Thank you for checking out the In-Between News. Due to lack of interest, posts on this blog will be fewer. Please check out the archive for many useful articles, tips, and resources on the Workamping/RVing lifestyle. With any questions, please contact Workamper News at info@workamper.com or 800-446-5627.
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24 Jan 2012 By editor
Reality Check 101 
The last two weeks, I have given you some tips to sell your home. My husband is a retired General Contractor and we have bought and sold properties together for about fifteen years. As you know, things have changed drastically in the real estate market and people need REAL help. That’s why I am calling today’s article “Reality Check 101.” Next week, the article will be called “Reality Check, 102!”
My purpose today is to share with you the experiences my husband and I have recently had selling our home and a rental property.
Today’s market is not “life as it was,” but I imagine it will be “life from now on…” or at least for the next five years. Home sales have increased in the nation, but it is because people have become more realistic due to circumstances beyond their control. Lending institutions are stricter in lending no more than the appraisal price demands, based on square footage. The secondary housing market is definitely a buyer’s market; the seller can price and receive offers higher than the appraisal comes in based on sales in the neighborhood (“comps”), but the buyer will not be able to borrow more than the appraisal price.
In our situation, we worked with a realtor we trusted and had used several years before with a rental property. She broke the news to us what the comps came in at—about $50,000 less than what we had paid for the house! Ouch! Two houses in our neighborhood had been sold at rock-bottom prices, and they weren’t even foreclosures. One of the houses had been “for sale” for over a year. The owner even took it off the market for a few months. Her desire was to move to the coast and take advantage of the super low, short-sale price of a particular condominium right on the beach. She decided to take a big loss on her home—and yet gain on the other end, buying the condo at such a low price. (The other neighbor was a friend of hers and also bought a condo at the beach!) If you are investing in another property and getting “a steal,” it isn’t as hard to sell low.
The problem Workampers face, is that they aren’t necessarily buying a new home, unless it’s an RV. [There is an art to buying RVs for much, much less than the MSRP, but that’s for another article!] If you are buying another home for your domicile, you are probably downsizing, so looking at the Big Picture, the bite in the seat of your pants can be assuaged by getting a great deal on the other end as a buyer. However, we were not buying another home—only renting a site to maintain our Florida domicile.
We decided we would not start out asking as low a price for our home as the other two homes that had recently sold. Why? We just knew our home was nicer! Truly, we had replaced all our appliances, light fixtures and plumbing fixtures, and had hardwood flooring in most of the house. We also had a sun porch that was original (not added on), plantation shutters and Corian countertops everywhere. Our house had been the “model” house in the neighborhood, so it had extra molding and other features. We also were on the corner so we had more privacy and backed up to a pond. Our realtor had done a great job with a photo tour on MLS and held an Open House the very first weekend. Even though our sale price was somewhat higher than she advised, we were thrilled to get an offer at the Open House! After countering, we arrived at a figure that was $5,000 less than our asking price. The buyer asked for certain pieces of furniture to be included, and we agreed to most. The price we settled on was about $15,000 more than the other two homes had sold for, so we were satisfied, although we still were losing from what we paid for the house. Fortunately, our house was paid for, so we weren’t upside down or anything.
Here comes the reality check. Two or three weeks before closing, we find out the lending institution would not lend our buyer (a lawyer) the 80% he had asked for. Even with 20% down! The buyer expected us to decrease our sales price by $14,000. It was a real struggle, knowing he had thought it was worth the higher price and had the means to afford it—so we took a step back and didn’t panic. Finally, after a week’s time, he agreed to split the difference 65/35%. He paid the 65% difference. We were fortunate he was willing and able to do that, or we could manage to accept less than we anticipated. Had we rejected his offer, we might have had “carrying costs” (overhead until the house did sell) and maybe still end up the same conclusion, or been worse off. In order to fulfill our dream of fulltime workamping, we had to have an attitude adjustment.
