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Owners news - KOA Owners Association
ASS NC. ,I KA D ® E RS ROU N OWN Owners News M PG O CI ATI ON OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE KAMPGROUND OWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC. Volume 29 Issue 1 January/February/March 2009 • Contents • President’s Corner.......................................................2 2009 Owners Association Board.................................4 Death of a Member......................................................5 Disaster Relief Fund Announcement...........................6 State/Provincial News..................................................8 Beautify Your Campground.......................................11 Executive Summary: Workampers Surveys..............12 The Bed Bug Solution................................................13 Funnies......................................................................16 News Releases..........................................................18 2009 Associate Member Listing................................24 Care Camps Message – Mike Kuper.........................26 Care Camps 2008 Auction Update............................28 www.koaowners.org www.koaowners.org 1 Volume 29, Issue 1 President’s Message for OA Newsletter Issue 1, 2009 It’s hard to believe our 2009 camping year is here and as you are all aware, it will be a very challenging one. Your OA Board had their spring meeting February 19th and 20th and discussed the need to try to be better prepared for increased marketing, cost cutting opportunities, and ideas for increasing revenue. Everyone agreed we need to keep a positive attitude and communicate with each other to help us seek creative ideas and suggestions to get campers on to our campgrounds. We recognize that the OA board is committed to enhance communications between your association and our members, as well as the state/provincial associations. We will try to have an area director or an OA representative at every state/provincial meeting. Our plan is to keep us all informed of new efforts to increase camper nights, to discuss local or area problems and to work together to find solutions. Please share with us your problems or ideas for growth in these trying times. We have taken several steps to improve our communications with each and every one of our members. The board authorized a complete revamping of the OA website. We are developing a custom professional design that will be more robust and user friendly with a member’s only section. It will be 100% database driven, and will allow for blogs and featured content. We will develop specialty forums for our members to communicate on specific topic areas to help each 2 other address issues in a professional and positive manner. We hope to have the new site on line by June of this year. We are also making modifications in the OA newsletter. We will be adding some new columns including a “letter to the President section”. All letters will be subject to review by the Systems Communication Committee and can be edited in relationship to space and accuracy. This new feature will give all of you an opportunity to share your thoughts with the entire system. We had a tremendous response to the work camper survey that was sent out earlier this month. We will be publishing throughout the year some of the comments we received in the “Best Practices” and “General Comments” sections in each of our issues this year. We are also adding more information in the Care Camps section of the news to highlight fund raising opportunities for each campground to use. Please share your fundraising ideas with us through the newsletter. I want to take this opportunity to welcome Hope Perkins of Elkhart/Middlebury KOA to the Board for Area 3. Hope will be finishing out her husband Peter’s term and we are very pleased to have her on board. I also want to welcome our new board members: Jerry Dale from Area 1; Karl Schmidt from Area 2; Carol Preble from Area 3; and, David Witt from Area 5. Thank you all again for your tremendous support and dedication to the OA and to the KOA system. Let’s work together to build on the strength of our system to make this an exciting and profitable year. 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Call Today! 1-888-683-7808 Call Today! 1-888-683-7808 www.oigcorp.com OUTDOOR INSURANCE GROUP IS THE ONLY ENDORSED KOA OA INSURANCE AGENCY CA License #OC24080 www.koaowners.org January/February/March 2009 www.oigcorp.com 3 Volume 29, Issue 1 KOA Owners Association Board of Directors 2009 AREA 1 4 AREA 2 AREA 3 AREA 4 Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Kentucky, Virginia, West Virginia Ohio, Delaware, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Maine, Vermont, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maryland, Connecticut, Rhode Island Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Dakota, South Dakota, Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, Nebraska, Minnesota, Texas, Arkansas Wisconsin, Iowa Danny Goad 17139 Vicki Cole 35164 Carrol Murray 27104 Carol Preble 43233 Bowling Green KOA 1960 Three Springs Rd Bowling Green, KY 42104 Phone: (270) 843-1919 Fax: (270) 843-1909 [email protected] Shelby/Mansfield KOA 6787 Baker 47 Shelby, OH 44875-9103 Phone: (419) 347-1392 Fax: (419) 342-5353 camp@shelbymansfieldkoa. com Treasurer West Omaha KOA 14601 Hwy 6 Gretna, NE 68028 Phone: (402) 332-3010 Fax: (402) 332-0246 [email protected] Rusk KOA PO BOX 691 Rusk, TX 75785 Phone:(903) 683-6641 [email protected] Jerry Dale 42102 Karl Schmidt 38181 Manchester TN KOA 586 Kampground Rd Manchester, TN 37355 Phone: (931) 728-9750 Fax: (931) 728-9777 [email protected] Elizabethtown/Hershey KOA 1980 Turnpike Rd Elizabethtown, PA 17022 Phone: (717) 367-7718 Fax: (717) 367-3412 [email protected] Hope Perkins 14133 Elkhart/Middlebury KOA 52867 State Rd 13 Middlebury, IN 46540 Phone: (574) 825-5932 Fax: (574) 825-1080 [email protected] Tina Haith 36133 President Oklahoma City East KOA 6200 South Choctaw Rd Choctaw, OK 73020 Phone: (405) 391-5000 Fax: (405) 391-5004 [email protected] AREA 5 AREA 6 AREA 7 Alaska, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming Hawaii, California, Nevada, CANADA Utah, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico David Witt 47103 Pamela Mendala 5275 Michael Kuper V. 55120 KOA INC. LIAISON Jeff Sutherland Leavenworth KOA 11401 River Bend DR. US 2 Leavenworth, WA 98826 Phone: (509) 548-7709 Fax: (509) 548-7709 [email protected] Cloverdale KOA 1166 ASTI Ridge RD, PO BOX 600 Cloverdale, CA 95425 Phone: (707) 894-3337 Fax: (707) 894-9206 [email protected] President Thunder Bay KOA 162 Spruce River RD. Thunder Bay, ON P7B5E4 Phone: (807) 683-6221 Fax(: (807) 683-6222 [email protected] Steve Linde 26122 Secretary Yellowstone Park KOA PO BOX 348 Westyellowstone, MT 59758 Phone: (406) 646-7606 Fax: (406) 896-8449 [email protected] Sarah Martin 6103 Buena Vista KOA 27700 County RD 303 Buena Vista, CO 81211 Phone: (719) 395-8313 Fax: w(719) 395-3103 [email protected] Jeff Stovold 55252 Toronto North/Cookstown 139 Reive Blvd Cookstown, ON L0L 1L0 Phone:(705) 456-2120 Fax: (705) 458-1389 [email protected] VP of Franchisee Service PO BOX 3055 Billings, MT 59114 Phone: (800) 548-7104 [email protected] EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR William Ranieri 3416 Primm Lane Birmingham, AL 35216 Phone: (800) 678- 9976 Fax: (205) 823-2760 [email protected] Owners News In Memory of