RVing in New England,” the weekly Facebook Live show hosted by the New England RV Dealers Association (NERVDA), this week welcomes Sandy Ellingson of “The Hub for RVers.” Who is in The Hub and what is it all about? The short, concise, explanation would be: Where dynamic and real time conversations occur, and collaboration and innovation follow!
Co-hosted by Bob Zagami and John DiPietro, tonight’s show airs at 7 p.m. ET.
Mary Pouliot, RVTI board chairwoman, speaks to the Recreational Vehicle Woman’s Alliance gathering, Monday, Aug. 26, 2024 at the RV Technical Institute (RVTI).
“Empowered women, empower women” was one of the messages that speaker Mary Pouliot, chair of RV Technical Institute (RVTI) and Vice Chair of RV Industry Association, (RVIA), shared with the women attending RV Women’s Association’s celebration of Women’s Equality Day on Monday, August 26th.
The event was held at RVTI and included adult beverages and a Mexican food truck, a chance to network and celebrate women’s achievements—including those within the RV industry. Women’s Equality Day is celebrated on the anniversary of the passage of the 19th amendment to the constitution, which gave women the right to vote.
Pouliot told the group of about 60 registrants that women are “proving over and over again that talent is not defined by gender.” She recalled early in her career in the auto and RV industries when she was the only female in the room but now, “Women are thriving in roles once reserved for men in construction, law enforcement and politics” and she said women are “breaking down stereotypes and wielding tools with the same expertise as their male counterparts.”
She added that equality is not just about entering spaces but also making sure women are “creating environments where women are treated with respect, are heard and are given the opportunity to thrive.”
Pouliot is also the vice president of Thetford, which was awarded the champion of women award by the RVWA because it embodies the mission to elevate, educate and promote women in the RV industry.
Pouliot said it’s not enough to honor the women who broke through barriers, but they also have to commit to continue the fight for true equality.
“To build a world where a woman’s value is never questioned, where she’s judged by her abilities and not her gender and where her contributions are celebrated without hesitation,” she said.
She encouraged the women to take the day as a call to action—whether the women are in the workplace or whether they are the CEOs of their own homes.
“We all have a role to play to ensure women are empowered to reach their full potential and to always remember the saying, ‘empowered women empower women’” and she said to work to ensure a time and place when “a man’s world becomes a world for everyone.”
Curtis Hemmeler, executive director of the RVTI, speaks to the RV Woman’s Alliance gathering, Monday, Aug. 26, 2024 at the RV Technical Institute (RVTI).
Curtis Hemmeler, executive director and senior regional vice president of RVTI and RVIA shared that RVTI will be celebrating its 5th anniversary on Sept. 28th. He said over 18,000 people, including 8,000 who logged on to some type of training and 7,000 who are fully certified have benefited from RVTI.
“All made possible by the industry” he said, adding they sought to have a “professional, recognized standardized program that could be replicated across the country with all their learning partners including dealerships, high schools and community colleges”.
He said as they’re celebrating women he gave full credit for the all-women’s classes to Tracy Anglemeyer, who he said came to him 2-3 years ago saying they needed an all-women’s class.
“Since then, well over 100 women have gone through” the program and he said the all women classes have been the “best performing every time.”
“The reality is the qualities that most women have—attention to detail, caring more—makes you better technicians—something the auto industry figured out a few years ago.”
He said the partnership between RVTI and RVWA is “a match made in heaven” and he encouraged the women attending to take the tech class “even if you never wanted to be a technician—you won’t have to call a handyman.”
Trailblazer Award winner Tracy Anglemeyer addresses the Recreational Vehicle Woman’s Alliance gathering, Monday, Aug. 26, 2024 at the RV Technical Institute (RVTI).
One woman who did that and is a certified level one technician is Mandy Leazenby. She said she didn’t really need it for her job, “but the knowledge gained moving forward running a company that deals with mechanics and components of RV’s, I thought it would behoove me to take the class and I definitely recommend everyone take level one.”
She said the women in the class fed off each other and that Bill was an amazing instructor and he sensed the hesitation of some of the women but she said, “We all worked together to bring everyone up to the same level. We’re like a family now—I come to these events and I just want to get more involved.”
Other women attending also shared thoughts on the benefits including Kelly Mosher, Forest River’s Customer Service Training Manager said she enjoyed “meeting other women in the industry. We all have different experiences and bring unique perspectives. It’s interesting to see how different and varied our industry is.” She added it was exciting to see how far women have come and may still achieve in the near future.
A trio of women from Pinnacle Transport Company said they like to mingle and get to know other women and learn more. Shelly Hammenga added since they offer these events, “We should go to these cool women things!”
