RV Business

In this episode of RVBusiness Capitol Talk, Rick Kessler and Sherm Goldenberg are joined by RV Dealers Association (RVDA) President Phil Ingrassia, Chris Andro of Hemlock Hill RV in Southington, Conn., and Travis Creech of Rex & Sons RV near Wilmington, N.C.

The discussion talks about the ongoing recovery efforts from Hurricane Helene and the expected impact of Hurricane Milton. Ingrassia explains the RV Dealers Employee Emergency Relief Program, and Creech explained the process of becoming a FEMA-authorized vendor, and the typical timeline it takes for FEMA to provide RVs to natural disaster victims. For his part, Andro offered a preview of the upcoming RV Dealers Convention/Expo.

RVBusiness Capitol Talk is sponsored by Airxcel Inc.

The post Capitol Talk: Dealers Discuss Hurricanes, RVDA Convention first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

EDITOR’S NOTE: With local officials still dealing with the devastation from Hurricane Milton, RVBusiness will look to provide coverage Friday of how the storm impacted RV dealerships, parks and campgrounds.

In related news, RVB posted a Capitol Talk video today with RVDA President Phil Ingrassia, Chris Andro of Hemlock Hill RV and Travis Creech of Rex & Sons RV. During that discussion, which you can view here, Ingrassia explained the association’s RV Dealers Employee Emergency Relief Program, and Creech explained the process of becoming a FEMA-authorized vendor.

In addition, OHI, formerly known as the National Association of RV Parks & Campgrounds, has available an OHI Foundation Disaster Relief Fund, the proceeds of which will go directly to campgrounds affected by this and other natural disasters.

Also, we’re sharing the interview between Ben Hirsch of Camper’s Inn RV and his daughter, Avery, who talk about the dealership’s humanitarian efforts in North Carolina with Bob Zagami and John DiPietro of the New England RV Dealers Association (NERDA) for this week’s “RVing in New England” show.

And allow us to also highlight RVDA’s announcement today of the 19 RV manufacturers/brands to be recognized with Quality Circle Awards for achieving the highest scores in the association’s 30th Annual Dealer Satisfaction Index (DSI) survey. If not for Hurricane Milton, this news would have been the top story of the day.

Following that is a selection of Hurricane Milton coverage from various media sources.

The post Residents Reeling as Hurricane Milton Slams Into Florida first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

The Big Truck Big RV channel on YouTube did a walk-through review of the new Riverside Retro 145 BT.

The RVBusiness Featured Video is sponsored by CURT, a Lippert towing brand.

The post OEM Showcase: Riverside Retro 145 BT Cab-Over Travel Trailer first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

BERNARDSVILLE, N.J., Sept. 23, 2024 – Are you a fan of folk art? Or Halloween? How about sheep and wool? Fall is not only about the breathtaking color of the season. It’s also prime festival season, and many of those seasonal festivals are staged along the Spacious Skies Camprgounds Fall Color Trail.

The 2,500-mile-long trail travels along a route connecting the 15 Spacious Skies Campgrounds in 10 states located from Maine to Georgia and highlights the prime viewing time in each location over a period of nearly three months.

“Festivals are one of the best ways to have an immersive local experience in any destination you visit, and with the bounty of harvest, great weather and the help of some creative local event planners, fall festivals along the Spacious Skies Campgrounds Fall Color Trail are downright epic,” said Ali Rasmussen, co-founder of Spacious Skies Campgrounds. “From spooky events all over to a Folklife Festival in Virginia, there are plenty of ways to learn, laugh and eat at festivals near Spacious Skies Campgrounds throughout the fall season.”

Here are some examples of fall festivals from Maine to Georgia:

Spacious Skies Walnut Grove, Alfred, Maine and Spacious Skies Balsam Woods, Abbott, Maine

Festival: Fall Foliage Festival

October 12-13

For 55 years, Boothbay’s Railway Village Museum has been celebrating fall colors with art, food, music and train rides. Also popular are an antique car museum, model railroad and village goats.

Spacious Skies French Pond, Henniker, N.H. and Spacious Skies Seven Maples, Hancock, N.H.

