From the National Indoor RV Center (NIRVC): Are you shopping for a new or preowned motorhome? Tired of the crowded RV shows? Are you wanting to test drive your motorhome before you buy it? The Music City Motorhome Expo is coming to Nashville May 31 – June 4, 2025! The event will be returning to the Wilson County Fairgrounds, just outside Nashville, Tennessee.
Be the first to see, tour, and test drive the brand new 2026 model year line-up of motorhomes from all the major manufacturers in a crowd-free, stress-free, and hassle-free environment. Enjoy 5 full days of onsite camping, shopping, delicious meals, and nightly entertainment. As always, our entertainment will showcase famous artists – last year, Josh Turner and Diamond Rio joined the event! Stay tuned to find out who’s coming this year as we work to finalize those contracts.
*This event will cost you nothing whatsoever, if you buy within a year of the show. Not only will your ticket price be reimbursed, but we will also cover $2,000 of your travel expenses if you buy a Class A or Super C, or $1,000 if you buy a Class B or C.
AKRON, Ohio – Myers Industries Inc. (NYSE: MYE), the parent company of Ameri-Kart and Elkhart Plastics and a leading manufacturer of a wide range of polymer and metal products and distributor for tire, wheel, and under vehicle service industry, today announced results for the third quarter ended Sept. 30, 2024.
Third Quarter 2024 Financial Highlights
Net sales of $205.1 million compared with $197.8 million in the prior-year period
Net Income (loss) of $(10.9) million, compared to $12.7 million in the prior-year period inclusive of a non-cash goodwill impairment charge of $22.0 million
Adjusted EBITDA of $30.7 million, compared to $25.6 million in the prior-year period
GAAP gross margin of 31.8%, up 30 basis points versus the prior-year period
Adjusted gross margin of 32.4%, up 70 basis points versus the prior-year period
GAAP net income (loss) per diluted share of $(0.29) compared with $0.34 in the prior-year period
Adjusted earnings per diluted share of $0.25 compared with $0.38 in the prior-year period
Cash flow provided by operations of $17.3 million and free cash flow of $10.1 million
Additional debt paydown of $13 million
Dave Basque
Dave Basque, Myers Industries interim president and CEO, stated in a release: “This quarter’s results were driven by continued strong performance from our Signature Systems acquisition, growth in our military end market, the initial benefits of our cost cutting initiatives and reduced variable compensation. These benefits mitigated some broader macro-economic challenges in the RV and Marine and new headwinds in the Food and Beverage end markets.
“During the quarter, we diligently focused on our cost containment actions which we now estimate will lead to an additional $15 million in annualized cost savings. These cost savings are incremental to our original target of $7 million to $9 million and are expected to be driven by labor savings, manufacturing efficiencies, continued footprint optimization and other savings initiatives. We will continue to implement cost actions to help mitigate the impact of revenue headwinds in key end markets.
“We have taken additional action to address the underperformance of our Distribution business, starting with naming Jeff Baker as President, Distribution. Since assuming this role on Sept. 30, Jeff and his team have systematically identified plans to close sales coverage gaps and win back customers, add digital sales channels, improve the customer experience and implement further efficiency improvements.
“We are updating our outlook and expect full year adjusted earnings per share to be in the range of $0.92 to $1.02. We continue to have confidence in the growth and earnings potential of our four power brands as demand recovers in affected end markets, and we remain focused on improving operations in the near-term to navigate choppy macro-economic conditions.”
Net sales were $205.1 million, an increase of $7.3 million, or 3.7%, compared with $197.8 million for the third quarter of 2023. The increase in net sales was driven by contributions from the recent acquisition of Signature Systems, partially offset by lower volumes and pricing in both the Material Handling and Distribution segments.
