Volume 34, Issue 5 Nov / Dec 2011
Mike Papp elected as CONY chairman See more Exposition highlights and photos starting on page #
In this issue: Chairman’s Report 2 President’s Report
2
CONY App
3
Exposition Highlights
5
Updated Board of Directors List
9
Legislative Report
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Our VISION: Campground Owners of New York (CONY) will be the model campground association by providing professionalism and diversity in our programs, education, services, advocacy and support for continued growth and collaboration within the outdoor hospitality industry.
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.
nycampgrounds.com campcony.com
Mike Papp, owner of West Canada Creek Campsites in Poland, New York, was elected by the membership to the chairmanship of the CONY board of directors, during the association’s annual meeting held November 5, 2011, at the Conference & Event Center, Niagara Falls, New York. The annual meeting took place during CONY’s 48th Annual Exposition for the Outdoor Hospitality Industry, held NoMike Papp, left, and Scott Sherwood, right, vember 3 to 5, 2011. passing the gavel from one chairman to the next. Mike takes over the gavel from Scott Sherwood, owner of Spruce Row Campground & RV Park in Ithaca, New York, who stepped down after four years in the position. Scott will now serve on the CONY Board of Directors as Immediate Past Chairman.
He also chaired the Long Range Committee, which recently spent 18 months producing a comprehensive strategic plan for CONY that now guides the association’s many functions. As Board Chairman, he’ll lead the Executive Committee, which includes oversight of personnel, and ways In praising the outgoing chairman, Mike and means. remarked, “I want to thank Scott for being a great leader and a hard working According to Mike, “It is an honor to be member of our industry. His leadership entrusted by my fellow campground ownbrought about many changes including ers as the Chairperson of CONY. I look our new logo, our Long Range Plan and a forward to working with everyone to continue the great things that Scott, Don and renewed vibe at CONY.” the Board of Directors have started over Mike has served on the CONY Board of the past four years as well as working Directors since 2007, first as the Region 6 hard to continue growing CONY both in representative, and most recently as 3rd memberships as well as membership Vice Chairman. He led the Governance benefits, and to keep increasing the value Committee which worked on issues and of the Association our members.” projects related to membership, by-laws, (Exposition highlights continued on page 5) nominations, and policies and procedures.
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Chairman’s Report My fellow CONY members:
shouldn’t have “put down there” was just plain fun. So, we invested our small fund in property in the Outer Banks and lived there for five years where I worked for a Vacation Rental Company as the Vice President of Marketing and General Manager. This is where my two wonderful boys Hunter and Jarrett joined our family. After selling our home in the Outer Banks, we ended up in Central New York. Many have questioned my sanity, including my wife – but I love the area, the five seasons (did you forget Mud Season?) and the people – the very friendly people of New York.
I know many of you but there are quite a few that I have yet to meet so I would like to tell you a bit about myself. My wife Sandy and I own West Mike Papp Canada Creek Campsite in Poland, NY 11 miles north of Utica. We purchased the park in 2005 and have just completed our 7th season and I love it more every year. I have worked in the Hospitality Business my entire life – starting in the restaurant business for 17 years. Sandy and I took a couple of years off to “workcamp” and see if this crazy Campground business was something we wanted to become involved with – well I loved it – working outdoors, working with people, fixing things, making things and yes, even cleaning out the clogged sewer drain that some uninformed camper plugged up with something they
Scott – I want to thank you for being a great leader and a hard working member of our industry. Your leadership brought about many changes including our new logo, our Long Range Plan and a renewed vibe at CONY. (Chairman’s Report continued on page 15)
From the Desk of the President and CEO yond belief. The storms were so severe that even large parts of the New York State Thruway were closed to traffic due to flooding. The one thing to be thankful for is that at the campgrounds no severe injuries were reported. I think most would agree that 2011 camping season has been a challenge. I am excited for the prospect of what the 2012 camping season might provide and am looking forward to its arrival already.
As we approach 2012 and I look in the rearview mirror on 2011 it definitely was an eventful year. The camping season seemed to almost be 3 and 4 seasons rolled into one. As Memorial Day approached we had well above average rainfalls making camping in some areas much wetter than normal, to say the least. The months of June, July and the first part of August saw summer-like conditions in many places and above-average occupancy levels helping level off what was lost in the rain soaked May and Memorial Day weekends. Then at the middle of August the economy finally seemed to affect the camping industry as the stock market worries and consumer confidence seemed to be very low. Hurricane Irene and other large storms severely damaged several member parks and the devastation was unbelievable. The parks that I visited and multiple pictures and news releases that I saw were just be-
Donald G. Bennett, Jr.