Trailblazer winner
Before ending the event with tours of the facility, Tracy Anglemeyer, vice president of sales and marketing at Thetford was asked to speak about being the recipient of 2023 Trailblazer Award. She said it was “still humbling to me—I still get goosebumps” and she said she didn’t think what she was doing was anything special; she was just trying to help the industry and make it better.
She said people say, ‘it takes a village’ but her motto is, “It takes an industry—working together to get things done.”
She encouraged the women to get involved on task forces and committees; to be mentors and sponsors and encouraged managers to build their people up.
More ‘all women’ classes will be starting soon at RVTI and Anglemeyer said she had some new ideas for next year’s classes.
BILLINGS, Mont. –Kampgrounds of America, Inc. (KOA) has released its Families & Kids report, part of the Camping and Outdoor Hospitality Report series, which examines the evolution of the camping and outdoor hospitality industry over the past decade. The report underscores the role of camping in family dynamics, with over three-fourths of family campers believing it strengthens their relationships.
The Importance of Family Camping Experiences
43% of camping families say a love of the outdoors sparked their initial camping trip, while one-third of family campers mentioned the need to escape, and another third said they camped as part of a greater family trip.
Family campers represent a more avid set of campers, with 34% taking three or more trips in 2023, compared to 23% of all other campers, and 54% intending to camp more this year than last year, compared to 40% of all other campers.
New families represent a more diverse group of campers, with white families making up only 38% of the population of new campers, as opposed to 62% of all other campers.
“At KOA, we’ve long understood the deep value of camping with kids,” said KOA president and CEO, Toby O’Rourke. “This report highlights that the future of camping and outdoor hospitality rests with our youth. Children who camp with their families are far more likely to continue camping as adults, making it crucial to engage them in outdoor activities now to ensure a vibrant, enduring camping culture for generations to come.”
Camping with Children
58% of guests who camp with children say the children’s interests impact where they plan to camp.
Parents are not the only ones camping with kids, 37% of grandparents take their grandkids on at least one camping trip without their parents.
62% of new camping families opted for a campground with lots of services and amenities for their first camping experience.
93% of families say their camping experiences are used to help their children gain an appreciation of the natural world.
Demographic Camper Profile and Multi-Generational Camping
Millennials are the largest demographic, making up 46% of family camper households.
Asian campers saw the highest increase in camping since 2019, with a 30% uptick.
Nearly three in 10 Generation Z campers and two in 10 millennials take trips with their parents or grandparents, with Hispanic and Black households most likely to engage in multi-generational camping.
As a steward of outdoor recreation access, KOA uses 1% of pre-tax profits to fund the Kampgrounds of America Foundation, which strives to increase opportunities for all to access and engage with the outdoors, make positive impacts in the communities where we live and work to help preserve outdoor spaces for years to come.
RICHMOND, BC – RV Careers, a leading resource for information and opportunities within the RV industry, has launched a brand-new website, www.rvcareers.ca. This comprehensive platform caters to individuals at all stages of their career journey, offering a streamlined and informative experience for those seeking rewarding careers in the world of RVs.
“We’re thrilled to launch the redesigned RV Careers website, which brings together all the essential information you need to start your journey in the RV industry. From training and certification details to inspiring stories from industry professionals, this platform is your one-stop shop for exploring exciting career opportunities,” says Anita Lien, dDirector of marketing and communications.
Designed for Discovery
The new RV Careers website simplifies career exploration by presenting three distinct pathways:
• Youths and Newcomers: This section provides educational resources to familiarize visitors with the diverse range of RV types. It then delves into the three core dealership sectors – Operations (accounting and administration), Fixed Operations (parts and service), and Sales (F&I and marketing). Importantly, information about apprenticeship opportunities is conveniently presented on a single page, ideal for students seeking a hands-on learning experience. Engaging blog posts further spark curiosity and offer insights into the industry, while the prominent “RV Tech Week” feature connects users with valuable try-a-trade opportunities.
• Skilled Trades: For individuals interested in technical careers, this section provides clear and concise guidance. Users can explore comprehensive information about apprenticeships and available technical training options, with all essential resources conveniently consolidated on a single page.
• RV Business and Administration: This section allows users to discover diverse job areas within the RV business realm. Notably, licensing requirements for sales personnel are presented with a provincial breakdown. Compelling blog posts delve into the nature of these roles and potential crossovers, providing valuable insight. The dedicated community section highlights the inclusive environment and camaraderie within the RV industry.
Connecting Talent with Opportunities
The RV Careers website empowers visitors to subscribe to a monthly newsletter, offering a wealth of information on the RV industry. This newsletter provides not only updates on RV dealership opportunities and industry trends but also exclusive insights into campground developments, manufacturing advancements, and aftermarket sales. By staying informed with our newsletter, visitors can stay ahead of the curve in this dynamic sector.
