Campground Owners of New York December 2012 Volume 35, Issue 6
News and Highlights CONY donates over $42,000 to Camp Good Days Inside this issue: Chairman’s Report
2
President and CEO’s 2 Report 49th Annual Expo
6
2013 Awards
9
Members in the News
11
CONY 2013 Board of 12 Directors
More CONY News: campcony.com Consumer Website: nycampgrounds.com Our Mission: Campground Owners of New York (CONY) is an association dedicated to the promotion, growth, improvement and development of privately owned campgrounds in New York State.
Left to Right: Gary Mervis, Chairman and Founder of Camp Good Days; Matt Anderson, CONY Region 1 Director, Camp Chautauqua; James McCauley, Jr., Camp Good Days PAVE Director; and Don Bennett, Jr., CONY President and CEO. Anderson and Bennett visited the Camp Good Days office on November 7th to deliver additional donations sent in during and after the CONY Exposition. Read more on page 4.
CONY turns 50 in 2013! I am sure that the 12 founding “charter” campground members of CONY while sitting in their Cornell University campground management school classes ever dreamed the organization that they launched would turn into what it is today. Founded in 1963 CONY was formed to help give our private campgrounds a voice in Albany and to provide a unified representation for New York campground and RV park businesses. Ironically
one of the main issues for forming the organization was that of competition with State, DEC, and Municipal campgrounds. CONY and it’s members still deal with Government operated campgrounds and unfair competition 50 years later. Looking back CONY has definitely had some great triumphs in the legislative area. (cont. on page 12)
Page 2
CONY Extra
V o l u m e 3 5 , I ssu e 6
Chairman’s Corner Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. I hope that each of you are enjoying this time off from the day to day routine of operating our campgrounds. I Mike Papp, West Canada sincerely hope Creek Campsites that you are finding time to spend with your families and friends. In light of recent events, I find myself reflecting on the importance of family and friends and the quality time that we can spend together and ignoring the “stuff” that tends to keep us apart. Time is something that we cannot “buy back” and while we all have to support our families financially, it is important to find that time to read a book to our children or grandchildren,
take a hike with our kids, take our spouse out to dinner and a show, enjoy a quiet morning with a cup of coffee or tea and your loved ones, give back to your communities in one of the millions of ways, find the time! Here we are in the cold month of December and it was 60 degrees last week. Here is hoping we don’t have another mild winter that will further damage the New York economy! I have just returned from the ARVC conference where I attended the C.A.M.P. meetings, the State Presidents meetings as well as seminars. I am very pleased to inform you that Truman Hartshorn has been elected to the Executive Committee of ARVC as the Secretary, replacing Terry Munoz who has moved to 2nd Vice Chair. I want to thank all of our members and board members once again for the great job that was done for Camp Good Days! Together we were able to raise
$42,416.25. A very good number for a first time fund raising activity!! I am proud of all of our efforts and look forward to besting that number next year. I would like to remind you all that this fall will be our 50th Anniversary of CONY and our Conference will be at Hunter Mountain. This is a beautiful resort to enjoy during this very special celebration. I encourage each of you to mark it on your calendars and plan NOW to attend this wonderful event. One of the most glorious messes in the world is the mess created in the living room on Christmas day. Don't clean it up too quickly. ~Andy Rooney The best of all gifts around any Christmas tree: the presence of a happy family all wrapped up in each other. ~Burton Hillis Respectfully, Michael Papp
From the Desk of the President and CEO While we quickly approach 2013, I would like to take this opportunity to look back at our 49th Annual Exposition for the Outdoor Hospitality Industry. I would like to thank Conference Committee Chair-Rosemary Curtis for all of her and her committees hard work in putting together such a successful conference filled with great exhibitors, world class education opportunities, networking and great camaraderie. I want to acknowledge the speakers and presenters who did a terrific job sharing important, timely information with us. They included: Bill Botten – US Access Board (ADA Regulations); Clyde Taylor – Taylor Communications (Business Planning); Tom Wolfe – Niagara Woodland Campground & Service Center (CPR Course);Doug Motel – Site Optimized (Internet Marketing); Tony Chillemi – Ber-National Controls (New Security Technology); Ed Marden – Camp Bell Campground (QuickBooks); Lori Severson – Wisconsin Assn. of Campground Owners (Increasing Business in the Shoulder Seasons); Bud Styer – Bud Styer Associates (Increasing Ancillary Income); Peter O’Connell – O’Connell & Hannan Donald G. Bennett, Jr.
