Attacking Wal-Mart

G

gene

New member
Sep 29, 1999
2,215
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0
I don't like the sound of this

The directors of the Escapees RV club feel that the Illinois Campground
Owners Association
overstepped their authority when they unfairly placed pressure on the
state health department to
disallow RVers to stay overnight in WalMart parking lots.

We suggest that if RVers do not take action, we will see the beginning
of the end to free parking
in our RVs as we travel. What should we do about it? To start with, we
suggest that every RVer
pulling into a campground in Illinois ask if they belong to ICOA. If an
affirmative answer is
received, explain: "We do not stay in campgrounds that belong to the
Illinois Campground
Owners Association."

You might want to read this

http://www.escapees.com/website/hot/index.htm

gene

Genef -- 77PB/ore/ca
GMC MOTORHOME INFORMATION
mr.erf
http://www.california.com/~eagle/
 
Gene
Could you post the e-mail addresses so others of
us
can express our opinions of this to the state and
to the IOCA.
- ----- Original Message -----
From: gene
To:
Sent: Friday, December 31, 1999 1:28 PM
Subject: GMC: Attacking Wal-Mart

> I don't like the sound of this
>
> The directors of the Escapees RV club feel that
the Illinois Campground
> Owners Association
> overstepped their authority when they
unfairly placed pressure on the
> state health department to
> disallow RVers to stay overnight in WalMart
parking lots.
>
> We suggest that if RVers do not take action,
we will see the beginning
> of the end to free parking
> in our RVs as we travel. What should we do
about it? To start with, we
> suggest that every RVer
> pulling into a campground in Illinois ask if
they belong to ICOA. If an
> affirmative answer is
> received, explain: "We do not stay in
campgrounds that belong to the
> Illinois Campground
> Owners Association."
>
> You might want to read this
>
> http://www.escapees.com/website/hot/index.htm
>
> gene
>
> Genef -- 77PB/ore/ca
> GMC MOTORHOME INFORMATION
> mr.erf
> http://www.california.com/~eagle/
>
 
I do not know the email addrs... I picked this up from the escapees.com
web page
- ------------------
To: tourism
From Ken Roberts
Subject: ICOA and Overnight Parking at Walmart

Attn: Ms. Pam McDonough, Director

Dear Ms. McDonough, as the Director of the Bureau of Tourism &
Commerce for the
State of Illinois you may or may not be aware of recent actions
taken by the
Department of Health in your state. It seems that they have issued a
cease and desist
order against the Walmart in Geneseo, Illinois to outlaw any
overnight parking on
Walmart's property on the grounds that Walmart does not have a
license to operate as
a campground. As a traveler in a self-contained motorhome I, and
many other RVers,
often park overnight in Walmarts across the country. Most WalMart
stores have
extended this courtesy to those who has needed it. Parking overnight
is not
CAMPING, nor should it be construed as such.
- ---------------------
hope it helps

gene

>Gene
>Could you post the e-mail addresses so others of
>us
>can express our opinions of this to the state and
>to the IOCA.
>----- Original Message -----
>From: gene
>To:
>Sent: Friday, December 31, 1999 1:28 PM
>Subject: GMC: Attacking Wal-Mart
>
>
>> I don't like the sound of this
>>
>> The directors of the Escapees RV club feel that
>the Illinois Campground
>> Owners Association
>> overstepped their authority when they
>unfairly placed pressure on the
>> state health department to
>> disallow RVers to stay overnight in WalMart
>parking lots.
>>
>> We suggest that if RVers do not take action,
>we will see the beginning
>> of the end to free parking
>> in our RVs as we travel. What should we do
>about it? To start with, we
>> suggest that every RVer
>> pulling into a campground in Illinois ask if
>they belong to ICOA. If an
>> affirmative answer is
>> received, explain: "We do not stay in
>campgrounds that belong to the
>> Illinois Campground
>> Owners Association."
>>
>> You might want to read this
>>
>> http://www.escapees.com/website/hot/index.htm
>>
>> gene
>>
>> Genef -- 77PB/ore/ca
>> GMC MOTORHOME INFORMATION
>> mr.erf
>> http://www.california.com/~eagle/
>>
>
>
Genef -- 77PB/ore/ca
GMC MOTORHOME INFORMATION
mr.erf
http://www.california.com/~eagle/
 
