Best Parks in America Adds 21 Affiliate Parks

Best Parks in America, a collection of distinguished, independent RV resorts and campgrounds throughout America, continues to grow with the addition of 21 new affiliate parks all across the United States, according to a news release.

Each park has earned the “Best Parks in America” designation through top ratings and recognition from within the industry as well as from visitors to the resorts.

“As our park affiliates expand, Best Parks in America continues to be the definitive group of first class RV resorts. Each resort brings its unique style and substance to discriminating campers across the United States,” said David Gorin, president of Best Parks in America.

Best Parks in America provides a national branding presence and marketing home for independent highly-rated RV parks and campgrounds. As Best Parks continues to grow, consumers are increasingly recognizing the Best Parks brand and actively seeking out Best Parks as the places they can count on for outstanding RV and camping experiences.

Best Parks and its 40 affiliated resorts in 19 states welcome the most recent Best Parks in America into the network:

Alabama

• Bella Terra of Gulf Shores, Foley.

Arizona

• Pueblo El Mirage, El Mirage.
• Sunrise RV Resort, Apache Junction.

Colorado

• Chalk Creek Campground & RV Park, Nathrop.
• Montrose RV Resort, Montrose.

Florida

• Whisper Creek RV Resort, La Belle.
• Quail Run RV Park, Wesley Chapel.
• Emerald Cove RV Beach Resort, Panama City Beach.

Iowa

• Scales Pointe Campground, North Liberty.

Michigan

• Hidden Ridge RV Resort, Hopkins.

Minnesota

• Kiesler’s Campground and RV Resort, Waseca.

New Hampshire

• Mountain Lake, Lancaster.

North Carolina

• Lake Norman Motor Coach Resort, Sherrills Ford.

Pennsylvania

• Kozy Rest Kampground, Harrisville.
• Mountain Vista Campground, East Stroudsburg.
• Pioneer Campground, Muncy Valley.

South Dakota

• Beaver Lake Campground, Custer.

Texas

• The Vineyards Campground & Cabins, Grapevine.
• Advanced RV Resort, Houston.
• Northshore Resort on Lake Livingston, Onalaska.

Wisconsin

• Evergreen Campsites & Resort, Wild Rose.

Best Parks in America Reaches Out to New Members

Best Parks in America congratulated the top 9% of RV parks and campgrounds – only 700 parks – that have earned a Woodall’s 5W rating and urged them to consider joining the Best Parks network.

“Achieving such a high score is no easy feat,” said David Gorin, Best Parks president, in a news release. “Parks that have reached the pinnacle of a 5W rating are gaining a new found respect from discriminating RVers and campers.

“Parks that demonstrate premium opportunities in RVing and camping are filling a niche for those seeking an upscale experience. Best Parks in America, a marketing group designed exclusively for the best RV parks in the nation, targets these campers seeking out the highest-rated parks, helping them quickly locate the best RV parks and campgrounds in the areas they most want to visit via the park industry’s only niche national internet and print directories.”

“The Best Parks in America affiliation has led guests to drive out of their way to stay with us just because we are a Best Parks in America location,” said Best Parks affiliate Carolyn Strong, Sundermeier RV Park & Conference Center, St. Charles, Mo.

Gorin and Best Parks in America invited the nation’s top-rated parks to take advantage of this exclusive marketing group to build their brand and their business. Best Parks has recently made some significant changes to attract a broader range of quality RV parks and campgrounds to this special program, including reduced annual fees and an aggressive advertising and marketing program to promote the affiliated parks, Gorin noted.

Top-ranking parks are encouraged to review the details of the Best Parks program at www.BestParks.net as well as visit the consumer website at www.BestParks.com to see how each park is presented to the consumer.

As a special introduction to the new Best Parks program, fees are substantially reduced for parks that affiliate by Jan. 31. Parks can enroll for one, two or three years at a very substantial discount and gain the official designation of a “Best Park in America” and all of the marketing benefits that go along with it.

For more information about Best Parks in America affiliation contact Dave Newhouse at DaveN@BestParks.net or call him at (703) 485-4277.

