In this issue:

Chairman’s Report 2

President/CEO’s Report

2

ADA Guidelines & Guidance

5

APA Revisions 6

Guests & Golf Carts

7

Marketing Help 8

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

Volume 34, Issue 3 Aug / Sept 2011

Now branded as the 48th Annual CONY Exposition for the Outdoor Hospitality Industry

It’s an exciting year to attend the an-nual CONY Conference, slated for November 3,5, 2011.

First, the conference has a new name—the 48th Annual CONY Exposition for the Outdoor Hos-pitality Industry. According to Ex-position Chairperson Rosemary Cur-tis, CPO (also Region 3 Director from Hickory Hill Family Camping Resort), “This name change contin-ues with the new mission and vision of CONY. We are raising the bar with the conference, starting with the name!”

Second, Rosemary assures us all that we’re going to have a lot of fun during the Exposition, especially with the “CONY-OPOLY” theme for this year. The theme is based on the popular “Monopoly” board game. Rosemary in-vites CONY members to “Kick your Ex-position off with a tour of some of the hot spots of wonderful Niagara Falls.” Details are still in the works for specific tours and activities to be arranged by CONY, but you’ll also be close by the renowned Niagara Falls, and right next door to the Seneca Niagara Casino. And, there will be “CONY-OPOLY” themed activities and events throughout the Ex-position.

Third, get a jump on your 2012 season by

attending the trade show and meeting with our allied suppliers and associate members. Preview and order the services and products you might need for your business.

Fourth, join us for the Friday dinner and the fun times of the CONY auction, and also the Saturday banquet, with a cere-mony to induct a member into the CONY Hall of Fame.

Fifth, according to Rosemary, “Advance your education and knowledge by joining us for our seminars full of new and useful topics.”

Turn to page 9 for information about Exposition Keynote Speaker Ruby Newell-Legner, Certified Speaking Professional.

Pass “GO” and Attend the 2011 CONY Conference

Plan to stay and play at the Sheraton at the Falls, just across the street from the Seneca Niagara Casino and in the heart of the tourist district.

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Chairman’s Report

Greetings CONY members;

After a wet start to the camp-ing season for many camp-grounds around New York, it looks like the summer finally dried out (for the most part), and it has been a pretty good July and August. I know we were really busy this past

weekend with the 2nd annual Finger Lakes Yoga Fes-tival in town. But I’m sure, like us, about now most of you are ready to wind down and get to the end of the season.

I’m looking forward to seeing many of you in Niagara Falls at the CONY Exposition for the Outdoor Hos-pitality Industry, where I expect we’ll have a great time as usual. Taking over duties from Anita Perry, Rosemary Curtis is our new committee chairperson for the Exposition – formerly the annual Conference & Trade Show – and I’m sure she and the committee will do a great job making it an exciting, informative

and worthwhile event for everyone that attends. I hope you all fit it in to your schedule and join us in November.

There is always something going on in the CONY office, and right now the staff is busy getting ready for the conference, and getting member commit-ments for the directory and shows program. My campground has a display advertisement in the CONY directory, and it really helps promote what we have to offer to readers – I hope you consider placing an ad, too. Now is the time to dig your contracts out of your membership binders and submit them so the CONY office can count you in for the next directory. You should also take a minute in your busy schedule to go to the CONY website and check your listing, so that the right information is used for the printed di-rectory. Let Traci in the CONY office know if you can’t remember your login information to make changes, or if you’re having trouble getting on the website to review your listing.

(Chairman’s Report continued on page 15)

Scott Sherwood

From the Desk of the President and CEO The 2011 Summer camping season is beginning to wind down and Labor Day week-end, the last hurrah before school begins, is right around the corner whether we are ready for it or not. By most reports I have received to date, spring was wetter than normal and the camping sea-son started a little slow but has overall been a very good

camping season for most.

Preparations are well under way for our 48th Annual CONY Exposition for the Outdoor Hospitality In-dustry. The conference this year will be held in two beautiful facilities. The Sheraton at the Falls Hotel, Niagara Falls, NY is situated in the heart of down-town adjacent to the Seneca Niagara Casino and only

63 steps door-to-door from the state of the art Con-ference Center Niagara Falls. The falls are only a short walk from the Sheraton as well. We have worked with the Sheraton to provide a very reason-able price for overnight accommodations for you. At only $99 per night, this represents a half price dis-count from their regular room rate. This year’s expo-sition should provide many opportunities to learn how to improve your business and personal growth in the industry, as well as many vendors showcasing new and exciting products. Shop around at the trade show to make sure you’re getting the best deal for your business.

