgrounds who have
indicated participation but did not actually make a contribution. The board asked Prime to
contact Patsy Norton from corporate to help set up the QuickBooks to ensure consistency. Once
that is complete we can then contact individual campgrounds to determine their reaction to the
program. Mike Kuper asked the board for their comments on pledge forms for the CK&CWUW
for 2011. The board discussed the idea of setting a goal to have the owners participate in
this year. Wayne Morris presented samples of Care Camps buttons that could be used by all
campground employees to participate in the Care Camps program. Southeast Publications will
pay for the cost of the buttons. He also suggested that we offer a tee shirt to everyone who makes
a donation to Care Camps at or above a certain level of support. Another suggestion was to give
the individual contributor a tag (Sticker) to indicate they participated in helping send a child to
camp. The final promotional package should be included with the materials that Mike Gast sends
to each campground in preparation for the weekend. It was agreed to set a goal of $1000 and
if the campground reaches that goal it will be entered into drawing for a prize to be drawn at the
convention. Materials would be sent out with a drawing of a thermometer to help the individual
campground set goals and show their progress on an ongoing basis. We will now be scheduling
care camps as a year round endeavor rather than the one weekend push we have done in the
past. Wade Elliot suggested the vendors at the convention also be asked to participate. .He further
suggested that we allow the vendors to put the care camps logo on their sites in exchange for
their efforts in collecting for care camps. He also asked if it should be shown at times as simply
Care Camps to get more vendors involved. The immediate response to this suggestion was
that we would not be separating the care camps from KOA Owners Association.). Mike asked
the committee of Kim C., Mike G, and John D. to work with Mike Gast on the contents of the
promotional campaign for the weekend.
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Volume 31, Issue 1
However, there was a great deal of work involved in doing it this way. There will be a change at
the 2011 convention. The silent auction will be held in conjunction with the expo on the last day
of the expo. The OA booth and silent auction will be together and possibly outside the main
hall entrance to the exhibit area, but Inside to make the process cohesive and not separate the
processes.
12. Discussion of putting Care Camps on Facebook—this was turned over to the marketing
committee—John Downing advised the board that he has suggested we include specific language
regarding contributions received to donors to comply with new Federal regulations. Bill Ranieri
indicated the wording has been included and he is seeking further clarification from our accountant
to be sure the wording is appropriate.
13. Review acknowledgement and Thank You letters to contributors—Ask the marketing committee to
review these acknowledgements.
14. Discussion of Awards for top Franchisee’s fundraising—The board decided to ask a committee of
John Downing, Kim Carranza and Diane King to discuss a methodology to decide on awards that
might be given.
15. Discussion of possible fundraising seminar at 2011 convention—the board discussed the possible
presentation to award winners at the convention. It was also agreed to ask KOA to include
something on fundraising during the general session at the convention.
16. Discussion of Contribution Level for 2011—It was agreed to raise the level to $400,000.
17. Review of questionnaires for Cancer Camps—the board agreed to keep the questionnaire as
it is. A sub-committee of Diane King, Jim Roger and Wade Elliott was formed to review the
questionnaire and submit changes to make it more professional and in depth. It was suggested
that the committee consider adding a few new items, such as including Care Camps link to their
website. It was also asked to consider asking if the camp is ACE accredited. Jim Rogers, Wade
Elliott, and Diane King volunteered to develop stronger ongoing working relationships with the
Cancer Camps we support.
18. Old Business—it was suggested that we consider a change in the bylaws to add the
advisory
members to be full board members with voting rights. John Downing agreed to review the ByLaws and draft any changes that may be needed, this does not include the suggestion above
being adopted as it has not been discussed fully nor approved . We should consider such things as
limiting the number of members. It was also suggested that we consider having a goal to publish a
newsletter by 2013.
19. New Business—Daniel Parent presented some areas the board should consider. He felt there
should be a clearer explanation of the $50 for ice cream purchases. Send a letter in the box
again for simple fund raising ideas for KOAers and with testimonials when the information on the
weekend is sent. Have one of the children to send a letter thanking contributors who give more
than $100. Create a link from Inc. to the Care Camps website. Long term follow up letter to people
who give a big contribution. Wade Elliot asked about efforts for fund raising with foundations. He
offered to supply a name of someone he has used in the past should we like to utilize their services
for a fee.
20. Adjourn—the meeting adjourned at 6:00 pm
44
Owners News
KOA Care Camps is Revin in 2011
We are taking KOA Care Camps to the next level and we want you all to join
us in raising awareness and funds. With the help of KOA Home Office and their
graphic team we are introducing the new exciting KOA Care Camp logo and
slogan. “The Healing Nature of camping”. To help kick off our awareness
campaign Southeast Publications is going to supply all front staff at your
Kampgrounds with buttons that will say “Ask Me About KOA Care Camps” We
are in the process of putting together a couple of sentences that your staff can
learn to explain what KOA Care Camps is all about. Along with that we will
have stickers that you can give your kamping guests that say “I’m helping send a child with cancer to
camp” with their donation.
Unfortunately we will not be having matched funds with KOAH on CK&CWUW. What we do have is
KOA Home Office stepping up the promotion of KOA Care Camps!
