Here’s a glimpse into the SDCOA office. It’s purely a glimpse since a complete list would take away from precious time working on more projects for our members. (This year we’ll keep January on the top, adding each month below it.)
JANUARY
- Activated membership benefits for our those who renewed or joined for 2020 (see the Member News section for the new member). By the way, it’s customary for ARVC to require a few more weeks to accomplish their activation process since they’re dealing with an entire country’s worth of membership.
- Received the printed camping directory. The 2020 edition has taken a brighter new look, and soon it has already been in some shows and exhibits in several places from Minnesota to Arizona. Distribution is now complete, and 121 individual orders from campers (from our website) were filled.
- Picked up my lobbyist badge in preparation of the legislative session.
- Attended the Governor’s Conference on Tourism, where I had the pleasure of seeing several SDCOA members!
- Prepared the books and reports for the February 11th meeting of the Board of Directors.
Capitol in Pierre SD
FEBRUARY
- The Board of Directors held a highly productive meeting to wrap up 2019 and evaluate our 2020 plans.
- Worked diligently on legislative affairs (please click here to see the latest).
- Worked with industry supplier members who are participating with us this year, especially in regard to our Spring conference.
- Continued the marketing of our member parks through our CampSDakota product line.
- Distributed our first COVID-19 informational email to members.
MARCH
While your Executive Director was hosting two other conferences, we dove into COVID-19. Since my travels included areas of positive results, I went into self-quarantine. Then I began reestablishing the office. Little did I know that the rest of the month would seem blended into one very long day. Each day included endless conference calls, webinars, social media pages, social media groups, and emails with:
- Government departments
- Executive Directors from sister-associations in other states
- State, regional and local tourism and public health agencies
- ARVC
- Campground owners from around the country
- Full-time RVers
On 3/31/2020, I shared this in a post on our Facebook page:
THANK YOU to each member who connected with me this month. Your words of support and appreciation were and still are greatly appreciated!
YAWZER, what a month it’s been in this uncharted territory of the covid pandemic.
Each day this month, from dawn to well into darkness, the activity has been brain-spinning, mind-boggling and exhausting … and YOU have been my fuel!
At the end of each very very long day, I’ve had the utmost pleasure of reading emails and social media comments from members. Your words gave me fuel to do it all over again the next day.
THANK YOU!
APRIL
April was a continuation of the one long day that began in early March! COVID-19 turned our office upside down with e-meetings and countless hours listening to press conferences. The emails we shared with members were an attempt to keep up with the rapid-fire changes that were taking place globally from this pandemic. That being said, what’s shown on this page for March and April is merely the tip of the iceberg.
On 4/28 we held our annual conference. This press release about it sums it up:
South Dakota Campground Owners Convene Electronically
Pierre SD – Campground owners from around South Dakota met Tuesday, electronically in lieu of the normal larger South Dakota Campground Owners Association’s annual conference.
Executive Director Mary Arlington said, “We abbreviated our event and moved it online due to COVID-19. While it wasn’t what we’re used to, we made it work!”
Eighteen parks participated, including several who are considering joining the organization.
The event normally includes a significant fundraising auction, several speakers, and some in-depth discussions, a business meeting, and an election. Members normally have a chance to mix and socialize, forming friendships and increasing respect.
Arlington explained, “The Executive Committee chose to reduce our event to a 90-minute e-meeting, so naturally many components were set aside. We won’t compare this event to any other year since we changed it purely for these unprecedented times. We were able to achieve the critical matters. We made lemonade out of the covid-lemons, and we plan to meet again in person next April.”
SD Department of Tourism Secretary James Hagen provided an overview of the impact COVID-19 has already had on tourism and proposed some hope from surveys that show summer road trips rank significantly higher this year over other travel styles.
The state and SDCOA are both outlining reopening guidelines and suggestions, and those plans will be released yet this week.
President Ed Miller (Rush No More RV Park & Cabins in Sturgis) ended the day by passing the gavel to incoming President Stephen Saint (Fort Welikit Campground in Custer). Miller now will offer his insight from the well-deserved seat of Past President.
Treasurer Bruce Aljets (Jellystone Park Sioux Falls) and Secretary Dustin Curr (Sleepy Hollow Campground in Wall) stepped up to join the Executive Committee, joining Carla Jacobsen who continues her role as Vice President.
SDCOA welcomed Tim Schnabel (Hart Ranch Camping Resort in Rapid City) to his first term on the Board of Directors. Marvin Aga (Leavitt Recreation & Hospitality Insurance) continues to his second year in his term.
Arlington summed it up, “We use e-tools regularly for programs where they work well but, quite simply, we haven’t yet found a tool that provides all the benefits we gain from in-person conferences.