Looking back at the 48th Annual Exposition (as we now call the convention) I would like to extend a big thank you to the entire exposition committee. Without your hard work the expo would not have gone as smoothly and successfully. I want to recognize a couple of individuals for their major contributions; Rosemary Curtis did a remarkable job—even filling in to do a seminar when we had a late cancellation from a speaker. I also want to thank Wayne Schleder for running our exposition hall. Over the past several years (President and CEO Report continued on page 11)
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Unveiling the new CONY App for Smart Phones: At the Exposition for the Outdoor Hospitality Industry, CONY President and CEO Don Bennett, Jr. and AppFury co-founder Eric Hinman unveiled the preliminary concepts for the new CONY Application (also known as “app”) for smart phones and other mobile devices.
Also, users can easily click on telephone numbers to talk directly to the park, or click on links to go directly to the park’s webpage and reservation page, and book directly through their phone. CONY is working with AppFury out of Syracuse, NY. Co-Founders Eric Hinman (yes, that Eric Hinman of Oswego Valley Mutual and Hinman & Associates) and Steve VonDeak organized AppFury in the Fall of ‘09 with the first item of business being the conceptualization and development of their own hyper-local location-based line of iPhone apps marketed under their “inmypocket” brand name. AppFury released SOHOinmypocket just a few months later to great acclaim and was featured by Apple as New and Noteworthy.
Smart phone users will be able to download the new—AND FREE—application (app) for the “NY Campground and RV Park Guide.” This Guide brings the CONY campground members to the finger tips of mobile device users so they can find research, contact and make reservations with campgrounds just through the ease of their phone, or while they’re on the move and in their travels. So, what is a mobile app? According to the description on Webopedia.com, a mobile application (or mobile app, in its more popular shorthand), is a term used to describe internet applications that can run on smartphones and other mobile The CONY app button as it devices. Mobile applications will appear in the various usually help users by conapp stores. necting them to internet services more commonly accessed on desktop or notebook computers, or help them by making it easier to use the internet on their portable devices.
In less than a year, AppFury emerged as a premier app developer and positioned itself as the go-to shop in Upstate NY. This position and title was solidified with CenterState CEO, central NY’s largest business development organization, selecting AppFury to build its flagship mobile product, Creative Core Connect.
CONY campgrounds, as formatted for the “NY Campground and RV Park Guide,” will be accessible by users that download the app from their app stores for the following devices: iPhone, iPod, iPad, Blackberry, and Android. The app will be free to download.
The CONY app will Screenshot of a sample campbe set to go online at ground listing as seen on the app stores around the CampNYGuide app for mobile first of the year, and at devices. that time you can download it for yourself. Be sure to share the app’s availability with your campers!
One neat feature of the app is the inclusion of distances to the campground, from the location of the mobile device. So a user traveling through the state and seeking nearby campgrounds will have a distance to park displayed next to the park name in the directory.
Opportunities will be available for advertising and listing upgrades on the app. Stay tuned for details.
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Quality Sunrooms, Awnings & Enclosures
H. Peter Burkert Senior Vice President
Silver-Top Manufacturing Co., Inc. PO Box 225, White Marsh, MD 21162-0225 Toll Free: (800) 638-6960 Local: (410) 335-5500
www.silver-top.com
Fax: (410) 335-664
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Exposition Highlights (Continued from page 1)
Donald G. Bennett, Jr., President and CEO of CONY, said, “I am looking forward to working with Mike and the entire CONY board to continue fulfilling the mission of CONY and to help realize our vision of being the leader in the outdoor hospitality industry.” Mike and his wife Sandy, parents to sons Hunter and Jarrett, just completed their seventh season operating West Canada Creek Campsites, an 85-site park along the banks of the West Canada Creek, in the town of Poland, Oneida County, New York. Mike has over 30 years experience in the service and hospitality industry, including 17 years in the restaurant industry, which culminated in his position as a multi-unit supervisor overseeing 10 restaurants. After deciding to become part of the outdoor hospitality industry, he and Sandy spent two years as full-time RVers and served as Workampers, investigating the business. After a few more years working in the vacation rental business on Hatteras Island – where he rose to the position of Vice President of Marketing and General Manager of Surf or Sound Realty, they sold their home in 2004 and purchased their campground.