Broadening the Reach
While the website no longer features a job board, the focus has shifted to a broader outreach program encompassing this website, digital recruitment campaigns, and trade fair participation. These efforts aim to reach a wider audience of young people, igniting their passion for a rewarding career within the vibrant RV industry.
WASHINGTON — The Department of the Interior’s National Park Service released a new report that finds visitor spending in communities near national parks in 2023 resulted in a record high $55.6 billion benefit to the nation’s economy and supported 415,400 jobs.
“The Biden-Harris administration has made historic bipartisan investments to restore and enhance national parks across our nation,” said Secretary Deb Haaland. “This report illustrates the significant economic benefits national parks provide to nearby communities and the U.S. economy, and the value of our work to safeguard these public lands in the wake of the climate crisis, upgrade visitor experiences and invest in park infrastructure and staff.”
“I’m so proud that our parks and the stories we tell make a lasting impact on more than 300 million visitors a year,” said National Park Service Director Chuck Sams. “And I’m just as proud to see those visitors making positive impacts of their own, by supporting local economies and jobs in every state in the country.”
The National Park Service report, 2023 National Park Visitor Spending Effects, finds that 325.5 million visitors spent $26.4 billion in communities near national parks. This spending supported 415,400 jobs, provided $19.4 billion in labor income, and $55.6 in economic output to the U.S. economy. The lodging sector had the highest direct contributions with $9.9 billion in economic output and 89,200 jobs. Restaurants received the next greatest direct contributions with $5.2 billion in economic output and 68,600 jobs.
The latest report is informed by improved socioeconomic survey data enhancing the accuracy of spending estimates and helps the National Park Service learn more about park visitors.
Results from the visitor spending effects report series are available online via an interactive tool. Users can view year-by-year trend data and explore current year visitor spending, jobs, labor income, value-added, and economic output effects by sector for national, state and local economies.
The annual peer-reviewed economics report was prepared by economists from the National Park Service. Learn more about how NPS-managed lands and programs provide economic benefits at www.nps.gov.
ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Thetford LLC, a global leader in RV and marine sanitation solutions, announces the addition of Jordan Menz to the leadership team as Product Strategy Director. The announcement was made during a town hall meeting at the company’s headquarters in Ann Arbor.
In his new role, Menz will drive product innovation and lead new product launches, the release continued. With deep RV industry knowledge and strong connections, he will track industry trends and ensure customer needs shape future product plans. Menz will report directly to Mary Pouliot, executive vice president, Americas. He will be based in Elkhart, Ind., at the heart of the RV industry.
Menz joins Thetford from Dave Carter and Associates, where he served as product development director. During his tenure, he spearheaded the development and launch of products across 12 categories, building sourcing and development partnerships globally. His experience spans both the RV supplier and OEM sectors, having worked with Patrick Industries, Forest River, and Thor Motor Coach.
“Jordan’s expertise in product development and his deep connection to the RV industry make him a perfect fit for this role,” stated Pouliot. “We’re excited to have him bring his passion and strategic vision to Thetford as we continue to innovate and grow.”
Menz holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Bethel University. Outside of work, he enjoys traveling with his family and is proud to be a dedicated “girl dad.”
Headquartered in Ann Arbor, Mich., Thetford LLC is one of the world’s leading suppliers of sanitation products for the RV, marine and heavy-duty truck industries. Thetford is a privately held company with manufacturing facilities in four nations.
Black Book, which publishes a family of vehicle appraisal guides, has released the Black Book RV market commentary for September.
“The average values for Motorhomes and Towables sold at auction rose slightly last month. Once again, the increase in Motorhomes was driven by an unusually high percentage of expensive Class As crossing the block. The towable increase is likely due to their average age decreasing slightly. As more new 2025 models arrive on dealer lots we expect used values to trend downward as we head into Fall,” reported Eric Lawrence, Black Book principal analyst – specialty markets.
“Taking a closer look at the markets, we see that the average selling price for motorized units was $70,356, which is up $1,600 (2.3%) from the previous month. Towables came in at $19,311, up $254 (1.3%) from last month. One year ago the average motorhome sold for $65,316 and the average towable unit brought $21,750.”
Auction volume was down: motorhomes decreased 10.2% while towables dropped 10.1%.
The average age of motorhomes was eight years old (2016) and towables was five (2019).
Priority One Financial Services, a full-service finance company for marine, RV, trailer and equipment dealers, will debut its Relaxation Station experience at the Forest River Dealer Expo, Sept. 23-26, which runs concurrent with the Elkhart RV Open House.
The Priority One Relaxation Station is a tropical oasis designed for dealers to find 15 minutes of relaxation during the Elkhart RV Dealer Open House event. At the Relaxation Station, dealers can schedule a complimentary massage with a trained massage therapist or stop in for a first-come-first-serve experience in a zero-gravity therapeutic massage chair.
