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RVIA Press Releases

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Board Approves FY2011 Budget with Lower Seal Cost
RVIA Press Release from on Thu, 30 Sep 2010 | The RVIA Board of Directors moved at their Sept. 21 meeting in Park City, Utah to approve a $12.1 million dollar budget for the upcoming fiscal year that holds the line on membership costs for dues and show space rates while reducing the cost of seals to manufacturer members. The new budget includes a $5 reduction, down to $20, in the RVIA seal price effective Jan. 1, 2011. This is the third reduction in the seal price since the Board raised it to $35 in July 2009 to ease pressure on the association budget caused by the reduction in show and dues revenue triggered by the economic downturn. Similar $5 reductions occurred in April 2010 and July 2010. The Board also instructed staff to continue monitoring and reviewing shipment volume every 90 days to determine the need for future seal price adjustments. The new $20 seal fee taking effect in January will apply to all member manufacturer vehicle types. The Go RVing per unit assessment of manufacturer members remains at the current levels of $46 for folding camping trailers and truck campers; $61 for travel trailers and 5th wheel travel trailers; and $74 for motorhomes. During their meeting, the RVIA Board also approved recommendations from the ad hoc China Committee to continue efforts to capitalize on the potential of the RV industry developing in China by pursuing strategic activities to make the Chinese RV market more U.S. product friendly. Such efforts may include hosting a reception for Chinese visitors at the National RV Trade Show; working to hold RV standards and regulatory workshops in China; promoting the RV lifestyle and organizing trade missions with China; pursuing a reduction in tariffs and duties imposed by China on U.S. RV products; and developing more information for members on how to conduct business in China. There were also several presentations made to the Board, including an update on RVDA activities from RVDA Chair Debbie Brunoforte; a presentation on the national economic and RV market outlook from Dr. Richard Curtin; and a report on activities centered on the developing Chinese market from China Committee Chairman Wilbur Bontrager.
Curtin Projects Slower Economic Growth, Moderating RV Shipments
RVIA Press Release from on Thu, 30 Sep 2010 | Dr. Richard Curtin, director of the Surveys of Consumers at the University of Michigan, told the RVIA Board of Directors the national economy will avoid a double-dip recession but continue its recovery at a slower pace that will moderate wholesale RV shipments in the upcoming year. Curtin made these projections in a presentation to the RVIA Board of Directors at their annual September meeting, held Sept. 21 at the Hotel Park City in Park City, Utah. Focusing on the national economic outlook, Curtin said that among the scenarios for 2011, there was the greatest probability for a ''slow growth'' model. He defined this as GDP increasing by 2.5%, unemployment at 9.6%, job creation hitting 100,000 jobs per month, personal income growth at 2.4%, housing starts at 780,000, and slight gains in consumer confidence and credit conditions. Curtin said that there is only a one-in-ten chance that the economy will slip back into a double-dip recession. Gradually rising consumer sentiment, a modest gain in consumer spending and an improved credit market will accompany this slower growth. However, continued high rates of unemployment and sluggish income gains will continue to be a drag on the economy. Curtin also said that the greater probability for the ''slow growth'' model would put wholesale RV shipments in the 259,000-unit range that was projected in the Fall 2010 issue of RV Roadsigns. In that projection, shipments are expected to reach 239,900 units by the end of 2010 and 259,600 units in 2011. In RVIA's most recent monthly survey of manufacturers, RV wholesale shipments to retailers totaled 21,500 units this August, an increase of 8.6% over last month and 20.8% greater than August one year ago. This marked the thirteenth consecutive monthly increase in RV shipments dating back to July of 2009. In his remarks, Curtin also discussed the new consumer mindset that businesses need to consider as a result of the economic hardships of the past several years. ''Consumers are reconsidering their spending and saving habits,'' Curtin said. ''Given the strong underlying demand for the RV lifestyle, consumers will gravitate toward products that offer an equivalent experience at a price that meets new economic constraints.'' He advised companies to ''rightsize'' rather than ''downsize'' as they move forward. ''Rightsizing means delivering an optimal mix of size, convenience, and features to meet the new realities facing consumers,'' he added. ''This may mean smaller units with fewer features.''
