Fresh from this year’s VRMA Conference, our Executive Director, Rebecca, came home with more than just notes and handshakes — she came home with an idea worth acting on. In her latest Monday Musing, she shares one small, powerful strategy that could change how our communities view vacation rentals across the Poconos.
Her message? If we want fair policy and understanding, we have to show up and tell the good stories — because no one can represent our industry better than the people who live it every day.
Here’s Rebecca’s full note to our members:
Dear Friends,
Any time I attend a conference, I go in with the same personal strategy: come home with at least one actionable lesson—just one thing I can immediately apply to make an impact.
Well… this year’s VRMA Conference delivered more than one. But there’s one idea in particular I’m excited to put into motion right here in the Poconos, and I want you to join me.
During a panel on advocacy, Tyanne Marcink Hammond, President of MOVHA - Missouri Vacation Home Alliance, shared a strategy so simple—and so smart—that it stopped me in my tracks:
Use the public comment period at Township/Borough meetings to share positive STR stories and reviews.
Think about it. If the only stories officials hear are about noise complaints and “party houses,” of course they assume that’s the norm. Of course they feel pressured to “crack down.” They don’t have the full picture—because no one is giving them the other half.
But we can.
And we must.
Imagine this instead:
Every month.
Every municipality.
Every meeting.
Hosts, property managers, and local suppliers stepping up to the microphone to share real stories about:
✨ Families reconnecting at the same home year after year
✨ Friends discovering local restaurants, shops, festivals, and hidden gems
✨ Travelers who fall in love with the Poconos and return as lifelong visitors
✨ Guests who appreciate staying in a clean, safe, well-maintained home that raises neighborhood standards, not lowers them
Positive stories change narratives. Narratives change minds. Minds change policy.
So here’s my ask—and my challenge:
Who’s in?
Let’s show up.
Let’s speak up.
Let’s tell the good stories until they finally sink in.
And when you do it—record it and share it. We’ll amplify those voices across our channels to keep the momentum building.
If you’re willing to participate or want help crafting your remarks, reply to this email and we’ll get you plugged in.
The future of STRs in the Poconos will be shaped by the voices that show up.
Let’s make sure ours are positive, powerful, and impossible to ignore.
Let’s do this!
~Rebecca
Executive Director
Poconos Association of Vacation Rental Owners
PS – Do you follow us on Facebook? I shared a whole bunch of photos from VRMA there, check it out (& follow us!):
https://www.facebook.com/PoconosVRO
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This is the kind of leadership and optimism that defines Poconos VRO — showing up, speaking up, and proving that responsible hosts and good neighbors are one and the same.
Ready to take Rebecca’s challenge?
Join the movement, share your story, and help shape the future of STRs in the Poconos.
Become a VRO Ambassador
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