The Pennsylvania Campground Owners Association (PCOA) proved that it was ready for anything, even for organizing a successful conference that concluded recently.
The 58th Annual PCOA Convention and Trade Show, with the theme “Ready for Anything,” gave attendees a great experience with learning opportunities, networking, recognizing talent, and more. The state association’s annual event took place from December 5 through December 8 in State College, Pennsylvania.
The week saw a session for first-timers, pesticide training, meetings, and other educational sessions such as understanding RV issues, capturing the millennial culture, legal matters, recruit and hiring, tips to boost revenue, and more.
There was also an election where new executive board members and regional vice presidents were named.
Ryan McFarland (Buttonwood Campground) has been elected president, followed by Matt May (Presque Isle Passage) who will take the seat as vice president. The executive board’s new secretary is Tyler Grim (Canyon Country Campground), and James Kesterke (Otter Lake Camp Resort) will serve as the treasurer.
Elected regional vice presidents were Charlie Vakiener (Rose Point Park Cabins & Camping) for regions 1 and 2, Bruce Serio (Mountain Creek Campground) for regions 3 and 4, and Stephanie Schmidt (Elizabethtown/Hershey KOA) for regions 5 and 6.
During the conference, PCOA also honored Beverly Gruber, its former executive director, who retired last year.
Vendors too benefited from the event. A crowd of them were present on Monday’s trade show kick-off to connect with industry members and have fun.
The event also encapsulated the unity among the outdoor hospitality industry during an auction. The Pennsylvania association’s ever-popular annual auction raised $16,175 this year. The proceeds (after administrative costs) will go to PCOA’s scholarship fund, which supports members attending the National School of RV Park and Campground Management, as well as college courses and professional development. 2019’s auction raised $14,163.95.
Scholarship awardees were Driftstone Campground’s Melinda Koehler who was granted the Continuing Education scholarship and Brooke Belgin (Campers Paradise) who received the College or University scholarship. Karah Wertz (Choice Camping Court) was awarded the scholarship for National School of RV Parks and Campgrounds.
A drawing also generated $1,700 where winner Lakewood Park donated its winnings back to PCOA.
In the spirit of being prepared for anything—even the future—the association held a meeting for the successors of the industry by assembling PCOA’s 14 young professionals.
The four-day conference wrapped up on Wednesday with a breakfast buffet, more workshops, and roundtable sessions.