• Posted: 11/02/2006 October 2006 KOA All Star Drawing Winners
• Posted: 10/25/2006 2006 Workampers of the Year Award Announced
• Posted: 10/25/2006 2006 Employer of the Year Award Announced
• Posted: 08/23/2006 Book Review by Alice Zyetz
• Posted: 05/31/2006 KOA Awards Cash Prizes May 2006
• Posted: 10/28/2005 KOA All Star Work Kampers Win $5,000!
• Posted: 09/14/2005 PARK MODELS OPEN THE DOOR TO A DUAL HOME LIFESTYLE THAT MANY RETIREES COULD NOT OTHERWISE AFFORD
• Posted: 05/25/2005 KOA All Star Work Kampers Win $5,000!
• Posted: 04/12/2005 KOA offers FREE camping!
• Posted: 02/09/2005 Good Sam Launches RV Safety Program
• Posted: 01/17/2005 FLEETWOOD ENTERPRISES, INC. TO BREAK NEW GROUND WITH LAUNCH OF SHARED MOTORHOME OWNERSHIP PROGRAM
• Posted: 01/05/2005 RV Shipments Reach Highest Level in Decades -- “RV” Leads Search Terms on eBay
• Posted: 08/06/2004 LOUISIANA BECOMES NATION’S FIRST “RV FRIENDLY” STATE
• Posted: 06/29/2004 RV Book Tapped for Ben Franklin Award
• Posted: 06/23/2004 Volunteers Reap Health Rewards
• Posted: 04/20/2004 HIGH GAS PRICES WON'T STOP RVers
• Posted: 10/15/2003 RV TRAVEL IS ALWAYS IN SEASON
• Posted: 06/29/2003 Is Your RV Site Taxable?
• Posted: 06/29/2003 Proposed Rule Change by INS May Impact Canadian and Overseas RVers and Snowbirds. . .

Phyllis Barber - Seattle/Tacoma KOA

Lee Howland - Fayetteville KOA

Brenda Slack - Niagara Falls, ON KOA

John La Tour - Needles KOA

Donald Shook - San Francisco N/Petaluma KOA

To see the winners' photos, or to learn more about KOA, visit KOA's Featured Employer Page by scrolling down the left side navigation bar and clicking on the "Featured Employers/Agencies" link.

These rewards were part of KOA's Work Kamper Program that launched in the fall of 2004. The program was designed to help align great KOA workers (work kampers) with employment opportunities at KOA's more than 470 locations in North America.

Thank you to everyone who sent in nominations! Those receiving Honorable Mention will be listed in the November/December issue of Workamper News.

Why I feel Keith and Ann Wilson deserve recognition:

Keith and Ann Wilson have Workamped for us at Bear Country USA for two seasons now. Both of them are as exuberant at the end of the second grueling season as they were their first day of work. They are both eager to help any of our 300,000 visitors with such things as directions to Mt. Rushmore, refunds from our thieving pop machines, or fetching a band-aid for a skinned knee. They go above and beyond for our patrons as well as our other employees.

Their primary duties include cleaning and maintaining our restrooms, planting and watering flowers, and picking up trash around our Babyland area. However, they are quick to lend a hand in the snack bar, grill a few burgers, help the mascot dress, apply temporary tattoos, or escort a guest with mobility challenges around the park in a golf cart, whenever the need arises.

They help keep morale high with their beautiful smiles and kind words. And who could have a bad day with Keith's constant "bear" puns? He'd say he has so much fun with us, "It's un-bear-able!" and he could "bear-ly take it!"

The truth is, we couldn't "bear" the thought of not having them as Workampers!

Thank you for considering Keith and Ann Wilson for Workampers of the Year.

Kindest regards, Vanessa Stoffel

They will receive a framed certificate and recognition in the November/December issue of Workamper News

Thank you to everyone who sent in nominations! Those receiving Honorable Mention will be listed in the November/December issue of Workamper News.

Wes and Marcia House operate the Winding River Resort Campground in Grand Lake, Colorado.