How about each of us writing a note to the director noted in the cover memo...
I for one, already did. I sent a note to Ms. Pam McDonough, Director. If all
of us did, then perhaps they would learn that we are not the enemy, but our
$$$ will not go to Illinois.
al

> I don't like the sound of this
>
> The directors of the Escapees RV club feel that the Illinois Campground
> Owners Association
> overstepped their authority when they unfairly placed pressure on the
> state health department to
> disallow RVers to stay overnight in WalMart parking lots.
>
> We suggest that if RVers do not take action, we will see the beginning
> of the end to free parking
> in our RVs as we travel. What should we do about it? To start with, we
> suggest that every RVer
> pulling into a campground in Illinois ask if they belong to ICOA. If an
> affirmative answer is
> received, explain: "We do not stay in campgrounds that belong to the
> Illinois Campground
> Owners Association."
>
> You might want to read this
>
> http://www.escapees.com/website/hot/index.htm
>
> gene
>
> Genef -- 77PB/ore/ca
> GMC MOTORHOME INFORMATION
> mr.erf
> http://www.california.com/~eagle/
 
Recieved these back from the Illinois Campground Association Secretary,
Laura Krause.
==============================================================

The Illinois Campground Association is the only association for campground
and rv park owners in Illinois that I know of. In the past there was another
association. That was prior to my joining the industry. Perhaps I will be
able to answer a question.

- ----------------

I received two other angry...very angry...messages from rv'ers disclaiming
any further travel in Illinois. The Ilinois Campground Association has
never protested rv'ers use of Wal-Mart's parking lot.... This issue was
misquoted in print. Can you imagine that? I believe the conflict was
between a specific campground and a local Wal-Mart which was allowing
extended-stay-to-out-of-area-workers that found a free long-term no-cost
solution for their camping needs.
Since an out of region camping club made ICA a target, members have been
under vicious attacks. All based upon an untrue atricle.
Thank you for asking about the issue before attacking myself or other
campground owners that are sincerely trying to provide a great service and
hospitality.
Sincerely,
Laura Krause
Mallard Bend Campground & RV Park
Sheridan, Illinois
===========================================================

As usual, there's more than one side to the story. I never take any mass
media word as gospel, but trying to get to the bottom of this.

http://www.gocampingamerica.com/illinois/ica.html

bdub

>I don't like the sound of this
>
>The directors of the Escapees RV club feel that the Illinois Campground
>Owners Association
> overstepped their authority when they unfairly placed pressure on the
>state health department to
> disallow RVers to stay overnight in WalMart parking lots.
>
> We suggest that if RVers do not take action, we will see the beginning
>of the end to free parking
> in our RVs as we travel. What should we do about it? To start with, we
>suggest that every RVer
> pulling into a campground in Illinois ask if they belong to ICOA. If an
>affirmative answer is
> received, explain: "We do not stay in campgrounds that belong to the
>Illinois Campground
> Owners Association."
>
>You might want to read this
>
>http://www.escapees.com/website/hot/index.htm
>
>gene
>
>Genef -- 77PB/ore/ca
>GMC MOTORHOME INFORMATION
>mr.erf
>http://www.california.com/~eagle/
 
I will post this back to the escapees and see if they retract...... be
interesting to see what this is all about
gene

