Camping World to Handle Mobileye Safety Systems

Mobileye Inc., a leading producer of  collision prevention and mitigation technologies and driver safety systems, today (Aug. 29) at the Mobile Electronics Retailers Association (MERA) Knowledgefest announced a retail distribution and installation agreement with Camping World Inc., the nation’s largest retailer of RV supplies, accessories, services and new and used RVs.

According to a press release, Camping World joins Mobileye’s distribution network in offering its aftermarket C2-270 Collision Prevention System, which includes pedestrian collision warning, forward collision warning, headway monitoring warning and lane departure warning.

As part of the agreement, Camping World will offer customers Mobileye’s C2-270 at its 80-plus store locations nationwide, as well as online. Camping World found Mobileye’s single camera-based safety solution as the most robust and trustworthy collision avoidance product for its customers.

“Camping World is always on the lookout for products and services that will benefit our customers. Nothing is more important than the safety of our customers, so bringing this technology to the RV consumer is in perfect alignment with our product mission,” said John A. Sirpilla, president of Camping World. “RVers trust and rely on Camping World for product innovation and will drive safer under the watchful eye of the Mobileye Collision Prevention System. We are excited to welcome Mobileye to our expansive product offering.”

Camping World is putting a focus on safety, and joining Mobileye’s global 35-plus distributor network, showcasing the company’s mission to engage and partner with top retailers with a shared focus on making roadways safer for the drivers and passengers who frequent them.

“Mobileye is dedicated to educating consumers on the benefits that advanced driver assistance systems provide, and aims to drive further awareness through partnerships with retailers like Camping World that are similarly committed to making America’s roadways safer,” said Skip Kinford, Mobileye CEO.

With its eye on broadening its presence in the retail sector, Mobileye recently hired Jack Travis as its director of retail sales for North America to continue to educate retailers on the various benefits solutions like Mobileye’s provide. Travis previously served as vice president of sales at Harman, a leading global provider of premium audio and infotainment solutions, with a focus on mobile and computing products, and as director of the iBrand division at SDI Technologies Inc.

 

 

Good Sam Sponsors Pocono NASCAR Races

Continuing its recent trend, Pocono Raceway announced Thursday (July 21) that Good Sam will provide title sponsorship for its upcoming NASCAR weekend, according to the Scranton Times-Tribune.

Good Sam, the world’s largest RV owners community, will back both NASCAR races at Pocono on Aug. 6-7. The Sprint Cup Series race will be called the Good Sam RV Insurance 500, while the Camping World Truck Series race will be called the Good Sam RV Emergency Road Service 125.

Founded in 1966, the Good Sam Club offers assistance, discounts and other resources to RV owners.

“This is a great opportunity to sponsor the race weekend and to expose race goers to our broad selection of camping and tailgating products,” Marcus Lemonis, chairman and CEO of Camping World and Good Sam, said in a press release.

Beginning in 1997, Pocono chose to promote its facility and the state in which it is located in the names of its two annual NASCAR races: the Pocono 500 and the Pennsylvania 500.

In 2008, Sunoco and the American Red Cross came on as partial sponsors of the Pennsylvania 500.

In June 2010, Gillette Fusion ProGlide sponsored the first Pocono race.

Five weeks ago, when NASCAR made its first visit of the season to Pocono, the race was called the 5-Hour Energy 500 and won by Jeff Gordon.

On Friday, Aug. 5, practice will be held at Pocono for the Sprint Cup, Camping World Truck and ARCA Series cars.

Qualifying for the Sprint Cup and Truck Series will be held Saturday, Aug. 6 in the morning. The Good Sam RV Emergency Road Service 125 race will begin at 1 p.m., followed by the ARCA Pennsylvania 125 at 3 p.m.

The Good Sam RV Insurance 500 will be Sunday, Aug. 7 at 1 p.m.

 

A Big Weekend for Camping World/Good Sam

This is a big weekend for Camping World because the Bowling Green, Ky.-based company is playing a major role in two national events on opposite coasts – The Rally running July 14-17 at the Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center in Redmond, Ore., and at the New Hampshire Motor Speedway where the company’s Good Sam Enterprises LLC division joins RCR as the primary sponsor on the No. 33 Good Sam Chevrolet driven by NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Driver Clint Bowyer.

“We are excited to partner with RCR and sponsor Clint in the No. 33 Good Sam Chevrolet,” said Marcus Lemonis, chairman and CEO of Camping World and Good Sam Enterprises LLC, formerly known as Affinity Group Inc. “Clint is an avid outdoorsman who understands our business and our customers. Clint’s parents have been members of the Good Sam and the Camping World President’s Club for many years.”