(Legislative Update) New to our 2012 expo a seminar entitled “CONY 101”. The seminar was created for new members as well as new campground owners as a new member orientation course and was facilitated by CONY Chairman Mike Papp and myself. We also introduced a session of roundtable discussions done in a variation of the speed dating format. The speakers moved from table to table after the allotted amount of time and participants could ask any questions they wished. Both additions were very well received. Congratulations again to Janine Paddock on her induction into CONY’s storied Hall of Fame as its 15th member. Special thanks to our auctioneer Dave Thornton who helped us raise just under $15,000 at our annual auction. Our Thursday night activity couldn’t have been better as we were whisked off in one of Lake George RV Parks trolleys for an Evergreen Lobster Bake. Thanks again King Family for hosting us. And thank you to all of the participants for coming. Without you it would be very difficult to have such a great conference. If you weren’t able to attend and feel after reading this and seeing all of the photos that you might have missed a lot, well you really did. I hope that you are planning on attending CONY’s 50th Annual conference this fall. With all of the planning taking place, I am certain that this will be a can’t miss event for you in 2013.
N e w s a n d H i g h li g h t s
V o l u m e 3 5 , I ssu e 6
Page 3
Page 4
CONY Extra
V o l u m e 3 5 , I ssu e 6
N e w s a n d H i g h li g h t s
V o l u m e 3 5 , I ssu e 6
Page 5
From Cover: CONY donates over $42,000 to Camp Good Days Campground Owners of New York (CONY) raised $42,416.25 for Camp Good Days and Special Times, a New York Statebased organization providing camping experiences to children with cancer. The tally was revealed during a special ceremony on Saturday, November 3rd, at the 49th Annual Exposition for the Outdoor Hospitality Industry, held at the Six Flags Great Escape Lodge & Indoor Water Park in Queenbury, N.Y. Using a special oversized check, CONY revealed the donation amount to James McCauley, PAVE Director for Camp Good Days, who was on hand at the event representing his organization. By the time of the ceremony, CONY had received a little over $33,000.00 from donations raised by member campgrounds during the summer camping season. Following the Exposition, additional funds were submitted, increasing the donation by thousands of dollars, and bringing the total to $42,416.25, an amount exceeding all expectations for this first-ever CONY fundraiser. “It was simply overwhelming to be with these wonderful people!” said McCauley. “The fact that this organization was able to raise that amount of money, in such a short amount of time is just fantastic and very much appreciated!” Representatives of CONY visited the Rochester, N.Y.-based Camp Good Days office on November 7th to present the additional checks to Camp Good Days Chairman and Founder Gary Mervis. Upon receiving the additional funds and final tally, Mervis said, “I’ve been blessed with a lot of angels in my lifetime, and you guys are angels, too.” According to Mervis, all of Camp Good Days programs are provided free of charge. In 1979, Mervis’ daughter Elizabeth “Teddi” Mervis was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor at the age of nine. Throughout their search for treatment, Mervis realized that loneliness in her illness was also source of pain for his daughter while she dealt with cancer. Mervis founded Camp Good Days and Special Times, Inc., a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization, to provide Teddi and other children with cancer the opportunity to come together in a residential camping experience, to be with the only ones who could truly understand what they were going through – other children with cancer. Since its inception, Camp Good Days has served more than 42,000 campers from 22 states and 25 foreign countries. This was CONY’s first statewide fundraising event. Matt Anderson, a member of CONY’s board of directors whose family owns Camp Chautauqua in western New York, was instrumental in getting the project off the ground. Anderson took part in the ceremony announcing the fundraising total.
“I was very overwhelmed and surprised how well our first year went considering we were late off the gate, “Anderson remarked. “It shows how in today’s society there are still people that care. Regardless how bad we think we have it, just look around.” The Anderson Family and Camp Chautauqua was the leader of all donors, raising $11,400.00 at their park. Donald Bennett, Jr., CONY President and CEO, said CONY is already planning its second fundraiser for Camp Good Days in 2013. “As soon as the check presentation ceremony wrapped up at the Exposition, campground owners were already approaching me to say they were putting events on their calendars for next year. I can’t say enough about the enthusiasm and generosity of our members and their campers who gave from their hearts for Camp Good Days.”
