Michigan Association of Recreation Vehicles & Campgrounds, 2222 Association Drive, Okemos, MI 48864
(517) 349-8881 or (800) 422-6478
It was a short 70 years ago that a group of Michigan Industry Pioneers got together and established an Industry Trade Association.
The Michigan Trailer Coach Dealer Association, Inc. was formed on September 19, 1941. It was the first state or regional association on record with continuous industry activity on a state and national level.
Mr. F.W. McKenny was the first director and was instrumental in the passage of the Michigan Trailer Coach Park Act in 1939. This is believed to be the first state wide legislation in the country regulating trailer parks. It was designed to replace all municipal laws and ordinances affecting parks. Other states used this as a model for similar legislation.
Mr. McKenny was active in representing the Trailercoach Dealers National Association during World War II. He moved his office to Washington D.C. and in doing so took the Michigan Association office with him. In 1946 the association office was returned to Michigan and located in East Lansing. The name was the changed to the Michigan Trailer Coach Association.
In 1948 the members concerned with the operation of trailer parks and formed a separate group, the Michigan Trailer Park Operators Association, Inc. This organization continued to represent the interests of the park owners until it again combined with the Michigan Mobile Home Association 18 years later.
By 1956 the Michigan Trailer Coach Association moved its office to Detroit and Mr. Charles Snyder became Executive Director. He was followed by Haven La Bohn, Daniel Dowsett, Donald Rokos, Robert Pelkey and its current Executive Director, Timothy J. DeWitt. With the birth of the RV Industry and a need for campground representation the associations name was again changed to the Michigan Mobile Home and Recreational Vehicle Institute in 1969. The association purchased a headquarters building in the late 1960’s in Livonia.
Then in 1994 after another name change to Michigan Manufactured Housing, Recreational Vehicle & Campground Association, the headquarters was moved to the Capital City area. In 1996, ground was broken in Okemos, MI where the association office is currently located.
We would like to thank the hundreds upon hundreds of members who have served on all the boards and various committees throughout the last 70 years. As well as the thousands of members who have supported your association through dues, contributions and donations that has allowed the Michigan Association to continue to be visible to protect and promote the industry and your businesses.
Special thanks to the late Professor Carlton M. Edwards of “Homes for Travel & Living” for providing the history information of the early days of the industries.
MARVAC’S 2011 POST LABOR DAY CAMPGROUND SURVEY SUMMARY
Of the campground members who responded to this year’s post Labor Day campground survey, 50% reported higher reservations over the three day holiday weekend. Thirty three percent reported the same, while the remaining campgrounds reported slightly lower numbers of campsite requests. When campgrounds were asked what the weekend occupancy was, the average rate of the campgrounds who reported said they were at 87% full or above. The mix of campers visiting MARVAC member campgrounds averaged 81% Michigan residents with the remaining numbers coming from out of state or from Canada.
When asked how business was for the period between Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day weekend, the numbers came in favorably for 88% of campgrounds who reported higher or the same levels of business as last year.
Finally, the majority of campgrounds reported that they will be closing their campgrounds between October 15th and Thanksgiving in 2011.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
October 5-9, 2011
22nd Annual Fall Detroit Camper and RV Show
Suburban Collection Showplace (formerly the Rock Financial Showplace)
Novi, Mich.
January 26-29, 2012
The MARVAC Battle Creek Camper & RV Show
Kellogg Arena in Battle Creek, Mich.
February 8-12, 2012
46th Annual Detroit Camper & RV Show
Suburban Collection Showplace (formerly the Rock Financial Showplace)
Novi, Mich.
March 16-18, 2012
35th Annual Flint Camper & RV Show
Perani Arena & Event Center in Flint, Mich.
March 30-April 1, 2012
20th Annual Northwest Michigan Camper & RV Show
Grand Traverse County Civic Center in Traverse City, Mich.