b'INDUSTRY NEWSDonatesfrom page 3 ORR Reportfrom page 4personal donations over our Memorial Day weekendeconomybouncedbackstrongeraftertheboating over the past couple of years, with mil-of giving, he noted.We collected, sorted and re- COVID-19pandemicandremainedasteadylions of people enjoying RVs and boats to connect turned all of our New York returnable cans and bottlessource of strength nationally. Highlights from thewith family and friends, to relax and recharge, from our campers. This year alone that raised $2,5002021 data on the outdoor recreation economyandtoexperiencenature,saidHappe.The with 50,000 cans!documented the industrys $862 billion repre- recordeconomicimpactintheBEAnumbers Schaefer,alongwithpartnerandco-ownersents 1.9% of GDP. It showed that trips and traveldemonstrates the collective power of our indus-Matthew McCormick, conducted a big check cere- are coming back with record sales in many out- try to help people discover and experience the mony, presenting their donations and supplies todoor segments as manufacturing increased.tremendous benefits of the outdoor lifestyle. We Lynda Pruski, the president of the SPCA. Schaefer re- The good news here is that first-time buyerscontinuetowelcomeanincreasinglydiverse ports more good newsone of the seasonal campersforRVsareinthe30%range,saidMichaelgroup of new participants, so we look forward to put in an application to adopt a dog while visiting theHappe, president and CEO of Winnebago Indus- maintainingthismomentumbydeveloping shelter.tries Inc., who represents the RV industry on therecreation infrastructure and increasing access This is not the first year of SPCA fundraising at JonesORR. More good news is that 86% of those first- for all. Pond Campground & RV Park.time buyers said in 2021 that their RV experienceThis new BEA data just reaffirms what our Our first check was presented eight years ago, saidmeets or exceeds their expectations. This bodescamping consumer data has shown for the past Schaefer. Since our first check, we have donated overwell for our industry moving forward for repur- two yearscamping is one of the best ways to $52,780 to the SPCA, in addition, to literally thousandschasing events and further participation.enjoy the outdoors together and makes an in-of pounds of dog and cat food and cleaning supplies.Happe also said in the meeting that the leaderscredible economic impact on local communi-Whenaskedwhytheydothiseveryyear,Mc- in the RV industry are excited to see increased di- ties and the U.S. as a whole, said Paul Bambei, Cormick replied, As the owners of Jones Pond it givesversity in those participating in the RV lifestyle.president and CEO of the National Association us great pride in supporting the SPCA of AlleganyMore than 50% of the new RV owners in 2021of RV Parks and Campgrounds. Our research County and their mission to attend to the needs ofwere non-Caucasian, he said. which begins toshows that each family of four spends an aver-abandoned, neglected and abused animals in thereflect some of the broader trends in Americanage of $200 per day in local communities on county. We share this passion with the SPCA and oursociety.campsites,fuel,foodandentertainment. campers, many of whom also have rescued animals inThe BEA data underscores how important it isCamping is often the catalyst for other outdoor the past.to invest in public lands, waters and recreationrecreationactivitiesthatfurtherboostthe Schaeffer added, We currently own two rescueinfrastructure from coast to coast and for recre- economy.dogs, and it gives us great pride to do our part to helpation activities of all types, said Jessica Turner,This data solidifies what we have seen over other animals in need.president of the ORR. From the creation of jobsoursixty-yearhistorythatthereisintrinsic Jones Pond Campground & RV Park, in operationand increased profit for small businesses in localvalue in the outdoors, said Toby ORourke, pres-for over three decades, is a gay-owned, members-onlyeconomies to larger boons to our national econ- ident and CEO of Kampgrounds of America Inc. adult-male campground located in Angelica, NY.Theomy, this sector is a consistent driver, even inOver 20 million new households started camp-park offers a wide array of accommodations includingtimes of economic uncertainty. The strength ofing since 2020 with six in ten planning to con-full-service tent sites, cabins, bunk houses, a fullythe outdoor recreation economy reflects whattinue. We are increasingly seeing camping and equipped rental RV and a three-bedroom guest house.many in the industry have long known to be true.the outdoors vacation becoming a preferred form For more information, visit www.jonespond.com.There are infinite benefits that come from moreof travel. For information about the SPCA Serving Alleganypeople spending time outdoors.Read the full report at www.recreationroundtable.org County, visit https://spcaallegany.org WCM We have seen record growth in camping and Ron BargerWCMWOODALLSCM.comJanuary 2023 21'