Consumer confidence drops slightly

(Jan. 31, 2012) -- "Consumers' assessment of current business and labor market conditions turned more downbeat and is back to November 2011 levels," said Franco. "Regarding the short-term outlook, consumers are more upbeat about employment, but less optimistic about business conditions and their income prospects.  Recent increases in gasoline prices may have consumers feeling a little less confident this month."

Canadian GDP unexpectedly declines

(Jan. 31, 2012) -- Canada's gross domestic product in November 2011 was disappointingly weak, dropping 0.1 percent in the month following unchanged activity in October, RBC Economics Research reported today. During the third quarter of 2011, monthly activity rose 0.3 percent on average. Expectations were for a monthly gain of 0.2 percent, said Paul Ferley, assistant chief economist with RBC.

Coach-Net extends special rate to Airstream owners

(Jan. 30, 2012) --  “We believe the addition of Coach-Net is a great way to round out our service offering and add support to our valued owners,” said Humphreys. “Whether they are on the side of the road, in a campground, or just have a technical question after hours, we want to give our owners peace of mind knowing that they have a respected, knowledgeable RV industry leader available to help.”

Registration opens for RV technician course

(Jan. 30, 2012) --  "Since propane is flammable, safety precautions are emphasized right from the start and throughout the entire course," said Leach. "During the course, students study the properties of propane as well as the types of containers used in the RV industry. Proper procedures for purging, storing and using LP, including the importance of regulation are presented and performed on paper as well as during many hands-on assignments. RVI Industry Association mandated tests are also perfected."

Second issue of RV Consumer Magazine released

(Jan. 30, 2012) -- Polk explained that his goal with the e-magazine is to provide RV consumers with useful information on RV products, RV how-to topics, rig reviews and RV destinations.  The February issue of the e-magazine addresses RV topics and RV information ranging from traveling with pets to RV aftermarket products and the top seven RV owner maintenance mishaps.

RVIA announces speakers for its annual meeting

(Jan. 30, 2012) -- The RV Industry Association has booked a slate of  speakers for its annual meeting, which takes place March 4 to 9 at the Rancho Las Palmas Resort in Palm Springs, Calif. The group includes a leader of the European RV industry, a social media guru, a noted economic expert, and an acclaimed political pundit.