Learning Center Scholarship Program Available

The RV Learning Center scholarship program awards a $2,500 scholarship annually to deserving college sophomore, junior and senior undergraduate students majoring in business, finance, economics, accounting, or other RV-related subjects. Dealers and other industry partners are able to offer this opportunity to their team specifically because of their employment in the RV industry.

Scholarship applicants must:

• Have a 2.8 or better cumulative grade point average, and a 1050 minimum SAT score (1575 minimum on the 2400 point scale). A minimum ACT composite score of 22 is also acceptable.

• Be a rising sophomore, junior, or senior college undergraduate student.

• Complete a 500-word essay on their goals and objectives for attending college.

• Submit a copy of their Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA) form which is available from guidance counselors or for download at no charge from the U.S. Department of Education at www.fafsa.ed.gov.

• Demonstrate the ability and willingness to fund a portion of their educational expenses on their own.

• Attend an accredited four-year college or university as a condition of receiving the scholarship.

All items must be submitted by June 4. Dealer principals, their family and dependents, are not eligible. A four-color poster describing the RV Learning Center scholarship program suitable for display in employee break or lunch areas is also available to download at www.rvlearningcenter.com.

The scholarship program is possible due to the generosity of the Newt and Joanne Kindlund Family. The Kindlunds are the founders of Holiday RV Superstores — the first publicly traded RV dealership. The Kindlunds sold the company in 1999. Newt Kindlund remains an active participant in RV industry affairs and currently serves on the RV Learning Center board. The Kindlund Family has fully funded the $270,000 foundation scholarship endowment.

For more information on the RV Learning Center scholarship program, send an e-mail to info@rvda.org or visit www.rvlearningcenter.com. The RV Learning Center is a tax-exempt organization as described in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Contributions may be tax deductible as charitable donations.

Mo. Dealer Patton Donates to RV Learning Center

Russ Patton of Byerly RV Center in Eureka, Mo., has donated an additional $10,000 to the RV Learning Center, bringing the dealership’s total contribution to $36,000. Byerly RV Center is celebrating its 65th year of serving customers this year.

“Russ Patton is a long-time supporter of the RV Learning Center and its continuing education programs for RV dealership personnel,” said RV Learning Center Chairman Jeff Pastore of Hartville RV Center in Hartville, Ohio, in a press release. “We appreciate his generous contribution which will help advance education opportunities for RV retail employees and improve customer satisfaction in the industry.”

The RV Learning Center is dedicated to providing dealers and their employees with innovative ways to operate RV dealerships through an array of education resources including publications, distance learning, live workshops, online products, training and certification programs for RV dealership personnel.

For more information on the Foundation’s RV Learning Center, visit www.rvlearningcenter.com, send an e-mail to info@rvda.org, or send a fax to (703) 359-0152.

 

RVAC Adds to Donation for RV Learning Center

The RV Assistance Corp. (RVAC) has donated an additional $3,000 to the RV Learning Center, bringing its total contribution to $26,000. RVAC is the for-profit subsidiary of the Recreation Vehicle Dealers Association (RVDA) that develops member benefits for the association.

“Dealers using RVDA-endorsed business products and services enable RVAC to continue to support an array of employee educational resources available through the RV Learning Center,” said RVAC Chairman Tom Stinnett of Tom Stinnett Derby City RV in Clarksville, Ind., and co-chair of the Go RVing Coalition. “Providing financial support for continuing education programs is another way that RVAC programs benefit RVDA members and the entire industry.”

“We are thankful for RVAC’s support during a challenging time for the RV Learning Center and all non-profits that depend on charitable contributions,” said RV Learning Center Chairman Jeff Pastore of Hartville RV Center in Hartville, Ohio. “As we near the end of the year, it is an ideal time to think about giving back to an industry that has been very good to many of us by making a tax-deductible contribution to the RV Learning Center.”

The RV Learning Center is dedicated to providing dealers and their employees with innovative ways to operate RV dealerships through educational resources such as publications, workshops, online products, training, and certification programs.

For more information on the RV Learning Center and to contribute, visit www.rvlearningcenter.com, send an e-mail to info@rvda.org, or send a fax to (703) 359-0152.

RV Technician Pioneer Underscores Certification

Editor’s Note: The following profile appeared in RV Executive Today Online.

Mitch Graska, owner/operator of Felton’s RV Service, Houston, is an RV technician pioneer. He was the first technician to become certified – actually, master certified – in the Houston market area after working hard to find the necessary training and education.