Peter Perkins It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of one of our KOA Campground owners and an OA Board member—Peter Perkins of Middlebury KOA. After a year long battle with cancer he passed away at 45, on December 20, 2008, at his residence. We offer our sincere sympathy and prayers for his family in their time of sorrow. January/February/March 2009 We have also established a special memorial fund for the family of Peter and Hope Perkins. If anyone would like to contribute to the fund please send your check to the KOA Owners Association and mark it for the “Peter & Hope Perkins memorial fund.” www.koaowners.org 5 Volume 29, Issue 1 DISASTER RELIEF FUND ANNOUNCEMENT WE ARE PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE THAT THE MAXIMUM SUPPORT FOR DISASTER RELIEF FOR 2009 WILL BE $12,000. AN OVERVIEW OF THE DISASTER RELIEF POLICY AND GUIDELINES IS SHOWN BELOW Disaster Relief Policy Major Loss Loss of Income caused by the destruction of buildings, roads or other facilities that close the campground for a period of thirty days or longer. The maximum benefit available for members is 12,000 dollars or 10% of the January 1st balance of the Disaster Relief Fund, and not to exceed the amount of the actual damage incurred. Intermediate Loss Loss of Income caused by minor damage to a building, pumps, waste treatment facility causing the closing of the facility for 30 days or less. The maximum benefit available for members is 7,200 dollars or 6% of the January 1st balance of the Disaster Relief Fund, and not to exceed the actual amount of the damage incurred. Minor Loss No damage to the campground, but closing is required due to uncontrollable circumstances. The maximum benefit available for members is 4800 dollars or 4% of the January 1st balance of the Disaster Relief Fund, and not to exceed the actual amount of the damage incurred. Other Conditions and Requirements: 1) Any disaster, which occurs on an ongoing basis, such as flooding, will be eligible only once every five years. 2) The Disaster Relief Committee Chairman, together with two committee members, will review and determine the amount of cash request. 3) If no government assistance is available to campgrounds suffering a major loss, they shall be eligible for low interest loans, based on need and availability of funding. 4) Loan requests must be approved by the Board of Directors as well as by the Disaster Relief Committee. Procedure for Receiving Aid: 1) Call the Association office and request a claim form (1-800-678-9976). 2) Return request via mail, fax or email, within four months of the occurrence. 3) Committee will by phone call or email determine amount of funding and write check for such amount. 4) Check will be mailed from office to committee chair for his/her signature, and then be forwarded to the applying campground. A copy of sent check should then be sent to Association office for the files. 5) It is the intent of this committee to have the check in the hands of the applicant in not less than ten working days. Eligibility: 1) Only members are eligible for the above losses. 2) There shall be a grace period of one-year for all new owners that are not members of the Association. 3) At the discretion of the Disaster Relief Committee and with the approval of the Board of Directors, nonmembers may be considered for funds not to exceed 1,500 dollars. 6 Owners News www.koaowners.org 7 January/February/March 2009 Volume 29, Issue 1 2009 State/Provincial Presidents News We have three new State Presidents so far this year. For the Kentucky/Tennessee area it’s now Danny Goad of Bowling Green KY KOA, for the Virginia Area it’s Denna Fout of Williamsburg KOA and for Wisconsin, Jeff Irwin of Madison WI KOA. They are replacing Susan Hart of Fredericksburg/Washington DC S KOA, Jerry Dale of Manchester Beach KOA and Ed Brennan of Wisconsin Dells KOA. We are very grateful for the work that Susan, Ed and Jerry have done with the State Associations and welcome Danny, Denna and Jeff to their new positions. Several of the Associations have sent in their meeting dates for 2009 Florida State Association will meet at Okeechobee KOA on April 27-28, 2009 at 9AM Illinois State Association will meet at Casey KOA on March 11, 2009 at 9AM Heartland State Association will meet at Branson KOA in March with the dates to be announced later Virginia State Association will meet in April with the dates, time and place to be announced later. California/Nevada State Association will meet at Stockton/Delta KOA on March 9-11, 2009. F PLEASE REMEMBER TO LET THE OA KNOW OF YOUR MEETING DATES FOR 2009 8 Owners News Minutes California/Nevada KOA Owners Association Fall 2008 Meeting – Stockton/Delta KOA The meeting was called to order at 9:06 am October 7, 2008 by president Darol Blunt Attendees: Terry Shade Vice President COP, Ryan Baker Stockton KOA, Scott Haar Trinity Lake, Erik Gothberg-Regional Vice President of COP, Mike Bell & Clint Bell-San Diego KOA, Chuck Church- Reno KOA, Brian Cushman Lake Isabella, Eric Smith at Feather Falls KOA, Greg Dunagan Las Vegas KOA Corporate- Terry Shay, Lori Regele, John and Cindy Simoneau, Placerville KOA Treasure Report: About $5,000. In bank, only outstanding bill is a refund to Feather Falls KOA. • Stockton – cabin groups are up due to family reunions, dollar flat, growth in lodging, daily even, monthly down, Stockton benefited from other marinas running out of water and that bump got in best case a flat summer. Shoulder season is slim no water skiing and fishing no people. Terry- in spite of lodges and adding lodges we came out with the idea that “lodges are good!” Cabins came to be due to 1970s oil embargo. KOA feels this is a similar movement. Cabins were easily maintained lodges, will require more skilled workers. Sally, in Santa Cruz, now has 13 lodges- doing very well and has linen packages at $10 per person per stay; loft units most popular near playground, 73 nights per unit, groups love them, busy weekends she held open houses in available lodges. People are now aware for next year. Terry reports that Cape Hataras has 8 new units each 88 nights. General consensus is everyone is adding more lodges • Trinity Lake – Many challenges this year: economic issues, remote location combined with gas prices, many fires in area. Camper nights down 37%, the good news is that the structures were improved and consistency to program so that clientele are much happier. Scott has focused on making campers feel like VIP. Bathhouses renovated, docks being rebuilt. Fun year with Summer Shiners recreation program that had positive success. Got the right people working at campground and is very excited for the future. Trinity has older lodges and has been making improvement to existing lodges. They do make beds; put towels in bath like a hotel. Do a night hike with a snipe hike and they have a big foot costume. Overall A’s up 30 points on KSS. Summer Shiners are a ministry of college age recreation staff and fill positions at front desk and housekeeping staff. Trinity Lake has 240 sites (100 rv, 80 tent, 20 cottages), 46 boat slips. • Placerville – major construction projects converting 8 back-in sites to 50 Amp water and electric. Up through June then summer went down overall camper nights 10.3% down money up do to raising prices. Put in swing set and got lots of use. Put in little tykes for the little bitty kids being used a bunch. Indian casino next door that was closed is reopening in December. They hope the patrons of casino will use large sites. El Dorado fair was booming and need additional flyers from campgrounds. 