RVDA Leadership to Honor Molino at June Event

Although it’s not an official association-hosted function, the leadership of the Recreation Vehicle Dealers Association (RVDA) will be holding a celebration dinner June 12 at the Army-Navy Country Club in Arlington, Va., honoring former president Mike Molino.

According to RVDA, the evening will begin with cocktails at 6 p.m. followed by a sit-down dinner and program at 6:45 p.m. Cost for attendance is $100 and seats can be reserved through RVDA.

Molino stepped down April 2 after 16 years of service with RVDA. Phil Ingrassia succeeded him as president.

During his years with RVDA, the association extended its leadership role in RV industry affairs through development of the association’s Model Dealer Agreement and the Dealer Satisfaction Index (DSI) survey. Molino was a key leader in the formation of the RVDA Education Foundation, now known as the RV Learning Center, and also a strong supporter of continuing education and certification for RV dealership employees.

During Molino’s tenure, RVDA also played a key role in the formation of the Go RVing Coalition’s national advertising campaign, which is co-owned with the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA). Molino is a Certified Association Executive (CAE) and was elected to the RV/MH Hall of Fame in 2006.

Prior to his role with RVDA Molino served in the U.S. Army.

 

RVDA Seeking Convention Workshop Proposals

The Recreation Vehicle Dealers Association (RVDA) Convention/Expo Committee is currently accepting submissions to present a workshop at the 2012 RV Dealers International Convention/Expo, Oct. 1 – 5 in Las Vegas.

Hosted by the RV Learning Center, the concurrent education sessions will be  Oct. 3-5, according to a press release. The Committee will evaluate the workshop submissions on a variety of criteria including:

• Timeliness and relevance of the topic

• Alignment between the session’s title, description, and stated learning outcomes

• Capacity to offer seasoned RV dealer and management-level employees new methods to improve dealership operations

• Potential to attract and stimulate the interest of RV dealers, general managers, sales personnel, and parts and service managers

The workshop submission form is available in both MS Word, and .pdf format. Submissions are due April 23 and notifications will be made by May 28.

Click here for more information about the 2012 RV Dealers International Convention/Expo, including details on registration, exhibitor, and sponsorship opportunities.

RVDA Seeking Nominations for 2012 JBS Award

The Recreation Vehicle Dealer’s Association (RVDA) is asking members to submit nominations for the prestigious James B. Summers (JBS) award, according to a press release.

Created in 1986, the award honors past RVDA Executive Vice President and CEO Jim Summers and recognizes individuals who make a consistent and outstanding contribution to the association and its members.

Summers attended the convention almost every year after the award was established to present it to the next recipient before losing a battle with cancer on the eve of the 2010 convention.

RVDA requests that submissions include a narrative explaining why the candidate should receive the award. All nominations will be reviewed by the RVDA, which will select the recipient of this year’s award by a majority vote.

The award will again be presented during the RV Dealers International Convention/Expo, to be held October 1-5 at the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas.

Nominations for the 2012 award are due by May 21. Send submissions to Ronnie Hepp at RVDA headquarters via email (rhepp@rvda.org), fax (703/359-0152), or mail (3930 University Drive, Fairfax, Va., 22030).

 

KZ to Mark 40th Year During Dealer Open House

KZ RV LP will celebrate both its 40-year history and the future of the company during the upcoming dealer open house May 30-31 at its headquarters in Shipshewana, Ind., according to a press release.

“It’s an exciting time for several reasons. We’re proud of our past, and we’re eager to forge ahead,” said Andy Baer, KZ’s vice president of sales and marketing. “The recreational vehicle market has shown great resilience and the buying public are ready to get out and enjoy the RV lifestyle.”

KZ will show new products, conduct plant tours, give out dealer awards and hold social events for dealer attendees and KZ employees. Last year, 130 people from about 70 dealerships attended the open house.

“We like to give our dealer partners a sneak peek at what we’re working on, because they give us valuable feedback. They know what will sell and how we can make our products even more attractive to buyers,” Baer said. “That kind of input is critical to our ability to remain relevant, and it’s a big reason why we’re thriving after 40 years.”

Baer acknowledges that KZ’s spring open house is an unusual event considering the recent boom of manufacturers’ fall open houses in northern Indiana.

“Those events have their own purpose. In the fall, we receive many visitors spanning various levels of relationship with us, including casual observers who just want to see what we’re about, and we welcome that,” he stated. “Meanwhile, this invitation-only spring open house is for our established dealer partners so we can applaud their accomplishments, get their recommendations on product developments, rekindle our friendships with dealers – some of which span multiple generations – and just talk about the future. We want to give these special people our undivided attention for those couple of days.”