>Recieved these back from the Illinois Campground Association Secretary,
>Laura Krause.
>==============================================================
>
>The Illinois Campground Association is the only association for campground
>and rv park owners in Illinois that I know of. In the past there was another
>association. That was prior to my joining the industry. Perhaps I will be
>able to answer a question.
>
>----------------
>
>I received two other angry...very angry...messages from rv'ers disclaiming
>any further travel in Illinois. The Ilinois Campground Association has
>never protested rv'ers use of Wal-Mart's parking lot.... This issue was
>misquoted in print. Can you imagine that? I believe the conflict was
>between a specific campground and a local Wal-Mart which was allowing
>extended-stay-to-out-of-area-workers that found a free long-term no-cost
>solution for their camping needs.
>Since an out of region camping club made ICA a target, members have been
>under vicious attacks. All based upon an untrue atricle.
>Thank you for asking about the issue before attacking myself or other
>campground owners that are sincerely trying to provide a great service and
>hospitality.
>Sincerely,
>Laura Krause
>Mallard Bend Campground & RV Park
>Sheridan, Illinois
>===========================================================
>
>As usual, there's more than one side to the story. I never take any mass
>media word as gospel, but trying to get to the bottom of this.
>
>http://www.gocampingamerica.com/illinois/ica.html
>
>
>bdub
>
>

>>I don't like the sound of this
>>
>>The directors of the Escapees RV club feel that the Illinois Campground
>>Owners Association
>> overstepped their authority when they unfairly placed pressure on the
>>state health department to
>> disallow RVers to stay overnight in WalMart parking lots.
>>
>> We suggest that if RVers do not take action, we will see the beginning
>>of the end to free parking
>> in our RVs as we travel. What should we do about it? To start with, we
>>suggest that every RVer
>> pulling into a campground in Illinois ask if they belong to ICOA. If an
>>affirmative answer is
>> received, explain: "We do not stay in campgrounds that belong to the
>>Illinois Campground
>> Owners Association."
>>
>>You might want to read this
>>
>>http://www.escapees.com/website/hot/index.htm
>>
>>gene
>>
>>Genef -- 77PB/ore/ca
>>GMC MOTORHOME INFORMATION
>>mr.erf
>>http://www.california.com/~eagle/
>
>
Genef -- 77PB/ore/ca
GMC MOTORHOME INFORMATION
mr.erf
http://www.california.com/~eagle/
 
The latest from the Illinois Campground Association Secretary, Laura Krause.
==============================================================
The feature you refer to involved Geneseo Campground in Geneseo, Illinois.
Ilinois Campground Association has been unfairly under fire. The Association
has never been involved with Wal-Mart or the issue, but as an owner of a
campground ladened with licenses, inspections, taxes...taxes...taxes,
restrictions and an enormous overhead which must be financed during a very
short 6 month season I am sympathetic to Geneseo's concern. I couldn't tell
you how often I have allowed an RV to use my dump station and/or water at no
charge. Both of these facilities are costly to maintain. The wells must be
tested frequently and the dump station...well you know. Mine is an industry
which provides a valuable service to the traveler and the state coffers. How
ofter does Wal-Mart help out a stranded traveler with mechanical aid and
service without expecting to be paid for the service? If you had a problem
while on the road would you prefer seeking parking at a Wal-Mart or a well
maintained, supported and managed campground?
The couple of messages I have received from RV'ers have been brutal. They
jumped to the conclusion that Illinois Campground Association is lobbying to
restrict their right to free camper parking. Not True!
Hope I haven't wasted my time.
Laura
===========================================================

http://www.gocampingamerica.com/geneseo/

bdub
 
FYI
This just back from the owner / operator of the Geneseo
Campground. w6465
===========================================================