CONY Hall of Fame members, left to Right: Gil Paddock, Randy Lehman, Barb Lighthall, Ed Lighthall, Mark Anderson.
Hill’s Operations Manager—along with CONY President and CEO Don Bennett, Jr., kicked off the induction by reading several letters of commendation and congratulations from fellow HOF members, campers, legislators and Governor Andrew Cuomo. Letter readers also included Hall of Fame members Barb Lighthall and Mark Anderson. During the induction, a slide show highlighting of Randy’s accomplishments played onscreen. The ceremony concluded with the presentation of a plaque and a heartfelt speech by Randy.
Mike ran for chairman pledging to ensure that the value members get is increased through better membership programs, conferences, and zone meetings, and that the board of directors does a better job of communicating with the membership. He was sworn in November 5th, during the awards banquet held at the Exposition, and chaired his first board meeting on November 6th.
Hall of Fame members are nominated based on criteria including: at least 8 years of CONY membership, CONY Board service, operation of a quality campground, contributions to CONY/camping industry, involvement in NYS tourism, community involvement, and other service (paid or voluntary) in CONY. Nominations are considered by the CONY board. Marketing Awards Presented to Three CONY Campgrounds at Exposition
Randy Lehman Inducted into CONY Hall of Fame during Exposition Awards Banquet
Congratulations to the members with the winning submissions for CONY’s annual Marketing Awards, announced at the Exposition Awards Banquet on Saturday, November 5th.
Randy Lehman, owner of Hickory Hill Family Camping Resort, was joined by campground staff and his daughter Maria, as he became the 14th person inducted into CONY’s Hall of Fame during the 48th Annual CONY Exposition for the Outdoor Hospitality Industry. Exposition chairwoman Rosemary Curtis—Hickory
(Highlights Continued on page 6)
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Exposition highlights Themes/Activities, Accounting for Campgrounds, ADA, E-Blast Marketing, Partnering and Packaging, Secrets to Keeping Customers Happy, and a heartpumping Zumba® fitness dance class each morning, led by Laurie Bulluck of Rainbow Shores Campsites. Certified Park Operator credits were earned by attendees for their presence at these seminars.
(Continued from page 5)
The 2011 CONY Marketing Award Winners are: Best Website: Lake George RV Park, Lake George. Best Simple Brochure: Jones Pond Campground, Angelica Best Mailer Piece: Chautauqua Lake KOA, Dewittville To submit your marketing piece for the 2012 CONY Marketing Awards, look for the form in your 2012 CONY member binder coming next Spring.
Ed Marden, CONY Treasurer and owner of Camp Bell Campground, leads a seminar on Accounting for Campgrounds.
Many thanks and much appreciation goes out to our excellent presenters, including: Karen Adams, Philadelphia Insurance Companies Patrick Curtis, Bath Veterans Administration Medical Center Rosemary Curtis, CPO, Hickory Hill Family Camping Resort Bren Jobe, Corporate Communications, Inc. Francis “Fritz” Loomis, Loomis Chainsaw Artworks Ed Marden, Camp Bell Campground Matthew Mitchell, Corporate Communications, Inc. Ruby Newell-Legner, RubySpeaks, Inc. (also our keynote luncheon speaker) Gil Paddock, Deer River Campsite Bill Perry, Chautauqua Lake KOA Gary Reinard, Copake KOA Clyde Taylor, Taylor Communications Todd Vaarwerk, WNY Independent Living, Inc.
Left to right: New CONY Chairman Mike Papp, Exposition Chairperson Rosemary Curtis, Anita & Bill Perry with grandson Elijah, CONY President and CEO Don Bennett, Jr., and Past CONY Chairman Scott Sherwood. The Perry family of Chautauqua Lake KOA accept their award for Best Mailer Piece during the 48th Annual Exposition.