California RV Show Set to Open Next Month
RVIA Press Release from on Thu, 30 Sep 2010 | The 58th Annual California RV Show, kicking off October 15 at the Fairplex in Pomona, Calif., offers consumers the chance to see the newest and best in RVs and RV products while also learning more about RV travel. Set to run through October 24, the 10-day event is the largest consumer RV show on the West Coast. ''With the rebound in the RV market and heavy demand for display space at this year's event, we're looking forward to having a very successful show,'' said RVIA President Richard Coon. ''The southern California area remains one of the top RV markets in the country and a strong show will be yet another boost for the industry.'' This year's show will feature RV manufacturers and supplier exhibits stretching across 450,000 square feet of exhibit space. More than 25,000 consumers are expected to visit this year's show to view the more than 800 RVs that will be on display. In addition, show attendees will also be able to take advantage of popular daily seminars to boost their knowledge about RV travel and camping. Well-known RV driving school owner and instructor Dennis Hill will once again offer his popular seminar ''Yes, You Can Drive an RV.'' He will also lead a session on ''Traveling to Alaska.'' There will also be seminars on ''All About RVing'' and ''So, You Want to Full Time?'' from Ron Jones. Jones is a long-time RVer and author who has contributed to several RV enthusiasts magazines. ''The show is a fabulous forum to learn about RVing,'' said Coon. ''It gives both experienced RVers and those just developing an interest the ability to see an incredible variety of vehicles and gather a lot of information about RV ownership.'' The California RV Show also features live music, appearances from well-known radio and entertainment personalities, and other attractions, including RV historian David Woodworth displaying a vintage 1931 RV during the opening weekend. The 2nd Annual Classic Car Show will also take place that weekend with over 100 classic autos on display along with the vehicle owners who travel in RVs to car competitions throughout the nation. There will also be sweepstakes prize drawings, including a truck camper provided by Lance Camper Manufacturing Corp. and a travel trailer by MVP RV. Other prizes will include vacation packages to Catalina Island and Laughlin, Nev. For more information on the 58th California RV Show visit <a href='http://www.carvshow.com'>www.carvshow.com</a> or call RVIA's Western Region Office at (951) 274-0696.
Improvements Coming to SBA's Dealer Floorplan Program
RVIA Press Release from on Thu, 30 Sep 2010 | President Obama signed into law this week legislation that includes improvements to the Small Business Administration's Dealer Floorplan Pilot Program (DFP). The new program allows RV dealers to borrow more money for floorplanning (up to $5 million) while still receiving relief from SBA loan fees. The new program, which will run through Sept. 13, 2013, also allows RV dealers with a higher net worth - up to $15 million - to participate. Lenders told SBA that these changes to the time frame and loan amount would remove two key barriers to lender participation in the floorplanning program. The current DFP pilot program ends on September 30, 2010, although the loans for auto, boat and RV dealers made under that program will continue unaffected. The new program guidance will be published in the next month or so by SBA. The agency says it is now at work crafting new credit models, policies and procedures for the new program, on an accelerated schedule, to keep the period between the two programs as short as possible. A coalition of trade associations, including RVIA, RVDA, marine, auto, trailer and manufactured housing dealers and manufacturers pushed for passage of this legislation and will continue to work with SBA to ensure that the new DFP includes more of the improvements these groups and their industry lenders have recommended to SBA during the formation and implementation of the original DFP program. ''The improvements specified by the new legislation should help to attract more lenders to SBA's DFP program, hopefully providing RV dealers with additional floor plan opportunities,' said Dianne Farrell, RVIA vice president of government affairs. Changes made by the new law include some new features, and also put into law some features that previously were only in SBA guidance on the program. Other features of the program will be part of the new guidance document SBA will publish: A loan amount between $500,000 and $5 million (previously limited to $2 million), for a term of not more than 5 years (same as original DFP program). A new size standard allowing larger businesses to qualify as a small business under the new DFP, as follows: the maximum tangible net worth of the business cannot exceed $15 million; and, the average net income after federal taxes (excluding carry-over losses) for the 2 full fiscal years prior to the date of the application for DFP is not more than $5 million. An advance rate of up to 100 percent of the value of the goods to be purchased may be offered by lenders (same as original DFP program). An SBA guaranty of between 60 percent and 75 percent (same as original DFP program). The new law does not specify which vehicle advance rates would be eligible for a certain guaranty; that is still left up to the SBA to specify in its new guidance. In the original DFP, the advance rate was tied to the guaranty rate. An extension of the DFP program to September 30, 2013 (was September 30, 2010). The continuation of relief from SBA fees for borrowers. SBA said that the ''extraordinary servicing fee'' lenders may charge dealers for servicing the loan might still be included in the new program. ''Eligible retail goods'' that can be purchased under the new DFP are still automobiles, recreational vehicles, boats, and manufactured homes which can be titled under state law.
Gregg Fore Elected RVIA Chairman; New Executive Committee Named
RVIA Press Release from on Thu, 30 Sep 2010 | Gregg Fore, president of Dicor Corp., was elected RVIA Chairman of the Board for fiscal year 2011 during the association's Board of Directors meeting, held Sept. 21 at the Hotel Park City in Park City, Utah. ''The Board has elected an experienced, insightful leader to be our next chairman,'' said RVIA President Richard Coon. ''Greg is a very active and involved member in the association and that participation has been an invaluable asset to RVIA and the industry. I look forward to working with him in the coming year.'' Fore has served on the RVIA Board since 1999 and has extensive experience on the Executive Committee, having held the posts of First Vice Chairman, Second Vice Chairman, and Treasurer. He has also chaired the Audit Committee, Awards Committee, Standards Steering Committee, and Strategic Planning Committee and served as a member of the Nominating Committee and Public & Legislative Affairs Committee. He was honored with RVIA's Distinguished Service to the RV Industry Award in 2009. In addition, the RVIA Board of Directors elected other officers to join Chairman Fore on the Executive Committee, including Doug Gaeddert, general manager, Forest River, Inc., as first vice chairman; Bob Olson, chairman of the board, CEO and president, Winnebago Industries as second vice chairman; Derald Bontrager, president and COO, Jayco, Inc., as treasurer; and John Regan, chairman, Fabric Services as secretary. All officers will begin their one-year terms on Oct. 1 and are joined by Chairman Ex Officio Jim Sheldon, special assistant to the president, Monaco RV, and RVIA President Richard Coon on the Executive Committee.
