Attendees listen to Florida RV Trade Association President Dave Kelly.
ORLANDO – The Florida RV Trade Association (FRVTA) convention got underway today at the Renaissance Hotel Orlando at Sea World with FRVTA Executive Director Dave Kelly welcoming those in attendance, introducing his staff and thanking sponsors.
Kelly then introduced Harold Oehler, of Oehler Mediation, who presented a sequel to last year’s popular mock trial event. This year, “The Dealership Strikes Back” mock trial showed what happens when the dealership does everything right.
Prior to the convention opening, Kelly told RVBusiness that attendance is down a bit from last year.
“We kind of expected it the way things are, but we had a great reception last night and we have a good room full of people this morning for our general session.” he said. “People come to have a great time. They get a lot of useful information.”
He said travel and conventions can get put on the back burner for a lot of businesses during slower economic times.
Dave Kelly introduces members of the FRVTA staff,
“It’s the election year. It’s interest rates. We’re hoping that if they drop the rates maybe that will start spurring things,” Kelly said. “Someone said the biggest fear people have is uncertainty. Right now, we’re uncertain who’s going to be the president, we’re uncertain about the market, we’re uncertain about the economy.”
But regarding the conference he said, “We have some great speakers and great breakouts, and I think the people that are here are really going to enjoy it and get something out of it.”
On tap following Oehler’s presentation were updates from all facets of the RV industry including RV Dealers Association President Phil Ingrassia, RV Industry Association Vice President of Government Affairs Jason Rano, RV Technical Institute Executive Directory Curt Hemmeler and Florida RV Park and Campground Association President Bobby Cornwell.
Event sponsors are:
Bronze – General RV, Keller Marine, Thor Motor Coach, Highstreet Williams and Stazzone Insurance
Silver – FRVTA Region 1, FRVTA Region 3, M&T Bank
Gold – Brown & Brown Dealer Services, FRVTA Region 7, Grand Design, Jayco, New Frontier Products, NTP-Stagg, Wells Fargo
Platinum – Bank of America, Forest River, FRVTA Region 6
RVBusiness will have full coverage of the annual FRVTA conference on Monday.
ELKHART, Ind. – With the 14th Annual Forest River Expo just around the corner, Forest River Inc. announces its Expo headliners – rising country music stars Ella Langley and Nate Smith. The two dynamic country music talents will entertain on two separate nights as part of Forest River’s weeklong presentation of its 2025 product line, an event that takes place in conjunction with the Elkhart RV Open House, Sept. 23-26, at various locations in and around Elkhart, Ind.
Ella Langley, known for her gritty, heartfelt lyrics and powerhouse vocals, has been making waves on the country music scene with hits like “Country Boy’s Dream Girl” (see video below) and “That’s Why We Fight.” Ella brings an authentic, nostalgic sound to her music and has earned a loyal fan base through social media, making her one of country music’s most exciting new artists. She is set to take the Forest River Expo Stage on Tuesday, Sept. 24.
Nate Smith
Nate Smith, who burst onto the country music scene a few short years ago. Nate’s soulful lyrics and velvet vocals helped him earn two number one songs on the 2023 Billboard Country Airplay Chart, “Whiskey On You” (see video below) and “World On Fire.” The AMC Award Winner has filled his days on tour alongside Thomas Rhett, Cole Swindell, and Morgan Wallen and is set to grace the Forest River Expo Stage on Wednesday, Sept. 25.
“Open House is something very special for everyone here at Forest River, and we knew that bringing in two of country music’s brightest stars would make the event even more memorable,” said Forest River CEO Pete Liegl.
The 2024 Forest River Expo is held at its East To West production facility and is open by invitation only. The event showcases the latest innovations from Forest River’s wide range of RVs, as well as its pontoons and commercial products.
In addition to food and beverages tents and evening entertainment, dealers can:
Attend workshops with representatives from Parts & Service and Warranty. Connect with representatives from Finance and Marketing.
Schedule a 15-minute massage at the Priority One “Relaxation Station” – a tropical oasis created by Priority One Financial Services, a full-service finance company and Forest River partner. (To reserve a 15-minute complimentary appointment with a massage therapist, visit www.plfs.com/relax .)
WIXOM, Mich. – General RV Center is helping families make memories in the great outdoors by giving away free RVs and reducing prices by millions for the next three months online and in its 18 locations nationwide, according to a release.
Beginning this month, General RV, the largest family-owned RV dealership in the United States, will kick off its “America Needs A Vacation” program that includes the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for lucky customers to get the keys to a new travel trailer. Now campers will find the greatest discounts ever offered in the company’s more than 60-year history on its entire RV inventory.
