Louisville RV Show to Feature 50th Celebration

In recognition of the 50th anniversary of the National RV Trade Show, the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA), the Louisville Convention and Visitors Bureau (LCVB) and the Kentucky Exposition Center (KEC) will celebrate with cake and beverages for show attendees on the afternoon of Nov. 28.

According to a press release, the centerpiece of the celebration will be a cake baked in the form of an early 1960s RV. This cake will be displayed throughout the show in the South Wing Lobby C foyer.

A cake-cutting ceremony, featuring brief remarks from RVIA President Richard Coon,, Jim Wood from the LCVB, and Harold Workman of the KEC will take place at 2 p.m. Following the cake-cutting ceremony, cupcakes featuring a special “50″ logo and beverages will be served to show attendees in the South Wing Lobby C Foyer and the restaurant area in the West Wing.

This is RVIA’s 50th National RV Trade Show – 49 of the 50 have been held at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville.

Rollin’ on TV to Marquee RVB’s ‘Best of Show’

“Rollin’ on TV” (ROTV), a 3-year-old production company from Mattapoisett, Mass., will be producing a special video episode on RVBusiness magazine’s annual “Best of Show” promotion during the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association’s (RVIA) 50th Annual National RV Trade Show, Nov. 27-29 in Louisville, Ky.

The half-hour segment is set for a primary airing in late December and early January through a growing TV network reaching 20 million viewers in 27 states and will focus on three new RVs that the magazine’s Indiana-based staff deems the 2013 model year’s most interesting new products on display at Louisville — one of which will be designated as the “Best of Show.”

All three will also be publicized in RVB’s Jan./Feb. issue.

“People ask whether ‘Best of Show’ honors are for a unit we think will gain the most market acceptance and, therefore, the most sales — or whether it’s for the most innovative and cutting-edge design, regardless of marketability,” said RVBusiness Publisher Sherman Goldenberg. “But the fact of the matter is that it ordinarily winds up being a combination of both.”

This segment and a separate trade show-related ROTV episode being taped at Louisville will be seen — and often rebroadcast — on an array of TV outlets affiliated with ABC, Fox, My NetWork TV and the WB Network. Additionally, it will be shown on three regional sports networks and will receive national coverage on the Dish Network on Cox Sports Network, reported ROTV Executive Producer Joe Moniz.

“Besides the overall show coverage,” said Moniz, “this special episode, for which we’re currently working to line up an anchor sponsor, will include interviews and segments on the award-winning RVs with company representatives for both the main ‘Best of Show’ manufacturer as well as those representing the other units in contention for the honor.

“We think that RVBusiness is on to something with this ‘Best of Show’ idea, and we would like to help them amplify this whole concept in the future like Motor Trend’s ‘Car of the Year’ award.”

Holiday Rambler Marks 60th, Eyeing Louisville

According to a press release, the companywill also introduce three model-year 2014 vehicles. The new Presidential will reestablish Holiday Rambler’s presence in the luxury fifth-wheel category while the company will continue to build and sell motorhomes with the reintroduction of its Augusta Class C B-plus style coach and the new Vacationer, an entry-level class A gas coach.

“We are very pleased to mark the 60th anniversary of Holiday Rambler, a preeminent brand in the history of recreational vehicles,” said Bill Osborne, president, Navistar RV. “Throughout its long life, Holiday Rambler’s success has been fueled by its pioneering spirit, including countless innovations that helped create a new way for families to go exploring and enjoy a rich, rewarding life.”

The first Holiday Rambler was a travel trailer introduced to the public in 1953. In 1961, the brand’s introduction of aluminum body framing ushered in an era of lighter, stronger and more durable RVs. Alumaframe became the standard for RVs for 40 years. Holiday Rambler was also responsible for many firsts, including built-in refrigerators, holding tanks and aerodynamic radiused corners. As Holiday Rambler moved into motorhomes, it was the first with tag axles, and its kitchen slideout revolutionized interior engineering in the field. Holiday Rambler was sold to the Monaco Coach Corp. in 1996, now a part of Navistar.

“While we are proud of Holiday Rambler’s rich history, we aren’t stuck in it,” Osborne added. “We continue to introduce new designs, exciting new options and features, and wonderfully realized floorplans that can accommodate the changing needs of consumers.”