Go RVing Spring/Summer Ad Blitz Delivers Results
RVIA Press Release from on Thu, 30 Sep 2010 | Go RVing's high-impact spring and summer 2010 ad buy helped attract more buyer prospects to the industry while boosting RV interest and demand during the high selling and travel season. From March to September, when advertising was heaviest, there were 1.7 million visits to GoRVing.com - 82% more than those same months last year when the media budget was dramatically lower. There have been over 6.8 million page visits to date this year, a 155% increase in those who delve deeper into the site. August marked the seventh straight month this year in which over 75% of GoRVing.com visitors were new to the site - a rich source of buyer prospects at a critical time in the industry's recovery. The site was updated for 2010 with a new look, featuring the animated ''Ambassadors of Affordability'' characters as guides, and more interactive features. GoRVing.com visitors who filled out an order form for introductory videos instantly accessible from the website became leads. Since January, Go RVing has posted approximately 121,600 new leads for use by industry tie-in program participants, 65% more than last year at this time. Already, 2010 leads have surpassed the total for the entire last year, as a result of the new ''Ambassadors of Affordability'' TV ads and bigger ad buy. This year, a total of $8.2 million is being spent on media, compared to only $3.5 million in 2009. During the spring and summer months, the television ads ran regularly on Fox Sports Net Major League Baseball games, NBC Universal Sports, SPEED Channel, Travel Channel and ESPN. They ran on 33 additional national cable networks at special direct response rates. The Discovery Channel and Travel Channel were the strongest television lead generators. The TV spots also aired in 26 stadiums during Major League Baseball games in April, May and June. Demonstrating the attraction of the new commercials to repeat viewers, they have also been viewed over 120,000 times on GoRVing.com. On the Internet, new Go RVing banner ads featuring the 'Ambassadors of Affordability' have been running on some 35 sites. Search engines Google, Yahoo and Bing have been the strongest leads generators, followed by WeatherBug.com. The print plan was beefed up this year with the return of business reply cards inserted into leading family and parenting magazines. Among 27 magazines on the plan, the strongest lead generator has been Family Circle. For information about becoming a Go RVing tie-in partner and obtaining leads from the 2010 ad campaign, contact Margie Spence, RVIA Advertising Manager, at (703) 620-6003 ext. 357 or <a href='mailto:mspence@rvia.org'>mspence@rvia.org</a>. <?xml:namespace prefix = 'o' ns = 'urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office' /><o:p></o:p>
Rebounding Industry Looks Forward to RVIA's 48th National RV Trade Show
RVIA Press Release from Kevin Broom on Wed, 29 Sep 2010 | RESTON, Va. - With shipments rising and consumer demand remaining strong, the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association's (RVIA) 48th Annual National RV Trade Show will bring together 2011 product lines, industry officials, and RV dealers at the Kentucky Exposition Center (KEC) in Louisville, November 30 through December 2, 2010. The show comes as industry shipments continue recovering from the recession and offers manufacturers an opportunity to display their latest innovations to dealers from around the nation. ''The industry is looking forward to the future with confidence,'' said RVIA President Richard Coon. ''Shipments are improving, demand for our products and for the RV lifestyle remains strong, and we are well-positioned for continued growth over the next several years. This year's show will offer more for all to see and propel us into that future.'' The National RV Trade Show will kick off with ''Outlook 2011: A New Era Begins,'' the informative and motivational market expansion showcase breakfast taking place on November 30 from 7:00 - 9:00 a.m. in the KEC's South Wing Mezzanine Ballroom. The program and breakfast are free for attendees on a first-come, first-serve basis. Show badge registration will be available in the South Wing Lobby C Entrance. Attendees can take advantage of several sales and product seminars offered throughout the three-day show. On December 1 from 8:00 - 9:00 a.m. in the KEC's 2nd Floor Ballroom, Chuck Morgan, a 20-year veteran in the RV business as a salesperson, sales manager and trainer will present, ''How to Inspire Your Sales Staff in Today's RV Market.'' The next morning at 8:00 a.m., Morgan will present a seminar on ''Harnessing the Power of the Internet and Video for RV Dealers.'' Hour-long proprietary seminars conducted by exhibiting companies will be offered at no cost in Exhibit Hall 1A - South Wing Corridor, Conference Room 109. Companies offering seminars on November 30 are: Systems 2000, Inc. at 1:00 p.m. Cequent Performance Products at 2:30 p.m. Coach-Net at 4:00 p.m. Scheduled for December 1 are: RV Trader & RV Web Services at 9:30 a.m. Tuson RV Brakes, LLC at 11:00 a.m. SFC Energy, Inc. at 2:00 p.m. Manheim at 3:30 p.m. On December 2, Duncan Systems will conduct its seminar at 10:00 a.m. The show offers attendees one-on-one opportunities to learn more about local resources available to them. RV dealers can stop by the Go RVing booth for information about tying into the Go RVing advertising campaign, including the new ''Leads Plus'' leads prioritization and segmentation service being unveiled at the show. For information about RV technician learning opportunities and certification, attendees can stop by the RVIA Education booth. This year's show will feature 309 exhibitors - 71 manufacturers and 238 suppliers - in more than 765,000 square feet of show space. Attendance is expected to exceed 9,000. The National RV Trade Show is open to the media but not open to the public. RVIA (<a href='http://www.rvia.org/'>http://www.rvia.org/</a>) is the national association representing more than 400 manufacturers and component suppliers producing approximately 98 percent of all RVs made in the United States.
