Leisure Systems Inc. (LSI) presented a limited number of its annual awards to exemplary Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp-Resorts franchisees this year because of COVID-19 restrictions. The pandemic prevented many parks from offering their full range of attractions and activities.
“Our franchisees didn’t have a level playing field this year because COVID-19 restrictions varied by jurisdiction, so we adjusted our awards program accordingly,” said Rob Schutter, president and chief operating officer of LSI, which franchises Jellystone Park Camp-Resorts across the U.S. and Canada.
The awards were presented to franchisees during an online meeting which replaced LSI’s annual four-day symposium this year due to the pandemic.
Awards included:
The Jim Webb Spirit Award: This award, named after Jim Webb, who played a major role in the success of the Jellystone Park franchise network in its formative years and beyond, is presented to the franchisee who best embodies “the same tireless spirit, enthusiasm and commitment to Jellystone Park locations Webb displayed.”
This year’s award was presented to Peter Clark of the Jellystone Park location in Woodstock, New Brunswick, Canada, who Schutter said has been an inspiration in many ways to Jellystone Park franchisees throughout North America.
The Dan O’Connell Service Award: This award, named for the highly regarded campground industry pioneer who developed the Jellystone Park location in Amboy, Ill., recognizes franchisees who work at local, regional and national levels to improve and grow the campground industry. This year’s award was presented to Brent Gasser of the Wisconsin Dells Jellystone Park, who Schutter said had worked extensively with the Wisconsin Association of Campground Owners (WACO) to ensure that campgrounds across the state could open this year.
Brochure Design: Schutter said the Jellystone Park location in North Java, N.Y. had the best brochure design this year.
Schutter also presented special Awards of Distinction to all Jellystone Park operators who managed to open and have a successful camping season this year despite state and local COVID-19 restrictions and difficulties recruiting sufficient staff to work during the pandemic.