Gross profit increased $2.8 million, or 4.4%, to $65.1 million, driven by performance at Signature Systems and favorable product mix, partially offset by lower pricing and volume, as well as higher material and other cost inflation. Gross margin improved 30 basis points to 31.8% compared with 31.5% for the third quarter of 2023. On an adjusted basis, gross margin increased 70 basis points to 32.4% from 31.7%. Selling, general and administrative expenses were $47.7 million, an increase of $4.0 million, primarily due to the addition of Signature and partially offset by lower incentive compensation expense. SG&A as a percent of sales was 23.3% vs 22.1% in the prior year in part due to the executive severance recorded in the quarter. The company also recorded a $22.0 million non-cash goodwill impairment charge related to goodwill from prior rotational molding acquisitions. Net income per diluted share was ($0.29), compared with $0.34 for the third quarter of 2023. Adjusted earnings per diluted share were $0.25, compared with $0.38 for the third quarter of 2023.
Third Quarter 2024 Segment Results
(Dollar amounts in the segment tables below are reported in millions)
Net sales for the Material Handling segment were $150.7 million, an increase of $18.2 million, or 13.8%, compared with $132.5 million for the third quarter of 2023. Sales from the addition of Signature Systems were partly offset by sales declines, primarily in Seed boxes and within Food and Beverage end markets.
Operating income was $0.9 million compared with $20.0 million in the third quarter of 2023 primarily due to the non-cash goodwill impairment and the lower sales volume and pricing in the legacy business, partially offset by the Signature acquisition. Material Handling’s operating income margin of 0.6%, or 15.2% excluding the non-cash goodwill impairment, compared to 15.1% in the third quarter of 2023. Adjusted EBITDA increased 33.0% to $33.5 million, compared with $25.1 million in the third quarter of 2023. SG&A expenses increased year-over-year, primarily due to incremental SG&A from Signature, partly offset by lower incentive compensation. Adjusted EBITDA margin improved by 320 basis points, primarily attributed to the Signature acquisition, partially offset by higher material costs and lower sales volume and pricing in the legacy business. A $22.0 million non-cash goodwill impairment charge is included in the third quarter 2024 GAAP results of the Material Handling segment.
Net sales for the Distribution segment were $54.4 million, a decrease of $11.0 million, or 16.8%, compared with $65.3 million for the third quarter of 2023. The decrease was primarily driven by lower volume and pricing, partially offset by improved SG&A costs.
Operating income decreased $2.9 million to $2.1 million, compared with $5.0 million for the third quarter of 2023. Adjusted EBITDA decreased to $3.2 million, compared with $6.6 million in the third quarter of 2023. The decrease in operating income and adjusted EBITDA was primarily due to lower volume and pricing, as well as higher material costs. SG&A expenses decreased year-over-year, primarily due to lower payroll costs. The Distribution segment’s operating income margin was 3.9% compared with 7.6% for the third quarter of 2023. The Distribution segment’s adjusted EBITDA margin was 5.8%, compared with 10.1% for the third quarter of 2023.
Balance Sheet & Cash Flow
As of September 30, 2024, the Company’s cash on hand totaled $29.7 million. Total debt as of September 30, 2024, was $396.2 million. Under the terms of the Company’s loan agreement, its net leverage ratio was 2.7x and it had $239.4 million of availability under its revolving credit facility as of September 30, 2024. For the third quarter of 2024, cash flow provided by operations was $17.3 million and free cash flow was $10.1 million, compared with cash flow provided by operations of $22.1 million and free cash flow of $18.1 million for the third quarter of 2023. The decrease in free cash flow was driven primarily by the timing of disbursements. Capital expenditures for the third quarter of 2024 were $7.2 million compared with $4.1 million for the third quarter of 2023.
2024 Outlook
Based on current exchange rates, market outlook and business forecast, the Company is providing the following outlook for fiscal 2024:
Net sales growth of 0% to 5% compared to prior guidance of 5% to 10%
Net income per diluted share in the range of $0.11 to $0.21 compared to prior guidance of $0.76 to $0.91
Adjusted earnings per diluted share in the range of $0.92 to $1.02 compared to prior guidance of $1.05 to $1.20
Capital expenditures in the range of $28 million to $32 million compared to prior guidance of $30 million to $35 million
Effective tax rate to approximate 26%
Myers will continue to monitor market conditions and provide updates throughout the year.
COLUMBUS, Ind. – Cummins Inc. (NYSE: CMI) today reported results for the third quarter of 2024, highlighted by revenues of $8.5 billion; GAAP Net Income of $809 million, or 9.6% of sales.