Festival: New Hampshire Book Festival

October 4-5

Main Street in downtown Concord will host the annual New Hampshire Book Festival bringing authors together to celebrate literacy with panels, interviews and books signings.

Spacious Skies Minute Man, Littleton, Mass.

Festival: Haunted Happenings

Oct. 1-31

This annual festival takes place in New England’s most notorious “witch” location. Included are a grand parade, artists, costume balls, hanted houses, live music and theatrical presentations.

Spacious Skies Adirondack Peaks, North Hudson, N.Y. and  Spacious Skies Woodland Hills, Austerlitz, N.Y.

Festival: New York State Sheep and Wool Festival

Oct. 21- 22

The Dutchess County Sheep and Wool Growers Association’s annual festival in Rhinebeck, NY features a variety of competitions, along with workshops on weaving, knitting and basket making.

Spacious Skies Country Oaks, Dorothy, N.J.

Festival: The Autumn Lights Festival

September 27-29

This festival in West Milford started as a celebration of the town’s first traffic light, but it has grown with the number of traffic lights in the town to now host some 35,000 people each year.

Spacious Skies Shenandoah Views, Luray, Va.

Festival: Blue Ridge Folklife Festival

October 26

The Blue Ridge Folklife Festival features musicians, moonshiners, craftspeople, cooks, motorheads, mule jumpers, horse pullers, coon dog racers, antique tractor buffs and old-time gamers for a celebration of the rich heritage and traditions of the region.

Spacious Skies Sandy Run, Fayetteville, N.C.

Festival: 46th Annual International Folk Festival

September 27-29

Downtown Fayetteville, NC is host to cultural performances, live art, bands and dancers and, authentic cuisine from all over the world.

Spacious Skies Bear Den, Spruce Pine, N.C. and Spacious Skies Hidden Creek, Marion, N.C.

Festival: 41st Annual Mountain Glory Festival

Oct. 12

This is a small town celebration of fall and the glory of the mountains, featuring 150 crafts and food vendor, plus children’s events and the Mountain Glory Quilt Show, inside the McDowell Arts Council Association (MACA).

Spacious Skies Belle Ridge, Monterey, Tenn.

Festival: Jack-O’-Lantern Jamboree

Oct. 26

Monterey’s annual Halloween Festival takes place on the city’s main drag and includes traditional fun like trick-or-treating, bounce houses, a movie, food trucks, corn hole, bobbing for apples and pumpkin carving.

Spacious Skies Peach Haven, Gaffney, S.C.

Festival:Annual Fall Festival

October 25

It’s beginning to look like…Halloween. This event is family friendly and open to the public with games, trunk or treat, plenty of food and a hayride.

Spacious Skies Savannah Oaks, Savannah, Ga.

Festival: Savannah Film Festival

Oct. 26-Nov. 2

Movie buffs circle this event on their calendars. Hosted by the Savannah College of Art and Design, the festival attracts close to 50,000 people observing the work of emerging student filmmakers while well-known directors, actors and producers meet to accept awards and discuss their craft.

Ways to Stay and Ways to Save

Spacious Skies Campgrounds offer a variety of accommodation choices in addition to RV sites. Most locations feature cabin options, and many also offer glamping accommodations such as yurts and retro trailers. The group also partners with RV Share for travelers who would like to try out the RV camping experience.

Members of the Spacious Skies Loyalty Program, called “Cosmic Campers,” can save up to 12 percent on all RV sites, cabins and other accommodations. The annual fee to join the program is $31.90. While the Loyalty Program discount cannot be combined with other discounts, the discount with the greatest savings is rewarded, providing campers with the best possible deal on their stay.

Join the Team

Spacious Skies Campgrounds is actively seeking campground management and staff with a shared passion for the outdoors and an interest in working for a dynamic, fast-growing company. More information about employment opportunities can be found online.

About Spacious Skies Campgrounds 

Spacious Skies Campgrounds is a fast-growing owner and operator of RV campgrounds with RV, tent, cabin and glamping sites across 15 locations from Maine to Georgia. The company’s mission is to offer a fun, relaxing and authentic campground experience in destinations with abundant outdoor recreation and attractions. Spacious Skies Campgrounds is executing a regional growth strategy while at the same time improving amenities at all properties to provide guests consistent and reliable accommodations, service and access to the great outdoors. For more information, visit www.spaciousskiescampgrounds.com.