Graska got most of his technical training on the job and by using service manuals, which were mainly provided by RV suppliers. “When I first started working on RVs, there were no structured courses to learn the trade,” he says. Rising through the ranks, he found few sources of training, other than on-the-job and supplier manuals.

But help was on the horizon – a test and course were being developed for just such a purpose. “In 1994, the nationwide program asked me and all of the instructors in the country to help write the procedure manuals for the RV training program that they were developing,” Graska says, referring to the RVIA Service Manual Textbook series. He learned a lot in the process and realized the need for even more education and training.

He was also asked to work with the Houston Community College (HCC) on an RV technician training program under development. Because they insisted that all instructors have at least a two-year degree, Graska recalls, he went back to school and finished his associate degree at age 36 in RV technology.

Graska was first certified as a master technician in 1996. Since then, he has re-certified three times, most recently using the RVDA/RVIA Certification Test Preparation Course for his 40 hours of continued education requirement. Though he already had a job teaching RV repair, he got certified because “it puts you in the fast lane, even ahead of those with years of experience.

Certification brings not only personal and professional pride, it also can increase one’s income. “A certified technician can earn more per hour more than a non-certified tech, and a master certified tech can earn even more than that, plus bonuses,” Graska says. He highly recommends the Technician Certification Test Preparation Course to other technicians, both beginners and veterans.

For more information about the RVDA/RVIA Certification Test Preparation Course, visit www.rvlearningcenter.com.

 

Learning Center, FRVTA Partner on DLN Program

The RV Learning Center has joined forces with the Florida RV Trade Association (FRVTA) for the sixth consecutive year to provide online training for RV dealership personnel through the Distance Learning Network (DLN).

The subscription includes unlimited access to more than 50 DLN training sessions, coursework reviews, and test preparation sections, which are available anytime throughout the program year. The 2011-12 DLN program includes a range of subject matter to improve the performance of dealership personnel, including:

• RV Technician Certification Preparation Course: More than 40 hours of instruction will help train and prepare RV service technicians for the RVDA-RVIA RV Service Technician Certification test and completion fulfills recertification requirements.

• Service Writer/Advisor Course: This three-hour program is ideal for both veteran service writer/advisors and new hires. Presented by service writer/advisor veteran Andrea Blackmon, the program helps prepare your personnel for the RV Learning Center’s Service Writer/Advisor Certification test. Completion of the course counts toward recertification requirements.

• Advanced/Manufacturer Specific Training: Features product-specific training from RV manufacturers and suppliers from within the RV industry.

• RV Greeter – Receptionist Course: A 50-minute program that covers: the importance of customer service; the skills and expectations for the RV receptionist; the importance of making the right first impression; communicating on the phone; handling difficult customers; and organizational techniques for the workplace. The program is suitable for all persons needing customer service skills. The program includes a final exam and certificate of completion.

“The DLN provides dealers and their management team the unique opportunity to offer group training, led by a mentor, right at the dealership,” said FRVTA Executive Director Lance Wilson. “FRVTA uses adult education experts at the RV Training Institute at Florida Gateway College and works with experienced RV professionals to develop and update the training sessions. FRVTA also provides dealership-based mentor support and encouragement throughout the year to help keep employees motivated,” he said.

“When you add it all up, this program saves dealers money by eliminating travel costs and time out of the dealership,” said RV Learning Center Chairman Jeff Pastore of Hartville RV Center in Hartville, OH. “The program is available on demand – so dealers don’t have to wait to get new hires into the training program.”

The only requirement to participate is a high-speed Internet connection. A video cable connected to a television is also useful for group training. A one-year subscription to the program costs $995 per dealership location. The subscription term is Aug. 1 2011 through July 31, 2012.

 

Richardson Earns Learning Center Scholarship

College sophomore Evan Richardson is the latest recipient of a $2,500 scholarship from the RV Learning Center Scholarship Program, which is endowed through The Kindlund Family Foundation.

Richardson is in his second year as a computer engineering major at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University with a 3.57 GPA. His father, Kevin Richardson, has been employed as a sales consultant with North Trail RV, Ft. Myers, Fla., for the last 15 years.

Richardson recently assisted his father and North Trail RV by creating a customer database program. His essay outlines his intention to use his skills to develop systems for RVs including: automatic window blinds, lighting, air conditioning and energy management products.

“This is the second time in 10 years that Al Erp of North Trail RV has sponsored a scholarship recipient,” Newt Kindlund said. “This speaks volumes about the caliber of employees that Al has on his team. They are working hard in school to advance themselves and help build a better future for the RV Industry.”