It is a rather unique campground in that it has an equestrian atmosphere. While the campground offers the typical full service, partial service and tent sites, it also offers horse trail rides into the Rocky Mountain National Park, hayrides with the wagon being drawn by a team of Belgian horses, chuckwagon pancake breakfasts on the weekends and special catered chuckwagon dinners. There is also a small animal farm with calfs, pigs, chickens, ducks, lambs, goats and a couple of minature horses. The ice cream social is a special time for families to get together.

It is the only campground in this part of Colorado that provides a camp site/horse stall for private horse owners to bring their stock up to the Rocky Mountains and ride the beautiful trails at their leisure. Many horse owners travel from distances of a several hundred miles just to experience this scenic area and experience not only the breathtaking mountains, but the graciousness of the campground's owners/hosts.

The campground is located on the Colorado River just outside the R.M.N.P. entrance and guests can fish from the edge of the campground.

The resort is a destination campground and many of the guests return year after year. This is a great outdoor atmosphere where we are surrounded by high mountains and the Arapahoe National Forest. The elevation is about 8,500 feet. Elk and moose roam through and around the campground constantly. What a superb setting.

Wes and Marcia are the greatest of hosts making sure that the customer is accomodated and attention is paid to detail so that they have a memorable and pleasant experience. The atmosphere is designed for a family adventure so that all of the family and children will want to return year after year.

They are on-site owners/managers and direct the activites of the five to six Workamper couples. Many of the Workampers return for several years of summer work and fun. They believe that the Workampers are an extension of themselves and that the success of the operations is due to a 'teamwork' concept.

While the duties of the Workampers can be fast paced during the season, Wes and Marcia approach every situation with patience and understanding. They encourage individual input toward making the campground operation easier and more "customer friendly."

The proof of their attitude and approach is a highly successful campground operation that has provided a true summer memory for 30-plus years and a customer clientele that makes reservations for the next year upon leaving.

Both Wes and Marcia are well respected in the entire Grand County area and are active in church and community activities. What a super couple!!!

They are also annual advertisers in Workamper News.

This is the third year for my wife and I to work as Workampers for Wes and Marcia. We plan on returning next year.

Sincerely, Bud Cook

Digital Hub
Rich not only created his digital “hub” as he traveled by RV, he even carried a smaller version as he hiked 750 miles of the Appalachian Trail. Fellow hikers nicknamed him “Gadget” as a testimony to his efforts. The hub concept, adapted from Apple Computer’s earlier marketing tool, is critical to RVers. Rich demonstrates how you can consolidate your electronic needs into as small a space as you wish. In other words, he can use his laptop computer and cell phone for all his digital needs, including a television set. His focus is on space savings, power savings, and cost savings—all music to the RVer’s ears, so to speak.

Digital Tech Talk in Plain English
All of the above is in Chapter One, which sets the stage for the rest of the book that details the complex technology currently available, explaining it in plain English for all levels of readers. Photographs further enhance his text, making his explanations more vivid.

Each chapter is devoted to one aspect of the portable digital world of the RVer. The Entertainment chapter provides a clear description of what an MP3 file is, for example. With information packed into fifteen pages, you will learn how to manage your entertainment needs so that you can have your music, videos, DVDs, television, TiVo, digital satellite radio without having all the individual components taking up your space and power.

The Communications chapter discusses and compares the digital options available to stay in touch with others. This chapter is particularly important for Workampers, especially when you are planning your next job and need to find out what is available.

Then it will help you contact potential employers, send out resumes, cover letters, thank you notes, and of course stay in touch with the Workamper forums, update your Awesome Applicant resume and access the other Workamper Viewpoint features.

The chapter includes digital wireless phones, connecting to the Net with Wi-Fi, digital data cell phones, satellite Internet, instant messaging, blogging. Each topic is explained and then evaluated according to its advantages and disadvantages.

The next chapter is devoted to making and storing memories. Rich describes and evaluates digital cameras, methods of downloading the photos to your computer, storage both on your computer and online, editing programs, etc. Once again he combines his overall knowledge with his ability to simply explain the details.

