Month: October 2024

NAPPANEE, Ind. – ATC Trailers, a leading manufacturer of premium aluminum RVs and trailers, announces the celebration of its 25th anniversary and, to mark this significant milestone, ATC Trailers hosted an Open House event at its headquarters in Nappanee, Ind., that featured the unveiling of its latest innovative toy hauler models, according to a release.

Unveiling the Future

The highlight of the event was the unveiling of ATC’s newest toy hauler models – the Plā 550 Travel Trailer and Plā 750 Fifth Wheel – which promise to set new standards in the industry, the release continued.

The latest additions to the ATC lineup showcase cutting-edge design and advanced features while maintaining the same robust, all-aluminum construction that ATC is known for. This launch marks the most impressive décor update in ATC history, with thoughtful updates that bring the comforts of home to the road and appeal to a buyer that may have been skeptical of ATC’s interiors in the past. Highlights of the décor updates include residential style cabinets, commercial-grade wood grain vinyl flooring, spa-style bathrooms, updated graphics, and more. The Plā 550 and 750 include industry-leading carrying capacities, construction methods, and a 10-year structural warranty.

A Message from the CEO

“We are incredibly proud to celebrate 25 years of excellence in the trailer industry,” said Duane Yoder, CEO of ATC Trailers. “This milestone is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team, as well as the loyalty of our customers. We believe it’s time for a change, and we are excited to unveil our latest model offering, which represents the culmination of our experience and innovation. We look forward to continuing to be a revolutionary force in the industry for many years to come.”

A Quarter Century of Excellence

Since its inception in 1999, ATC Trailers has been at the forefront of the trailer manufacturing industry, known for its commitment to quality, durability, and customer satisfaction. Over the past 25 years, ATC has grown from a small operation into a renowned brand, producing a wide range of trailers and RVs including toy haulers, car haulers and stackers, cargo trailers, and custom commercial solutions.

To learn more, schedule a factory tour, or connect with an ATC representative, visit atctrailers.com.

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ELKHART, Ind. – Patrick Industries, Inc. (NASDAQ: PATK) today announced its intention to offer, subject to market conditions and other factors, $400 million aggregate principal amount of Senior Notes due 2032 in a private placement exempt from registration under the Securities Act of 1933, according to a release.

The interest rate, redemption prices and other terms of the Notes are to be determined upon pricing of the offering. Patrick intends to use the net proceeds from the offering to redeem all of its $300 million aggregate principal amount of 7.500% Senior Notes due 2027, repay a portion of its borrowings under its existing senior secured credit facility and pay fees and expenses in connection with the foregoing.

Concurrently with the completion of the offering, the company plans to amend and restate the credit agreement governing its existing $925 million senior secured credit facility to establish a new $1.0 billion senior secured credit facility consisting of an $875 million revolving credit facility and a $125 million term loan. The maturity date for borrowings under the new senior secured credit facility is expected to be extended to October 2029. The new senior secured credit facility is expected to replace the company’s existing credit facility that is due to mature in August 2027, with pricing and other material provisions to be finalized following the completion of the pricing of the offering of the Notes described above.

This press release is neither an offer to sell nor a solicitation of an offer to buy the Notes, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such an offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to the registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction.

The Notes and related guarantees have not been registered under the Securities Act, or the securities laws of any other jurisdiction, and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from registration requirements. Any offers of the Notes will be made only to persons reasonably believed to be qualified institutional buyers pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act and to non-U.S. persons outside the United States in compliance with Regulation S under the Securities Act. The Notes being offered have not been approved or disapproved by any regulatory authority, nor has any such authority passed upon the accuracy or adequacy of the applicable private offering memorandum.

About Patrick Industries, Inc.