Best Parks in America Expanding Its Brand Outreach

Best Parks in America (BPA), a six-year-old network of 23 premium level RV resorts in 11 states, recently announced a program overhaul that will put the Best Parks in America brand within reach of hundreds of top-rated RV parks across the country.

The new Best Parks in America direction will expand on offering camping consumers the best in RVing and camping, helping them quickly locate the best RV park and campground locations in the areas they most want to visit via the park industry’s only “niche” national Internet and print directories, according to a news release.

 To be included in the directories and participate in the Best Parks in America marketing programs a park must hold a total minimum score of ‘9’ in Woodall’s North American Campground Directory or a ‘25.5’ total Trailer Life rating OR an ‘A’ or ‘A-’ Guest Reviews rating as scored by RVers and campers. Membership, condominium, timeshare or public parks not rated by any of the established national rating services may qualify based on an inspection by Best Parks in America management.

Special limited-time park enrollment in the new BPA program will be available immediately at www.BestParks.net. The introductory enrollment will run through Jan. 31, 2010, and will offer exclusive inaugural participation fees and exceptional incentives for qualifying parks to become a Best Parks in America affiliate.

Benefits of Best Parks in America affiliation include:

• A full page listing on www.BestParksinAmerica.com and www.BestParks.com. The listing includes the park’s logo, up to nine photos, live links to email and the park’s website, online reservation links, a park description, amenities listing, special promotions and park news, and directions to the park. The online directory can be viewed at either of the above web addresses.
• A listing in RVing & Camping at the Best Parks in America print directory debuting in late 2010. Each listing will include a park description, a price symbol (one to five dollar signs ($) depending on pricing), contact information, directions, amenities and special events. The directory will be distributed at all BPA affiliated parks and at RV and camping shows throughout the country.
• In-park distribution of Best Guests in America RVing & Camping News, a complimentary newsletter with articles of interest to RVers and campers who fall into the demographic of those visiting the nation’s best RV parks and campgrounds. An electronic version of the newsletter will be distributed to our growing list of Best Guest members.
• Affiliated parks will have access to the Best Guests in America complimentary camping club for marketing programs and promotions.
• Affiliated parks may use the Best Parks in America logo in their own advertising and marketing during the life of their participation in BPA.

Many additional special marketing and promotional opportunities will be introduced in the coming months including a special “Featured Park” website home page presence, participation in a unique marketing program with Best Parks and Coast to Coast and a variety of Internet and print advertising opportunities to bring additional recognition and attention to BPA resorts and campgrounds.

Introductory affiliation fees for enrollments through Jan. 31, 2010, start at just $300 a year. Multiple year enrollments are also offered during this special introductory period. Parks that enroll in Best Parks in America by Nov. 15, 2009, will receive a one-month complimentary online button ad during their peak season in 2010.

To review the consumer Best Parks in America website visit www.BestParksinAmerica.com. To learn more about becoming a best Parks in America affiliate visit the industry website at www.BestParks.net.

Holiday Cove Resort Owners Confidence About Future

 

With the developers confident in growing demand for quality RV sites in Florida, Holiday Cove RV Resort, Cortez, Fla.,  announced a price increase on selected RV sites effective Nov. 1.

With just 66 sites remaining and with the resort experiencing strong and increasing interest in the purchase and rental of sites, the price increase will bring the site pricing closer in line with the demand, according to a news release.

In today’s economy, many RVers are staying closer to home (a new trend known as staycationing) and seeking good locations and value. Many families, empty nesters and retirees are taking to the highways this year. Today’s economy might not leave room for a weeklong Caribbean cruise, but a growing number of people have sought more cost-effective vacations in well located RV parks.  In addition, Florida lot owner RVers reap the benefit of the Florida lifestyle and beaches without the concerns over property taxes, property insurance or mortgage issues which discourage many potential home buyers.

Holiday Cove was completely remodeled in the last quarter of 2008. In addition to the all new generously-sized brick paver RV sites and patios, the resort has 34 boat slips on an intercoastal canal a quarter mile to the Gulf of Mexico. Fishing from the resort boat docks and canoeing and kayaking along the waterway are just two of the on-site recreational activities available. A newly remodeled clubhouse, heated pool and sun deck and a fitness center are other amenities. 

