TACO News Fall 2023

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TACO

Promoting RV Travel & Camping in Texas www.tacomembers.com

An official publication of the Texas Association of Campground Owners

TACO Executive October Report -p3 NEWS FROM THE BOARD – SPRING MEETING -p4 DID YOU KNOW? -p7 WHAT IS EBITDA, AND WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT FOR CAMPGROUND AND RV PARK OWNERS? -p9 SIX WASTEWATER TREATMENT BEST PRACTICES FOR CAMPGROUNDS AND RECREATIONAL VEHICLE (RV) PARKS -p10 “I THINK WE NEED SOME MAJOR SUCKING UP!” -p17 THE MAGIC OF FALL CAMPING -p23 Get Connected.

Celebrating 21 years as the trusted leader in outdoor connectivity solutions

TACO Executive Director October Report TACO Continues its Texas Campgrounds Educational Series: The TACO Legislative Session Review Webinar held on October 13th was well attended and well received. Brian Schaeffer, TACO Executive Director & CEO, along with lobbyist Ron Hinkle, TACO President Randall Dally, and TACO Assistant Executive Director Michael Moore, described the association’s achievements and the issues that still need to be addressed during the “off-season” and the next legislative session.

TACO also hosted another online Certified Pool Operator class as a webinar, this time sponsored by Kraftsman Commercial Playgrounds & Water Parks. This certification is required of at least one employee at the park in the state of Texas for public pools. This two-day webinar was held in October. TACO has plans to host another Certified Pool Operator class in May, 2024.

Membership: TACO Campground Dues Renewals remain strong with yearover-year growth for nine straight years! This shows the strength in the RV campground industry, as well as the well-received and perceived value and benefits of the association. Interest in TACO Vendor Membership remains strong even before the next Trade Show, with an all-time high roster of 115 current vendor members.

TACO Meeting & Trade Show: Preparations are already being made for the next TACO Meeting & Trade Show in Conroe, Texas scheduled for April 30 – May 1, 2024. In addition to industry expert speakers and an outstanding Trade Show, there will be a “fun night”. Details coming soon, but you can sign up now on TACOSpringMeeting. com.

TACO Publications: Advertising in TACO publications remain robust again this year. The 2024 TEXAS RV Travel & Camping Guide will be going to press this fall and will be available to the public January 1st.

The quarterly TACO News is popular with campground members and vendors alike for industry updates and advertising.

Texas Glamping Resorts: To expand member benefits, and to promote our members with glamping accommodations, TACO has upgraded TexasCabinRentals.net to TexasGlampingResorts.com. Seven different types of accommodations are now available, with up to ten photos for each member listing. TACO is now accepting members with glamping accommodations that do not have RV sites. For more information, reach out to TACO - contact information below.

TACO Wins with Campground Liability Law: As a reminder, there is a requirement to post a sign with specific language. The sign placard is available in the updated TACO Legal Handbook in the password protected part of TACOMembers.com.

Here are some comments from attendees regarding the legislative update.

For more information about TACO or member benefits contact rhodes@texascampgrounds.com or visit one of our websites: TACOMembers.com • TACOSpringMeeting.com TexasCampgrounds.com • TexasGlampingResorts.com

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TACO Officers & Directors Regional Directors REGION 1, DIRECTOR Venky Venkatesan

Your TACO Board in Action

Midland RV Campground Midland, TX

Written By: By: Brian Schaeffer – Executive Director/CEO, Texas Association of Campground Owners

REGION 2 Ken Hinz Traders Village Grand Prairie, TX REGION 3, PRESIDENT Randall Dally Rayburn RV Hideout Brookeland, TX REGION 4, SECRETARY Susie Prater The Vineyards of Fredericksburg RV Park Fredericksburg, TX REGION 5, PAST PRESIDENT Cheryl McLaughlin Hatch RV Park Corpus Christi, TX REGION 6, DIRECTOR Charlie Bates Parkview Riverside RV Park Concan, TX

Directors At Large DIRECTOR AT LARGE Austin Faught Bolivar Peninsula RV Park Crystal Beach, TX –––––––––– TRADE REPRESENTATIVE Diana LeBlanc-Link PPL Houston, TX –––––––––– LEGISLATIVE CONSULTANT

The TACO Board of Directors (BOD) met via Zoom on August 9, 2023. Eight of the nine board members were present along with staff and the TACO legislative consultant.

As usual the BOD began by going around the table and giving a brief update about the industry in their area and regarding their businesses. The consensus was that summer camping was off a little overall, primarily due to the oppressive heat wave and the media coverage of it. Bookings for the fall and winter were looking good. Delivery of new RVs have cooled from the pandemic highs and resales of units are strong. All-in-all, a positive outlook.

The BOD covered the association’s finances through the third quarter, Oct 1, 2022 – June 30, 2023. The association’s total assets and liabilities matched at close to $700K. The association was significantly over budget on income through three quarters and on par for expenses, however the fourth quarter will likely even that out by fiscal yearend of Sept 30, 2023.

The BOD approved the financials as prepared by an outside CPA and presented by staff.

A budget for the new fiscal year, Oct 1, 2023, to Sept 30, 2024, was prepared by an outside CPA and presented by staff. The BOD discussed the fact that many line items were increased due to inflation, more robust participation in programs by members and more activity by TACO staff to administer these programs. Ultimately, the BOD approved the budget as presented.

TACO’s legislative consultant, Ron Hinkle, reviewed the most recent legislative session and the upcoming special session(s). It was a

successful year for TACO members and the citizens and businesses of Texas. That said, Ron is working with the board and staff to get some things accomplished in the the “off season” that were not handled to complete satisfaction during the previous sessions, such as commercial property taxes. The BOD discussed various ordinance issues affecting TACO members; the association intends to be fully engaged on those.

Staff confirmed that the next TACO Spring Meeting & Trade Show would be back at the Conroe Convention Center and the booked dates are April 30 – May 1, 2024. Information is being constantly updated at the show website www.TACOSpringMeeting.com.

Michael Moore, of TACO staff and an ARVC board member, confirmed that the annual ARVC convention was being held in Kansas City MO, November 6-9 and it was shaping up to be a very significant event, with educational seminars and the largest trade show they have ever hosted. He also confirmed a redesign of the www.GoCampingAmerica.com site with virtually all parks in the country being listed regardless of membership status.

The winter BOD meeting was set for February 7, 2024, via Zoom. The meeting adjourned.