Industry Readies for Upbeat 48th National RV Trade Show
RVIA Press Release from on Sun, 19 Sep 2010 | After the recession severely cut back the size and scope of the National RV Trade Show last year, preparations are underway for a larger and more widely attended 48th National RV Trade Show, taking place Nov. 30 - Dec. 2 at the Kentucky Exposition Center (KEC) in Louisville, KY. To date, 71 manufacturers and 230 suppliers have been assigned display space totaling more than 760,000 square feet for the event. At the 2009 National RV Trade Show, 70 manufacturer and 211 suppliers filled just over 604,000 square feet of space. 'We are very encouraged by the increase in exhibit space at this year's show. It is another promising sign that the RV industry is on the road to recovery,' said RVIA President Richard Coon. 'A large, well-attended National RV Trade Show will send a powerful message to consumers, the media, the financial markets, and our own industry about the health and outlook for the RV market.' With RV wholesale shipments on the rise, there is a stronger sense of optimism as the industry looks ahead to the upcoming show. 'We're certainly in a better position than we were last year with many reasons to be optimistic - shipments are rising, consumers love our products, and the long-term outlook remains positive,' said Coon. 'I'm looking forward to a strong show that will further reinforce our industry's recovery.' The National RV Trade Show will kick off with RVIA's popular all-industry market expansion showcase, Outlook 2011: A New Era Begins, taking place from 7 - 9 a.m. in the KEC South Wing Ballroom.; The event will feature a complimentary breakfast for attendees and several informative and entertaining presentations. These will include: <ul> <li>Forging Our Future with Richard Coon sharing his thoughts on the important trends impacting the RV market and how RVIA is working to forge a bright future for the industry.</li> <li>Go RVing: Inspiration for a New Era with Go RVing co-chairs Bob Olson and Tom Stinnett joining RVIA's Gary LaBella to introduce the new Go RVing Leads Plus program, report on the impact of the Ambassadors of Affordability campaign, and unveil new plans for 2011.</li>RVIA Public Relations: A New Era of Possibilities with RVIA Public Relations Committee Chair B.J. Thompson and LaBella discussing tools and strategies to maximize the exposure of RVing in a changing media landscape and sharing some of the resulting high-impact publicity that's helping stoke demand for RVs. </ul> In addition to the 2011 RV product lines and latest RV accessories that will be on display, the show will also feature educational seminars led by popular industry experts and a series of hour-long proprietary seminars hosted by exhibitors chosen by lottery. The show also offers attendees the opportunity to learn more about resources available to them. Industry members can visit the Go RVing booth to learn about the national advertising campaign and how to tie into it. For more information about RV technician education initiatives and certification, attendees can stop by the RVIA Education booth. For more information about the National RV Trade Show, call RVIA's Show Department at (703) 620-6003 ext. 365.