The resort is less than a mile from Bradenton Beach and within easy walking distance of restaurants, shops, fishing, boat charters and all water sports. Golf courses, theaters, shopping, spring training baseball and all kinds of festivals and special events are all within minutes of the resort. 

“Sales and rentals have been very strong and interest is growing each day,” said developer Ed Rymer. ”Our phone is ringing off the hook and we know we’ve got a very unique product in a very exciting location at a great value. RVers are responding.”

As ownership RV resorts throughout Florida are cutting prices and giving away all kinds of incentives to get people to buy,” said Rymer, “we realize we have a unique product in a great location.”

“There’s a diminishing supply of quality RV sites in Florida and there are very, very few RV sites in a location similar to Holiday Cove,” said David Gorin, Rymer’s development partner. “There’s no more cost efficient way to assure the availability of an RV site this close to the beach and the Gulf, than to own your own RV site. And with very strong winter and summer demand, the value of Holiday Cove lots is assured.”

The new Holiday Cove RV Resort was developed by Rymer, an experienced real estate developer, and Gorin, former president and CEO of the National Association of RV Parks & Campgrounds (ARVC), president of Best Parks in America and a well-known consultant in the RV park industry. 

Prices at Holiday Cove currently range from $85,500 to $179,000. Price increases on most sites will be in the 5 - 7% range.

For information on site sales at Holiday Cove RV Resort, visit www.holidaycovervresort.com or call Ryan Billib, sales director, at (866) 580-5020.

Schmarder Devising Social Media Plan for RV Park Sector

 

Evanne Schmarder, owner of Roadabode Productions, has recently been hired to develop and implement a social media communications strategy for RV park/campground guest satisfaction survey leader GuestReviews.

The social media program kicked off mid-July with an e-mail communication to all owner/operator GuestReviews users. The e-newsletter, “Making the Grade,” combines a wide variety of useful, timely, and relevant information on how to take full advantage of the features and benefits of the GuestReviews online feedback tool, according to a news release.

“GuestReviews is a remarkable product that has immense value to the RV park and campground owner/operator. Just like any business tool, the more well-versed a user is with the product and what it can deliver the better results they will be able to achieve,” said Schmarder. “The GuestReviews social media communications program offers users insights, tips, tricks and more on getting the very most out of this tool … the potential is unlimited. We are delighted to help build awareness of the power of this product.”

Bob MacKinnon, president of GuestReviews, added, “We knew we had a great product, as evidenced by our 800 registered users. We were looking for a way to provide a quick and effective exchange of ideas, helping them better understand and effectively utilize our feedback tools. Evanne assisted us in quickly identifying communication needs and opportunities and within weeks we launched the first edition of our e-newsletter. We are very excited about the prospects of making our users aware of best practices and how they can get the most benefit from guest feedback.”

As the program matures Roadabode Productions and GuestReviews will be  initiating other practical online methods to provide cutting-edge information sharing for both GuestReviewsä users and eventually GuestRated users (consumers), taking advantage of the social media “wave” to help promote the RV park and camping sector of the outdoor hospitality industry.

Roadabode Productions provides RV-industry focused social media, communications and PR services to several outdoor hospitality organizations including the National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds (ARVC), Go Camping America, David Gorin and Associates, Best Parks in America, Woodall’s Campground Management, Woodalls.biz, several campgrounds and RV resorts as well as consumer publications. For more information, contact Evanne Schmarder at evanne@roadabode.com, (702) 460-9863 or visit Roadabode’s website at www.roadabode.com.

GuestReviews provides web-based guest satisfaction surveys for approximately 4,000 parks affiliated with ARVC through its GoCampingAmerica.com website. Confidential survey results are compiled on a real-time basis and made available to individual parks through password-protected access. For more information, contact MacKinnon at bob@guestreviews.com, (877) 707-7080 or visit the GuestReviews website at www.guestreviews.com.

Best Parks in America Names Contest Winners

Best Parks in America, a collection of distinguished, independent RV resorts and campgrounds throughout America, announced the winners of its Money-Saving RV Tip contest held on its website, www.BestParksinAmerica.com. 

Three winners were chosen from the numerous entries received and each winner was awarded a complimentary one week stay at the Best Parks in America resort of their choice. 