Page 6
CONY Extra
V o l u m e 3 5 , I ssu e 6
49th Annual CONY Exposition for the Outdoor Hospitality Industry
Clockwise from top left: Guy Gagnon of Evergreen Insurance, with some fresh friends direct from Maine. Ed Marden of Camp Bell Campground (left) and Mike Linehan from the Finger Lakes Chamber of Commerce, enjoying the wine tasting before the steak and lobster bake. David Thornton working the CONY auction. Doug Motel gives a wave during his seminar. Shasta Sheppard of Adirondack Adventure Resorts showing off her lobster dinner.
N e w s a n d H i g h li g h t s
V o l u m e 3 5 , I ssu e 6
49th Annual CONY Exposition for the Outdoor Hospitality Industry
Clockwise from top left: Janine Paddock of Deer River Campsite (left) hugs NYS Senator Betty Little, during Janine’s induction into the CONY Hall of Fame. Bill Botten of the U.S. Access Board accepts a certificate of appreciation from Don Bennett, Jr. after speaking about the Americans with Disabilities Act and accessibility issues. Donna Brown of Nickerson Park and Don Bennett, Jr. show off their football jerseys before the tailgate themed dinner and auction. Shades Under the Sun entertains visitors at their booth during the trade show. Former CONY Executive Administrator Bob Klos catches up with Charles Zahra of Cliff & Ed’s Campground before the awards banquet. Don Bennett, Jr. and Mike Papp (CONY board chairman), recognize John Wright of Wilcor International with a plaque commemorating his many years of service to the outdoor hospitality industry, on the eve of John’s retirement.
Page 7
Page 8
CONY Extra
V o l u m e 3 5 , I ssu e 6
Thank you Exposition sponsors and exhibitors!! It was another GREAT and SUCCESSFUL Exposition, thanks in large part to our excellent sponsors and exhibitors, whose support we appreciate very much. We thank: PLATINUM SPONSORS: Evergreen Insurance Jones & Doldo Insurance Silver-Top Manufacturing Co. Wilcor International GOLD SPONSOR: Go 4 It Graphics SILVER SPONSORS: Allegany Co-op Insurance Hinman Associates, LLC BRONZE SPONSORS: Affinity Guest Services (AGS) Talent House Advertising EXHIBITORS: Allegany Co-op Insurance Anderson’s Brochure Distribution Service Beach House Logos Ber-National Controls Breckenridge Corporate Communications Danielle Windus-Cook Properties, LLC
Thank you Exposition speakers!! Professional development is a vital and important part of CONY’s annual Exposition for the Outdoor Hospitality Industry. Our knowledgeable speakers presented a wealth of information on timely topics for our attendees. We were honored to have as our guest speakers: Donald Bennett, Jr., Campground Owners of New York Bill Botten, U.S. Access Board Tony Chillemi, Ber-National Controls Edward Marden, Camp Bell Campground Doug Motel, Site Optimized Peter O’Connell, Hannan & O’Connell, Inc. Mike Papp, West Canada Creek Campsites Lori Severson, Wisconsin Association of Campground Owners Bud Styer, Bud Styer & Associates, LLC Clyde Taylor, Taylor Communications Tom Wolfe, Niagara Woodland Campground
Dura-Bilt Products Evergreen Insurance Gerber Manufacturing Go 4 It Graphics Greater Lake EZ-Dock Hinman Associates, LLC Jones & Doldo Insurance Kampgrounds of America (KOA) Michael Loeb & Associates NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation Phelps Honey Wagon, Inc. Red Rover Camping Shades Under the Sun Silver-Top Manufacturing Co. SM Gallivan/Burn Rite Firewood Smart Industry Products Strait Web Solutions Talent House Advertising Tees Plus Telamode United Brochure Distributors Wilcor International WS Emerson
N e w s a n d H i g h li g h t s
V o l u m e 3 5 , I ssu e 6
Page 9
CONY award winners and honorees The following were presented with awards and recognition at the annual awards banquet of the CONY Exposition for the Outdoor Hospitality Industry: CONY Hall of Fame Inductee: Janine Paddock, Deer River Campsite Chairman’s Award: Laurie Bulluck, Rainbow Shores Motel & Campsite Marketing Award for Best Simple Brochure: Lake George RV Park Marketing Award for Best Mailer Piece: Motel & Campsite
Rainbow Shores
Marketing Award for Best Website: Copake KOA Special Recognition for Service: Matt Anderson, Camp Chautauqua, for his leadership and enthusiasm in chairing the Camp Good Days fundraising program and for his campground’s leading efforts in raising over $11, 400 for Camp Good Days.