We want are Kampers to know what KOA Care Camps is all about. Did you know that 9 out of 10
people know what KOA stands for and less then 1 % know what KOA Care Camps is? The new
awareness campaign will change that! Our goal this year is for the franchisees to contribute $500,000.00. This is approx $1000 per franchisee. Let’s all start our fundraising season on the CK&CWUW and
continue throughout the summer. For each $1000 raised between CK&CWUW and Oct 31 2011
your franchisee will be awarded a chance for a grand prize to be drawn at this years convention in
Las Vegas. Keep an eye on the thermometer on both kampsight and ekamp … watch the increase in
donations. It will be posted for short periods each month.
Together lets get our fundraising events Revin for a successful 2011 kamping season!!!
Sincerely
Mike Kuper
Chairman for KOA Care Camps
Howard Livingston and the Mile Marker 24
band have gone above and beyond. They were
playing at Sugarloaf Key KOA when they sold a
margarita to a group of campers for a whopping
$8,800.00. It doesn’t end there! Not to be
out done….another camper wanted one also,
and he paid a whopping $10,000.00. With this
sale of two of Howard’s great margarita’s, we
have a donation going to KOA Care Camps of
$18,800.00
The picture shows Howard Livingston of the Mile Marker 24
band with the camper that bought a margarita for $10,000.00
www.koaowners.org
A Huge Thanks to Howard Livingston and
the Mile Marker 24 Band
Fundraising
at it’s finest!!!
45
Volume 31, Issue 1
“I CARE” Award Winner
For 2010
In 2009 the Care Camps Board announced an award to give to those
individuals who have given extraordinary service to the Care Camps
Program. These people have spent years doing a variety of things,
speaking, fundraising, gifts and just plain support of the children who
attend these camps.
This year’s winner is Amy Raposo of Barrie KOA in Ontario Canada. She
has served the Care Camps program for many years, and was one of the
first board members to participate in the organization of the Care Camps
Trust. She helped develop the questionnaire used by Care Camps to
determine the final contribution made to each individual cancer camp
we support. She has, with her husband Tony and family been an active
participant in Care Camps activities at her campground. Amy has a personal relationship with these
camps because her son has attended one of them. Amy saw first hand the benefits of these camps and
she has supported them whole heartedly. Her fundraising is innovative, enthusiastic and contagious. So
Amy, we are very proud to present you with this special award, for a special lady. Congratulations.
Care Camp Traditions
It is amazing to read about the many different events that our Care Camps do with their campers that
become a camp Tradition. Every tradition mentioned had either a deep meaning for the campers and
staff or were a popular fun time for all involved.
So let’s find out what our selected two camps do with their campers.
Camp Sunrise, MO has several activities that are a must every year for their campers. One of their
activities that stand out is the Beach Party. For this everyone gets into their swim wear, councilors,
families and children and troop down to the beach were they find body paint and water balloons ready for
use. The children get to paint whom ever they want, councilor, each other, their siblings or parents. The
designs are very creative and very messy and the children love it. After they get done with the painting
they grab their spoons and line up to get a water balloon on it then race down to drop it in the huge pants
of the camp director. Talk about a wet bottom! As you can imagine, a lot of the balloons break before
reaching those pants, but it’s all in fun and generates a lot of laughter.
The very last thing they do before the campers go home is the tree planting. Everyone gathers round to
plant a tree in memory of all those who lost the battle that year. Then the children launch a balloon into
the sky to celebrate those who have survived their battle with cancer.
Camp Trillium in Canada has many traditions that have been added in over their 27 years of operation.
The goal of their traditions is to make childhood fun for children going through a devastating disease
and that’s not easy. On the surface they are like any other camp with the camp fires, swimming, rock
climbing and such. But they have a special celebration for that awesome day in a child’s life, the end
of chemotherapy. Camp Trillium celebrates this in the dining hall with a parade of song and a No More
Chemotherapy cake. Camp is a celebration of all that is good in childhood; friends, challenging ones self
to learn new things, laughing, singing and being part of an extended family during bad times and good.
By H. Gentry, OA staff
46
Owners News
TO EMAIL OR NOT EMAIL
Well folks, it was only a matter of time and that time has come for the Owners Newsletter. Everyone
these days has a choice to receive newsletters and announcements by email or through the Post Office (snail
mail). Please let us know how you would like to receive future copies of the OA Newsletter. You can
email OR mail your preference into the OA Office; but please include your campground name and address for
tracking purposes. If you don’t want to make a change from hardcopy you don’t need to respond to this survey.
I WOULD PREFER TO RECEIVE MY COPY OF THE OA NEWSLETTER BY:
E-MAIL:______________________________________________________________________________
REGULAR MAIL:______________________________________________________________________
EMAIL & MAIL:_______________________________________________________________________
Campground Name: ____________________________________________________________________
Campground Address:___________________________________________________________________
Campground City:__________________________________State:____________Zip:________________
Contact Name:_________________________________________________________________________
Email to: [email protected]
Mailing Address: KOA Owners Association
3416 Primm Ln
Or
Email response to [email protected]
REMEMBER IF YOU DON’T WANT TO CHANGE FROM HARDCOPY
YOU DON’T NEED TO RESPOND
Volume 31, 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
48
Owners News

2011 Issue 1 - KOA Owners Association

Transcription

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