Tina Dombroski of New York shared her neighborly idea of helping fellow campers by picking up items at the store when they go on their bikes. 

 Tara Trievel of Pennsylvania researches her destination prior to hitting the open road seeking discounts and coupons, then plans her vacation around what she was able to find. 

 Traci Scohy of Michigan enjoys a traveling potluck with her camping friends – going from campsite to campsite sharing a money-saving meal. 

Trievel chose Lake George Escape in New York for her winning vacation. “I entered the contest to simply share my idea with others – these are hard times. I never win anything so I was thrilled when I heard I’d won. We were planning a camping trip to the Adirondacks so Lake George Escape was a perfect choice,” said Trievel. 

Scohy is a Best Guest member and learned about the contest on the Best Parks website. Her family has enjoyed White River RV Park and Campground in Michigan in the past and chose to return again this year.

Cooking Show Gets Good Donation Response

The “RV Cooking Show” and food-drive partner Best Parks in America recently wrapped up the Memorial Day Online Food Drive with 200 items donated to the Food Bank Coalition of San Luis Obispo County in California. 

Campers and RVers from all walks of life were asked to fight hunger by leaving a comment on the “RV Cooking Show” Online Memorial Day Food Drive blog entry memorializing someone that made a difference to their lives. Fifty RV Cooking Show blog readers participated, according to Evanne Schmarder, left, producer and hoster of the “RV Cooking Show.” Read their comments at www.rvcookingshow.blogspot.com. 

The RV Cooking Show and Best Parks in America each pledged one non-perishable food item for each comment left on the blog. The Albertsons Supermarket in Morro Bay, Calif., matched the 100-item purchase bringing the total number of food items to donate to 200. 

“The number of food-insecure (hungry) Americans has skyrocketed in recent months,” noted Schmarder. “Thanks to the generosity of those that participated in the RV Cooking Show Online Food Drive a child, a senior, a parent, a veteran will go to bed full tonight. That’s a tremendous accomplishment that once again proves each one of us can make a difference.” 

A virtual cooking class on wheels with an RV travel twist, the “RV Cooking Show” takes viewers on adventures to some of the most sought-after or interesting but little-known RV locales in the country and then creates a healthy, easy, delicious destination-related dish in host Evanne Schmarder’s RV kitchen. The show is currently seeking sponsors. Schmarder may be contacted at Evanne@RVCookingShow.com or log on to www.RVCookingShow.com for more details.

Campgrounds Eye Impending ‘Tax Gap’ Issue

 Federal tax issues are taking the forefront for small businesses, including campgrounds and RV  resorts, according to consultant David Gorin, former CEO of the National Association of RV Parks and  Campgrounds (ARVC). 

 ”The last few years, you can imagine most of the activity here in Washington has been centered around  defense, the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and the war on terrorism,” Gorin told state campground  leaders attending ARVC’s 2009 National Issues Conference last week in Washington, D.C. “While all  that continues … tax issues are becoming more and more important, and they affect small business in  a lot of ways.” 

Gorin said the IRS, in particular, is attempting to close what is known as the “tax gap” — the amount of taxes the IRS expects to receive each year versus what is taxpayers actually send to the government. 

“(The IRS) claims a good part of that gap is directly related to small businessmen … who under-report income and over-report their expenses,” said Gorin, who operates David Gorin and Associates and oversees the Best Parks in America marketing group. 

“As you deal with large deficits and the need to generate more and more revenue to cover all the initiatives that are on the table now being paid by stimulus money going forward, how do we raise tax revenue? One of the ways, of course, is to increase taxes. The other way is to reduce the tax gap, and make sure there is increased compliance with tax laws.” 

Besides increasing the tax burden, IRS efforts to close the tax gap will result in more paperwork, he said. 

“There are some very scary discussions about what they are planning on doing to track down the tax-gap individuals, Gorin said. “It has to do with huge amounts of paperwork for small businesses, particularly. 

“Instead of giving (IRS form) 1099s just for people who work for you, you will have to give 1099s to everyone that you make payments to, no matter who it is. Having, for example, FedEx send to you a 1099 for every nickel you spend with them, they are then going to report that to the government so there are ways to match expenses to reports. 

“There are a lot of things going on in that area. We really have to be careful.”