Dexter Wins Supplier Seat in Special RVIA Election
RVIA Press Release from on Sun, 19 Sep 2010 | Adam Dexter, president of Dexter Axle Co., was elected to a Supplier seat on the RVIA Board of Directors during a special runoff election that concluded on Sept.10. <?xml:namespace prefix = 'o' ns = 'urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office' /><o:p></o:p> The special election was needed when Dexter and Stan Sunshine, chairman of Stag-Parkway, Inc., tied in the balloting for the third and final Supplier seat during the regular RVIA elections that ended on Aug. 24. The special election took place from Aug. 27 - Sept. 10 with RVIA official representatives able to cast their votes electronically during that period. <o:p></o:p> Dexter joins six other candidates elected to the RVIA Board in this election cycle. They include five incumbents: Matt Miller, president of Newmar Corp. (Manufacturer); Gregg Fore, president of Dicor Corp. (Supplier); B.J. Thompson, president of B.J. Thompson and Associates (Supplier); Bob Parish, vice president for G.E. Capital (At-Large); and, Jonathan Randall, director of sales and marketing for Freightliner Custom Chassis (At-Large). <o:p></o:p> John Rhymer, co-founder of Heartland Recreational Vehicles, was newly elected to a Manufacturer seat. <o:p></o:p> All those elected to the RVIA Board will begin serving their three-year terms on Oct. 1. The RVIA Board of Directors has the highest level of authority in the association's organizational structure and is responsible for association matters on a broad policy basis. <o:p></o:p>
RVIA Joins Coalition Lobbying for More Recreation on Public Lands
RVIA Press Release from on Sun, 19 Sep 2010 | RVIA has joined 70 outdoor recreation organizations in the Coalition for Recreation in the National Forests to urge the USDA Forest Service to allow more outdoor recreation on lands controlled by the agency. With the Notice of Intent announcing the Planning Rule Process giving scant attention to the issue of recreation, the large and diverse group of recreation organizations wrote to USDA Forest Service Chief Thomas Tidwell to express their collective concern and to request a meeting for the purpose of explaining their concerns and offering specific recommendations for rule revisions. As a result of that letter, a meeting with Chief Tidwell and top agency leadership will take place on Sept. 27. ''The recreation community position is clear,'' said Richard Coon, RVIA president. ''Recreation is a key use of national forests under several federal laws. Further, recreation is a primary contributor to the economic viability of communities throughout the nation. And, finally, outdoor recreation in national forests is also an important factor in overcoming lifestyle threats to our national health caused by lessened physical activity.'' The recreation community is also calling upon the Forest Service to include in the rule direction to national forests to be more proactive in managing recreation, and in seeking out partners able to assist in managing and enhancing recreation - including state agencies, organized recreationists and businesses. This proactive approach would reduce needless and inappropriate conflicts among recreational activities in the forests resulting from inadequate planning and management. For further information on this issue, contact American Recreation Coalition (ARC) President Derrick Crandall, who is heading up the Coalition for Recreation in National Forests, at <a href='mailto:dcrandall@funoutdoors.com'>dcrandall@funoutdoors.com</a> or (202) 682-9530.
RV Shipments Continue to Rebound
RVIA Press Release from on Tue, 07 Sep 2010 | RV wholesale shipments continued their march upward through the summer with shipments reaching 155,800 units for the year through July, an increase of 81% from one year ago. <?xml:namespace prefix = 'o' ns = 'urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office' /><o:p></o:p> In RVIA's most recent survey of manufacturers, July shipments totaled 19,800 units for the month, off 27% from June but up 47% from this same month one year ago. The slowing growth in shipments at this time of year is typical for the cyclical RV industry. <o:p></o:p> ''During late summer and early fall is when we usually see a slow decline from yearly peaks as model change-over affects dealer purchases,'' said RVIA's Vice President of Administration Mac Bryan, who monitors monthly shipments and market data for the association. <o:p></o:p> July's shipment totals represent an annualized total of more than 256,000 units, the third highest seasonally adjusted total this year. Towable RVs continue to provide more than 90 percent of all RV shipments with July's total of 17,900 units at an annualized rate of more than 228,000 units. July motorhomes totaled 1,900 units, representing an annualized total of 28,000 units. <o:p></o:p> The positive July shipment numbers reflect the cautiously optimistic RV market outlook provided by <?xml:namespace prefix = 'st1' ns = 'urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags' /><st1:place><st1:placetype>University</st1:placetype> of <st1:placename>Michigan</st1:placename></st1:place> economist Dr. Richard Curtin in the Fall 2010 issue of RV Roadsigns. Curtin predicts that the growth of RV shipments will moderate during the year ahead, reaching 239,900 units by year end. That would be a 45% gain over 2009's total of 165,700 units. Curtin also forecasts shipments to reach 259,600 units in 2011. <o:p></o:p> ''The rapid pace of increase we've seen will moderate in the coming months, slowing through the end of 2010 before rebounding in 2011,'' said <st1:city><st1:place>Bryan</st1:place></st1:city>. <o:p></o:p>
Outlook 2011: A New Era Begins Kicks Off National RV Trade Show
RVIA Press Release from on Tue, 07 Sep 2010 | Outlook 2011: A New Era Begins will kick off the National RV Trade Show on Tuesday, Nov. 30 with a lineup of insightful presentations that will focus on how the RV industry can meet the challenges and take advantage of the opportunities that a changing, more cost-conscious, linked-in market will present in 2011 and beyond. The event will begin at 7 a.m. with a complimentary full breakfast in the South Wing Mezzanine Level Ballroom. RVIA Chairman Gregg Fore will host the high-energy, multimedia program which will feature: <ul> <li>Forging Our Future with Richard Coon sharing his thoughts on the important trends impacting the RV market and how RVIA is working to forge a bright future for the industry.</li> <li>Go RVing: Inspiration for a New Era with Go RVing co-chairs Bob Olson and Tom Stinnett joining RVIA's Gary LaBella to introduce the new Go RVing Leads Plus program, report on the impact of the Ambassadors of Affordability campaign, and unveil new plans for 2011.</li> <li>RVIA Public Relations: A New Era of Possibilities with RVIA Public Relations Committee Chair B.J. Thompson and LaBella discussing tools and strategies to maximize the exposure of RVing in a changing media landscape and sharing some of the resulting high-impact publicity that's helping stoke demand for RVs.</li></ul> 'This promises to be another tremendous Outlook event with a program that both informs and entertains,' said LaBella. 'We expect attendees will enter the show excited about the prospects for the RV industry as it enters a new era.'