The new Presidential is a maneuverable and roomy fifth-wheel that offers the appointments of a luxury motorized RV. A widebody design, combined with a unique chassis platform, provides industry-leading exterior storage with both front and rear pass-through storage. Premium construction methodologies include a 100% gel-coat exterior (no metal skirt), thicker laminated walls, composite structure panels, frameless windows and arched roof trusses.

Notable interior features include Lane-brand leather furniture, a fireplace and pull-out desk, flatscreen TVs in the living room and bedroom, a walk-in shower and tiered bathroom vanity with vessel sink, and available dishwasher and stack washer/dryer. Storage is plentiful, with a full-size pantry, and custom dinnerware and glassware drawers.

The new Vacationer SE offers customers the high-end features of a diesel coach — Smart Structure chassis system, ergonomically designed cockpit, soft-touch ceiling and generous pass-through storage — at the lower price of a gas vehicle. The new Augusta is a maneuverable and compact motorized RV with maximum space and inventive design features including a Murphy bed that folds away to allow for a larger living area.

“These new vehicles are proof positive that Holiday Rambler continues to expand its product line and create models that aim at fulfilling the needs that are seen amongst today’s RV consumer community,” said Osborne.

16th Annual Canada Night Slated for Louisville

The Recreation Vehicle Dealers Association (RVDA) of Canada will be hosting its 16th Annual Canada Night Dinner on Nov. 26 as part of the National RV Trade Show in Louisville, Ky.

According to a press release, this year’s event will celebrate the milestones and triumphs of distinguished individuals in the RV industry and Canada’s pride as a nation. The event will be held at the Galt House Hotel with a reception from 5:30-7 p.m. followed by dinner.

Guest speakers include Roy MacGregor, award-winning journalist and author, and hockey player Paul Henderson. Known as the “goal of the century,” Henderson scored the winning goal against Russia in the Summit Series 40 years ago.

Registration for the event by Nov. 19 is $65 or $85 at the door.

Also planned, in conjunction with Camping Canada’s RV Lifestyle Magazine and Camping Canada’s Dealer News, will be the presentation of the 2012 Walter Paseska Canadian RV Dealer of the Year Award.

Established in 1989 by Camping Canada, and dedicated to Walter Paseska for his many years of commitment and tireless dedication to the RV industry, this award is given to a Canadian RV acting dealer principal on the basis of the following criteria:

• Long-term dedication to the RV industry and promotion of the RV lifestyle by the acting dealer principal of a recognized full-service RV dealership.

• Commitment and participation in the RVDA at the provincial or national level.

• Recognition by customers and peers as a person with the highest integrity and credibility in both work and personal life.

• Contribution to the community.

Echo RV to Display Product at Louisville Show

Elkhart, Ind.-based Echo RV LLC announced it has finalized plans to display its North Bay travel trailers and Bandit toy haulers as part of the upcoming National RV Trade Show in Louisville, Ky. Echo RV will be located in booth No. 5011 in the West Wing of the Kentucky Exposition Center next to Keystone RV Co.

According to a press release, Echo RV plans to display some of its newest travel trailer and toy hauler floorplans while providing dealer prospects with information on a new 19- and 25-foot toy hauler featuring a fixed queen bed and weighing less than 5,000 pounds that will retail just under $17,000. “These two new Bandit toy hauler floorplans should be available for production in early to mid-January in order to make it into most of the retail RV shows,” said Product manager Kevin McMahon.

He added, “Echo RV is now in its third year of production and we have developed an extensive line of value-based performance travel trailers and toy haulers. Our products push the boundaries of cost and innovation so that dealers and customers receive a quality RV at a fair price. But building a great RV at a fair price is not enough we must also exceed dealer’s expectations in regards to superior customer service so that our dealer base will grow with us.”

Echo RV builds travel trailers and toy haulers under the brand names North Bay, Spirit and Bandit. For more information call (877) 495-1546 or visit our website at www.echorv.com.

 

Author Larry Winget Scheduled at Outlook ’13

Five-time New York Times/Wall Street Journal best-selling author Larry Winget will be a featured speaker at “Outlook 2013: A Golden Opportunity,” the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association’s (RVIA) opening breakfast program kicking off the 50th National RV Trade Show on Nov. 27 at 7:30 a.m. in the Kentucky Exposition Center (KEC) South Wing Ballroom.