Make sure to catch up with friends at the Exposition and let them know how you fared in 2011. The cama-raderie in our industry is second to none.

I am really looking forward to learning and listening (President and CEO Report continued on page 14)

Donald G. Bennett, Jr.

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Salvatore Bonetti, CRPS® Financial Advisor 100 Middle Street, East Tower Portland, Maine 04101 800-326-5763 Salvatore.Bonetti@MSSB.com

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Quality Sunrooms, Awnings & EnclosuresQuality Sunrooms, Awnings & EnclosuresQuality Sunrooms, Awnings & Enclosures

H. Peter Burkert Silver-Top Manufacturing Co., Inc. Senior Vice President 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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ADA Guidelines, readily achievable: Additional guidance

Editors Note: ARVC’s Government Affairs Office sent this e-mail, regarding ADA guidelines, dated June 20, 2011.

ARVC requested McDermott, Will & Emery to fur-ther research questions concerning the ADA Guide-lines as to what is "readily achievable" with the De-partment of Justice. ARVC is not in a position to give individual legal advice and we encourage our mem-bers to USE THE ADA INFO LINE: 800-514-0301 for specific questions about the regula-tions. The DOJ will talk to individual property own-ers about their particular circumstances which should also provide sound and well qualified advice, how-ever, when in doubt seek legal counsel.

THE FOLLOWING IS A RESPONSE FROM CECILIA SHOWALTER OF MWE:

I spoke to someone at the ADA hotline, and I con-ducted case law research regarding the definition of "readily achievable" barrier removals. The case law was not particularly helpful in depicting exactly what kind of cost/effort courts consider "readily achiev-able." The case law was instructive, however, in showing how lawsuits over accessibility are resolved. For instance, Plaintiffs bringing a suit against a busi-ness owner have to make an initial showing that there are barriers preventing disabled access and they have to detail the accommodations that the business owner would have to make. Through the course of litigation, a Plaintiff will then have to hire an expert to provide evidence of how much the required barrier removal would cost the business owner. Then, the burden of persuasion shifts to the defendant (business owner) to demonstrate that the scope of compliance (the proposed alterations and the estimated costs) would be disproportionate or not "readily achievable."

We provided the following factors to ARVC, which is the only guidance DOJ gives on "readily achiev-able" (I've copied it here as a reminder). The hotline person told me two additional things about this (which appears below):

The regulations require only that barriers to entry are removed so that your pool conforms with the re-quirements for disabled access "to the extent readily

achievable." The DOJ has stated that "readily achiev-able" means that it is "easily accomplishable without much difficulty or expense." Specifically, the defini-tions section of the regulation at 28 C.F.R. § 36.104 provides the following factors to be considered when evaluating whether a barrier removal is readily achiev-able:

(1)The nature and cost of the action needed under this part;

(2)The overall financial resources of the site or sites involved in the action; the number of persons em-ployed at the site; the effect on expenses and re-sources; legitimate safety requirements that are neces-sary for safe operation, including crime prevention measures; or the impact otherwise of the action upon the operation of the site;

(3)The geographic separateness, and the administra-tive or fiscal relationship of the site or sites in ques-tion to any parent corporation or entity;

(4)If applicable, the overall financial resources of any parent corporation or entity; the overall size of the parent corporation or entity with respect to the num-ber of its employees; the number, type and location of its facilities; and

(5)If applicable, the type of operation or operations of any parent corporation or entity, including the composition, structure, and functions of the work-force of the parent corporation or entity. 28 C.F.R. §36.104

Furthermore, the U.S. Department of Justice guid-ance states: "Determining what is readily achievable will vary from business to business and sometimes from one year to the next. Changing economic condi-tions can be taken into consideration in determining what is readily achievable. Economic downturns may force many public accommodations to postpone re-moving some barriers. The barrier removal obligation is a continuing one and it is expected that a business will move forward with its barrier removal efforts when it rebounds from such downturns."(Italics

(ADA Guidelines continued on page 7)

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Adirondack Park Agency revises regulations on campgrounds

This is as supplement to the Citizen’s Guide which provides basic information about Adirondack Park Agency regulations.

