Camp-Resort
Of The Year:
Woodridge, NY
Nestled
in foothills of the Catskill Mountains, this Camp-Resort
was recognized as the Jellystone Park franchise "Camp-Resort
of the Year." The award - which is the highest honor that
can be awarded to a Jellystone Park - recognizes overall
excellence in management, operations, appearance and performance.
Known
as Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park at Birchwood Acres, this
park is owned and operated by the Zalkin family. The Zalkins
first entered the resort business 64 years ago with Zalkin's
Birchwood Lodge, and then converted the property to a campground
in 1970. It has been part of the Jellystone Park franchise
since 1995.
Birchwood
Acres boasts 208 campsites and 61 rental units - including
deluxe lodges, luxury trailers, plus one and two room cabins.
It recently opened a state-of-the-art heated spray pool
with 10 spray features, which provides hours of fun for
the entire family. Other highlights include a 5 acre stocked
fishing lake, Olympic-sized pool, hot tub, paddle boats,
sports complex, three-story playground, and an extensive
recreation program. Campers can
enjoy themed activities 7 days a week during the summer
months along with special event weekends during spring and
fall - all organized by trained recreation staff.
This
Camp-Resort opens for the 2008 season on May 1. To make
your reservation, visit www.nyjellystone.com
or call 800-552-4724 .
Jellystone
Parks Honored For Camping Excellence
Entrepreneur(s)
of the Year:
The
Camp-Resorts showing the strongest growth in business were
the recipients of the franchise system's "Entrepreneur
of the Year" award. Waller,
Texas - located 35 miles northwest of Houston - has
experienced large revenue growth since being purchased by
Bryant Management in 2005. The growth has been spurred by
major facility improvements including a new comfort station,
deluxe cabins and a water playground. Hagerstown,
Maryland, was also honored for its major additions to
the property which include two waterslides, a spray pool,
plus multiple new campsites and full-service cabins. The
Park has become a major recreation destination in the area.
Operator(s)
of the Year:
All
Jellystone Parks have first-rate operators and this year
two Camp-Resorts were recognized as "Operator of the
Year" for excellence in management - Scott and Sue
Crompton of North
Java, NY and Dave and Marty Landry of Gatlinburg,
TN. Since purchasing the property in 2004, the Cromptons
have set the bar for excellent customer service and recreation.
The Landrys moved from California to Tennessee in 2006 to
take ownership of the Gatlinburg location, which has consistently
been an extremely well-maintained park. They have continued
the tradition of camping excellence while also expanding
the park's recreation program.
Maple
Leaf Award:
Tim
O'Rourke from Toronto,
Ontario was given the "Maple Leaf Award."
This award recognizes a Canadian franchisee for his commitment
and dedication to the Jellystone Park system. Tim took over
as operator of the family business and has been a leader
in both service and management.
Facility
of the Year:
Two
Jellystone Park's received the "Facility of the Year" award.
Tabor
City, North Carolina has grown tremendously over the
past few years under the direction of brothers Rick and
Joey Coleman. The property, originally named Daddy Joe's,
has been in the family for generations and was converted
to a Jellystone Park in 2003. Since then they have made
many improvements including deluxe cabins, a splash wetdeck,
concrete pull-thru sites and much more. The park is very
well-maintained and consistently receives high inspection
scores by the franchise system. The second recipient, Frankenmuth,
Michigan, is no stranger to receiving recognition for
their achievements. Located in " Michigan's Little Bavaria",
this park continues to be a leader in both the Jellystone
Park system and campground industry. They were named 2003's
Camp-Resort of the Year and receive near-perfect inspection
scores annually.
Carroll
Award:
The
"Carroll Award" was given to Nashville,
Tennessee for receiving the highest inspection rating
among all Jellystone Parks. Each summer, the Parks are graded
on a number of items including themeing, landscaping, cleanliness,
and recreation.
Jim
Webb Spirit Award:
The
"Jim Webb Spirit Award" which recognizes outstanding
service and commitment to both the franchise system and
their guests, was given to Peter and Janet Clark who own
the Jellystone Park in Woodstock,
New Brunswick. The Clarks have been part of the Jellystone
Park family since 1996 and have from the beginning been
advocates of the system. Always willing to lend a helping
hand, other owners looks to the Clarks for advice and direction
in operations and customer service.
Award
Descriptions
Each
year during the annual convention Leisure Systems, Inc (LSI)
recognizes those Camp Resorts and operators who have distinguished
themselves in certain areas of operations and facilities.
Listed below are those awards and an explanation of how
franchises qualify.
Excellence
Award:
Awarded to Camp-Resorts that rate 90% and higher on the
inspection of their facilities and operations by LSI inspectors.
Pinnacle
Club: Awarded to Camp-Resorts that rate 95% and
higher on the inspection of their facilities and operations
by LSI inspectors.
Special
Recognition Awards: Recipients have distinguished
themselves as leaders in particular award categories. The
categories are Facility Themeing, Landscaping, Store Design,
Comfort Station, Recreational Programming, Website Design,
Brochure Design, Rookie of the Year and Most Improved Inspection.
System
Achievement Awards: These are major awards presented
to those Camp-Resorts that have received the highest recognition
possible in specific park operations. They are listed below.
The
Carroll Award:
Named after prior Jellystone Park operators and current
field consultants, the recipient of this award achieved
the highest inspection rating of all Yogi Bear's Jellystone
Park™ Camp- Resorts.
Entrepreneur
of the Year: Camp-Resorts showing the strongest
growth in business over the prior year receive this award.
Operator
of The Year: This award is presented to the individual
or individuals directly responsible for the day-to-day operation
of the Camp-Resort. It represents excellence in management,
improved inspection ratings, and growth in business.
Maple
Leaf Award: This award is presented to a Canadian
Franchisee for their commitment and dedication to the Jellystone
System.
Facility
of the Year: Recipients are Camp-Resorts that have
added new amenities/facilities to the operation. They have
also showed sustained improvements to the facilities.
Jim
Webb Spirit Award: Named after an individual who
has played a major role in the success of the Yogi Bear's
Jellystone Park franchise system. This award is presented
to the franchisee who has embodied the same spirit, enthusiasm
and commitment to the Jellystone System that Mr. Webb has
displayed throughout his entire career.
Camp-Resort
of the Year: This is the highest honor that can
be awarded to a Yogi Bear's Jellystone Camp-Resort. The
facility as well as its operators must exceed all Jellystone
standards of operation. The recipient must be ranked in
the Pinnacle Club, have shown a strong growth in business,
implemented sustained improvements to the facilities and
is viewed as a leader in the campground industry.
Chairman's
Award: This
award is presented every 5 years to a franchisee who has
been the greatest influence on others within the Jellystone
Park Franchise System. This individual through their effort,
their deeds and their example-has demonstrated what it means
to be a true leader among their peers.