Learning Center Webinar to Review Healthcare

The outcome of the recent election has ramifications for healthcare reform and the Affordable Care Act. To help RV dealers understand and plan for these changes, the RV Learning Center has arranged for a webinar on Dec. 13 at noon (Eastern).

Two experts in the field of human resources and employee benefits will present the webinar, “Employer Healthcare Forecast—What’s Next for Healthcare Reform and the Affordable Care Act.” Kathryn Carlson is the product director for KPA HR Management products and Kristin Kahle, an expert in the field of insurance and employee benefits, is the senior vice president and compliance officer for the Benefits Exchange Alliance. KPA is a new RVDA Associate Member.

This webinar will provide a post-election review and discuss the following topics:

• The election’s impact on health reform.

• Employers (Plan Sponsors) requirements in 2013.

• State insurance exchanges.

• Last call to implement 2012 requirements.

Due to the complexities of healthcare reform, the presenters strongly encourage participants to prepare themselves for the webinar in advance by reading the article “Healthcare Reform 2012 and Beyond,” in the December issue of RV Executive Today.

KPA is hosting this webinar. The following link will take you to the KPA website, rather than the RV Learning Center. To register visit http://www.dealerwebinars.com/healthcare2013.html.

KPA is a dealer services and Internet marketing provider for over 4,600 automotive, truck and equipment dealerships and service companies.

Bob Been Adds $5K to Learning Center Pledge

Bob Been of Affinity RV Service, Sales and Rentals pledged an additional $5,000 to the RV Learning Center, bringing Affinity’s total commitment to $11,000. The RV Learning Center kicked off its annual fundraising campaign during the RV Dealers International Convention/Expo in Las Vegas at the beginning of October.

To date, the annual fundraising drive has hit 25% of its $150,000 goal, according to a press release.

“Bob Been is a strong supporter of all that RVDA undertakes and this commitment to the RV Learning Center is more evidence of that,” said RV Learning Center Chairman Jeff Pastore of Hartville RV Center in Hartville, Ohio. “Bob’s generosity is much appreciated and his donation will 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. 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.

Ferkeys Donate $5,000 to ‘RV Learning Center’

Mick and Lora Ferkey of Greeneway Inc., a Route 66 RV dealer in Wisconsin Rapids, Wis., have made a $5,000 donation to the RV Learning Center, bringing their lifetime contribution to $18,300. According to a press release, the RV Learning Center kicked off its annual fundraising campaign during the RV Dealers International Convention/Expo in Las Vegas.

“The Ferkeys’ generous and continued support of the RV Learning Center shows their commitment to bettering our industry,” said RV Learning Center Chairman Jeff Pastore of Hartville RV Center in Hartville, Ohio. “We know their contribution will advance excellence in our businesses, expand professional development opportunities for RV retail employees and improve customer satisfaction.”

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.

Learning Center to Host Webinar by Joni Stuker

Joni Stuker, business development center expert and CEO of Owner Connect, is presenting an RV Learning Center webinar on “How to Establish a Solid Appointment Selling Process.” According to a press release, the webinar is scheduled for Nov. 14 at 2 p.m. Eastern.

The webinar is the follow-up to Stuker’s two popular RV Dealers International Convention/Expo workshops, “Building A Powerful Business Development Center” and “Service Communication Solution Process.” In the webinar, participants will learn concrete steps and new skills that lead to increased sales. Stuker will cover several topics including: mastering a phone up; overcoming availability, pricing and core objections; calling the referral lead; responding to return call messages; and making an effective outbound call.

For more than 26 years, professionals in the automotive and RV industry have benefited from Stuker’s vibrant and personal approach to professional development. Twice, she has been a presenter at RVDA’s Convention Expo and has hosted and created several ASTN programs. In addition, she’s served as a core speaker to Spader 20 Groups, as a Dealer Edge Presenter while also creating powerful centralized call centers for a group of more than 48 properties and a 52 store dealer group.

For more information and to register, click here. To find out more about the RV Learning Center go to www.rvlearningcenter.org.

Learning Center Kicks Off Fundraiser at Confab

The RV Learning Center launched its 2013 Annual Fundraising Campaign during the RV Dealers International Convention/Expo in Las Vegas. According to a press release, completed donation forms were already being returned before the event closed on Oct. 5.

The campaign will run until June 30, 2013, and to date $32,308 has been pledged or donated. The goal of this year’s campaign is to raise $150,000 to fund programs that make the RV Learning Center so valuable to dealers and their staffs.

Kicking off the campaign at the convention’s general dession, RV Learning Center Chairman Jeff Pastore of Hartville RV Center underscored the many ways donations can provide a tangible return to dealers.

According to Pastor, the RV Learning Center supports professional development for RV dealers and their employees through a number of programs, including certification and learning guides for RV parts, service management, and warranty personnel developed in conjunction with The Ohio State University.

The RV Learning Center also supports technician certification and training through the RV Technician Certification Preparation Course, a partnership with the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA), along with and the Distance Learning Network, run in conjunction with the Florida RV Trade Association (FRVTA).

“A recent survey of 600 RV dealers showed that 75% believe certified technicians perform better quality work than their non-certified counterparts,” Pastore said. “And dealers, you just plain make more money.”

He also pointed to the cost-effective publications, online resources, certification programs and distance learning opportunities that are key components in the RV Learning Center’s varied programs.

“Investing in the RV Learning Center is investing in our businesses, in our industry,” Pastore said.

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

Learning Center, FRVTA Provide Tech Training

The RV Learning Center announced it has renewed its partnership with the Florida RV Trade Association (FRVTA) to provide online training for RV dealership personnel through the Distance Learning Network (DLN). According to a press release, this is the seventh consecutive year the organizations have joined forces to promote the program.

