Following the inaugural OHI Connect event, 18 outdoor hospitality business owners and operators joined the OHI team in the nation’s capital for a Hill Day, engaging directly with lawmakers on key industry issues.
“My recent trip to Capitol Hill was an invaluable experience. I learned a great deal about the issues our industry is currently facing, and what can be done to fix them. I also gained a deeper understanding of the legislative process and saw firsthand how decisions made at the federal level directly impact our campgrounds,” said Amanda Metz of Bellcore Commercial, who is affiliated with Island Retreat RV Park, Luxury RV Resort and Birmingham South RV Park in Alabama. “The chance to speak with legislators and advocate for our parks was really empowering. I highly recommend that every campground owner or operator make a similar trip at some point to better understand the challenges and opportunities we face as an industry.”
The group, composed of campground owners, operators and managers from across the country, met with 25 different Senate and House offices to discuss critical topics, including fee and tax reduction and the current tariff impacts on the Outdoor Hospitality Industry.
Among those who participated were:
- Ali Rasmussen, owner of Spacious Skies Campgrounds
- Amanda Metz-Santos, manager of Birmingham South RV Park
- Andrew Frank, manager of Spacious Skies-Shenandoah Views
- Jacob Klatt, co-owner of Madison Island Campground
- Jim Button, owner of Evergreen Campsites
- Joey Button, manager of Evergreen Campsites
- Joe Moore, owner of Moore’s Campground Consulting
- Katie Mendonca, manager of Normandy Farms Family Campground
- Kitty Winship, owner of Papoose Pond Family Campground
- Michael Roman, co-owner of Madison Island Campground
- Michelle Fleming, regional manager of Spacious Skies Campgrounds
- Mike Harrison, COO of CRR Hospitality
- Nicole Burrell, manager of Sun Outdoors Frontier Town
- Ollie Gauthier, owner of Hickory Hills Campground
- Sadie Werley, manager of Spacious Skies-Country Oaks
- Taylor Nutbrown, manager of Normandy Farms Family Campground
Joining the members were OHI’s Government Affairs team, including David Basler, OHI’s senior vice president of government affairs; Andrew Mills, owner of Lone Tree Strategies and OHI’s full-time lobbyist in D.C.; Paul Bambei, OHI’s president and CEO; and Jaqueline Gloria, OHI’s vice president of operations.
“Hill Days like this one are so important to our industry and to OHI’s advocacy efforts in D.C. because they give legislators a chance to hear real stories directly from the mouths of real campground owners,” said Basler. “OHI is fighting every day for the success of the small businesses in our industry, and it takes our fight to the next level when legislators hear from members directly.”
OHI said it encourages its members to participate in future Hill Days to continue amplifying the voice of outdoor hospitality businesses in Washington. Those interested in learning more about OHI’s advocacy efforts can visit ohi.org/advocacy/ for more information.