Additional Information
In the chapter on Service and Support, he discusses types of warranties and service contracts. There is a section on critical protection devices. A section is devoted to additional jobs on the road that depend on your digital RV like publishing campground brochures, newsletters, magazine articles. You can easily create your own blogs to document your travels for family and friends. Rich has also included a list of Web references for hardware and software purchases, digital cameras, storage, and various Web resources. Finally, there is a technical glossary of all those terms we use but can’t quite define. The one element missing is an Index.

What’s Next?
The nature of digital technology is change. Rich has provided a website that is constantly adding new information as it happens. Visit his site http://www.digital rv.net Or contact him at inquiries@digitalrv.net. If there is another book that gives a more complete overview, I have not found it. The Digital RV is a gem. Add it to your permanent library.

The winners were: Jeri Hall - Wisconsin Dells KOA John Anderson - Burlington KOA George Duppong - Mesa/Apache Junction KOA Richard Gauthier - Lincoln City KOA Barbara Bear - Buffalo KOA

These rewards were part of KOA's Work Kamper Program that launched in the fall of 2004. The program was designed to help align great KOA workers (work kampers) with employment opportunities at KOA's more than 470 locations in North America. There are currently 775 KOA All Star work kampers that are registered for the KOA Work Kamper program.

Registration is online through the www.workatkoa.com website. The program offers many rewards to KOA work kampers who continue to work as part of the KOA system including free KOA camping to get them to their next KOA assignment, a 15 percent discount at all KOA Kampgrounds, and cash prize drawings totaling $10,000 annually!

"Finding great people to work at our KOA's is part of our promise to provide a great camping experience for our guests," Jim Rogers, KOA President and CEO, said. "Rewarding our valuable work kampers with cash prizes is just our way of showing our appreciation to them."

Established in Billings, Mont. in 1962, Kampgrounds of America, Inc. is the franchised campground industry leader. KOA Inc. offers RV, tent, Kamping Kabin, Kottage and Lodge sites at campground locations in the United States, Canada, and Japan. Currently, KOA has more than 450 franchised campgrounds, and 21 company operated properties that are open to the public. For more information, visit Kampgrounds of America on the Internet at www.koa.com or the KOA pressroom at www.koapressroom.com.

Vilas Butler from the Milton/Gulf Pines, FL KOA Laura Hartman from the Saco/Old Orchard Beach, ME KOA Bryan O'Steen from the Point South, SC KOA Nanci Holzer from the Okeechobee, FL KOA Garry Burke from the Cardinal, ON KOA in Canada

These rewards were part of KOA's Work Kamper Program that launched in the fall of 2004. The program was designed to help align great KOA workers (work kampers) with employment opportunities at KOA's more than 470 locations in North America. There are currently 775 KOA All Star work kampers that are registered for the KOA Work Kamper program. Registration is online through the www.workatkoa.com website. The program offers many rewards to KOA work kampers who continue to work as part of the KOA system including free KOA camping to get them to their next KOA assignment, a 15 percent discount at all KOA Kampgrounds, and cash prize drawings totaling $10,000 annually!

"Our All Star Work Kamper program has really taken off this past year, and we've been able to reward some of our exceptional work kampers who have been at our KOAs providing great camping experience for our guests," says Jim Rogers, KOA President and CEO.

Established in Billings, Mont. in 1962, Kampgrounds of America, Inc. is the franchised campground industry leader. KOA Inc. offers RV, tent, Kamping Kabin, Kottage and Lodge sites at campground locations in the United States, Canada, and Japan. Currently, KOA has more than 450 franchised campgrounds, and 21 company operated properties that are open to the public. For more information, visit Kampgrounds of America on the Internet at www.koa.com or the KOA pressroom at www.koapressroom.com.

Unlike mobile homes, which are a form of low-cost, permanent housing, recreational park trailers or “park models” are 400-square foot movable resort cottages that are designed exclusively for part-time recreational use. Typically upscale in appearance, they often include bay windows and lofts as well as walnut, oak or maple cabinetry. And they can be left on a permanent campsite for an entire season. Park models typically retail in the mid-$30,000-range and provide comfortable part-time living quarters for a fraction of the cost of a site built home or condo.

