Baird: Demand Weakens in Latter Half of 2011

Editor’s Note: Robert W. Baird & Co. issued a client newsletter following the August shipments report from the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA). Excerpts from the Baird newsletter follow. Shipments down again in August. Total RV shipments fell 3% in August on weak motorhome results (-23%) and relatively flat towables (-1%). Facing an uncertain economy and sharp drop in consumer confidence in August, consumers seem less likely to buy and dealers are less likely to stock –... Read more

Thor Sees 4Q Sales Growth, Profits Off Slightly

Thor Industries Inc. reported a 16% increase in sales for the fourth quarter, ended July 31, while earnings edged down from $40.6 million to $36.9 million. Sales for the quarter totaled $770.5 million compared to $663.8 million last year. Basic earnings per share (EPS) during the three-month period were 66 cents versus 78 cents last year. Revenues for the year totaled $2.75 billion, up 21% from nearly $2.3 billion in 2010 while net income was $106.3 million compared with $110 million. Basic... Read more

Hall-Bruzenak Joins ‘Workamper Rendezvous’

RV lifestyle expert Jaimie Hall-Bruzenak will be conducting two seminars during the Oct. 18-20 Workamper Rendezvous in Heber, Ark. Hall-Bruzenak will be presenting “Workamping Basics: Seven Steps to Finding a Workamping Job” on Oct. 18-19. On Oct. 20, she will be hold two clinics on “Workamper Resumes.” Hall-Bruzenak is editor for Workamper Viewpoint and contributing columnist for Workamper News, while maintaining her own website and publishing RV Lifestyles, a bimonthly ezine. Hall-Bruzenak... Read more

Agenda Set for Upcoming California RV Show

The California RV Show, hosted by the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA), is set to open at the Pomona Fairplex Oct. 14-23. According to a press release, the event will feature over 800 RVs, 40 manufacturers, 16 California RV dealers, 150 RVs ready for test drive, 40 factory reps giving demos, 60 RV seminars, 45 RV travel seminars, 18 camping cooking shows and two cooking contests. There will also be several new services and promotions at this year’s show. “Show-goers told us... Read more

Take More Stuff Along with Ultra-Fab’s New Cargo Carriers

Ultra Cargo Carrier (Mfg. No. 48-979029) Bike Rack Accessory (Mfg. No. 48-979030) Ultra MX Motorcycle Carrier (Mfg. No. 48-979033) ELKHART, Ind. — In George Carlin’s hilarious standup routine about the importance of “stuff” in our lives, he noted, “Sometimes you leave your house to go on vacation. And you gotta take some of your stuff with you.” (George Carlin Talks About “Stuff” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MvgN5gCuLac) It’s a dilemma most... Read more

Larson Electronics’ Magnalight Announces Release of Battery Powered LED Beacon

Battery Powered LED Beacon Larson Electronics’ Magnalight has announced the release of a magnetically mounted and battery powered LED beacon designed to provide complete portability without compromising power. The Magnalight CS-A-24LED Strobe Beacon can be mounted to any surface that will accept a magnet and is powered by 4 AA batteries to produce up to 40 hours of runtime. Visible for up to 3 miles, this unit provides a highly effective alternative to permanently mounted strobe lights that require... Read more

VIDEO #1: Retailer Ernie Friesen on RVNN-TV

RVNN-TV talks with Ernie Friesen, owner of All Seasons RV, Yuba City, Calif., during last week’s Elkhart County 4th Annual RV Open House.    Read More →

Long-time Fan-Tastic Vent Rep Golie Retiring

Imlay City, Mich.-based Fan-Tastic Vent Corp. announces that Paul Golie, long time OEM representative for the West Coast, has retired. “It has been my privilege to represent this company since 1986 when it all began with a handshake with Steve Milks (inventor and co-founder of Fan-Tastic Vent) at the FMCA Rally in San Antonio, Texas,” said Golie in a press release. “It has been a wonderful 25-year relationship with Steve, Dave Struck (cofounder of Fan-Tastic Vent) and the entire staff... Read more

Va. Campground Association Holding Confab

The Virginia Campground Association (VCA) announced the schedule of seminars and workshops for its Fall Convention and Trade Show, Oct. 24–26 at Bethpage Camp Resort in Urbannaa. According to a press release, the seminar program for this year’s meeting is titled “Park Operations: The Key To Business Success.” In a keynote speech, Jeff Sims, director of membership and government relations for the National Association of RV Park and Campgrounds (ARVC), will address park industry trends across... Read more

Amid Economic Uncertainty, Pump Prices Fall

Soaring gasoline prices are in the rearview mirror, according to an Associated Press report. For the first time in months, retail gasoline prices have fallen below $3 a gallon in places, including parts of Michigan, Missouri and Texas. And the relief is likely to spread thanks to a sharp decline in crude-oil prices. The national average for regular unleaded gasoline is $3.51 per gallon, down from a high of $3.98 in early May. Last week’s plunge in oil prices could push the average to $3.25... Read more

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