Patrick (NASDAQ: PATK) is a leading component solutions provider serving the RV, Marine, Powersports and Housing markets. Since 1959, Patrick has empowered manufacturers and outdoor enthusiasts to achieve next-level recreation experiences. Our customer-focused approach brings together design, manufacturing, distribution, and transportation in a full solutions model that defines us as a trusted partner. Patrick is home to more than 85 leading brands, all united by a commitment to quality, customer service, and innovation. Headquartered in Elkhart, IN, Patrick employs approximately 10,000 skilled team members throughout the United States.

For more information on Patrick, its brands, and products, please visit www.patrickind.com.

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ELKHART, Ind, – The 24^th Annual Bids 4 Kids Dinner & Auction, a popular charitable event that’s drawn impressive support over the years around the RV-building capitol of Elkhart, Ind., was held Friday night (Oct. 4) in the Northern Indiana Event Center and RV/MH Hall of Fame’s newly expanded, 36,000-square-foot East Wing.

And once again, the results of the auction, featuring a memorable catered dinner and an appreciable crowd of RV industry players, didn’t disappoint the event’s leadership including LCI Industries Inc. President and CEO Jason Lippert who has personally spearheaded the fun-filled fundraiser dedicated to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Elkhart County for the last 17 years and currently co-chairs the event with LCI Social Impact Strategist Michilah Grimes.

This year’s unofficial auction revenues at press time: More than $1.75 million, a total that is particularly noteworthy on the heels of a couple of “tough years” for the nation’s RV business, Lippert told RVBusiness, adding that Elkhart usually ranks in the top three for Boys & Girls Club fund-raising nationally.

“It was great,” said Lippert, who especially wanted to commend Boys & Girls Club staffers Jamee Holmes and Matt Fischer for helping to set up and run the event. “I mean, we had a lot of familiar faces that are friends of the club and leaders of the industry show up and bid big. And a lot of people donated items and sponsored. So, those three things usually play the largest role in how we do. And just to have everybody come out and participate like they did and nearly set a record, it was pretty incredible.”

Obviously, those kinds of financial proceeds clearly stand out from the crowd among charitable fundraisers in general whether they’re in northern Indiana, New York City or L.A. as a result of Friday’s live and silent auctions and a wide array of cash donations. “You know, it’s just incredible that a little town like Elkhart can come together and raise more money than most of these big metro areas,” he told RVB.com.

Indeed, the prices paid for live Bids 4 Kids auction items in themselves are often pretty eye-catching. Consider these examples from Friday night in an auction gaveled by popular auctioneer Joe Mast and hosted on stage by local personality Vince Turner, a member of the Elkhart County Sports Hall of Fame and a longtime volunteer, along with his wife, Pat, for the Boys & Girls Club:

• A Weeklong 6-Bedroom Napa Valley Home Stay: $55,000
• 2 bottles of Caymus Cabernet Wine: $25,000 (sold 3 times)
• A Commemorative Winchester Wells Fargo Rifle: $20,000
• A Montana Big Sky Country Trip for Two People: $30,000
• An Italian “Ancient Charm” Experience for 4: $35,000 (sold twice)
• Exclusive Outing at Michael Jordan’s Fla. Golf Course: $37,500
• First Turn Seats for 2 at the 2025 Kentucky Derby: $30,000
• South African Adventures for Two: $17,500 (sold twice)
• Golf with Jason Lippert at Blackthorn: $17,500 (sold twice) 
• A cuter-than-heck male Cavapoo puppy: $20,000

Meanwhile, the Bids 4 Kids auction’s roster of up-front supporters was led by presenting sponsors Bill and Kristin Fenech, Consolidated Metals Inc., Jeffrey & Sabrina Kime, Lippert and Aunalytics.

The post Slideshow: Annual Bids 4 Kids Auction Earns About $1.75M first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

British e-drive innovator Bedeo and French motorhome group Trigano have teamed up on the most unique hybrid motorhome in the world, according to a report by New Atlas. It’s called the ElectriX, and it’s a Class B+ motorhome that offers over 700 km (435 miles) of driving range with the option of going fully electric at the push of a button. It’s the world’s first hybridized RV with in-wheel motors and also boasts a smart, sleek design that blurs the line between camper van and motorhome.