30-40 cases of quick guides and 3,000 – 4,000 bags. Need additional rack cards from all campgrounds by June 2009. Attendance was about 70,000. John and Cindy have been doing this show for a very long time. Had 3 great workampers this season both outside and inside. Getting frustrated with KSS. Wish their happy campers were better represented in KSS. Darol- European market not represented-30% of his market. Darol KSS is a good tool that he can use but should not be the end rating product. www.koaowners.org January/February/March 2009 Opening Discussion: How do we get more people to come to these meetings? Ideas: • Have a topic such as pool systems/laws • Timing of meeting- fall meeting at jamboree? • One day meeting? • Web cams—probably not viable Campground Reviews: 9 Volume 29, Issue 1 This spring storm tree fell from neighboring property took out all refrigerated items, light bulbs ect—$18,000 in damages. New Philadelphia insurance company for about $100 has a program to cover off premise items falling onto your property and causing damage. • San Diego – Mike San Diego celebrates 40 years this year, Ted is still working on the grounds, Carol has retired. Campground sale will probably fall through do to economy. Just opened RV storage lot, 120 units. Grand Canyon finally permitted and finally building ginormous septic system, and buildings. Has cost $600,000 more than estimated on this 100-site campground. Will be a great little campground but who knows if it will ever be profitable. Clint-operationally down 7.0% in campernights 1.2% up $. PCN up. Lodge will end with 175 nights at $225.00/night. Coffee cart great for socialization and tell camper stories but when costs are factored in not as profitable as hoped. Drip coffee is more profitable than high-end mochas. Segway program- units durable, mainly an experience $5.00 for 5 laps, but the full hour rental not as popular. Ages 8-18 could only ride during “activity”. New lodges will be ADA and loft units. Mike- green initiative recycling program money goes to care camps. • Visalia – Darol: down 9% campernights. News- Judy and Darol very happy with business and have bought out his sister and brother-in-law. Independence bank processed the loan to do buy out. So as of September 10th Darol and Judy no longer have partners. Good staff for this winter. Darol putting in Lodges. Spoke to housing person for military families with animals, looking forward to these guests. Club market for cabins and tent sites are up. Clubs made up of professional people. • Reno – Chuck: Reno as a city down 20-30%. Park about 27% down camper nights. Versus competition feel they are getting their share. Deluxe patio site running 90% occupancy and booking for following year. Looking into different market- Changing some back into sites into tenting sites. • Lake Isabella – 2 Lodges went over extremely well, added 3 cabins. Both new lodging did very well. Gas prices are actually helping to get campers. Working with rafting companies to do cross promotion. Did 2 theme weekends luau and ho down and both weekend were up. Ho down square dancing was a hit. Darol comments that he is hearing great feedback of improvement of this campground. • Santa Cruz – Sally: Easter time flat, year to date down 9% down and money .1% up. Patio sites are going for $20.00 more per night. Average stay 3.2 to 6 nights on patio sites. Summer shiners did a great job and recreation up 10% Tie dye was up. Now offering pillowcases, bandanas and tank tops. Coffee up; food revenue down. Good shoulder season churches, schools. Come Camp with us was up. Raised $10,000 for care camps. • Feather Falls – Income up; 17% camper nights up 27% ( numbers due to 2 for 1 promotions) fires were great for camper nights, they were booked solid for 2 weeks. He is concerned that his class A business will be effected by economy. Lots of marketing being done. September business record low due to economy/stock market. This November class A groups will yield a 50-60% increase over last year. • 10 Las Vegas – Rough summer, spring and fall. Camper nights down 18% and income down 14%. Vegas as a whole down but not as much campground. International has been a shining star. Trying to find creative ways to draw people to Vegas. Discretionary income down and therefore the casino is down. High-end market fine in Vegas low end market is struggling greatly. Owners News Beautify Your Campground Loren Smith, Prairie Kraft Specialties The challenge becomes, “How do I water and fertilize them?” You spend $3-5 on a pretty hanging basket at your local nursery or Home Depot thinking “this will be an inexpensive way to beautify my store, cabins and campground”, and then you spend hundreds of dollars in labor keeping them watered and alive. Or worse--they die! (This happened more times than Loren will admit during the early years at the Great Falls KOA.) Following is an easy and inexpensive solution—drip irrigation. ì Adding flowers to your campground makes you MONEY!î www.koaowners.org Installation of a drip irrigation system may seem daunting, but it’s really not difficult. Thanks to lots of experience, Prairie Kraft Specialties and the Great Falls KOA have found a great way to water isolated flower pots and planters like you see in these photos. January/February/March 2009 We all agree that adding flowers greatly improves your campground; more importantly, adding flowers allows you to make more money with increased site rates. 11 Volume 29, Issue 1 Executive Summary to Owners Association Workampers Survey We have included below the summary of the findings from our recent Workampers Survey. We have also included with this summary some of the many General Comments and Best Practices comments we received from owners who completed the survey. We will continue to print other comments from these two sections of the survey in following issues of the newsletter. If any of you would like to include your thoughts or suggestions please send them to the association office at [email protected] The survey was mailed to 400 KOA Owners or managers and 149 replied. This is a 37% rate of return, with over 89% of the respondents completing the survey. This is a very strong response, especially when you take into consideration the time of the year the survey was sent out. The survey was broken into four sections: 1) 2) 3) 4) Hiring Retention Impact Profile of Your Campground (Demographic) The demographic section shows a very equal distribution of respondents across categories. In terms of the number of years of experience by respondents the breakdowns were as follows: 1) 2) 3) 4) 40% were 1 to 5 years 25% were 6 to 10 years 20% were 11 to 20 years 15% were 21 years and over There were 39 states that were represented in the responses and 3 Canadian provinces, Ontario, Quebec and Alberta The size distribution of respondents was also evenly distributed between campgrounds that were 51 to over 151 sites, as follows: 1) 2) 3) 4) 4% were 0 to 50 44% were 51 to 100 30% were 101 to 150 22% were over 150 The average staff size also distributed fairly evenly, taking into account many campgrounds vary in staff size between winter and summer. The breakdowns were: 1) 2) 3) 4) 27% had 1 to 5 30% had 6 to 10 26% had 11-15 17 % had 16 or more Hiring Section A very high percentage (89%), check reference and over 86% have work agreements with their workampers, and over 75% have written details for them. Those who indicated the workampers do not misuse their KOA vouchers is very high at 89%, but no shows did show a problem with 47% indicating this is a problem. Those who have had problems with workampers accepting more than one position, or leaving without notice, or leaving after the first week were all 36%. 