Educational Seminars (and a little Zumba® each morning) kept attendees informed and energized The CONY staff working the front desk at the Exposition were privy to a lot of anecdotal comments by attendees in between seminar sessions, and the general feedback was really positive overall. The wide-ranging topics included: First Aid Certification, Employment Practices, Adventure Systems Reservation System, Man Cave Topics, Hot Amenities/
(Continued on page 7)
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Exposition highlights Also: Adventure Systems LLC Anderson’s Brochure Distribution Aurora Snax, Inc. Berg USA Ber-National Controls Breckenridge Park Trailers Cavco Industries, Inc. Dura-Bilt Products, Inc. Gerber Manufacturing Greater Lakes EZ Dock Loomis Chainsaw Art Works Mission Management Systems Mod-U-Dock Nexu Innovations, Inc. Prime Karts Silver-Top Mfg., Co. Strait Web Solutions Suburban Propane Tees Plus Telemode Todd Harris Company
(Continued from page 6)
Exhibitors brought many exciting products and services to the Exposition In keeping with the Exposition theme of “CONYopoly,” a play on the Monopoly board game, exhibitors were positioned around the conference hall in the form of a giant Monopoly board. Conference attendees had fun visiting with exhibitors and collecting “Community Chest” and “Chance” cards, and making connections with business operators that could help their campgrounds thrive. Holders of “Community Chest” cards could claim a key to try and open a locked prize chest. The winners, Chuck and Suzanne Gouin of Willows on the Lake Campground, claimed a new Kindle reader. Holders of the “Chance” cards were part of a drawing of gifts and services from the Niagara Region, won by Bill and Anita Perry of Chautauqua Lake KOA. The Exposition was a great success, due to the participation of our exhibitors and sponsors, including:
Wayne Schleder of MeadowVale Campsites chats with Roxi Baxley of Strait Web Solutions. A big “THANK YOU” to Wayne, who coordinates the exhibition hall and helps the exhibitors with all their on-site needs.
Additional Exposition Highlights:
Platinum Sponsors: Evergreen USA Jones & Doldo Agency, LLC
Gold Sponsors: Kampgrounds of America, Inc. (KOA) Trailer Life Wilcor International Woodalls
The CONY Auction raised $16,196.00 Details about CONY’s new mobile application, or “app” were unveiled by Eric Hinman of AppFury, the company creating the app. (More details about the app available on page 3 of this newsletter.)
Silver Sponsors: Go 4 It Graphics Hinman & Associates LLC Jamestown Advanced Products Corp. Bronze Sponsors: AppFury Danielle Windus Cook Properties LLC Dunton Commercial Properties JMF Publishing Kings Supply McNeil Adven-Sure Shades Under the Sun Talent House Advertising W.S. Emerson
Attendees enjoy lunch and a keynote address on customer service by Ruby Newell-Legner. 7
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First Time Expo Attendees React Children enjoyed the CONY Kids Club, adults appreciated the learning opportunities
amount of work Rosemary must have put into this expo, but it showed, right down to the smallest of details. I am looking forward to working, learning and growing with CONY and I don’t think I will have any trouble convincing the children to join me at next year’s conference.
Dear Don, My family and I were first time attendees at the CONY expo in Niagara Falls this November. The CONY kid’s club exceeded my expectations. My children are 11 and 8 and when I first mentioned bringing them to Niagara Falls for a trade show (sorry, expo), I was met with resistance. This did not sound like a good time to my children. Even after showing them the kid’s schedule and all the fun things they would be doing, they were both still skeptical. On the very first day, they were warmly welcomed and their fears of being treated like new-comers or outsiders were gone. They instantly made new friends and had many stories to tell me at the end of each day. We also had no problem settling them down for bed at night. I think they were asleep before their heads hit the pillow. The ladies running the kid’s club did a fantastic job. When my youngest returned to school on Monday and went to writing class, his teacher told me he sat down and wrote a four page story about his time with CONY. If you knew my son, you would understand what an accomplishment that is.
Vickie Ingalls Lake Bluff Campground (Vickie and her husband Mike attended the Exposition with Lake Bluff Campground Owners Gregg and Kelly Nicholls).
During the exposition and trade show, I was equally impressed. I have been to trade shows in the past and was expecting something similar, but the camaraderie I saw between campground owners surprised me. Everyone was very open and friendly, sharing ideas and experiences. This didn’t seem like a group of people in the same business and essentially competing with one another. The seminars I attended were informative and fun and I left Niagara Falls excited and ready to get started on next season. The Hot Amenities, Themes & Activities seminar gave me so many great ideas and insights that I have been working on our 2012 activity schedule since we got home. The seminar on the Adventure Systems eased some of my fears and I am ready to tackle that this coming year as well. I loved visiting with all the vendors to see what they had to offer and Ruby NewellLegner was fantastic, both in her seminar and as the Keynote Speaker on Friday. I can’t imagine the
Thank you to Raul Ferreira for taking photographs during the Exposition!