Chris Davis
“As a family-owned RV dealership, it is at our core to prioritize time spent with family embracing one of America’s favorite pastimes – camping,” said General RV President Chris Davis. “Our company’s mission is centered on making lifelong, treasured memories with your family. And if we can help families head out on that camping trip or adventure together, we’re going to do whatever it takes. Even if that means giving away free RVs.”
In an effort to ensure Americans pay less and vacation more, the program also includes a companywide Price Drop Zone where they will find more than 5,000 motorhomes, camper vans, travel trailers and fifth wheels at thousands of dollars less. These Prize Zones will be hosted online at generalrv.com and in-store at all of General RV’s 18 locations in Michigan, Florida, Ohio, Virginia, Illinois, Utah and Pennsylvania. Additionally, 48-Hour Flash Sales will be offered with even lower prices on RVs throughout the “America Needs A Vacation” event.
Founded in Michigan in 1962, General RV Center is the nation’s premier RV dealer. The company operates 14 full-service dealerships in Michigan, Illinois, Ohio, Virginia, Florida, Utah and Pennsylvania. Each location offers a large selection of RVs for sale, RV service facilities and retail RV parts and accessories. Visit GeneralRV.com for more information.
The rising popularity of RVs and campsites is increasing the demand for a range of vehicles, according to a release from National Powersport Auctions (NPA). Financial experts predict that the North American Recreational Vehicle Market will continue to grow over the next five years. Dealers can address some challenges related to RV wholesale inventory by making use of auctions.
RV Pre-Owned Remarketing
NPA has expanded its services to accommodate the rise in pre-owned inventory and better serve dealers by providing more space and auctions. RV dealers can take advantage of 11 monthly auctions found in the 2024 NPA calendar. NPA members can preview the inventory online and attend designated preview days held the day before each live auction. There is also NPA eSale, where RV and camper inventory is available 24/7. The comprehensive NPA Condition Reports assist NPA members to buy and sell with confidence.
Businesses can register to purchase through all NPA auction platforms. Registration is simple — sign up online or contact the NPA Dealer Registration department at 888.292.5339, ext. 923301, or via email at [email protected].
In addition to buying inventory, NPA can assist with liquidating any unwanted or taken-on-trade RV or camper inventory. To consign RV inventory, contact your area’s NPA territory sales manager for auction information.
Upcoming Auctions
Consider incorporating auctions into your RV inventory management plan. Go to the NPA RV webpage for information, such as visiting NPA at booth #139 at the upcoming Elkhart RV Dealer Open House, Sept. 23-25, 2024.
September 2024 Auctions
NPA Atlanta Sept. 6
NPA San Diego Sept. 6
NPA Cincinnati Sept. 11
NPA Denver Sept. 12
NPA Dallas Sept. 13
NPA Philadelphia Sept. 18
NPA Sacramento Sept. 19
NPA Atlanta Sept. 20
NPA Cincinnati Sept. 25
NPA Lakeland Sept. 26
NPA Dallas Sept. 27
NPA Portland inventory is available during the NPA Sacramento auctions.
2021 Thor Motor Coach M-24rRW V6 Sprinter Delano Series2023 Forest River M-DBH Grey Wolf Series2022 A Liner Ranger 102022 CrossRoads M-242 BH Sunset Trail Super Lite Series
From RVIA: The RV Industry Association (RVIA) celebrated its 50th anniversary on Tuesday, June 5, during RVs Move America Week.
RVIA President & CEO Craig Kirby and Chairman Kevin McArt looked back on the formation of the organization 50 years ago and the trajectory of successful growth that the Association and industry has experienced in the decades since. Most importantly, Kirby and McArt reflected on the RV world’s everlasting sense of industry unity.
In October 1974, the Recreational Vehicle Institute, headquartered in Des Plaines, Ill., merged with the Travel Coach Association of Riverside, Calif., to become the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association and moved to the Virginia suburbs of Washington, DC.
The association’s first chairman, Warren Jones, charted the organization’s early directions and strategies. Even in those initial days, industry entrepreneurs deeply understood that the RV industry needed to be united in the face of political, cultural, and economic challenges if the market was going to thrive. And for the next 50 years, that unity has been at the heart of the Association’s success in promoting and protecting the RV industry and its members.
There has been much to celebrate. In 1979, the RV Industry Association was named the sponsor and secretariat of the ANSI A119 standards for recreation vehicles and RV parks and campgrounds. This set the stage for the industry to be self-governed, which remains our Association’s bedrock.