Jennifer Rumsey
“We achieved strong sales and profitability in the third quarter, led by improvement in our Power Systems and Distribution businesses, and have adjusted our full year projection for EBITDA percentage to be at the top end of the prior range,” said Jennifer Rumsey, chair and CEO of Cummins. “We continue to advance our Destination Zero strategy as we deliver innovative technologies for our customers, strengthen our position in key markets and drive improvement in our financial performance.”
Third quarter revenues of $8.5 billion were flat to the same quarter in 2023. Sales in North America decreased 1% while international revenues increased 2%.
Net income attributable to Cummins in the third quarter was $809 million, or $5.86 per diluted share, compared to $656 million, or $4.59 per diluted share, in 2023. The tax rate in the third quarter was 19.2% including $36 million, or $0.26 per diluted share, of favorable discrete tax items. The third quarter of 2023 included costs related to the separation of Atmus of $26 million, or $0.14 per diluted share.
Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) in the third quarter were $1.4 billion, or 16.4% of sales, compared to $1.2 billion, or 14.6% of sales, a year ago. EBITDA for the third quarter of 2023 included the costs related to the separation of Atmus noted above.
2024 Outlook:
Based on its current forecast, Cummins is maintaining its full-year 2024 revenue guidance to be in the range of down 3% to flat. EBITDA is expected to be approximately 15.5%; at the top end of the previous guidance of 15.0% to 15.5%.
Cummins plans to continue generating strong operating cash flow and returns for shareholders and is committed to our long-term strategic goal of returning 50% of operating cash flow back to shareholders. In the near term, we will focus on reinvesting for profitable growth, dividends and reducing debt.
“We solidified our expectations on profitability for 2024 to the top end of our prior range thanks to continued improvements in Power Systems and Distribution segments. Although we faced slowing demand in the North American heavy-duty truck market during the third quarter and anticipate this trend to persist into the fourth quarter, Cummins remains well-positioned to deliver strong financial performance, invest in future growth and return cash to shareholders,” said Rumsey.
Third Quarter 2024 Highlights:
Cummins increased its quarterly common stock cash dividend from $1.68 to $1.82 per share. The company has increased the quarterly dividend to shareholders for 15 consecutive years.
Cummins started full production of the X15N natural gas engine at its Jamestown Engine Plant, which celebrated its 50th anniversary in the third quarter. The Cummins X15N is part of the X-series Cummins’ HELM lineup, a global engine platform that is derived from a common base and offers multiple fuel types including natural gas, advanced diesel and hydrogen.
Cummins attended IAA Transportation 2024 in Hannover, Germany, to showcase a diverse portfolio of powertrain and component technologies as part of the company’s Destination Zero strategy to progress industry decarbonization. Highlighted products at the booth included Euro-7 ready X10 and the X15H hydrogen internal combustion engines, a hydrogen fuel cell engine, next-generation lithium iron phosphate battery solutions, eAxles, eTurbocharger, eCompressor and hydrogen fuel storage solutions, as well as fully integrated powertrains.
Accelera by Cummins celebrated the opening of its new electrolyzer manufacturing plant in Guadalajara, Castilla-La Mancha, Spain. The plant has the capacity to produce 500 megawatts (MW) of electrolyzers per year, scalable to more than 1 gigawatt (GW) per year in the future.
Cummins was recognized as one of the 2024 100 Best Companies by Seramount, an organization focused on empowering inclusive workplaces; named a Veteran Friendly Employer by U.S. Veterans Magazine; and ranked #55 on Glassdoor’s Best Places to Work in 2024.
1 Generally Accepted Accounting Principles in the U.S.
Third quarter 2024 detail (all comparisons to same period in 2023):
Components Segment
Sales – $2.7 billion, down 16%
Segment EBITDA – $351 million, or 12.9% of sales compared to $441 million, or 13.6% of sales, which included the operating results of the Atmus business and $20 million of costs related to its separation
Revenues in North America decreased by 14% and international sales decreased by 18% primarily due to the separation of Atmus and lower demand in heavy-duty truck.
