Education > 20 Groups
20 Groups
ARVC's Education Programs provide members with the most innovative resources for obtaining the top-notch advice and skills from the RV Park & Campground industry's top professionals.
What is a 20 Group?
ARVC 20 Groups are composed of non-competing campgrounds voluntarily and mutually associated to provide a confidential exchange of experiences, problems, and ideas at regular meetings. They receive the benefit of reliable historical comparative operating data on a periodic basis.
How are 20 groups formed?
Each campground wishing to participate in a group completes the placement data form and submits it together with a registration fee (that is refundable if the campground cannot be placed in a Group). The criteria by which a campground owner is placed in a specific group are based mainly on gross revenues, park location, and type of campground (destination, membership, overnight, etc.). Campgrounds must be non-competitive and, whenever possible, from distinct geographic areas.
Experience in other industries shows that trends, consumer habits, business cycles and other influences generally appear in one area of the country prior to being evident elsewhere, making geographic variance a positive factor.
How are the groups governed?
Within basic guidelines contained in the ARVC 20 Group bylaws approved by the ARVC Board of Directors, each group is autonomous. Members must, however, agree to the bylaws as the overall governing instrument.
The group will function best when two members of the group are elected to serve as co-chairs to help facilitate the group's activities. The ARVC staff assists in the operation of the group and outside consultants are also utilized when necessary.
How often does the group meet?
Meetings are held twice a year, usually for three days. In addition, a group meeting or social gathering may take place at the annual ARVC convention. Meetings are usually scheduled by the group at or near a participating member. Each group will determine its own additional meeting schedule if it so desires.
What's on a 20 group agenda?
The group Chairman, and Vice Chairman with the assistance of ARVC staff when requested, are responsible for assembling the meeting agenda. Group members' input on suggested topics is utilized as a guideline. Some examples of agenda items are: industry related subjects presented by outside speakers; concentrated discussion on a specific subject such as pay plans, personnel matters, paper flow, advertising and marketing, and so on as requested by group members; mini-seminars; and visits to the host owner's campground and even non-member campgrounds in the area.
What does it cost to participate in a 20 group?
Aside from the one-time set-up fee of $200, there is an annual participation/reporting fee of $350 that covers the cost of collating and transmitting the data, and the ARVC administrative assistance, and related costs.
All meeting costs are shared by group members. Such costs include charges, if any, for meeting rooms, any refreshments for breaks, and staff attendance at meetings. Each participant is responsible for his own participation expenses which will vary depending on the group's choice of meeting locations and other circumstances.
What are the obligations of a group member?
Members are expected to attend the group meetings and to provide the necessary financial data as requested. Campground owners who cannot initially provide all the data requested can still participate provided they agree to work toward the goal of providing the data within four months of joining the group. Confidentiality of all information provided to ARVC or to a 20 Group member is critical to the success of the program.
What are the obligations of ARVC?
ARVC will provide the processing and distribution of financial data, maintain group participation records, assist the co-chairmen in setting up meetings, and provide a competent consultant or staff person to assist in conducting the meetings of each group.
Will I feel comfortable showing financial data to others?
Not at first, but that's not a reason not to join today! Most members are uncomfortable until they get used to it. Some members will probably show losses and they have the most to gain from the group! Turning losses into profits, and increasing meager profits into substantial ones, is what a 20 Group is all about!
Will I feel ignorant if I'm not as smart as some others in the group?
You shouldn't! 20 Groups in other industries clearly show that very few businessmen are well-rounded in all aspects of their business. The value of a 20 Group is to identify strengths and help correct weaknesses of each other. By complementing their strengths and supplementing their weaknesses, many businessmen have realized thousands of dollars in additional income.
How can I justify the cost of a 20 group?
There is a limit to the outside functions and activities in which any given campground owner can participate. 20 Group members who give a top priority to their group activity will find that the costs are really a very economical way of obtaining valuable outside consultants who really understand the campground business. The additional profits and successes in your campground should far outweigh the fees and costs.
How do I apply for a 20 group?
To receive a 20 Group Placement Data form, contact ARVC's Education Specialist at mtack@arvc.org or (303) 681-0401 x15.
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