Reality checks often have to do a lot with perception and attitude. We changed our perception by choosing to look at the big picture. We had lived happily in the home for seven years. The days of living in a home “for free” due to selling at an appreciated price could be gone. We decided to look at the positive: there were two things to make us feel better about the depreciation. First, we had downsized seven years before when prices were at their peak and we had made over $100,000 on the sale of our prior home, which allowed us to buy our motorhome. Then, we averaged out the monthly cost of living in the home for seven years and realized we came out ahead of what renting such a home would have cost.
The next task we had to accomplish during our month’s sabbatical from workamping was to sell an investment property we owned in Round Rock Texas. We no longer had a purpose of owning a home in Texas (write-offs for managing the property while visiting our children living there). Things were beginning to be a hassle, since our other investment properties were in Florida and we were being spread too thing. The neighborhood was failing and we didn’t know if prices would continue to fall or climb back up, but we had to focus on our objective: to enjoy the freedom of Workamping. Rental property is an excellent investment, especially if your husband can make most repairs, but the house was getting to the age that major expenses were to be expected: appliance replacement, fogged windows, roof, a/c, etc., and we didn’t want expected “unexpected” expenses to be worried about.
Our experience with the sale of that house has, I think, some valuable lessons, but due to my rambling, I will continue with “Reality Check 102” next week!
Mary Lou Merritt
At The Workamper News Forums Site:
Please join the discussions on these hot topics!
- A Workamper suggests, “be aware of promises not kept.” What’s your take? Join in at the Workampers Forum (Member-only).
- If you are researching employers, start at the Workamper Experiences Forum (Member-only).
- Post your images at the Workamper Images Forum and check out the ones already there!
- “FOX NEWS VIDEO ON WORKAMPERS” – was it accurate? Weigh in at the General Workamping Forum.
- “Should we rent out our home or sell it?” Add your advice at the Full-timing Forum.
- Solos – you might find a Workamper partner at the Solo Workamping Forum.
- Add your modifications at the DIY, Mods & Upgrades Forum. You can upload photos too!
- Any other ideas for “Hobbies: space and weight!”? Let’s hear them at the Workamper Interests and Hobbies Forum.
Log in (or register at) Workamper Forums
Jaimie Hall Bruzenak
www.rvlifestylexperts.com
***
Golden Opportunity
Deadline to become a GOLD LIFETIME MEMBER approaching!
You don’t want to neglect your opportunity to become a Lifetime Gold Member for a never-again offered price!
Whatever membership level and years of subscription you have already paid for will be applied to the Lifetime membership level. $299.00 minus your paid-in-dues to become a member for life without ever having to renew! Remember, your Lifetime membership will always be at the Gold level.
THIS IS A GREAT VALENTINES GIFT! If you remain a member for seven years (average membership time), your total dues (if the price remained constant) will be $1,386. Perhaps you’ll be a member for EVEN LONGER. Compare that to the $299.00 one-time offer until February 14, 2012.
HOWEVER, saving money is far from the best reason to become a LIFETIME GOLD MEMBER!!!! The tools and resources the GOLD members are afforded are the REAL reasons you should take advantage of this opportunity.
Do it NOW! Simply go HERE or call 800-446-5627 for more information and to take advantage of this Golden Opportunity.
February 14th is the absolute deadline!
What’s Happenin’ In the News
Michigan Recreation Passports
The Recreation Passport has replaced motor vehicle permits for entry into Michigan state parks, recreation areas and state-administered boating access fee sites. This new way to fund Michigan’s outdoor recreation opportunities also helps to preserve state forest campgrounds, trails, and historic and cultural sites in state parks, and provides park development grants to local communities.
Michigan residents can purchase the Recreation Passport ($10 for motor vehicles; $5 for motorcycles) by checking “YES” on their license plate renewal forms, or at any state park or recreation area. Nonresident motor vehicles must still display a valid nonresident Recreation Passport ($29 annual; $8 daily) to enter a Michigan state park, recreation area or state-administered boating access fee site; these can be purchased at any state park or recreation area, or through the Michigan e-Store at www.michigan.gov/estore.
To learn more about the Recreation Passport, visit www.michigan.gov/recreationpassport or call 517.241.7275.
