Prayer Breakfast Provides ‘Enlightening Event’

The RVI Leadership Prayer Breakfast during the National RV Trade Show in Louisville, Ky., was a successful and enlightening event, according to coordinator Carl Pletcher.

“We had a good turnout for the prayer breakfast, and everyone seemed to enjoy our guest speaker quite a bit,” Pletcher said in a press release.

Nathan Whitaker, co-author of motivational books with sports figures such as Tony Dungy and Tim Tebow, gave a talk about his life path and how it led to writing his latest book, The Mentor Leader, with Dungy about servant leadership.

The event began with a welcome from Bob Olson, chairman of Winnebago Industries Inc. and co-chairman of the industry’s Go RVing Coalition, and an invocation by Dutchmen Regional Sales Manager Jeremiah Grubert. After breakfast, Olson thanked the sponsors and introduced Kenneth Floyd, president of Floyd’s RVs in Norman, Okla., for a scripture reading. Atwood Mobile Products President Tim Stephens then gave a prayer before Olson returned for his introduction of Whitaker.

“We all understand the pursuit of profit and results. We’re hoping for plenty of both this week, so we can pay our debts and keep good people employed. And there’s nothing wrong with that,” Olson said. “The question is how we go about it, and at what cost. What do we hold most dear? Happy workers. A positive environment. The good of the team. And ultimately, a life we aren’t ashamed of when we see the one who gave it to us.”

Whitaker spoke of the evolution of events that brought him to Dungy during his time working for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Dungy’s atypical approach to leadership that inspired him and eventually brought them to write together.

“One of the most important years of my life was 2001. The Bucs were 9-7 that year, but Tony’s message never changed: Do what’s in your core. He said leaving the game plan is a sign of panic and panic is not in the game plan,” Whitaker explained.

He also described the concept of servant leadership, reminding attendees that everyone is an example to someone nearby. “Leadership just means influence. You’re not always the boss, chairman of the board, president. But whether it’s 20,000 people or one person who’s watching you, the Lord calls us to be faithful,” he stated, adding, “This is not about Tony, or football, or being wealthy and successful; it’s about being spiritually significant.”

Pletcher said the event was a good one and he was glad to come back again after a hiatus in 2009 due to the recession and a lack of sponsor support. “The plain truth is, we can’t make this thing happen without our sponsors. They were so good to us this year and I can’t thank them enough,” he said.

Platinum sponsors for the 2011 prayer breakfast were Andy Baer, KZRV LP; Wilbur Bontrager, Jayco Inc.; Matthew Miller, Newmar Corp.; and James Huebner, Huebner Petersen. Gold sponsors were Jack Enfield, MOR/ryde International; BJ Thompson, BJ Thompson Associates; Kevin Phillips, Thetford and Norcold; Tim Stephens, Atwood Mobile Products; Thor Industries Inc.; and Fabric Services. Silver sponsors were Kenneth Floyd, Floyd’s RVs; Mike Keller, Keller Marine & RV; John Spader, Spader Business Management; and Carl Pletcher. Bronze sponsors were Bill and Sharon Koster; Chad Stoltzfus, Lake City Bank; Gary Shuder, Newmar; Gregg Fore, Dicor Corp.; Winnebago Industries; and RV-Info.net.

To be added to the mailing list for next year’s event, request literature on spiritual counsel or to make a contribution, contact Carl Pletcher at 574-215-7173 or pletproperties@frontier.com, or the RVI Leadership Prayer Breakfast Committee at 56771 Wedgewood S., Elkhart, Ind., 46516.

 

Echo to Hire New Workers on Louisville Sales

Elkhart, Ind.-based Echo Manufacturing LLC, a builder of lightweight toy haulers and travel trailers, announced record sales at the National RV Trade Show in Louisville, Ky.

“We knew our products would attract attention but had no idea we would enjoy this kind of success,” said Jason Howard, national sales manager at Echo. “Our all-new North Bay knocked it out of the park.”

Echo will be increasing production to meet the increase in orders and is planning on adding an additional 15 to 25 employees by the end of January.

In addition, Echo also announced the company has been approved for floorplanning with Ally Financial.