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Zone Meetings: Plan to Attend! We’d tell you to mark your calendars, but we already did! CONY members will receive a nice calendar with this newsletter, with important/interesting dates marked out, including the Zone Meetings, Shows (where CONY has a booth), and the Exposition. So, don’t forget and please plan to attend one of the following Zone Meetings coming near your this spring! 2012 CONY Zone Meetings: March 27 Lake George, NY March 28 Kingston, NY March 29 Syracuse, NY March 30 Batavia, NY Details for registering (both campgrounds and exhibitors) and specific locations will come soon after the first of the year.
CONY Board of Directors: Updated configuration With voting within each region, and with the election held at the CONY annual membership meeting, there are some *new faces on the 2012 board of directors, as well as some *old faces holding new positions.
Region 3: Rosemary Curtis, CPO, Hickory Hills Family Camping Resort Region 4: *Carl Carlson, Cheerful Valley Campground (replacing Gregg Nicholls, now 3rd Vice Chairperson)
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE:
Region 5: Truman Hartshorn, Lebanon Reservoir Campground
Chairman: *Mike Papp, West Canada Creek Campsites (replacing Scott Sherwood)
Region 6: Richard Heath, Ta-Ga-Soke Campground
1st Vice Chair: Bill Perry, Chautauqua Lake KOA 2nd
Region 7: *Tammie Standford, Bedford Creek Marina & Campground (replacing David Powelczyk, Back Bay Campground, now Region 7 alternate)
Vice Chair: Laurie Bulluck, Rainbow Shores Campsite
3rd Vice Chair: *Gregg Nicholls, Lake Bluff Campground (replacing Mike Papp, now Chairperson)
Region 8: Gilbert Paddock, Deer River Campsite
Treasurer: Ed Marden, Camp Bell Campground
Region 9: Pat Green, Ledgeview Village RV Park
Secretary: Rachel Kaiser, Medina/Wildwood Lake KOA
Region 10: Kimberly Foro, Whispering Pines Campsites & RV Park
Past President: *Scott Sherwood, CPO, Spruce Row Campground & RV Park (replacing Janine Paddock, Deer River Campsite)
Region 11: Doug Brown, Nickerson Park Region 12: Joe Leto, Brook n Wood Family Campground
REGIONAL DIRECTORS Region 1: Matt Anderson, Camp Chautauqua Region 2: Robert Kaiser, Medina/Wildwood Lake KOA 9
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Be aware—not afraid—of new ADA guidelines pools and play areas) in existing facilities that were not addressed in the 1991 standards are not “grandfathered” per the new regulations. As it relates to Swimming and Lifts, Ramps, the new ADA regulations requires that you remove architectural barriers in existing facilities when it is “readily achievable” to do so. Gregg Nicholls, Readily Achievable means “easily accomplished without CONY 3rd Vice much difficulty or expense.” This will depend on your Chairman, Lake own situation and business. Also please remember that Bluff Campground even though the NYS Department of Health will not be Those of you who didn't have a enforcing the ADA rules or regulations they do need to chance to sit in on the "ADA & your park" seminar of be consulted if you are moving ahead and installing a our recent expo in Niagara Falls with Todd Vaarwerk, lift, ramp or make any modification to your swimming (Todd is the director of advocacy and public policy for pool. Western N.Y. Independent Living Inc.), the new guidelines are applicable only when making significant There are advantages to making ADA changes, as there changes in your park. For example, if you are adding is over $5000.00 in tax credits available towards immore sites, yes you have to make a percentage of them provements on your federal tax return. Please consult ADA accessible. If you are adding cabins, yes you need your tax adviser for further details. Remember if you to have an ADA accessible cabin (1 for every 25 cab- are changing it, what ever it is, it may need to be made ADA compliant. The simple way we are doing it at our ins). campground, is when changing the concrete in front of The newly revised ADA (Americans with Disabilities our rec hall, we will be installing ramped concrete 1Act) September 2010 (effective date March 14, 2012) as inch rise per lineal foot of run (tax credit). We are inthey related to certain recreation elements (swimming stalling new locksets on our rec hall, and will install an ADA lever handle (tax credit). Though we hope to enlarge our store, it gets more involved with aisle width, counter height etc. We are hiring an architect for that. As you should all be aware, there are new Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines coming into effect for 2012, but you need not be afraid. Though a lot of our member campgrounds are getting a lot of "scare" mail from vendors (including our campground), here is what you need to know.