This Sounds Fun! Traveland’s RV Museum 
More than a week ago, the 7,000 square foot RV Museum opened to the public. Owner Sisemore said he has been building the museum for over 25 years, and listed some of the greats: a 1936 Alma, a 1937 Elkhart Traveler, a 1953 Fleetwood. The list goes on. Not only those, the red and white bus that characters Travis and Mary Jo Gornicke drove in the movie “RV” is even on display. Jay Leno is said to have the same model! More than 4,000 visitors have already visited the museum at 4341 Amarillo, TX at Sisemore Traveland. To go to their website, visit www.rvmuseum.net and you can see some of the RVs from the past.
What’s In a Name? The possibility of a Law Suit!
The name “North Carolina” was in dispute as the name of an upcoming RV show taking place at the Raleigh Convention Center, North Carolina. After AGI obtained a Restraining Order, Apple Rock—the advertiser and promoter of the show, was forced to rename the show the NCRVDA Show which is to be held January 20 to 22, 2012.
Bisbee, AZ Trying to Eliminate Permanent RV Living
BISBEE, Ariz. — During Thursday’s meeting, members of the Bisbee Planning and Zoning Commission discussed an amendment to the city code regarding the use of RVs and travel trailers, in hopes of eliminating the use of RVs as living quarters, reports the Sierra Vista Herald.
Community Development Director John Charley proposed an ordinance that would set concise regulations on length of use, the permitting process, the use of utilities and the establishment of a permit fee, reports the Sierra Vista Herald.
The Sierra Vista Herald reports that the draft ordinance prohibits the use of an RV for permanent occupancy.
For the complete story from the Sierra Vista Herald, click here.
Tampa RV Show Sets Attendance Record
A new record of 54,000 attendees over five public days was reported today, according to the Florida RV Trade Association. That is approximately 900 more than last year’s event. Dealers and manufacturers reported excellent sales, which is usually a precursor to the entire RV industry nationwide. The dates for the 2013 Florida RV Super Show is January 16-20 for the public; January 15th for the RV Industry. For more information, visit www.frvta.org.
Florida ARVC declares “The Worst is Over”
A spokesman for ARVC said despite the economy and political situation, the worst is over as things are better than two years ago and the outlook is positive.
Attention Super Bowl Fans
The Indiana Dept. of Natural Resources reports “available, affordable and nearby” facilities at Indiana’s State Parks and State Park Inns for those coming to Indianapolis for the event. Go to Camp.In.Gov to find out more.
That’s It for Now, Friends!
Mary Lou Merritt
marylou@workamper.com
Category: Jaimie - RV Lifestyle Expert, Other, RV Lifestyle, RV Professor, WKN Forums, WKN Info & Updates, WKN Store
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09 Jan 2012 By editor
December was a sabbatical from Workamper News so that my husband, Grady, and I could give away and sell most of our treasures aka stuff. I never considered myself a pack-rat, but this venture made me realize how many years of accumulation we did have and how much easier it would have been if we had started sooner!
Yes, I know as a staff member of Workamper News, I should have known better. It’s a case of “don’t do what we did, do what WKN says.” Start sooner and gradually give away or sell your furniture/furnishings and treasures. Don’t expect there to be too much your grown children will want and don’t make assumptions that your house will take a long time to sell. To our amazement, our house in Tallahassee sold the first week it was put on the market (who knew?) which was a blessing yet contributed to our stress. Three weeks was not nearly enough time, even though we had dispensed with a lot of clothes and non-essential items before our trial run began nearly a year ago. I guess we didn’t realize the true depth of our closets, drawers and attic say nothing of the heart-strings still attached. Why we had lived nearly a year without all those treasures: what was the problem now!!!
Everyone wants to know “how we came out.” Yes, we sold our house for less than the purchase price but we choose to focus on the positive. We lived in that house for seven years so we choose to look at it as if we had rented it for about four hundred dollars a month less than what the rental market would have demanded. (That even includes the new appliances and fixtures we had purchased and taxes). As for the future—no longer will we have the expense of utilities, taxes, insurance, maintenance, pest control, security system, and lawn care!
