HERSHEY, Pa. – Consumers queued up this morning outside the Hershey GIANT Center as the Pennsylvania Recreational Vehicle and Camping Association (PRVCA) kicked off the 55th Annual America’s Largest RV Show.
“I think we’re going to have a really great event,” said Heather Leach PRVCA Executive Director during a recent RVBusiness Capitol Talk interview. “Of course we’re sold out again in both manufacturer space and booth vendor space, so that’s always really great. We did manage to get a couple of new manufacturers into the show this year.”
While every major RV builder exhibits at Hersyey, the new-to-Hersey OEMs are Storyteller Overland and ATC trailers, and, Leach said, the show will have displays from two park-model builders – Woodland Park and Great Outdoor Cottabes – the first appearance of park models since 2019.
The show is open from Sept. 11-14, from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sept. 15 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and will feature everything from pop-up campers to Class A motorhomes with nearly 1,500 RVs on site representing 40 manufacturers.
Along with a comprehensive selection of RVs to explore, Leach said the show also offers RV-related seminars and booth vendors. Also on hand will be food trucks and vendors offering a variety of cuisine from burgers and fries to crab cakes.
ELKHART, Ind. – With an impressive hike in nominations and applications, the 2024 RVBusiness Top 50 Dealer Awards are again raising the bar in terms of RV retailing with today’s announcement of the latest round of Top 50 retailers highlighted by five exemplary “Blue Ribbon” dealers plus three special honorees.
The Top 50’s fundamental approach hasn’t changed since Day One; RV manufacturers are invited to nominate their best RV-retailing dealer partners, and this year well over 200 such nominations were received.
Nominated retailers are then encouraged to complete application forms for review by an anonymous, independent panel of industry judges – 12 of whom stepped up after this past Labor Day weekend for a rather intense day-and-a-half session at Elkhart’s RV/MH Hall of Fame, where they reviewed the applicants’ submissions to determine the final list of Top 50 dealers and special award designees.
“The big takeaway I have is just the quality of applications this year,” said RVB Chief Operating Officer Scott Stropkai near the end of the Sept. 5 final selections. “It was painful for the judges who had to drop some people that they know are worthy of Top 50 honors, but it just didn’t happen this year for some of them. And then there’s the five Blue Ribbon designees; I heard the judges felt that there were easily 10 to 15 dealers who could have qualified as Blue Ribbon dealers. So, that is great to see.”
The awards are to be presented at 5:30 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 13, at a reception and ceremony during the 2024 RV Dealers Convention/Expo at Paris Las Vegas.
The high profile, 14-year-old program – which is facilitated by RVBusiness magazine and coordinated by BJ Thompson & Associates – is sponsored by Airxcel, Brown & Brown Dealer Services, Cummins Inc., GE Appliances, Genesis Products, NTP/STAG, Northpoint Commercial Finance, Protective Asset Protection, RV Trader and Wells Fargo Inventory Finance.
So, while RVB will take a closer look at things in tomorrow’s (Sept. 11) Top 50 follow-up posting, below is 2024’s alphabetical roster of Top 50 dealers with the five Blue Ribbon and three special award honorees receiving special recognition in bold type:
The 2024 Blue Ribbon Awards recipients are: Beaver Coach Sales & Service, Bucars RV Centre, Fraserway RV, Moix RV Supercenter and Princess Craft RV.
Meanwhile, the first-ever ShermanGoldenberg Digital Excellence Award sponsored by RV Trader went to Walnut Ridge Family RV Sales, while Campers Inn RV was singled out for the Gaylord Maxwell Innovation Award sponsored by Airxcel, and Curtis Trailers was selected for the Arthur J. Decio Humanitarian Award sponsored by Wells Fargo Inventory Finance.
The “Camper Report Show” is a weekly feature of Camper Report, which is part of the RV LIFE family of RVing websites that provide RV forums, RV trip planning tools and mobile apps, and one of the largest campground databases around. Co-hosted by Bob Zagami and John DiPietro – RV industry veterans in their own right – the Camper Report Show has partnered with RVBusiness by providing RV industry insider information supplied exclusively by RVB.