Left to Right: CONY President and CEO Don Bennett, Jr., CONY Chairman Mike Papp, David King and Jessica King of Lake George RV Park. The Kings won the marketing award for best simple brochure. The Kings were also gracious hosts of the Lobster and Steak Bake sponsored by Evergreen Insurance on opening night of the Exposition, held at their RV park. They also provided transportation to and from the hotel with their own trolleys, and entertainment by Roderick Russell, Sword Swallower and Intuitionist. Thank you King Family for your wonderful hospitality!!!
Legislative Report: 2012 was an extremely busy year in Albany. CONY was able to get a membership campground bill passed into law that helped define how members of the membership campgrounds can cancel their contracts. The bill was signed into law by Governor Cuomo and will take effect February 13, 2013. CONY and Texas Assn. of Campground Owners (TACO) worked together to provide vital survey information to the Hospitality and Lodging Association regarding the ADA’s swimming pool chair lift regulations. We have much work to do in 2013. We will be retooling our much sought after eviction bill for introduction in the 2013 session. CONY will also be working on Disposal of Property left behind, liens for non-payment, prohibiting registered sex offenders from staying at our parks, and Adirondack Park issues. Please save the date Tuesday March 5th will be the Tourism Action Day. Where tourism related businesses and organizations convene on Albany for a day program. Participants will hear from speakers in the tourism industry and we will have several appointments to let the legislators know how impor-
tant tourism is to not only New York but for the vitality of our campground businesses. We also will discuss the important topics related to our industry trying to advance CONY’s legislative agenda. If anyone would like to participate please contact the CONY office for further information. The tourism showcase really is a great experience if you haven’t been to the Capitol before.
Page 10
CONY Extra
V o l u m e 3 5 , I ssu e 6
Industry News: New York Campground Owner receives the Stan Martin Award Mark Anderson of Camp Chautauqua in Stow, NY received the Stan Martin Memorial Award at the 2012 National Association of RV Parks & Campgrounds (ARVC) Outdoor Hospitality Conference & Expo in Las Vegas, NV. The Stan Martin Memorial Award recognizes RV park and resort operators who serve as role models for their peers in the industry through their exceptional volunteerism.
Mark Anderson, Camp Chautauqua Campground & CONY Hall of Fame member
Northeast Campground Association to hold its 49th Annual Conference on Camping & Trade Show March 21—23, 2013 in Sturbridge, MA. Thursday—March 21, 2013
Saturday—March 23, 2013
9:00—1:00 PM—NCA Board Meeting
7:30—9:00 AM—Continuation of Thursday’s Board Meeting
2:30—3:30 PM—Social Media Marketing Made Simple
6:45—7:30 AM—Yoga for Everyone
3:45—5:00 PM—Technology Hacks: Data Security and Awareness
7:45—8:45 AM—Breakfast
5:15—5:45 PM—Big Ideas for 2013 6:-00—9:00 PM—DINNER & The Quest 9:00 PM—Crackerbarrels
8:30—8:50 AM—20 Important Minutes for Exhibitors 9:00 - NOON—Trade Show 11:00 AM—Early Registration Cash Give-a-Ways 12:30—Northeastern Luncheon 1:30—3:00 PM—THINK! New Ideas bring Change
Friday—March 22, 2013 6:45—7:30 AM—Morning Yoga for Everyone 7:45—8:45 AM—Breakfast 8:45—9:45—NCA Welcome with special keynote by Jim Rogers, Chairman & CEO Kampgrounds of America 10:00—10:45 AM—Propane Safety 10:00—12:20 PM—Day in the life of a Campground Owner 11:00—12:20 PM—3 Important Insurance Topics 12:30—2:00 PM—NCA Awards Luncheon 2:00—6:00 PM—Trade Show 6:15 PM—Evening Buffet 8:00 PM—NCA Auction
3:15—5:15 PM—Day in the Life of a Campground Owner 3:15—5:15 PM—State Association Meetings: CCOA MACO VCA 5:30—6:30 PM—Clowning Around Happy Hour 6:30 PM—Night of Carnival Fun For more information, visit www.campnca.org or call the NCA office at (860) 684-6389.