“This is a lifestyle we couldn’t otherwise afford,” said Doug Dahlquist, who keeps one park model at Lakeside Acres RV Park in Brainerd, Minn., and the other at Palm Creek Golf and RV Resort in Casa Grande, Ariz. All that’s really required, he said, is a good marriage and a willingness to live part time in a 400-square foot space. But record numbers of retirees are giving park models a chance. This year, in fact, the park trailer industry has recorded its highest shipment levels in history, with shipments up 11 percent over last year’s figures, which had been the highest in the history of the park model business. Demand is being fueled by rising real estate costs, which are prompting retirees and working professionals and families to seek out more affordable options in vacation homes. Many are finding park trailers suit the bill because they enable them to live part time in resort settings they couldn’t otherwise afford.

Dahlquist has seen the transformation take place in his own park, as retirees trade in their travel trailers for park models, which generally provide more living space. The park trailer industry, meanwhile, is likely to get another boost as consumers from throughout the Northeast flock to the 37th Annual Pennsylvania RV and Camping Show to see these units up close. The Hershey show will feature nearly 50 park models from 13 manufacturers.

For more information about the Pennsylvania RV & Camping Show, visit the show website at www.largestrvshow.com or call (888) 303-2887. For more information about park models, contact the Recreational Park Trailer Industry Association, which represents 41 recreational park trailer manufacturers. RPTIA member manufacturers have pledged to the association that they will adhere to the American National Standards Institute ANSI A119.5 standard, which mandates more than 500 separate safety requirements for recreational park trailers. RPTIA assists its members in complying with the ANSI standard by providing unannounced inspections of the units being produced at the members’ manufacturing facilities by accredited third party engineering firms. Members of the association who are in compliance with the standards program have earned the right to proudly display RPTIA’s gold, blue and green oval seal, which is typically placed adjacent to the primary entrance to the recreational park trailer.

To obtain photos, statistics, consumer and campground contacts or other information regarding the growth of the recreational park trailer industry, please contract William Garpow at (770) 251-2672 or visit the association’s website at www.rptia.com.

Connie Tull of the Saco, Maine KOA Denis Schlotzhauer of the Cascade Locks/Portland East, Oregon KOA Eileen Reynolds of the Herkimer Diamond Mines, New York KOA Jim Adams of the Durango North, Colorado KOA Anne Moore of the Kingman, Arizona KOA

These rewards were part of KOA’s Work Kamper Program that launched in the fall of 2004. The program was designed to help align great KOA workers (work kampers) with employment opportunities at KOA’s more than 470 locations in North America. There are currently 435 KOA All Star work kampers that are registered for the KOA Work Kamper program. The program offers many rewards to KOA work kampers who continue to work as part of the KOA system including free KOA camping to get them to their next KOA assignment, a 15 percent discount at all KOA Kampgrounds, and cash prize drawings totaling $10,000 annually!

“Finding great people to work at our KOA’s is part of our promise to provide a great camping experience for our guests,” says Jim Rogers, KOA President and CEO. “Rewarding our valuable work kampers with cash prizes is just our way of showing our appreciation to them.”

[Editor's Note: For more information on KOA's Work Kamper program, visit their Featured Employer page.]

The King of the Rig is the latest initiative between The Good Sam Club and GMAC Insurance, a partnership that began in 1979 with the creation of The Good Sam Vehicle Insurance Plan (VIP).

The program kicks off at the Arizona State Samboree, March 3 through 6, and will continue on to the Good Sam VIP RV Safety Rally, May 9-13, The Great North American RV Rally (GNARR), July 11-14, and at select Good Sam Samborees throughout the Summer/Fall 2005 and into 2006.

“Good Sam members take great pride in being among the most knowledgeable RVers in the country,” said Sue Bray, executive director of the Good Sam Club. “The King of the Rig program is designed to showcase Good Sam members’ RV knowledge by putting it to the test, and to ultimately strengthen safety awareness for the thousands of families jumping into the RVing lifestyle.”

A special license is not needed to drive or tow the vast majority of RVs. An experienced car driver already has the skills necessary to drive a motorized RV. The transition is easy since most RV’s have the same standard features as a car, including automatic transmission, power brakes and power steering.