An article was written for a trade magazine and was published on a web
site. The author of the article has called to apologize for this improper
article and the publisher of the web site called to apologize for the error
in releasing this on the web. The article has been removed and the author
will be addressing his misinformation in an upcoming press release. The law
in Illinois states that whether you offer camping for fee or for free you
must be licensed. This applies to parking lots, rest areas et al. RVs are
specifically defined in this law. It does not apply to trucks since they
follow a different law. This law has been on the books since 1972. I have
only been in business since 1995. To imply that I had anything to do with
this is plain silly. People tend to believe what they read in the paper or
on the internet rather then to find the truth. I have responded to hundreds
of e-mails and the response I get is SURE. My name was listed in the
article and I was quoted as the past-president of the Illinois Campground
Association. I never said what was quoted and the author took liberties
with information he recieved from another source. This has already gone to
far. Thanks for your time.
Shari Weber
==========================================================

Looks like it might've got blown out of proportion by some knee jerk,
creative reaction. Still haven't found the originator though.

The internet is great for information dissemination. Trouble is, it's also
great for MIS-information dissemination.

bdub

>The latest from the Illinois Campground Association Secretary, Laura Krause.
>==============================================================
>The feature you refer to involved Geneseo Campground in Geneseo, Illinois.
>Ilinois Campground Association has been unfairly under fire. The Association
>has never been involved with Wal-Mart or the issue, but as an owner of a
>campground ladened with licenses, inspections, taxes...taxes...taxes,
>restrictions and an enormous overhead which must be financed during a very
>short 6 month season I am sympathetic to Geneseo's concern. I couldn't tell
>you how often I have allowed an RV to use my dump station and/or water at no
>charge. Both of these facilities are costly to maintain. The wells must be
>tested frequently and the dump station...well you know. Mine is an industry
>which provides a valuable service to the traveler and the state coffers. How
>ofter does Wal-Mart help out a stranded traveler with mechanical aid and
>service without expecting to be paid for the service? If you had a problem
>while on the road would you prefer seeking parking at a Wal-Mart or a well
>maintained, supported and managed campground?
>The couple of messages I have received from RV'ers have been brutal. They
>jumped to the conclusion that Illinois Campground Association is lobbying to
>restrict their right to free camper parking. Not True!
>Hope I haven't wasted my time.
>Laura
>===========================================================
>
>http://www.gocampingamerica.com/geneseo/
>
>bdub
>
 
>FYI
>This just back from the owner / operator of the Geneseo
>Campground. w6465
>===========================================================
>The law
>in Illinois states that whether you offer camping for fee or for free you
>must be licensed. This applies to parking lots, rest areas et al. RVs are
>specifically defined in this law.
>
>Looks like it might've got blown out of proportion by some knee jerk,
>creative reaction. Still haven't found the originator though.
>
>The internet is great for information dissemination. Trouble is, it's also
>great for MIS-information dissemination.

HOWEVER. . . . .

Regardless of the wording of the law and its age, doesn't this still mean no
overnight stays at Walmart????? Wasn't that the _real_ problem here?

FWIW,
Marion Hope

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
George M.(Marion) Hope, Ph.D.
1930 SW 19th Way gmhope
Gainesville, FL 32608 gmhope
(352) 371-2795 (Home) (352) 846-2111 (Office)
 
>HOWEVER. . . . .
>
>Regardless of the wording of the law and its age, doesn't this still
>mean no
>overnight stays at Walmart????? Wasn't that the _real_ problem here?
>
>FWIW,
>Marion Hope
>
>~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
>George M.(Marion) Hope, Ph.D.
>1930 SW 19th Way gmhope
>Gainesville, FL 32608 gmhope
>(352) 371-2795 (Home) (352) 846-2111 (Office)
>
That is the issue. I never spent the night in a Walmart but if I did I
would categorize it as parking, not camping. Perhaps I am splitting
hairs, but I can't imagine anyone wanting to "camp" in a busy parking
lot. I did park over night once at Camping World for an 8 a.m. service
appointment. It wasn't relaxing at all.

David Lee Greenberg
200 MacFarlane Dr
Delray Beach, FL 33483-6829
www.gmcss.com/registry.htm
 
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