12 Owners News Retention Section Over 90 % of the campgrounds provide training for workampers and extend offers for the following season. In addition, 58% conduct staff meetings, and over 60% give an end of the season bonus. Fewer than 45% are satisfied with the current rating system, and over 70% have lost or fired a workamper either because they were unable to perform their duties (71%), or unable to get along (66%), or gave poor customer service (60%). Impact Section There was very strong agreement among respondents on the impact of workampers to the campground. Over 94% felt they have a strong impact on KSS scores and a direct impact on revenue. There is apparently no problem with increasing unemployment claims. There does appear to be a problem with commitment of workampers to the campground. There is a very strong response (over 97%), who are interested in a single database of employment history and hiring eligibility. Conclusions And Recommendations There is no doubt that there is a great deal of interest in the Workamper area and recognition of the importance of the workampers to the success of the campground’s revenue base. There appears to be a common practice, and a good sense of the importance of written agreements, orientation and training sessions, and the advantage of incentives such as end of the season bonuses to keep them on site and motivated. There are problems in screening applicants, obtaining real commitments, and continuing motivation through the season. There is very wide spread agreement on the impact they have on the success or failure of the campground season. And finally, there is almost unanimous agreement that owners are looking for help in being able to correctly identify past workamper experiences. Recommendations: The Bed Bug Solution By Jim Turner We regretfully ended up with some bed bug infestation last summer. We heard that bed bugs can be killed at a sustained heat of 135 degrees. We tried heating the cabin with electric space heaters, but they all seemed to have built in maximum temperature thermostats that kicked off around 115 to 125 degrees. We then switched and put an infrared propane 15,000 btu heater in the cabin (we did not remove anything from the cabin), we put an inside/outside thermometer with outside probe inside the cabin. We then closed the door and cooked the inside of the cabin to 135 degrees for a day. That did the job and it was easy. The heat kills all living bugs and also kills the eggs. After a day, we went back in and cleaned up the dozens and dozens of dead bugs laying around the floor, cleaned up their blood splotches and eggs with disinfectant. All in all an infested cabin can be totally and reliably debugged and back online in 2 days. www.koaowners.org January/February/March 2009 1) The committee be kept in tact and continue to review and research areas where the OA can provide guidance, training, and information. 2) The OA work to develop a single database or other information vehicle to provide employment history and hiring eligibility. 3) There are some positive comments in both the Best Practices section and the General comments section which need to be explored, edited and made available to the system; 4) We utilize the OA website to create forums for information exchange on this subject and methods to help owners evaluate references and work experiences 5) We develop a system of communication among and between members that are educational in nature raising the understanding level for selecting, training and motivating workampers during the camping season. 6) We feature through the newsletter and on the website continuing information some of the experiences and comments received in the survey by respondents. 13 Volume 29, Issue 1 Some Comments from Fellow Owners on Best Practices from our survey on Workampers 1. Really check out your work kampers. Ask the other kampgrounds they used to work for with an honest answer. 2. Talk with your prospective workkamper in depth, ask a lot of questions and tell them everything about your campground. let them know your expectations and your goals for the up and coming season. Make them feel like they’re part of a big family. 3. Good, honest contract. Don’t be cheap. Good training up front about being professional without personal conflicts. Good customer service training. Team Building. Good staff meetings. 4. We have not hired Work Kampers before. 2009 is the first year that we plan to hire. So far the applicants that have responded to our work at KOA job posting have not really read our posting, if they had they would have not applied because they did not fit the request. We are still hoping to find 2 couples for part-time work for the 2009 season. 5. We are going to start personality testing our applicants so we can be more informed about their strengths and weaknesses and how to best utilize them on our campground. 14 Some General Comments from our Workampers Survey We need work campers during the summer months and have a very hard time getting anyone to commit to the summer months. Many campground owners know little about personnel management. Add a session on this issue at KOA U, and at annual jamborees/conferences. We do not find commitment to be as big a problem as the more stars Work Kampers get, the more they want more pay and benefits but those stars do not mean better quality employees. Some sort of data base with allowable information regarding performance or rehire ability would be very helpful. One of the things we have encountered is that many prospective employees don’t really want or need to work. Many of them are retired, don’t really need the income and only want to work one or two days a week. That may work in big parks but not for us. Being a year round campground, I am beginning to favor local employees over workampers. I find it costly to continually train and roll over employees every 4-6 months. Owners News Almost 50 All Star Work Kampers gathered at our first ever All Star Work Kamper University in Myrtle Beach, SC. We held forums to discuss relationships with and responsibilities to owners, younger workers, and the home office. Conversations were spirited and enthusiasm for KOA was infectious! Dr. Ron Hill, Ph.D. and Senior Associate Dean of Intellectual Strategy at Villanova School of Business, was asked to facilitate these discussions. His summary is provided below as a proposed set of ethical commitments to KOA. Work Kamper Code of Professional Conduct Regardless of titles or experience, all KOA work kampers must: 1) 2) 3) 4) 5) 6) 7) 8) 9) Recognize that they represent KOA to people inside as well as outside the kampgrounds. Respect the right of all persons to make the most of their experiences at the kampgrounds. Present a positive attitude to everyone associated with the kampground at all times. Perform duties to the best of their abilities and provide support to others when needed. Communicate honestly with others and seek to learn about their lives and aspirations. Develop a set of common goals with others that seek to have everyone be successful. Exhibit loyalty to KOA and its employees and expect the