“There are many things we all take for granted when we get behind the wheel of a motorized vehicle,” said Bray. “Drivers spend several hours per week behind the wheel and most don’t take any type of refresher or training course once they have their license. Programs like King of the Rig make it fun to test and refresh these skills.”

According to the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association, RVing is among the fastest growing activities in the nation, with 7.2 million RVs on the nation’s roads today and an expected 15% increase in RV-owning households between 2001-2010, a growth rate that outpaces overall U.S. household growth by 5 percent. Including owners, renters and friends and families that ride along, there are more than 30 million RV enthusiasts today. GoRVing.com, the RV industry’s consumer website, provides a great resource to the American RV traveler by offering several useful tips on driving an RV.

“Traditionally, RVers are known as safe and savvy when it comes to the open road and many drivers dedicate hours of learning and practice to hone the skills necessary to deftly operate these big rigs,” said Wade Bontrager, vice president of RV marketing, GMAC Insurance. “Practice makes perfect, and King of the Rig provides a fun, interactive way to ensure RVers stay safe.”

Fleetwood Vacation Club (FVC) will be a points-based membership program that will provide its members numerous benefits, including access to Class A diesel motor homes, such as Discovery, and Class C gas-powered motor homes, such as Tioga, from participating Fleetwood franchise locations. These motor homes will be fully appointed and will be owned by Fleetwood Vacation Club. Members will have the right to use these motor homes for periods ranging from one week per year to several weeks per year, over a 10-year period.

One of the benefits Fleetwood Vacation Club features is an exclusive affiliation agreement with RCI, the global leader in vacation exchange. RCI will support Fleetwood Vacation Club with RCI®Points, enabling FVC members to exchange their FVC points for vacations at resorts within RCI’s global network. In addition, Fleetwood Vacation Club members can use their points to obtain a wide variety of other travel products, including airfare, car rental, hotel stays, cruises, golf outings and tickets to theme parks.

FVC has been awarded RCI Gold Crown status, an award earned by a select number of RCI affiliates that have achieved excellence in quality, amenities and service standards.

“Fleetwood is recognized as an RV industry innovator and the upcoming launch of Fleetwood Vacation Club is yet another example of our drive to expand the reach of RVing to broader audiences through new products and programs,” said Ed Caudill, president and chief executive officer of Fleetwood Enterprises, Inc.

“Fleetwood Vacation Club will open the doors to the RV lifestyle to a whole new group of consumers,” said Chris Braun, executive vice president of Fleetwood RV. “More people will be able to experience and enjoy the RV lifestyle in a flexible way that fits their schedule, lifestyle and budget.”

Specific details on FVC locations, membership levels and costs will be released closer to the opening of membership sales in spring 2005. Further information on Fleetwood Vacation Club is available at www.fleetwoodvacationclub.com.

Consumers purchased RVs at a record pace last year, despite record-high gasoline prices. University of Michigan researcher Dr. Richard Curtin, who produces quarterly forecasts for the RV industry, announced that 2004 will set a new quarter-century record of 364,900 RV shipments, shattering 1999’s peak of 321,200. This represents an almost 14 percent gain over the 320,800 units shipped in 2003.

Reflecting the hot RV demand, online auction website eBay reported that “RV” was the most popular search term in 2004 among its 125 million users. As a barometer of societal trends, eBay’s search rankings show the growing preference for comfortable leisure travel among families and retirees, observers say.

“There are many factors behind the surge in RV sales. Among them are the rising popularity of driving vacations, a favorable economic climate, product innovation and demographics,” explained Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA) President David Humphreys. “Families want to spend quality time together and prefer the greater freedom, flexibility, control and comfort RVs provide. Younger consumers and empty-nesters are both driving up sales—realizing the advantages of RVing over other forms of travel.”

“RV shipments during the decade ahead are expected to be very strong given the growing preference among consumers for the RV lifestyle as well as record increases in the number of consumers now entering the prime age range that purchases new RVs,” explained Curtin, director, surveys of consumers, University of Michigan Survey Research Center. Economic factors in the RV industry’s favor are increases in Gross Domestic Product (GDP), personal disposable income and personal consumption, according to Curtin, who also authors the closely watched monthly Index of Consumer Sentiment.

