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for more sponsorship information contact Kera Tomlin at ktomlin@arvc.org
In the News Corner
ARVC tracks news alerts and RSS feeds for the latest information concerning member parks, campgrounds and the National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds. Here is some of the most recent press coverage.
ARVC Supplier Council Member, WALEX ACCEPTS EXPORT ACHIEVEMENT AWARD Company Recognized for Success in International Markets
WILMINGTON, NC – Walex Products Company, a specialty chemical products manufacturer based in Wilmington, North Carolina, has been honored with the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Export Achievement Award. The Export Achievement Award recognizes U.S. businesses that achieve competitive success in international markets. U.S. Congressman Mike McIntyre presented the award in a Sept. 1 ceremony held at the Walex manufacturing facility in Leland, North Carolina. Accepting on behalf of Walex were company president Bill Williams and chief executive officer Bob Williams.
To read more click here.
New Report From The Outdoor Foundation and Coleman Examines Camping Trends in the US
BOULDER, Colo., Sept. 2 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- As budget-minded Americans return in droves to the outdoors this summer, The Outdoor Foundation(R), in partnership with The Coleman Company, Inc., today released the Special Report on Camping -- a new research report detailing important information and trends on car, backyard and RV campers in the US. Among other findings, the report reveals a sizable 7.4 percent increase in car and backyard camping in 2008.
To read more click here.
President's Corner
Important association updates by ARVC President/CEO, Linda Profaizer.
Proposed New Rules Regarding 1099 Forms
As many of you know, ARVC is a member of the Small Business Legislative Council (SBLC). They have asked us to find out some information from our members that might help the SBLC fight the proposed new tax law regarding 1099s. Under current tax law, any business that pays an individual more than $600 annually for services provided to the business, issues a Form 1099 information report to the individual and to the IRS.
The Form 1099 lists the total amount of the payments. Businesses are not required to issue Forms 1099 to corporations. A proposal has been made that would alter the requirement in two ways. First, it would eliminate the corporation "exception." (In the case of services, many corporate vendors provide common place services as overnight delivery, telephone, internet, banking, advertising, technical, and financial.) Second, it would require the business to issue a Form 1099 for payments for goods it receives from any vendor. Basically, this change would require a business to issue a Form 1099 to any of its vendors to which payments of more than $600 annually are made for goods or services. That could certainly amount to quite a bit of paper work for many of you.
Please click here to answer questions some questions that would help create the case that these proposed changes would place an unfair burden on small business. The survey is anonymous. Thank you.
“GREAT ESCAPE” Is Just That!
The Northeast Camping Association has had a long tradition of holding what they call the “Great Escape” shortly after Labor Day as a way for park owners in the Northeast to have a few relaxing days after a long summer season by getting together to share stories and ideas about their season and business, take a tour of some area campgrounds and HAVE FUN and some great food. Each year it is hosted by a park owner in a different state.
This year, David and Jane Berg, owners of Red Apple Campground in Kennebunkport, Maine were the hosts. They have a beautiful, immaculate park and served several great breakfasts, wonderful dinners, excellent entertainment and did I mention FUN! With record attendance of around 150 park owners and managers we filled two busses and took off through the beautiful Maine countryside past former President Bush’s home, ship captain’s homes, and toured several RV parks and campgrounds. It was also the Maine Campground Owners Association’s (MECOA) 50th anniversary -- no small accomplishment. Overall, a very relaxing and FUN event for everyone. Next year’s event will be held in New Hampshire.
Health Care Reform: It’s Enough to Make You Sick
(Reported by David Gorin, ARVC Public Affairs Consultant)
Seven months into the Obama Administration, the President is quite obviously committed to enacting his number one priority – some level of overhaul of the US health insurance and health care systems so that every American can be assured of adequate health care and so that the costs of receiving health care remains within reach of all Americans.
Recently ARVC conducted a survey of national and state industry leadership to try to measure sentiment for some of the major provisions of pending healthcare legislation. Can’t say that there are any surprises in the results as they mirror the anti-tax and anti-mandate sentiments of most small business people. Click here for rest of the article.