Speaking of lawn care and why the title of this article is “Exchange Your Lawn for a Life,” we had another experience many RVers must face if you still own a residence or rental house in suburbia. We have had a rental house in Round Rock (just north of Austin) Texas for about six years. Some of the years we had family living in it and other times renters. With the terrible drought this past year, the lawn and landscaping–which at one time had been quite nice– completely died. Without going into the particulars, and despite the best of leases which include “landscape must be maintained in good condition, etc.” (say nothing about assuming family members will take care of property the way you would), there are those that are not going to lend a hand (or hose) to Mother Nature. Never did we consider that lawn care “back home” or “at a rental property” would turn out to be one of the biggest issues while we were Workamping!
So let this be a lesson to those of you who are hitting the road and have property that needs maintenance while you are away. It can be an expensive mistake to assume someone is taking care of your property—or belongings—or whatever. Don’t make assumptions!
When we went to Round Rock Texas on December 18th (after just three weeks of dispensing with our belongings in Tallahassee FL), we were so exhausted we weren’t sure what we were going to do about the house there. It had always been a great rental, but it was a strain as we kept Florida as our domicile and have two other rental properties in Florida. The lawn fiasco made us decide to sell the Texas house and diminish our stress. After putting several days of elbow grease and touch-ups, say nothing of a yard clean-up, we put the house on the market with a realtor. I was due back at work on January 3rd. Again, we made the assumption it would take several months to sell. Wrong! We had three buyers within the first 24 hours and God willing, the property will close on January 13th.
Yes, it was an exhausting holiday season for us, but a surprising one. Next week I will share more about our experiences, including tips on selling your house.
In the meantime, we are sleeping better at night and excited to have exchanged our lawn for a life!
Mary Lou Merritt
Discounts at Pilot/Flying J for Good Sam Members—
The Good Sam Club is offering members an exclusive money-saving benefit with the launch of the Pilot Flying J RV Plus Card, according to a press release.
Beginning in 2012, Good Sam Club members can apply for the discount card which will allow them to save on each gallon of gasoline and diesel fuel purchased; 10 cents per gallon on bulk propane purchased, and 50% on holding tank dump station charges at all applicable Pilot Flying J locations across the United States.
Not a Good Sam member? PLEASE, become one from our website.
Feds to Aggressively Monitor RV Dealership Advertising in 2012
RVDA reported January 2, 2012, that “Feds to ‘aggressively monitor’ RV dealership advertising in 2012.” The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has stated it plans to more vigorously prosecute deceptive dealership advertising this year while it reviews what, if any, additional regulations are needed. “The Truth in Lending Act (TILA) and its implementing regulation, called Regulation Z, require that certain information be disclosed to consumers so they can compare credit offerings and shop for the best terms,” said Brett Richardson, director of legal and regulatory affairs. “Previously, advertisers could distort the true cost of the credit by publicizing only the most attractive credit or lease terms in order to get customers into the dealership.”
For example, an RV advertisement might have read, “1968 fifth wheel — only $75 per month.” But the consumer couldn’t determine whether it was a good deal without knowing the down payment, number of payments, annual percentage rate, and whether the transaction was a credit sale or a lease. TILA requires that advertisements tell the whole story.
New GPS for RV Use 
“Magellan introduces new GPS for RV Use” a Press Release in PC Magazine reported January 6, 2012. It is called the RoadMate RV9145 which retails for $329.99, offers a 7-inch screen for RVers and campers. The RV9145 packs U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico maps. It also features Good Sam Trailer Life RV Parks & Campground Directory.
For the outdoor recreation enthusiasts, “Crittermap Software announced that their Android GPS App. BackCountry Navigator, has been used by over 300,000 outdoor enthusiasts. The app runs on both Android phones and tablets, providing hikers, hunters, and other adventuresome users with the chance to preload topographical and aerial maps, and to use them in the field along with paths and waypoints. BackCountry uses the Android GPS, which is built into the device and uses satellites, so no signal from cell towers is needed for users to know their location. This makes the application especially popular with those who wander outside urban areas into forests, wilderness areas, and other places where coverage is spotty at best. Users can then see their position on maps that they have previously downloaded, and record waypoints, notes, and records of their track. Especially popular are the BLM boundary maps for 12 western states, which allow hunters, hikers, and rock collectors to visualize the boundaries between public and private land.
