Gatherings during the week focused on a variety of subjects: the accomplishments of Beacon Award recipients, achievements of the Recreational Trails program, the status of the Scenic Byways program, the second National Get Outdoors Day, and the need to connect children to nature, among others. The American Recreation Coalition (ARC)’s Legends Awards were given, honoring the outstanding efforts and contributions of exemplary federal agency employees and recreation community leaders.
Great Outdoors Week is coordinated by the ARC and includes events cohosted by more than a dozen national organizations and federal agencies. Great Outdoors Week is the central feature of Great Outdoors Month, a month-long celebration of outdoor recreation that also highlights National Trails Day (June 6), National Fishing and Boating Week (June 6-14), National Get Outdoors Day (June 13), the Great American Backyard Campout (June 27), and more.
Great Outdoors Week culminated on Saturday, June 13, with more than 60 sites participating in the second annual National Get Outdoors Day (GO-Day). Participants from federal agencies, nonprofit organizations, and the recreation industry again teamed up to offer opportunities for American families “” particularly youth and underserved populations “” to experience traditional and nontraditional types of outdoor activities. The GO-Day events offered a mix of information centers and places where guests could use a fishing pole, go geocaching, help pitch a tent, and more. And the day helped give public attention to Interior Secretary Ken Salazar’s designation of one weekend each month during the summer of 2009 as fee-free for national parks. The next free weekend is August 15 and 16; see www.nps.gov/findapark/feefreeparks.htm for details.
New General Manager At Central Florida RV Resort
Bay Lake RV Resort, an ownership community in Polk City, Florida, recently welcomed Joel Elmore as its new general manager. Mr. Elmore has enjoyed more than 30 years in the RV business and has traveled the entire continental United States.
Bay Lake is a new gate-guarded community with 260 pad and casita sites designed for Type A motorhomes. Amenities include a pool and a spa, a ballroom, a movie theater, a pool room, a fitness center, a library, a media center, and more. The resort is located along the shores of Lake Mattie, 30 minutes from Orlando and Tampa. It was developed by CRF Communities, whose other properties include Mt. Olive Shores North, Deer Creek RV Resort, Rolling Ridge RV Resort , and Lake Ashton. For more information about Bay Lake RV Resort, visit www.baylakerv.com or call (888) 223-6418.
Fleetwood Motorhome Assets Sold
On June 25, 2009, the U.S. Bankruptcy Court approved the sale of Fleetwood Enterprises’ motorhome assets to American Industrial Partners Capital Fund IV, L.P. (AIP) for $53 million. Fleetwood, which filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on March 10, 2009, did not conduct an auction, because no other qualified bids were received.
According to a joint press release from the companies, the sale will include two motorhome manufacturing facilities, two motorhome service facilities, and Fleetwood’s Gold Shield supply subsidiary, all of which are located in Decatur, Indiana. The deal also includes the intellectual property for Fleetwood’s existing motorhome brands and certain machinery and equipment in Riverside, California. According to the release, AIP may operate the Riverside facility for an undetermined period of time. AIP has agreed to assume certain liabilities, including warranty obligations on Fleetwood’s motorized products.
Dino Cusumano, a partner of AIP, said the group is looking forward to manufacturing Fleetwood motorhomes and indicated that the new company plans to continue and improve the relationships Fleetwood has formed with suppliers, dealers, and customers.
The deal was expected to be finalized in mid-July.
Beaudry RV Emerges From Bankruptcy
Beaudry RV, which filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on November 18, 2008, received approval of a reorganization plan from its lenders on June 25, 2009. The company expected formal approval of the plan from the U.S. Bankruptcy Court by the end of July.
The Arizona-based company operates dealerships in Phoenix and Tucson, as well as an RV resort in Tucson. It is believed to be the first RV dealer to exit Chapter 11 filings successfully. According to a company press release, Beaudry has undergone “major changes in management, structure, spending, and inventory.”
Freightliner Custom Chassis Accepted Into Environmental Excellence Program
Freightliner Custom Chassis Corporation (FCCC), based in Gaffney, South Carolina, recently was accepted into the South Carolina Environmental Excellence Program for the company’s ongoing commitment to reducing waste and improving South Carolina’s environment.
FCCC was admitted to the program primarily on the strength of its Zero Waste to Landfill efforts, a pilot program initiated by Daimler Trucks North America, FCCC’s parent company. The purpose of the program is to become 100 percent landfill waste-free by 2010. As of December 31, 2008, the company had achieved 90 percent waste-free status, a gain of 62.3 percent from 2007.
The FCCC facility recycles materials such as plastic, paper, aluminum, cardboard, metals, wood, and nylon. The company’s commitment to clean air technologies is in line with Daimler’s global initiative, “Shaping Future Transportation,” which was launched in November 2007 to reduce emissions pollutants, carbon dioxide, and fuel consumption.
In March 2008, the FCCC plant was recognized by the Environmental Protection Agency’s WasteWise Program for its 2007 waste reduction achievement and was accepted as a WasteWise partner. WasteWise engages government, businesses, and nonprofit organizations to educate others about the benefits of reducing solid waste.