Nation's Largest RV Rally Demonstrates Strength of the Industry and Commitment to the Lifestyle

Ventura, Calif. (May 20, 2009) - Recreational vehicle (RV) manufacturers and accessory suppliers experienced larger-than-anticipated traffic and sales at the nation's largest RV rally, held April 17-20 in Albuquerque, N.M. In drawing 3,112 RVs, 353 indoor exhibitors and 140 outdoor exhibit slots over the four-day event, this growing annual get-together - officially called The Rally - again demonstrated the ongoing commitment North American RV enthusiasts have for the RV lifestyle.

Millions of dollars in RVs and accessories were sold throughout The Rally, now in its 10th year, including a $460,000 motorcoach by Michigan-based manufacturer Silver Crown. Roadmaster, Camping World and Demco were among the exhibitors reporting "terrific" sales, while a number of companies literally sold out of product.

"Our exhibitors are very pleased with the amount of traffic and sales activity at The Rally 2009; in fact, at times, attendees were shoulder to shoulder inside the exhibit hall," said Sue Bray, executive director for the Good Sam Club, the event's organizer. "RV manufacturers and aftermarket parts and accessory suppliers alike saw many buyers in a short amount of time, which is a testament to the strength of the industry and commitment to this lifestyle. It was a huge shot in the arm to an industry that really needs it."

"The turnout was better than expected," noted Terry Thompson, vice president of sales for Ventura, Calif.-based Affinity. "Our goal was to get 3,000 family rigs to attend, and we ended up with 3,112. Both the indoor and outdoor exhibitors told us they were happy with the results. Dealers were able to get inventory moved, and the indoor guys were flooded with customers. The first two days of the show it was tough to just walk down the aisles; there were so many people inside. We delivered a bunch of buyers to exhibitors, and nothing makes us happier."

RV travelers, representing every state and province in North America, camped at Albuquerque's famous Balloon Fiesta Park, while exhibitors, seminars and daily activities took place down the road at the EXPO New Mexico fairgrounds.

The Rally has become known as the event and vacation destination of the year for an estimated eight million U.S. RV owners. Every year RV enthusiasts, newbies and veterans alike, explore the wildly popular RV lifestyle through the latest in recreational vehicles and accessories, live entertainment, family-friendly activities and educational seminars by nationally known experts.

Among the first-time events this year at The Rally 2009 were philanthropic projects, eco-friendly initiatives and pet adoptions. In an effort to give back to The Rally's host community of Albuquerque, more than 70 Rally-goers participated in a day of service at Rio Grande Community Farm, while conservation expert Brian Brawdy showed how traveling by RV can conserve resources. The Rally also hosted dog and cat adoptions, courtesy of Albuquerque Mayor Martin Chavez, which secured homes for more than half of the animals.

The Rally 2010 will be July 22-25 in Louisville, Ky; additional information and registration can be found online at www.therally.com. The Rally can also be found on Facebook (The Rally), EONS.com (TheRally), Twitter (@TheRally) and Flickr (flickr.com/photos/therally/).

For more than a decade, The Rally has been an annual event hosted by the million-member Good Sam Club, along with Camping World President's Club, Camp Club USA, Coast to Coast Resorts, Woodall's and Trailer Life and MotorHome magazines. All the organizations are either owned by or affiliated with Affinity, the nation's largest provider of outdoor recreation clubs, services, media and events, headquartered in Ventura, Calif.

Dogs For the Deaf Canine Newsletter

A new edition of the DDF Canine Listener newsletter coming out soon. Don't receive it but want to? Sign up for the e-mail version at DFD Newsletter or e-mail newsletter@dogsforthedeaf.org with your name & address to sign up for the USPS version.

WV GOOD SAMS ON FACEBOOK

The WV Good Sams Club is on Facebook. Keep up with the latest events and happenings. Start and take part in discussions on the forum, and more. If you have a Facebook account, join the group. If you don't have a Facebook account, this is your excuse to get one.

The link to the WV Facebook Group is
WV Facebook Group

GOOD SAM CLUB HONORS
TOP RV-FRIENDLY BUSINESSES

VENTURA, CALIF. (March 30, 2009) - The Good Sam Club, the world's largest RV owners' organization with nearly one million member families, today announced the recipients of its 2009 Welcome Mat awards, aimed at recognizing RV-friendly businesses for their customer service and commitment to the recreation vehicle lifestyle.