Engine Segment
Sales – $2.9 billion, down 1%
Segment EBITDA – $427 million, or 14.7% of sales, compared to $395 million, or 13.5% of sales
Revenues decreased 2% in North America and increased 4% in international markets due to softening demand in the North American heavy-duty truck market and strength in global medium-duty truck markets.
Distribution Segment
Sales – $3.0 billion, up 16%
Segment EBITDA – $370 million, or 12.5% of sales, compared to $306 million, or 12.1% of sales
Revenues in North America increased 13% and international sales increased by 25% driven by increased demand for power generation products, particularly for data center applications, and pricing actions.
Power Systems Segment
Sales – $1.7 billion, up 17%
Segment EBITDA – $328 million, or 19.4% of sales, compared to $234 million, or 16.2% of sales
Power generation revenues increased 24% driven by increased global demand, particularly for the data center market. Industrial revenues increased 7% primarily due to strong mining demand more than offsetting weaker oil and gas markets.
Accelera Segment
Sales – $110 million, up 7%
Segment EBITDA loss – $115 million
Revenues increased due to increased electrolyzer installations. Costs associated with the development of electric powertrains, fuel cells and electrolyzers, as well as products to support battery electric vehicles, are contributing to EBITDA losses.
About Cummins Inc.
Cummins Inc., a global power solutions leader, is comprised of five business segments – Components, Engine, Distribution, Power Systems and Accelera by Cummins – supported by our global manufacturing and extensive service and support network, skilled workforce and vast technological expertise. Cummins is committed to its Destination Zero strategy, which is grounded in the company’s commitment to sustainability and helping its customers successfully navigate the energy transition with its broad portfolio of products. The products range from advanced diesel, natural gas, electric and hybrid powertrains and powertrain-related components including, aftertreatment, turbochargers, fuel systems, valvetrain technologies, controls systems, air handling systems, automated transmissions, axles, drivelines, brakes, suspension systems, electric power generation systems, batteries, electrified power systems, hydrogen production technologies and fuel cell products. Headquartered in Columbus, Indiana (U.S.), since its founding in 1919, Cummins employs approximately 75,500 people committed to powering a more prosperous world through three global corporate responsibility priorities critical to healthy communities: education, environment, and equality of opportunity. Cummins serves its customers online, through a network of company-owned and independent distributor locations, and through thousands of dealer locations worldwide and earned about $735 million on sales of $34.1 billion in 2023. See how Cummins is powering a world that’s always on by accessing news releases and more information at https://www.cummins.com/.
CLEARWATER, Fla. – The 2024 Keller Marine and RV East Coast Show is underway at the Sheraton Sand Key Resort in Clearwater, Fla. he two-day show, which concludes today, features all major vendors showcasing their latest products to RV and marine dealers. Visit RVBusiness.com Wednesday for full coverage.
BRISTOL, Ind. — Ember Recreational Vehicles announces its participation in the 2024 SEMA Overland Experience in partnership with Lippert, CURT, and the company’s largest western dealer partner, RV Country. Taking place at the annual SEMA show from Nov. 5-8 in the Diamond Lot (booth #71000), adjacent to the West Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center, the SEMA Overland Experience will highlight the latest innovations in the overlanding lifestyle — where rugged off-road capability meets off-grid self-sufficiency.
“We’re thrilled to have an Ember at SEMA this year with our partners at Lippert, CURT, and RV Country,” Ashley Bontrager, founder and CEO of Ember Recreational Vehicles, stated in a release. “This showcase is a perfect opportunity to introduce the latest Ember innovations to an audience of true outdoor and overlanding enthusiasts. We’ve taken customer feedback and designed this trailer with upgraded, rugged features that allow for unparalleled freedom and flexibility in the great outdoors.”
The SEMA Overland Experience is a premier showcase for the rapidly growing overlanding lifestyle, which merges off-road exploration with the ability to live independently off the grid. Ember’s best-selling Overland Series 221MSL aligns perfectly with the spirit of this movement, offering adventurers a purpose-built trailer designed to conquer remote terrains with unmatched self-reliance. This trailer, displayed in partnership with Lippert, CURT, and RV Country, includes a suite of exclusive features and cutting-edge technology that embodies the freedom and resilience of the overlanding lifestyle.