Gas Prices Head Higher
“Gas Prices Head Higher” according to the Associated Press. Tom Kloza, publisher and chief oil analyst at Oil Price Information Services expects pump prices will average between $3.75 and $4.25 a gallon this year; perhaps $4.00 a gallon by spring.
Alameda California RV and Sports Show This Week
The 24th annual Manufacturers RV and Sports Show at Alameda, CA County Fairgrounds opened January 6, 2012 and runs through January 16th. “For the first time this year visitors will be able to test ride or see a demonstration of an electric motorcycle as well as see hundreds of RVs and accessories, new and used, and negotiate directly with dealers.”
RV Enthusiasts Numbers Revealed
RVDA reports “Including those who rent RVs, there are an estimated 30 million RV enthusiasts in the United States Approximately 9 million households own RVs. Combined with the RV rental market, it is estimated that RVs are a $15.75 billion a year industry.”
Some RV Manufacturer Notable Numbers
The top RV Manufacturer Retail Market Shares for 2010 were: 
Class A: Winnebago, Tiffin, Fleetwood, Thor, Forest River
Class C: Thor, Winnebago, Coachmen, Forest River, Fleetwood
Fifth Wheels: Thor, Forest River, Jayco, Palomino, Coachmen
Travel Trailers: Thor, Forest River, Jayco, Coachmen, KZ
[Note: Forest River ceased operations January 2011]
Texas Rebound in 2012
Texas Campground operators, hurt by the state’s hot, dry summer, are anticipating a rebound this season because of “winter Texans,” those out-of-state residents who migrate to the warmer parts of the Lone Star State to avoid the coldest weeks back home.
“Many of our affiliates are reporting much higher bookings for the winter season than they experienced last year,” said Brian Schaeffer, executive director and CEO of the Texas Association of Campground Owners (TACO).
According to a report in the American-Statesmen, Austin, this summer’s drought hurt many RV parks and campgrounds, particularly those located on lakes or rivers.
Bryan Kastleman, managing partner at Hill Country RV Resort in New Braunfels, said his bookings are up because of more than just winter Texans. He said the surge in the San Antonio economy is creating a need for workers to find temporary places to stay.
Additionally, RV parks that have park models are attractive to temporary workers.
Ken Butschek, who owns La Hacienda RV Resort near Lake Travis in Austin, said his park models are attracting winter Texans who don’t want to drive their RVs over wintery roads.
What’s Up in the Next Few Weeks at Workamper News?
January 10, 2012 Writing Resumes That Rock!
Workamping expert Jaimie Hall Bruzenak will be hosting a webinar on how you can make your resume more effective. Don’t give an employer an excuse to set your resume aside! You’ll not only see examples of regular and Awesome Applicant resumes but learn WHY they work so you can make yours the best it can be.
6-7:30 p.m. CT
Webinar – participate from your computer!
Cost: $9.95 with access to the recording in case you miss the live event
Here is some more information. Then, Click on RV Lifestyles- Jaimie Hall Bruzenak for details and to sign up.
January 11, 2012 GOLD member Roundtable
5 pm PT/ 6 pm MT/ 7 pm CT/ 8 pm ET
Register ahead of time on the Club website to participate in this live event where you can find out what other like-minded RVers/Workampers are doing and contribute your own thoughts and ask questions.
January 17, 2012 Dreaminar: Purchasing an RV
A webinar to assist the Dreamer (or any Workamper) who wants to learn about purchasing an RV will take place on January 17th at:
1 pm PT/ 2 pm MT/ 3 pm CT/ 4 pm ET
Sam Lewis, an RV salesman at Camping World in Little Rock, Arkansas, will be online to share with you the questions you should ask before heading to the RV sales lot. His experience will help Workampers choose the right RV.
January 18, 2012 Jobinar: DNC Parks & Resorts at Yellowstone 
Imagine living in Yellowstone National Park for a season—May/June through August/September with full hookup RV sites and employee meals available.