All Good Sam Club members are asked to vote for several categories of businesses they see providing RVers with superior customer service and meeting their specific needs. Awards reflect the diverse interests of RV owners, including their favorite sandwich shop, ice cream parlor, fuel and gas station, RV tow vehicle, golf course, as well as favorite sit-down restaurant.

Cracker Barrel, a casual family restaurant located throughout the U.S., has been named the winner of the sit-down restaurant category every year since the award's inception seven years ago.

"Our Welcome Mat Award winners understand the needs of RVers and consistently take the extra steps to show us that they appreciate our business," said Sue Bray, vice president and executive director of the Good Sam Club. "We congratulate all the award recipients and thank them for always making us feel so welcome."

The following is a full list of this year's honorees:
· Fuel/Gas Station: Flying J
· Propane Outlet: Flying J
· Outlet Mall: Tanger
· Casino: Hard Rock
· Fast Food Restaurant: Wendy's
· Ice Cream Parlor: Dairy Queen
· Sandwich Shop: Subway
· Sit-Down Restaurant: Cracker Barrel
· Shopping Center: Wal-Mart
· Dinghy Vehicle: Saturn
· Tourist Attractions/Amusement Parks/Museums: Disney World, Orlando, Fla.
· Golf Course: Pebble Beach, Carmel, Calif.
· NASCAR Event: Daytona 500
· RV Show: Tampa RV Supershow
· State/Province to Fish: Florida
· Good Sam Park: America's Best Campground, Branson, Mo.
· Motor Oil: Shell Rotella
· Pet Supply Store: PetSmart
· Craft Store: Michaels
· RV Accessory Store: Camping World
· State to Visit: Florida
· Province to Visit: British Columbia
· Tow Vehicle: Ford

GOOD SAM CLUB NATIONAL CLEANUP DAY

Cleanup Day will be held May 16 and 17, 2009. This year, Cleanup Day is scheduled prior to Memorial Day weekend as so many roads, parks, schools and other public recreation areas need help before the crush of summertime visitors.

We have free trash bags for everyone participating, which we will ship to you upon request. Just send an email to cleanupday@goodsamclub.com

Make sure you take pictures and send to your local papers!!

GOOD SAMS SUPPORTS
DOGS FOR THE DEAF

From Betty Jenkins of the WWS--

I have an idea so look out !!
I ordered Don & I shirts from Dogs for the Deaf. Why don't you ask the Good Sam members to order one. Then we the Samboree is supporting them, then someone could take a group picture to show how much WVGS does support them. I ordered our under Wild Wonderful Sams and our name.

Just a thought,
Betty


From Don and Kathy--

Great idea Betty!! Can you be in charge of the picture! Please forward to everyone in your chapter, your family and friends.

The link to Dogs for the deaf is Dogs for the Deaf

WWS Christmas Dinner

WWS held their annual CHRISTmas Dinner at Big Tygart UM Church on December 20th with 39 members and 4 guests attending. We were served a dinner with baked steak, ham and all the trimmings. We had a gift exchange game, door prizes and the birthday game.

Donna Coleman and Betty Jenkins put together a CD named a"Tribute to Ken Asbury" who passed away this year. Donna presented the CD Ruth at the end of our meeting. Betty Jenkins presented the gavel which Ken Asbury had given her to the new WWS President Vera Smith.

George Weaver had been wanting a riding mower for his big (?) lawn so Don Jenkins found him a brand new John Deere mower which he presented to him at the dinner. Don said the only problem was that the seller had to shrink it down to fit the box that it was shipped in. Oh well, at least George has his riding mower now.

Happy Trails,
Betty Jenkins, WWS President
(740) 423-5683

WV Chapter of the year Contest

WVGS will have a Chapter of the year contest for all chapters that would like to participate. Many chapters undertake projects that would qualify them to enter this contest and receive recognition. The winning chapter will receive free early bird, front row seats to all events and first in line to all dinners.

You will need to have your 2009 nomination (scrapbooks are nice) to Don and Kathy Wise at the fall 2009 Samboree.

Jim Wilson quote—

“We all need to make new (younger) friends and get them to join Good Sams. That is how we are going to grow. We need to contact people on the new member list sent out each month. You have to ask them to join.”