same support in return. Demonstrate a commitment to KOA to help the company thrive so that we may thrive. Spirit of Fun! Remember we have the best job in the world and it is our good fortune to be with KOA! We hope to further develop these statements over time and continuously receive input. If we keep them in mind as we go about our lives and jobs, what a wonderful world it will be! NATIONWIDE DISTRIBUTORS A N D S U P P L I E R S T O R V PA R K S & C A M P G R O U N D S Plan-IT Green P R OD U C TS TO R E D U C E USAGE OF RESOURCES � � � � � High Efficiency Hand Dryers Electric Meter Kits Water Meters Timer Boxes Photocell Controllers 800-800-2811 (8am EASTERN to 5pm PACIFIC) www.koaowners.org XLERATOR HAND DRYER GREENSPEC APPROVED. Qualified for LEED CREDIT www.go-usg.com January/February/March 2009 8 /200 2007 nal Natio C ARV of lier Supp ear the Y 15 Volume 29, Issue 1 Funnies U don’t have to be Catholic to enjoy this one. This is something to think about when negative people are doing their best to rain on your parade. So remember this story the next time someone who knows nothing and cares less tries to make your life miserable. A woman was at her hairdresser’s getting her hair styled for a trip to Rome with her husband. She mentioned the trip to the hairdresser, who responded, “Rome? Why would anyone want to go there? It’s crowded and dirty. You’re crazy to go to Rome. So, how are you getting there?” We’re taking Continental,” was the reply. “We got a great rate!” “Continental?” exclaimed the hairdresser. “That’s a terrible airline. Their planes are old, their flight attendants are ugly, and they’re always late. So, where are you staying in Rome?” “We’ll be at this exclusive little place over on Rome’s Tiber River called Teste.” “Don’t go any further. I know that place. Everybody thinks it’s gonna be something special and exclusive, but it’s really a dump, the worst hotel in the city! The rooms are small, the service is surly, and they’re overpriced. So, whatcha’ doing when you get there?” “We’re going to go to see the Vatican and we hope to see the Pope.” “That’s rich,” laughed the hairdresser. “You and a million other people trying to see him—he’ll look the size of an ant. Boy, good luck on this lousy trip of yours. You’re going to need it.” A month later, the woman again came in for a hairdo. The hairdresser asked her about her trip to Rome. “It was wonderful,” explained the woman, “not only were we on time in one of Continental’s brand new planes, but it was overbooked and they bumped us up to first class. The food and wine were wonderful, and I had a handsome 28-year-old steward who waited on me hand and foot. And the hotel was great! They’d just finished a $5 million remodeling job and now it’s a jewel, the finest hotel in the city. They, too, were overbooked, so they apologized and gave us their owner’s suite at no extra charge!” “Well,” muttered the hairdresser, “that’s all well and good, but I know you, you didn’t get to see the Pope.” “Actually, we were quite lucky, because as we toured the Vatican, a SwissGuard tapped me on the shoulder, and explained that the Pope likes to meet some of the visitors, and if I’d be so kind as to step into his private room and wait, the Pope would personally greet me. Sure enough, five minutes later, the Pope walked through the door and shook my hand! I knelt down and he spoke a few words to me.” “Oh, really! What’d he say?” He said, “Where’d you get the LOUSY hairdo? 16 Owners News To Maintain a Healthy Level of Insanity 1) At lunch time, sit in your park ed car with sunglasses on and point a hair dryer at passing cars. See if they slow down. 2) Page yourself over the inte rcom. Don’t disguise your voice! 3) Every time someone asks you to do something, ask if they want fries with that. 4) Put decaf in the coffee maker for 3 weeks. Once everyone has gotten over their caffeine addictions, switch to espresso. 5) In the memo field of all your che cks, write ‘for marijuana.’ 6) Skip down the hall rather than walk and see how many looks you get. 7) Order a diet water whenever you go out to eat, with a serious face. 8) Specify that your drive-throug h order is ‘to go’. 9) Sing along at the opera. 10) Five days in advance, tell you r friends you can’t attend their party because you have a hea dache. 11) When the money comes out the ATM, scream ‘I won! I won!’ Who knew these tips? Eliminate ear mites. All it takes is a few drops of Wesson Corn Oil in your cat’s ear... massage it in, then clean with a cotton ball. Repeat daily for 3 days. The oil soothes the cat’s skin, smothers the mites, and accelerates healing. Kills fleas instantly... Dawn Dishwashing Liquid does the trick. Add a few drops to your dog’s bath and shampoo the animal thoroughly. Rinse well to avoid skin irritations. Good-bye fleas. Rainy day cure for dog odor: Next time your dog comes in from the rain, simply wipe down the animal with Bounce or any dryer sheet, instantly making your dog smell springtime fresh. Did you know that drinking two glasses of Gatorade can relieve headache pain almost immediately-without the unpleasant side effects caused by traditional pain relievers? Did you know that Colgate Toothpaste makes an excellent salve for burns? www.koaowners.org January/February/March 2009 12) When leaving the zoo, start runn ing towards the parking lot, yelling’ run for your lives! They’re loose!’ 13) Tell your children over dinner, ‘due to the economy, we are going to have to let one of you go.’ 17 Volume 29, Issue 1 PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Darlene Murphy 608.268.6275/608.234.7424 [email protected] COMMERCIAL RECREATION SPECIALISTS INTRODUCES AQUAGLIDE PLATINUM New product line includes inflatable aquatic play station, slides and bouncers Verona, Wis., (February, 9, 2009) – Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS) proudly announces availability of the Aquaglide Platinum product line, according to Ron Romens, president of Commercial Recreation Specialists. The Platinum products were designed with a focus on quality and innovation and are ideal for a variety of commercial uses including camps, resort communities, municipalities and campgrounds. “One of the top features of the Platinum line is its patented Interlock system, which allows multiple elements to be connected in a nearly endless series of configurations. Interlock also allows customers to purchase elements at their own pace, with the ability to easily expand as guest demand or budget allows,” said Romens. A few highlights of the Platinum line include the Summit Express playstation, Revolution rocker/slide, SuperTramp trampoline, Rebound bounce platform, Plunge Slide, Blast Bag launch bag and Airport raft. Several products have multiple uses, such as the Revolution which can be used as a climb-andslide challenge or turned over and used as a rocker. Each product in the Platinum line is innovative, such as trampolines designed with an octagonal shape that provides superior bounce, while expanding surface area to reduce force toward the middle. Access platforms, pumps and other accessories are available to maximize comfort and safety. Commercial Recreation Specialists is headquartered in Verona, Wis., with representatives in New Jersey, and serves customers across the United States and the Caribbean. Founded in 1999, CRS performs a careful analysis of each client’s facility and business goals to provide recreation solutions based on the unique needs of each client. With over 