For years, Bedeo has been working closely with fleet managers and automakers toward refitting traditional ICE-driven light commercial vehicles as both all-electrics and extended-range hybrids. For the latter, it uses what it simply calls the Range Extender (RE) system, a pair of hub motors and a battery pack that electrify the rear wheels without requiring any changes to the base ICE powertrain up front. Drivers can call upon all-electric RWD power at the push of a button without losing the range and fast refueling of the stock FWD engine.

Bedeo has been particularly focused on converting Stellantis full-size vans from brands like Fiat, Peugeot and Citroën. The idea is that the vans maintain their ICE driving range for long distances but can switch over to pure-electric driving to meet EU zero/low-emissions zone regulations and/or boost overall fuel economy. A delivery van, for instance, could cover the long highway miles of the delivery via diesel, then switch over to electric for the last city miles.

Click here to read the full report by New Atlas.

The post French OEM Unveils ‘World’s First In-Wheel Hybrid RV’ first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

Amazon Web Services welcomed state officials to the groundbreaking of its new data center campus in St. Joseph County, according to a report by Northwest Indiana Business.

Indiana Secretary of Commerce David Rosenberg and Gov. Eric Holcomb were among officials who met Sept. 30 in the Century Center’s Discovery Ballroom in South Bend to celebrate the start of the $11 billion investment.

“We appreciate the warm welcome to St. Joseph County and the state of Indiana,” said Kevin Miller, vice president of Global Data Centers at AWS, in a press release. “The strong spirit of partnership we’ve seen from local and state officials, community colleges and community organizations inspired great confidence as we developed our plans in the Region.”

The Indiana Economic Development Corp. said on its Facebook page that “AWS’s presence in New Carlisle will bolster Indiana’s economy of the future and provide at least 1,000 new career opportunities that Hoosiers deserve.”

Click here to read the full report by Northwest Indiana Business.

The post Amazon Breaks Ground on $11B Data Center in South Bend first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Despite literal and figurative storm clouds here and abroad,  the national average for a gallon of gas still fell by three cents from last week to $3.19, according to AAA. The devastation wrought by Hurricane Helene did little to impact gasoline supply, but it crushed demand in affected areas by destroying infrastructure and causing power outages. Meanwhile, the average cost of public EV charging remained unchanged.

Overseas, the ongoing tensions between Iran and Israel are fueling fears that a war could disrupt oil shipments through the Straits of Hormuz, a vital chokepoint for maritime traffic. This has led to oil prices creeping higher.

“Despite the threat of war and a hurricane season that is still percolating, domestic gasoline prices are edging lower,” said Andrew Gross, AAA spokesperson. “There are now 18 states east of the Rockies with averages below $3 a gallon. And OPEC+ is saying, at least for now, they will increase production starting December 1^st, putting even more downward pressure on pump prices.”  

With an estimated 1.2 million AAA members living in households with one or more electric vehicles, AAA tracks the average kilowatt-per-hour cost for all levels of public charging by state. Today’s national average for a kilowatt of electricity at a public charging station is 35 cents.

According to new data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), gas demand plummeted from 9.20 million b/d last week to 8.52. Meanwhile, total domestic gasoline stocks rose from 220.1 million barrels to 221.2, while gasoline production decreased last week, averaging 9.6 million barrels daily. Tepid gasoline demand and low oil costs will likely keep pump prices sliding.   

Today’s national average for a gallon of gas is $3.19, 13 cents less than a month ago and 60 cents less than a year ago.

Oil Market Dynamics

At the close of Wednesday’s formal trading session, WTI rose by 27 cents to settle at $70.10 a barrel. The EIA reports that crude oil inventories increased by 3.9 million barrels from the previous week. At 416.9 million barrels, U.S. crude oil inventories are about 4% below the five-year average for this time of year.