Todd Vaarwerk said he will be available to assist CONY in the future. Additionally, contact Bill Botton, US Access Board, (800) 872-2253. He can speak to you about your specific situation His agency’s website also provides helpful webinars: www.access-board.gov. The Department of Justice can be consulted, too. www.ada.gov or (800) 514-0301.
Providing Quality Protection for your Campgrounds
The US Access Board is the rule-making body, and the Dept. of Justice approves the rules and is also the enforcement arm.
800‐836‐7860 www.calbranch.com
So remember be aware—not afraid—of the new ADA guidelines.
Thanks,
Jane Peers Jenelle Ademovic
Gregg Nicholls/Lake Bluff Campground 10
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From the Desk of the President and CEO (Continued from page 2)
Wayne has really done a fantastic job of keeping everyone happy and always going above and beyond what is asked of him. Special thanks to Scott Sherwood our outgoing chairman for honoring me with the Chairman’s Award. I generally don’t do well with public recognition and when I caught wind of the award (keep in mind that one of my tasks is getting the awards) he said that I didn’t have a choice and there was no way I was talking him out of it. I am truly honored, thank you Scott. I really have enjoyed working with Scott over the past 4 years. As he stated in his award message, we have become good friends. That really is true. One of his sayings that has stuck with me is that you have to surround yourself with good people and one of my favorite sayings is that it takes one to know one. He has done a remarkable job as CONY has undergone the many transformations that have taken place and I commend him for the way he has led CONY. I am looking forward to working with Mike Papp as our new chairman and the rest of the board of directors. If you didn’t know already, this very dedicated group of people work tirelessly without pay to help guide our organization to see that it supports our mission and vision statements. They also work to be able to provide programs and services that members find of value as well as looking out
for our businesses through lobbying and many other activities. Each director and officer is a campground operator and works in the front line of our industry daily. Please know that the board of directors and officers are there to assist you just as the office is. If ever we can be of service or you have a suggestion for improvement please let us know.
soon but please save the dates of the zone meetings March 27- 30th.
I would be remiss if I didn’t thank Suzanne and Traci for all of their hard work. There are many long nights put in by all 3 of us working on various projects and programs whether it be the zone meetings, annual meeting and exposition, our printed directory, show program, legislative efforts, and the myriad Webster’s defines an “Association” of other projects and member visas: its that are conducted by our staff throughout each year. An organization of businesses with a common purpose and So as my rearview mirror becomes having a formal structure. foggy with the cold temperatures outside I am really thankful for the An organization that supports people that touch my life and I am companies and employers of a particular type of industry and honored to be able to serve you as the CONY President/CEO. I look protects their rights: forward to helping CONY carry The act of associating or state out its mission statement: CONY of being associated. An association dedicated to the promotion, growth, improvement Friendship; companionship and development of privately Thank you for making the choice owned campgrounds in New York to be a part of the CONY family. State. The definition above really represents what is being accomplished I wish you all a very happy holiday and what CONY is working to- season and a prosperous new year ward accomplishing to be a reality. in 2012! Respectfully, As always we have a great deal that Donald G. Bennett, Jr. we are currently working on, and President and CEO we are looking forward to seeing you and keeping you informed through various communication methods. I would highly encourage your participation at one of our upcoming Zone Meetings. We will have much to discuss as we look forward to kicking off the 2012 camping season. Specific meeting information will be coming to you 11
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Legislative Report Report submitted by Peter B. O’Connell Attorney at Law for the CONY Annual Membership Meeting November 2011 During the past legislative session, I followed 33 bills of interest to CONY members. The following is a brief description of several bills that are of particular interest to CONY members:
CHAPTERS OF 2011 CHAPTER 135; S.5591 by Senator Little/A.8303 by M of A Sweeney: Defines “community housing” for the purposes of the Adirondack Park Act to mean four dwelling units not exceeding 1500 square feet of floor space each located on one contiguous parcel within a moderate or low intensity use land area.
or (5) a signatory to the contract is the subject of domestic violence or abuse by another signatory. Passed in the Assembly and died on the floor of the Senate. APA BILLS; S.345 by Senator Little/A.151 by M of A Sayward; Seeks to redefine campground within the Adirondack Park to prohibit the APA from requiring a recreational vehicle to be removed after a certain period of time. Passed in the Senate and died in Assembly En Con Committee S.342 by Senator Little/ A.148 by M of A Sayward: Seeks to prohibit the APA from enacting a rule that is inconsistent with a Department of Health rule. Died on the floor of the Senate and in Assembly En Con Committee.