Go RVing's 2010 Interactive Messaging Reaches Millions of Prospects
RVIA Press Release from on Tue, 07 Sep 2010 | Go RVing's increased use of cost-efficient online media has yielded a significant boost in web presence and puts Go RVing on the front lines of this increasingly popular marketing trend. ''What was once considered 'non-traditional' advertising - the search engines, web ads and social media now integral to our campaign - is quickly moving to the forefront,'' said Gary LaBella, RVIA vice president and chief marketing officer. In March of this year, Go RVing re-launched its all-new interactive website to have the look and feel of the animated Ambassadors of Affordability TV campaign. Since the launch, GoRVing.com has seen a 74% increase in total site visits (1.4 million) compared to the same time period in 2009. There have been over 5.6 million page visits to date this year, a 151% increase showing those who visit our site are drawn further into it from the home page. Go RVing's visitors spend an average of 2:04 on the site, an impressive 50% greater amount of time than the 90-second Internet average. Three-quarters of all active Internet users regularly read blogs and the popularity of the Go RVing travel blog continues to grow as well. ''You Are Here,'' the year-round travel blog written by RVIA spokesperson and renowned travel writer Brad Herzog, now has over 8,500 subscribers, adding over 250 subscribers weekly during the Herzog family's media touring months for RVIA. With just over a quarter-million subscribers, the Go RVing eNewsletter also educates and entertains RVers and prospective owners alike. Each issue features an On the Road column written by Herzog.
Six Elected To Board, Runoff Underway For Supplier Seat
RVIA Press Release from on Tue, 07 Sep 2010 | RVIA members elected five incumbents and one new member to the Board of Directors in the association's elections while a runoff will determine the final Supplier seat due to a tie in the voting. <?xml:namespace prefix = 'o' ns = 'urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office' /><o:p></o:p> Because of the tie between Adam Dexter, president of Dexter Axle Co., and Stan Sunshine, chairman of Stag-Parkway, Inc., in the balloting for the third and final Supplier seat, a special runoff election is being held. RVIA official representatives will be able to cast their vote electronically over a two week period, from Aug. 27 - Sept. 10. The candidate receiving the most votes at the end of that period will assume the Supplier seat for a three-year term. Instructions and further details regarding the special election were emailed to RVIA official representatives. <o:p></o:p> Incumbents re-elected during the association elections were Matt Miller, president of Newmar Corp. (Manufacturer); Gregg Fore, president of Dicor Corp. (Supplier); B.J. Thompson, president of B.J. Thompson and Associates (Supplier); Bob Parish, vice president for G.E. Capital (At-Large); and, Jonathan Randall, director of sales and marketing for Freightliner Custom Chassis (At-Large).<o:p></o:p> John Rhymer, co-founder of Heartland Recreational Vehicles, was newly elected to a Manufacturer seat. <o:p></o:p> The association's annual elections took place from Aug. 3 - Aug. 24 with official representatives from member companies casting their votes electronically. Those elected to the Board will begin serving their three-year terms on Oct. 1, 2010. <o:p></o:p> The RVIA Board of Directors has the highest level of authority in the association's organizational structure and is responsible for association matters on a broad policy basis. <o:p></o:p>
RVIA Board Elections Are Underway
RVIA members are now casting votes among 12 candidates seeking to fill seven seats on the association's Board of Directors, which holds the highest level of authority in the association's organizational structure.
RV Shipments Continue to Climb
RV wholesale shipments climbed to their highest level in more than two years as June shipments reached 27,000 units in RVIA's most recent survey of manufacturers.
Supplier Members Sought For Foreign Affairs Subcommittee
RVIA is now accepting applications for consideration from the association's supplier members to fill membership openings on the newly formed Foreign Affairs Subcommittee (FAS) that reports to the Standards Steering Committee.
