Janine Paddock to be inducted into Campground Owners of New York Hall of Fame

Oct. 15, 2012 - PRLog -- Janine Paddock, co-owner of Deer River Campsite in Malone, NY, will be inducted into the Hall of Fame for Campground Owners of New York (CONY) during its awards banquet on Saturday, November 3, 2012, at the 49th annual CONY Exposition for the Outdoor Hospitality Industry. The event will take place at the Six Flags Great Escape Lodge & Indoor Water Park, Lake George, NY.

Janine and husband Gil Paddock, with whom she has owned Deer River Campsite since 1982, have been active in CONY since joining the association, also in 1982. Janine is a Past President of the board of directors, having served from 2001-2007. She also served as Vice President of the board, CONY Region 8 Director, and as CONY Conference Chairperson. Janine will be joining Gil Paddock as a fellow member of the Hall of Fame with her induction.  

CONY Hall of Fame members are nominated based on a variety of factors, including service to CONY or its board of directors, other leadership roles both in CONY and in their communities, community service, and championship of the outdoor hospitality industry. The CONY Board of Directors accepts nominations and votes on the recipients. Janine Paddock will be the 15th inductee into the Hall of Fame in CONY’s 49 years of operation as a trade association.

Janine Paddock attended Hudson Valley Community College for Dental Hygiene in Troy, NY, and for Nursing at Champlain Valley School of Nursing in Plattsburgh, NY. She worked in both the dental and medical professions from 1972 to 2004. Over the years, in addition to her trained professions and campground ownership, she has served as a Red Cross Certified Instructor Trainer in Advanced First Aid, a volunteer member and Past Chief of the Duane Fire Department, a volunteer coach for the Franklin Academy Speech and Debate Team, and Chairperson of the Franklin Academy High School Improvement Committee. Her personal interests include reading, music, photography and crafts.

“I think there are so many others who have given so much of their time and talent to make this organization what it is today,” Janine stated, in response to notification of her induction. “It is an honor to be recognized by my peers and the industry, but, of course, I feel many others are deserving of the same honor.”

She goes on to remark, "Campground ownership is extremely hard work because most owners are putting in more hours in the summer than the average person would put in all year. But hopefully, we will always be here to advise, teach and share what we have learned through CONY, one of the most recognized state organizations in this country. Because we have had excellent leadership from the very beginning, and because a few campground owners had the insight to look into the future, we are where we are today."

Donald Bennett, Jr., President and CEO of CONY, praises Janine Paddock’s leadership and longevity. “I served on the board of directors with Janine for many years, prior to me being chosen as the Executive Administrator for CONY during her last year as board President. Since then I have worked alongside Janine while she served on the board as immediate Past President, and can attest that both she is a dedicated and hands-on advocate for CONY’s mission of promotion, growth, improvement and development of privately owned campgrounds in New York State. I am pleased that CONY is inducting Janine Paddock into the Hall of Fame this year.”

Bennett shares, “One of Janine’s important tasks through the years of her presidency has been representing the association, along with fellow board members, in going to the state Capitol and pressuring legislators on issues vital to our industry. On September 17, 2003 a New York State bill was signed into law that amended the Real Property Tax Law in relation to the definition of real property, prohibiting seasonal campers from being subject to real property tax for their camping unit. The law makes it so that a camping unit is not able to be taxed as real property. That was a major win for our industry in New York State.”

“Janine and Gil have also worked tirelessly over the years on regulations of the Adirondack Park Agency, as it pertains to campgrounds.” Bennett said.  

Janine continues to advocate on behalf of fellow campground owners. “We need to keep in touch with our ‘seasoned members’ who have such valuable knowledge of the camping business. It is ever changing, and we need to keep ahead of current trends. Camping will never be a ‘fad’ of the year. It has been a way of life for outdoor enthusiasts, families and retirees for many, many years and will continue, no matter what the economy and tourism throws at us. I’d like to see community seminars in the spring and early summer jointly given by local campground owners. Think of how educational this would be for the novices, seasoned or undecided future camper. It is imperative that we keep the public continually informed of this wonderful industry.”

Friends and colleagues of Janine Paddock are invited to register and attend the awards banquet on November 3rd, and can do so by contacting the CONY office at 585-586-4360.  Anecdotes and letters of congratulations for Janine may be sent to to the CONY office, 1 Grove St., Suite 200, Pittsford, NY 14534.

Attendees invited to CONY’s 49th Exposition for the Outdoor Hospitality Industry, November 1 to 3, 2012, include campground operators, managers and staff, as well as people buying, selling or developing campgrounds and RV parks. The exposition will feature professional development seminars, a trade show and awards banquet.

The theme of this year’s Exposition is “Tailgate Party,” with contests and games throughout the event. Attendees are encouraged to wear their favorite football team jersey at the Thursday night wine tasting and steak and lobster dinner, to be held at Lake George RV Park. The dinner is sponsored by Evergreen USA RRG, Inc., and entertainment will be provided by Lake George RV Park at their French Mountain Playhouse.

CONY campgrounds members, as well as non-member campground operators interested in the CONY association, are welcomed to attend the Exposition. Companies interested in doing business with New York campground operators are encouraged to register as exhibitors and/or sponsors.
For more details, including schedule, attendee/exhibitor registration forms, and a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) booklet, contact the CONY office at 585-586-4360, or info@nycampgrounds.com.
Campground Owners of New York, founded in 1963, is an association dedicated to the promotion, growth, improvement and development of privately owned campgrounds in New York State. More information about the association and its campgrounds – including a free camping directory - is available at www.nycampgrounds.com.