Out in Oregon, where The Rally’s unit count by last night (July 15) was close to 3,000, things have been going well, according to Camping World spokesmen. On hand for The Rally, one of the nation’s three key national consumer rallies for 2011 (along with the Family Motor Coach Association’s upcoming convention Aug. 10-13 in Madison, Wis.), are 361 exhibitors, including 20-plus RV manufacturers, and some 560 motorized and towable display units.

“Camping World had the best sales in one day at a rally they’ve ever had yesterday,” Terry Thompson, vice president of sales for the company’s RV consumer magazine titles, reported Saturday morning. “And guys I’ve talked to at different companies like Newmar, Jayco and Winnebago seem pleased with the initial consumer response early in the game. The early signs are that sales are going to be good for these companies, and the same goes for the indoor displays.”

Good Sam Events Coordinator Sue Bray concurs with the positive assessment, despite torrential rains that surprisingly swept across the area and delayed by an hour a Friday night performance by C&W favorite Vince Gill.

Bray, noting that a Thursday night concert by ‘60’s crooner Bobby Vinton went well, says she’s pleased with a unit count of nearly 3,000 – a decent number, most industry watchers would agree, in the post-recessionary era.

“Yes, we think we’re going to hit more than we had in Louisville in 2010 and more than we had in Albuquerque the year before, but not as many as we had when we were here in ’07 or when we were in Perry (Georgia). We’re pleased,” says Bray, noting that Camping World has three national rallies slated for next year in Phoenix, Louisville and Daytona.

Friday night, Bray added, the club recognized long-term Good Sam Club members by providing them with preferred seating for the Vince Gill performance.

“Marcus (Lemonis) last night talked to the crowd and wound up giving away a lot of stuff,” she said. “For instance, he gave away Pilot Flying J gas cards to people who had driven the farthest. We also presented RVers of the Year Don and Marilyn Buller from Fresno, Calif., with their award and a donation to their project. And Marcus actually is loaning them a fifth-wheel and gas and a Camping World shopping spree as part of what they have won as the Good Sam RVers of the Year.”

“You know,” she added, “one of the interesting things here has been using some social media. We’ve been posting a lot of stuff on the Good Sam Facebook page and, oh my gosh, did we get responses. I mean, as soon as we put it up, somebody’s on it, talking about the rally – you know, mostly people who aren’t there asking questions and that sort of thing. So, we’ve had a lot of chatter going on there.”

On tap today is a show by early rocker Peter Noone of Herman’s Hermits. Bray says attendees will also attempt to break the Guinness Book of World Records standard for the most people simultaneously doing “high fives.”

The event concludes on Sunday evening.

“All things considered,” says Bray, “we couldn’t ask for much better. The weather has been generally gorgeous. People are happy. You know, there is snow on the mountains; you have that gorgeous view of the Three Sisters (mountains). Oregon is really putting on a show for us.”

 

Camping World Opens Fourth Alabama Store

Camping World celebrated the opening of its fourth store in Alabama on July 14 with a grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony, according to a report in the Shelby County Recorder.

The Calera store, located in the showroom of Suncoast RV, has more than 8,000 items. “We’re the No. 1 RV retailer in the country,” said Greg Skinner, general manager of the Calera Camping World.

The store is the chain’s 80th store nationwide. Other Alabama locations include Anniston, Dothan and Robertsdale.

The opening of the Calera location “came about rather quickly,” Skinner said. The store opened June 25, within three weeks of signing a lease agreement with Suncoast RV.

“That’s quite a bit quicker than a typical Camping World store,” Skinner said, “but things were in place where we could do this.”

Suncoast RV first approached Camping World about the venture, Skinner said. “I’m sure the company was looking at this market at some time, but didn’t have an opportunity until this came open,” Skinner added.

Skinner said setting up shop inside Suncoast RV is a win-win for both businesses. “Their customers become our customers, and we actually bring in a lot of traffic,” Skinner said.

Any repeat Camping World customer is considered a President’s Club member, Skinner said. There are 13,000 President’s Club members within a 100-mile radius of Calera.

“That actually surprised me,” Skinner said. “I didn’t know we had that many members that close. We’re proud to have loyal customers.”