40 years of combined industry experience, CRS is not only an equipment supplier for select vendors, but also offers design, planning, installation and operations services. CRS delivers unparalleled industry knowledge and proven success in the commercial recreation market with clients including campgrounds, resorts, summer camps, amusement parks, water parks, schools, municipalities, and zoos. ### 18 Owners News FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: James Green February 17, 2009 TengoInternet 512.767.7513 [email protected] Tengointernet Grows To Over 400 Wifi Locations Top RV Resort WiFi provider announces new service at 15 locations across 8 states AUSTIN, TX - February 17, 2009 -- TengoInternet, the oldest and largest wireless Internet provider for the outdoor hospitality industry, today announced it has added 15 new customers in 8 states. With more than 400 wireless networks installed across 38 states, Canada and Mexico, TengoInternet remains the industry’s largest provider with significant experience installing and managing wireless networks in the challenging outdoor environment. TengoInternet’s new locations include the following RV parks and locations: All Star RV (Houston, TX), American RV Park (Anthony, TX), Auburn Gold Country RV Park (Auburn, CA), Gateway Ranch RV Resort (Salome AZ), Geneseo Campground (Geneseo, IL), Golden Shore RV Resort (Long Beach, CA), Hamilton County Park District (Cincinnati, OH), Holiday Cove RV Resort (Cortez, FL), Horseshoe Cove RV Resort (Bradenton, FL), Lakeside RV Resort and Marina (Onalaska, TX), Lakeview (Houston, TX), Raccoon Valley RV Park (Heiskell, TN), Ride Royal Blue Resort (Pioneer, TN), Shady Acres RV Travel Park (Ft. Myers, FL), and Silvercreek RV Resort (Mears, MI). “Internet amenities remain an important guest selection and satisfaction criteria, making it even more important in these times for operators to get it right,” said Eric Stumberg, CEO and Co-Founder, TengoInternet. “Campgrounds trust TengoInternet to help them increase guest satisfaction, drive occupancy and improve operations. We are honored and pleased to welcome these new locations into the TengoInternet family.” About Tengo Internet TengoInternet is the largest high-speed wireless internet managed service provider to the outdoor hospitality delivers turnkey WiFi solutions for hospitality operators and the guests they serve through its award winning network design, installation, management and guest support services. TengoInternet currently manages high speed wired and wireless networks for more than 400 RV resorts, campgrounds, hotels and marinas throughout North America. For additional information, visit www.tengointernet.com or call (512) 469-7660. www.koaowners.org January/February/March 2009 industry. Headquartered in Austin, Texas, TengoInternet 19 Volume 29, Issue 1 Press Release Fireman’s Fund Teams Up W ith Leavitt Recreation & Hospitality To Offer Comprehensive Campground Coverages Campground Ow ners Get Help M anaging Their Unique Risks NOVATO, Calif., (Oct. 20, 2008) – In an effort to offer campground owners the protection they need, Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company has teamed with Leavitt Recreation & Hospitality Insurance to offer a comprehensive program of risk management and coverages. According to the National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds, total campground and RV bookings were up 23 percent from January to May 2008 versus the same period last year. Moreover, campgrounds have expanded services including boat and bicycle rentals, general stores, concession stands, gas sales, playgrounds, RV storage, camping cabins, lodges, cottage rentals, self service laundries and restrooms. Owners often have multiple locations in more than one state. As a result, campgrounds present a variety of insurance needs. “We are pleased to work with Leavitt Recreation to provide specialized coverage for campgrounds,” said Mike Halvey, vice president of commercial insurance programs for Fireman’s Fund. “Our combined experience and understanding of the recreation and hospitality industry makes it a logical partnership.” Campground coverages include: i Property coverage for buildings, restrooms, community centers, out buildings, camping cabins, laundry facilities, etc. i General Liability coverage in case of bodily injury or property damage. i Inland Marine coverage for equipment such as tractors, maintenance equipment, etc. i Auto coverage for the vehicles owned by the campground owners. “I have been involved with insuring RV parks and campgrounds for over 20 years,” said Jimmy Tumblin, Vice President of Leavitt Recreation & Hospitality Insurance. “Fireman’s Fund, The Leavitt Group and Leavitt Recreation and Hospitality Insurance Agency are an experienced group of people working to insure and protect campgrounds and I am proud to be a member of this team.” ©2008 Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company, Novato, CA 20 All rights reserved. Owners News For Immediate Release CAMPGROUND OWNERS: DIRECT A $10,000 DONATION TO YOUR LOCAL FIRE DEPARTMENT Contest Open to all Campgrounds in United States NOVATO, Calif. (Oct. 16, 2008) – The statistics are alarming. According to the United States Fire Administration, 60 percent of fire departments do not have enough self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) units to equip all firefighters on a shift. Another 63 percent of departments involved in wildland firefighting have not provided its firefighters with formal training to respond to such incidents. And the facts go on and on, all of which show fire departments are struggling to find the money needed to purchase expensive equipment and provide critical training. Leavitt Recreation & Hospitality Insurance and Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company are announcing a unique opportunity for campgrounds across the United States to help make a difference in their communities and nominate their local fire department for a $10,000 grant donation. “This is a unique opportunity for campground owners to help make their community a safer place to live, work and play,” said Jimmy Tumblin with Leavitt Recreation & Hospitality Insurance. “The entire amount will be given to one department, enabling it to fill a gap to better respond and protect its community,” said Tumblin. For more information and to obtain a nomination form for this contest, visit www.lrhinsurance.com. Participation in the contest is voluntary and designed solely to foster charitable community support. There is no requirement to purchase insurance in order to participate in the contest. -MORE- ©2008 Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company, Novato, CA www.koaowners.org All rights reserved. January/February/March 2009 Through this program, campground owners are able to nominate any fire department in their community. Nominations will be accepted through May 31, 2009. Leavitt will then hold a drawing to select one department to receive the $10,000 donation, of which the money can be used for needed equipment, firefighter training, or a community education program. 21 Volume 29, Issue 1 Pet Waste Problems? The complete pet waste solution... from check-in to check-out! Park Stations Keep your pet area clean and enjoyable. • Signs • Dispensers • Waste Cans • Posts • Carded Refills Great camping demands the best! Keep camping with pets great! Available in Yellow We are pleased to announce that yellow Mutt Mitt dispensers are now available in limited quantities. 