CAMPGROUNDS

Pursuant to §802(10) of the Adirondack Park Agency, a campground means any area designed for transient occupancy by camping in tents, camp trailers, travel trailers, motor homes or similar facilities designed for temporary shelter. Further, pursuant to §810 of the Adirondack Park Agency act, a new campground re-quires a permit in all land use areas except Hamlet. A permit is also required for the twenty-five percent expansion of a pre-existing campground.

This guidance replaces prior Agency guidance regard-ing campgrounds and is intended to clarify certain aspects of the Agency’s regulation of campgrounds under the Adirondack Park Agency Act. When the Agency has regional project jurisdiction over a camp-ground, the following guidance shall apply:

1. Recreational vehicles or travel trailers (collectively “RVs”) in campgrounds must confirm to federal certification standards and no time limits shall apply to their occupying an individual site within a campground, so long as they are “readily move-able”. “Readily moveable” means currently regis-tered as a vehicle; or, designed for regular over-read travel, eligible to be registered as a vehicle, has wheels and no structural additions. “Readily moveable” also means not permanently con-nected to water, sewer and electric hook-ups and disconnected from the sewer, water and electric hook-ups when the campground is not in opera-tions.

2. In campgrounds, RVs that are “readily moveable” may be rented and will not be considered tourist accommodations, so long as the rental of RVs remains incidental to transient campground use.

3. In campgrounds, the offering or providing of goods or services to individuals in the camp-ground shall be considered an accessory use and structures associated with such uses shall be con-sidered accessory structures. If the goods or ser-vices are offered or provided to the general pub-

lic, such uses will be considered to be commercial uses and associated structures will be subject to the overall intensity guidelines and other regula-tory criteria that apply to commercial uses and structures.

4. In campgrounds, the overall guidelines do not apply to:

(a) structures accessory to the campground use; or

(b) RVs (owned or rented) in campgrounds that remain “readily moveable”.

When a campground use ceases, RVs must be removed and application of the overall intensity guidelines will depend on the proposed new use of any structures remaining on the land.

For more on the Adirondack Park Agency, go to: www.apa.state.ny.us

Marketing Programs: Updates/Deadlines

2012 CONY DIRECTORY ADVERTISING

Contracts and materials for display advertisements in the 2012 CONY directory are due by September 15,

2011. If you are a new or returning advertiser, PLEASE be sure to get your info in SOON! Contracts and ad

rate cards are in your 3-ring member binders.

LISTINGS Review your listing as it appears on the CONY

website at nycampgrounds.com. This is the info to be used in your directory listing. You can make changes

by going online to nycampgrounds.com/parks. Contact the CONY office if you do not remember your

login or password. Be sure to update your 2012 season open/close dates. Please review your listing data by September 15, 2011 to help ensure accuracy

for the 2012 directory.

2012 CONY SHOWS PROGRAM & BROCHURE DISTRIBUTION PROGRAM

These are two of the most affordable means to get your campground information into the hands of inter-

ested campers & RVers. $450 for the total shows program, and $100 per 500 brochures for the distribu-tion program. Send your shows forms as soon as pos-sible. Forms for both programs are in your 3-ring mem-ber binder, or contact the CONY office for assistance.

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ADA Guidelines, readily achievable: Additional guidance

added.) U.S. Department of Justice, ADA Update: A Primer for Small Business (2011).

It is important to consult with an expert on what changes you will need to make under the new rules and how much of a financial burden it will be for your business.

1. The hotline DOJ staffer told me that the hotline itself was created so that businesses could call in with their specific questions about the regulations. She told me specifically that business owners may call to tell the hotline about their specific situation, and that they could provide guidance to the business owners about whether a proposed barrier removal would be readily achievable or not. Also, for specific, technical questions, business owners may call the Access

Board, which drafted the technical requirements for elements like pools and spas. The numbers for each are below.

