Denise Fedorow

NORTHERN INDIANA — The Goshen News recently published its annual look at the business community in the area, including a look at the RV industry that remains “cautiously optimistic” about its outlook. Titled Northern Indiana Business (previously Partners in Progress), the News also looked at the housing and farming industries as well as the Elkhart County economic outlook overall.

RV Industry Association (RVIA) spokeswoman Monika Geraci told The Goshen News that the RV industry was “cautiously optimistic” about the state of the industry while keeping a “close eye” on the tariff situation. Geraci shared with the News many of the same statistics that were shared at the RV Industry Power Breakfast, hosted May 8 by RVBusiness at the RV/MH Hall of Fame, including that RV owners are using their RV’s 50% more than they did in 2021 and that the demographic study showed RV owners are younger and more diversified with the median age now at 49 years old.

“There’s been a catalyst and transformation in the RV industry over the past five years. RVs have become more mainstream in travel. They’re more prevalent in commercials — hotels and truck ads pulling RVs. RVs have solidified as mainstream travel and that bodes well for the future of the industry,” Geraci told the News.

The Goshen News also spoke to Shipshewana’s Sunset Park RV, which increased its facility and production tenfold with the acquisition of Riverside RV in LaGrange, giving the manufacturer an additional 155,000 square feet. That extra facility has given them the room to increase production, have space for overflow parts, add two new lines and space for lamination in the future.

Something that will be an asset to RV manufacturers in the area is having a place where their customers can comfortably stay while their units are being repaired as well as another facility for rallies. That is currently in the works with the development of North Trace RV Resort in Syracuse. The resort-style RV campground is being built close to the Kosciusko-Elkhart County lines by Steve Showalter of Showalter RV in Nappanee. They broke ground in the fall and plan to have two phases of development, with hopes to have phase one open in 2026. Phase one will include 82 campsites, a welcome center, event center, fitness center, dog park and playground. Showalter told the Goshen News that despite the fact that Elkhart County is the RV capital of the world, there are not very many RV campgrounds.

The Goshen News also included data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics on employment, wages and spending, including:

• The unemployment rate in the US for the period of March 2024-March 2025 grew from 3.9% to 4.2%, while unemployment decreased in Elkhart County from 5.2% in 2024 to 3.6% in 2025. Unemployment also decreased in the cities of Elkhart and Goshen in that time period.
• Average weekly wages (all industries) for the 3^rd quarter of 2024 for the US was $1,394 and for Elkhart County, $1,138.
• The average annual spending per category in 2023 was fairly close between the Midwest and the country as a whole. Those living in the Midwest spent $22,123 annually on housing, ($25,436 US); $12,517 on transportation ($13,174 US), $9,627 on food ($9,985 US), $6,588 on healthcare ($6,159 US) and $21,720 on all other items ($22,526 US).
• Changes in employment by industry sector showed little to no change in most industries from March 2024 to March 2025 with a drop in manufacturing, which was the largest sector at 60.8 (numbers in thousand)—it was down by -0.8 in 2024 and grew to -1.3 in 2025, trade, transportation and utilities was at 20.2 and dropped from -0.2 in 2024 to -1.0 in 2025 and leisure and hospitality at 7.0 dropped from -0.2 to -2.8. Growth occurred in mining, logging and construction at 4.3 from 0.1 in 2024 to 2.4 in 2025, professional and business services at 9.7 grew from 0.5 to 5.4 and the biggest growth was in the information sector at 0.6 thousand grew from 0.1 to 20.0 in 2025.
• Average hourly wages in May of 2024 in the Elkhart area was also close to the country at large with “all occupations” paying an average hourly wage of $27.41 ($32.66 US), buyers and purchasing agents were paid $35.36 an hour ($39.29 US), Mechanical drafters $31.73 an hour ($35.59 US), Sheet metal workers were paid $29.80 an hour ($31.78 US), electronic equipment installers & repairers, motor vehicles $28.82 ($24.16 US), industrial truck and tractor operators were paid $21.97 per hour ($23.00 US) and cabinetmakers and bench carpenters were paid $20.76 per hour ($22.82 US).

