In a statement released on July 27, the Indiana Manufactured Housing Association – Recreation Vehicle Indiana Council (IMHA-RVIC) announced that it will unite with the Indiana Campground Owners Association (ICOA).
In an effort to “provide expanded benefits to private campgrounds in Indiana,” both parties will “collectively affiliate” as partners with the National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds (ARVC).
The two Indiana campground associations have teamed up to promote the state by combining their resources and marketing efforts. ICOA members will be able to join IMHA–RVIC at 2021’s end, which will bring about benefits for the state ARVC is now available for all Indiana campgrounds.
Ron Breymier, IMHA RVIC Executive Director, stated that “the merger of ICOA & IMHA–RVIC was a significant development. One voice will be used to promote Indiana’s outdoor recreation sector to consumers and government officials.
Sandy George, the current president of ICOA and owner of Pioneer Family Campground, noted that the pandemic has helped them realize that their strength is when they work together for the “common good” of their campground members.
Members of the campground will be eligible for all benefits under IMHA-RVIC + AVC as well as past ICOA benefits which also include a printed campground directory. A complete list of campground benefits will also be listed there. As the campground division of IMHA–RVIC, the ICOA name will not change. The IMHA-RVIC office is in Indianapolis, where the management for the new association will continue. Both organizations are working together to ensure that the merger is complete by the end of this year.
ARVC President and Chief Executive Officer Paul Bambei expressed his delight to witness the merger, saying that they will do more for Indiana campgrounds together.
“Unified we will get so much more done for private campgrounds in Indiana and for the industry as a whole,” he said.