Hashtags: #CampOn #spaciousskies #spaciousskiescampgrounds #takeyourindoorsoutdoors #teamspaciousskies #CosmicCampers

The post Follow Festivals Along Spacious Skies’ Fall Color Trail first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

SAN ANTONIO, Texas – RV Repair Solutions Inc, a leading RV repair facility in San Antonio, announces the launch of its new RV Express Membership Program. This program is designed to provide convenience and peace of mind to RV owners by offering priority repairs and access to a free RV rental while their vehicle is being serviced, according to a release.

The RV Express Membership Program is the first of its kind in the San Antonio area, offering exclusive benefits to its members. RV owners who join the program will receive priority repairs, allowing them to get back on the road as quickly as possible. In addition, members will have access to a free RV rental while their vehicle is being repaired, eliminating the stress and inconvenience of being without their RV.

“We are thrilled to introduce our RV Express Membership Program to our valued clients in San Antonio,” said John Smith, owner of RV Repair Solutions Inc. “We understand the importance of having a reliable and well-maintained RV, especially for those who use it as their primary mode of travel. With our membership program, we aim to provide our clients with a hassle-free experience and ensure their RV is always in top condition.”

RV Repair Solutions Inc has been providing top-notch RV repair, restoration, and collision services to the San Antonio community for over a decade. With the launch of their RV Express Membership Program, they continue to demonstrate their commitment to providing exceptional customer service and convenience to their clients.

For more information about the RV Express Membership Program and other services offered by RV Repair Solutions Inc, visit their website or contact them directly. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to become a member and enjoy the benefits of priority repairs and a free RV rental. RV owners in San Antonio can now travel with peace of mind, knowing that RV Repair Solutions Inc has their back.

The post RV Repair Solutions Launches ‘RV Express’ in San Antonio first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

ELKHART, Ind. – THOR Industries, Inc. (NYSE: THO) today announced that its Board of Directors approved, at its Oct. 8 meeting, the payment of a regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.50 per share. The new quarterly dividend amount represents a 4.2% increase from the previous quarterly dividend amount of $0.48.

The regular cash dividend is payable on November 15, 2024, to shareholders of record at the close of business on Nov. 1, 2024.

This news follows THOR’s Q4 financial performance report, released Sept. 27. Consolidated net sales were $2.53 billion in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024, compared to $2.74 billion for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023. Consolidated gross profit margin for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024 was 15.8%, an increase of 140 basis points when compared to the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023, aided in part by a favorable LIFO inventory adjustment due to reductions in inventory levels as well as an improved warranty cost percentage.

About THOR Industries, Inc.

THOR is the sole owner of operating companies which, combined, represent the world’s largest manufacturer of recreational vehicles. For more information on the Company and its products, please go to www.thorindustries.com.

The post THOR Announces Increased Regular Quarterly Dividend first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR) celebrated the recent announcement by Arizona State Parks & Trails to establish a full-time program administrator for the Arizona Office of Outdoor Recreation. Arizona’s office — the 24th of its kind nationwide — will help bolster the Grand Canyon State’s efforts to utilize outdoor recreation as a tool for quality of life, public health, and economic growth.  Outdoor recreation generates $11.7 billion for Arizona’s economy, is 2.5 percent of its GDP, and creates 106,571 jobs, according to the most recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis. 
 
Arizona’s announcement today highlighted that the new office, led by Neil Large, will “position Arizona’s outdoor offerings as a top choice for residents, visitors and industry partners while ensuring businesses, land managers and other stakeholders are empowered and all the beautiful state assets are conserved for future generations to enjoy.” The office will continue to receive support and coordination from the Arizona Office of Tourism to further its efforts, which are guided by five pillars: Environmental Conservation & Stewardship; Education & Workforce Development; Economic Development; Exercise, Health & Wellness; and Equity, Access & Inclusion.  

“With today’s announcement, Arizona is demonstrating leadership in recognizing that Arizona’s $11.7 billion outdoor recreation economy provides economic, health, and community benefits for everyone in the Grand Canyon State,” said Jessica Wahl Turner, President of the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable. “On behalf of organizations across the $1.1 trillion outdoor recreation economy, we are so excited for all that is in store outdoors for Arizona’s residents, outdoor businesses, and visitors alike.” 