RVIA Assigns Space for National RV Trade Show
RVIA Press Release from on Wed, 21 Jul 2010 | Sixty-seven manufacturers and 199 suppliers were assigned display space totaling more than 750,000 square feet for RVIA's 48th Annual National RV Trade Show during the annual space drawing held recently at association headquarters in <?xml:namespace prefix = 'st1' ns = 'urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags' /><st1:place><st1:city>Reston</st1:city>, <st1:state>VA.</st1:state></st1:place> <?xml:namespace prefix = 'o' ns = 'urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office' /><o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> After the recession severely cut back the size and scope of the National RV Trade Show last year, the increase in the amount of exhibit space assigned this year is another promising sign that the RV industry is on the road to recovery. At the 2009 National RV Trade Show 70 manufacturer and 211 suppliers filled just over 604,000 square feet of space.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> ''We are very encouraged by the increase in exhibit space at this year's show,'' said RVIA President Richard Coon. ''Having a large, well-attended National RV Trade Show sends a powerful message to consumers, the media, the financial markets, and our own industry about the health and outlook for the RV market.''<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Exhibit space assignment was completed by using a lottery system established by RVIA. Tom Lutz of ASA Electronics and Joe Morales of Roadtrek Motorhomes attended the lottery as exhibitor representatives. <o:p></o:p> <o:p></o:p> Exhibit space is still available for the show. For manufacturer space, contact Mike Hutya, vice president of Meetings and Shows at (800) 336-0154 ext. 332. For supplier space, contact Kelly Smith at ext. 365 at the same phone number. <o:p> </o:p>
Go RVing Blog Gaining Followers
RVIA Press Release from on Wed, 21 Jul 2010 | Go RVing's blog, You Are Here: Brad Herzog's Family Travel Journal, has attracted over 2,000 new subscribers this year, who regularly follow the RV journeys of award-winning author Brad Herzog and his family. <?xml:namespace prefix = 'o' ns = 'urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office' /><o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Now in its second year of publication, the blog's popularity has steadily grown along with the success of RVIA's media tours with the Herzogs, billed as the ''National Explore America Family.'' The family of four began their Summer 2010 media tour in early June in a 33-foot <?xml:namespace prefix = 'st1' ns = 'urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags' /><st1:place>Vista</st1:place> motorhome provided by Winnebago. Since they hit the road, reader interaction with the blog has also been growing. <o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> ''I am a bit envious of the places you will be heading out to,'' said one fan. Another, inspired to buy an RV, commented, ''You don't know how much this last entry means to us. Retirement at 63 is on April 1st. . . Our first trip in our new motor home is planned for two weeks later. You gave us just the encouragement we needed. I think I will laminate your suggestions and lay them on the dash where we can refer to them often.'' <o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Herzog helps his readers discover the joys of RVing: beautiful scenery, quirky small towns, interesting people and family-friendly, educational attractions along the way. In 2010, he is blogging about family RV trips to Buffalo, Burlington and Bangor, national parks and lakeshores in Maine, Ohio and Michigan, a balloon festival in Vermont, a baseball game in South Bend, an amusement park in Pennsylvania, and kid-friendly museums ranging from the National Museum of Play in Rochester, New York, to the RV Hall of Fame in Elkhart, Indiana. <o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> In engaging, graceful prose, Herzog captures the benefits of RVing, from practical cost savings to priceless family experiences: <o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> ''When we hit the road in a house on wheels, we visit with the rest of the world, various subcultures, diverse scenery, people with whom we would never have had contact had we not parked next to them in some random campground in northern Ohio or stood next to them on a boat tour of Niagara Falls or chatted amiably with them while strolling through a children's museum in upstate New York or bantered with them at a diner in Indiana....We can appreciate the myriad American options. And then we can return with a better understanding of our own lives.'' <o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Since the family's summer travels began, Herzog has posted colorful, humorous and insightful accounts of his RV travels two to three times per week, drawing over 40 comments. Out of the 7,700 people who have subscribed since the blog's launch in 2008, nearly one-third have signed up in 2010 - the result of easier access and increased promotion on GoRVing.com, Go RVing's Facebook page and Twitter, as well as the Herzog media tour for RVIA. <o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> To read the travel journal and subscribe, visit the Go RVing website at <a href='http://www.gorving.org/blog'>http://www.gorving.org/blog</a>. The Go RVing blog can also be accessed from Brad Herzog's own website, <a href='http://www.bradherzog.com/'>www.BradHerzog.com</a>, along with information about his RV travel books including the new Turn Left at the Trojan Horse, available at major bookstores nationwide.<o:p></o:p>
New Legislation Looks to Expand SBA Floor Plan Program
RVIA Press Release from on Wed, 21 Jul 2010 | The RV industry could gain extended wholesale financing streams under the Dealer Floor Plan Program Extension and Improvement Act of 2010, introduced by Congressmen Joe Donnelly (D-IN) and Fred Upton (R-MI). The legislation would improve the U.S. Small Business Administration's (SBA) Dealer Floor Plan Financing Pilot Program (DFP) that provides loan guarantees for titleable assets, including RVs.The Act would improve the DFP by: <ul> <li>extending the program for 5 years, until September 30, 2015;</li> <li>increasing the government guarantee to 90%; and</li> <li>giving the SBA the authority to revise the program to address barriers to participation by lending institutions and dealers after consulting with representatives from these industries.</li></ul> 'I've heard from dealers, manufacturers, and lenders back home that while the Dealer Floor Plan Financing Pilot Program is well-intentioned, it needs to be extended and the government guarantee needs to be raised,' said Donnelly. 'This bill would make the changes the RV, auto, and marine industries and lenders have identified as necessary to increase participation in the program. I'm pleased to partner with my friend Congressman Upton on the important issue of increasing lending opportunities to Indiana and Michigan businesses.' 'Increasing the scope of the SBA's Dealer Floor Plan Program would help attract lenders to the DFP program, thereby helping dealers gain additional floorplan opportunities,' said Dianne Farrell, RVIA's vice president of government affairs. 'RVIA and our industry will work diligently to help pass this legislation.' Under the Dealer Floor Plan (DFP) Financing Pilot Program established in July 2009, the SBA provides loan guarantees for lines of credit through its 7(a) loan program. DFP loans are made through SBA lenders only for inventory that can be titled, such as autos, RVs, boats, and trailers. Currently, the DFP Pilot Program is set to expire on September 30, 2010, and the DFP loan guarantees range from 60-75 percent. In February, Congressman Donnelly hosted an event with members of the RV, auto, and marine industries as well as lenders to discuss how the pilot program was going and what could be done to improve it. From these and other conversations with the affected industries, Donnelly and Upton heard that the program would be more successful if lenders knew the program would extend past September 2010, if the government's guarantee was greater, and if industry-cited barriers to participation for both dealers and lenders were addressed.