1-800-697-6084 www.MuttMitt.com • [email protected] 0OFTUPQ0OFTIPQ 1FEFTUBMT■4VSGBDF#PYFT 1PXFS%JTUSJCVUJPO■8JSF$BCMF "DDFTTPSJFT■-JHIU'JYUVSFT &MFDUSJD.FUFST■8BUFS.FUFST 'SFF'BTU&MFDUSJDBM-BZPVU4FSWJDF Xc ¼bbX\_[TaTP[[h 5PMMGSFF GBY XXXCCFMFDDPN 4FSWJOH375SBWFM1BSLTOBUJPOXJEFGPSPWFSZFBST 22 Owners News Custom-Fit Tablecovers 811 Ridge t Rd., Suite 100, Webster, NY 14580 585-787-9620 ñ Fax 585-787-9666 Kwik-Can Cover Press Release FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact Person: Bernie Puglisi Company Name: Kwik Covers Phone: 866-586-9620 FAX: 585-787-9666 Email Address: [email protected] Website URL: www.kwikcovers.com ì COVER YOUR CANî Now Available for 33 Gallon Garbage Cans! Rochester, NY - The Kwik-Can Cover is an innovative new way to cover 33 and 55 gallon barrels. Most metal barrels quickly become dented and rusty requiring continuous maintenance to re-paint them year-after-year... if it even gets done at all. Even the newer plastic drums become an eye-sore after a short period of time. The Kwik-Can Cover is simply a plastic sleeve which utilizes elastic at the top and bottom to hold the cover on the can. You simply slide the cover down over the can and you’re left with a clean, pleated look. Kwik-Can Covers are packaged 50 per carton and are stocked in white, black, royal blue, black& white check and their new patriotic design for 55 gallon cans. Their new 33 gallon covers are available in white or black only. Kwik-Covers warehouse and ship from their fulfillment centers in Syracuse, NY and Carson, CA. For more information about Kwik-Can Covers or a free sample, call toll-free 866-586-9620 or visit us at www.kwikcovers.com 55 Gallon 55 Gallon- BLK/W Check 33 Gallon January/February/March 2009 ### Version C www.koaowners.org 23 Volume 29, Issue 1 2009 Associate Members List These companies pay $200 a year to support our association. Please remember to purchase their products and patronize their businesses. Anderson’s Brochure Distributor 2 Skip & Judy Deegans PO Drawer 467 Lewisburg, WV 24901 [email protected] Athens Park Homes Dick Gaymonprez PO BOX 1270 Athens, TX 75751 [email protected] B & B Electrical Margaret Linnell 2737 Browning Drive Lake Orion, MI 48360 [email protected] Electrical products for RV parks Campbell Insurance Agency Craig and Kirk Campbell PO Box 1695 Harrison, AR 72602 http://www.insuretheoutdoors.com [email protected] Camper Reservation Center Billie Getman PO Box 295 Hill City, SD 57745 [email protected] An inbound reservation center providing telephone support to campground vacation support for your guests. Chadwick Mfg. Co Allen Smith 224 N. Main St./ PO Box 85 Chadwick, IL 61014 http://www.chadwickmfg.com [email protected] Picnic Tables & Grills Checkbox System LLC Jim Ganley PO Box 113 Gray, ME 04039 [email protected] 24 Commercial Recreation Specialists Ron Romens/ Rich Wills 415 Investment Court Verona, WI 53593 [email protected] provider of water-based and land-based recreation and safety solutions. Lightning detection, dock systems, pool slides, pedal boats, waterfront inflatables, playgrounds, splashpads, mini golf and more Darrell Hess & Associates Mr. Darrel Hess 367 Dellwood Rd. Bldg E Suite 2 Waynesville, NC 28786 http://www.CampgroundsForSale.com [email protected] Real Estate - RV parks & campgrounds Eaton Corporation-RV Park Hook Ups Kathleen Kullberg; Greg Storck 149 Warwick Court Williamsburg VA 23185 [email protected] Electrical power hookups, digital electronic meters, and light bollards. We also custom build power substations and we sell transformers, wire, and panels. Complementary electrical layout design is also available. Gerber Manufacturing Chuck Gerber 2917 Latham Drive Madison, WI 53713-3232 [email protected] Picnic Tables, Benches, Grills HUB International Mountain States LTD Aaron Linden PO Box 6006 Sheridan, WY 82801 [email protected] Offering a myriad of insurance products on a national scale Independence Bank Miles Hamilton/Mym Cichosz PO Box 2090 Havre, MT 59501 [email protected] Loan Development Program Kwik-Covers Joe Puglisi 5110 Velasko Rd, Suite 1100 Syracuse, NY 13215 jpuglisi@KwiKcovers Picnic table covers of all types Leavitt Recreation & Hospitality Insurance Stacy Torneten 1001 Lazelle Street Sturgis, SD 57785 [email protected] Property and casualty insurance for RV parks & campgrounds Outdoor Insurance Group Heather Chapple 400 N. Woodlawn, Ste 100 Wichita, KS 67208 [email protected] OA endorsed Property and Casualty Insurance Pacific Yurts Inc. Pete Dolan 77456 Hwy 99 South Cottage Grove, OR 97427 [email protected] The original designer & manufacturer of the modern yurt, offers a uniqe alternative to cabins & meeting halls for generating revenue. The highest quality design, materials & customer service backed by the industry leader. Phelps Honey Wagon Jaylene Shannon 158 Whiskey Spring Rd Dillsburg, PA 17019 www.phelpshoneywagon.com Make full service sites available without the expense of an in-ground sewage system. Pump your own portapotties or holding tanks Popcorn Movie Poster Company David Graveen PO Box 1121 Glastonbury, CT 06033 [email protected] Owners News R.J. Thomas Mfg. Co. Inc. Customer Service Dept. PO Box 946 5648 Hwy 59 South Cherokee, IA 51012-0946 [email protected] Picnic Tables, Benches, Charcoal Grills, Campfire Rings, Trash and Recycling Receptacles and Lids, Lantern Poles, Flag Poles, Bike Racks, Pet Waste Stations, Picnic Table Covers, Fire Starters, More. Since 1959. Southeast Publications USA, Inc. Peter Warrick 4360 Peters Road Fort Lauderdale FL 33317 [email protected] site maps, publishing, printing January/February/March 2009 Texas Meter & Device Co. Mr. Steve Swenke PO Box 154099 Waco, TX 76715 [email protected] Remanufactured and new electric meters and metering equipment www.koaowners.org 25 Volume 29, Issue 1 A Message From Michael Kuper, Chairman KOA Care Camps Trust and Thunder Bay KOA, Ontario Once again it is the time of year to sign up for the Come Kamp and Care With Us Weekend, May 8 and 9. Have you made your New Years resolution? How about making participating in this years CKCWUW your 2009 resolution! Take a little time to do some fundraising and have tons of fun! There are no expectations of how many dollars you need to raise. Again this year every dollar raised will be matched dollar for dollar by KOA Holdings! Enjoy ice cream socials, a bar-b-que, pancake breakfast, or bingo, just to name a few. NEW this year—we have “I CARE” pins available! Have them at your front desk and available at your events. Make them a fundraiser. Ask for a $5 donation. To order some contact the Care camps main office in Birmingham 1-800-678-9976 or [email protected] and Heidi will be glad to fill your order. I believe they will sell themselves. WOW, it would be grand to have 100% of our kampground owners join in CKCWUW 2009!!! Each year we have many more children that would love to enjoy spending time at a KOA Care Camp. We need to generate more dollars to make this happen! This is your chance to jumpstart your 2009 Care Camps fundraising! Its better to aim for the stars and hit the moon, than to aim for the moon and hit the barn. Together we thrive! Kristie and Michael Kuper, owners of the Thunder Bay, Ontario KOA. Go to eKamp for all the information you need to register your kampground to participate inCome Kamp & Care With Us Weekend; find out more about the event; get ideas for fundraising activities and much