N e w s a n d H i g h li g h t s
V o l u m e 3 5 , I ssu e 6
Page 11
Industry News CONY Members in the News: New York KOAs receive Awards On Saturday, November 17 at the annual International Convention for Kampgrounds of America (KOA), fifteen New York State-based KOA franchises were honored with KOA President's Awards and KOA Founder's Awards. The convention was held in Orlando, FL. The fourteen KOAs are also members of Campground Owners of New York, a trade association of privately-owned campgrounds in New York State. The KOA President's Award is presented annually to campgrounds that receive high scores in customer service from their campers, and also receive top scores in KOA's annual Quality Review.
The KOA Founder’s Award, named in honor of Dave Drum, who founded KOA on the banks of the Yellowstone River in Billings, Montana in 1962, is given to those campgrounds that attained the very top scores in both customer service and the KOA Quality Review. KOA surveys hundreds of thousands of campers each year regarding their KOA camping experience. The campgrounds and their awards are: Chautauqua Lake KOA, Dewittville, NY President's Award Houghton/Letchworth KOA, Houghton, NY - President's Award New York City North/Newburgh KOA, Plattekill, NY - President's Award Niagara Falls North KOA, Youngstown, NY - President's Award
Niagara Falls KOA, Grand Island, NY President's Award Saugerties/Woodstock KOA, Saugerties, NY - President's Award Springwater/Dansville KOA, Springwater, NY - President's Award Canandaigua/Rochester KOA, Farmington, NY - President's Award Copake KOA, Copake, NY - Founder's and President's Awards Herkimer Diamond KOA, Herkimer, NY Founder's and President's Awards Lake Placid/Whiteface Mtn KOA, Lake Placid, NY - Founder's and President's Awards Medina/Wildwood Lake KOA, Medina, NY - Founder's and President's Awards Watkins Glen/Corning KOA, Watkins Glen, NY - Founder's and President's Awards Westfield/Lake Erie KOA, Westfield, NY - Founder's and President's Awards
Page 12
CONY Extra
V o l u m e 3 5 , I ssu e 6
Member News: 2013 CONY Board of Directors During the Annual Membership Meeting, the following members were installed as representatives to the CONY Board of Directors for 2013: EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Chairperson, Mike Papp West Canada Creek Campsites 1st Vice Chairperson, Bill Perry Chautauqua Lake KOA 2nd Vice Chairperson, Gregg Nicholls Lake Bluff Campground 3rd Vice Chairperson, Robert Kaiser Medina/Wildwood Lake KOA Treasurer, Ed Marden Camp Bell Campground Secretary, Rachel Kaiser Houghton/Letchworth KOA REGIONAL DIRECTORS Region 1, Matt Anderson Camp Chautauqua
Region 2, Nina Latello Sleepy Hollow Lake Resort
Region 12, Joe Leto Brook n Wood Family Campground
Region 3, Rosemary Curtis Hickory Hill Family Camping Resort
See more on the CONY board of directors, including contact information, at www.campcony.com.
Region 4, Carl Carlson Cheerful Valley Campground Region 5, Truman Hartshorn Lebanon Reservoir Campground Region 6, Richard Heath Ta-Ga-Soke Campground Region 7, Tammie Standford Bedford Creek Marina & Campground Region 8, Gil Paddock Deer River Campsite Region 9, Pat Green Ledgeview Village RV Park Region 10, Kimberly Foro Whispering Pines Campsites & RV Park Region 11, Doug Brown Nickerson Park
Welcome Nina Latello, Sleepy Hollow Lake Resort, as new Region 2 director on the CONY Board of Directors.