Overall, despite a lot of uncertainty in the country and the state, the economic and job outlook in the area, at least for now, is steady and diversification was cited as the key to success, regardless of industry.

The post ‘Goshen News’ Looks at N. Indiana Business, Including RVs first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

NORTHERN INDIANA — The Goshen News recently published its annual look at the business community in the area, including a look at the RV industry that remains “cautiously optimistic” about its outlook. Titled Northern Indiana Business (previously Partners in Progress), the News also looked at the housing and farming industries as well as the Elkhart County economic outlook overall.

RV Industry Association (RVIA) spokeswoman Monika Geraci told The Goshen News that the RV industry was “cautiously optimistic” about the state of the industry while keeping a “close eye” on the tariff situation. Geraci shared with the News many of the same statistics that were shared at the RV Industry Power Breakfast, hosted May 8 by RVBusiness at the RV/MH Hall of Fame, including that RV owners are using their RV’s 50% more than they did in 2021 and that the demographic study showed RV owners are younger and more diversified with the median age now at 49 years old.

“There’s been a catalyst and transformation in the RV industry over the past five years. RVs have become more mainstream in travel. They’re more prevalent in commercials — hotels and truck ads pulling RVs. RVs have solidified as mainstream travel and that bodes well for the future of the industry,” Geraci told the News.

The Goshen News also spoke to Shipshewana’s Sunset Park RV, which increased its facility and production tenfold with the acquisition of Riverside RV in LaGrange, giving the manufacturer an additional 155,000 square feet. That extra facility has given them the room to increase production, have space for overflow parts, add two new lines and space for lamination in the future.

Something that will be an asset to RV manufacturers in the area is having a place where their customers can comfortably stay while their units are being repaired as well as another facility for rallies. That is currently in the works with the development of North Trace RV Resort in Syracuse. The resort-style RV campground is being built close to the Kosciusko-Elkhart County lines by Steve Showalter of Showalter RV in Nappanee. They broke ground in the fall and plan to have two phases of development, with hopes to have phase one open in 2026. Phase one will include 82 campsites, a welcome center, event center, fitness center, dog park and playground. Showalter told the Goshen News that despite the fact that Elkhart County is the RV capital of the world, there are not very many RV campgrounds.

The Goshen News also included data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics on employment, wages and spending, including:

• The unemployment rate in the US for the period of March 2024-March 2025 grew from 3.9% to 4.2%, while unemployment decreased in Elkhart County from 5.2% in 2024 to 3.6% in 2025. Unemployment also decreased in the cities of Elkhart and Goshen in that time period.
• Average weekly wages (all industries) for the 3^rd quarter of 2024 for the US was $1,394 and for Elkhart County, $1,138.
• The average annual spending per category in 2023 was fairly close between the Midwest and the country as a whole. Those living in the Midwest spent $22,123 annually on housing, ($25,436 US); $12,517 on transportation ($13,174 US), $9,627 on food ($9,985 US), $6,588 on healthcare ($6,159 US) and $21,720 on all other items ($22,526 US).
• Changes in employment by industry sector showed little to no change in most industries from March 2024 to March 2025 with a drop in manufacturing, which was the largest sector at 60.8 (numbers in thousand)—it was down by -0.8 in 2024 and grew to -1.3 in 2025, trade, transportation and utilities was at 20.2 and dropped from -0.2 in 2024 to -1.0 in 2025 and leisure and hospitality at 7.0 dropped from -0.2 to -2.8. Growth occurred in mining, logging and construction at 4.3 from 0.1 in 2024 to 2.4 in 2025, professional and business services at 9.7 grew from 0.5 to 5.4 and the biggest growth was in the information sector at 0.6 thousand grew from 0.1 to 20.0 in 2025.
• Average hourly wages in May of 2024 in the Elkhart area was also close to the country at large with “all occupations” paying an average hourly wage of $27.41 ($32.66 US), buyers and purchasing agents were paid $35.36 an hour ($39.29 US), Mechanical drafters $31.73 an hour ($35.59 US), Sheet metal workers were paid $29.80 an hour ($31.78 US), electronic equipment installers & repairers, motor vehicles $28.82 ($24.16 US), industrial truck and tractor operators were paid $21.97 per hour ($23.00 US) and cabinetmakers and bench carpenters were paid $20.76 per hour ($22.82 US).