“We’re excited to share our best-selling 2025 Overland Series 221MSL with the huge crowds at SEMA for the first time. This specific floor plan exemplifies the fantastic flexibility and resourcefulness the overland community is known for,” said Chris Barth, founder and COO of Ember Recreational Vehicles. “We’ve incorporated significant customer-driven features and upgrades in this build, including an enhanced solar power system that mirrors what customers would typically install in the aftermarket.”
Highlights of Ember’s Overland Series 221MSL SEMA Build:
CURT Independent Trailing-Arm Suspension: Co-developed with Ember at its founding, every Overland Series trailer features the award-winning CURT independent trailing-arm suspension with heavy-duty coil springs and dual shock absorbers on each side. Combined with Goodyear Wrangler off-road tires and standard Lippert Tire Linc® TPMS, the 221MSL is equipped for stability and durability on the toughest terrains.
Trailblazer Chassis Innovations: Ember’s industry-leading Trailblazer chassis is built from tubular steel and features their exclusive VersaCoupler® height-adjustable hitching system along with a suite of other chassis innovations. Lippert’s Tread Lock RV wheel brake attaches directly to the chassis with an adjustable arm and footpad to prevent unwanted movement, ensuring additional safety on uneven ground. The chassis also features Lippert’s robust Gate Defender front electric jack and highly-efficient Quick Drop stabilizers—innovations first pioneered in partnership with Ember.
Upgraded 2025 Max Solar Package: With a total of 1,445W of solar (1,200W on six roof-mounted panels and an additional 245W on a custom Lippert Solera solar awning), the 221MSL’s Max Solar Package provides enough energy to support extended off-grid living with proper power management. Power is managed by a 3000W Victron® inverter with Cerbo GX communication center, three Victron® Bluetooth® MPPT controllers, a REDARC® DC to DC trailer battery charger, and a 270Ah Battle Born® Gamechanger® lithium (LiFePO4) battery, equipped with a cold-weather disconnect to ensure power availability in all climates. With the option to upgrade to 540Ah of lithium battery capacity, this model delivers power and flexibility unparalleled in factory-built RVs.
Versatile EmberTrack Repositionable Bunk/Desk System: Unique to the 221MSL, Ember’s patent-pending EmberTrack system offers a flexible interior storage area that can serve as a bunk, storage, or mobile office space. The “locker” area, accessible by a large cargo door with a pull-down screen, includes two bunk platforms rated at 600 pounds each, which can be adjusted, removed, or reconfigured with accessories through the built-in E-track. This provides ultimate adaptability for activities ranging from family camping to gear-heavy adventures.
Enhanced Comfort and Climate Control: The new Furrion Chill® Cube 18,000 BTU variable-speed compressor AC offers whisper-quiet, efficient cooling for warmer climates while effectively managing the lowest power consumption of other 120V systems. Equipped with the upgraded Truma Combi Comfort Plus furnace and water heater, the 221MSL has been climate-tested and certified at the Gold Level, ensuring reliable heating and hot water in challenging cold-weather conditions.
Premium Interior and Smart Home Features: The 221MSL’s interior offers Polyplastic’s dual-pane acrylic caravan windows with integrated thermal shades and screens, Ember’s exclusive Stargazer window over the bed, a residential queen Murphy bed (60″ x 80″ Thomas Payne mattress), and a jackknife sofa with storage and built-in tables in the slide-out. Additional amenities include a 12V Furrion 10 cu. ft. refrigerator and Lippert’s OneControl® smart RV system, which gives users remote control over their trailer
Custom Wheels and Graphics Package: Unique to the SEMA-build, this unit features upgraded blacked-out custom aluminum wheels from Tredit Tire & Wheel and a special retro off-road graphics package from Burlington Graphic Systems (BGS).
Premium Construction Materials: Built using laminated Azdel® composite sidewalls with 5-sided aluminum framing and a structural composite seamless floor, Ember’s construction is unique in the RV space. A tongue-mounted aluminum gear box and extruded and powder-coated exoskeleton with built in branch and rock guards adds strength and protection to the mold/mildew/rot resistant structure.
While this special SEMA build does incorporate a few unique features, the vast majority of the Overland Series 221MSL build is a stock 2025 model and is currently available for sale or order at Ember dealerships across the country. For the unit in Las Vegas, Ember partnered with their Nevada dealer, RV Country.