ADA Info Line: 800-514-0301 Access Board: 800-872-2253

2. She also told me that, by way of illustration, the DOJ has found that for most businesses with a pool, constructing a sloping entrance (ramp) is not readily achievable because it is so expensive and requires so much construction to accommodate. By contrast, pool lifts have generally been considered readily achievable because of their relatively low cost, be-cause they take up relatively little space, and because they are easy to install.

Cecilia R. Showalter McDermott Will & Emery LLP

(Continued from page 5)

By Mike Pulk, Editor, The Source, and Risk Manager, Ev-ergreen USA RRG, Inc., www.evergreenusa.com. Repro-duced from The Source

Whether you allow your campers to operate privately owned golf carts and/or other motorized vehicles on your premises or not, is purely a business decision on the part of the park owner. However…

1.We strongly recommend that you request verifica-tion of personal liability insurance (a Certificate of Li-ability) from golf cart owners. Your campers are not covered under your Commercial General Liability policy. Most golf cart related claims are not caused by the campground. The single reason why claims get paid out at campgrounds and RV Parks is simply be-cause the guests had no insurance of their own. There have been some major injuries (and some deaths) with golf carts in campgrounds insured by Evergreen, which simply went away after it was discovered the guest had their own insurance. The claims that have been litigated by Evergreen are the ones that where the campground became the default insurer. In other words, you’re up to bat if they don’t have proper in-surance coverage. It’s a basic administrative or mana-

gerial procedure to report proof of insurance for all golf carts.

2.Golf carts should display the owner’s site number or the park should have a comparable system that designates whose golf cart belongs to whom. This also helps to keep a record of who has registered a vehicle with the park and makes it easier to identify abuses.

3.Golf cards must have lights for night use (if applica-ble).

4.Follow manufacturer requirements for seating ca-pacity. There should never be more people riding in a golf cart than actual seating capacity allows for.

5.The person operating the golf cart should hold a valid driver’s license. More that 50% of these claims in the last 5 years have been children, with 2 deaths. What may seem harmless and fun has proven other-wise, and it’s just not campgrounds that have seen an incredible rise in golf cart related deaths and injuries; it’s a problem across the entire country. Don’t let it happen to you. Get serious about golf cart use in your park.

What about golf carts owned and operated by guests?

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Need extra help with your marketing?

Receive Business Consulting Assistance During Our 2011 CONY Exposition for the Outdoor Hospitality Industry.

A New Conference Program Designed Just for You – Our Valued CONY Members.

Most RV Park / Campground own-ers would love to hire a marketing

consultant to help them with their businesses; who wouldn’t, but who can afford one?

Well now you can!

CONY, in collaboration with one of its strategic part-ners, Taylor Communications, will provide marketing consulting services during this year’s Exposition for a fraction of what it would normally cost. – Just $100 for 2½ hours of consulting service time. And, half of this amount is going to CONY to support our future conference expenses!

This service is being offered by Clyde Taylor, presi-dent of Taylor Communications, to CONY members because of the relationship he has enjoyed with our association during the past few years. The idea is based on a similar project he did with Eastman Ko-dak Company for their photo and electronic specialty retail customers. Clyde stated, “This program was a tremendous success for both Kodak and its custom-ers. Many customers used the suggestions that were presented as a result of their consulting sessions to improve existing programs and services, or imple-ment new ones.” Taylor also said, “I received e-mails throughout the year from customers who told me that their session helped them generate significant additional revenue / sales. I’m hoping we can do the same for CONY members during the upcoming Ex-position in Niagara Falls.”

Program Details

First, you need to sign up for the service by contact-ing the CONY office. Once you’ve sign up, Clyde will send you an input form to fill out. This docu-ment will help you and him determine what area of

business you want to “focus on.” You will also need to reserve your time to meet with Clyde during the CONY Exposition. A number of convenient times will be made available. Your time will be exclusively yours – a 30-minute “1-on-1” session where you can review your specific business “area of need.”

Here is what you will get for your $100 investment in your business:

A one-hour pre-consulting service review – Clyde will spend an hour reviewing your specific “area of need” from information you send to him prior to your consulting session. This includes the in-put form (previously discussed) and copies of all materials you send him for review (e.g. brochure, site map, ads, website information, etc.).

A 30-minute “1-on-1” consulting session during the Exposition. During this time, you and Clyde will review your “area of need.” He will present his comments and recommendations to you dur-ing this “confidential consulting session.”