This week its time for a deep dive into the upcoming Hershey RV show with organizer Heather Leach of the Pennsylvania RV and Camping Association (PRVCA). See what to expect from America’s Largest RV show! John also catches up with the CEO of Bowlus for an in-depth look at the Rivet model, tow options, and how it fits in the expanding RV market.
ELKHART, Ind. ─ Lippert Components Inc. (Lippert) has been awarded the 5 Star AchieveWELL designation through The Wellness Council of Indiana, according to a release.
As the sole recipient of the 5 Star AchieveWELL designation for 2024, Lippert leads the way in workplace wellness. This prestigious award honors organizations that exhibit exceptional leadership, cultivate a supportive environment, and achieve measurable improvements in team member health and well-being. The Wellness Council of Indiana recognizes Lippert’s effort to exceed these standards through a comprehensive range of wellness programs, including health screenings, fitness challenges, mental health resources, and wellness coaching.
Attaining the 5 Star status marks a significant milestone, building on the company’s 3 Star designation in 2022 and 4 Star designation in 2023. This advancement highlights Lippert’s commitment to integrating wellness into every facet of its culture, leadership, and team member experience. Through intentional programming, Lippert empowers team members and ensures equitable access to wellness benefits, resources, and tools. This dedication underscores the belief that holistic well-being enhances the ability to lead, contribute, and make a positive impact.
“As a large employer in the state of Indiana, we are proud to lead the way with our health and wellness efforts,” said Ellen Lowe, Director of Health and Well-Being at Lippert. “This recognition affirms that our initiative is making an impact on the lives of our team members and their families, in the communities where we live, work, and play, and on the customers we serve. We’re committed to our team members’ well-being because they are the heart and soul of Lippert. We are here to support them every step of the way.”
“We are honored to recognize Lippert as a 5 Star AchieveWELL company by the Wellness Council of Indiana,” said Jennifer Pferrer, Executive Director, Wellness Council of Indiana. “This distinction is a testament to their unwavering commitment to creating a healthier, more productive workplace. Lippert has demonstrated exceptional dedication to the well-being of their employees, fostering a culture of wellness that truly sets them apart. We applaud their efforts and look forward to seeing their continued success in promoting health and well-being within their organization.”
Lippert believes that clearly defined health and wellness initiatives are crucial for fostering team member engagement and enhancing organizational performance. Promoting and supporting team member wellness is central to the mission of creating a world where people lead healthier, happier lives, both at work and in the community.
Lippert’s commitment to wellness will be further acknowledged at the 2024 Indiana Wellness Summit, which will take place September 12-13 at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis.
About The Wellness Council of Indiana
The Wellness Council of Indiana (WCI) works collaboratively to positively impact the economic vitality of the state of Indiana by evaluating and guiding workplaces and communities through the development of their own comprehensive health and wellness strategy.
About Lippert
From over 140 manufacturing and distribution facilities located throughout North America, Africa, and Europe, Lippert supplies a broad array of highly engineered components for the leading manufacturers of recreational vehicles, automobiles, watercraft, and prefab homes. It also operates in adjacent markets, including hospitality, transportation, construction, and agriculture. Lippert serves a wide range of aftermarket segments, providing high-quality products for the recreational vehicle / caravanning, automotive, and marine industries. With over 12,500 team members and a diverse portfolio of best-in-class brands, Lippert adopts a team-based business philosophy and has proven that, by putting people first, the possibilities for growth, and development are truly endless.
On Sept. 5, 2024, the EPA announced that the reporting period for PFAS under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) Section 8(a)(7) would be delayed to July 11, 2025, through Jan. 11, 2026, according to a News & Insights report by the RV Industry Association (RVIA). Originally scheduled for Nov. 12, 2024, to May 8, 2025, the new extension allows businesses more time to comply with the requirements for reporting per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).
Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS), also known as “forever chemicals”, are a class of man-made chemicals used in countless consumer products that are most known for their material properties such as resistance to water, oil, friction, and increased durability. The strong carbon-fluorine bonds of PFAS make some of them resistant to degradation and thus highly persistent in the environment. Some of these chemicals have been used for decades in a wide variety of consumer and industrial products. Products used within the RV industry that may contain PFAS, include but are not limited to: textile articles, carpets, rugs, fabric treatment, furnishings, upholstery, flame retardants, adhesives, solar components, and semiconductors.