“We’re honored to be Ember’s dealer partner and to showcase the cutting-edge Overland Series 221MSL at the SEMA show this year,” said Charlie Power, VP and Co-Owner of RV Country. “This trailer embodies the rugged, self-sufficient ethos that drives the overlanding lifestyle, combining top-of-the-line off-grid technology with the durability to tackle tough terrains. We offer Ember RVs at each of our locations throughout Nevada, Arizona, California, Oregon and Washington and are excited to take this one back to our dealership with us after an exciting week at SEMA.”
Experience Ember at SEMA Overland Experience Booth #71000.
This year’s SEMA Overland Experience offers a rare opportunity for attendees to experience the 221MSL’s rugged design and sophisticated off-grid capabilities firsthand. Located in the Diamond Lot just outside the West Hall, Ember’s exhibit (#71000) will provide visitors with an up-close look at the 221MSL, alongside groundbreaking innovations from Lippert and CURT. Attendees will have the chance to explore these features up close and speak with members of Ember’s team and representatives from RV Country about the specialized engineering that makes the 221MSL ideal for remote travel.
About Ember Recreational Vehicles
Based in Bristol, Indiana, Ember Recreational Vehicles is a privately held, female-owned RV manufacturer dedicated to building high-quality, adventure-ready RVs with an emphasis on durability, comfort, and off-grid capability. Ember backs each product with its 1-2-3 Warranty: a one-time transfer, two-year limited base warranty, and a three-year limited structural warranty, providing customers peace of mind as they head out on their adventures. To learn more about Ember and its products, visit www.EmberRV.com.
About Lippert and CURT
LCI Industries (NYSE: LCII), through its Lippert subsidiary, is a global leader in supplying engineered components to the outdoor recreation and transportation markets. They believe their innovative culture, advanced manufacturing capabilities, and dedication to enhancing the customer experience have established Lippert as a reliable partner for both OEM and aftermarket customers. For more information, visit www.lippert.com.
About RV Country
One of the largest RV dealers in the Western US, RV Country is a 13-location RV dealership group with locations in Arizona, California, Nevada, Oregon and Washington based out of Fresno, CA. RV Country is dedicated to providing their customers with an amazing RVing experience at some of the most competitive prices on the market. For more information about RV Country, visit www.rvcountry.com
EDITOR’S NOTE: The following is the latest list of RV recalls compiled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Per strict NHTSA protocols, manufacturers will next notify its dealer partners of the recall notice. Each notice will include details of the affected vehicles as well as the appropriate remedy.
Inspire RVs LLC (Inspire) is recalling three 2024 Newport 27 and 29 trailers. The LED backlight circuit board in the cooktop range may fail, causing the board to overheat. Dealers will cut the circuit powering the LED backlights and terminate the wiring, free of charge. Owner notifications were made and all affected trailers were repaired in September 2024. Owners may contact Inspire at 1-800-363-0008.
Forest River Inc is recalling four 2025 Palomino recreational vehicles. The axle equalizer may contact and damage the LP gas manifold, causing a propane leak. Dealers will relocate the LP gas manifold, free of charge. All vehicles are still on dealer lots. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 269-432-3246. Forest River’s number for this recall is 400-1857.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Together Outdoors, an initiative administered by Outdoor Recreation Roundtable that nurtures an environment where all people have access to welcoming outdoor recreation experiences, announced two new recipients of its award-winning Inclusive Micro-Grant Program – Color my Outdoors and Rising Routes – and hosted a webinar with industry leaders and philanthropists discussing best practices around equitable and impactful grant-making in outdoor recreation.
These efforts were made possible by the generous support of Winnebago Industries and will be followed by the release of a new business learning guide next week outlining the essential role that grant funding can play in breaking down barriers and supporting those working hard to increase access to the Great Outdoors for underrepresented communities.
Ambreen Tariq
Together Outdoors’ Inclusive Micro-Grant Program bolsters capacity for small and rural grassroots organizations that are key to creating a more inclusive and welcoming outdoor recreation environment for all. Through the administration of this program, Together Outdoors has gained first-hand knowledge of how substantial the need is for capacity building support among small-scale grassroots organizations that are instrumental in bridging the outdoor “adventure gap” but often cannot compete for conventional funding due to resource-intensive application and reporting requirements.