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 2012-13 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/Adviser Course: This three-hour program is ideal for both veteran service writer/advisers and new hires. Presented by service writer/adviser veteran Andrea Blackmon, the program helps prepare your personnel for the RV Learning Center’s Service Writer/Adviser 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 gives dealerships the opportunity to engage in group training with a mentor,” said FRVTA Executive Director Lance Wilson. “It is extremely cost-effective training, delivered right to the dealership. FRVTA also provides mentor support and encouragement throughout the year, once the dealership is signed up for the program.”

“This program is available immediately for dealerships who want to get started on a comprehensive training program,” said RV Learning Center Chairman Jeff Pastore of Hartville RV Center in Hartville, Ohio. “With the RV industry outlook improving, and dealers hiring new people, the DLN is an ideal way to get employees on the road to success.”

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, 2012 to July, 31, 2013.

For more information and a sign-up form, visit www.rvlearningcenter.com, www.rvtechnician.com, www.rvda.org, www.frvta.org, or call the RV Learning Center at (703) 591-7130 or FRVTA at (386) 754-4285.

Dealers can learn more about the DLN and other training programs during a special workshop at the RV Dealers International Convention/Expo on Oct. 4. FRVTA’s Director of Training Jim Carr of Florida Gateway College will present “RV Service Employee Improvement: A Service Manager’s Responsibility,” a workshop designed for service managers, general managers, and others responsible for the daily operations of an RV service center. Attendance at the program is applicable to Certified Service Manager and Service Advisor recertification continuing education requirements. To register for the convention, visit www.rvda.org.

Latest ‘RV Technician’ Issue is Available Online

The most recent issue of the RV Learning Center’s RV Technician, an online magazine published six times per year, is now available. According to a press release, a subscription includes access to back issues via a special subscribers-only website.

RV Technician keeps service professionals up to date with articles that help all skill levels. Subscribers can view the magazine in a variety of formats, including as a flipbook.

Subjects cover:

• The latest technical information.

• Training and tech certification information from www.rvtechnician.com.

• New products and product updates.

• Recall listings.

• Customer service tips.

• Safety issues.

• Advice from industry experts.

• Industry news.

For more information on the RV Learning Center, visit www.rvlearningcenter.com, or send an email to info@rvda.org.

Learning Center & FRVTA Offer Online Training

The RV Learning Center has teamed up with the Florida RV Trade Association (FRVTA) for the seventh consecutive year to provide online training for RV dealership personnel through their respective online RV Technician Training programs. The courses run Aug. 1 to July 31, 2013.

According to a press release, the programs improve the performance of both experienced and novice technicians and service writers/advisers. The Florida Distance Learning Network’s program also includes a 50-minute greeter receptionist module addressing the basics of customer service.

Both programs are based on the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA) RV Technician Training textbooks and include advanced product-specific training from RV manufacturers and suppliers, mentor support to apply ongoing distance learning and a technical help line.

Dealerships receive unlimited access to train and prepare technicians for the RVDA-RVIA technician certification, or recertification. The subscriptions include unlimited access to training sessions, reviews and test preparation sections, which are available anytime throughout the program year to suit your operation’s and your technicians’ paces.

Online training eliminates many of the training costs associated with travel and time of out of the shop, and are also useful for getting new technicians started on training immediately.

The annual subscription fee is currently $249 per technician, with discounts for four or more registrants. Registration includes password access to online modules and resources. For businesses, the annual subscription fee is currently $995. This flat, fixed fee covers an unlimited number of trainees at your location. Registration includes password access to online modules and resources.

For questions concerning the interactive training program, contact the RV Learning Center at (703) 591-7130, or RVDA of Canada at (604) 718-6325. To register, contact the RV Learning Center at or download the registration form at http://www.rvlearningcenter.com.

 

 

 

Sullivan Receives Learning Center Scholarship

According to a press release, Sullivan recently completed an associate’s degree in pre-business and is studying to receive an accounting degree at the University of Cincinnati. He is employed as a service writer/advisor at Colerain Trailer Center in Cincinnati.

“We are extremely pleased to provide the RV Learning Center scholarship to a student who is actively employed at an RV dealership,” said Newt Kindlund. “Jeremy is a great example of how higher education can benefit dealerships and employees.”

Sullivan says his eight years at Colerain have been rewarding and that he truly enjoys the RV business. “I have learned a great deal about how an outstanding business should operate as well as how to appreciate the employees that help a business become outstanding,” he said.

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 $54,000 to 22 students since its inception in 2000.

The Kindlund family, which endowed the scholarship program with $270,000, remains active in the RV industry 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 to Offer Marketing Seminar

The RV Learning Center will present a special webinar “Spending More Dollars than Sense? Guerrilla Marketing Tools” for Recreation Vehicle Dealers Association (RVDA) member dealers on July 18 at 2 p.m., Eastern.

According to a press release, Evanne Schmarder, principal of Roadabode Productions and co-author of “Unconventional Wisdom Works, 25 Marketing Strategies to Build Your Outdoor Recreation Business Today” will present this live webinar investigating how low- or no-cost guerrilla marketing tools can make RV dealerships more visible to prospects and customers.

Schmarder will also present “7 Low Cost/No Cost Marketing Tools” on Oct. 4 from 4:15-5:30 p.m. during the RV Dealers International Convention Expo at the Rio All-Suites Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas.

To reserve a free registration at this special pre-convention workshop, visit www.rvda.org or www.rvlearningcenter.com, or check www.rvtrainingcalendar.com.

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