The RV Industry Association celebrated its 50th Anniversary in June during a a reception on the rooftop of the Spy Museum in Washington D.C. Pictured here is RVIA President & CEO Craig Kirby, right, who along with Chairman Kevin McArt of Forest River, second from right, presented a summary of the association’s half century of service. (Photo: Rick Kessler/RVBusiness)
The organization has advocated for the industry with presidential administrations and agencies, the Supreme Court, and the U.S. Senate and House. However, some of our most important successes have happened at the state level. A myriad of differing state laws and regulations for RV standards and RV dimensions plagued the industry requiring manufacturers to build different RVs for specific state requirements. Through the diligent work of the Association and our members, these onerous requirements were gradually harmonized and standardized.
In the 1990s, RVIA partnered with the RV Dealers Association (RVDA) to tackle the critical issue of RV technician training and certification. 35 years later, this has morphed into the RV Technical Institute’s world-class training program.
Unfortunately, in the early days of RVIA, RVs didn’t enjoy the best image. They were viewed as gas guzzlers, purchased primarily by older buyers, and not considered a mainstream travel option. However, those stereotypes have been completely turned around. Fueled by early public relations efforts that later gave way to the Go RVing national advertising campaign, RVs have become part of the very cultural fabric of America, celebrated in pop culture and central to the travel and outdoor recreation industries. RVs have become the travel choice of millions of Americans giving them the freedom to go where they want, when they want, and enjoy the beauty of the great outdoors while building lifelong memories with family and friends.
There have been a number of challenges during these past five decades, including oil embargoes, gas lines, and high fuel prices. There have been natural disasters and even a pandemic. We’ve been buffeted by economic downturns, slowdowns, and recessions.
However, throughout it all, the vision of unity that the founders had in establishing the RV Industry Association and the belief that we can accomplish so much more together has carried us onward and upward.
The association is fortunate to have engaged member companies who generously support our organization financially and offer their time and talents by serving as volunteers on our committees.
We have also had great partners in the RV Dealers Association, the Outdoor Hospitality Industry (formerly the National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds), the Outdoor Industry Association, and the numerous state RV dealer and campground associations.
Here’s to our Association, the last 50 years, and the next 50!
WASHINGTON, D.C. – In separate announcements, Lilly Endowment Inc. has awarded a total of $150 million in grants to the National Park Foundation (NPF) and Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for a variety of enhancements at Indiana State Parks.
NPF is to receive $100 million, according to reports, while Indiana State Parks’ grant will be $50 million.
National Park Foundation
The National Park Foundation (NPF) called its gift “transformative” as itrepresents the largest ever received by NPF and the largest grant benefitting national parks — celebrates a pivotal moment in safeguarding the future of America’s treasured national parks.
From majestic mountains to vibrant coral reefs to the Lincoln Memorial, national parks embody a tapestry of breathtaking landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and rich cultural heritage. But these cherished places are facing a growing number of challenges, threatening what they have offered visitors for more than a century.
Thanks to the generous support of Lilly Endowment, NPF can help meet these challenges.
“The National Park Foundation is inspired by, and incredibly grateful for, this extraordinary gift from Lilly Endowment,” said Will Shafroth, president and CEO of the National Park Foundation. “For over 50 years, private philanthropy has played a vital role in bridging the gap between park needs and available funding. This grant will allow us to supercharge our efforts to ensure our national parks are for everyone, for generations to come.”
Lilly Endowment’s grant will serve as a catalyst to scale and accelerate NPF’s impact. Working together with the National Park Service and park partners, NPF will allocate the funds to four key priority areas:
Inspire the Next Generation of Park Stewards: Creating opportunities for youth and young adults that will foster a deeper understanding of history, appreciation for environmental stewardship, and connection with our natural world.
Conserve and Preserve Threatened Parks and Wildlife: Addressing critical initiatives that will ensure the health and longevity of the fragile ecosystems and diverse species that call our national parks home.
Ensure a World-Class Visitor Experience: Securing a future where national parks can accommodate unprecedented growth and leverage new technology, while remaining accessible and awe-inspiring for all visitors.
Tell a More Complete Story of America: Delivering a more comprehensive historical narrative, including the experiences of communities whose voices and contributions have not been fully told as a part of the American story.
N. Clay Robbins
“Our founders were inspired by the beauty and wonders of the natural world and supportive of research and educational programs about archaeology and the cultural history of our nation,” said N. Clay Robbins, chairman and CEO of Lilly Endowment. “We are pleased therefore to further their interests through this grant. We believe the National Park Foundation’s campaign will enhance the programming in and promote the future vibrancy of our country’s marvelous system of parks, monuments, and historic sites.”