“Consumers are finding that RVs offer an attractive mix of freedom, comfort and control,” said Humphreys. “Today’s RVs come equipped with all the comforts of home,” he added, such as state-of-the-art entertainment systems, designer interiors, gourmet kitchens, satellite and plasma TVs, and living rooms and bedrooms that slide out at the push of a button to create extra space.

RV shipments in the third quarter of 2004 totaled 93,300 units, the highest third-quarter shipments total in 26 years. Third quarter 2004 shipments were 12.8 percent higher than a year prior, slightly ahead of the 10.3 percent growth that was forecasted. Final year-end 2004 figures are being collected by RVIA for release in February 2005.

The RV industry’s optimism was evident at RVIA’s National RV Trade Show last month in Louisville, Ky., which posted its highest attendance ever, paving the way for continued strength in 2005. The show also set records for dealer attendance and exhibit space.

Long-term trends point to substantial RV market growth because of favorable demographics and lifestyle trends. As baby boomers approach retirement age, the number of RV-owning households is projected to rise 15 percent between 2001-2010, outpacing overall U.S. household growth of 10 percent, according to a University of Michigan study.

The University of Michigan study found the number of RVs owned by those 35 to 54 grew faster than all other age groups, bolstered by an industry advertising campaign aimed at the coveted baby boom generation. The Go RVing Coalition's national advertising campaign of print, television, radio and Internet ads is targeting adults age 30-64. The industry will spend approximately $50 million on the current three-year phase of this market expansion effort.

RVIA (rvia.org) is the national association representing more than 550 manufacturers and component suppliers producing approximately 98 percent of all RVs made in the United States.

The “RV friendly” markers -- bright yellow circles with crescent smiles under the letters RV -- could appear on Louisiana highways as early as this fall. Local businesses such as restaurants and gas stations will be able to place the “RV Friendly” markers under their “Gas-Food-Lodging” highway signs as long as they meet state requirements, including large parking spaces, entrances, exits and overhang clearances.

Louisiana State Representative M.J. “Mert” Smiley, a Republican who represents Ascension and Livingston parishes in District 88, led this legislative effort because he had spoken with several RVers who had difficulties in locating establishments that could accommodate their vehicles. He says RV travelers will now benefit from having this information clearly displayed on Louisiana’s interstates and highways. Rep. Smiley believes that businesses in Louisiana will also benefit as RVers will be more likely to purchase gas, food and other items in the state rather than passing through to neighboring states.

RV ownership has reached record levels in the United States with an estimated 30 million RV enthusiasts, including renters. On America’s roads today are 7.2 million RVs, which include motorhomes, travel trailers, folding camping trailers and truck campers. That’s nearly one RV in every12 vehicle-owning households in the United States, according to a study by the University of Michigan.

RV travelers spend substantial amounts of money on food, clothing, souvenirs and entertainment in the communities that surround their campgrounds. RV owners travel an average 28-35 days annually, reveals research by the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA). More than two-thirds of RVers take spur-of-the-moment trips year round, using their vehicles to support a wide range of recreational activities and interests, from camping, fishing, hiking, biking and boating to antiquing, horse shows, tailgating at sports events and outlet mall shopping.

Today’s typical RV owner is 49 years old, married, with an annual household income of $56,000—higher than the median for all households, the same University of Michigan study found.

“As the popularity of RV travel continues to grow, I felt it was important to address some of the basic access concerns that RVers have,” said Rep. Smiley. “The law benefits both RVers and business owners as the ‘RV friendly’ markers will help them to more easily connect with each other.”

RV sales are booming as factory-to-dealer deliveries of new RVs are expected to set a new quarter-century record in 2004, according to University of Michigan researcher Dr. Richard Curtin. He is predicting RV shipments in 2004 will rise 7.7 percent over last year.

