Wisconsin Campground Owners Group Concludes Conference – RVBusiness – Breaking RV Industry News
The Wisconsin Association of Campground Owners (WACO) wrapped up another successful conference and tradeshow on Sunday (March 17) in Stevens Point, Wis.
Over 140 vendors took part in the tradeshow that was hosted both Friday and Saturday. WACO also hosted its annual membership meeting on Saturday morning.
Following a fundraising auction Saturday, WACO inducted the Jellystone Park Camp-Resort in Caledonia into the WACO Hall of Fame and paid a special tribute to Randy Isaacson and his family, who transformed Caledonia campground to become one of the most successful and award-winning Jellystone Park locations in the country.
Randy Isaacson died earlier this year at 69 after a courageous battle with cancer. Isaacson worked as a campground lending coordinator with CCF Bank (formerly United Bank), eventually originating $150 million worth of campground loans in 23 states. He regularly shared his insights with current and aspiring park operators on how to apply for campground financing in general as well as how to obtain financing for campground expansions and improvements.
Isaacson’s survivors, including his wife, Theresa, and three daughters were on hand to receive the award recognizing their park’s induction into the WACO Hall of Fame.
WACO also presented Lori Severson with the association’s President’s Award in recognition of her many years of service to the association.
“I don’t think we’d be close to where we are without her leadership,” said WACO President Scott Kollack, noting that Severson is the rare association director who “actually went out and bought a park,” so she knows exactly what challenges park operators are facing. He added that Severson has consistently “gone over and above” not only for the association but for individual members as well.
WACO also recognized top fundraisers for the Gilbert Brown Foundation and celebrated anniversaries for two of the association’s oldest parks, including Pride of America Camping Resort in Pardeeville, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, and O’Neill Creek Campground in Chippewa Falls, which is celebrating its 60th year.
To learn more about the conference, click here.