“Ally is an aggressive company that is out to capture market share. We are excited with our new partnership and are looking forward to growing together,” said Mike Scheetz, president of Ech0.

For additional information visit www.echorv.com.

 

Airstream Inc. Reports Strong Louisville Orders

Airstream Inc. reported significant order input during the recently completed National RV Trade Show in Louisville, Ky., for both travel trailers and motorhomes.

According to a press release, “these numbers reflect strong continuing growth for the company, which more than doubled its sales at this important event when compared with last year.”

Airstream said that the Louisville sales come on top of an already strong year where Airstream has experienced a doubling of trailer sales, and a 175% increase on vans.

“The spike in orders is directly related to dealer confidence in inventory turns and strong retail interest from customers who are intrigued by new units Airstream is bringing to market,” the release stated.

“The growing interest in Airstream can readily be attributed to the iconic design, premium quality, and the sense of community our brand represents while on the road,” said Bob Wheeler, CEO for the Jackson Center, Ohio-based Thor Industries Inc. subsidiary. “Furthermore, we are seeing now more than ever that people are multi-purposing their Airstreams for both commercial and personal use, and our market share is growing accordingly.”

Airstream introduce several new products in Louisville, including the extended Interstate 3500 EXT Class B motorhome and the 27-foot Eddie Bauer Airstream travel trailer. Most notably, the company unveiled the “Sterling Concept” trailer designed by Christopher C. Deam, offering strong hints about future design direction.

At its core, Airstream’s stylish trailers and touring coaches are designed to give consumers the ability to experience the outdoors to the fullest. For more information, visit www.airstream.com.

 

Dutchmen RV Reports Steady Sales at Louisville

Dutchmen Manufacturing Inc. reported today (Dec. 9) that dealer traffic and sales exceeded the company’s expectations, according to a press release.

“The dealer traffic was steady and heavy at times throughout the entire three days,” said Cam Boyer, newly installed president of the Goshen, Ind.-based towable builder. “Dealers were excited about our products and everything new we introduced at the show. Orders were very strong across the board. We are ecstatic with the shows results and see this as a continuation of our very successful September open house.”

Dutchmen introduced over 30 new floorplans at the show along with new features on almost all products. Highlights included the New Infinity 3870FK front kitchen, Komfort 3650FFL front lounge, Kodiak 292TQB toy hauler, Voltage “V” Series and the all-new Dutchmen Mini 814RB.

“I was extremely impressed with the dealer response to all of our products,” said Boyer. “We look for 2012 to be a great year for not only our industry but another growing year for Dutchmen as all of our new products get into the marketplace. Our company has tremendous momentum and we are tenacious about raising the bar to the next level.”

 

Dutchmen Debuts Entry-Level Trailer in Louisville

Goshen, Ind.-based Dutchmen Manufacturing Inc. unveiled its entry-level Dutchmen 814RB travel trailer at last week’s National RV Trade Show in Louisville, Ky.

According to a press release, the new model features sleek styling with a radius front profile, colored front and rear exterior walls, upgraded graphics and a roomy floorplan.

Standard features include a stereo, microwave, antenna, refrigerator, spare tire, front window with rock guard and rear stabilizer jacks. Dutchmen, a Thor Industries Inc. subsidiary, said three more floorplans are planned for the series.

“The acceptance was phenomenal and orders were very strong. We wanted to create a smaller, value-priced trailer that still looked high end with all the equipment standard. We accomplished that,” said Steve Paul, vice president/general manager for the Dutchmen product group.

For more information on Dutchmen RV and its brands visit www.dutchmen.com or call 574-537-0600.

 

Louisville Show Garners Positive Media Coverage

The Associated Press reported that the RV industry was recovering despite “consumers made jittery by stubbornly high unemployment, sagging home values and a volatile stock market.”

“A lot of tough decisions were made by everybody in that room in order to be here today,” Winnebago chairman Bob Olson told AP after RVIA’s Outlook breakfast. “You didn’t find anybody in the RV industry getting a bailout. We did it the old-fashioned way, with some pretty tough decisions.”

AP also reported that RV manufacturers and suppliers now employ about 375,000 people, up approximately 50% since November 2008.