more! In the new 2009 logo and materials, “kamp” is spelled with a “k,” as part of our invigorated brand message: “Remember. It’s not camping. It’s Kamping.” “KOA Care Camps” is spelled with “C,” because it is the registered name of a separate organization. Round Up your change for KOA Care Camps By Mike and Shirley Groseclose When a camper comes in to register for his site or purchase something in the store we ask him if he wants to round up to the next dollar and give the change to KOA Care Camps, kids with cancer. If they ask what it is or look puzzled, we explain what KOA Care Camps is and 99% of the time they say yes. Most of the time they know what it is. Lots of times they add more to it out of their pocket or we do this on the transaction. Example: Transaction Total = 46.68 Round-Up Cents = .32 Total = 47.00 When we are in the registration transaction and the camper says “yes” to round up, we press F2 and go to kampstore. We have an item setup as “cc”. (Something simple to remember) We also have a category set up in Kampstore for KOA Care Camps that this item calculates to. The clerk types “cc” and enters the .32 and press enter, then F10 to go back to the payment screen. Then we complete the transaction with the camper’s form of payment. About once a month or however often you want to, you can cut a check for the amount in the category KOA Care Camps and send to the Owners Association in Birmingham, Al. When campers get used to the rounding up program and they return to the store to purchase items, they automatically say “round me up again”. The campers like it and feel good about giving that small bit to kids with cancer. All the small change throughout the season adds up to lots of dollars in the end. 26 Owners News www.koaowners.org 27 January/February/March 2009 Volume 29, Issue 1 Care Camps 2008 Auction Update I apologize for not getting this out in our last newsletter. We didn’t have the exact totals for the auction in time. We do have them now and the total was $81,817.37 plus the $10,000 from our auction sponsor Peter Warrick of Southeast Publications. We also received a cheque from Ray Crots of Monroe County KOA for $1,804.00. That makes a grand total for the 2008 auction night to $93,117.37. WOW!!!! On behalf of the Care Camps trust I would like to thank all that participated in the auction, as well as all the contributors. Again, a big thank-you to Shane Ott and KOA home office for the FJ Cruiser! Also, a special thanks to Jennifer Ross and her dad Elliot Smith of St. Augustine KOA for their entertaining head to head bidding war for the FJ Cruiser… Congratulations Jennifer! A BIG thank you to the Bell family for once again making the auction run like clockwork. It was GR8 to have a couple of the directors and families of Camp Happy Days to share their video and stories. It is already that time of year…time to get involved with the 2009 CK&CWUW. It is my hope to get 100% kampground participation! Visions are made by individuals…. Accomplishments are made by teamwork…. Sincerely, Michael Kuper Chairman Care Camps Trust 28 Owners News Gravenhurst KOA and Care Camps. Our campground, Gravenhurst/Muskoka KOA has been supporting the KOA Care Camps for 28 years. We started with a one day golf tournament which has grown to two days. In 1990 we organized a horseshoe tournament and it has also become an annual event. Our seasonal campers decided to do a Thanksgiving Pot-Luck Chili dinner in 2005 and as an added fundraiser; we donated a seasonal campsite fee. The campers sold tickets and ran an elimination draw for this prize. It was so popular that is has also become an annual event. This past summer two young girls made bracelets and sold them in support of one of their mother’s who has been battling cancer. We could not do this without the hard work of a group of our long-time seasonal campers. They do most of the work and we help out where we can. We are proud of them and very glad to be able to support such a worthy charity as the KOA Care Camps. January/February/March 2009 Sincerely, Paul Cook Gravenhurst KOA Ontario, Canada www.koaowners.org 29 Volume 29, Issue 1 Help your employees purchase affordable health coverage. Through this exclusive arrangement with Trustmark Life Insurance Company and the Kampground Owners Association, premiums include access to the Private Health Care System (PHCS) national Preferred Provider Organization network. As a member of the KOA family, you may be able to enroll in these signilcant coverages: Tier Employee $129.21 $152.01 $410.44 ï Oflce visits Also includes: ï Prescriptions ï Choice of provider ï Emergency care ï Friendly customer ï Maternity care service ï Inpatient benelts Employee + Spouse $290.73 $342.03 $923.49 Employee + Child $245.50 $288.83 $779.83 Family $381.17 $448.44 $1,210.79 <35 35-49 50-64 Final premium rates based on individual health statements. Major medical benefits underwritten by Trustmark, currently rated A+ by A.M. Best Company for financial strength and operating performance. Plans may not be available in all states. 30 Owners News Walmart/Sam’s Club Project Dear Fellow KOA Care Camp Supporter: What I learned today! When you are a new committee member with an idea, you get to execute it too. And so I share with you the “Walmart/Sam’s Club Project” in support of KOA Care Camps. As one of the recent recruits to the KOA Care Camp Trust, I have come up with a plan that I think you can help me with. This is how it worked for me. I visited a local Walmart and asked the manager for a donation for KOA Care Camps. All that was required of me was to complete a community grant application. Simple as that! The result for this little effort was a $500 check for a charity I care a great deal about. And so expanding on this idea, and thinking on a larger scale, wouldn’t it be great if we all met with the same success? The good news for you is we will do the hard part by putting together a fail safe kit! It is our hope that with the tools at hand you will walk in Walmart/Sam’s Club door for us. I will be calling you soon to discuss how we can make this work. The least complicated process with the greatest success is our goal here. Kim Carranza, Twin Falls, ID and Amy Raposo, Barrie, ON got so excited about this idea that they begged me to help out...okay, bribery works too. Packaged in a simple printable email format to be signed, sealed and delivered, we hope to be putting dollars into a program that benefits so many deserving children living with cancer. I look forward to talking with you personally in the near future, and if you can’t wait to hear from me call NOW! I can be reached at 1 931 728 9750 or by email at [email protected]. Thanks for your continued support. Jerry Dale January/February/March 2009 P.S. Walmart told me that the minimum contribution is $1000 this year. Let’s go big! www.koaowners.org 31 Volume 29, Issue 1 KOA Owners Association 3416 Primm Lane Birmingham, AL 35216 KOA Owners Association Owners News 3416 Primm Lane Birmingham, AL 35216 To submit articles or request advertising information, write to the above address or use the following contact information: c/o Jim Ranieri Telephone: 800-678-9976 or 205-824-0022 Fax: 205-823-2760 Email: [email protected] Email other than newsletter information: [email protected] Publication: Owners News is published six times per year by the KOA Owners Association. Printing services are donated by Southeast Publications USA, Inc. Telephone: 800-832-3292 32 Owners News
