Bates International RV Blog

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If planning a trip to Las Vegas, the 4 Queens Hotel & Casino will render you speechless. In addition to providing you with amazing accommodations, it will fulfill your needs for mind-boggling excitement as well as much needed relaxation.

Situated in the heart of downtown, the 4 Queens Hotel delivers a phenomenal line-up of activities and attractions. The casino alone is sure to impress with its plethora of winning opportunities. Boasting 32,000 square feet of space, fitted with more than one thousand slots machines, close to thirty table games, a keno salon, and sports book, chances are you’ll be meeting lady luck at some point or another.

To further enhance your Las Vegas experience, the Canyon Club on the premises offers a fantastic selection of name performers. But the Fremont Street Canopy is not to be missed. Showcasing twelve million light bulbs, special effects using water, and electrifying music, the feeling is certainly beyond words.

At the 4 Queens Hotel, everyone is an instant winner with the exquisitely refurbished rooms. They’re spacious and superbly appointed with elegant details. Of the amenities offered, there are HD flat screen television, beverage maker, high speed Internet and mini-bar. The suites are as lavish, though bigger. They feature plush sitting areas, Jacuzzi tubs, fully-stocked bars and a separate dining salon.

When it’s time to dine, the options are just as incredible. Guests can savor the mouthwatering seafood and steaks of Hugo’s Cellar, a place that elevates wine pairing to an art. Or enjoy a vast selection of international gastronomies at Magnolia’s Veranda. Tempt the palate with the award-winning micro-brews of the Chicago Brewing Company or indulge in a mammoth-size sandwich at the Deli.

When in Las Vegas for business, the 4 Queens Hotel & Casino will be happy to host your meeting or conference in one of its state of the art facilities. The hotel’s professional personnel will oversee all the preparations ensuring absolute success.

And before heading for home, a stop at the gift shop is a must. It’s the ideal location to find great souvenirs, logo apparel, shot glasses, mugs and more.

To add pleasure to an already fabulous choice in destination, consider the 4 Queens Hotel & Casino.
Las Vegas Hotels located on the strip are located within minutes to some of the most beautiful desert landscapes.

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Snowbirds have arrived at Arizona’s RV parks in greater numbers than last year, and many are staying longer, according to private park operators and industry officials.

“We’re doing extremely well. We’re up about 16.5 percent in terms of occupancy,” said Wendell Johnson, general manager of Palm Creek Golf & RV Resort in Casa Grande.

And while some snowbirds arrived early, others have booked extended stays well into spring. “We’ve gotten a sizeable number of three month reservations for February, March and April,” he said.

An even more dramatic increase in winter visitors has taken place at
Rincon Country RV Resort in Tucson, which has seen a 30 percent increase in winter visitors since November. “From November on, occupancies have been running steadily higher,” said park owner George O’Leary, adding that his current winter business exceeds his 2006 figures by 4 percent.

Park operators attribute the increase to several factors, including a stronger economy, moderate fuel prices, an improving stock market, and a strong Canadian dollar, said Merlin Jones, president of the Arizona Association of RV Parks & Campgrounds.

Jones, who serves as general manager of Eagle View RV Resort in Fort McDowell, said his park has also seen a significant increase in visitors this winter. “It’s a lot better than last year,” he said. “We’re up a good 10 percent. We’re still receiving reservations for monthlies for February and March.”

Desert’s Edge RV Village in Phoenix has also seen an increase in its
snowbird business, both in terms of daily and monthly visitors. “I’m very excited,” said park owner Saundra Bryn. “For January, we were up 10 percent over last year. That’s wonderful for us.”

Not every park has had a significant, but in this economy, even modest gains are welcome.

“We’re pleasantly surprised this year,” said Jim Beach, general manager of National Mobile Development, which owns Mesa Spirit RV Resort in Mesa. “We’re not phenomenally up. But we’re up a couple of percent.” About 60 percent of Mesa Spirit’s RV sites are allocated for transient RVers, with the balance being by snowbirds who spend the winter in park models.

The Arizona Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds represents private campgrounds and RV parks and resorts across the Grand Canyon State. For help locating industry sources, statistics and other information about camping trends in Arizona, please contact Merlin Jones at (480) 789-5316 or email him at mjones@fmyn.com. Additional information on Arizona parks is available at www.azrvparks.com. Contact information for the parks referenced in this release is provided below:

• Desert’s Edge RV Village, Phoenix, Saundra Bryn, (602) 672-8263 or [ e-mail ]
• Eagle View RV Resort, Fort McDowell, Merlin Jones, (480) 789-5316 or [ e-mail ]
• Mesa Spirit RV Resort, Mesa, Jim Beach, (480) 830-0338 or [ e-mail ]
• Palm Creek Golf & RV Resort, Casa Grande, Wendell Johnson, (800) 421-7004 or [ e-mail ]
• Rincon Country RV Resort, Tucson, George O’Leary, (520) 886-8431 or [ e-mail ]

Did you know…For most RV buyers, interest on their loan is deductible as second home mortgage interest.

