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National Assoc. of RV Parks & Campgrounds
The National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds (ARVC) recognized the achievements of top private park owners and operators, state associations and industry volunteers last week during its annual Outdoor Hospitality Conference and Expo in Las Vegas, Nev.
Park of the Year awards were given to RV parks and campgrounds that deliver an extraordinary guest experience as a result of all-around excellence in operations, professionalism, marketing, customer service, and industry involvement. Winners included:
- Small Park of the Year: Big Creek RV Park in Annapolis, Mo.
- Medium Park of the Year: Jellystone Park at Kozy Rest in Harrisville, Penn.
- Large Park of the Year: Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve and Campground in Santee, Calif.
- Mega Park of the Year: Sun-N-Fun RV Resort, Sarasota, Fla. which also received ARVC’s new education award, which recognizes superior quality staff.
Parks that continue to show leadership, innovation and commitment to running a green park received ARVC’s Plan-It-Green award. The winners included:
- Big Creek RV Park in Annapolis, Mo., which received the award in the small/medium size park category.
- Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve & Campground, Santee, Calif., which received the award in the large/mega park category.
Awards were presented to state campground associations that produced the best statewide campground directories. The winners created directories that were well organized, visually appealing to consumers, and easy to access and use. State directory award recipients included:
- Small State Association category: Maryland Association of Campgrounds
- Medium State Association category: Virginia Campground Association
- Large State Association category: California Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds.
The State Executive award was presented to an outstanding executive of an affiliated state association who demonstrated exceptional leadership and strong ability to be a spokesperson for the outdoor hospitality industry. This year’s winner was Jo Ann Mickelson of the Arizona Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds.
Wade Elliott of Utility Supply Group in Kingston, Wash. received the Stan Martin Memorial Award, because of his constant efforts to help private park operators through his volunteerism on various campground industry boards and committees. The Stan Martin Memorial Award is ARVC’s’ highest honor, recognizing industry leaders whose tireless commitment to the RV park and campground sector of the outdoor hospitality industry is evident in their involvement, leadership, creativity and dedication.
Lucas Hartford of Evergreen USA and Terry Munoz of Thousand Trails Lake Conroe RV Resort in Lake Conroe, Texas both received the Chairman’s Award, which recognizes those who go beyond the call of duty to further the outdoor hospitality industry.
Leisure Systems Inc. COO Rob Schutter received the Pioneer Award, which recognizes early industry leaders and visionaries whose groundbreaking efforts have contributed over the years to the growth and success of the RV and campground sector of the outdoor hospitality industry and have been involved in the industry for at least 25 years.
The Supplier of the Year award was given to Southeast Publications, a Plantation, Fla.-based company that provides guest guides, commercial printing and website development and marketing services to the campground industry. This award is presented to an industry supplier that exemplifies excellence in product solutions, innovation, customer service and support.
The ARVC Foundation also presented its Above and Beyond Award to Saundra Bryn of Desert’s Edge RV Park in Phoenix, Ariz. for her countless hours of volunteer work during ARVC’s annual conferences in support of ARVC Foundation events and the education program, as well as her significant contribution to the development of curriculum and requirements in support of the Outdoor Hospitality Education Program.