Quick Gas and Electricity Stats

Gas

The nation’s top 10 most expensive gasoline markets are California ($4.66), Hawaii ($4.60), Washington ($4.02), Nevada ($3.90), Alaska ($3.65), Oregon ($3.64), Utah ($3.51), Idaho ($3.47), Illinois ($3.47), and Michigan ($3.39).

The nation’s top 10 least expensive gasoline markets are Mississippi ($2.67), Tennessee ($2.72), Louisiana ($2.74), Alabama ($2.76), Oklahoma ($2.78), Texas ($2.78), Arkansas ($2.80), Missouri ($2.82), Kentucky ($2.85), and Kansas ($2.86).

Electric

The nation’s top 10 least expensive states for public charging per kilowatt hour are Kansas (22 cents), Missouri (24 cents), Delaware (26 cents), Nebraska (28 cents), Texas (29 cents), Vermont (29 cents), Wisconsin (30 cents), Michigan (30 cents,) Utah (30 cents),  and North Dakota (30 cents).

The nation’s top 10 most expensive states for public charging per kilowatt hour are Hawaii (55 cents), West Virginia (45 cents), Montana (43 cents), Idaho (42 cents), Arkansas (42 cents), South Carolina (42 cents), New Hampshire (41 cents), Kentucky (41 cents), South Dakota (41 cents), and Alaska (41 cents).

The AAA Fuel Report will take a vacation later this month and will not be posted on October 17th and 24th. However, it will return on the 31st in time for Halloween. Boo!

Drivers can find current gas and electric charging prices along their route using the AAA TripTik Travel planner.

The post AAA: Fuel Pump Prices Resume Falling, But For How Long? first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – The Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR), in collaboration with the Richard King Mellon Foundation, the PA Wilds Center for Entrepreneurship, and the Pennsylvania Office of Outdoor Recreation, hosted its inaugural National Leadership Forum on Rural Development through Outdoor Recreation. The event brought together 70 national leaders in economic development, outdoor recreation, and conservation to identify shared priorities and core opportunities for rural communities looking to enhance their economies through outdoor recreation. 

The forum featured a keynote address from Baratunde Thurston, Emmy-nominated host, producer, writer, and public speaker, widely recognized for his work on PBS’s America Outdoors with Baratunde Thurston. Thurston’s remarks underscored the power of outdoor recreation to bring diverse communities together, strengthen local economies, and cultivate a deeper connection with nature. His message resonated with attendees, inspiring them to think critically about the intersections of recreation, community identity, and economic resilience. 

“This gathering was a breath of fresh air. Recognizing our interdependence with each other and with our planet is part of my life’s work and to be in community with people across so many organizations and sectors committed to the same was inspiring. Rural areas are reminding us that we can grow economic opportunity by growing and deepening our relationship with nature. In fact, that’s really the only way forward,” said Thurston following the forum. 

Chris Perkins, Vice President of Programs for ORR, called attention to the broader mission of the forum, highlighting the importance of rural development initiatives at a time when outdoor recreation participation has reached record highs and the outdoor recreation economy has reached $1.1 trillion in economic impact annually, according to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis. “Outdoor recreation has proven time and again to be a catalyst for economic growth, especially in rural areas. But to truly unlock the potential of these communities, we need more than just a shared vision—we need actionable strategies and lasting partnerships,” said Perkins. “This forum and the roadmap that will be released from its learnings will help define a pathway for outdoor recreation economies that are resilient, sustainable, and inclusive and where national and local organizations and businesses can support and benefit.” 

The agenda was packed with high-profile discussions including a fireside chat between Dr. Basil Gooden, U.S. Department of Agriculture Under Secretary for Rural Development, and I Ling Thompson, CEO of the Foundation for America’s Public Lands, who discussed the current state of rural America, key development opportunities to tap into, and lessons from effective communities from around the country to demonstrate how outdoor recreation and rural economies can thrive together. 