A great way to discover if the RV lifestyle is for you is to rent an RV first. We’ll be happy to help you get started.

Bates is seeking current model RVs (within three years) and investors to purchase RVs for the fleet; they receive benefits such as: income, tax advantages, a tangible asset, and an opportunity to enjoy the RV when it’s available.

(ARA) – Planes and trains may have their place in our society, but for the dedicated traveler there’s still nothing like getting in your RV and taking a trip along America’s highways.

Half the fun of road trips, in the minds of many, is getting home and telling friends and family about the adventure – and the roads they traveled.

In the past, drivers’ road stories were largely told by word of mouth to a few people at a time. Now drivers can tell their tales to millions via the Internet. FavoriteRoad.com is a new Web site that features America’s favorite highways and byways.

The site encourages you to post your favorite roads and explain why you like them. Simply log on to submit a photo and story of your favorite road. Use links posted on the site to share your road via popular social networks such as Facebook and Twitter. Your submission may even win a prize in contest giveaways.

The past year’s economic downturn has reintroduced the word “infrastructure” to our vocabulary. As a result of stimulus legislation passed in 2009, the federal government has allocated millions of dollars to specifically improve state roads and highways. And, with more affordable gasoline prices, people are increasingly using America’s roads for leisure travel.

By posting on FavoriteRoad.com, you’re doing more than just “telling a good story.” Your testimonials may help encourage lawmakers to push for increased infrastructure spending to keep America driving smoothly and safely for years to come.

What’s your favorite road? Log on and tell the world at FavoriteRoad.com.

Source: ARAcontent

Heartland Recreational Vehicles, LLC (“Heartland”), manufacturer of towable RVs in America, today that it has acquired the remaining active trademarks of the towable brands from Fleetwood Enterprises, Inc. As one of the leading former manufacturers of towable RVs in North America, Fleetwood has some of the most recognized and iconic brands in the industry.

“This is an exciting transaction for Heartland. Fleetwood’s towable brands have long been among the most widely recognized names in the towable RV segment, with loyal customers and an extensive dealer network. By acquiring the trademarks of Fleetwood’s towable products, we will enhance Heartland’s brand portfolio with industry leading names such as Prowler, Pioneer and Wilderness,” said Brian Brady, CEO of Heartland.

Mr. Brady continued, “In the last five years, Heartland has become one of the leading manufacturers of towable RVs and is the third largest manufacturer of fifth wheel RVs in the U.S. Our phenomenal growth and success has given us the financial strength to pursue the acquisition of Fleetwood’s legendary trademarks. We would like to thank our dealers and customers for their continued support of Heartland and we look forward to enhancing our industry leadership by continuing to create great products that our customers love.”

In addition to producing existing Heartland RV brands, the company expects to begin manufacturing towable RVs under the newly acquired brands over the next twelve months. Under the terms of the transaction, Heartland has acquired all active trademarks of the towables RV segment of Fleetwood Enterprises from a bankruptcy proceeding, and Heartland will not assume any liability for warranties or claims relating to existing sold and unsold Fleetwood manufactured products.

Bigfoot RV is under new active ownership, and will soon be providing parts, service and new products to the North American RV market from its facility in Armstrong, BC, Canada.

In a news release, the new management said, “Our experienced Bigfoot staff & management have a long term dedication to the Bigfoot experience. We are committed to the Bigfoot Tradition, and look forward to taking Bigfoot RV’s into the future with new and refreshed products proudly built upon the solid foundation of Bigfoot’s unmatched quality, design & customer experience. Our focus as we begin production of our world class RV’s will be maintaining the carefully designed & well-built products that Bigfoot is known for.”

In addition to providing parts & service for existing Bigfoot RV’s the new management says it will soon begin production of Truck Campers & Travel Trailers, with updated offerings selected from Bigfoot’s most popular models. The company is seeking to establish distribution outlets in both Canada & the USA and will provide details regarding product availability as soon as they are confirmed.

For future updates regarding operational and product details please visit www.bigfootrv.com.

Pacific Dunes Ranch RV Resort Oceano, California

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Sandra Bate, president and CEO of Bates International Motor Home Rental Systems, Inc., a leading recreational vehicle (RV) brand in North America, announced that Bates International has affiliated with Equity Lifestyle Properties, Inc. (ELS), a company that owns and operates resort communities in the United States and British Columbia, including Thousand Trails, to offer the “Ready Camp Go” program to all of its RV rental customers.