TEXAS CAMPGROUNDS

Ron Hinkle Austin, TX ––––––––––

TEXAS CAMPGROUNDS Editor: Lisa Rhodes

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR / CEO Brian & Debra Schaeffer TACO Office

Design: KD Graphics & Design

TEXAS CAMPGROUNDS

Distribution: TACO Members, TACO Trade Members, TACO Prospective Members Contact: 910 S. Crowley Rd, Ste. 9-504 • Crowley, TX 76036 | 877-518-1989

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Finding Availability Shouldn’t Be a Guessing Game May 23, 2023

May 23, 2023

May 24, 2023

May 2023

June 2023

July 2023

August 2023

May 23, 2023

May 2023

When you use the ResNexus property management software, your guests find what they are looking for—your campground site availability. Because no one wants to play the guessing game when making a reservation.

Managing your campground property has never been easier. ResNexus is your all-in-one, easy-to-use hospitality solution, giving you the tools you need to manage your business’ reservations, marketing, OTA integrations, payments, and much more.

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R E S E RVAT I O N S

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385.292.1518

Follow the Leader Leavitt Recreation & Hospitality is one of the largest agencies in the country for RV parks and campgrounds.

G ET A Q UOTE

What would camping be without a little bit of adventure?

The same goes for owning a campground. We make it easier to navigate life’s winding trails by giving you peace of mind.

W E A R E YO U R C O M PA S S .

1-800-525-2060

942 14th Street | Sturgis, SD 57785

CA License #0779074

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Did You Know that if you get in an accident in your personal car while on company business, your personal car insurance may not cover it?

The same goes for employees on the road making business calls in their own personal cars.

Got Commercial Auto Insurance?

Commercial auto insurance is one of the most important insurance coverages because it protects your companyowned vehicles, leased and rented vehicles, and your employees’ vehicles used for business purposes.

Without commercial auto insurance, you may easily find yourself up a metaphorical highway without a steering wheel.

EMAIL Chris at Leavitt Recreation & Hospitality Insurance for more information. chris-hipple@leavitt.com

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What is EBITDA, and why is this important for Campground and RV Park Owners?

(Plus easy Tips to improve your EBITDA!) EBITDA stands for Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization. In simpler terms, it is a measure of a company’s financial health and profitability before accounting for certain expenses. For campground and RV park owners, understanding, and improving EBITDA can greatly impact the success of their business.

Written By: Carol Stevens, Director of Business Development - Leland’s Cabins Industry Advocate and Lodging Expert Why EBITDA is important for campground and RV park owners: 1. Provides a clear picture of financial health: EBITDA gives a clear picture of the financial health of the business by excluding certain expenses that may skew the true profitability of the business.

4. Improve customer satisfaction: Improving customer satisfaction through increased amenities, cleanliness and customer service can help increase repeat business and ultimately improve revenue and EBITDA. 5. Streamline operations: Streamlining operations by improving processes and utilizing technology can help reduce costs and improve profitability.

2. Helps with valuations: EBITDA is often used in the valuation of a business. A higher EBITDA can result in a higher valuation and potentially higher sale price if the business is ever sold.

In conclusion, EBITDA is an important metric for campground and RV park owners to understand and monitor in order to improve the financial health and profitability of their business. By taking steps to increase revenue, reduce expenses, focus on marketing, improve customer satisfaction and streamline operations, owners can work to improve EBITDA and ultimately the success of their business.

3. Helps with cash flow management: By understanding the EBITDA, owners can better manage cash flow and create a budget that takes into account the expenses that are not included in the EBITDA calculation.

Tips to improve EBITDA for campground owners and RV park owners: 1. Increase revenue: Increasing revenue through various means such as increasing occupancy rates, raising prices during peak season, or creating additional revenue streams (such as adding a rental service) can help improve EBITDA. 2. Reduce expenses: Reducing expenses through various means such as improving energy efficiency, reducing maintenance costs or even renegotiating contracts with suppliers or vendors can help increase EBITDA. 3. Focus on marketing: Investing in marketing can help increase the visibility of the campground or RV park and attract new customers. A well-executed marketing strategy can help increase revenue and ultimately improve EBITDA. The Pines RV and Cabin Resort FALL 2023

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Six Wastewater Treatment Best Practices for Campgrounds and Recreational Vehicle (RV) Parks Written By: Allison Blodig In the past year we’ve seen a shift in the way many people are vacationing. There’s been a shift in demand from plane trips and hotel-based stays to motor homes and recreational vehicles (RVs).

The increased interest in RV parks and campgrounds presents new challenges to property owners, including wastewater treatment. Many of these parks are located well outside the boundaries of centralized sewer systems which means they require significant investment in decentralized treatment systems.

3. Evaluate system loading based on mass-balance instead of hydraulic loading to ensure proper reactor sizing.

4. Perform a sampling program to establish key influent wasteload parameters. Published values are fine if the estimates are conservative, but nothing is better than real-world data.

5. Size systems with two or more parallel biological treatment trains to allow the operator (if the permit allows) to shut down one or more trains as flows and loads change. Size pumping and air delivery systems accordingly to accommodate lower flow conditions.

Most decentralized systems are small, aerated biological treatment units with some combination of mechanical treatment components. However, considering that the quantity of visitors can vary greatly from season to season and even week to week, the likelihood of finding a one-size-fits-all solution is quite low. The following strategies can be used to overcome these anticipated flow and load variations in designing a wastewater treatment solution for a campground or RV park.

6. Evaluate the choices available for treatment, and use technology proven to work on high strength wastewater that can handle seasonal shifts in flow and load. Systems utilizing attached growth microorganisms are known for their resilience in starvation conditions. This will help the system accommodate seasonal fluctuations and bring the system back to life in the spring when flows and loads increase.

1. Wastewater produced from an RV is emulsified, and the design will need to include solids management. If the system chosen utilizes primary settling, this unit operation will need to be large to allow time for solids settling.

2. Utilize time dosing to spread flows throughout the day and week. RVs have holding tanks for both black and gray water that are periodically drained and flushed. This often takes place on Sunday as visitors pack up to leave after a weekend camping trip.

This draining and flushing leads to surge flows and loads to the treatment system.

We’ve had the opportunity of working with many campground and RV park owners to develop wastewater treatment systems.

Here are a few examples of the solutions we have provided to these property owners.