“The Confluence of States is excited to welcome Neil Large and Arizona’s Office of Outdoor Recreation as the 24^th such office around the country,” said Katherine Andrews, Chair of the Confluence of States and Director of the Arkansas Office of Outdoor Recreation. “This significant milestone strengthens the bond between neighboring Confluence members – Colorado, New Mexico, Nevada, and Utah – and highlights the growing recognition of outdoor recreation’s essential role in our communities. The outdoor industry continues to be a vital driver for our local, state, and federal economies, fostering job creation and enhancing quality of life. Arizona’s office will work across all state agencies and stakeholders to develop innovative strategies to encourage residents and visitors alike to explore the great outdoors. We look forward to continuing our collective work alongside Arizona.” 
 
ORR supports state directors and state offices of outdoor recreation and helps create new offices of outdoor recreation through access to data, resources, and communications tools for recreation leaders across the country. More information on ORR’s state outdoor recreation programmatic priorities can be found on their website. 

About ORR 

The Outdoor Recreation Roundtable is the nation’s leading coalition of outdoor recreation trade associations representing the $1.1 trillion outdoor recreation economy. ORR focuses on the growth of outdoor recreation by building a better environment for the sustainable growth of outdoor recreation businesses and driving a broader understanding of the value of the outdoor recreation economy. Our membership includes national outdoor trade association members, business entities, nonprofit organizations, and universities — serving more than 110,000 businesses and representing America’s boating, fishing, RVing, biking, hiking, camping, hunting, ATVing, diving, horseback, and skiing communities among many more. 

The post ORR Applauds New Arizona Office of Outdoor Recreation  first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

CENTENNIAL, Colo. – The OHI Foundation is thrilled to announce the winners of this year’s scholarship recipients for the Outdoor Hospitality Conference and Expo® (OHCE®) and the George O’Leary National School of Outdoor Hospitality. These scholarships, 42 in total, were made possible through the generous support of our members, colleagues, and community and are vital for fostering professional growth and development within the Outdoor Hospitality Industry.

A special thanks to Tengo Internet, 20 Group 4, the George O’Leary Family Trust, and all the other generous donors who make OHCE and National School scholarships a reality for the community. By alleviating the financial burden of attendance, these scholarships ensure that aspiring professionals have access to invaluable learning and networking opportunities.

OHCE® Scholarship Winners
The OHI Foundation is excited to recognize the recipients of this year’s scholarships for attendance at the Outdoor Hospitality Conference and Expo® (OHCE®2024). OHCE®, taking place November 4-6, 2024, in Oklahoma City, OK, is the industry’s premier trade show focused on possibility-driven professional development and networking. This year, attendees will have the chance to learn from industry-leading experts, network with peers, and explore cutting-edge products and services on the expo floor.

The recipients of the OHCE®2024 scholarships are:

• Aaron Cohen – Pinewood Lodge Campground – Plymouth, MA
• Keyawona Dixon – Julandy’s Isle Alternative Living Community – Leesville, LA
• Jodi Holova- Columbus North Jellystone Park
• Karlie Lynn (YP)- Mt. Greylock Campsite Park
• Kinnley McNabb (YP) – Four Corners Resort and Marina – Nashville, TN
• Munro Murdock – North Haven Campground – Bonners Ferry, ID
• Evan Ollerich (YP)
• Brett Patterson-Kaliber Management- Jellystone Park Cochran
• Lisa Pascale – Normandy Farms Family Camping Resort – Foxboro, MA
• Mallorie Rogers (YP) – Frankenmuth Jellystone Park – Frankenmuth, MI
• Cyndi Tendick – Shangri La Ranch – New River, AZ

The George O’Leary National School of Outdoor Hospitality, taking place February 23-28, 2025 in Wheeling, WV, provides park owners or aspiring park owners with the essential tools and knowledge needed to thrive in the Outdoor Hospitality Industry. This year, we are proud to award scholarships to an outstanding group of individuals who will enhance their skills through this high-quality, in-person program.