The story was published in newspapers nationwide, including New York, Washington, D.C., Chicago, Miami, Atlanta, Kansas City, and more than 100 publications around the country.

The RV show also received coverage from three Louisville TV news stations. Crews from the FOX, ABC and CBS affiliates broadcasted stories from the Kentucky Exposition Center (KEC). WHAS, the ABC affiliate, did two live segments — one from inside a luxury motorhome, and the other from inside a fifth-wheel — and taped a segment featuring an innovative travel trailer.

In addition, National Public Radio (NPR) interviewed U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar during his tour of the show floor after his remarks at the Outlook breakfast.

 

 

Gulf Stream Reports Steady Traffic in Louisville

Sales managers and executives of Nappanee, Ind.-based Gulf Stream Coach Inc. reported strong traffic and orders for its products at last week’s National RV Trade Show in Louisville, Ky., according to a press release.

Steve Jacobs, national sales manager for the Streamlite and Gulf Breeze lightweight trailer brands, cited an all-time first-day sales record for the Louisville event. Jacobs saw particular interest in the new “Champagne Edition” floorplans that feature completely new appointments, a convenient desk with drawers inside and an aerodynamic full front fiberglass cap outside. “As we break new ground in our top-of-the line Champagne Series, the things we learn benefit our XLT and Sport trim levels, too,” Jacobs said.

Randy Baskerville, national sales manager for Gulf Stream’s Ameri-Lite, Conquest and Innsbruck travel trailers, noted, “We really have established a new standard for customer appeal in our Conquest and Innsbruck lines. Dealers had to be reminded they were looking at value-priced, entry-level merchandise.” He said that dealers also discovered an “exciting profit opportunity” in the all-new 259BH floorplan from the high-volume, quick-turn Ameri-Lite brand.

The company said that its Kingsport and TrailMaster travel trailers were also well received during the show. “We accomplished this by focusing on floorplan, eye appeal and price. Dealers left excited to have a conventional trailer with a story to sell,” Ryan said.

Gulf Stream Coach President Dan Shea summed up the success Gulf Stream enjoyed at the show, stating, “The display was a bustling hub of activity as dealers explored the alternatives we offer. Our family-focused independence resounds with a growing number of RV dealers across the U.S. and Canada. We’re helping those dealers build profitable businesses with large protected territories, strong parts and service support, and unique, high-value products.”

Dealers can get complete specifications and floor plan information for the 2012 complete Gulf Stream product lines by contacting Paul Campbell (phone 574-773-7761 x 5178; email pcampbell@gulfstreamcoach.com; or visit www.gulfstreamcoach.com.

 

Best of Show: Forest River’s Intriguing Aviator

Beyond all the sales pitches and brochures, it was obvious to most attendees at the 49th Annual National RV Trade Show, Nov. 29-Dec. 1 in Louisville, Ky., which new 2012 recreational vehicle had created the most “buzz” at the show: The Aviator by Forest River Inc., a modern-looking 34-foot travel trailer that should score a lot of style and feature points among today’s younger buyers.

Based on those style points, as well as some clever new high-tech twists integrated into this innovative new towable, RVBusiness’s staff is naming Forest River’s Aviator as “Best of Show” for model year 2012.

As such, the Aviator, along with an array of other products — from Fleetwood’s all-new 33-foot Excursion Class A to Thor Motor Coach’s elegant new 34-foot Palazzo Class A and Jayco’s trendy Seismic fifth-wheel toyhauler — will be featured nationally as one of “RVB’s Top 25 Debuts.”

“We wanted to bring to market a luxury travel trailer that would stand the test of time,” says Kevin McCart, general manager of Forest River’s Surveyor and R-pod product lines as well as the new Aviator division. “There were criteria that we used in development. Not only is it built with composite materials and Celtec cabinetry, we wanted something that would be wood-free. We wanted it to be customer-friendly, and we wanted it to have a distinguishable look that would be unprecedented in the industry.”

Developed by a small team over the past year and a half in a secluded plant at the company’s Goshen, Ind., facilities, the Aviator, designed to resemble an aircraft fuselage, features crowned contoured sidewalls, a one-piece radius fiberglass roof, curved interior ceilings, bonded tinted safety glass windows and a truly wind-cutting, aerodynamic front cap fitted with an integrated “windshield.”