“Families want to reconnect with America’s great outdoors and spend quality time together on vacation,” explains RVIA President David J. Humphreys. “RVing offers the best possible way—providing the ultimate in freedom, flexibility and control. Louisiana’s parks, forests and campgrounds are rich in natural settings, breathtaking views and scenic spots ideal for RV camping.”

Consumers can order a free RV “getting-started” video or CD-ROM at GoRVing.com or 1-888-Go RVing. Surf the website for lists of Go RVing dealers and campgrounds in your area, as well as RV shows, publications, rental sources and clubs. Or write to: RVIA, P.O. Box 2999, Dept. P, Reston, VA 20195.

RVIA (rvia.org) is the national association representing more than 500 manufacturers and component suppliers producing approximately 98 percent of all RVs made in the United States.

Named one of two finalists in the travel-essay category, RV Traveling Tales ($14.95, March, 2003) was highlighted for its editorial content. Comments by the judges include:

"RV Traveling Tales could easily have been classified as 'motivational.' I loved this book." "Each writing in this book was well done, interesting, and unique." "A fun book to read." "I can't think of a thing that would make the book better." RV Traveling Tales: Women's Journeys on the Open Road, the only RV-related book nominated, is an anthology of short writings by fifty-two women, who answer the question: What is it like to be a female nomad on the open road, leaving family, community, and possessions to head into the unknown in an RV? The Ben Franklin award recognizes that RV Traveling Tales was among the most successful in achieving its purpose and meeting its intended audience's needs.

Judged by a panel of book industry experts including buyers at wholesale and retail levels, librarians, book critics, design experts and independent publishing consultants, all entries were scrutinized by individuals involved in the very markets in which the books are competing.

[This book is available in Workamper Bookstore]

About the Benjamin Franklin Awards

Named in honor of America's most cherished publisher and printer, the Benjamin Franklin Award recognizes excellence in independent publishing. Publications, grouped by genre, are judged on editorial and design merit by top practitioners in each field. A panel of more than 150 judges from throughout the publishing industry weighed and evaluated more than 1,600 submissions in 54 categories to create the list of more than 160 finalists for the 2003 publishing year. Publishers large and small from across the nation, Canada and Mexico competed for the coveted Benjamin Franklin Awards.

About Publishers Marketing Association

PMA, with more than 3900 members, is the largest non-profit trade association representing independent publishers. Founded in 1983, its mission is to advance the professional interests of independent publishers.

For more information, contact Jaimie Hall at Pine Country Publishing, 928-607-3181 For a complete listing of finalists and to view the award winners in each of the 54 categories, check out the PMA website at PMA-online.org.

Only five percent of the more than 2,400 respondents said they would stop traveling by recreational vehicle if gas reached $2.50 a gallon. More than 60 percent said they would spend the same amount of time in their recreational vehicles, although many of them would drive fewer miles.

"These results aren't surprising," said Chuck Woodbury, editor of RVtravel.com. "RVers don't move around every day so the cost of fuel isn't as significant as it is with many other motorists. Most drive to a campground then stay awhile. A round-trip of 200 miles only costs about $20 more at $2.50 a gallon than at $1.50, and that extra expense won't keep most RVers home."

RVtravel.com polls its 75,000 email newsletter subscribers every week on their opinions and habits, providing a revealing insight into the RV lifestyle. An archive of past surveys is available at http://www.RVtravel.com.

According to the latest Campfire Canvass, a survey of RV owners conducted by Robert Hitlin Research Associates of Reston, Va. for the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA), RVers anticipate traveling an average of 26 days this fall and winter – three more than the same period a year ago. They also plan to log approximately 1,600 miles, 100 more than they did last fall/winter. In all, 69 percent of all RV owners plan to travel more or the same amount.

Survey respondents cited desires to escape stress, enjoy nature, spend time with family, save money and see America as key reasons for increasing their travel plans this fall/winter.

RVers Enjoy Control Over Their Schedules Nine out of 10 RV owners surveyed said that they have more control and flexibility when they travel in an RV. "We're able to set our own schedule, make stops when and where we want, and prepare our own food anytime," said Trish Hunt of Holister, Calif.

Nancy Holguin of St. Ann, Mo., echoes those sentiments: "You don't have to rely on travel plans, hotels or airports. You can stay where you want, as long as you want, and have everything you need with an RV."