Overall, despite a lot of uncertainty in the country and the state, the economic and job outlook in the area, at least for now, is steady and diversification was cited as the key to success, regardless of industry.

The post ‘Goshen News’ Looks at N. Indiana Business, Including RVs first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

Last year, as a celebration of Horizon Transport’s 40^th anniversary and Wave Transport’s 20^th anniversary, the sister RV transport companies joined to hold the first Red & Blue Open at Black Squirrel Golf Course in Goshen, Ind. On Monday, June 9 they repeated that event.

“Last year it was a continuation of our Driver’s Appreciation weekend,” said Rob Jackson, president of the employee-owned Horizon Transport, “as well as a celebration of our anniversaries and an opportunity to bring awareness to the Care Camps Foundation — the drivers are from all over the country so they can take that information back with them.”

“After the open last year, everyone had so much fun — the drivers made new friends, and they asked if we could do it again next year,” he added.

Jackson pointed out that driving is an “autonomous, individual job so this open gives them the chance to spend time with fellow drivers and get to know each other.”

He said there were about 60 participants in the golf open—50 drivers from both companies and about 10 staff members. Other staff members helped with games and events, including a marshmallow long drive contest with jumbo marshmallows!

This is the only time drivers from both companies have the opportunity to interact.

“We started this event to bring drivers together from both companies for fellowship and fun, to spend time together. The event also promotes the Care Camp Foundation and our 8^th year as a supporting partner. Before they played, we announced to drivers that Horizon and Wave will donate $10,000 to the Care Camp Foundation on behalf of the event and we told the drivers how they could help promote Care Camp Foundation as they travel around the country,” Jackson said.

The Care Camp Foundation – www.carecamps.org – is a national non-profit organization that funds medically supervised pediatric oncology camps across the United States and Canada, giving kids a chance to enjoy a week away at camp.

The golf open included food, giveaways and prizes. Jackson said at Monday’s open, “The energy was palpable. The camaraderie, the fellowship of drivers getting together and having fun, and it helps promote interactions between the drivers and staff. It’s awesome to see the joy on their faces and it’s great to invest in our drivers in that way.”

The post Horizon, Wave Golf Outing Benefits Care Camps Foundation first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

WAKARUSA, Ind. – Next year our nation will be celebrating its 250th birthday — the semiquincentennial of the signing of the Declaration of Independence – and Rob Jackson, president/owner of Horizon Transport wants to give everyone an opportunity to participate in this historic event.

To that end, the company has created a new webpage – www.SeeAmerica250.com.

Jackson grew up in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and as a 12-year-old during the nation’s Bicentennial celebration, he remembers the excitement surrounding that year. “All the wagon trains coming into Valley Forge,” he said. “That celebration of America was a really special year.” He added he knows the 250th is also going to be a historic time. “I want Americans to have the opportunity to get out there; to say, ‘I’m going to take a year off, get a truck and deliver RV’s and be part of this historic time’,” he said.

The webpage has links to all sorts of resources for the semiquincentennial—there are links for each state where you can search the activities and areas that are being highlighted in each state, national parks links, celebrate America 250 link and Jackson said they’ll continue to add to the site as more information becomes available.

There are also driver testimonials on the site with drivers from different walks of life speaking about why they love to drive for Horizon and though they might have different stories, almost all mentioned being able to travel across the states as one reason why they love what they do.

Jackson said, “The story of America is one of an entrepreneurial spirit — that’s what makes us great — small businesses are our secret sauce, so why not start your own business during this historical time and get out and see all our nation has to offer and let us pay you while you’re doing it!”

Jackson relates to those who say our time on earth is short and he doesn’t want anyone to have regrets when the historic year is over that they didn’t take the time or opportunity to experience it.