RVIA Posts Pre-Ballot for August's Board Elections
RVIA Press Release from on Wed, 21 Jul 2010 | With the association's Board of Directors elections set to begin on Aug. 3, RVIA has posted a pre-ballot detailing the field of candidates and their backgrounds on <a href='http://www.rvia.org/'>RVIA.org</a> <a href='http://www.rvia.org/Content/NavigationMenu/AboutRVIA/BoardElectionCandidates/default.htm'>(click here to view)</a> <?xml:namespace prefix = 'o' ns = 'urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office' /><o:p></o:p> A field of 12 candidates, selected by the RVIA Nominating Committee, will be running for 7 seats on the Board of Directors. The elections will take place electronically Aug. 3-23 with the official representatives from RVIA member companies electing candidates in each category to serve on the Board of Directors for terms beginning Oct. 1, 2010. <o:p></o:p> Three candidates are in the running for two Manufacturer seats with three-year terms. They are: Pam Graber, vice president of operations, Open Range RV; Matt Miller, president, Newmar Corp.; and John Rhymer, vice president of engineering, Heartland Recreation Vehicles. <o:p></o:p> Three Supplier seats, each with three-year terms, are in contention this year. Adam Dexter, president of Dexter Axle Co.; Craig Floyd, national sales manager, Technology Research Associates; Gregg Fore, president, Dicor Corporation; Tim Stephens, president, Atwood Mobile Products; Stan Sunshine, chairman, Stag-Parkway, Inc., and B.J. Thompson, president, B.J. Thompson and Associates, are the candidates for these spots. <o:p></o:p> Three candidates are competing for two At-Large seats with three-year terms. They are Matt Grierson, director of sales and marketing, Quality Drive Away; Bob Parish, vice president, G.E. Capital; and Jonathan Randall, director of sales and marketing, Freightliner Custom Chassis. <o:p></o:p> RVIA's Nominating Committee is chaired by Dan Shea of Gulfstream Coach and includes Garry Enyart of Cummins Power Generation and Carl Pfalzgraf of Atwood Mobile Products. <o:p></o:p>
RV Shipments Continue Positive Trend
RV wholesale shipments were reported at 24,400 units in May in RVIA's most recent survey of manufacturers, continuing a 10-month positive trend as the RV industry continues its recovery.
National Go RVing Sweepstakes Help Promote RV Vacations
As part of the 2010 Go RVing media buy, two RV road trip national sweepstakes events bear the Go RVing name. Sponsored by History.com and MLB.com, the contests have generated more than 150,000 entries to date.
RVIA Spokesfamily on a Hot Streak with the Media this Summer
RVIA's ''National Explore America Family'' - author Brad and Amy Herzog and their two young sons - are on the road for their 11th consecutive summer as RV travel spokespeople, celebrating the Centennial year of this family-friendly industry.
Charlie Embarks on a Farewell Centennial Tour
Centennial Charlie is responding to calls for an encore tour as he continues to celebrate 100 years of RVing.
David Woodworth Touts RV Centennial on April Media Tour
RV Historian David Woodworth takes history on the road to celebrate 100 years of RVing.
RV Centennial Celebration Sold Out; Important Parking Information Released
RVIA announced May 20 that tickets to the RV Centennial Celebration have sold out with 1,000 tickets sold prior to the association's May 21 deadline for ticket sales.
RVIA Gears Up for Committee Week and Annual Meeting
RVIA is gearing up for its Committee Week and Annual Meeting, to be held in Elkhart and South Bend June 7-10. Committee Week events will be held at the Century Center in South Bend, where RVIA members will plan the association's agenda for the next fiscal year and beyond. The association's standing committees, Executive Committee and Board of Directors will meet to develop strategies and programs for the upcoming fiscal year.
Wholesale Shipments of RVs Up in April, Marking Nine-Month Positive Trend
RV wholesale deliveries to retailers were reported at 24,600 units in the April 2010 survey of manufacturers, up 2.5% over March 2010 and up 85% from this same month one year ago. Total shipments in April were at their highest level in two years. Seasonally adjusted they represented an annualized rate of nearly 250,000 units.
Survey Shows RV Purchase Intentions Are Strong as Industry Celebrates Centennial Year
As the RV industry celebrates its 100th anniversary, the enduring appeal of the RV lifestyle is reflected in the strong purchase intentions of RV owners.

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