A one-hour post-consulting service follow-up – Clyde will develop a summary and recommenda-tions report following your consulting session. This will be a very useful document.

What if I want to spend more time or have more than one area of business to discuss?

Not a problem. You can register for a two-session “block of time” if you want to discuss more than one area of need. This will give you five hours of consult-ing services for $200. And remember, half of this amount ($100) will go to CONY for future Exposi-tion program expenses!

Here are some specific marketing categories of need you may want to consider for your Consult-ing Service Package:

Analyze your website’s effectiveness

Analyze your printed marketing/promotional ma-terials

Review your merchandising “approach” to in-crease sales

Clyde Taylor

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© Clyde Taylor / Taylor Communications, 2011.

About the author: Clyde Taylor is president of Taylor Communications. He works with associations and companies in the outdoor hospitality industry as well as corporations and non-profits in other industries. His company provides business-building and im-provement services to its clients by focusing on key areas of marketing, corporate communications, market research, training / staff development, and strategic planning. Contact Clyde at 585.223.3360 or at CSTthree@aol.com for additional information and/or to work with your company.

RubySpeaks at Exposition Retail / camp store sales, and services

Analyze the effectiveness of your key promotions

Which ones work (or don’t) and why

Review your marketing and promotion strategies for 2012

Review cost effective ways to reach your custom-ers

Review innovative strategies to build customer loy-alty

Review how to write your ad copy to have greater impact

Review how to write newsletter copy to have greater impact

Final Note:

Many session “blocks of time” will be available during the Exposition (and on Sunday morning following the Exposition), but they will be reserved on a “first come / first served basis” so schedule your session today so you don’t miss out on this limited-time offer. Contact the CONY office at 585-586-4360 for more details and to sign up for this unique CONY member opportunity.

Ruby Newell-Legner, CSP, founded RubySpeaks, Inc. in 1994 with a singular mission: To provide hands-on training employees need to create a more productive work environment where everyone can excel on the job. Over the last decade, she has presented more that 1800 programs in nine countries and has shown tens of thousands of participants how to quickly improve workplace performance.

A nationally recognized training expert in the Leisure and Hospitality Industry, Ruby is also a facilitator with a proven ability to create environments where groups can brainstorm effectively, share perspectives and come to consensus-while enjoying the process.

Ruby helps organizations build strong teams between front line staff and management, and make excep-tional customer service a way of life. Your staff will treat your customers like management treats their em-ployees. That is why a positive reflection on leadership is essential for success.

Ruby is a Certified Speaking Professional (CSP), a des-ignation bestowed by the National Speakers Associa-tion to less than 400 speakers in the world.

On Friday, Nov. 4th, at the CONY Exposition for the Outdoor Hospitality Industry, Ruby will give the Key-note Address, “Seven Star Customer Service: start-ing at the top to impact the bottom line.” This address will help you explore management's role in promoting a positive guest experi-ence at all levels of the organiza-tion, and discover how to make well-integrated service delivery a reality.

Following the Keynote Address, Ruby will conduct a breakout ses-sion entitled, “Secrets to Keeping Our Customers Happy!” This session will include brainstorm-ing, checklists, small group dis-cussions and activities that will improve both internal and exter-nal customer relationships.

More on Ruby: rubyspeaks.com Ruby Newell-Legner, CSP

48th Annual CONY Exposition for the Outdoor Hospitality Industry ~ Nov. 3-5, 2011 $99/night room rate at the Sheraton at the Falls, Niagara Falls

Type in the complete address below for our exclusive reservation web page (address is case sensitive, no spaces. A link will also

be provided in a forthcoming online newsletter)

www.starwoodmeeting.com/StarGroupsWeb/res?id=1107291011&key=8FEFD

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Industry News

NEWS

ARVC invites you to join them

in Savannah, Georgia November

30—December 2, 2011

What’s New for 2011 at the Annual ARVC Outdoor Hospitality Confer-ence & Expo?

Seminars for park staff, not just management level courses.

Seminars on how to get started in the outdoor hospitality in-dustry.

Kids Camp. Bring the entire family to Savannah!

New rates for small to medium sized parks and groups.