“During this historic year, all 50 states will be holding celebrations and activities. Along with the opportunity to explore America’s many historic landmarks, Horizon is offering the opportunity to travel America while earning an income—whether you want to take a year off to do this or make it a career; we want the site to be a catalyst to move people to action,” he said.

With all the resources attached, including a video message from Congressman Rudy Yakym, Jackson hopes the See America 250 site can be a ‘one stop shop’ for anyone interested in the semiquincentennial.

“It’s a shame that so many people haven’t gotten out to see America,” he said, adding, “It’s not so much the destinations but the people you’ll meet and the stories you’ll have to tell along the way. It’s the journey.”

The post Horizon Transport Launches ‘SeeAmerica250’ Campaign first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

Lippert Components, Inc. in Elkhart, Ind., donated about $10,000 worth of refrigerators, hot water heaters and other needed supplies to hurricane relief efforts in North Carolina recently.

Amy Highland, a director of student services for a non-profit organization shared how she connected with Jason Lippert through LinkedIn. Highland said when Hurricane Helene hit North Carolina destroying about 135,000 homes, she really felt in her heart that she needed to go help. She said displaced residents were being put up in tents and RV’s.

Highland said she had some training in RV tech and repairs, so she fell into the role of helping people get set up in their RV’s and doing easy repairs on the donated RV’s. She said many of the donated RV’s may have been sitting in someone’s backyard and were in good condition but may have had appliances not working properly.

She said she spoke to a friend who mentioned some RV companies were donating parts and materials, so she went on LinkedIn and sent a text to Jason Lippert. She gave him an overview of what was going on in the hurricane relief efforts and he told her to send a list of what they needed, and he’d take care of it.

She said she didn’t want to over-ask so she just asked for the immediate needs and there were storage issues to consider, too. She said the donations, the majority of which were refrigerators and hot water heaters, were all delivered.

Highland, who plans to return in April, said one woman who received a new refrigerator was “overcome with gratitude. I’m not sure Jason grasped how much what he’s done means to them.”

The post Lippert Donates Products, Supplies to Hurricane Victims first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

A Bridge to the Future is the theme for the 2025 Family RV Association’s (FRVA) Glamarama 2025, to be held June 4-7 in Allegan, Mich. Glamarama is hosted by a local chapter of FRVA, a national organization that was formerly called the Family Motor Coach Association (FMCA).

President of the Great Lakes Family RV Association, Kevin Watters, said this is not a new event but in 2025 and 2026 they’ll be in Allegan, Mich., at the Allegan County Fairgrounds.

“It’s hard to find a place to accommodate 250-300 RV’s,” he said.

All the sites at the Allegan County Fairgrounds have either 30 amp or 50 amp hookups with water.

The June rally includes four nights of camping with three nights of live entertainment including card Bingo. There will be morning coffee and doughnuts, a full breakfast on Saturday morning, family friendly fun activities including crafts, games and seminars.

Watters said there is plenty to explore in the Allegan area, including nearby landmarks like Windmill Island Gardens, the Felt Mansion and the Cappon House Museum.

Watters said attendees can also choose, for an additional cost of $69, to take a paddlewheel boat excursion on the Star of Saugatuck on the Kalamazoo River with scenic views of Lake Michigan and it includes a boxed lunch.

Watters said, “This is not just a rally but also a chance to make memories, share laughter and build lasting connections as we celebrate the spirit of family and RV travels!”

Registration opened online Dec. 4 at www.fmca.com under events. Watters mentioned there is a discount for early registrations.

The post Registration Open for Great Lakes FRVA’s Glamarama 2025 first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

“Empowered women, empower women” was one of the messages that speaker Mary Pouliot, chair of RV Technical Institute (RVTI) and Vice Chair of RV Industry Association, (RVIA), shared with the women attending RV Women’s Association’s celebration of Women’s Equality Day on Monday, August 26^th.