In its recent webinar, and as will be shared in the upcoming business learning guide on trust-based grantmaking, Together Outdoors outlines the disparities in outdoor recreation grant-giving and shares innovative approaches through trust-based philanthropic practices to help reach and support more community-based organizations in outdoor recreation.
“Philanthropy is a powerful mechanism to help more people access the outdoors, but there is more we must do to ensure smaller organizations that serve diverse and underrepresented communities aren’t being left behind because of onerous granting requirements. That’s why we set up our program using trust-based granting principles that are aimed at disrupting biases imbedded in traditional grant-making,” said Ambreen Tariq, Senior Program Director at Outdoor Recreation Roundtable and Together Outdoors Coalition Lead. “Thanks to Winnebago Industries, we are thrilled to support the work of our new grantees as well as share the grant-making lessons we’ve learned through the upcoming release of our new business learning guide.”
Jil Littlejohn Bostick
“I know firsthand how transformative it can be when organizations are empowered to break down barriers to help people enjoy the outdoors. Together Outdoors’ Inclusive Micro-Grant Program does just that—giving grassroots organizations the resources they need to bring more people, especially those who’ve felt excluded, into nature. This funding helps create not just moments of joy, but lasting connections between communities and the outdoors, fostering a love for nature that transcends generations,” said Jil Littlejohn Bostick, Vice President, Corporate Responsibility and Inclusion, Winnebago Industries.
The awardees reflect the mission of Together Outdoors’ Inclusive Micro-Grant Program in their commitment to dismantling historic barriers and welcoming their communities into transformative outdoor experiences. THOR Industries has also invested in previous rounds of this grant program.
How Together Outdoors’ new grantees plan on using their funding:
“Our nonprofit looks forward to dedicating new dollars to our organization’s emergency relief efforts happening here in the Southeast Region. Color My Outdoors’ Resilience Relief Fund recognizes the incredible resilience marginalized communities face, especially during economic and natural disasters like the recent devastation from Hurricane Helene. Because of programs like the Together Outdoors, Color My Outdoors can continue its work to provide Black and Brown people access to nature spaces throughout the South,” said Simone Adams, Founder and Executive Director of Color My Outdoors.
“To expand access to nature’s benefits—especially for underserved communities—we must better understand the technical and financial needs of outdoor education and recreation organizations who are leading this work. Funding from Together Outdoors will help us do this research in Colorado, fostering collaboration among government, non-profits, and businesses to increase resources statewide. This work will also help develop a replicable template for other states, using research to drive equity-focused public policies, planning, and programs that ensures the needs of communities are being heard and met,” said Jason Swann, Founder of Rising Routes.
Color my Outdoors and Rising Routes join the 2024 cohort of Together Outdoors’ Inclusive Micro-Grant Program awardees, who include the nine organizations selected earlier this year to receive a total of $80,000 in grant funding. In 2022, thanks to THOR Industries, Winnebago, and Airstream, the Together Outdoors Inclusive Micro-Grant Program distributed $54,000 across nine organizations.
GARDENA, Calif. – As the fastest growing phenomenon in outdoor hospitality, glamping’s moment has arrived, according to a press release from Azure Printed Homes, Inc. Within the glamping sector, Azure isan award-winning pioneer in 3D-printed units constructed recycled polymers, and is answering the industry’s demand for luxury accommodations that are sustainable and environmentally friendly as well, the release stated.
Azure invites the OHI community to tour one of its popular units in person Nov. 4-6 at the 2024 OHE (Outdoor Hospitality Expo) in Oklahoma City.
As Azure Co-founders Ross Maguire and Gene Eidleman noted in their recent column for Fast Company: “Glamping is expected to reach $4.8 billion by 2025. Despite a volatile job market and a challenging economy, the interest in glamping continues to rise and shows no signs of abating as it appeals to comfort campers, luxury travelers, families, business groups, and couples on romantic getaways.”