The RV industry encourages our members to continue working diligently toward compliance with the EPA’s TSCA Section 8(a)(7) Reporting and Record Keeping Rule. This includes working to obtain material disclosures from your supply chain, dating back to January 1, 2011. By ensuring transparency and gathering detailed information on PFAS in materials, manufacturers can better align with federal regulations while also preparing for the upcoming extended reporting deadline. It is essential that members engage their suppliers to provide accurate, historical data to help meet these standards and avoid potential compliance issues.
The RV Industry Association’s Government Affairs Team created a Resources Hub on PFAS issues at both the Federal and State levels. The Hub includes one-pagers, articles, and a legislative tracker to help you stay informed about the latest PFAS developments and news.
FAIRFAX, Va. – RVDA welcomes back Airxcel as a silver partner for the 2024 RV Dealers Convention/Expo, the organization announced today in a press release.
The Convention/Expo will take place Nov. 11-15 at Paris Las Vegas and is sponsored by RVDA of U.S., RVDA of Canada and the Mike Molino RV Learning Center.
“Having Airxcel back for this year as a partner for the Convention/Expo is particularly gratifying,” said Convention/Expo Committee Chair Chris Andro, Hemlock Hill RV Sales, Southington, CT. “Seeing one of the growing vendors in the industry spend some of its hard-earned money to help support the event gives us confidence that we are headed in the right direction with our education and networking programs.”
“Airxcel has had a busy year focused on growth. We have grown our product lines plus our footprint but have never lost focus on dealer support and training,” said Airxcel President and CEO Anthony Wollschlager. “Our sponsorship of RVDA reinforces our commitment to our dealer partners.”
The convention allows North America’s top dealership personnel to forge valuable connections with peers, industry leaders, and potential business partners in the Expo. Dealership professionals can expand their network and gain insights from the best in the RV industry.
The dealer-organized RVDA Convention will provide an in-depth look into the current sales landscape. Attendees will have access to valuable resources to optimize all departments within a dealership, including fixed operations.
To register for the 2024 RV Dealers Convention/Expo click here. Regular updates will be posted on the convention website, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X.
Companies interested in partnership or sponsorship opportunities can contact Julie Newhouse at (703) 364-5518 or email[email protected].
The RV Women’s Alliance (RVWA) announces the finalists for its prestigious annual awards, recognizing outstanding women and companies who are shaping the future of the RV industry. From a pool of over 60 impressive nominations, these finalists represent the best of the best in leadership, innovation, and dedication to empowering women in the RV industry.
“These award finalists are a powerful testament to the impact women are making on this industry and the unwavering support they receive from individuals and companies who champion their success,” said RV Women’s Alliance Board Member and Awards Taskforce Chair Monika Geraci. “Reading the many nominations was incredibly inspiring, and we are honored to recognize the remarkable achievements and influence of these individuals and companies.”
Below is a description of each award and the award finalists.
Trailblazer Award For Lifetime Achievement
The RV Women’s Alliance Trailblazer Award For Lifetime Achievement recognizes women who have made significant contributions to the RV industry’s advancement while also paving the way for other women to follow in her path. The RV Women’s Alliance’s highest honor, the Trailblazer Award For Lifetime Achievement is presented annually to an RV Women’s Alliance individual member.
Award Finalists:
Cammy Pierson, Curtis Trailers
Jennifer Zachary, Transport US
Lori Severson, Severson and Associates
Stacy Setty, Optronics INT
Champion of Women Award
The RV Women’s Alliance Champion of Women Awards recognize those who embody the Alliance’s mission to elevate, educate, and promote women in the RV industry. Finalists of the Champion of Women award have made it part of their daily efforts to make the RV industry a place where women thrive. Recognizing those making the biggest difference for women in the RV industry, the Champion of Women Award is awarded annually to both an individual and a company.
Individual Award Finalists:
Alissa Reyes, Thetford
Angie Biritz, Lippert
Ashley Hand, General RV Center
Jil Littlejohn Bostick, Winnebago Industries
Kelly Mosher, Forest River Inc.
