Each year, a focused National ARVC delegation, joined by their partners at RVIA, attend Advocacy Day, in Washington, D.C., a time aimed for the team to address crucial issues affecting businesses in the outdoor hospitality industry. This year, National ARVC scheduled meetings outside the parameters of Advocacy Day, transforming the time on Capitol Hill into a full week of meetings instead of a single day.

“We have been doing this trip for years, with much success, but this year we wanted to elevate our game,” says Paul Bambei, President and CEO. “We have made huge strides in the past on national issues affecting our industry, including most recently ensuring status for RV parks and campgrounds as ‘essential business’ in the eyes of the federal government.”

The event gathered industry leaders and officials to discuss and advocate for significant policy changes with members of Congress on “the Hill”. With a focus on three key areas, namely death tax repeal, fair legislation regarding ADA compliance, and the expansion of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, National ARVC aimed to foster accessibility, promote sustainable transportation, and support small business owners.

The National ARVC delegation met with the following members of Congress and/or key members of their staff (BOLD = met with an actual member of Congress):
Sen. Mike Braun (IN); Rep. Larry Bucshon (IN-8); Sen. Ted Budd (NC); Rep. Eric Burlison (MO-7); Sen. John Cornyn (TX); Rep. Diana DeGette (CO-1); Rep. Jeff Duncan (SC-3); Sen. Josh Hawley (MO); Sen. Martin Heinrich (NM); Sen. John Hickenlooper (CO); Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith (MS); Rep. Jeff Jackson (NC-14); Rep. Gregory Murphy (NC-3); Rep. Greg Pence (IN-6); Sen. Mike Rounds (SD); Sen. Marco Rubio (FL); Sen. Tim Scott (SC); Rep. Greg Stuebe (FL-17); Sen. John Thune (SD); Sen. Thom Tillis (NC); and Sen. Todd Young (IN).

Members of the National ARVC delegation this year were: 
Paul Bambei, National ARVC president and CEO; David Basler, National ARVC chief strategy officer; Jaqueline Gloria, National ARVC vice president of operations; Al Johnson, multi-park campground owner; Matt Rose, director of the Indiana Campground Owners Association; Jeff Sims, National ARVC senior director of state relations and program advocacy; Mike Sorensen, owner of Wild Energy; Eileen Vaughan, National ARVC board member and campground owner; Sean Vidrine, owner of Four Points RV Resorts; and Dee Witting, director of the Carolinas Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds.

 

Details of the industry issues addressed: 
1. Death Tax Repeal Act of 2023:
National ARVC emphasized the devastating impact of estate taxes on small, family-owned businesses, stating that these taxes force them to sell family assets and compromise the American Dream. The organization highlighted the urgent need for permanent repeal of the estate tax to help these businesses thrive. By supporting Senate Bill 1108, National ARVC aims to empower small businesses, facilitate job creation, expand operations, and stimulate the nation's economy.
2. Fair Legislation for ADA Compliance:
Recognizing the burden imposed by serial lawsuits related to ADA Title III compliance, National ARVC called for fair, common-sense, legislation that allows businesses to resolve compliance issues before facing legal repercussions. National ARVC believes that removing barriers to accessibility, as intended by the ADA, should take precedence over litigation. 
3. Expanding America's EV Charging Network:
National ARVC emphasized the vital role that private RV parks and campgrounds can play in expanding the country's EV charging infrastructure. Given their strategic locations along highways, rural areas, and gateway communities to public lands, these private establishments are well-positioned to support the Biden administration's goal of building a national network of 500,000 EV chargers. National ARVC proposed a pilot program, involving public-private partnerships, to install EV chargers in publicly accessible locations at private RV parks and campgrounds. They called on officials to consider partnering and leveraging public and private funding to install 100 EV chargers at 50 select locations in 2024, with the program expanding to 1,000 installations nationwide in 2025.

National ARVC's Advocacy Day attendance showcased the organization's commitment to supporting and advocating on behalf of the industry. National ARVC aims to create a thriving industry space for small businesses, enhance accessibility, and foster sustainable transportation. It is through such advocacy efforts that the outdoor hospitality industry can contribute to the nation's economic growth and overall well-being.