Darian Warden

(Dec. 17, 2014) — Jellystone Park franchisees got an unexpected treat during Leisure Systems’ annual symposium — a surprise visit by Douglas Haag, the founder of Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp-Resorts network, a release from the company said.

(Dec. 17, 2014) — The RV Learning Center kicked off its FY15 fundraising drive at the recent RV Dealers International Convention/Expo. Jayco stepped up to the plate and advanced its giving to the Mike Molino RV Learning Center this month, adding $5,000 to its lifetime giving, for a total of $23,500.

(Dec. 17, 2014) — Government research shows that more Australians return home from a caravanning and camping holiday in January than in any other month. The first quarter of the year (January-March) sees the highest total number of caravanning and camping visitor nights each year.

(Dec. 16, 2014) — Bob Hurley RV has continued its tradition of giving back to the community by participating in Project Reach’s shoe outreach, which impacts more than 300 students at Park Elementary School. This year, Bob Hurley RV also helped provide more than 200 turkeys to families in need at Thanksgiving, school supplies for Park Elementary students and teachers, as well as helped collect Christmas gifts for more than 200 children who would otherwise go without.

(Dec. 16, 2014) — Fastway Trailer Products has added Matt Darrington to their sales team. And according to both the RVIA and Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association, it looks like Fastway’s timing in growing their sales team is spot on. RV wholesale shipments tracked by RVIA posted the best total for October in 38 years with 32,346 units shipped last month, and the 2014 Joint Channel Forecast Model for the AASA also predicts big growth, anticipating the total automotive aftermarket sales to increase $35 billion dollars from 2013 to 2017.

(Dec. 16, 2014) — Britz Campervans has introduced the new Britz Safari Landcruiser, which hits the road in Australia beginning in May 2015.

(Dec. 16, 2014) — Hopkins Manufacturing Corporation announced the addition of Rick Stempien as vice president of sales. Stempien will lead and direct the sales activities for Hopkins in the automotive and RV aftermarket.

(Dec. 16, 2014) — Bailey of Bristol's newest model of the Bailey Unicorn, the Unicorn Valencia, continues its award-winning run, taking home six, first or second place awards since its launch in September.

(Dec. 16, 2014) — The RV/MH Hall of Fame is inviting everyone to ring in the New Year with them by hosting a gala to benefit the Hall of Fame. The upscale casual party begins at 7:30 p.m., with live dance music performed by local band, Mulligan’s Island. A DJ, photo booth and the live broadcast from Times Square for the ball drop are also being provided.

(Dec. 15, 2014) — Lazydays, The RV Authority, recently raised a grand total of $16,837 from its “Military Appreciation” fundraiser this past November. The funds will go to benefit the Arizona Fisher House and Operation Helping Hand.