"To eat, sleep and go anywhere you want represents the freedom of RVing," adds Jon Kurth of Beecher, Ill.

The favorite activity of RVers is camping, which was cited by 80 percent of survey respondents. Fishing (49%), hiking (42%), attending craft and harvest festivals (42%), shopping (40%), and viewing foliage (36%) were also mentioned as activities enjoyed by RVers.

Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains and North Carolina tied as the favorite place or region for RV owners to view fall colors, followed by the Great Smoky Mountains, New England and Wisconsin.

Holiday travel also will be popular among RV owners. Nearly 30 percent plan to use their RV for travel and accommodations when visiting family and friends over the Thanksgiving holiday and 19 percent during the Christmas/Hanukkah season.

On the Road to a Healthy Lifestyle Nine out of 10 RV owners surveyed said that RV travel makes them feel healthier because they can escape stress and rejuvenate (86%), they're more physically active (73%) and able to eat/cook healthier (47%) on trips.

Ninety-eight percent said it's important for their families to maintain a healthy, active lifestyle while on the road.

"I like the wide range of campgrounds available to RVers," says Carolyn Langer of Higganum, Conn. "There's more opportunity to enjoy outside activities instead of being cooped up in a hotel room."

Ninety-six percent of those surveyed said RVs enable their families to spend more quality time together. "Most families lead hectic lives," says RVIA president David J. Humphreys, "but they have found RV travel is a great way to get away from it all, spend quality time together and enjoy the great outdoors."

Respondents averaged 50 years of age. Seventy-five percent of those surveyed said they'll travel with their children or grandchildren this fall and winter.

With more Americans taking road trips to see the country, consumer demand for RVs has increased steadily in the last two years, and the outlook is even brighter for next year. In 2004, RV shipments are expected to reach their second-highest level in 26 years.

Fall and winter offer numerous opportunities for those interested in purchasing RVs to learn more. Many RV retail shows are scheduled for the upcoming months where consumers can see numerous makes and models conveniently. For information on RV shows in your area, as well as lists of Go RVing dealers, campgrounds, publications, rental sources and clubs, go to GoRVing.com. Also, you can order a free RV "getting-started" video or CD-ROM at 1-888-Go RVing or via the website.

RVIA is the national association representing 500 manufacturers and component suppliers producing approximately 98 percent of all RVs made in the United States.

1. The lodging is furnished on the business premises of the employer,
2. The lodging is furnished for the convenience of the employer, and
3. The employee is required to accept such lodging as a condition of employment. (see irc 1.119 (b)). (Also see IRS Publication 525 - "Meals & Lodging")

04/23/02 – The Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) is proposing several changes to the rules governing visitor admissions. In addition to changing the requirements for B non-immigrant visitor visa holders who wish to become students, the proposed new rules will eliminate the current minimum six months admission period for B-2 visitors for pleasure, replacing it with “a period of time that is fair and reasonable for the completion of the purpose of the visit.”

When B-visa holders apply for entry to the United States, they will be required to explain to an INS immigration inspector the nature and purpose of their visit so the Inspector can determine the appropriate length of stay. While INS inspectors will make every effort to determine a fair and reasonable time period, the burden of proof rests with the alien. When the time needed to accomplish the purpose of the visit cannot be determined, INS will grant a 30-day period of admission.

The proposed new rules will also limit the conditions under which a B visitor can obtain an extension of stay and will reduce the maximum extension period that can be granted from one year to six months. INS claims to recognize that some visitors, such as certain retirees who own vacation homes in the United States, may wish to remain for longer than six months. They claim that the proposed rules will allow extensions of stay in such cases, but there does not seem to be any specific language in the proposal that addresses this.

We are concerned that these proposed new rules, if adopted, could seriously impact those who wish to visit or tour the United States. The INS is seeking public comments regarding this proposed rule. The INS notes that, in view of the national security needs of the United States, public comment on this proposed rule is being limited to 30 days. The INS requests that parties interested in commenting on the proposals contained within this rule submit comments on or before May 13, 2002.