The grant contributes to The Campaign for National Parks, NPF’s $1 billion fundraising campaign that will help address the urgent needs of America’s 430 national park sites. The Campaign for National Parks also galvanizes the efforts of park partners across the country whose collective goal is to raise $3.5 billion. Together, the campaign will generate more support for national parks than ever before to ensure they not only endure, but thrive, for the benefit of all who cherish them.
“The impact of this gift will be felt in our parks and in surrounding communities for generations to come,” added Chuck Sams, director of the National Park Service. “This is a truly visionary investment, and an example of how the power of philanthropy can amplify this crucial work that we all believe in so much.”
To learn more about the National Park Foundation’s mission and donate today, visit nationalparks.org.
Prophetstown State Park
Indiana State Parks
DNR will use the grant to make several improvements within Prophetstown State Park and to fund upgrades across the state parks system that will improve the experience for Hoosiers who visit these treasured places.
Dan Bortner
“Today’s incredible investment from Lilly Endowment marks a significant milestone in Indiana State Parks history,” said Dan Bortner, Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) director. “Our parks are places where everyone can come together to enjoy the outdoors, and where together we strive to preserve Indiana’s natural and cultural heritage for future generations. In a world of constant change, this investment helps us protect that cherished, shared heritage.”
DNR will invest $25 million of the grant in Prophetstown State Park, Indiana’s newest state park, which last month celebrated its 20th anniversary. The park, which offers guests a unique prairie landscape at the confluence of the Wabash and Tippecanoe rivers near Battle Ground, is a part of the Myaamia (Miami) homelands and was also used by other Indigenous people for thousands of years. It is the site of Prophets Town, where individuals from multiple tribes gathered with Shawnee leaders Tenskwatawa and Tecumseh from 1808 to 1811.
The investment will double the number of campsites in the park and build facilities that will foster greater understanding of the landscape and its rich Native American heritage.
“We are happy to see this investment in Indiana’s state parks,” said Scott Brewer, Chair of the Native American Indian Affairs Commission and a member of the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi. “We particularly appreciate and look forward to strengthening the connections that help Hoosiers understand and appreciate Native American ties to the land at what is now Prophetstown State Park.”
Investments in Prophetstown State Park include:
Campground development, $15 million – Development will include the addition of more than 120 new full-service campsites, doubling the size of the existing campground in order to meet high demand.
Prophetstown Heritage Area, $8 million – The area will feature facilities such as a visitors center, outdoor exhibits, and a recreated Native American village. Developed in consultation with federally recognized tribes, these facilities will support the inclusion of Native American history and ways of life associated with the site, along with interpretation of the park’s natural resources.
Trail development, $1 million – New trails will be developed to support greater accessibility for visitors to explore the natural and cultural features of the park.
Aquatic center restoration and enhancement, $1 million – Upgrades to the pool and other water features will be made to enhance guest experiences.
DNR will use the remaining $25 million of the grant for projects across the state parks system. These projects include the following:
Campground improvements, $10 million – More campsites will be upgraded to be full-service, with electricity, water, and sewer connections to better serve today’s campers.
Playground replacements, $11 million – Playgrounds across Indiana State Parks will be renovated and repaired to address aging equipment and improve accessibility.
Historic structure repairs, $3 million – Historic stone and log structures, retaining walls, and stone staircases that were built in the 1930s will receive masonry repairs and accessibility improvements.
Motorized wheelchairs, $1 million – Motorized wheelchairs will enable individuals to access trails that might otherwise be inaccessible. Several state parks have these chairs, and some need to be replaced or repaired. Funding will place more motorized chairs across state parks.
Ronni Kloth
DNR is providing an additional $10 million match to Lilly Endowment’s $50 million grant, which will be invested into Indiana State Parks’ continued deferred maintenance needs.
“Indiana’s state parks are enjoyed by millions of people each year, and the parks offer affordable recreational and educational opportunities for Hoosiers as well as thousands of visitors who come to Indiana to experience an impressive array of state parks,” said Ronni Kloth, Lilly Endowment’s vice president for community development. “We at Lilly Endowment are pleased to provide this funding to the Department of Natural Resources to help further develop and better tell the history of Prophetstown and enhance parks throughout the state for the use and enjoyment of current and future generations.”
This investment continues robust recent investment into deferred maintenance across Indiana State Parks. In the last five years, the state has invested $100 million into maintenance of DNR properties, which includes upgrading rooms and cabins at the Abe Martin Lodge at Brown County State Park, as well as the complete renovation of the Spring Mill Inn and restoration of Spring Mill State Park’s namesake, its historic gristmill. With an additional $100 million investment, construction is also underway on the Lodge at Potato Creek State Park, which will be the first new Indiana State Park Inn built since 1939.