Jim Rogers, CEO of KOA appears on CBS series, “Undercover Boss” Excerpted from www.prnewswire.com Rogers has been at the helm of KOA – the world's largest system of family-friendly campgrounds – for the past 12 years. The company, born in Billings, Montana in 1962 and still headquartered near that first campground location, now has 489 locations in the U.S. and Canada. The Emmy Award-winning Undercover Boss show is now in it's fourth season. "My front line assignments on 'Undercover Boss' affirmed the importance of creating KOA systems that maximize the time that campground staff members can spend with guests," said Rogers. "I learned that the great people we have on the front lines can always use more time to better know and serve our campers. Genuine engagement, ultimately, is what it's all about. KOA campground owners and their staffs are the real heroes of KOA." Rogers said he welcomed the chance to go undercover, taking on the persona of a "front line" KOA employee. "'Undercover Boss' is great entertainment, but it also does a
great service by taking the general public behind the scenes of popular companies," Rogers said. "Every episode is a case study in business management." "My experience on 'Undercover Boss' once again confirmed to me the importance of 'sweating the small things,'" Rogers said. "Being undercover gave me an unobstructed view of where our business gets done. Being there were no special advanced preparations for me, and that led to a lot of surprises – some good and some not so good." Rogers said he was heartened by KOA frontline staff's understanding of the "Golden Rule" when serving campers, always doing their jobs in a manner that would exceed a guest's expectations. "It was also great to see our franchisees and our staff's commitment to our charity effort for KOA Care Camps for children with cancer," he said. "Their support for Care Camps really makes a difference." For more information on the Kampgrounds of America/ Jim Rogers episode of CBS "Undercover Boss" that airs Friday, January 11, go to KOA.com .
N e w s a n d H i g h li g h t s
V o l u m e 3 5 , I ssu e 6
Page 13
Member News: Booth discount for 2013 CNY RV and Camping Show Jim Kring, show manager for the CNY RV and Camping Show announces a special booth discount for CONY members!
tions, kid's activities, accessories, services, special bank rates, special show pricing on ALL 2013 RV's and select pre -owned units.
CONY members that register and pay by January 19, 2013 for 10’x10’ booth space at the show, pay only $499 for their space. That is a savings of $100 off of the $599 registration fee.
CONY has been a regular sponsor of the free Kid’s camping meal, served to children 16 and under, and receives A LOT of publicity through area promotion of the RV show on radio, television and on the internet.
The 43rd Annual CNY RV and Camping Show is scheduled to be held February 28 to March 3, 2013, at the NYS Fairgrounds in Syracuse, NY. The show features seven dealers and over 600 campers plus select preowned, parts and accessories, RV service centers, campgrounds and destina-
To take advantage of the $100 discount for CONY members, or for more information, contact: Jim Kring, Show Manager RVDA of Syracuse, Inc. PO Box 113 Fulton, NY 13069
Toll Free: (877) 228-8240 Cell : (315) 884-9048email: jkring@cnyRVshow.com website: www.cnyRVshow.com Jim also wishes everyone a Merry Christmas and a safe and prosperous New Year.
Truman Hartshorn elected to ARVC Executive Committee Truman Hartshorn of Lebanon Reservoir Campground was elected to be Secretary of the National Association of RV Parks & Campgrounds (ARVC) Board of Directors. Truman has served on the ARVC board for the past 3 years. Truman also was re-elected by region 2 to serve for a second 3 year term on the ARVC board.
Mark your calendars for 2013 CONY events With the new year upon us, please find your 50th Anniversary 2013 planner sent with this newsletter. If you would like additional copies of the planner, please contact the CONY office. We included many CONY program dates for you. Some important dates to note: 2013 CONY Zone Meetings Monday, March 25—Lake George Area Tuesday, March 26— Kingston Area Wednesday, March 27—Syracuse Area Thursday, March 28—Batavia Area 2013 Annual Exposition for the Outdoor Hospitality Industry & 50th Anniversary Celebration Thursday, October 31—Saturday November 2 Kaatskill Mountain Club Hunter, NY
Page 14
CONY Extra
V o l u m e 3 5 , I ssu e 6
Member Benefit: Disaster Relief Program At its November 1st meeting, the CONY Board of Directors reviewed and approved a Disaster Relief Program proposal submitted by Region 3 Directory Rosemary Curtis.