I’m grateful we were able to accomplish what we did today, but I’m now even more excited for next April’s meeting so I can truly see the members again!”
(Since we didn’t meet in person, we don’t have new photos of the Board. This one was taken last year of our new President.)
MAY
We welcomed and launched the benefits for Hidden Lake Campground & Resort in Hot Springs.
JUNE
Began catching up from the backlog of administrative work. As COVID-19 issues consumed my focus, I processed only required admin work, so it was finally time to focus on it!
Our social media efforts were still in high gear.
JULY
Gained approval for the benefit packages for the upcoming year for both the industry supplier member and the regular campground members. Began getting those many ducks in a row, and launched the membership renewal process.
Did two driving tours of the points west of Pierre (primarily in the Black Hills, but also the many miles in between the two points). The purpose of the trip was to take photos of member campgrounds. The photo library grew by several hundred pictures. Photos that had been in the library mostly were snapped in May or September, so it’s great to have more summery shots to show off as we promote camping in South Dakota (using our member parks as the examples).
Met with and welcomed Belvidere East / Exit 170 KOA to our membership.
Continued promoting the campgrounds and the idea of camping in our states. These promotions now begin to wane in August and through the end of the year.
AUGUST
Launched the membership drives for Outdoor Hospitality Members and for Industry Supplier Members.
Began outlining the frequent Zoom meetings that will begin in mid-to-late September for those who renew for 2021 by 9/15. The first will be held on 9/24 regarding ejecting guests. Details will be sent to all who renew by 9/15.
SEPTEMBER
Attended a meeting of ARVC staff and fellow Executive Directors from around the country.
Launched the industry supplier membership programs, especially noticeable on our roster. We hope you enjoy all the ways we’re bringing their programs and services to you this year. (Continued signing on new suppliers throughout September, doing their interviews, creating their videos, and so forth.)
Planned for the distribution of supplier member literature to outdoor hospitality members in early October.
Hosted two meetings on 9/14 for our Autumn Gatherings where I learned more about the camping season here in SD through the voices of members.
Was on a panel of state association executives at the Virtual Outdoor Hospitality Expo. We spoke on the why owners and managers of outdoor hospitality businesses should belong to the state association.
Requested each member ensure I have their correct mailing address and 2021 campground guide data.
Continued receiving 2021 outdoor hospitality membership renewals and preparing to launch the 2021 membership year benefits (some of which began in late September).
Renewed our 2021 marketing and membership programs with the four regional tourism associations.
Presented the Best Practices: Avoiding Ejection Issues discussion.
OCTOBER
- Still doing the 2021 membership drive for outdoor hospitality businesses (gratefully, we’re finding that most delays were merely a result of an overly busy September)
- Processed the association’s federal tax return
- Still accepting more industry supplier members, which requires recording an interview and scheduling their online presentation
- Finalized details with the SD GF&P marketing office
- Distributed the industry supplier materials to all 2021 outdoor hospitality members, and provided the suppliers with their roster.
- Compiled all updates for the 2021 printed camping guide and began the editing & proofing process
- Hosted the Best Practices: Considerations for Websites online event (by Pelland Advertising), Best Practices: How to Capitalize on the New Campers Using Digital Media (by CampgroundViews.org) and Using Smart Reservation System Technology to Your Park’s Advantage (by Campspot).
- Attended the Glamping Show USA, the Visitor Industry Alliance meeting, and several other association management online meetings
- Spoke about “state associations” on a panel presentation at the The Virtual Outdoor Hospitality Expo (recording available through Dec.)
NOVEMBER
- Prepared for and hosted a meeting of the Board of Directors. This is the one of the longest meetings of the year since we finalize our next year’s budget. As we planned for 2021, we hoped for the best, promised what could be delivered, and we always keep our eyes and ears out for the worst. In November, we can fully see our next year’s revenue and we have to create a budget that fits the funds. Trying to be light on a serious subject, this is what I told my friends: “November is budget setting month for each association and my own business. If you ever had to cut a budget before, you know it can be tough. Just picture me with a scalpel, a paring knife, a pair of scissors, an axe, a chainsaw, and a backhoe at my desk.”
- Created the Facebook group for members, a group we share with members in CO and KS.
- Hosted the online event called Why Choose ResNexus for Your Property Management Tool.
DECEMBER
December was a blur of last minute EVERYTHING, from last minute dues collections, proofreading the guide, finalizing the bookkeeping, reconciling records with ARVC, deactivating former members and activating new members and launching the benefits for the new year. Additionally, the Board of Directors meeting created many new tasks that had to be implemented or researched. The 2021 budget was finalized, new bank accounts were created, and so forth. The legislative calendar and committee structure was reviewed and evaluated.
Simply put: Closing out a year and launching a new year is a tedious and detail-oriented task!
(Click here to read the 2019 report.)