“We are honored to accept this gift from the Lilly Endowment,” said Terry Coleman, director of the Division of State Parks. “These funds will greatly enhance the facilities and services at our Indiana State Parks, along with the interpretation of the natural and cultural resources we conserve and manage. The result will be memorable experiences for all who visit in the future.
About Lilly Endowment Inc.
Lilly Endowment Inc. is an Indianapolis-based, private foundation created in 1937 by J. K. Lilly and his sons, Eli and J.K. Jr., through gifts of stock in their pharmaceutical business, Eli Lilly and Company. While those gifts remain the financial bedrock of the Endowment, the Endowment is a separate entity from the company, with a distinct governing board, staff and location. In keeping with its founders’ wishes, the Endowment supports the causes of community development, education, and religion. The Endowment funds programs throughout the United States, especially in the field of religion, and maintains a special commitment to its founders’ hometown, Indianapolis, and home state, Indiana.
Later this year, IDS will release its annual RV Industry Trends Report for 2025. The report includes industry data, expert insights, and tips to empower dealers to be successful in the year ahead. To help shape this report, IDS wants to hear from you! Company officials would appreciate it if you could take this five-minute survey.
“IDS is fortunate to have long-standing collaborative relationships with RV dealers and dealer associations. Our yearly RV Dealer Industry Trends Report draws on the input and observations of dealers, as well as our internal expertise, and our dealer survey is an important contributor to the report,” stated Frank Tamburrini, general manager at IDS.
FAIRFAX, – Va. The state of the RV rental business will be front and center during a session at the RV Dealers Convention/Expo.
The Convention/Expo will take place Nov. 11-15, 2024, at Paris Las Vegas and is sponsored by RVDA of U.S., RVDA of Canada, and the Mike Molino RV Learning Center.
On Thursday, Nov. 14 at 11:30 a.m. the RV Rental Association (RVRA) will present “RVRA Meeting: Best Practices, Rental Year in Review, Legal and Insurance Updates.” RVRA Chairman Scott Krenek of Krenek RV, Coloma, Mich., and Leslie Pujo of Plave Koch will lead the session in the dealer/GM education track.
Leslie Pujo
During the workshop, Krenek will review the 2024 rental season and outline the Top 5 best practices RV rental companies need to follow. As an owner and operator for more than 35 years, Krenek was instrumental in starting the industry’s first 20 Group focused exclusively on helping dealers improve their rental operations.
Attorney Pujo of Reston, Va.-based law firm Plave Koch will bring RVRA members up to date on recent court cases and pending legislation affecting rental company operators. She has extensive experience in mobility services and vehicle use law. She counsels on vehicle/mobility regulatory compliance for the full range of mobility models and platforms, including traditional car rental, RV rental, dealer loaner, car-sharing, subscription, and multi-platform.
About the RV Dealers Convention/Expo
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 and to view workshop video previews, click here. Regular updates will be posted on the convention website, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X.
Companies interested in partnership and sponsorship opportunities can contact Julie Newhouse at (703) 364-5518 or email [email protected].
OSCEOLA, Ind. – The RV Women’s Alliance (RVWA) will host its Fourth Annual Open House breakfast on Tuesday, Sept. 24. inside the RV/MH Hall of Fame Auditorium.
Attendees can expect to enjoy breakfast, networking and learn more about our featured charity. All for the amazing price of a welcoming smile and the willingness to network with other great people from the industry.
Breakfast starts at 7 a.m. with open networking and then continues with a short presentation by Racheal Heger from “I Support The Girls”.
Heger originally set out to collect 3,500 bras before turning 35 in 2016, and met that goal in 88 days. Heger serves as the point person to folks – inspired by the ISTG story – who want to host collection drives in their communities. She coordinates shipping and logistics, manages the ISTG Midwest Warehouse, and serves on the social team.
Then back by popular demand, join Dr. Rachel Lindvall and Bill Coughlin as they lead our networking opportunity.
Lindvall is a director of leadership development with Lippert in the Marine Division. Before coming to Lippert, she gained extensive experience in higher education as both a university professor and a college women’s soccer coach. Presenting and consulting globally as well as speaking at conferences, virtual summits, and podcasts, she is an active presence working to empower people with the tools to reach their potential.
Coughlin is a member of the Corporate Leadership Development team for Lippert Components Inc. in Elkhart, Ind. Coughlin is responsible for engaging and developing individuals and teams in impact leadership roles at the executive, divisional and plant levels. He provides both assessment/evaluation and accountability of key leaders and teams for developmental growth.