Forum participants also explored the role of outdoor recreation in addressing critical challenges facing rural areas, including affordable housing, health, and community identity. Discussions centered on how investments in recreation infrastructure not only benefit local economies but also foster healthier, more connected communities. Attendees examined how outdoor recreation can be leveraged to maintain local wealth, preserve affordability, and ensure broad access to natural spaces for all residents. 

The forum was followed by a day-long field tour to Johnstown, PA, where participants observed firsthand the local efforts to use outdoor recreation as a vehicle for economic revitalization. Attendees met with local leaders, business owners, and community members at the Quemahoning Recreation Area, Johnstown Incline, Central Park, and Stone Bridge Brewing Company to gain insights into how a focus on recreation has created new opportunities for jobs, tourism, and community engagement in this historic town. 

Looking ahead, ORR plans to build on the success of this forum by turning its key learnings into a Roadmap for Rural Economic Development that will chart a shared agenda for public, private, and nonprofit partners to help outdoor recreation and rural communities thrive together. Additionally, ORR will continue its work in rural communities through initiatives such as the Rural Implementation Grants, also funded by the Richard King Mellon Foundation. These grants provide critical financial support to communities aiming to grow their outdoor economies, helping them overcome barriers to funding and bandwidth, while ensuring long-term success. 

The Rural Economic Development Toolkit, a cornerstone of ORR’s efforts, was a focal point of the discussions throughout the event. Developed over several years and now in its second edition, the toolkit is designed to assist rural communities in building their outdoor recreation sectors by providing guidance on creating local visions, securing buy-in from community stakeholders, and navigating funding opportunities. As noted in the Daily Yonder, recreation communities have experienced the most job growth since the pandemic, with counties whose economies depend on recreation, tourism, or outdoor amenities like skiing and hiking gaining 36,700 more jobs since 2019, a 1.25% increase in employment. 
 

As the nation’s leading coalition of outdoor recreation associations, ORR is committed to bringing national attention to the economic potential of outdoor recreation. Through forums like this and resources like the Rural Economic Development Toolkit, ORR aims to ensure that rural communities have the tools they need to thrive in an evolving economy driven by outdoor recreation. 

The National Leadership Forum on Rural Development through Outdoor Recreation featured influential speakers, panelists, and stories, including: 

• Welcome from Chris Perkins, Vice President of Programs, Outdoor Recreation Roundtable and Sam Reiman, Director, Richard King Mellon Foundation. 

• Keynote address by Baratunde Thurston followed by a Q&A with Jessica Wahl Turner, President, Outdoor Recreation Roundtable. 

• Fireside Chat with Under Secretary for Rural Development Dr. Basil Gooden and I Ling Thompson, CEO, Foundation for America’s Public Lands. 

• Recipes for Successful and Resilient Economic Transitions – Featuring Dr. Silas Chamberlin, Principal, Firefly Outdoor + Economics; Tawny Wilson, Director of Advancement and Impact, Oweesta Corporation; Matt Dunne, Founder and Executive Director, Center on Rural Innovation; Rob Riley, President, Northern Forest Center; and moderated by Nicole Manapol, Director of Economic Recovery Corps, International Economic Development Council. 

• Stories of Place: Old Fort – Video shared on behalf of Jason McDougald, Executive Director, Camp Grier and Stephanie Swepson-Twitty, President and CEO, Eagle Market Streets Development Corporation. 

• Planning for Housing, Affordability, and Local Wealth Creation – Featuring Janice Ikeda, Executive Director, Vibrant Hawai’i; Dr. Megan Lawson, Economist, Headwaters Economics; David Lipsetz, President and CEO, Housing Assistance Council; Sara Moffat, Senior Advisor, Bureau of Land Management; and moderated by Larry Selzer, President and CEO, The Conservation Fund. 

• Fireside Chat with Lucas St. Clair and Tony Pipa on Vison and Values. 