LED-lit interiors include two 32-inch Sony LED HDTV’s – a third is stationed in the outside entertainment center – and are equipped with stainless steel appliances, including 8-cubic-foot Dometic reefers, 1.7-cubic-foot Frigidaire convection microwave ovens and 3-burner Atwood sealed-burner cooktops.

Now here’s where the plot thickens because each unit, retailing in the upper $70,000’s, comes with a Sony tablet computer replacing the remote control devices ordinarily used to operate a unit’s electronics. Aside from controlling the fireplace and TV’s, the tablet provides the RV owner with an interactive guide to how-to videos, tutorials, owners manuals, care and maintenance guides – anything that the customer’s going to need to know about that unit.

“We even programmed in the make and model and serial number of every appliance that’s in that unit – down to the 110 and 12-volt side of the converter – everything is labeled with amp and fuse sizes,” says McCart.

And that same tablet, as part of the Aviator’s “Mobile Onboard Smart Technology (MOST) system, can also stream movies to the unit’s three flat-screen TV’s.

“This is an industry first, and I think this is where it’s heading, or at least I hope it is,” says McCart. “We want to provide the customer with as much information as possible so that they’re not having to rely on the dealer or the manufacturer to answer all their questions to find out how things work. We’ll provide videos on how to light your water heater or how to maintain different things as well as trouble shooting videos.”

McCart, by the end of the Louisville Show, was already thinking warmly of this winter’s retail shows. “We already have shows lined up where we need to get this product into,” adds McCart. “So, we’re going to start off the new year with a bang.”

 

Tenn. Dealer Wins Harley in RVT.com Giveaway

James McFerrin of Cullum and Maxey Camping Center, Nashville, Tenn., won a new 2011 Harley Davidson motorcycle at last week’s National RV Trade Show in a drawing held by RVT.com.

“This was our fourth Harley drawing,” said Shawn Friesen, RVT.com director of sales and marketing. “We want to give back to the industry that has been so good to us.”

With more than 500 dealers in the United States and Canada using RVT.com’s online vehicle listing service, “the company felt obligated to provide the best possible advertising service and a little extra by giving away a Harley every year,” Friesen said.

This year’s giveaway was a 2011 FXS Softail with a retail value of about $18,000.

“The response this year to our dealer services and the Harley draw was excellent,” said Friesen. “We are starting to experience in the RV industry something that has already begun in the mainstream — a massive transfer of ad dollars from traditional media, such as radio, RV and newspapers, to digital advertising media, such as online classifieds, online display/banner ads, and social media like Facebook, Twitter, and blogging.”

 

Heartland RV Reports ‘Brisk’ Sales at Louisville

Heartland Recreational Vehicles LLC reported that sales and new dealer signups were brisk at last week’s  National RV Trade Show in Louisville, Ky.

“Sales were extremely good and exceeded our projections,” commented Coley Brady, vice president of sales. “In addition, we were able to sign many new dealers this year – a very positive response going into a show where attendance was such a big unknown. Although dealers are realistic about the current economic conditions, they’re obviously optimistic about their business’s future.”

Brady attributed the company’s positive results to several factors, including the introduction of an ultra-aggressive stick-and-tin price point travel trailer with the Trail Runner franchise, and innovations such as curvilinear ceilings on all Sundance and Greystone fifth-wheel models.

“We were really pleased with this year’s traffic in our display,” said Steve Lidy, Heartland’s marketing director. “Our booth was busy the first two days, and dealers really responded to our new products, including Torque toy haulers with an optional contemporary espresso interior and new lightweight Wilderness featuring a curvilinear ceiling. And talk about high energy … we had standing room only in Bighorn, as dealers crowded around the giant 55-inch TV in the new front living room.”

Brady added, “The Louisville Show usually sets the tone of the industry for the coming year. If that’s the case, Heartland is looking forward to a very good year, indeed.”

Heartland RV, headquartered in Elkhart, Ind., offers a variety of towables, including travel trailers, toy haulers, fifth wheels and destination trailers. For more information, please visit our website at www.heartlandrv.com.

 

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