According to a press release, Winget is an accomplished author and speaker who believes that hard work and excellence are the keys to success and communicates that in a back-to-basics, common sense approach. With his direct, irreverent, hilarious delivery, he is a frequent and popular guest on Fox News, Fox Business, CNBC MSNBC, and The NBC Today Show.

“We are excited to have Larry join the Outlook program. We think that attendees will really enjoy hearing his advice and insight on achieving business success,” said James Ashurst, RVIA vice president of public relations and advertising. “He challenges you and makes you think by proposing common sense solutions that are almost impossible to argue with. And, he does so in a way that is inspiring, engaging, and humorous.”

Hosted by RVIA Chairman Doug Gaeddert, “Outlook 2013: A Golden Opportunity” will also feature “A Time to Shine” with RVIA President Richard Coon providing his thoughts on the RV market and where it is headed.

In “Mining Media Gold,” Go RVing Co-Chairs Bob Olson and Tom Stinnett will team with RVIA Public Relations Committee Chairman B.J. Thompson and Ashurst for a fast-paced multimedia presentation highlighting high-impact advertising and public relations achievements in 2012 and previewing what is on tap for 2013.

The “Outlook 2013: A Golden Opportunity” program and breakfast are free for attendees on a first-come, first-serve basis. All National RV Trade Show attendees are welcome, and no reservations are necessary. Show badge registration will be available in the South Wing Lobby C Entrance prior to the event.

Navistar RV to Roll Out New Models in Louisville

Navistar RV, a subsidiary of Navistar International Corp., will showcase a number of new products at this year’s National RV Trade Show in Louisville, Ky., Nov. 27-29. The display will include the model-year 2014 Monaco Monarch SE, as well as the new Holiday Rambler Vacationer SE and Augusta B-plus style Class C motorhome.

“These ambitious products represent the next generation of RVs from Navistar and our brands,” Bill Osborne, president of Navistar RV, said in a press release. “We’re excited to have our industry unveiling at the RVIA show, then to roll the models out to the public at events later this year and next.”

As part of its product development process, Navistar keeps a close eye on market trends and the desires of RV dealers and customers.

“The overall mix of products in the market has shifted, with a larger preference for gas as compared to diesel in Class As,” Osborne said. “Also, amenities that were previously only available in diesel have now made their way into gas coaches.”

The Monarch SE and Vacationer SE address these changes by delivering the high-end features of a full-size diesel coach — Smart Structure chassis system, ergonomically designed cockpit, soft-touch ceiling and generous pass-through storage — at the lower price of a gas vehicle. The RVs also emphasize the company’s striking new exterior style and incorporate new floorplans to suit individual needs.

“Our gas products were previously on the higher end of the price segments,” said Osborne. “These new products allow us to offer customers a gas Class A unit with deluxe amenities, and because they’re affordable, first-time buyers and part-time enthusiasts can now enjoy a great, luxury coach.”

During its product line evaluation, Navistar also determined there was an opportunity to add a B/C category unit to its portfolio, addressing the needs of first-time buyers and enthusiasts who want to be in a small but self-contained motorized RV.

“Holiday Rambler hasn’t introduced a new vehicle in this product class for some time,” Osborne added.

The new Augusta is a maneuverable and compact motorized RV with maximum interior space. Inventive design features include a Murphy bed that folds away to allow for a large living area with skylight, plus a pop-up TV for enhanced counter space and work area. Storage is plentiful, with a mega-locker that can be accessed from the inside and outside. The vehicle is available on a gas Ford E-350/450 chassis.

“These new vehicles reflect the vision of Navistar RV to be the most innovative quality product in the industry,” said Osborne. “We anticipate the RVs will be very well received, as they provide superior luxury, styling and features at an attractive price point.”

Louisville Show to Feature Roster of Seminars

The RV industry will gather for the 50th anniversary of the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association’s (RVIA) National RV Trade Show on Nov. 27–29 at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville, Ky.

According to a press release, the industry’s premier trade event will feature 61 manufacturers and 215 supplier exhibitors showcasing the latest RV models, innovative new products and RV-related services across more than 712,000 square feet of exhibit space.

More than 8,000 RV industry executives, including RV dealers, warehouse distributors, accessory store owners, campground operators and exhibitor personnel from manufacturer and supplier companies, are expected to attend.

The National RV Trade Show will kick off with RVIA’s popular opening program, Outlook 2013: A Golden Opportunity, taking place from 7:30–9 a.m. in the KEC South Wing Ballroom. This year’s show will also feature a robust seminar schedule designed to help dealer attendees boost sales and increase profitability.