To read more click here.
We'd Like to Know How You Are Doing
We know these can be tough, scary times. We'd like to know how you are coping with the economy, where you are marketing, any information on reservations compared to last year or current occupancy. You can go online to make comments at goodnews@arvc.org or newsofconcern@arvc.org or just email me directly at lprofaizer@arvc.org Thanks.
Marketing/Partnerships
ARVC Marketing information and latest partnerships submitted by ARVC Marketing & Communications Director, Kera Tomlin.
Six Reasons Videos That Aren't Viral Are Valuable
When people talk about online video they typically talk about videos like this one, the Minnesota wedding entrance choreographed to the Chris Brown ballad Forever. The video was published July 19, and it already has over 15 millions views. Click here for the rest of the story.
To read more click here.
Plan-It Green Corner
Tell Us How Your Park Is GREEN
Email us and tell us what your park is doing to be green!! info@arvc.org
GreenRestaurants.org
Check out the website, www.greenrestaurants.org for tips on greening your park restaurant! Plus, visit this link to download a plethora of information on creating a green restaurant:
www.greenrestaurants.org/documents/GoingGreenerGuide.pdf
Did You Know?
- Last year, almost 30% of all meals (and 40% of food dollars) were eaten away from home?
- Nationwide the restaurant industry consumes nearly 1/3 of all the retail electricity use.
- Demand for organic food is growing at 25% per year.
*From Greenrestaurants.org
Membership Corner
ARVC Membership information submitted by ARVC Membership Director, Daniel Gurley.
Disney® Institute’s Innovation in Action Behind-The-Scenes Tour
Busses will leave the Rosen Centre Hotel on Tues. Nov 10th between 4:30 pm and 5:00 pm (Times may be slightly changed) and return after the 3 hour tour. There will be a short refreshment break during the tour where you can purchase drinks or snacks from concessions at your own expense. The $99 fee doesn’t include entrance to the park itself.
Participants must be 16 yrs old or older. The hotel has contracted with child care services. You may contact the Rosen at (800) 800-9840 to inquire.
During this three-hour adventure, you will journey beneath the Magic Kingdom to see the Utilidor System of support for the park. See how Disney horticulturists create their world-famous topiaries at the Nursery and Tree Farm or explore Textile Services, one of the largest laundry facilities in the world. Hear stories about the early days of Walt Disney’s career and visit a variety of locations for an up-close look at innovation. Discover how Walt’s life and the film industry heavily influenced the turn-of-the-century Main Street USA.
Education Corner
Educational information submitted by ARVC Education Director, Cheryl Smith.
FUNdation Sunday November 8, 2009 $125 per person 8-4 Lunch included
FUNdation is an intense recreation educational program that teaches you how to conduct recreational programs. Learning tricks of the trades, new ideas for theme weekends, and experiencing hands-on activities and crafts will help the campground owner, manager, and activities director.
OSHA Compliance Training
Sunday November 8, 2009 8-4 Lunch includedSponsored by Evergreen Insurance$25.00 class Valued at $450 per person You've been asking for it... here it is!!!We know that you might be afraid to ask those OSHA questions, so we are bringing J.J. Keller & Associates, Inc. to you for an 8 hour compliance training. These are just some of the topics that will be covered:*Material handling
*Fire Safety
*Hazard Communication
*Machine guarding/blood borne pathogens
*Slips, trips and falls
plus many moreONLY 50 seats available for each session and classes are filling quickly so don't delay.
Reserve online at www.arvc.org or call the ARVC office at 303-681-0401.
InSites 2009 An afternoon at the spa?
Register NOW for InSites 2009!
Relaxation is Just a Click Away... Register by September 30th for InSites 2009 and you will be entered in a drawing to win a 25 minute Swedish Massage ($50 value) provided by the Body & Sol Spa located in the Rosen Centre Hotel. *This is the last contest for InSites Registration Submit your registration by September 30, 2009 to be entered for this drawing. Click here or call (800) 395-2267 to register today!
If you have questions or concerns, please contact ARVC at 1-800-395-2267