For more information contact Steven C. Murdock, Infiltrator Water Technologies / Delta Treatment Systems Email: smurdock@infiltratorwater.com

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ACCOUNTING / ELECTRICAL SERVICE/SUPPLIES

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ACCOUNTING / BOOKKEEPING CAMPGROUND REFUND Jim Dixon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 214-546-7886 Performing no-risk contingency fee sales tax recovery refund on utilities and construction for RV Campgrounds www.campgroundrefund.com FIRESIDE ACCOUNTING Lindsey Foos. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 303-816-8528 A turnkey accounting solution offering full bookkeeping services to campgrounds, RV parks, RV resorts and multipark businesses. www.firesideaccounting.com BANKING/FINANCE AMERIS BANK SBA & USDA LENDING Bruce Hurta. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 281-384-2595 SBA & USDA lending - Ameris Bank is one of the top-ranked SBA & USDA lenders in the country, and is dedicated to helping small businesses grow. www.amerisbank.com JETSTREAM CAPITAL (A CITYSTREET CAPITAL COMPANY) Eve Griffin. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 713-333-1638 Provide senior debt capital, participating debt and preferred equity structures to proven RV owners and operators. www.citystreetcapital.com MCPS CREDIT CARDS Deanne Bower . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 570-884-8338 Where processing relationships are formed because we are the processor that does things your way. www.mcpscreditcards.com THE BSC GROUP Drew Sikula. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 312-224-8965 Commercial mortgage brokers financing RV parks thru local and national banks, credit unions, LifeCos and private debt funds. www.thebscgroup.com CABLE TV & SATELLITE SYSTEMS IT’S ALL ABOUT SATELLITES Barry Conley. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 800-951-1979 Stream TV over Wi-Fi | HD TV Systems | Broadband Internet | 100% Coverage Wi-Fi Networks.

Proud to Celebrate our 25th Anniversary. DirecTV Authorized Dealer since 1996. www.itsallaboutsatellites.com CAMPGROUND CONSULTING CAMPGROUND CONSULTING GROUP, LLC. Jayne Cohen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 800-897-8836 National consulting group specializing in all aspects of RV park and campground development, investment and operations, land planning and design; feasibility studies, operational audits and more. www.campgroundconsultinggroup.com EOB CONSULTING LLC Ed O. Bridgman. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 512-785-1379 Feasibility Analysis, Competitive Analysis, Design Layout, Construction Cost, Operating Cost and Revenue, 10-year Cash Flow. www.EOB-Consulting.com MATTHEWS CONSULTING GROUP Wendy Matthews. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 903-372-7777 Comprehensive fully-integrated park and resort firm. Land/ Park evaluations, site analysis, market studies, design, operations. www.matthewsbcg.com MCG HOSPITALITY Amie Mersmann. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 832-494-7862 Provides strategic planning, design, business planning, operational startup, marketing solutions, & resort management. www.mcg-hospitality.com MOORE’S CAMPGROUND CONSULTING Joe Moore. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 817-999-4108 Listing continued to next column

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Professional campground assessment, providing consulting services from a thought, all the way through opening. TACO/ ARVC affiliated. www.moorescampgroundconsulting.com NADI GROUP Uchenna Nnadi. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 848-669-6234 Urban design, land-use planning and landscape architecture that adds resilience, value, and the human experience to your project. Discover how we create. www.nadigroup.com OUTDOOR DESIGN GROUP, INC. Matt Corrion. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 303-993-4811 RV Park and campground land use planning, design, financial analysis, marketing, start-up and operations consulting. Also landscape design, irrigation planning & design and signage design. www.odgdesign.com SAGE OUTDOOR ADVISORY Shari Heilala. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 312-291-1921 Leveraging their national database and research, in preparing businesses for investment, financing, acquisition, development and expansion. www.sageoutdooradvisory.com CAMPGROUND EQUIPMENT BAKER PRODUCTS / FREEZE MISER Jeff Jubela. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 830-499-5360 Freeze protection. www.freezemiser.com CAMCO Greg McCool . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 336-543-3813 Campground product display, freshwater hoses, sanitation products including tote tanks, sewer hoses and chemicals www.camco.net FIRESIDE LODGE FURNITURE CO. Sara Pridgen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218-568-6188 Rustic furniture made for your modern world. www.firesidelodgefurniture.com GINAST OUTDOOR WELLNESS Diego Michelato. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 561-710-0704 Our equipment is user-friendly, simple to use, and designed to make exercising fun. Only using bodyweight training, we help to improve wellness for everyone, all generations. www.ginast.com GREAT AMERICAN DIRECT Kendall Lecker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 757-229-0567 Your Glamping Experts at Factory Direct Pricing! Mattresses, Wipe Downs, Mattress Protection, Futon Frames & Mattresses. www.greatamericandirect.com JAMESTOWN ADVANCED PRODUCTS Leslie Bamburoski . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 800-452-0639 Commercial site amenities for campgrounds, parks, and rec areas. www.jamestownadvanced.com KANGAROO JUMPER INC. Courtney Childress. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 865-387-8706 We help make playgrounds even more fun, by delivering and installing the market’s leading Jumper product to you. www.kangaroojumper.com POLY FURNITURE USA Levi Good . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 641-732-7429 Outdoor poly furniture built to last, with a 10 year warranty and all 316 stainless steel hardware. www.polyfurnitureusa.com STEELSTOR RELOCATABLE Kristin Hesse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 512-535-7666 SteelStor Units provide additional income-generating streams while providing much needed storage for RV guests. www.steelstorrelocatable.com THE JUMP PAD Dennis Macready. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 865-387-5667 The Jump Pad is a flat Jumping product with individual baffles that allow side by side jumping. www.thejumppad.com FALL FALL 2023 2023

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THE PLAYWELL GROUP James Robertson. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 800-726-1816 The PlayWell Group has been providing commercial playground equipment and park products since 1987. From neighborhoods to municipal parks, we’ve built thousands of playgrounds for children of all ages and abilities. We partner with municipalities, & more www.playwellgroup.com CAMPGROUND MANAGEMENT ADVANCED OUTDOOR SOLUTIONS Jenna Lombardo. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 800-579-9796 RV resort, RV park, campground management - 3rd party management consulting. www.advanced-outdoor.biz BLUE WATER DEVELOPMENT Tony Nichols. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 443-856-4300 Blue Water delivers top management services where operations, revenue management, and marketing create solutions. www.bwdc.com FOCUSED ON MANAGEMENT Pamela Wright. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 337-426-0938 Streamline your RV Park/RV Resort/Campground operations and/or hire staff that are qualified and ready to work. Call us! www.focusedonmgmt.com HORIZON OUTDOOR HOSPITALITY Scott Foos. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 303-529-9770 Full service management, financial management, and consulting for RV resorts, RV parks, and campgrounds, since 2004. www.horizonoutdoors.com IVEE GROUP Scott Knepp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 404-477-6189 Third party management specializing in bringing the best hospitality practices to the outdoor hospitality space. www.ivee.com NEWPORT PACIFIC CAPITAL COMPANY INC. Karri Seeds. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 281-334-6426 Management and development. www.newportpacific.com RV PARK MANAGEMENT, LLC Austin Faught. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 855-515-1777 RV Park Management provides owners with professional management services and systems designed to maximize RV park investments. www.rvparkpm.com CONSTRUCTION KEELEY CONSTRUCTION Matthew Bradley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210-850-3299 We are here for all your exterior improvements - asphalt, concrete, dirt work. Customer service, quality, and safety never go out of style. www.keeleycompanies.com PIPER WHITNEY CONSTRUCTION LLC Kryshon Bratton. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 713-504-1260 Hardscaping, playgrounds, swimming pools, splashpads, landscaping & design. www.piperwhitney.com RELIABLE PAVING Erica Larson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 817-647-0779 General contractor for new and remodel sites. www.texenpower.com ELECTRICAL SERVICE/SUPPLIES INFINITY POWER PARTNERS, LLC Nick Altman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 713-59-0558 Electricity and natural gas procurement management solutions, risk management service and marketing insight through the development of client-specific strategies. www.infinitypowerpartners.com LIVINGSTON ENERGY GROUP Kate Kruk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 518-691-3119 Single-source solution for Electric Vehicle EV charging equipment hardware and software. www.solution.energy