• Stories of Place: Athens County, OH – Shared by Jessie Powers, Executive Director, Outdoor Recreation Council of Appalachia. 

• Funding Recreation Infrastructure – Featuring Curan Bonham, Program Officer, Richard King Mellon Foundation; Ryan Chao, President, Rails to Trails Conservancy; Tom Gilbert, President, Pennsylvania Environmental Council; Meryl Harrell, Deputy Under Secretary for Natural Resources and Environment, U.S. Department of Agriculture; and moderated by Tee Thomas, CEO, Quantified Ventures. 

• Activating Communities – Featuring Steph Bertaina, Senior Policy Analyst, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and Program Lead, Recreation Economy for Rural Communities; Chris Estes, Co-Executive Director, Aspen Institute Community Strategies Group; Sandi Marra, President and CEO, Appalachian Trail Conservancy; Brian Vincent, Mayor, Farmville, Virginia; and moderated by Dr. Danny Twilley, Assistant Vice President of Economic, Community, and Asset Development for the Brad and Alys Smith Outdoor Economic Development Collaborative at West Virginia University. 

• Stories of Place: Wind River Reservation – Shared by Alexandra Calloway-Nation, Fellow, U.S. Economic Development Administration Economic Recovery Corps. 

• New Horizons for Outdoor Recreation – Featuring Marc Berejka, Divisional Vice President, Community Advocacy & Impact, REI Co-op; Glenn Hughes, President, American Sportfishing Association; Shauneequa Owusu, Chief Strategy Officer, ChangeLab Solutions; Kim Wootteon, Vice President, Commercial Strategy, KOA; and moderated by Dr. Nathan Reigner, Director, Pennsylvania Office of Outdoor Recreation. 

• Stories of Place: PA Wilds – Shared by Ta Enos, Founder and CEO, PA Wilds Center for Entrepreneurship. 

About ORR     

The Outdoor Recreation Roundtable is the nation’s leading coalition of outdoor recreation associations representing the more than 110,000 outdoor businesses in the recreation economy and the full spectrum of outdoor-related activities. A key mission of ORR is to convene diverse stakeholders and facilitate substantive discussions of issues that impact this economic sector. The most recent data from the U.S. Department of Commerce shows that outdoor recreation generated $1.1 trillion and 5 million American jobs in 2022, comprising 2.2% of the nation’s economy and 3.2% of all employees in the country. 

The post ORR Hosts Forum on Rural Development Via Outdoor Rec.  first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

The Outdoor Hospitality Conference & Expo (OHCE) is gearing up to welcome professionals from across the Outdoor Hospitality Industry to Oklahoma City from Nov. 4-6, 2024, according to a release. As one of the industry’s premier events, OHCE is celebrated for its dynamic blend of industry leading experts, networking opportunities, and is recognized by Trade Show Magazine as a “Top 50” trade show, the release continued. This year’s conference promises to deliver professional development to round out any resume.

OHCE is a launchpad for possibility. Attendees can look forward to an action-packed agenda filled with expert-led panels, interactive workshops, and educational breakout sessions designed to propel your business into the future. Each session is carefully crafted to address the unique challenges and opportunities within the Outdoor Hospitality Industry, ensuring that you leave with gears turning and plans you can implement immediately.

From navigating advocacy issues to setting your business up for its best year yet, our featured panels bring together industry leaders to discuss the future of outdoor hospitality. Don’t miss the “Your Next Best Year” lunch panel or the “Advocacy Support for the Outdoor Hospitality Industry” panel to help shape your business strategy and learn how OHI is championing your interests at the state and national level.

Sponsored by Newbook, the Outdoor Hospitality Industry Summit (OHIS), is a must-attend event for innovators and changemakers. This summit will bring together trailblazers and thought leaders to discuss transformative and practical growth. It’s a rare opportunity to engage in the high-level conversations that shape the future.