To register for this Jobinar, go HERE.
The webinar will be approximately an hour long, from 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. CST. Be ready with your questions!
At the Workamper News Forums Site–
Join the discussions on these hot topics!
- “Quartzsite 2012? Anyone going to be there?” Let’s plan for a meet-up at the Workampers Forum (Member-only).
- If you are researching employers, start at the Workamper Experiences Forum (Member-only).
- Post your images at the Workamper Images Forum and check out the ones already there!
- Share your “Happy New Year!” wishes at the General Workamping Forum.
- Any advice for keeping your “Fresh water holding tank?” from freezing? Join in at the Full-timing Forum.
- Solos – Let us hear from you at the Solo Workamping Forum.
- Add your modifications at the DIY, Mods & Upgrades Forum. You can upload photos too!
- Get a “Free eBook, Dance of the Winnebagos?” and others. Find out how at the Workamper Interests and Hobbies Forum.
Log in (or register at) Workamper Forums
Jaimie Hall Bruzenak
www.rvlifestylexperts.com
At The Workamper News Store
TWO NEW SPECIALS released by the Editor at the WKN Store for January–
1. The Complete Book of Boondock Rving—a book for those who like to escape crowded campgrounds in North America, written by Bill and Jan Moeller. “Boondocking” aka “dry camping” is camping without hookups. Whether you are planning to spend an occasional overnight in a parking lot or an extended stay in the wilderness, you will learn how to equip your rig, find great campsites, manage and conserve electricity and water while camping in complete RV comfort.
Go directly here to purchase or learn more about this book.
2. Live Your Road Trip Dream – Travel for a year for the cost of staying home. This is an updated version including revised budgeting and technology sections; helpful web sites; “roadschooling” your children, and working on the road. Use the step-by-step guide on planning the trip you always wanted and even learn how to enjoy your traveling companion on a 24/7 basis! Get a glimpse as to what life might really be like and what discoveries you will make along the way.
Purchase for less this month!
Category: Jaimie - RV Lifestyle Expert, Other, RV Lifestyle, WKN Forums, WKN Info & Updates, WKN Store
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28 Nov 2011 By editor
Workamper News to Give You a Small Business Opportunity
“Workamper Concierges” 
As you should have read in Hotline Headers last week or via email if you are a Workamper, Workamper News is announcing a New Launch for your benefit.
This is NOT THE SAME “Why Every Workamper Should Operate Their Own Business”
I know many of you have read our “Small Business” statements and blown them off as hype!
I also know that many of you have not even asked yourself if you SHOULD consider operating a small business—for one reason, because you couldn’t imagine a business you could operate from your RV.
Workampers—if you want to learn about a great way to supplement your income by building a small business for those Workampers that know and love Workamper News, then you will want to attend one of these webinars scheduled for tomorrow! Without giving it away, all I can tell you is: it’s awesome!
Please step out on that limb and at least find out why you should own and operate a small business as a Workamper – especially now that we have a NEW PROGRAM that can become your small business or additional stream of income for your existing business.
On Tuesday November 29th –Workamper News President, Steve Anderson, will present the informational launch of what he is calling “Workamper Concierges.”
You have a choice of two different event times with hopefully one of them meeting your time availability:
Tuesday, November 29th, 2011 at 11 a.m. Central Time. You can easily register – then be sure to attend!
The night-time option will be on Tuesday, November 29th, 2011 at 7 p.m. Central Time. Don’t forget to register and attend!
CA L E N D A R
Reminder – Deadline Fast Approaching!
Have you submitted your FREE Situation Wanted Ad for the next issue? Do it NOW because the deadline is fast approaching for the January/February 2012 issue of Workamper News magazine. Technically, we say you have until the 10th of the month. However, life is hectic both for you and for our office staff catching up from Thanksgiving, so we would really appreciate it if you would get your ad in ASAP. All Workamper News members get up to a maximum of 30 words at no charge. You can do it easily online, by going to:
http://www.workamper.com -> Workampers -> Put Yourself Out There -> Situation Wanted Ad. Then, just place your ad!