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TACO VENDOR MEMBERS LAUNDRY EQUIPMENT AADVANTAGE LAUNDRY SYSTEMS Jerry Lewis. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 800-880-2138 We install all new smart washers/dryers with app, credit card or debit card so that guests can start machines and get a text when their loads are finished. We service everything on the machines and pay commission to you. www.aadvantagelaundry.com BEST WASH INC. James West. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 281-441-2465 Commercial laundry equipment, sales and service, designs and more. www.bestwashinc.com COMMERCIAL EQUIPMENT COMPANY John Francis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 972-991-9274 Commercial Equipment Company has served the RV/ Campground industry since 1967, providing Speed Queen Washers/Dryers to community laundry rooms. www.ceclaundry.com MARKETING SERVICES ANDERSON’S BROCHURE DISTRIBUTION Donald Bennet. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 585-615-7742 Professional and cost-effective distribution of brochures, directories, and camping guides at RV and other shows. www.campwithandersons.com CAMPERSCARD Sarah Folmar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 717-307-1219 CampersCard is a cost-free opportunity for RV campgrounds to increase revenue by promoting their property to 800K+ campers. Simply offer CampersCard Members nightly discounts, campground perks, or additional amenities. List your campground today! www.camperscard.com CAMPGROUND VIEWS, INC. Mark Koep . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 805-341-3828 The best marketing tool available for your destination. Allow guests to virtually tour your property and click to book. www.campgroundviews.com GOOD SAM Siera Samaniego. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 805-667-4391 Travel guide, website, mobile app, and social media marketing. www.goodsam.com RV LIFE Dawn Watanabe. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 805-290-0656 RV LIFE, a campground website & digital network of 50+ RV websites/blogs & forums, with an annual audience of 60M+ visitors & 2M+ RVers. www.rvlifenetwork.com RVSHARE LLC Steve Manes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 805-667-4391 RVShare is the world’s first and largest peer-to-peer RV rental marketplace in the US. www.rvshare.com ONLINE RESERVATION PROVIDER BOOKOUTDOORS - OUTDOOR VENTURES, INC. Brian Nolan. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 818-523-4872 The premier platform for planning and booking outdoor travel - book any campground, rent vehicles, buy gear & plan experiences. www.bookoutdoors.com CAMPLIFE INC. Roguer Rosa. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 877-783-2367 Our robust, customizable reservation system helps you save time, make money, and get back to doing what you love.

Demo today! www.getcamplife.com CAMPSPOT Casey Cochran . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 616-226-3135 The Industry’s leading campground reservation and management software. Contact us at 616.226.3135 or sales@ campspot.com www.software.campspot.com FALL FALL 2023 2023

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FIREFLY RESERVATIONS Bobby Sorden. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 656-347-3359 Focusing on simplicity, Firefly Reservations was built by campground owners, for campground owners. Now combined with the power of Astra/Reserve America. www.fireflyreservations.com NEWBOOK Blake Burris. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 310-855-3773 Powerful campground management & booking system www.newbook.cloud RESNEXUS Travis Orton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 385-218-2637 Management software for any business operating a reservation system to rent, lease, or schedule for a campground. www.resnexus.com RMS - THE HOSPITALITY CLOUD Kaelyn Beckman. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 858-771-9917 Reservation systems, advertising/promotions, website services. www.RMSNorthAmerica.com ROVERPASS Lisa Senecal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 307-363-6563 Manage, track, and optimize all your campground’s needs with RoverPass’ easy-to-use reservation management software. www.roverpass.com STAYLIST Candice McNamar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 865-205-0210 Staylist is a cloud-based reservation platform that allows outdoor business to create and manage guests, units, and rates www.pro.staylist.com PARK MODELS/GLAMPING ACCOMMODATIONS ATHENS / CHAMPION PARK MODELS Gary Rice, Jr. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 817-402-0215 Manufacturer of park models and RVs. www.athenspark.com CONESTOGA WAGON CO. Jason Olson. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 307-277-0525 Luxury glamping wagons, a unique rental accommodation. www.conestogawagon.co.com GATED RENTALS Clayton Hagerman. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 832-928-4780 Developer and Operator of RV parks and tiny home communities for working class Americans. www.gatedrentals.com JOHN ANTHONY HOMES AND DEVELOPMENT John McGilvray . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 830-377-6231 Specializing in Park Development, Custom Cabins, RVIA Park Models, Short/Long term investment rentals. Your vision, your budget with our expertise. www.johnanthonyhd.com LAKESIDE PARK MODELS - CLAYTON BUILT Michael Burleson. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 800-465-7923 Lakeside Luxury Park Models are built with pride in Addison, Alabama. We are owned by Clayton Home Building Group, a Berkshire Hathaway Company and are operated by a dedicated team committed to bringing high quality, luxurious park models. www.lakesideparkmodels.com LELAND’S COMMERCIAL CABINS Amanda Lancaster. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 817-409-6513 Cabins, portable buildings, RV covers. www.lelandcabins.com LONESOME YURTS AND TREEHOUSES Bob Erickson. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218-587-8733 Elevate your glamping experience. www.lonesomeyurts.com

Listings continued to next page

ELECTRICAL SERVICE/SUPPLIES - PARK MODELS/GLAMPING ACCOMMODATIONS

ELECTRICAL SERVICE/SUPPLIES CONT. PEAK ENERGY TECHNOLOGY Carol Weideman. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 888-613-7775 Recycle electricity & save 15-20% off of electric bill with Peak Energy Savers. Save money and the environment. As seen on TV. www.peakenergytech.com TEXEN POWER COMPANY Tom Stubblefield . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 281-989-7440 Aggregator agent for electric power/commercial electricity, save you up to 35%. www.texenpower.com UTILITY SUPPLY GROUP Heidi Doyle. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 800-800-2811 Utility Supply Group is the premier supplier of electrical products and components for the Outdoor Hospitality Industry. www.go-usg.com WILD ENERGY INC Mike Sorensen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 833-563-6300 Wireless automated electrical metering and monitoring. We automatically capture and record energy usage by customer.