The RV Learning Center Scholarship Program recognizes deserving rising college sophomores, juniors, and seniors. Applicants are judged on academic achievement, extracurricular activities and honors, RV industry involvement, financial need, and a 500-word essay. The program has awarded more than $52,000 to 21 students since its inception in 2000.

The Kindlund family, which endowed the scholarship program with $270,000, remains active in the RV industry even after selling its corporation, Holiday RV Superstores, in 1999. Newt Kindlund serves on the RV Learning Center board.

The RV Learning Center is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization. Contributions may be tax-deductible as charitable donations. Visit www.rvlearningcenter.com for more information.

 

RV Learning Center Conference Call Planned

The Recreation Vehicle Dealers Association (RVDA) announced today (July 20) that it will host the RV Learning Center Town Hall conference call on July 27 at 2 p.m. (EDT).

The event will include RV Learning Center Chief Karin Van Duyse reviewing new developments in the convention education program. Also on tap, RVDA Vice President of Communications Phil Ingrassia will discuss highlights of the Go RVing Leads-Plus program – including how to efficiently download Go RVing leads.

RVDA said that the RV Learning Center Town Hall conference calls are a convenient way to stay current on important issues. Participation is free of charge.

Click <http://www.mmsend25.com/link.cfm?r=139898490&sid=14669068&m=1462053&u=RVDA_VA&j=6368689&s=http://www.rvda.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=Home1&Template=/CM/ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentFileID=1734> to print the slides for the Leads-Plus presentation (29-page pdf file). For call-in instructions, dealers can send an e-mail to cboyd@rvda.org.

 

 

RV Learning Center Touts Scholarship Program

The RV Learning Center scholarship program awards $2,500 annually to deserving college sophomore, junior and senior undergraduate students majoring in business, finance, economics, accounting or other RV-related subjects.

Dealers are able to offer this opportunity to their teams specifically because of their employment in the RV industry, according to a news release. Visit www.rvlearningcenter.com for an application.

Scholarship applicants must:

• Have a 2.8 or better cumulative grade point average, and a 1050 minimum SAT score (1575 minimum on the 2400 point scale). A minimum ACT composite score of 22 is also acceptable.
• Be a rising sophomore, junior or senior college undergraduate student.
• Complete a 500-word essay on their goals and objectives for attending college.
• Submit a copy of their Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA) form which is available from guidance counselors or for download at no charge from the U.S. Department of Education at www.fafsa.ed.gov <http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/>.
• Demonstrate the ability and willingness to fund a portion of their educational expenses on their own.
• Attend an accredited four-year college or university as a condition of receiving the scholarship.

All items must be submitted by June 6. Dealer principals, their families and dependents are not eligible. Please call the dealer services hotline, or e-mail info@rvda.org if you have any questions about the scholarship program.

The scholarship program is possible due to the generosity of the Newt and Joanne Kindlund Family. The Kindlunds are the founders of Holiday RV Superstores — the first publicly traded RV dealership. The Kindlunds sold the company in 1999. Newt Kindlund remains an active participant in RV industry affairs and currently serves on The RVDA Education Foundation Board of Directors. The Kindlund Family has fully funded the $270,000 foundation scholarship endowment.

For more information on the RV Learning Center, send an e-mail to info@rvda.org or visit www.rvlearningcenter.com. The RVDA Education Foundation is a tax-exempt organization as described in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Contributions may be tax deductible as charitable donations.

RVDA’s Education Foundation is Rebranded

Effective Feb. 24, the RVDA Education Foundation is officially doing business as the RV Learning Center. This rebranding came as a result of a recommendation from the strategic planning group that met at the Recreation Vehicle Dealers Association (RVDA) headquarters in August, according to a news release.

The foundation’s board of directors accepted the recommendation and passed it by unanimous motion in November. Foundation staff filed the paperwork, paid the fee and received acknowledgment from the commonwealth of Virginia, State Corporation Commission.

The RV Learning Center remains a tax-exempt organization as described in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Contributions may be tax deductible as charitable donations.

The RV Learning Center is dedicated to providing dealers and their employees with innovative ways to operate RV dealerships through an array of education resources including publications, distance learning, live workshops, online products, training, and certification programs for RV dealership personnel. To make a contribution to the RV Learning Center or for more information, visit www.rvlearningcenter.com.

Watch Video from RV Learning Center Meeting

The RV Learning Center last week conducted a Town Hall meeting, which included a presentation on the topic of RV service technician course training.

Click here to watch a 10-minute video recap of the presentation by Tony Yerman, RV technical consultant.

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