What's in a Name?

by: Dyana Kelley, Presdient & CEO, CalOHA

​“That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.” This Shakespeare quotation profoundly suggests that names themselves do not hold worth or meaning but simply act as labels to distinguish things and people from each other and furthermore claims that it is the characteristics that provide substance not the label. 

​Considering Romeo and Juliet was published in 1597 it may be a sentiment that is a bit outdated.  Or is it? Much like the tragic story of lost love our organization has had its own share of “transition” which in turn led to a significant amount of relabeling.

It all started with a break (off) from the RV Park Association in the late 60’s.  Our founders then decided to partner with the Western Manufactured Housing Association and became the WMA RV Division. That relationship soured and soon after the California Travel Parks Association (CTPA) was born and remained until the organization partnered with our national association and became the California Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds (CalARVC). Once again, we found ourselves in a breakup and rebranded as CampCalNOW RV Park and Campground Alliance (CampCalNOW) to signify our commitment to Nevada, Oregon, and Washington.  However, this was not the first time we engaged with adjoining states.  From the late 90’s and through 2012 our directory was titled RV and Camp Out West: California, Oregon, Washington, and Nevada.  However, that relationship waned, and those states chose their own path.

While the years themselves have brought about many iterations of a label, the foundational characteristics of the association continue to provide the substance.  Consistently at the heart of our organization is a steadfast commitment to an industry that continues to thrive in an ever-changing landscape.  From accommodations, to camping styles, to park ownership, the past few years have provided us with greater expansion and diversity than we have seen in decades.  And yet we remain an underserved segment of travel and tourism.
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Recently, the board of directors of the California Travel Parks Association along with representatives of our membership voted to adopt as our new operating name, the California Outdoor Hospitality Association.  This decision took into account the complexity of today’s advocacy efforts and the importance of unity within our industry.  The more robust the industry we represent the greater our visibility and relevance in the travel and tourism sector.
So, while our association by any other name is still the California Travel Parks Association, the ability to demonstrate a broader contingency with a more expansive “label” will allow this rose to smell even sweeter!
See you on the road! 
 
Dyana