WWW.WILDENERGYCO.COM FRANCHISE SERVICES CAMP JELLYSTONE Steve Stafford. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248-579-8296 Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp-Resorts is the only franchise in the US solely focused on the family camping demographic.

There are currently more than 75 Jellystone Park locations in the US & Canada www.jellystonefranchise.com KOA - KAMPGROUNDS OF AMERICA, INC. Larry Brownfield. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 800-548-7239 Franchise marketing providing onsite training & KOA U-Design support for technology and site upgrades to serve today’s public. www.ownkoa.com INSURANCE ARK ASSURANCE GROUP John Hinsley. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 903-509-2292 RV park insurance services. www.arkassurance.com COVERRA INSURANCE SERVICES Crystal Erickson. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 608-269-2127 Campground Insurance. Our experienced agents will guide you through your options, securing the most appropriate protection for you and your business. www.coverrainsurance.com LEAVITT RECREATION & HOSPITALITY INS. Chris Hipple . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 800-525-2060 Specialized Insurance for RV Parks, Campgrounds, & Resorts. #1 in the industry for over 40 years! www.leavitt.com MARSHALL & STERLING CAMPGROUND INSURANCE PROGRAM Irene Jones. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 800-782-2926 Campground, RV Resort and Glamping Insurance solutions, specialists and resources to help your business succeed www.marshallsterling.com OUTDOOR INSURANCE SERVICES Frank Hursh. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 832-497-5312 Insurance for RV Parks, campgrounds, resorts, cabins, RVs, and travel trailers. www.outdoorinsuranceservices.com ROWLEY INSURANCE Ken Rowley. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 800-880-9397 RV park insurance. www.rowleyinsurance.com RV INSURANCE BENEFITS Coleen Elkins . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 817-487-2111 Since 2008, RV Insurance Benefits has serviced RVers and Campground owners with health insurance and Medicare. www.rvinsurancebenefits.com

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PARK MODELS/GLAMPING ACCOMMODATIONS CONT. - WIRELESS INTERNET PROVIDER (WI-FI)

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PARK MODELS/GLAMPING ACCOMMODATIONS CONT. PLAINSCRAFT COVERED WAGONS Dennis Steinman. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 785-748-4588 Handmade in the heart of Kansas, PlainsCraft creates full size luxury covered wagons for outdoor hospitality providers who seek to offer a one-of-a-kind overnight experience visitors will never forget. www.plainscraft.net PLATINUM COTTAGES Penni Feil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 903-675-2525 Park model manufacturer. www.platinumcottages.com RECREATIONAL RESORT LIVING, LLC. Rebecca Moore. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 469-340-6029 Tiny Homes and Cabin: Simplicity - Sustainability - Serenity​ -Minimalism Without Compromise. www.recreationalresortliving.com POOL & WATER STRUCTURES KRAFTSMAN COMMERCIAL PLAYGROUNDS & WATER PARKS Lauren Quinn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 281-353-9599 Plan, design, and construct playgrounds, SplashParks, pool slides, shade, shelter, site amenities, and more throughout Texas! www.kraftsmanplay.com SPLASHTACULAR Trinity Lawson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 800-844-5334 We design, engineer, manufacture, and assemble every part of our waterslides & spraygrounds in the USA - and have since 1998. www.splashtacular.com WIZARD WORKS DESIGN GROUP Mark Aragona. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 518-786-5253 We design and build durable, cost-effective, easy to maintain, and irresistibly fun water attractions for your guests. wizardworksdg.com PRINTING & PUBLISHING AGS GUEST GUIDES Michael Moore. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 877-518-1989 Guest guides, site maps and marketing www.agspub.com REAL ESTATE BAEHRE REAL ESTATE LLC Russell Baehre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 830-896-5050 RV parks, real estate. www.rvparksforsale.com COLLIERS INTERNATIONAL MANUFACTURED HOUSING GROUP Kristin Barham. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 561-479-1588 We are real estate brokers that focus exclusively on manufactured housing and RV communities throughout the U.S. and Canada – we list communities for sale and assist in the acquisition of a new community. www.collier.com/en CRD REALTY Ryan Doole. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 936-206-3184 Real estate brokers that focus on buyer and seller representation of RV Communities. www.crdrealty.com DOMINUS COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE Chad Snyder. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 817-980-7276 Dominus Commercial Real Estate - Investment Sales / Capital Markets www.dominuscommercial.com NAI OUTDOOR HOSPITALITY BROKERS Alyssa Haskel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 520-271-2304 Professionals in outdoor hospitality brokerage specializing in the acquisition and disposition of RV Parks and Campgrounds. www.naiohb.com

