(Nov. 15, 2011) -- U.S. retail spending posted a 0.5 percent gain following the 1.1 percent increase in September. In Canada, manufacturing sales jumped 2.6 percent in September following an unrevised 1.4 percent gain in August and a 3.3 percent jump in July.

(Nov. 14, 2011) -- Each year, the U.S. Commerce Association identifies companies that they believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and community, Stag-Parkway noted in a press release.

(Nov. 14, 2011) -- "Imagine coming to work with three appointments scheduled for the day," Sobel said. "These are clients who know you, the product, the store and the price. Plus, they have an intent to purchase today. This is a better job!"

(Nov. 14, 2011) -- At the KOA convention in Las Vegas last week, Southeast Publications presented KOA Care Camps a check for just under $38,000. That brings the company's total donation to more than $300,000 over the past several years.

(Nov. 14, 2011) -- "After 21 years, we had amassed a huge lists of accomplishments already, including a Fortune magazine cover, New York Times articles, Time magazine feature and AARP feature," said Gilanelli. "We parked several different classes of RVs in front of 30 Rockefeller in order for the Today Show to do a story. We had CNN doing a live broadcast from the Louisville Show. I told him (Ashurst) my wish list was to do it all over again."

(Nov. 14, 2011) -- "While it was hard to compare to last fall, as three of the shows were new this year, the people that did attend were very optimistic about purchasing in the near future," said Kelly, who noted the Tampa show collected 10 barrels of canned goods for Metropolitan Ministries.

(Nov. 14, 2011) -- A number of campers who overstayed their welcome at Connecticut's two shoreline parks prompted the state to enforce a law that limits camping stays to 21 days, reports the Middletown Press.

(Nov. 14, 2011) -- Along with doubling the number of sites at Tohickon Family Resort in East Rockhill, formerly known as Tohickon Family Campground, the new ownership wants to add several features, including a splash pad, play use areas, a nature trail, disc golf and a pet park, reports Montgomery Newspapers.

(Nov. 14, 2011) -- "If John and I are fortunate enough to win the $5,000 prize, we will donate the entire amount plus an additional $400 out-of-pocket back to our VetsRoll.org charity, thereby allowing nine more veteran heroes to join us on VetsRoll 3 in May 2012," said Finnegan.  

(Nov. 14, 2011) -- When it comes to RV purchases, the Poughkeepsie Journal reports there’s been growth across every age group, especially the baby boomers.