“Bates International is excited to join forces with Equity LifeStyle Properties, Inc. and Thousand Trails to offer exclusive resorts, featuring impressive amenities with premium rental accommodations, including RV sites, all at incredible savings at popular vacation destinations through the Ready Camp Go! Program,” says Bate.

“The program provides Bates International and its franchise locations throughout North America to offer added value to our customers,” adds Bates. “In addition to gaining access to the ELS and Thousand Trails portfolio of more than 150 plus properties and 67,000 public and membership sites, our customers will enjoy a wide variety of quality services and amenities at significantly discounted rates,” adds Bate.

The new “Ready Camp Go!” Program makes RV camping easier and more affordable than ever by offering four money-saving programs that feature great benefits including: camping discounts as low as $20 per night; from 15 to 90 nights of discounted camping; from $250 to $1,900 in savings; reservations up to 90 days in advance … all depending on the program RVers select. “Ready Camp Go!” will be featured at all Bates Franchises throughout the United States and Canada.

“Equity LifeStyle Properties/Thousand Trails have substantial resources and widespread industry publications which tell the RV story,” says Bate. “Bates International Franchises can take advantage of this network to increase their business and better serve their RV customers.

The Bates brand is recognized internationally as the first RV Rental Franchise Company in the world. Bates was named in 2007 and 2008 by Entrepreneur magazine as one of the top 500 Franchises in the United States and has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, on CNN News and in numerous RV Industry publications. Bates International is a member of the International Franchise Association, the Recreational Vehicle Rental Association, the Go RVing Campaign and the Recreational Vehicle Association of America and the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce. For more information, call Bates toll free at 800-732-2283 or visit www.batesintl.com.

The Bates brand is recognized internationally as the first RV Rental Franchise Company in the world. Bates was named in 2007 and 2008 by Entrepreneur magazine as one of the top 500 Franchises in the United States and has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, on CNN News and in numerous RV Industry publications. Bates International is a member of the International Franchise Association, the Recreational Vehicle Rental Association, the Go RVing Campaign and the Recreational Vehicle Association of America and the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce. For more information, call Bates toll free at 800-732-2283 or visit www.batesintl.com.

Increase Your Business Profits

Effective business development can be a daunting task.  It’s time consuming.  It takes away from regular activities and often requires too mush time.  Businesses owners are often not experts at business development.  So they risk valuable time and money.  But, as the adage goes, if you don’t grow your business, chances are your business won’t grow.

Businesses let the fundamentals of development slip to the back burner in favor of other activities.  While the following is but a short list of effective tools, try incorporating some of these basic rainmaking strategies into your business day and watch your profits soar.

Referrals

Referral programs are developed to grow organically by using an existing customer base.  Rewarding your customers with an incentive for sending new business your way can be an incredible source of new revenue, but most businesses have a passive, unmanaged referral program.  Build a consistent and well defined program and execute it with the understanding that it often costs less money to “sell” to a customer that doesn’t need selling to, than it does to a customer that has never heard of you.

Networking

For many business owners, networking can be the “Holy Grail” of rainmaking strategies.  It involves defining possible contacts, determining your purpose, developing a plan of action, and committing the time and energy necessary to produce results.  By constantly reaching out and nurturing existing relationships and establishing new ones, you can position your self in a stream of opportunities, resources, information and contacts that will pay dividends for years to come

Loyalty

Loyalty programs are used when a businesses already has a solid customer base, but wants to ensure they remain happy and loyal customers.  However, nut it needs to be managed and accountable.  Build a loyalty program tailored to your ideal customer.  Make it meaningful.  It can include anything from rewards, thank-you notes or complimentary add-ons that your customers think have value.

Events

Hosting or attending an event can be costly and time-consuming, yet an excellent way to raise profile awareness about your business within a target group, but head into this one with very clear and realistic objectives and goals and devise ways of measuring results.  Consider hosting a workshop and invite prospective customers for a one-hour class that explains or teaches something of relevance. 

Connections

Often, business owners just need a few of the right connections to make significant progress in their business.  Develop a “wish list” of influential contacts – the 100 top professionals – that could truly affect your business, whether they’re potential customers, colleagues or even competitors.  Rank those contacts and find time every day to make a connection.  As with networking, a consistent connections program will lift any business to new heights over time. 

Business rainmaking can include a myriad of other action strategies, including clear branding, effective advertising techniques, streamlined sales systems and experiential marketing and, while intimidating, is not rocket science.  Consider outsourcing to professionals for best results.  Short of that, formulate a plan with realistic goals and stick with it.  The effort will be well worth the time and energy and will pay great dividends in return.