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PARK BROKERAGE AND COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE John Sheed. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 602-821-4666 Providing best pricing, customer service, and negotiating skills to buyers, sellers, and borrowers for RV parks. www.parkbrokerage.com RV PARKS ONLINE STORE Larry Frawley. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 713-899-7394 We are a full-service RV Park Sales Brokerage and Property Management Company. www.h-townliving.com TEXAS COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE SERVICES TEXAS CRES LLC Doug Larson. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 713-824-3799 RV Park & Real Estate Specialists. www.texascres.com YALE REALTY & CAPITAL ADVISORS Dana Smith. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 303-323-5649 Real Estate Brokerage - specializing in brokerage and financing nationwide for the RV & manufactured housing industry. www.yaleadvisors.com RV DEALER, REPAIR, & SERVICE 5 STAR TUNING Chris Duncan. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 843-536-1244 Dyno proven gains of 42HP/75 to 6.8L, 75 HP, 70lb ft from a 7.3L www.5startuning.com CONVENIENCE RV PARTS & REPAIR Andy Townend. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 936-344-2027 Fully-stocked RV Parts Store and RV Service Shop. Come and see us for all your RV Parts and repair needs. www.conveniencerv.com PPL MOTOR HOMES Courtney Casares Hernandez . . . . . . . . . . . 713-988-5555 RV consignment dealer, serving locations in Houston, Cleburne and New Braunfels. www.pplmotorhomes.com RV UNIVERSE Samantha Wegner. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 405-458-4452 RVUniverse.com is the quick and easy online destination for finding, buying, and selling new and used recreational vehicles. www.rvuniverse.com RV STORAGE ON YOUR WAY STORAGE Bill Brownfield. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 979-710-7102 Safe & convenient RV parking in northwest Houston, avoiding Houston’s congested highways. www.onyourway359.com STORE GOODS ARMIS RV GUARDIAN Dan Cowan. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 830-376-2784 ARMIS RV Guardian protects your adventures against the devastationof tire blowouts. Protect your family and investment. www.armisrvguardian.com JR PRODUCTS/CAMP CASUAL Patrick Harrison. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 716-632-2926 Replacement hardware, electrical, plumbing, LP gas, and towing products. Also providing mugs, dish sets, throws, and more! www.jrproducts.net MOSKINTO Rodrigo Ricaud . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 469- 466-8168 Boost camp experience & sales w/ Moskinto 14hr Picaridin Repellents & Itch-Relief Patches. An itch-free camp is a happy camp! www.qrskinusa.com SOLA PRODUCTS Tonya Shanks. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 918-574-8888 Summer seasonal products - pool inflatables, towels, flip flops, pool toys, outdoor games, & camping necessities www.solaproducts.com FALL FALL 2023 2023

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TAIL BANGERS Lisa St Clair. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 302-934-1125 All-Natural Dog Treats by dog bakery Tail Bangers Inc. www.tailbangers.com WILCOR INTERNATIONAL Susan Corrigan. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 800-346-2345 Camping goods - outdoor wholesale supplier. www.wilcor.net WILDTHINGS SNAP-ONS LLC Adina Powers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 415-457-0112 Adventure clothing for Kids! www.wildthingsshirts.com WATER TREATEMENT COMMERCIAL WASTEWATER SOLUTIONS Mark Heinen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 830-460-3586 We sell and install Delta Treatment Systems for RV Parks, Tiny Home Communities, Church Camps, Resorts, and more. www.commercialwastewatersolutions.com INFILTRATOR WATER TECHNOLOGIES Steve Murdock. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 512-415-2446 Wastewater treatment solutions for residential and commercial systems with daily flows up to 300,000 gallons per day. www.deltatreatment.com JMI OSSF DESIGN & CONSULTING Jon Maass. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 512-297-2346 We provide OSSF/septic designs best for your properties according to your land use, and we can assist with permitting process. www.jmionsitesystems.com WILLCO ENGINEERING, PLLC Eric Williams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 713-502-0650 Septic System Design Services and RV Park Development & Design Services. www.willcoengineering.com WEBSITE SERVICES/MOBILE APPS APP MY COMMUNITY Joe Duemig. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 636-459-5161 put your resort directly in both app stores. We create an individual app for you to communicate and engage with your guests. www.appmycommunity.com BIG RIG MEDIA LLC Jeff Beyer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 866-524-4744 Big Rig Media is the leading Digital Marketing & Website Development firm servicing the Outdoor Hospitality Industry. www.bigrigmedia.com TXAD WEB DEVELOPMENT & DESIGN Michael Moore. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 877-518-1989 Website design and hosting, ADA Compliance Services, Adwords and Online Marketing. www.txadinternet.com WIRELESS INTERNET PROVIDER ACCESSPARKS BROADBAND Tim Rout. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 858-353-0845 Seventeen years as end-to-end managed services provider (MSP), offering true Broadband Wi-Fi to RV Parks nationwide www.accessparks.com CHECKBOX SYSTEMS Jim Ganley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 866-345-9434 CheckBox provides affordable, reliable, easy-to-manage Wi-Fi systems and services to thousands of locations across the U.S. www.checkboxsystems.net TENGO INTERNET Karen Wong . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 512-469-7660 Wireless internet provider www.tengointernet.com HIGHLIGHTED LISTINGS ARE TACO PREFERRED PROVIDERS. For complete TACO Vendor listings, visit TACOMembers.com/taco-suppliers

MARKR YOUDAR! N CALE

• Classes • Casino Fun Night • Legislative Update • Silent Auction • TACO Awards • TRADE SHOW

2024 TACO MEETING & TRADE SHOW

April 30th & May 1st, 2024 Lone Star Convention & Expo Center • Conroe, TX

For More Information and to Sign Up Now Contact TACO: www.tacospringmeeting.com • 877-518-1989 Attendees Sign Up by April 1st and Receive a Discount!

PROFESSIONAL WEBSITES

Explore more! Scan or Visit, www.BrazosOutdoorCenter.com

A F F O R DA B L E P R I C I N G

Explore more! Scan or Visit, HighRockLakeCampground.com TXAD Web designs high-quality, optimized, ADA compliant Websites. Perfect for your park without the extremely high fees that are too common today. For affordable website designs, updates, or upgrades – TXAD starts under $2,500 with annual hosting fees in the hundreds, not the thousands! Call or email TODAY, we want to help you!

877.518.1989

webmaster@texasadvertising.net

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Introducing: Conestoga® Co. Cabins

New Conestoga Cabins and Shower Houses!

Get a taste of true tranquility with our new cabins and shower houses offered in a variety of styles. These cozy havens bring a touch of rustic charm to your property, offering guests a private but genuine countryside escape.

Coastal Cabin W/ Bathroom Exterior

Coastal Cabin W/ Bathroom Interior

Styles and Sizes Designed with flexibility in mind, our cabins Western Model Modern Model Shower House Shower House and shower houses are built to cater to your property needs. The cabins come in various sizes, and are available with or without bathrooms. The shower houses come in either 2 room or 3 room options. They are both easily transported via forklift and come with standard RV hookups.

Conestoga Lux Wagons The spirit of the Wild West, the comfort of a five-star resort, and built to last, our Lux Wagon has it all!

To ensure maximum comfort for your guests, we build the bathroom separately as a fully enclosed and vented shower house pod that protects the guests from humidity and any odors that may omit from the bathroom. No compromises are needed with a Conestoga® Lux Wagon!

HANDCRAFTED IN THE USA Jason Olson, Sales • Phone: 307-277-0525 • Jason@cwagons.com Sage Weston, Sales • Phone: 435-557-9767 • Sage@cwagons.com Jesse Strong, Sales • Phone: 801-362-0167 • Jesse@cwagons.com conestogawagonco.com FALL FALL 2023 2023

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“I Think We Need Some Major Sucking Up!” Written By: Michael Moore

While my title is just a line from the movie Pretty Woman, I think it applies to the camping industry right now. We know that manufacturers and dealers are not seeing the same growth as a year or two ago.

