Michigan Association of Recreation Vehicles & Campgrounds, 2222 Association Drive, Okemos, MI  48864

(517) 349-8881 or (800) 422-6478

DEALER ANALYSIS REPORT POPULAR WITH MARVAC DEALERS

MARVAC member dealers who have signed up for the new Statistical Surveys Inc. Dealer Analysis Report (DAR) are commenting about the newest reporting method of RV sales in the state of Michigan. Dealers are seeing improvement in turn rates of their inventory and greater ability to pinpoint the location of customers and their specific RV type. For more information or to sign up call Bill Sheffer at the association office (800) 422-6478 ext. 11 or email him at bsheffer@mmhrvca.org.

MARVAC CAMPGROUND MEMBERS RESPOND TO POST 4TH OF JULY SURVEY

The following press release was sent out following last week’s press release. If you see it pop up in you local newspapers let us know.

SURVEY REVEALS BUSY 4TH OF JULY Camping WEEKEND
FOR MICHIGAN CAMPGROUNDS

OKEMOS, Mich.—Based on post-holiday survey results, the Michigan Association of Recreation Vehicles and Campgrounds (MARVAC) announced a very successful Fourth-of-July holiday weekend for Michigan campgrounds.

The survey estimates occupancy at Michigan’s privately owned campgrounds at 87 percent, with over half of the respondents reporting 100 percent occupancy for the three-day weekend. Of those surveyed, 95 percent of campgrounds achieved the same or higher occupancy compared to 2010, with 65 percent reporting higher levels. The same campgrounds also saw level or increased sales for campground services, including items like camp store purchases, firewood sales, and watercraft rentals.

MARVAC member Bob Rohn, owner of Lake of Dreams Campground in Merrill, commented, “Many campers stayed either the entire week before or after the holiday; some even stayed for the entire two weeks.”

Although not likely affecting reservation figures (most campers reserved sites well in advance), Michigan’s weather over the holiday weekend was reported as perfect for camping enjoyment—with sunshine, warm temperatures and little or no rain. The remainder of the Michigan camping season looks “sunny” as well, with 90 percent of campgrounds estimating increased reservations for the next two months, compared to last season.

“July and August are our main camping months,” said Rohn, “and looking at the reservations we have in so far, we’re likely to be sold out through Labor Day.”

Campgrounds reported that 79 percent of the weekend’s guests were from Michigan, and 21 percent were from out-of-state. Fuel prices did not appear to be a factor in holiday camping, even though the statewide average, according to AAA Michigan, was 97 cents per gallon higher than 2010.

“I think people are getting used to the gas prices and economy and finding that camping is still affordable,” said Rohn. According to PKF Consulting, a travel and tourism research firm, fuel prices would have to double for RVing to be more expensive than other forms of travel.

The Michigan Association of Recreation Vehicles and Campgrounds (MARVAC) is a statewide, non-profit organization dedicated to encouraging growth in the recreation vehicle and private campground industries while contributing to the quality of Michigan tourism. For more information, visit MARVAC’s website, www.marvac.org. MARVAC, 2222 Association Drive, Okemos, Mich. 48864-5978; 517.349.8881, ext. 11.

SPEEDWAY NAMED HIGHEST HIGHEST RANKED GASOLINE BRAND IN AMERICA FOR THE THIRD CONSECUTIVE YEAR

Enon, Ohio, April 15, 2011 – For the third year in a row, Speedway is the Highest Ranked Gasoline Brand in the nation according to the prestigious Harris Poll EquiTrend® survey of more than 25,000 consumers. This year’s ranking resulted in Speedway being named the 2011 Harris Poll EquiTrend® Retail Gasoline Brand of the Year.

“Speedway is honored to once again be named the Highest Ranked Gasoline Brand,” Tony Kenney, President of Speedway LLC said. “This award truly belongs to the 17,000 Speedway employees throughout our company, who constantly strive to be the very best in the business.”

The annual study asks consumers to rank brands in a variety of categories. In addition to being named the 2011 Harris Poll EquiTrend® Retail Gasoline Brand of the Year, Speedway was ranked highest in specific categories such as quality and trust.

As a member of the association you can take advantage of enrolling your company in the Speedway Superfleet program. For more information and to receive a discount on your fueling needs please contact Tom Farnham at 989-615-2736.

WI-FI NOW AVAILABLE AT THE ASSOCIATION OFFICE

Thru the generosity of member Origen Financial, members who now attend meetings and education programs at the Association office in Okemos, can now be connected to the Internet and their office thru their laptop because of Origen Financial donation.

“Our members have been asking us for a Wi-Fi connection for a while now in both our boardroom and conference center, we now can provide them this new service for free. A great tool and I know this is going to save a few trees in the up-coming meetings that are going to take place at the office, the paper we use for all of our meetings is unbelievable”, sited Tim DeWitt, Ex. Director.

“We’re glad we could help out the association in providing the membership this service and it hopefully will make

their business life a little bit easier when there in Okemos at industry meetings”, commented Ben Sergi, Senior VP of Operation, Southfield office. Thank You Origen Financial.

RECRUIT A NEW MEMBER TODAY!!!
Download an application at http://www.marvac.org/MARVACMemberApp.pdf