PROGRAM LEGISLATION
VETOES OF 2011
EVICTION BILL: S.4024 by Senator Little/A.5561 by M of A Englebright: Seeks to treat a person who fails to pay fees, creates a disturbance or violates a rule of a campground as a trespasser who may be summarily removed from a campground by the campground owner or a law enforcement officer. Also establishes procedures under the Lien Law to dispose of property that is left on a campground by a person who is evicted or fails to remove property upon vacating a campground. Passed in the Senate, died in the Assembly Judiciary Committee.
VETO 37; S.5591 by Senator Little/A.7667-A by M of A Russell: Sought to authorize campgrounds with 15 or fewer sites without dumping stations to provide a list of dumping stations within a radius of 30 miles. CONY wrote in opposition to this bill and has offered to FREE OR REDUCED FEE assist the sponsors in achieving a CAMPING: There were a total of regulatory solution to the problem. four bills that sought to provide free camping to either seniors or veterans. S.297 by Senator Diaz/ OTHER LEGISLATION A.277 by M of A Dinowitz; M E M B E R S H I P C A M P - S.2343 by Senator Serrano/A.496 GROUNDS: S.2554 by Senator by M of A Gibson; A.6013 by M Maziarz/A. 940 by M of A Phef- of A Burling; S.253 by Senator fer: Allows purchasers of member- Maziarz. None of them were reship campground contracts to can- ported from committee. cel such contracts if: (1) there is a ————————————material breach by campground owner to provide essential services; To find or follow bills in the (2) the purchaser relocates to a per- Senate, go to: manent residence more than 500 h t t p : / / w w w . n y s e n a t e . g o v / miles from the campground; (3) legislation the purchaser or his or her spouse is admitted to a health care facility; To find or follow bills in the (4) the purchaser or his or her Assembly, go to: spouse is bedridden or physically unable to utilize the campground; http://assembly.state.ny.us/leg
Counsel to the Assembly Judiciary Committee expressed reservations concerning the “self-help” aspects of the eviction process. Next year, I will be splitting the bill into two bills in an effort to achieve passage of the Lien Law provisions contained in the bill.
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Welcome New Member
Member News MEMBER BENEFIT UPDATE: Corporate Discounted Rate on Vehicle Rentals Thinking of renting a car, truck or cargo van? CONY has a corporate discount rate on vehicle rentals through Enterprise-Rent-a-Car, for use by CONY members and their campers.
-by-line savings analysis, contact Nathan Danus, Associate Relationships Manager, at 866-371-2273
Groman Shores—Stan Groman Sandy Creek (1000 Islands)
***
Access Member Info on CampCony.com
CONY is always working to provide value for your membership, including a wide range of member programs, discounts and benefits—we’ll be sending you an update soon with a comprehensive list of your current benefits and services. But, Find discounted rates by visiting we’re always adding more, so keep up to www.enterprise.com or calling 1- date on www.campcony.com. 800-Rent-A-Car. Corporate Code Number for discount is 29D3786, CONY also has a great group of associate members looking to serve you. Be sure and the access code/pin is CAM. to consult your Handy Reference Guide *** of Associate Members included with your newsletter, or again, visit MEMBER BENEFIT UPDATE: www.campcony.com. Credit Card Program *** CONY members can take advanNew York Campgrounds tage of low rates on processing of Make the “A” Grade on credit cards, through a program GuestRated.com administered by CONY associate member Payment Alliance Interna- Two New York based campgrounds were among a list of 44 tional. parks across the country that made Consider shopping around if the “A” grade in GuestRated.com’s you’ve been wondering if you’re 4th Annual Consumer Satisfaction getting the best deal. For a free line Survey.
See our associate members at www.campcony.com
Have you signed up for your login and password for CONY’s business-tobusiness website at www.campcony.com? GO NOW and set yourself up to access “Members Only” information including the materials in the CONY library, and the message forum. Questions? Contact the CONY office at (800) 497-2669 or info@nycampgrounds.com.
with “A” ratings are:
Lake George RV Park, Lake George, NY. This park is a four-time “A” grade winner.
West Canada Creek Campsites, Poland, NY. This park is a three-time “A” grade winner.