On the campground side, both large and small, occupancy is down slightly compared to last year or the year before. It’s not all that surprising after record-breaking years following the COVID pandemic; but it can still be jarring nonetheless, especially if large operations have budgeted and projected much larger numbers than what’s happened.

So, why is that?

We know it’s not because the country has too many campsites. Study after study has referenced the fact that America doesn’t have enough campsites, compared to how many people own an RV or are looking to camp in the foreseeable future.

Instead, it could be because the playing field has leveled to the point where many options look like the other.

Years ago, paved sites and pools would be considered “high-end.” Now? That’s the minimum if you’re going to attract new customers. On the other end of the spectrum are lazy rivers, glamping units and full-service restaurants. Which, make no mistake, are good things for the industry. But what happens if you’re one (or several) of those properties stuck in a rut and not able to continue that exponential growth that was projected?

One option is, luckily, not something that would cut into your bottom line. Yes, people are intrigued by the amenities, but is that what makes them come back to that park? What is something that is seared into their brains and makes them feel good? It’s the customer service and relationships they have with people at the park. That is what the camping industry was built on, and still is, and can be lost by operators if they aren’t careful.

So, what are some ways you and your staff can start sucking up? It starts from the first interaction. It could be online; make sure your website has easy-to-find information and inviting pictures. Yes, that website that turns 20 years old this year may have served its purpose; but you don’t want to be pushed down the search results on Google as more camping options are coming online.

The customer experience can start on the phone for many.

Do you know who is answering the phone for your business? At Texas Advertising, we have our staff answer the phone with, “It’s the best day ever! I’m so-and-so; how can I help you?” It sounds corny, but I can honestly say it not only helps, but it sticks with people calling in. I learned this lesson from Jeff Crider, an industry FALL 2023

publicist and writer for Woodall’s Campground Magazine. He was speaking to members of the Texas Association of Campground Owners and told the audience that 90% of them had people answering their phones that should not be answering the phone.

Jeff calls hundreds, if not thousands, of parks a year and would know. Now you do, too. Listen to who’s answering the phone for you, and make sure their interactions are representative of your park.

There are a million other things you and your park can do to make customers feel good. From escorting a guest to their site to brushing off that pedestal, to knowing what restaurant in town they should go to, it’s the personal touch that makes their stay different from a business trip.

In fact, think of a typical business trip and where a business traveler is staying. The amenities at most hotels attempt to offer a lot of the same things—four walls, a bed, a TV and a bathroom that doesn’t make you wince. So, what makes them stick out?

The service! It is the friendly face at the front desk or the problem solver who helps with some issues that popped up.

That’s the state of the campground industry. A lot of parks have similar amenities which, again, are much better on the whole than in previous generations, but some “major sucking up” shifts the unique value proposition to the staff and the service they’re providing.

Michael Moore is the general manager of AGS Guest Guides, a division of Texas Advertising, as well as the Supplier Council representative on the National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds’ Board of Directors. You can email him with any questions or concerns at michael@texasadvertising.net or visit www.AGSPub.com 17

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NEW CAMPGROUND MEMBERS REGION 3 OMEGA FARMS RV PARK 11895 OLD MONTGOMERY RD. WILLIS, TX 77318 SPRING CREEK RV PARK 13390 COUNTY ROAD 4134 TYLER, TX 75704 REGION 4 BROTHERS RV PARK 1090 EARLY BOULEVARD EARLY, TX 76802 TRIPLE T RV RESORT 3900 BANDERA HWY KERRVILLE, TX 78028 REGION 5 LONE STAR LAKES RV PARK 20980 HWY 59 NEW CANEY, TX 77357 SOUTHBOUND RV PARK AND CABINS 6234 US HWY 59 SOUTH VICTORIA, TX 77905

REGION 2 BRECKENRIDGE HUBBARD CREEK LAKE KOA 2833 W WALKER STREET BRECKENRIDGE, TX 76424 FLYING DUTCHMAN RV RESORT 2356 FM 66 WAXAHACHIE, TX 75167 HIGHLAND HIDEAWAY RV RESORT 1008 HIGHLAND RD CLEBURNE, TX 76033 PATRIOT RV PARK - FAIRFIELD 1510 US HWY 84 W FAIRFIELD, TX 75840 STARRY NIGHT RV RESORT 4513 KENNEDALE NEW HOPE ROAD FORT WORTH, TX 76140 WHITNEY ROSE RV PARK 441 HCR 2105 LOOP N WHITNEY, TX 76692

WELCOME NEW VENDOR MEMBERS BUSINESS FINANCE DEPOT/HEALTH CLUB EXPERTS.COM Gary Raffensperger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 954-494-5944 gary@businessfinanceddepot.com www.businessfinancedepot.com Our Company specializes in providing financing including SBA for RV Parks and Campgrounds, Franchise and Fitness Industries.

FOCUSED ON MANAGEMENT Pamela Wright . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 337-426-0938 pwright@focusedonmgmt.com www.focusedonmgmt.com Streamline your RV Park/RV Resort/Campground operations and/or hire staff that are qualified and ready to work. Call us!

MCPS CREDIT CARDS Deanne Bower. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 570-884-8338 deanne@mcpscreditcards.com www.mcpscreditcards.com Where processing relationships are formed because we are the processor that does things your way.

NADI GROUP Uchenna Nnadi. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 848-669-6234 info@nadigroup.com www.nadigroup.com Urban design, land-use planning and landscape architecture that adds resilience, value, and the human experience to your project. Discover how we create.

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POLY FURNITURE USA Levi Good . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 641-732-7429 info@polyfurnitureusa.com www.polyfurnitureusa.com Outdoor poly furniture built to last, with a 10 year warranty and all 316 stainless steel hardware.

RV LIFE Dawn Watanabe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 805-290-0656 Andy@RVLIFE.com www.rvlifenetwork.com RV LIFE, a campground website & digital network of 50+ RV websites/blogs & forums, with an annual audience of 60M+ visitors & 2M+ RVers.

RV PARKS ONLINE STORE Larry Frawley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 713-899-7394 rvparks@kwcommercial.com www.h-townliving.com We are a full-service RV Park Sales Brokerage and Property Management Company.

WILLCO ENGINEERING, PLLC Eric Williams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 713-502-0650 eric@willcoengineering.com www.willcoengineering.com Septic System Design Services and RV Park Development & Design Services.