“We’re excited to provide a place for dealers to unplug during a demanding week,” said Nicole Armstrong, vice president of corporate initiatives. “Our last Relaxation Station was a smashing success – full capacity the entire week – so we knew we had to bring it to Elkhart.”
The first Relaxation Station debuted at the Marine Retailers Association of America (MRAA) Dealer Week in December 2023. Over 300 people visited the Relaxation Station in three days.
To visit the Priority One Relaxation Station, head inside the building at the Forest River Expo, located just past the bar on the left. To reserve a 15-minute complimentary appointment with a massage therapist today, visit p1fs.com/relax.
ALLEGHENY TOWNSHIP, Pa. – Multiple trailers caught fire overnight at the Camping World RV Sales location along Rt. 356 in Westmoreland County, which is about 30 miles northeast of Pittsburgh, according to a report by KDKA, the CBS television affiliate based in Pittsburgh. The fires broke out just after 4:30 a.m. on Wednesday in the rear lot behind the building. Allegheny Township Police Chief Daniel Uncapher tells KDKA that 14 campers were involved as well as one Mercedes-Benz van.
America’s Largest RV Show, one of just two manufacturer shows in the country, will have nearly 1,500 RVs on display from 40 manufacturers. From the small pop-up campers and travel trailers to the large fifth-wheels and Class A motorhomes, the show has something for every RVer. All the RVs on display are new and include the 2025 model year with the newest designs, layout and technology.
The show will include several new manufacturers this year. Bontrager Outdoors, formerly Braxton Creek, will display its new line of travel trailers. Storyteller Overland will exhibit its off-grid ready Class B Vans and Class C Adventure Truck. Park models are back this year with Great Outdoor Cottages and Woodland Park each displaying two of their most recent models.
Heather Leach
“We’re so excited to be back at the GIANT CenterSM for our 55th year,” said Heather Leach, PRVCA executive director. “We have an excellent selection of RVs, seminars and booth vendors. Consumers are sure to find something that interests them at the show and gets them excited about RVing.”
Nearly 200 booth vendors will be on hand to offer the newest products, accessories and services for RVers. There is also a wealth of information on campground and vacation destinations.
Industry professionals will present seminars with tips on buying an RV, maintenance, safety, travel, exploring Alaska and the national parks; full-timing, dry camping, RVing in retirement, maintenance, electricity, safety and more.
The show will feature expanded meet and greet opportunities with digital content creators. Consumers can meet their favorite social media influencers during the Meet and Greets set for Thursday – Saturday.
Starting Sept. 1, consumers can register to win a new 2025 Flagstaff Tent Camper, sponsored by Forest River and Keystone RV Center. The unit, worth more than $9,000, will be on display at the main entrance gate in front of the GIANT Center.
They can also register for a new product giveaway this year. Isotherm by Indel Webasto Marine is giving away a CRUISE 226L Refrigerator/Freezer and Blu Technology is giving away an Adventure Series RV Water Filtration System. Contest registration begins September 1. Visit the product sponsors to see the products on display.
The Scavenger Hunt through the America’s Largest RV Showapp is back again this year. Attendees can use the app to scan QR codes at the designated sponsors located throughout the show. After they visit all the locations, they can enter the prize drawing for an Escapees RV Club RVers Online University access or a $50 Visa gift card, sponsored by Escapees RV Club. Everyone who finishes the scavenger hunt receives a sweet treat, while supplies last.
There will be food trucks outside and Hershey vendors open inside the GIANT Center. They offer a variety of foods from standard burgers and fries to crab cakes and Mexican fare.
The show is open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sept. 11-14, and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sept. 15. Parking is free and children under 12 are free. For more information, visit largestRVshow.com. PRVCA reminds consumers to only buy tickets from the show website and not third-party websites.
Sponsors
PRVCA thanks the 2024 Hershey America’s Largest RV Showsponsors: American Coach, Fleetwood RV, Holiday Rambler, Grand Design, Grech RV, Progressive, and The RV Shop, platinum sponsors. Alliance, Battle Born Batteries, Beckley’s RVs, Harvest Hosts, Jayco and Roadtrek, gold sponsors; Blu Technology, Ember RV, General RV Center, Keystone RV Company, Meyer’s RV, and Northern Lite, silver sponsors; and Adventure Caravans, Escapees RV Club, and Wilkins RV, bronze sponsors. Forest River and Keystone RV Center are the RV giveaway sponsors; and Indel Webasto Marine and Blu Technology, are product giveaway sponsors. Also, thanks to Brinkley RV, bag giveaway sponsors; and Progressive, transportation sponsor.
About PRVCA
The Pennsylvania Recreation Vehicle and Camping Association represents nearly 400 RV dealers, manufacturers, campgrounds and affiliated members who are interested in expanding and improving the RV and camping industry in Pennsylvania. Proceeds from the show go back into the industry to support education. Visit prvca.org for more information.