Consumers are invited to submit their own reviews of private campgrounds and RV resorts they have recently visited by logging onto www.GoCampingAmerica.com and clicking the “Review a Park” tab. Survey results will eventually be posted on the website at GoCampingAmerica.com.
More than 30,000 consumers submitted online reviews of parks Business Tip Have a limited number of movies across the United States through GuestRated.com, a company that that your campground will be showing—indoor or outdoor—and conducts the online surveys, based want to find an affordable copy- out of Murrieta, CA. For more information about the right licensing solution? According to the GuestRated.com online survey program, contact Visit www.swank.com for more press announcement, the two New Bob MacKinnon at (877) 7077080. details and information. York parks among the 44 parks 13
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Chairman’s Report the interesting and humorous stories about Randy Lehman as he Janine – you will be missed on the was inducted into the CONY Hall Board but I look forward to seeing of Fame while sitting next to his you at meetings and other events – wonderful daughter Maria was fun. Sandy and I still remember fondly And just because the Exposition is our first meetings and the welcome over, don’t think that the folks in you gave us each time – like we the office get to rest, not just yet, were long lost friends. they still have a Directory to get (Continued from page 2)
Having just spent four great days in Niagara Falls at the 48th Annual CONY Exposition learning new things, making new friends, renewing older friendships, and as always working on the business of CONY, I am excited for the upcoming year. Our new CONY App that is under development is set to be released early next year and is just one more thing to keep CONY on the cutting edge of the industry. A great BIG thank you to Rosemary, Don, Suzanne and Traci for all the hard work they and the committee put into making 2011 a great Exposition. These folks put in many, many extra hours to be sure that things go smoothly and that we are able to have a great time and learn many new things! Our awards banquet was a great evening and hearing all
compiled, edited and printed and, having worked on that process while in the Vacation Rental Industry – I know that there are many 20 hour days and very long nights trying to get it all together. Did you know that YOU can help? The best way the each of us can help the office to get the Directory done and reduce the number of very long days is to get your ads in on time. There are countless ads that come in at the “last minute” and these really cause stress to the process because they have to be edited, fit into a page which means something else may have to be moved which may cause another change….so please remember to purchase an advertisement – it is a great investment in your business – and get the art work in to the CONY office as quickly as possi-
ble – and certainly before the deadline. Your Board of Directors continues to work hard all winter as other owners start the long winter hibernation. The Marketing Committee headed by Laurie Bulluck is working hard on a new program for next year that will inspire your sense of community and charity and help to promote our business in a positive light. The Governance Committee headed by Bill Perry has a number of things they want to keep moving on, including new member benefits and possibly reorganizing the Regional boundaries. The Public Affairs Committee headed by Gregg Nichols will continue to monitor the ADA regulations as well as keeping us informed of any other Codes or Law changes that may come down the pipe. Again, I want to thank you for allowing me to serve as your CONY Chair and I look forward to working with this great organization as we continue to lead the Outdoor Hospitality Industry. Remember – It’s all Good! Mike
Industry News NCA Northeast Conference 2012
NEWS
More details available online at http://campnca.org/conference. The 2012 Northeast Conference Bookmark that page to check back on Camping, held by the Northeast when full registration details beCampground Association, is come available. scheduled for Mar 22 to Mar 24, More information about NCA is 2012, at the Sturbridge Hotel & available on their corporate webConf. Center, in Sturbridge, MA. site at www.campnca.org. 15
1 Grove Street, Suite 200 Pittsford, New York 14534
CONY Directory on the press and ready for shows season and the winning version features High Falls in the Chateaugay River in Franklin County. The photo was provided by the Adirondack Regional Tourism Council. As always, this 100-page guide features an informative directory of CONY parks, divided out by the New York State vacation regions, as well as colorful advertisements from parks, tourism promotion agencies, attractions, RV dealers and others supporting CONY with their advertising dollars. A new feature this year, that we think will help people plan their trips even easier, is a system of grids over the maps, with coordinates that should help better identify locations of campgrounds. The 2012 CONY Campground & RV Park Guide is currently being printed and will be ready for the RV show season that kicks off in Cleveland, OH on January 4th. CONY members voted on three cover concepts at the Exposition in November,
Directories will be available at the Zone Meetings this spring, and order forms will be available with registration. To order cases (45 per case) ahead of time, contact the CONY office at 585-586-4360 or info@nycampgrounds.com.
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 Newsletter 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 Street, Suite 200, Pittsford, New York 14534 nycampgrounds.com (consumer website) campcony.com (corporate website)