Editor’s Note: The following information was provided by Phil Elam, Phil Elam, executive director of the Texas Recreational Vehicle Association.
SAN ANTONIO, Texas – The 50th Annual TRVA Convention, August 16-19, was truly a salute to the 50 years which have passed since the organization was founded.
During the President’s Dinner, which is always one of the highlights of the convention, a video montage was played featuring all the past presidents and many photographs from conventions and other events of the past. Several past presidents attended the event including Elton Cordell (1988-89), Ron Hoover (1997-98), Albert de la Garza (2002-04), Kevin White (2004-06 & 2020-22), Steve Spearing (2009-10 & 2022-24), Diana LeBlanc-Link (2011-13), J.T. Bowyer (2013-15), John Crouch (2015-16), Peggy Johnson-Lee (2016-17), and P.J. Buerger (2017-18). Two past presidents, Ed Wilkins and Teri Krauss, sent heartfelt messages which Convention Chair Bill Koster, Protective Asset Protection, read to the audience.
The convention was held at La Cantera Resort and Spa in San Antonio and included a golf tournament, skeet shooting event, several networking and social events, and plenty of fun was had in the hospitality suite. Most everyone was delighted with the service, quality of the food and banquet services, and La Cantera’s many swimming pools which offered a great diversion from the day-to-day RV dealership operation and Texas heat.
Ron Hoelzer Receives Bill White Award
The prestigious Bill White Award, which many would agree is the association’s highest award and recognition, was presented by Kevin White, United RV, Fort Worth, to one of the founding members of the association Ron Hoelzer.
Ron, who sold Lloyd’s Camper Sales and retired two years ago, could not attend the convention. Kevin and his wife, Tami, drove to Orange to present the award to Ron at his home. Ron has served the association in numerous capacities and only three years ago was serving on the TRVA Board of Directors.
He had received all the recognitions which the association could grant but one and that was the Bill White Award which he now possesses. Congratulations Ron and thank you, Kevin and Tami, for making the trip to present the award to Ron.
Stacy Rist Receives Presidential Award
President Steve Spearing, Crestview RV Superstore, Selma, presented Stacy Rist, Bennett’s Camping Center, Granbury, with a Presidential Award for her dedication to the association over the past several years as a Dealer Representative, Park Representative and as Treasurer of the association.
Stacy’s family business has recently celebrated its 52nd anniversary and her parents are still active in the business. Congratulations Stacy.
Government Relations Luncheon
The annual Government Relations Luncheon was held with two speakers outlining numerous items of interest. TRVA’s Director of Government Relations Mark Borskey spoke about our engagement with the Office of Consumer Credit Commissioner (OCCC) and the increase in the Doc Fees for 348 Licensees ($150 to $225) and 345 Registrations ($125 to $200). Mark addressed several issues of interest for members and as always, displayed his knowledge of the political system in Texas.
The keynote address was delivered by Executive Director of the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV) Daniel Avitia. His presentation did not require any audio-visual accompaniment for as an accomplished speaker, he kept the audience most interested in what he had to say.
Daniel walked the audience through some of the past issues of the TxDMV and how the agency will continue going forward. After the luncheon, Daniel met with several dealers who had specific issues or concerns and post-convention it has been reported that those issues were followed up by TxDMV staff to the delight of those who expressed their concerns.
Convention Educational Content
The convention always features its educational content as a primary reason for dealers and their suppliers to attend and 2024 was no exception. From RECT to employee training to risk exposure to dealership safety, TRVA crammed, yes crammed a great deal of information into the convention. We want to say thank you to RVDA’s Jeff Kurowski, RVIA’s Jason Rano, KPA’s Amanda Rawls, Higginbotham Dealer Services Keith Pryde and Philip Vela, National RV Training Academy’s Terry Cooper, Covideo’s Clinton Corbin, Garry Enyart representing the Repair Event Cycle Time efforts of RVDA, Mark Borskey and Daniel Avitia who were mentioned previously and the panel which featured representative from all the membership segments.
As we like to say, if an attendee can just leave the convention with one idea or bit of knowledge they can take back to their businesses and implement, the cost of the convention is an investment in their business and not an expense.
Chris Hoover Installed as TRVA President
Chris Hoover, Ron Hoover RV & Marine was installed as the new TRVA president during the Annual Membership Meeting on Monday, August 19th. Chris grew up in the RV industry and is the second member of his family, following in the footsteps of his father Ron Hoover, to lead the association. Chris has served on the TRVA board as a Dealer Representative and as Vice President prior to his election as President.
Serving along with Chris will be newly installed Vice President Lance Stewart, RV Land, Kyle, Secretary/Treasurer Jason Calkins, Clear Creek RVs, Abilene, Dealer Representative Juan Tejeda, PPL Motorhomes, Houston and Service & Repair Representative Todd Henson, National RV Training Academy, Athens.
Serving with these newly elected members of the board will be Immediate Past President Steve Spearing, Crestview RV Superstore, Selma, Dealer Representative Larry Troutt III, Toppers Camping Center, Waller, Ben Notgrass, AmercaGo RV, Seguin, Manufacturer Representative Zach Rininger, Forest River, Austin, Finance Representative Thad Nance, U.S. Bank, Wimberley, Insurance Representative Erich Essick, Higginbotham Dealer Services, Dallas and Supplier Representative Derek Weaver, NTP-Stag, Flower Mound.
Committee chairs include Show Committee Chair Rob Wing, Higginbotham Dealer Services, Dallas, Membership Chair Ron Hoover, Ron Hoover RV & Marine, Rockport, Education Committee Chair Amanda Rawls, KPA, Austin and Convention Committee Chair Bill Koster, Protective Asset Protection, San Marcos.
Rounding out the board is TRVA Austin Chapter President P.J. Buerger, Princess Craft, Round Rock.
Immediate Past President Kevin White installed the new TRVA Board of Directors and chaired the Nominating Committee composed of seven of the association’s past presidents.
Future Convention Dates
During the convention’s Annual Membership Meeting, a discussion was held about future dates of the association’s annual convention which was being planned for Fort Worth in 2025 and 2026. After several comments were aired, a motion was made to have the convention remain at La Cantera Resort & Spa for the 2025 and 2026 dates. The motion to remain at La Cantera passed with no dissenters and TRVA’s Events and Marketing Director Gracie Grazier immediately began conversing with La Cantera for available dates and to see if any potential negotiations could benefit the association or its members when visiting the resort. Gracie is pleased to announce the following dates have been set for the next two conventions.
A Final Tribute to Our Sponsors
We’ve said it time and time again that TRVA could not produce this annual event without the support of our many contributing sponsors. So, as we say goodby to the 50th Annual TRVA Convention, please allow one additional listing and an expression of thanks to the following companies who contributed their funds, networked with dealers, and added their collective personalities to our annual event.
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