CONY office is alerted, a review of available persons and equipment, as well as a response plan, can be quickly pulled together in order to help our fellow members in need.
This particular program has been a work in progress for about two years.
Monies raised and deposited into the Disaster Relief Program fund will help with travel costs to get member volunteers to campgrounds in the areas of the state in need.
The approved proposal includes two parts—financial and assistance. Financial: Members can request funds from the program for immediate needs not covered by the national relief program. In researching the proposal, Rosemary found that there is not a state-assisted program in place to provide relief for parks. As particulars in the program are worked out, the board of directors will be determining criteria on how much a park can request, and if it would be a grant or a loan. Assistance: The CONY office will soon be surveying members for input on their skills and equipment to create an inventory of available assets in case of emergency. When disaster strikes, and the
Welcome New CONY Members Campground Member: Allegany Mountain Resort Dave Geddes Ellicottville, NY (Chautauqua) www.alleganymtresort.com Associate Members: Bear’s Playgrounds Contact: Name Lima, NY www.bearsplaygrounds.com Playground equipment, safety surfacing ————— Don’t forget to see all our associate members in the “Handy Reference Guide” inserted in this newsletter, and on www.campcony.com
Seed money for the program was raised during the Exposition, as members purchased rubber ducks used in a “duck drop” contest after the annual awards banquet. Numbered ducks floated down the Lazy River in the hotel’s water park. Rachel Kaiser of Medina/ Wildwood Lake KOA had the duck that crossed the finish line first, earning her a new laptop computer. The duck drop netted about $1000 for the new Disaster Relief Program. The board of directors also approved the transfer of $2500 from the Wishing
Well Fund to open the disaster relief account. During the coming weeks, work will be done by the CONY office on action items including collecting data from our members, researching methods for establishing disaster teams, establishing fund use guidelines, and determining coverage needs.
Every effort is made to print accurate information. CONY, along with contractors and advertisers will assume no liability for errors or omissions. We will gladly reprint any corrections. The CONY Extra: News and Highlights is published by the CONY office, providing its members with industry-related information. For information, article suggestions or advertising inquiries, call: 800-497-2669 or 585-586-4360. Or e-mail us at: info@nycampgrounds.com Campground Owners of New York, 1 Grove St. Suite 200 Pittsford, New York 14534 nycampgrounds.com (consumer website) campcony.com (corporate website)
N e w s a n d H i g h li g h t s
Providing Quality Protection for your Campgrounds 800-836-7860 www.calbranch.com
V o l u m e 3 5 , I ssu e 6
Page 15
1 Grove Street, Suite 200 Pittsford, New York 14534
CONY Turns 50 Continued from front page… Just to name a few CONY helped author the New York State Health Code section 7-3 governing campgrounds. CONY was also responsible for Part IV supervision not requiring a life guard be on duty at our swimming pools.A tax bill was passed from keeping local real estate tax collectors from assessing our customers Seasonal camping units. CONY was also instrumental in stopping the state from applying Sales tax to our campsite rentals. It doesn’t stop at legislation the organization has spread into Marketing with the development of our printed campground and RV Park directory, website, online reservation system, mobile app and many other marketing programs to help get the word out about our great CONY campgrounds and beautiful New York State. The organization has also tried to keep our members abreast of best operating practices, new regulations and products at our Annual Conference and Trade Shows as well as our Spring Zone meetings, newsletters, e-news blasts and of course word of mouth by the visits of the office staff to our parks and with the help of our board of directors and officers. I have been told the greatest benefit of any association is the networking and ca-
maraderie that takes place between members. I many times refer to CONY as a family and truly believe that. I have heard several times that others really respect the solidarity of our CONY members. Throughout 2013 we will have several communications highlighting some past accomplishments. To experience the networking and camaraderie first hand and do a little reminiscing I want to make sure that you have October 31 – November 2, 2013 marked off on your calendars. Plans are already in the works to ensure that this upcoming Exposition will be a great milestone for CONY celebrating 50 years of: CONY an association dedicated to the promotion, growth, improvement and development of privately owned campgrounds in New York State.