Tuesday, November 29th -
Workamper Concierges Launch! See first paragraph above.
Wednesday, November 30th -
Gold Members – Ask the Experts Event
How do I keep up with my mail? How do I register my vehicles if I no longer have a home residence? Mail Forwarding Service Expert Larry Sroufe of “Your Best Address” will be our guest expert at the event on Wednesday. This online webinar will answer the above questions and additionally.
Nov. 30, 2011 at 1 p.m. PT/ 2 p.m. MT/ 3 p.m. CT/ 4 p.m. ET
Register today on the Ask the Experts page from the Club website!
Tuesday, December 6th–
Gold Roundtable (Gold Members Only) will take place Dec. 6th at 1 p.m. PT/2 p.m. MT/3 p.m. CT/4 p.m. ET. Register today on Club website!
Wednesday, December 7th -
DNC Parks & Resorts at Yellowstone is providing a unique opportunity for you to learn about Workamping and living in Yellowstone National Park in 2012. Please attend the Jobinar (online job fair style webinar) on Wed., Dec 7th at 12 p.m. CT, where you will listen to a presentation and have the opportunity to ask questions. Their positions go from May/June through August/September. Full hookup RV sites and employee meals available.
Mark your calendar for Dec. 7th at 10 a.m. PT/ 11 a.m. MT/ 12 p.m. CT/ 1 p.m. ET
To register, please go HERE and mark your calendar as a reminder to attend!
RV Industry News
Minnesota Goes After RVers Evading Sales Tax
The state said Wednesday it is investigating 270 cases in which Minnesotans may have set up shell companies to evade paying sales tax on luxury recreational vehicles that can cost more than $1 million.
According to a report in the St. Paul Business Journal, the Minnesota Department of Revenue said in a news release it has closed 22 other cases since Oct. 2010, collecting $230,000 in sales taxes, penalties and fines.
The department said in most of these cases, the Minnesota residents set up shell limited liability corporations in Montana, which does not charge sales tax. The Minnesotans buy the RVs through the Montana corporations and register the vehicles in that state, yet the RVs often are kept in Minnesota.
The state said the high-end RVs cost between $150,000 to more than $1 million.
Minnesota has a 6.5% sales tax, which translates into $9,750 for a $150,000 RV and $65,000 for a $1 million RV.
The state said Minnesota residents convicted of evading the motor vehicle sales tax could face felony criminal charges in addition to having to pay back taxes, penalties and interest.
Begg’s Black Book: RV Wholesale Values Rise
PR – November 2011 by RV Business
Click here to watch the latest Specialty Market video from Ricky Beggs and Black Book. He covers RVs, heavy-duty trucks, motorcycles/powersports and collectible cars. Beggs reported that wholesale values of motorized units rose slightly this month at auction, up $86, which is less than 0.2% of the $42,271 average sales price. Towables, including travel trailers, fifth-wheels and camping trailers, reversed their declines and actually rose $14, an even smaller percentage of 0.1% of the $9,884 sale price.
Camping World Plans New Store Openings
[RV Business Press Release]
Camping World announced a series of store openings in new markets over the next 12 months, according to a press release.
“Camping World is poised for growth in every segment of our business with a goal of 100 stores by 2014,” said Marcus Lemonis, Camping World’s chairman and CEO. “A larger store base will allow us to better serve our 4 million customers nationwide and our 1.3 million Good Sam members. As our ecommerce business continues to explode with record traffic, page visits, and sales, we will continue to invest in our brick and mortar business units with the addition of over 200 service bays nationwide in the next 12 months including more paint and collision centers, accessory stores and RV dealerships.”
Retail accessories store expansions are currently planned in Fort Myers, Fla., Detroit, Nashville, Tenn., Las Vegas, Tucson, Ariz., and Knoxville, Tenn., including RV sales offerings in select locations. Additionally, new store openings are on tap in Florida including Orlando, Ocala, Cocoa Beach and South Florida, along with locations in Oklahoma, the New England states, Virginia, Texas and Washington State. Openings are also slated for Raleigh, N.C., and Harrisburg, Pa.