Visit the website for complete de-tails and to register for this event to be held at the Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa. http://www.arvc.org/outdoor-hospitality-conference.aspx

***

2010 Industry Profile Available

to the Industry

The Recreation Vehicle Industry Association’s (RVIA) 2010 Indus-try Profile, which provides a statis-tical portrait of RV production and sales from the year 2010, has been

published and is now available to the industry.

The publication offers a detailed look at RV production and ship-ment statistics, including historical comparisons of shipment figures and dollar volume as well as pro-duction breakdowns by product type and shipment destination.

An analysis of the production highlights and an examination of why consumer demand for RVs has remained vibrant in an ever-changing marketplace is also in-cluded in the publication.

A copy of the 2010 Industry Pro-file was sent to all RVIA members. Additional copies for members as well as industry contacts are avail-able through the publications store at rvia.org. Non member price is $50.00. Go to

http://www.rvia.org/?ESID=store&Dept=MKTING

Published by RVIA, July 17, 2011.

***

RV Ownership Reaches New Peak

New demographic data from the latest University of Michigan RV Consumer Demographic Profile Study shows that the number of RV-owning households has grown to a new peak of 8.9 million house-holds, up from 7.9 million in 2005.

Speaking earlier this month at RVIA’s Committee Week in Wash-ington, DC, Dr. Richard Curtin, director of the survey, told RVIA members that new research reveals

8.5% of U.S. households now own RVs, up from 8.0% in 2005, 7.6% in 2001, 7.3% in 1997, and 6.8% in 1993.

“Today’s record RV ownership levels reflect the enduring appeal of the RV lifestyle despite eco-nomic challenges,” Curtin told RVIA members.

RV ownership rates have surged among adults aged 35-54 and 55 and over, according to Curtin. In the 35-54 demographic, RV own-ership rose from 9.0% in 2005 to 11.2% today. Among those 55 and older, ownership rates grew from 8.6% to 9.4%. Ownership rates among young people 34 years and under fell slightly from 5.0% to 4.7%.

“Growth among the 35-to-54 year old age group is impressive,” said Curtin. “I believe the industry’s Go RVing outreach campaign had a lot to do with this growth. This is a strong finding for the industry’s future.”

Travel trailer ownership rates grew fastest, going from 4.1% in 2005 to 4.8% in 2011. Motorhomes experi-enced growth as well, from 1.9% to 2.1%. Rates among truck camp-ers and folding camping trailers were nearly identical. Truck camper ownership rates are 1.7% today vs. 1.8% in 2005. Folding camping trailers are owned by 0.5% of households today com-pared to 0.4% in 2005.

Curtin’s remarks were based on

(Continued on page 11)

INDUSTRY NEWS

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CONY Membership News MEMBER BENEFIT

UPDATE: ARVC Foundation—Disaster

Relief

In the past few years, areas of New York State have been hit with dev-astating weather, mostly in the form of severe flooding. This year was no exception, as hard hitting rain and power outages affected several of our member camp-grounds early in the season.

With recent events in mind, it makes sense to remind our mem-bers of the ARVC Foundation’s Disaster Relief Program, both as a benefit and as a place to make a donation.

F r o m t h e w e b s i t e a t www.arvc.org/disasterRelief.aspx:

In the fall of 2005, the country, specifi-cally the Gulf region, and many of our ARVC members, suffered a tragic natu-ral disaster—Hurricane Katrina. At that time, the ARVC Foundation cre-ated a Disaster Relief Fund to directly help our member parks in the stricken states affected by Hurricane Katrina. Since that time, the fund has grown to help any ARVC member who has suf-fered a natural disaster that disrupts

their business whether a fire, flooding, landslide, ice storm, etc.

Members use the money for food, clothing, repairs, even key employee assistance.

Requests for assistance are reviewed by a team made up of members of the ARVC Foundation and the ARVC Board of Directors.

Zero interest loans of up to $5,000 are required to be paid within 3 years. Grants of up to $1000 are considered gifts and are not expected to be returned.

All money contributed to the Disaster Relief Fund goes entirely to help RV parks and campgrounds across the coun-try.

For complete information about request-ing assistance or making a donation, visit www.arvc.org/disasterRelief.aspx

***

Camp Finder is now on the Droid

CONY associate member Campin-gRoadTrip.com recently released a Camp Finder app for the Android cell phone, putting 14,000 camp-grounds and RV parks in the pocket of more campers.

