Please post any info you might have about what this means for CB in the future.
Camelback sold to local investor
By SUSAN KOOMAR
News and Business Editor
skoomar@poconorecord.com
A local entrepreneur who learned to ski at Camelback as a child bought the Pocono icon Tuesday.
Arthur B. Berry III of Pocono Manor formed a new company, CBH20, to run the ski area and Camelbeach water park.
Berry closed the deal with Camelback Ski Corp., but terms were not made public.
Neither Berry nor longtime Camelback chief executive Sam Newman were available for comment beyond statements issued in a press release.
Newman, a Stroudsburg attorney, has run the growing recreation area for 19 years. It attracts more than 700,000 visitors a year. He will stay on as a consultant to Berry's new company.
Tuesday's announcement ended rampant rumors about a pending sale including speculation that Intrawest, a major developer of mountain resorts, was a potential buyer.
Berry's successful ventures have ranged from a stock car racing school at Pocono Raceway to a tire business in Mount Pocono. He started the rod and gun club at Pocono Manor and a local Lee Myles transmission franchise.
Berry pledged to maintain Camelback's status as a major attraction and employer.
"I plan to keep all of our staff employed and will continue to create employment and career opportunities for them and other area residents," Berry said in a press release.
Camelback has more than 800 full- and part-time employees making it one of the largest private employers in the Poconos.
Before Camelback opened 43 years ago, the Poconos closed for the winter, said Bob Uguccioni of the Pocono Mountains Vacation Bureau.
"Camelback is a huge success, and I credit Sam Newman and his crew," said Uguccioni.
He's glad to see the attraction stay under local control and called the Berry family "very reputable and highly regarded in the community."
"Having people like that buy such a major facility is a very good thing," said Uguccioni. "We are pleased. It is a local company, we know the people, and it will be in good hands."
State Rep. Mario Scavello, R-176, added, "The fact that there will continue to be local ownership is a very positive thing."
Scavello credited Newman with creating jobs and fulfilling a vision to expand the ski area with Camelbeach water park.
"What it's done for the community is unbelievable," he said.
Newman, in a press release, expressed confidence in Camelback's new ownership.
"While the decision to step down is difficult, the operations of Camelback will be in great hands under Arthur Berry's leadership," he said.
Sign in at www.paskiandride.com for information on Pennsylvania Skiing.
Camelback sold to local investor
By SUSAN KOOMAR
News and Business Editor
skoomar@poconorecord.com
A local entrepreneur who learned to ski at Camelback as a child bought the Pocono icon Tuesday.
Arthur B. Berry III of Pocono Manor formed a new company, CBH20, to run the ski area and Camelbeach water park.
Berry closed the deal with Camelback Ski Corp., but terms were not made public.
Neither Berry nor longtime Camelback chief executive Sam Newman were available for comment beyond statements issued in a press release.
Newman, a Stroudsburg attorney, has run the growing recreation area for 19 years. It attracts more than 700,000 visitors a year. He will stay on as a consultant to Berry's new company.
Tuesday's announcement ended rampant rumors about a pending sale including speculation that Intrawest, a major developer of mountain resorts, was a potential buyer.
Berry's successful ventures have ranged from a stock car racing school at Pocono Raceway to a tire business in Mount Pocono. He started the rod and gun club at Pocono Manor and a local Lee Myles transmission franchise.
Berry pledged to maintain Camelback's status as a major attraction and employer.
"I plan to keep all of our staff employed and will continue to create employment and career opportunities for them and other area residents," Berry said in a press release.
Camelback has more than 800 full- and part-time employees making it one of the largest private employers in the Poconos.
Before Camelback opened 43 years ago, the Poconos closed for the winter, said Bob Uguccioni of the Pocono Mountains Vacation Bureau.
"Camelback is a huge success, and I credit Sam Newman and his crew," said Uguccioni.
He's glad to see the attraction stay under local control and called the Berry family "very reputable and highly regarded in the community."
"Having people like that buy such a major facility is a very good thing," said Uguccioni. "We are pleased. It is a local company, we know the people, and it will be in good hands."
State Rep. Mario Scavello, R-176, added, "The fact that there will continue to be local ownership is a very positive thing."
Scavello credited Newman with creating jobs and fulfilling a vision to expand the ski area with Camelbeach water park.
"What it's done for the community is unbelievable," he said.
Newman, in a press release, expressed confidence in Camelback's new ownership.
"While the decision to step down is difficult, the operations of Camelback will be in great hands under Arthur Berry's leadership," he said.
Sign in at www.paskiandride.com for information on Pennsylvania Skiing.