Camping World currently operates 81 Super Centers nationwide.
New Super-Directory Announced
Marcus Lemonis, Chairman and CEO of Good Sam Enterprises, announced the merger of Woodall’s and Trailer Life’s RV Park 
and Campground Directories, saying: “The consolidation of the two directories into one ‘Super Directory’ will provide our customers with a single source for their RVing and camping travel planning. The coming together of these two brands enables us to serve as more than a directory, and will represent an ‘everything RV guide’ for the consumer to be inspired to fully explore the RV lifestyle across North America.” The merger will happen in 2013 and not affect the 2012 directories.
This combined directory will utilize the Trailer Life 10/10*/10 rating system, with some enhancements borrowed from the Woodall’s rating system. The ratings as always will be based on personal visits by directory representatives.
To find out more, go HERE to read the entire article. http://rvdailyreport.com/news/id/16786/americas-leading-campground-directories-announce-2013-merger
Congratulations to Tennessee’s 2011Parks of the Year
Tennessee Association of RV Parks & Campground (TNARVC) announced the Large and Small campgrounds of the year.
Nashville Country RV Park in Goodlettsville was named large Tennessee Campground-of-the-Year by members of the Tennessee Association of RV Parks & Campgrounds (TNARVC). Nashville Country offers 100 full hook-up camping sites on 8.5 acres and is located just 11 miles north of the downtown Nashville loop. The campground is owned by Jim and Mary Zabrowski and managed with the help of their children .Nashville Country has overcome major obstacles in the past few years. They had to rebuild not once, but twice due to flooding and have come back stronger each time. Most recently, being upgraded to a “green” park that includes, rain barrels, rain gardens, energy and water conservation plus FREE charging for electric cars and becoming a class I Tennessee Arboretum.
Named Tennesse’s Small Campground of the Year, Bluewater Rv Resort & Marina is located in Dayton. Bluewater offers tent sites and 36 full hook up RV camping sites on the water, as well as one and three bedroom cabins. The campground is owned by Doug and Angela Whitaker and managed by Todd Josselyn. Doug and Angela closed the campground in 2010, completely refurbished the park, and reopened in January 2011.
Bluewater offers wide concrete roads for easy site access, spacious concrete campsites with new 50 amp connections, WiFi, campground and bait store, laundry room, cable TV, a playground, a newly remodeled bath house, a 50 seat pavilion, boat docks, and a private boat launch. Guest reviews have been overwhelming positive.
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Trivia for Around the Campfire!
“Flea Market” And where does the name “flea market” come from anyway? According to Word and Phrase Origins by Robert Hendrickson, “These bargain markets have nothing to do with fleas. Flea market has been an American expression as far back as Dutch colonial days when there was a very real Vallie (Valley) Market at the valley, or foot, of Maiden Lane in downtown Manhattan. The Vallie Market came to be abbreviated to Vlie Market and this was soon being pronounced Flea Market. Today there is a flea market (marche aux puces) area in Paris.”
Bill Albright, Poet Extrordinaire
You may not be aware that staff member Bill Albright, who is likely the first person that answers the phone or answers your questions at Workamper News, is a great poet that makes our lives sweeter. There is not a subject he won’t compose a poem about, including our fun mascot, Sewiepig.
Sewiepig Sewiepig
You’re our Choice
Hear the Happy
In our voice
You are our Piggy
>From Tail to Snout
American Made
And we are Proud
To have you Sitting
On our Hose
You make it Easy
On our Nose
Sewiepiggy
Pink on Pink
You Prevent
A lot of Stink 
Piggy Piggy
Full of Water
You Hold the Hose
Just like You Oughter
On the Ground
And Tight in Place
You Put a Smile
Upon our Face
Blackwater Hoses
Fly No More !
Sewiepig has
Evened the Score
Sewiepig
You Make your Mark
Upon the Hoses
In the Park
Sewie Pig Sewie Pig
In the Night
I wish I may
I wish I might
Have YOU Sewiepig
on My Hose
You’re the best Sewie Pig
I ever Chose !
We appreciate Bill’s humor and talent!
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