With over 40 educational breakout sessions over three days, attendees can explore a diverse range of topics such as enhancing graphic design skills, optimizing revenue management, navigating legal challenges, creating video content to boost your brand, understanding how AI impacts your park, and more. Whether you’re looking to recruit workcampers, gain a better understanding of marketing strategies, or to dive into economic forecasting, there’s something for everyone.

And you’ll get to dive deep into topics that matter most to you. OHCE’s hands-on workshops cover everything from advanced financial management and Google Analytics to being a better leader and communicator for your team and compliance standards. These sessions are designed to provide practical tools and strategies that you can apply directly to your operations in a format where you can ask questions and workshop with peers.

Get ready to be inspired and equipped with the insights you need to propel your outdoor hospitality business into the future. This is the professional development event you can’t afford to miss, OHCE2024 is the place to be.

For more information and to register, visit ohi.org/event/ohce/.

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BILLINGS, Mt. — Kampgrounds of America, Inc. (KOA), the largest network of privately owned campgrounds in the world, announced the successful conclusion of its 2024 Campground Management Internship Program. Marking the second year of the initiative, select KOA campgrounds welcomed nine interns from universities across the U.S. this summer as part of its commitment to building future leaders in outdoor hospitality, according to a release.

The 12-week paid internship program, which ran from mid-May through mid-August, provided students with hands-on experience in campground operations at KOA locations nationwide. Interns were immersed in various aspects of the hospitality industry, ranging from guest services to campground operations and risk management, while also working on specialized projects that offered immediate and long-term benefits to KOA and the outdoor industry.

“I have learned what it is like to work in and manage a campground, by working in all of the KOA campground departments,” said Emilie Villalobos, who worked on sustainable landscaping while an intern at Virginia Beach KOA Holiday.  “Additionally, I learned how each department cannot function properly without the others. I have also developed greater communication, teamwork, and organizational skills as I worked with my team members and the guests who visited. Getting to explore a new city and environment has been great as I experienced the opposite side of the country and its differences with the west coast.”

As part of the program, interns were required to complete projects that addressed key operational goals, including enhancing efficiencies, creating new revenue streams, and updating procedures. This year’s standout projects included:

• National Autism Certification through the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCEES)
• Incorporation of native flora and fauna for sustainable landscaping
• KOA Cafe and Campstore refresh to enhance sales
• Piezoelectricity for campground energy solutions
• Development of risk management procedures
• Incorporating alcohol sales into the campground Campstore

Interns also had the opportunity to meet virtually with KOA corporate teams for weekly training sessions, allowing them to learn more about the broader outdoor hospitality industry while staying connected to peers at other campgrounds.

“At KOA, we understand the importance of building our future hospitality leaders,” said Senior Vice President of Human Resources, Yolawnda Henry. “Our internship program focuses on developing the next generation of campground operators to ensure our industry has stability and sustainability for years to come.”

Interns were placed at KOA locations all throughout the four corners of the country including Billings KOA Holiday in Montana, Cape Hatteras/Outer Banks KOA Resort in North Carolina, Virginia Beach KOA Holiday in Virginia, Nashville KOA Resort in Tennessee, Niagara Falls/Grand Island Holiday KOA in New York, Yellowstone Park/West Gate KOA Holiday in Montana, Hocking Hills KOA Holiday in Ohio, Blue Ridge/Toccoa River KOA Holiday in Georgia, San Diego Metro KOA Resort in California.

Ali Kieffer, Manager at Blue Ridge/Toccoa River KOA Holiday, shared “The KOA Internship program was great! It benefited both the intern and our campground because of the support offered by the KOA Home Office staff. Our intern worked in all aspects of the campground, which allowed him to apply his newfound knowledge from his weekly KOA sessions. In addition, having all of the interns work together to combine their skill sets and campground experiences was another benefit. Our intern loved sharing what he learned from other campgrounds. In turn, this has helped us learn how other campgrounds operate.”

