Camp-Resort
Of The Year:
Tabor City, North Carolina
Situated on a former tobacco farm in beautiful Southeastern North Carolina, Tabor City Jellystone Park is the proud recipient of this year's Camp-Resort of the Year.
Pictured l to r: Rick & Cathy Coleman, Jenny Johnson, Amber Coleman, Jesse Coleman
When the campground opened as Daddy Joe's in 2001, locals said it would never survive the competition from nearby Myrtle Beach and Wilmington, NC. But brothers Rick and Joey Coleman believed visitors to the area would appreciate their paved, oversized RV campsites and innovative use of greenspace. After joining the Jellystone Park franchise in 2003, the Coleman team began expanding their amenities and family-friendly offerings, resulting in what they call a "mini state park" featuring all natural log cabin finishes on the buildings and unique quad campsites, in which four RV sites are built around a shared courtyard - perfect for families and friends traveling together.
During the in-season, families will love the pools, Water War games, jungle gym, amphitheater, indoor theater and gem mine. And campers looking for the ultimate thrill need look no further than Tabor City's Locomotion truck ride. This monster four-wheel-drive truck takes riders on an open air adventure through swampland, tough terrain, mud, muck and so much more! Locomotion treats mountains and molehills exactly the same - it rolls right over both of them. Be sure to find out why "A little dirt never hurt."
Find out more and reserve your spot at www.taborcityjellystone.com or call 877-668-8586. Tabor City Jellystone Park is open year round.
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 high 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. Marion, North Carolina was also honored for its additions including deluxe cabins and tepees. The Garcia family – who purchased the property in 2007 – has created a major recreation destination in the popular Asheville area.
Operator(s)
of the Year:
All Jellystone Parks have first-rate operators and this year three franchisees were recognized as “Operator of the Year” for excellence in management – Bridget Bender of Caledonia, Wisconsin; Dave and Marta Landry of Gatlinburg, Tennessee and Mike and Gina Lenhard of North Hudson, New York. All three recipients consistently rate high on inspections, work to improve their facility, and provide excellent customer service. In addition, they take pride in running a solid business and are leaders in the franchise system.
Maple
Leaf Award:
Frank and Stefi Davies from Kingston, Nova Scotia were given the “Maple Leaf Award” which recognizes a Canadian franchisee for commitment and dedication to the franchise. The Davies earn high inspection ratings each year and strive to provide a quality camping experience.
Facility
of the Year:
Two Jellystone Parks received the system’s “Facility of the Year” award. Quarryville, Pennsylvania saw tremendous growth in 2008 after opening Yogi Bear’s Water Zone – an interactive splash park featuring water cannons, slides, an activity pool and more. In 2008, this location also expanded their store and Ranger Station to better accommodate guests.
The second winner, Fremont, Indiana, is no stranger to receiving recognition for their achievements. This Jellystone Park consistently provides a premier vacation experience through great customer service and upscale amenities including an indoor pool, outdoor water playground and deluxe cabins.
Carroll
Award:
The “Carroll Award” was given to Tabor City, North Carolina for receiving the highest inspection rating among all Jellystone Parks. From meticulously manicured grounds to concrete pads and sparkling restrooms, it’s no surprise this location was also named Camp-Resort of the Year.
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 Scott and Sue Crompton who own the Jellystone Park in North Java, New York. Since joining the system in 2004, the Cromptons have demonstrated strong leadership and enthusiasm. Under their direction, the Jellystone Park in western NY has grown significantly and sets the standard for a great camping vacation.
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.