 

Camping World/Good Sam Honor the Military

During the month of May, all associates will have three opportunities to participate in our monthlong military appreciation event, according to a news release from Mary Ellen Spedale, Camping World and Good Sam Cares chairwoman:

• Letters for soldiers in partnership with a www.amillionthanks.org.
• Cell phones for soldiers in partnership with www.cellphonesforsoldiers.org.
• Our salute to our military members or veterans working for Camping World and Good Sam.

Letters for Soldiers

During the month of May, each Camping World/Good Sam location has a collection box onsite for both associates and customers to submit a written letter to a soldier expressing their gratitude for their service. Pen and paper will be available near the collection box for you to write your letter. Many times soldiers respond to letters they receive, so don’t be shy and include your mailing address or e-mail address.

Cell Phones for Soldiers

In addition to the letters for soldiers, each Camping World Good Sam location will also have a collection box for cell phones for soldiers. The old cell phones collected are refurbished and sold with the proceeds collected from the sale being used toward purchasing calling cards. The calling cards are distributed to our military personnel serving overseas. This services allows our military personnel to stay connected with their loved ones back home.

Our Salute to Military Associates both Current and Veterans

She added, “We will be preparing a military salute to all our brave associates for their service at the end of the month of May. If you have or are serving our in our nation’s military, we would like to recognize and honor your service within our company. If you would like to participate in this voluntary honor, please e-mail your name, military branch, and a picture of yourself to cwcares@campingworldrv.com by May 13. If you need assistance scanning or sending your pictures or need your picture taken, please see your location’s Camping World and Good Sam Cares Champion to assist you.”

ARVC Touts Great Outdoors Month Camping

June is National Great Outdoors Month, which is a wonderful time to enjoy fun outdoor activities with family and friends.

And this year, private campgrounds, RV parks and resorts that are affiliated withGoCampingAmerica.com will celebrate the occasion by offering a 20% discount on camping during the first three weeks of June, according to a news release.

“We think National Great Outdoors Month is a perfect opportunity for America’s campground industry to encourage everyone to get outdoors, explore nature and have fun with their friends and families,” said Paul Bambei, president and CEO of the National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds (ARVC).

The Denver, Colo.-based association represents more than 3,300 private campgrounds, RV parks and resorts, which it promotes through the GoCampingAmerica.com website.

In addition to providing discounts on camping, GoCampingAmerica.com will also provide e-coupons that consumers can use to obtain discounts at Camping World stores and RV rentals booked through El Monte RV, which has agreed to provide 500 free miles plus 50 free miles a day to GoCampingAmerica visitors who rent an RV for at least one week during the June 1-25 period.

GoCampingAmerica.com will feature e-coupons for use at campgrounds, Camping World stores and El Monte RV beginning May 15. However, the discounts will be available June 1-25. Campground discounts will be available only at participating parks and on a space-available basis.

“We encourage campers to use GoCampingAmerica.com to locate the campgrounds, RV parks and resorts that are of interest to them and to call at least 24 hours ahead to book their reservations,” Bambei said.

GoCampingAmerica.com is the largest searchable database of privately owned and operated campgrounds, RV parks and resorts in the country, which offer fun family activities as well as rental accommodations ranging from safari tents and teepees to cabins, luxury park model cottages, yurts and RVs.

The National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds is the national voice of the outdoor hospitality industry. For additional information, visit www.gocampingamerica.com.

14th Annual Syracuse Show Opens Thursday

Camping World RV of Syracuse N.Y., will host its 14th consecutive RV show at the New York State Fairgrounds April 28-May 8.

The RV dealership has been a strong community presence for over a decade and is proud to continue its support of the local economy with its 14th annual off-site RV show, WBGH-TV, Binghamton, reported.

The RV show kicks off on Wednesday with over 300 new and pre-owned recreational vehicles on site at the fairgrounds with free admission and parking. In addition to low discounted show pricing they will also be offering free campsite delivery within 100 miles of Syracuse, partnering with local campgrounds to promote the beautiful local parks and recreational campsites in the area.

As part of the Camping World RV dealer network, Camping World RV of Syracuse has the unique position of being able to offer the personal touch of a community involved local business with the resources and expertise of a national retailer. Providing its customers with full RV sales, service and accessories support for every step of their RV journey.

Camping World RV, the nation’s largest recreational vehicle retailer, was for the sixth consecutive year announced as No.1 seller of towable RVs by Statistical Surveys in their recent 2010 Annual Sales Awards. This award comes on the heels of the retailer’s recent ranking of No.1 in motorized sales for the 2010 calendar year.