Laura Dobbs, General RV Center
Renee Jones, THOR Industries
Company Award Finalists:
Broadmoor RV Superstore
Byerly RV
Century Chemical
Grand Design RV
RV Trader
Leader of Tomorrow Award
The RV Women’s Alliance Leader of Tomorrow Award recognizes women who are making a big impact on the RV industry during the beginning stages of her career. The future of the RV industry depends on the cultivation of strong, creative, and hardworking women who will become tomorrow’s leaders in the RV industry. Recognizing the up and comers in the industry, the Leader of Tomorrow Award is presented annually to an RV Women’s Alliance individual member.
Award Finalists:
Alicia Gewinner, General RV Center
Amelia Sheckler, Winnebago
Analli Munoz, Grand Design RV
April Clark, Alliance RV
Becky Sheats, Thetford
Lindsey Bradley, Grand Design
Stacey Curtis, General RV Center
Join the RV Women’s Alliance in Celebrating!
The winners will be announced at the highly anticipated Awards Dinner on Thursday, October 17, during the RV Women’s Alliance Education Symposium. Stay tuned for more detailed announcements highlighting the accomplishments of each finalist in the coming weeks.
Tickets for the Awards Dinner and full symposium are still available! Secure your spot at this inspiring event and celebrate the achievements of these incredible women and companies. Learn more and purchase tickets here.
ELKHART, Ind. – THOR Industries, Inc. (NYSE: THO) today announced that the date for its fiscal 2024 fourth quarter earnings release will be Sept. 24, 2024.
Upon the release of THOR’s fiscal 2024 fourth quarter earnings, the company will concurrently publish a copy of the earnings release, a comprehensive question and answer document and a slide presentation on the company’s website. To view the quarterly earnings documents, please go to http://ir.thorindustries.com/.
THOR is the sole owner of operating companies which, combined, represent the world’s largest manufacturer of recreational vehicles. For more information on the company and its products, please go to www.thorindustries.com.
BILLINGS, Mont. – Kampgrounds of America, Inc. (KOA) has announced in a press release that franchisee Mark Lemoine will join the corporate executive team as Senior Vice President, Franchise Operations.
Mark Lemoine
Lemoine has owned and operated the Coloma/St. Joseph KOA Holiday in southwest Michigan since 2016. He is an active franchisee, having founded a 20-group, engaged as a member of the KOA Owners Association, and presently serves on the Care Camps Foundation board of directors. Before buying a franchise, Mark amassed over thirty years of experience in government affairs and business consulting.
“It’s been an incredible journey filled with faith, risk, hard work and the reward of serving our guests,” said Lemoine. “I’m honored to have demonstrated that the American Dream is alive and well, and to now have the opportunity to contribute to the growth, innovation and success of my fellow KOA franchisees as we collectively provide millions of travelers with exceptional camping and outdoor experiences.”
Mark is highly active in the Southwest Michigan business community and has chaired the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber for the past four years. His close proximity to Elkhart, Indiana – the heart of the nation’s RV manufacturing – will benefit KOA’s long-standing partnerships with the broader RV industry.
“I am thrilled to be adding Mark’s critical franchise perspective and business acumen to our senior team,” said Toby O’Rourke, president and CEO of Kampgrounds of America, Inc. “Mark is well respected in our system and the broader industry. His leadership will help cement the critical partnerships between corporate and the franchise system which makes KOA so successful. He embodies our company’s values of entrepreneurship, customer-centricity, and passion – all traits he naturally possesses and will further cement in our business.”
Lemoine’s hiring was announced alongside the news that Darin Uselman, KOA’s current chief operations officer, will leave at the year’s end to pursue ministry. During Darin’s tenure at KOA, he oversaw franchise operations as well as the operations and development of the company’s owned portfolio. As of now, there are no announced leadership changes to the owned side of the business.
“Darin has been a critical contributor to our business,” said O’Rourke. “I’m grateful to have partnered with him these past seven years. We are a better company because of his leadership, and I support him fully as he embarks on this new, important journey.”
PORTLAND, Ore.– Daimler Truck North America LLC (DTNA) has appointed T.J. Reed to the position of president and CEO of Freightliner Custom Chassis Corp (FCCC) and Thomas Built Buses (TBB), effective Sept. 9. In his new role, Reed will be responsible for all aspects of the TBB and FCCC brands at DTNA, including strategy, sales and operations. He succeeds Kevin Bangston, who was recently appointed CEO and president of Daimler Truck Financial Services (DTFS) North America.