(Membership News continued on page 13)

FOR SALE RV PARK

Bushnell, Florida

Family-oriented park located in the hub of

Florida. One hour from most major attractions.

A country setting in a low traffic area.

35 sites. 10 acres. $375,000

(607) 754-3880 (607) 205-9934

preliminary analysis of the con-sumer study funded by RVIA. A complete report on his findings will be released by RVIA later this year.

Published by RVIA, July 1, 2011.

48th Annual CONY Exposition for the Outdoor Hospitality Industry

November 3-5, 2011

(Continued from page 10)

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Maximize value in your CONY membership with the NEW online reservation system developed by Adventure Systems, LLC.

Register now to install this easy-to-use management portal, and set-up is FREE!

Complete web-based management availability—manage from any computer that has internet access.

585-586-4360 or info@nycampgrounds.com for details. www.adventuresystems.net

A partnership of:

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CONY Membership News

The New York Times describes the new phone app as “the best of the paid camping apps,” and it was chosen as one of the “...five apps to enhance your summer…” by The Wall Street Journal’s Smart-Money.com.

Droid users can check out camp-ground & RV park rates, amenities, discounts, contact details, photos, and reviews posted by others.

***

National Get Outdoors Day: Wrap Up

Congrats to Kayla Eramo of One-onta, and Kristen Sperry and Allie Theis of Unadilla. These gals geo-cached at Susquehanna Trail Campground in Oneonta on June

11th - National Get Outdoors Day - finding the GO Day coin hidden in the park cache.

The girls share a $150 prize pack, including a backpack, flashlight, first aid kit, whistle, journal and new Garmin hand-held GPS unit.

CONY enhanced its geocach-ing program to create a special event to encourage and pro-mote outdoor recreation on National Get Outdoors Day. Joining in this initiative and creating this special event pro-vided CONY with opportunities to publicize camping and recreation at our parks, especially with assis-tance from ARVC's PR provider Jeff Crider.

Thank you to Dene and Jo Tribe of Susquehanna Trail Campground

for hiding the special GO Day coin, and organizing a National Get Outdoors Day event with a concert by Sundown, and pig roast.

Thank you, too, to all the members that have been participating in the ongoing CONY summer promo-tions.

(Continued from page 11)

June 21, 2011, National Get Outdoors Day. Kayla Eramo, Kristen Sperry and Allie Theis receive their prize pack for finding the special CONY GO Day geocaching coin..

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to our many speakers we have scheduled. Our Keynote speaker Ruby Newel-Legner is an award winning international speaker who has a unique ability to reach an au-dience and motivate them to be-come the best they can be. Ruby's high-impact trainings are based on 25 years as a front-line service pro-vider and manager in parks and recreation; she has been presenting training programs in that area for the last 13 years. Ruby will also be conducting one of our break-out sessions titled “Secrets to keeping our Customers Happy”.

I am also happy to announce Clyde Taylor’s one-on-one Marketing Consulting program, taking place during the Exposition. This should be a very valuable service for CONY members who require as-sistance in making their marketing efforts more effective and focused.

For families with children we have a full CONY Kids Club program scheduled, with trips to the Niag-ara Aquarium and the Buffalo Zoo as highlights. Much more informa-

tion on the conference will be coming, please make your reserva-tions soon.

To insure continued success in 2012 for your campground busi-ness, I would urge you to consider the following opportunities. The CONY staff and directors are striving to continue to improve our directory each year and make it more user-friendly for the camping public. If you have not sent in your advertising contract please do so soon so we can reserve your space. Also don’t forget to sign up for the CONY show program at $450 to have your campgrounds brochure at 12 or more RV shows. This represents a real bargain at $37.50 or less per show to have your busi-ness highlighted. If you have done a show on your own recently you know how much it really costs.

If your campground is located in the jurisdiction of the Adirondack Park Agency I want to make sure that you see the newly revised guidance for campgrounds that they have published. This revision is very welcome news for camp-grounds located within the con-

fines of the Adirondack Park and can be found in this newsletter on page 6.

I am also proud to report that Governor Cuomo vetoed bill A07667 / S05591 which would have allowed campgrounds with 15 and less campsites to be exempt from having dump stations. This would have eroded our current NYS Department of Health Code which CONY was instrumental in helping write. The bill, if it became law, would have also provided op-portunities to expand parking lot camping where no dump station is found.