Camping World Adds to No. 1 Market Honors

Camping World RV, the nation’s largest recreational vehicle retailer, was for the sixth consecutive year announced as No. 1 seller of towable RVs by Statistical Surveys Inc. in their recent 2010 Annual Sales Awards. This award comes on the heels of the retailer’s recent ranking of No. 1 in motorized sales for the 2010 calendar year.

“Our 2010 award indicates we are headed in the right direction with a solid foundation and business plan in place,” said Roger Nuttall, president of Camping World RV Sales. “We are looking forward to a double-digit increase in 2011.”

Camping World RV dealerships increased market share over the No.1 ranking in 2009. Companywide, close to 30,000 total new and used towable RVs were sold, including non-reporting states to Statistical Surveys. Camping World RV increased towable sales by 23% over 2009 and gained an 11% increase in motorized units.

“We are very pleased with our strong 2010 results which capped off a terrific year for our team,” said Marcus Lemonis, chairman and CEO of Camping World. “In 2011 we are seeing progressively improved market conditions and we are confident in experiencing robust sales growth across our RV product offering.”

In addition to Camping World RV Sales receiving the top motorized and towable awards for the sixth consecutive year, Camping World RV dealerships received 16 individual No. 1 seller awards for sales excellence in their respective markets.

Statistical Surveys’ awards are based solely on unit volume according to independent data gathered annually. Award rankings are in no way influenced by the opinion of Statistical Surveys or its staff.

RVBusiness Staff Sets Aggressive 2011 Agenda

Special “Open House Week” and “Louisville Show” issues plus unique new trade promotions and Internet offerings are all part of the 2011-12 agenda for the new owners ofRVBusiness, according to a Monday (April 18) press release.

Partners Sherman Goldenberg, publisher, and Beverly Gardner, vice president of national advertising sales, announced in late March the acquisition from Affinity Group LLC of the RVBusiness brand — trademarks, domain names, the print publication and the RVBUSINESS.com website.

In the process, RVB, along with Editor Bruce Hampson, has moved from its Southern California headquarters to Elkhart, Ind.

“RVBusiness has assembled a team of editorial and sales people under its new ownership, G&G Media Group LLC, that’s positioned to maintain and enhance its competitive edge and move it ahead aggressively on all fronts throughout 2011 and beyond,“ says Goldenberg.

“We think the industry will appreciate the continued presence of a professional mainstream trade journal with an enhanced eye to all industry factions,” he adds. “RVIA, RVDA, RVAA, REDEX, Route 66, Camping World, RV D@ily Report, manufacturers, suppliers, distributors, the Louisville Show and northern Indiana’s emerging Open House Week are all on our radar as we plot a centrist course toward mainstream – fair and balanced – news. And we intend to remain the ‘A-book’ for RV manufacturers.”

Gardner, best known for the Elkhart-based publishers’ rep firm that bears her name, Beverly Gardner & Associates, is backed up on advertising sales by her daughter, Ally Kollat, and sales associate Wendy Thorne. And the initial response from industry advertisers has been encouraging. “We’re excited about the opportunities that lie ahead,” said Gardner, “both editorially and commercially.”

Goldenberg adds, meanwhile, that one well known tradition will, in fact, continue in the new age of RVB – the “Louisville Tea Party,” a popular soiree held annually on the last night of RVIA’s National RV Trade Show. “It’s part of the tradition that we’ve cultivated over the years – bagpipes and all,” says Goldenberg. “We couldn’t imagine dropping the ball at this point.”

RVB’s new contact information:

CORPORATE & ADVERTISING SALES OFFICES:

RV BUSINESS/G&G MEDIA GROUP LLC
2901 E. BRISTOL STREET, SUITE B
ELKHART, IN 46514
(800) 831-1076
(574) 266-7980, fax (574) 266-7984
WWW.RVBUSINESS.COM

SHERMAN GOLDENBERG, PARTNER/PUBLISHER
OFFICE: (574) 457-3370
CELL: (574) 457-6637
sgoldenberg@rvbusiness.com
sgoldenberg@g-gmediagroup.com

BEVERLY GARDNER, PARTNER/ VP NATIONAL AD SALES
(800) 831-1076
(574) 266-7980 x12
bgardner@rvbusiness.com
bgardner@g-gmediagroup.com

BRUCE HAMPSON, EDITOR
(800) 831-1076
(574) 266-7980 x13
bhampson@rvbusiness.com
bhampson@g-gmediagroup.com