Baer said that KZ’s 40th anniversary will be a focal point all year in communications and outreach among all channels and associates. “KZ is proud of its heritage and we’re fully aware that it’s because of our dealers, employees and vendors that we’ve had so much success,” he explained. “We’re going to tell them ‘thank you’ every chance we get.”

For more information about the dealer open house, e-mail KZ RV at ryoder@kz-rv.com.

Phil Ingrassia Officially Taking Over RVDA Reins

The Recreation Vehicle Dealers Association (RVDA) board has approved revisions to its strategic plan that will guide the organization as it transitions staff leadership from outgoing President Mike Molino to President Phil Ingrassia, who assumed his duties today (April 2). Ingrassia previously served as the association’s vice president for communications.

“Our core purpose — to help dealer members achieve and maintain success — remains the same, and the board has enhanced the strategic plan to focus on the issues RV dealers and the industry face today,” said RVDA Chairman Andy Heck of Alpin Haus, in Amsterdam, N.Y. “It’s clear that RVDA needs to have a strong voice in government and industry affairs as well as be a catalyst for dealer solutions.”

Ingrassia noted, “As the association moves forward, the revised strategic plan will assist the board and staff in keeping RVDA resources focused in areas that will help dealers the most.”

Central to the strategic plan are five core organizational values:

• Professional development and education: RVDA facilitates the sharing of ideas and is a trusted resource for best practices.

• Professionalism and integrity: RVDA is dedicated to the highest standards of personal and professional integrity.

• Equitable member participation: RVDA encourages dealers of all sizes to participate in association affairs and supports diverse opinions.

• Industry teamwork: RVDA leads in the pursuit of excellence, innovation, and industry unity.

• Advocacy: RVDA is the leading advocate on public policy and industry issues that impact RV dealers.

“The current strategic plan builds on the good work of previous RVDA boards, including the core values and guiding principles, which are so important for stability and focus,” Heck said. “This is a great reflection on RVDA dealer and staff leaders past and present, because it shows that there is no confusion over RVDA’s long haul commitment to dealers.”

“This year’s planning process came at an ideal time for RVDA as a great leader, Mike Molino, steps down and I assume the duties of chief staff officer,” Ingrassia said. “I look forward to working closely with the RVDA Board of Directors, the membership and other industry stakeholders to achieve RVDA’s goals.” The revised strategic plan is available at www.rvda.org.

Before becoming RVDA President, Ingrassia served as the association’s vice president for communications starting in 2002 and joined the RVDA staff in 1996. In that capacity, he supervised the association’s membership, industry relations, market expansion and communications programs. He also served as RVDA’s staff liaison to the Go RVing Coalition. He earned the Certified Association Executive (CAE) designation in 2005.

Buddy Gregg to Grow With Series of Expansions

Despite sales on luxury goods dropping industrywide in recent years, Buddy Gregg RVs and Motor Homes broke ground this month on a series of expansions at its Knoxville, Tenn., dealership.

“We’ve never stopped working to get better at what we do here,” said Matt Cecil, general manager of Buddy Gregg, in a press release. “That’s what this is all about – improvement: not just for Farragut and Knox County who will benefit from the extra tax revenues, but even more so for our loyal customers.”

The release stated that with the expansion Buddy Gregg, founded in 1981, becomes the largest RV dealer in East Tennessee.

The various improvements include “the number and type of RVs we carry. more service bays, detailing and a repair center that can remodel or repair almost any kind of unit,” Cecil said.

Ron Barron, sales manager for the dealer, said, “The current site preparation and expanded parking lot will help create a friendlier customer experience here, and that’s what we’re all about. Now our facility will reflect that.”

 

La Mesa Now Hiring for West Palm Beach Outlet

La Mesa RV Center has the “help wanted” sign hanging and is in an immediate hiring mode for numerous positions to be filled in the state of Florida, according to a press release.

In preparation of opening a new facility in West Palm Beach, La Mesa said applications are now being accepted for all positions including general sales management, RV sales and finance, service, parts and support functions. Applications can be submitted via email, fax or by visiting www.lamesarv.com. Hiring personnel will be in West Palm Beach on March 28-29 to conduct local interviews for these positions.

“La Mesa RV is the premier RV selling and servicing dealer with a multi-state presence,” stated Bob Upton, senior vice president of sales. “People that can build personal relationships and enjoy working with a diverse clientele will excel in these positions. Once people discover the RV industry, they often find that the RV lifestyle is fun and rewarding.”

La Mesa RV has year-round locations in Sanford, Fla., a suburb of Orlando; Tucson, Avondale and Mesa, Arizona; San Diego, Davis and Dublin, California plus Albuquerque, N.M. In addition, seasonal facilities are located in Yuma and Quartzsite, Ariz. Based on location, the company sells the most respected brands in RVing which includes Winnebago, Fleetwood, Heartland, Tiffin and Leisure Travel Vans . La Mesa RV also handles one of the country’s largest selections of certified pre-owned late-model motorhomes from only the finest manufacturers.