The most successful glamping resorts choose designs that blend natural elements with modern aesthetics to create spaces that are both luxurious and harmonious with their surroundings. In Azure’s case, the units are also equipped with energy-efficient HVAC systems, low-flow plumbing, and optional solar panels, enabling resorts to offer a fully sustainable stay. These features allow eco-resorts to serve discerning guests who value luxury and comfort without requiring them to compromise on their environmental footprint.
The 3D printing technology Azure employs uses recycled polymer plastics (the equivalent of 150k plastic bottles per unit) with an end goal of addressing the desire for luxury accommodations while also providing long-term sustainability and savings on cost. Azure’s lightweight and earth-friendly units are easy to assemble, well insulated and fire resistant, and aesthetically beautiful.
Azure invites all who attend OHE2024 to tour one of the company’s popular units in person and meet with company representatives during the upcoming show.
Azure Printed Homes is a leader in 3D-printing studios, glamping units and homes from recycled polymers and fiberglass, dedicated to creating a more affordable and sustainable world. The company’s team is a dynamic blend of entrepreneurs and experts from diverse backgrounds who bring a wealth of expertise to this venture. Azure Printed Homes is progressively setting industry standards in speed, affordability and sustainability in its mission to make homes, studios and accessory dwelling units (ADUs) available to all.
With three state-of-the-art 3D printing robots in its California factory and in a new Colorado factory opening in 2025, Azure Printed Homes leads the global industry in high- speed production, pioneering a new era of construction excellence. Customers can design their backyard studios, ADUs, and tiny homes through the company’s online configurator, and Azure Printed Homes will print prefabricate and deliver them anywhere in the US within one to four weeks, offering future-focused living spaces that enrich lives and invest in the planet’s future. For more information visit www.azureprintedhomes.com.
From Creative Products Group: David Gingerich of Creative Products Group discusses the Versa Pro Series baggage locks and demonstrates the installation process.
Jesse Stopnitzky enjoys being the face of Performance Brokerage Services at the annual RV Dealers Association Convention in Las Vegas and other select dealer events.
“I’ll be at the RVDA Convention again this year,” he says. “I often hand out business cards at these events, as I want people to know when they call, they can speak with me personally.”
The family-owned dealership brokerage firm believes in offering personalized service, but, as a result, Stopnitzky says he believes the size and scope of the Irvine, California-based company’s operations aren’t always immediately apparent to dealers.
Jesse Stopnitzky
“I think what some people don’t recognize about our company is that we are 30 years in business; we’re 10 offices across the U.S. and Canada; we’re about 35 dealmakers; and we’ve consummated more than 900 dealership sales, including 76 this year,” he says. “We are the highest-volume brokerage firm in North America. So, I think sometimes the perception might be that the business is just me and my family, but it’s a powerhouse firm.”
Being a nationwide firm and being involved in several industries, including RV, marine, auto and powersports, gives Performance Brokerage Services advantages when it comes to serving its clients, says Stopnitzky, a co-owner of the business. He recalls a transaction where his company helped an automotive dealer north of Denver buy an RV dealership in Colorado Springs. In another transaction, Stopnitzky’s business helped facilitate the sale of the largest Airstream dealership group in the Pacific Northwest to the largest automotive dealership chain.
“I think something that makes us unique is our access to the largest, top-quality dealers and buying groups across all dealership industries,” he says.
Mergers and acquisitions in the RV sector have slowed down this year as interest rates have risen and market conditions have softened, Stopnitzky acknowledges. Still, for dealers who are contemplating their exit strategy—even if it’s several years out—it never hurts to talk with a buy/sell expert, he adds.
“It’s never too early to prepare; there’s no fees and no commitments,” he says. “We always say, ‘We’re not here for the business today. We’re here for the relationship today—and the business will come when the time is right.’”
Stopnitzky says Performance Business Services is proud to be a sponsor of the RVBusiness Top 50 dealership awards because it shares the sentiment that top dealers deserve to be recognized for their achievements. “We think it’s an exceptional event and we are truly honored to be a part of it,” he says.
natural gas engine at its Jamestown Engine Plant, which celebrated its 50th anniversary in the third quarter. The Cummins X15N is part of the X-series Cummins’ HELM