These sessions include:

• “Dealing with Uncertain Market Conditions—Not Knowing What Will Happen Next Puts a Strain on Financial Planning” from Randy Sobel of Sobel & Associates from 12:30–1:30 p.m. on Nov. 27.

• “Measuring and Getting ROI from Social Media” from Dennis Galbraith of DrivingSales.com from 8–9 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 28.

• “The Power of 5—The 5 Main Ingredients to a Sale” from Michael Rees of A World of Training from 12:30–1:30 p.m. on Nov. 28.

• “Profit Potential All Around Us—Capitalizing on Business Intelligence for Dealers” with Dennis Galbraith from 3-4 p.m. on Nov. 28.

• “The Wow Factor—Making a Difference for Your Customers” with Michael Rees from 8:00–9:00 a.m. on Nov. 29.

All seminars will take place in South Wing Conference Room C108. The cost for each session is $50 in advance or $60 on-site and includes either breakfast or lunch. For more information, contact Huyen ‘Wen’ Deng in RVIA’s Shows Department at (703) 620-6003, ext. 305 or hdang@rvia.org.

The National RV Trade Show also offers attendees the opportunity to learn about various industry resources available to them.

Industry members can visit the Go RVing booth to learn more about how to tie into the highly successful “AWAY” national advertising campaign at the local level in 2013. Information about RV technician certification and training opportunities is available at the RVIA Education booth.

For more information about the 50th National RV Trade Show, including the availability of show space, call RVIA’s Show Department at (703) 620-6003, ext. 365.

RVIA Board Moves Ahead on Louisville Timing

The move toward setting new dates for the National RV Trade Show took another step forward during last week’s Recreation Vehicle Industry Association’s (RVIA) Committee Week in Washington, D.C.

According to a press release, the RVIA board voted to support a National Show Committee motion to reschedule the event for Louisville, Ky., in the late September/early October time frame beginning in 2014.

The board took this action in its June 14 meeting with the understanding that before a decision can be finalized further input is needed from the all-industry ad hoc committee studying the industry event calendar and from the Kentucky Exposition Center about potential facility and hotel availability.

In other RVIA show-related news, the board instructed staff to study the possibility of conducting a five-day retail show in Southern California, beginning in spring 2013 if feasible, but no later than spring 2014. This event would be in addition to RVIA’s California RV Show held in the fall.

In other actions, the RVIA Board:

• Appointed Robert Harbin of Freightliner Custom Chassis Corp. to an at-large seat and Curt Yoder of Kropf Industries and Dick Grymonprez of Athens Park Homes to the two newly-added recreational park trailer seats on RVIA’s board.

• Moved that RVIA RV member manufacturers be required to build all units with wood products that are compliant with the CARB Formaldehyde Emission Level Requirements – Phase 2, effective July 1.

• Approved a motion from the Recreational Park Trailer Committee recommending that RVIA formally adopt the 2009 edition of the ANSI A119.5 and also the 2011 edition of the National Electrical Code (NEC) instead of the 2008 NEC that is currently referenced within ANSI A119.5.

• Approved a motion from the Recreational Park Trailer Committee recommending that the RVIA recreational park trailer seal price be set at $150 to include a $75 association fee as well as a $75 market expansion assessment that will be collected and held for future promotional efforts.

• Approved the following locations for RVIA’s Trouble Shooter Clinics: Orange County, Calif.; Alberta, Canada; Elkhart, Ind.; and Denver, Colo., for fiscal year 2013; and Texas; Pennsylvania; Elkhart; and a location in the Southeast for FY2014. Additionally, an increase in registration fees from $15 to $20 per credit hour were approved for FY2013 with a portion of the increase to be used to offer a 10% discount toward RV technician certification testing fees if testing occurs within 90 days of attendance at a Trouble Shooter Clinic.

• Authorized the addition of wholesale shipment statistics for Canadian provinces to the RVIA monthly marketing report.

• Approved holding an RVIA Annual Meeting in March 2013 with specific dates and a location in southern Florida to be determined; holding Committee Week 2013 in early June at the Mayflower Hotel in Washington, D.C.; holding the September 2013 board meeting in western Canada.

The RVIA board meeting was held at the Willard InterContinental Hotel and capped an intensive week of meetings during Committee Week 2012.

 

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.

 

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