The event was held at RVTI and included adult beverages and a Mexican food truck, a chance to network and celebrate women’s achievements—including those within the RV industry. Women’s Equality Day is celebrated on the anniversary of the passage of the 19^th amendment to the constitution, which gave women the right to vote.

Pouliot told the group of about 60 registrants that women are “proving over and over again that talent is not defined by gender.” She recalled early in her career in the auto and RV industries when she was the only female in the room but now, “Women are thriving in roles once reserved for men in construction, law enforcement and politics” and she said women are “breaking down stereotypes and wielding tools with the same expertise as their male counterparts.”

She added that equality is not just about entering spaces but also making sure women are “creating environments where women are treated with respect, are heard and are given the opportunity to thrive.”

Pouliot is also the vice president of Thetford, which was awarded the champion of women award by the RVWA because it embodies the mission to elevate, educate and promote women in the RV industry.

Pouliot said it’s not enough to honor the women who broke through barriers, but they also have to commit to continue the fight for true equality.

“To build a world where a woman’s value is never questioned, where she’s judged by her abilities and not her gender and where her contributions are celebrated without hesitation,” she said.

She encouraged the women to take the day as a call to action—whether the women are in the workplace or whether they are the CEOs of their own homes.

“We all have a role to play to ensure women are empowered to reach their full potential and to always remember the saying, ‘empowered women empower women’” and she said to work to ensure a time and place when “a man’s world becomes a world for everyone.”

Curtis Hemmeler, executive director and senior regional vice president of RVTI and RVIA shared that RVTI will be celebrating its 5^th anniversary on Sept. 28^th. He said over 18,000 people, including 8,000 who logged on to some type of training and 7,000 who are fully certified have benefited from RVTI.

“All made possible by the industry” he said, adding they sought to have a “professional, recognized standardized program that could be replicated across the country with all their learning partners including dealerships, high schools and community colleges”.

He said as they’re celebrating women he gave full credit for the all-women’s classes to Tracy Anglemeyer, who he said came to him 2-3 years ago saying they needed an all-women’s class.

“Since then, well over 100 women have gone through” the program and he said the all women classes have been the “best performing every time.”

“The reality is the qualities that most women have—attention to detail, caring more—makes you better technicians—something the auto industry figured out a few years ago.”

He said the partnership between RVTI and RVWA is “a match made in heaven” and he encouraged the women attending to take the tech class “even if you never wanted to be a technician—you won’t have to call a handyman.”

One woman who did that and is a certified level one technician is Mandy Leazenby. She said she didn’t really need it for her job, “but the knowledge gained moving forward running a company that deals with mechanics and components of RV’s, I thought it would behoove me to take the class and I definitely recommend everyone take level one.”

She said the women in the class fed off each other  and that Bill was an amazing instructor and  he sensed the hesitation of some of the women but she said, “We all worked together to bring everyone up to the same level. We’re like a family now—I come to these events and I just want to get more involved.”

Other women attending also shared thoughts on the benefits including Kelly Mosher, Forest River’s Customer Service Training Manager said she enjoyed “meeting other women in the industry. We all have different experiences and bring unique perspectives. It’s interesting to see how different and varied our industry is.”  She added it was exciting to see how far women have come and may still achieve in the near future.

A trio of women from Pinnacle Transport Company said they like to mingle and get to know other women and learn more. Shelly Hammenga added since they offer these events, “We should go to these cool women things!”

Trailblazer winner

Before ending the event with tours of the facility, Tracy Anglemeyer, vice president of sales and marketing at Thetford was asked to speak about being the recipient of 2023 Trailblazer Award. She said it was “still humbling to me—I still get goosebumps” and she said she didn’t think what she was doing was anything special; she was just trying to help the industry and make it better.

She said people say, ‘it takes a village’ but her motto is, “It takes an industry—working together to get things done.”

She encouraged the women to get involved on task forces and committees; to be mentors and sponsors and encouraged managers to build their people up.

More ‘all women’ classes will be starting soon at RVTI and Anglemeyer said she had some new ideas for next year’s classes.

The post RVWA Celebrates Women’s Equality Day at RV Tech Institute first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.