Newly hired sales personnel are placed into a three-month training program. RV selling experience is not required to be hired. Excellent pay and benefit packages come with these positions.

To submit an application, resume or to ask further questions, interested people should contact La Mesa RV’s Human Resources department at 858-874-8047 or 800-495-6878 extension 8047. Resumes can also be emailed to jobs@lamesarv.com or faxed to 858-874-8029.

 

 

 

REDEX Signs 11 New Dealers, Plans to Add More

The Recreational Dealer Cooperative Association Inc. (REDEX) announced it has signed 11 new dealers since August and expects more dealerships to join in the next 30 days, according to a news release.

The new REDEX and Priority RV Network dealers include:

• Ansley RV, Duncansville, Pa.; Dave Arbogast RV’s, Troy, Ohio; Leisure Time RV, Oklahoma City; Niel’s Motor Homes, North Hills, Calif.; Paul Evert’s RV Country, Fresno, Calif., Coburg, Ore., Laughlin, Nev., and Bullhead City, Ariz.; Reliable RV Center, Biloxi, Miss.; RV World of Georgia, Buford, Ga.; Summit RV, Ashland, Ky.; Tacoma RV Center, Fife, Wash.; Tom Schaeffer’s RV Superstore, Shoemakersville, Pa.; Wichita RV, Andover, Kan.

“It’s an impressive list. These are great dealers and we will be announcing more sign-ups in the coming weeks,” said Michael Peay, president of REDEX and Holiday World of Houston. “We still have several markets left to fill and looking for great dealers to join us,”

He added, “In 2011, for the first time since we founded the group in 1996, we refunded the $2,500 annual membership fee back to each of our members and $1000 for attending the annual meeting. So, it cost our dealers nothing to receive up to a couple hundred thousands of dollars in upfront and back-end rebates. It’s one of many reasons dealers are wanting to join.”

The group consists of 48 dealers with 80 locations nationwide. In return, the group obtains products such as retail financing, parts and accessories, finance and insurance, office supplies and other products in bulk purchases. It is estimated the group may earn up to $5 million in rebates, incentives and special purchases in 2012.

According to REDEX, dealers sold more than 35,000 new and used RVs last year and generated more than $1 billion in sales. REDEX said that all dealers are equal partners and have access to the financials showing where each penny is being spent.

Corey Ruzicka, executive director for REDEX, said that consumers also benefit, noting, “The Priority RV Network provides the RV consumer with more service bays when traveling and more products and choices. Our customers like the fact that they can get the lowest prices without having to pay to join a club.”

Along with Peay, the seven-member board of directors consists of: Mark Bretz, president of Bretz RV & Marine; Earl Stoltzfus, president of Stoltzfus RV & Marine; Brian Wilkins, president of Wilkins RV; Greg Lala, president of Dixie RV Superstore; Steve Plemmons, president of Bill Plemmons RV; and Mike Regan, president of Crestview RV-Buda and Georgetown.

For more information contact Ruzicka at cruzicka@priorityrvnetwork.com.

 

New York-based Wilkins RV Opens New Location

Wilkins Recreational Vehicles Inc., based in Bath, N.Y., opened its newest location last week in the village of Churchville. According to a press release, the RV business is just off Exit 3 of Interstate 490.

The Churchville Wilkins RV will have 125 new and used vehicles, with about 400 available between the two locations. There will be service bays and a selection of accessories and parts. According to the company’s website, an official grand opening at the Chruchville location is scheduled for March 19.

Wilkins RV is a third-generation dealership, founded in 1936. For additional information, call (585) 293-1001 or go to www.wilkinsrv.com.

 

N.Y.-based Camper’s Barn Opens Site in Georgia

Camping enthusiasts have a new option in Byron, Ga., to find a recreational vehicle.

The Macon Telegraph reported that New York-based Camper’s Barn has opened on the site of the former Suncoast RV dealership. The new business, located at 100 Suncoast Drive, plans to have its grand opening at the end of this month.

“(The company) saw that Byron was the capital of RVs in Georgia,” said sales manager Keith Kittle. “They planned to expand in Georgia and the opportunity became available.”

At this time, the Byron business has nearly 50 RVs on the lot, including travel trailers and motor homes, Kittle said. Until they get some trade-ins, all the units available now are new.

About 15 people are employed there now in sales, service and parts departments, and the company will accept applications to fill some additional positions, he said. Call 956-0409 for more information.

Camper’s Barn was founded in 1973, and it’s based in Kingston, N.Y.

 

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