ALLY KOLLAT, NATIONAL AD SALES
(800) 831-1076
(574) 266-7980 x11
akollat@rvbusiness.com
akollat@g-gmediagroup.com

WENDY THORNE, NATIONAL AD SALES
(800) 831-1076
(574) 266-7980 x14
wthorne@rvbusiness.com
wthorne@g-gmediagroup.com

TRINA NISSLEY, PRODUCTION MANAGER
(800) 831-1076
(574) 266-7980 x10
tnissley@rvbusiness.com
tnissley@g-gmediagroup.com

Good Sam Club Hosting Nationwide RV Party

The Good Sam Club, world’s largest organization of RV owners, is throwing the biggest RV celebration in its history this week with a nationwide celebration in appreciation of its U.S. and Canadian members, including a new high-profile celebrity spokesman, a new racing affiliation, new club benefits and the opportunity for great savings on RV accessories at Camping World.

The celebration kicks off with the announcement of country music superstar Tim McGraw as a spokesperson for the Good Sam Club and the club’s support of McGraw’s 2011 “Emotional Traffic Tour,” according to a news release.

As part of the new partnership, McGraw will lend his image and voice to Camping World Retail SuperCenters through store signage and messaging. He will also be featured on the cover of the upcoming edition of the Camping World and Good Sam Club magazine, Highways. Camping World and Good Sam will offer their members and customers VIP ticket giveaways to McGraw’s “Emotional Traffic” tour and the chance to enter and win an exclusive meet-and-greet opportunity in an upcoming sweepstakes.

And in another announcement, Daytona 500 winner Trevor Bayne and his Wood Brothers Race Team will carry the colors of the Good Sam Club in the Aaron’s 499 at Talladega Superspeedway on Sunday (April 17) and in the NASCAR Sprint All Star Race on May 21. For the sport of NASCAR and for the legions of fans of Bayne and the Wood Brothers, the sponsorship from the Good Sam Club fits right in with the spirit of the camping club, whose members join together for outdoor excursions.

“I’m thrilled to have Tim McGraw, Trevor Bayne and the Wood Brothers on board for the national celebration weekend,” said Marcus Lemonis, CEO of the Good Sam Club and its sister company, Camping World.

Founded in 1966, the Good Sam Club is based loosely on the biblical Good Samaritan who offered to help a traveler in need. Good Sam’s now-iconic halo and wide grin still signify camaraderie among members and their willingness to offer aid to fellow RVers. Today, the Good Sam Club offers benefits including a 10% discount at thousands of Good Sam Parks nationwide. The Good Sam Parks are inspected and rated annually according to an exclusive Triple Rating System to ensure each park is clean, safe and comfortable plus meeting quality standards.

Good Sam Club is currently working to offer additional savings at Good Sam Parks as well as increase the number of quality parks in the network. The Good Sam Club is adding some great new benefits in the coming months in addition to members’ exclusive savings on RV insurance, road service, accessories, repairs, RV publications and more. Visit www.GoodSamClub.com for details.

“These additional benefits are designed to give our members even more ways to enjoy their travels and RV living,” said Sue Bray, Good Sam Club Member Benefits director. “We looked at ways the RV lifestyle has changed in the last few years, at how RVers are finding new ways to use and enjoy their motorhome or travel trailer. We wanted to find new ways that the Good Sam Club could help our members enjoy their RVs even more by making RVing more affordable, as well as to help new RV owners get into the lifestyle.”

Good Sam Club members will also enjoy special savings from Thursday (April 14) through Sunday during National Good Sam Club Days at Camping World, America’s largest retailer of RV and outdoor accessories and services plus new and used RVs. This year, the annual Good Sam Club Days has been extended for an extra day so RV, camping and outdoor enthusiasts have more time to take advantage of all the great savings!

National Good Sam Club Days will be celebrated at all Camping World locations nationwide and will include 4-Day-Only Coupon Specials, FREE daily seminars, FREE snacks and FREE lunch on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Good Sam Club members can also take advantage of additional money-saving offers on the purchase of a new or used motorhome, Emergency Road Service, installation fees and more. Plus, attendees can register to win a free year of Camping at the 1,700 Good Sam Club RV Parks nationwide. Coupons and additional information for the 4-Day Only Specials on products and services can be found in all Camping World retail stores and online at CampingWorld.com/goodsamdays.

“This week is a chance for Good Sam Club members to celebrate their lifestyle, for us to show our appreciation and for America to learn about how RVing with the Good Sam Club is second to none,” said Lemonis.

« Previous Page — Next Page »