I look forward to seeing you all in Niagara Falls.

I want to thank you for the privi-lege of allowing me to serve you as your President and CEO. I truly enjoy working with you to help advance the mission of CONY: An association dedicated to the pro-motion, growth, improvement and development of privately owned campgrounds in New York State.

- Donald G. Bennett, Jr. President and CEO

(Continued from page 2)

From the Desk of the President & CEO

Welcome New Members

Cherry Hill Campground—Gretchen Jackson Darien Center, NY (Greater Niagara)

cherryhillcamp.com

Cider House Campground—James Dutcher Bouckville, NY (Central New York)

ciderhouseantiques.com

Upcountry Campground—Brian and Gwen Hoopes Williamstown, NY (1000 Islands)

Upcountrycampground.com

Welcome New Associate Members

Campground Valuation Grant Ackerly Glenham, NY

Market Analysis and real estate appraisals.

He Lifts Me/Planet Access Don West & Ken Meyers

North Fort Myers, FL ADA compliant swimming pool lifts.

See our associate members at www.campcony.com!

15

EXTRA

Providing Quality Protection 

for your Campgrounds 

 

800‐836‐7860 

www.calbranch.com 

 

Jane Peers 

 

Jenelle Ademovic  

Our campground also sends brochures in for CONY’s annual shows program. I really en-courage you to consider being a part of this CONY program – it is an amazing value and it works! Our campground has booked reserva-tions from people who told us they got our brochure at the CONY booth. And, we know the time and cost it takes to be at a show with a booth, because our campground has one at the Syracuse RV show. It’s a lot! But at $40 or less per show, you can reach out to the same audi-ence through CONY and save hundreds of dol-lars each time.

The staff and directors of CONY are always working hard to ensure that our association continues to be a leader in our industry, with our programs and education opportunities and marketing efforts. I’m glad that you are all a part of what we do, because your membership and support is important to CONY’s mission and vision, as seen on the front of this newslet-ter. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me, your region director, or CONY’s President and CEO Don Bennett, Jr., if there is anything we can do for you.

I want to wish you the best for the rest of the season!

Regards, Scott Sherwood Chairman

(Continued from page 2)

Mail Order

Mr. Smith wrote the following note to a mail order house: “Please send me one of the tents you show on page 438, and if it is any good, I’ll

send you a check.”

A couple weeks later, he received the following reply: “Dear Mr. Smith, Please send

the check. If it is any good, we’ll send the tent.”

Chairman’s Report

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. Please write or call us.

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)

Campgrounds using Adventure Systems are booking $1000s in reservations this summer.

For the campgrounds with active reservation accounts on Adventure Systems, LLC, there has been quite a few thou-sand in combined reservation revenue experienced in this camping season so far (after credit card fees, reservation fees, and applicable taxes). Approximately half of the camp-grounds with Adventure System accounts are set and run-ning reservations through the system presently. So, the first year is moving forward with continued growth to look for-ward to.

Have you signed up yet?

One of the advantages to using Adventure Systems, LLC—a partnership between CONY and Corporate Communica-tions—is that the online convenience fee for each booking is paid by the camper, NOT the campground. Another advan-tage is that the CONY office manages and processes the payments to the campgrounds, so members have a personal relationship with their online reservation service provider. As a CONY member, your sign-up fee is waived, and you get a set amount of free hours per year for technical assis-

tance. And, you can log in and see your account reservations and income at your own convenience, so you always know what is going on.

If you’re signed up, have you set up your account yet?

About half of the campgrounds with accounts on the Ad-venture Systems, LLC system have not yet completed their set up to begin taking reservations. If you’re having difficulty figuring it out, or you don’t have a web pro to handle inte-grating your reservation page into your website, contact Traci or Don at the CONY office to set up an appointment for technical assistance and guidance (585-586-4360). The CONY office can also refer you to associate members spe-cializing websites, and whose clients have authorized them access their Adventure Systems accounts and are familiar with the system, in case you would like additional assistance.

Adventure Systems, LLC is up and running, booking reservations

1 Grove Street, Suite 200 Pittsford, New York 14534