Reed, currently president of Daimler Truck Remarketing (DTR) and the SelecTrucks brand, has over 25 years of experience in the truck manufacturing industry. He joined Daimler Truck in 1998 as a custom application engineer for vocational trucks and has since held various leadership roles in product marketing and strategy, as well as pricing and P&L responsibility within DTNA. Reed also spent six years outside the company with Meritor Inc., where he held several senior leadership positions, including vice president of Global Business Development for Electrification.
“T.J.’s broad experience across the industry, as well as his exceptional customer focus, makes him the perfect fit for this role,” stated Jeff Allen, senior vice president, operations and Specialty Vehicles, DTNA. “His expertise and personality will enable him to drive innovation and growth for both companies.”
“We’re excited to have T.J. at the helm of these specialty vehicle business units. His extensive industry knowledge and exceptional leadership skills will further strengthen and drive the success of both FCCC and TBB,” said John O’Leary, president and CEO of DTNA. “With his vision and holistic approach to operations he will be a valuable asset to these already strong businesses – and help continue to pave the way to sustainable transportation.”
Reed holds an MBA from Michigan State University and earned a bachelor’s degree in business and history from Muskingum University.
Reed will remain responsible for DTR and will continue to support the team until his successor is named.
About Freightliner Custom Chassis Corporation
Freightliner Custom Chassis Corp. (FCCC) is a leading manufacturer of gas, diesel and alternative-fuel chassis for the medium-duty pick-up and delivery markets. FCCC supports its industry-leading chassis with a comprehensive suite of services, including 24/7 factory direct support, a nationwide service network with more than 400 dealers in the U.S. and Canada, and an official customer-support mobile app. FCCC also manufactures chassis for the motor home, school bus and shuttle bus markets. FCCC is a subsidiary of Daimler Truck North America LLC, a leading provider of comprehensive products and technologies for the commercial transportation industry. The company designs, engineers, manufactures and markets medium- and heavy-duty trucks, school buses, vehicle chassis and their associated technologies and components under the Freightliner, Western Star, Thomas Built Buses, Freightliner Custom Chassis Corp and Detroit brands. Daimler Truck North America is a subsidiary of Daimler Truck Holding AG (DTG), one of the world’s leading commercial vehicle manufacturers. For more information, visit fccccommercial.com or call 1-800-FTL-HELP.
About Thomas Built Buses
Founded in 1916, Thomas Built Buses is a leading manufacturer of school buses in North America. Since the first Thomas Built bus rolled off the assembly line, the company has been committed to delivering the smartest and most innovative buses in North America. Thomas Built Buses, Inc., headquartered in High Point, North Carolina, is a subsidiary of Daimler Truck North America LLC, a leading provider of comprehensive products and technologies for the commercial transportation industry. The company designs, engineers, manufactures and markets medium- and heavy-duty trucks, school buses, vehicle chassis and their associated technologies and components under the Freightliner, Western Star, Thomas Built Buses, Freightliner Custom Chassis Corp and Detroit brands. Daimler Truck North America is a subsidiary of Daimler Truck, one of the world’s leading commercial vehicle manufacturers. Learn more at https://thomasbuiltbuses.com or at https://www.facebook.com/thomasbuiltbuses.
About Daimler Truck North America
Daimler Truck North America LLC, headquartered in Portland, Oregon, is a leading provider of comprehensive products and technologies for the commercial transportation industry. Daimler Truck North America designs, engineers, manufactures and markets medium- and heavy-duty trucks, school buses, vehicle chassis and their associated technologies and components under the Freightliner, Western Star, Thomas Built Buses, Freightliner Custom Chassis Corp and Detroit brands. Daimler Truck North America is a subsidiary of Daimler Truck Holding AG (DTG), one of the world’s leading commercial vehicle manufacturers.
supplies a broad array of highly engineered components for the leading manufacturers of recreational vehicles, automobiles, watercraft, and prefab homes. It also operates in adjacent markets, including hospitality, transportation, construction, and agriculture. Lippert serves a wide range of aftermarket segments, providing high-quality products for the recreational vehicle / caravanning, automotive, and marine industries. With over 12,500 team members and a diverse portfolio of best-in-class brands, Lippert