This year’s group of interns hailed from a variety of schools, including Rocky Mountain College, Montana State University, Northern Arizona University, San Diego State University, University of Nevada – Las Vegas, and Kent State University, each bringing a unique set of skills and perspectives to develop for the future of outdoor hospitality.

Looking ahead, KOA has secured plans to expand the internship program at up to four additional universities during 2024-2025. The company aims to recruit the next cohort of interns for summer 2025, with applications opening in early November at WorkAtKOA.com.

For more information about the KOA Internship Program, including how to apply, visit koa.com/careers 

About Kampgrounds of America, Inc.

Kampgrounds of America, Inc. has been the definitive leader in outdoor hospitality for more than 60 years. United under the mission of “connecting people to the outdoors and each other,” the company consists of two unique brands: KOA and Terramor Outdoor Resorts. KOA, the world’s largest system of privately-owned, open-to-the-public campgrounds, consists of more than 500 franchised and owned campgrounds. With unrivaled brand visibility, KOA also offers campground owners and operators unparalleled support in campground education, design, recruitment, marketing and technology. Terramor Outdoor Resorts, a glamping venture, opened its first flagship property in Bar Harbor, Maine in 2020. Literally meaning ‘Love of Land,” the brand focuses on delivering a refined and upscale outdoor experience. For more information, visit KOA.com and TerramorOutdoorResort.com.

The post KOA’s Summer Interns Brought Fresh Ideas, Big Results first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

BRENTWOOD, N.H. – GenTent Safety Canopies, LLC today announced it has entered an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) agreement with Cummins, Inc. a global leader in power and technology solutions. The agreement enables Cummins to offer a branded, weatherproof GenTent system designed to fit both open-frame portable generators and fully encased inverter models. This collaboration marks an exciting expansion in Cummins’ product offerings with a focus on enhanced safety and reliability in all weather conditions.

GenTent continues to grow its Covered by GenTent OEM program, offering generator manufacturers a premium accessory that protects electrical components from rain, snow, and extreme weather, while allowing proper generator cooling and exhaust ventilation. GenTent’s market-leading canopies enable safe operation in high winds, blizzards, and hurricane-force precipitation—without compromising generator performance or mobility.

“Launching new products with such an iconic brand like Cummins is a tremendous step forward in expanding the reach of safe generator operation for homeowners and outdoor enthusiasts alike,” said Brian Thomas, Director of Sales & Marketing at GenTent Safety Canopies. “The Cummins branded generator tents provide peace of mind, allowing users to safely operate their generators in inclement weather while adhering to industry safety standards.”

Cummins generator tents are built for rugged environments, featuring durable, flame-retardant materials and an intuitive, user-friendly design. Available for both portable and inverter generators, these covers ensure uninterrupted operation during power outages or outdoor activities such as camping, tailgating, and RVing.
The Cummins generator tent product line will be available through Cummins’ extensive dealer network and online retail platforms, providing customers with access to industry-leading generator safety solutions.

About GenTent Safety Canopies

Established in 2011, GenTent Safety Canopies are easy-to-install weatherproof covers that ensure the safe operation of portable generators in virtually any wet weather conditions while keeping the generator portable. The GenTent eliminates CO poisoning or electrocution risks by enabling portable generators to safely operate outdoors away from structures during wet weather. Installation is a simple 3-step operation – Clamp it, Frame it, and Cover it – to WeatherProof Your Power.

The company’s patented, portable generator safety canopies are U.S.-made and relied upon by the United States Army, Air Force, United States Navy, Coast Guard, National Guard, Air National Guard, Department of Energy, NOAA, as well as homeowners and businesses during notable storms such as Hurricane Sandy, Irma, Harvey, and Maria. GenTent is considered the leader in generator safety offering rated covers for portable generators operated by RV owners, tailgaters, campers, homeowners, businesses, and first responders. For more information, visit www.gentent.com.

The post GenTent Announces OEM Agreement with Cummins Inc. first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.