TACOMEMBERS.COM

Building Better WiFi

Streaming Online Lear ning Zooming Is your W iFi system up to these demands?

CheckBox has over 20 years of experience providing quality, affordable WiFi to thousands of locations, from small family run campgrounds to expansive RV resorts. With the expertise and resources to get you up and running quickly, CheckBox provides scalable, affordable solutions ready to deploy today.

Need A New W iFi System? No required contracts or monthly fees Large on-hand inventory ready to ship Includes S/A/F/E - the Survey And Feedback Engine Includes MultiNet - Multiple networks with one system Live, dedicated U.S. based support for Staff and Management Optional U.S. based support for guests Since 2002 CheckBox has been the choice of thousands of parks and resorts. From small family run campgrounds to RV resorts with thousands of sites, CheckBox has scalable, affordable solutions ready to deploy today.

CheckBox has the lowest total cost of ownership of any professional WiFi system. With CheckBox there are no mandatory contracts and no required monthly fees.

866.345.9434 www.CheckBoxSystems.net info@CheckBoxSystems.net FALL FALL 2023 2023

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PlainsCraft Wagons

Built for the unexpected

With glamping on the rise, you need outdoor accommodations that truly stand out. Entice your guests with a sense of adventure and exploration by adding luxurious covered wagons to your lodging options. They’re always a draw, which means you’ll get an outstanding return on your investment.

Embrace the unforgettable and see what our wagons can do for your business.

Plainscraft.net/taco info@plainscraft.net • (785) 748-4588

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The Magic of Fall Camping Written By: Bobby Sorden, Senior Marketing Manager Firefly Reservations As the sweltering summer heat begins to fade, and the leaves change from green to vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow, autumn emerges as a fantastic season for outdoor enthusiasts to explore the great outdoors. Fall is a time for cozy campfires, scenic hikes, and seasonal festivals. Campgrounds and RV parks across the country come alive during this season, offering a unique and unforgettable experience. For campground owners and managers, managing the influx of visitors during fall can be a daunting task. This is where your reservation software provider can come to the rescue, helping streamline operations, especially during fall festivals and Halloween parties.

1. Online Reservations: Allow campers to easily book their campsites and RV spots online. This convenient feature helps fill up your campground during fall festivals, ensuring a successful event.

2. Real-Time Availability: Check your software provider for real-time availability information, helping campers choose the best dates for their fall camping trip and preventing double bookings.

3. Customization: You can tailor your campground’s offerings, including seasonal packages and add-ons like hayrides, corn mazes, and pumpkin decorating contests for a unique fall experience.

4. Guest Communication: Keep campers informed about event schedules, weather updates, and any other important information via email or SMS notifications, ensuring a seamless experience. Before using text messaging, be sure your guests have opted in, or make it a part of the reservation process.

5. Reservation Management: Reservations software simplifies check-ins and check-outs, making it easy to manage guest reservations and payments during peak fall festival periods.

6. Campground Analytics: Does your software provide valuable data and insights into your campground’s performance, allowing you to make informed decisions for future fall events?

Fall camping offers a unique opportunity to enjoy the beauty of nature and experience the vibrant festivals and events that the season brings. Campgrounds and RV parks can capitalize on this seasonal surge in visitors by utilizing reservations software to manage their operations efficiently.

With the right tools and a focus on customer service, campgrounds can create memorable experiences for guests, whether it’s enjoying the stunning fall foliage, participating in a Fall Festival, or exploring the great outdoors. As the leaves fall and the cool autumn air settles in, now is the time to make the most of this enchanting season at your campground.

Fall camping has a unique charm of its own. The crisp air and breathtaking foliage provide the perfect backdrop for outdoor adventures. Whether you prefer tent camping, cabin rentals, or the luxury of an RV, campgrounds and RV parks have something for everyone. Here are some reasons to consider a fall camping trip: 1. Spectacular Scenery: The changing leaves create a kaleidoscope of colors that turn the campsite into a picturesque wonderland.

2. Cooler Temperatures: The sweltering summer heat gives way to comfortable daytime temperatures and cool nights, ideal for campfires and stargazing.

3. Fewer Crowds: With the summer crowds gone, fall is the perfect time to enjoy the tranquility of nature without the hustle and bustle of peak season.

4. Seasonal Activities: Many campgrounds host special fall events, such as apple-picking, pumpkin patches, and, of course, Halloween parties or Fall Festivals.

5. Wildlife Watching: Fall is a prime time for wildlife activity as animals prepare for winter, making it a great season for birdwatching and animal tracking.

Streamlining Fall Festivals and Events Managing campgrounds and RV parks during the fall season can be challenging, especially when you want to host fall festivals, Halloween parties, and other special events. Your software provider can be an invaluable tool for campground owners and managers to streamline operations and enhance the guest experience during the autumn season.

FALL 2023

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Simplify with Firefly Built By Campground Owners For Campground Owners Welcome to the future of campground reservations software. Firefly Reservations specializes in providing an all-in-one booking system designed to streamline your RV parks and campground operations. Say goodbye to manual processes and hello to an efficient, automated system that simplifies your life and enhances your guests' experience.

Our innovative reservations software puts your campground on autopilot, automating tasks like accepting online reservations, processing payments, and sending email reminders. Allow your guests to manage their bookings while you focus on providing unforgettable experiences.

What Firefly Provides Online Reservations

Send Bulk Emails to Guests

Interactive Multiple Maps

Drag & Drop Reservation Grid

Ongoing Reservations

Guest Portal

Automated Guest Emails

SMS Messaging to Guests

Custom Email Templates

Self-Service Kiosk

Automatic Recurring Payments

Custom Reservation Fees

Add-Ons

Reserve America Integration

Cash-Based Accounting

RV Parky Integration

Point-of-Sale (POS)

Airbnb Integration

Testimonial

Plus more...

As one of this year’s award winners at the Texas Association of Campground meeting, we here at Lakeland RV Ranch depend heavily on our Firefly Reservation System. Having grown from 8 sites to over 85, Firefly has been instrumental in our accelerated development.

During this growth period, three essential attributes from Firefly have been key to our success.

Adaptability, Accuracy, Applicability.

In our ever-evolving industry we see a variety of customers. There are those that are technically savvy and a segment that still prefer hands-on assistance. With Firefly we can efficiently and effectively meet the needs of our entire customer base.

Everyone at Lakeland RV Ranch, from staff to our customer base, highly recommend the Firefly Reservation System and customer portal. ~ Michele Conrey - Lakeland RV Ranch & Campground

Free 14 Day Trial, No Credit Card | FireflyReservations.com | 656-Firefly (347-3359)