Year 1 Scholarship Recipients:

• Thomas Bales – Swan Lake Resort & Campground – Fergus Falls, MN
• Rebekka Blackmon – Greensport RV Park and Campground – Ashville, AL
• Laura Brooks – Pymatuning Adventure Resort – Williamsfield, OH
• Shawn Chase – Triple Brook Camping Resort – Blairstown, NJ
• Kyle Closner – Noble Forest RV Village – Plantersville, TX
• Dawn Cannon- CRR Hospitality/River Sands RV Resort
• Douglas Davis – Douglas Forest RV Resort – Webster, MA
• Ollie Gauthier – Hickory Hills Campground – Edgerton, WI
• Casey Graham – New Frontier RV Park – Winnemucca, NV
• Cynthia Mark – Beaver Trail Campground – West Branch, MI
• Johanna Mason – Watts Bar Lake Jellystone Park – Loudon, TN
• Katelyn Mercer – Thornhill Property Management, Inc. – Wetumpka, AL
• Ashley Migliaccio – Hidden Acres Family Campground – Preston, CT
• Kimberly Pierce- Soo Line Trail / Onamia KOA
• Judy Sheely – Camp HiYo! – Homerville, OH
• Erik Brown – Seal Rocks RV – Seal Rock, OR
• Nick Verhey- Sturgis View Campground

Year 2 Scholarship Recipients:

• Heather Blauer- Chassahowitzka River Campground
• Keyawona Dixon – Julandy’s Isle Alternative Living Community – Leesville, AL
• Jamie Dunklin- Redbud Ranch RV Resort
• Cyndi Elliott- Badlands Hotel and Campground
• Kevin Gundlach – Lone Oak Campsites – East Canaan, CT
• Daniel Henderson- Wyatt’s Hideaway Campground
• Abigail James – Mountain Lake Campground & Cabins – Summersville, WV
• Casey Kelly – Valley View RV Resort – North Layton, UT
• Robert Kelly – Valley View RV Resort – North Layton, UT
• Cheri Lopes – Lone Oak Campsites – East Canaan, CT
• Kinnley McNabb – Four Corners Resort and Marina – Nashville, TN
• Kandy Murphy – BuzzWorthy Property Management – Grapevine, TX
• Autumn Rennick – Camping on the Gulf – Miramar Beach, FL
• Vicky Saavedra – Launch Pointe RV Camping Destination – Lake Elsinore, CA
• Deb Stough – Cedar Lake Campground – Dover, PA

Through the OHI Foundation’s scholarships, we continue to support individuals in their pursuit of excellence within the Outdoor Hospitality Industry. OHI is grateful for the support of our community, which allows us to provide these valuable opportunities, and we are so excited to welcome all of our scholarship winners to these premier industry events.

For more information about the OHI Foundation and the scholarships available, please visit ohi.org/ohi-foundation/.

The post OHI Names Scholarship Winners for OCHE, National School first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

FAIRFAX, Va. – The RVDA announces Traveler’s Choice RV, by North American Auto Care (NAAC), has joined the team as a bronze partner for the 2024 RV Dealers Convention/Expo.

Traveler’s Choice RV is a premier provider of service contracts and ancillary programs tailored specifically for RVs, according to a release.

“Having another new sponsor for this year’s show is rewarding and helps us put on the best experience possible for our dealers,” said Convention/Expo Committee Chair Chris Andro, Hemlock Hill RV Sales in Southington, CT. “We give a big thanks to Traveler’s Choice for coming on board this year.”

“Building our presence in the RV industry is an important part of our near future,” said Vince Manning, Vice President of Business Development at NAAC. “The Convention/Expo is a great venue for us to show our commitment to the dealers.”

About the RV Dealers Convention/Expo

The convention allows North America’s top dealership personnel to forge valuable connections with peers, industry leaders, and potential business partners in the Expo. Dealership professionals can expand their network and gain insights from the best in the RV industry. 

The dealer-organized RVDA Convention will provide an in-depth look into the current sales landscape. Attendees will have access to valuable resources to optimize all departments within a dealership, including fixed operations.

To register for the 2024 RV Dealers Convention/Expo click here. Regular updates will be posted on the convention website, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X.  

The event is sponsored by RVDA of the U.S., RVDA of Canada, and the Mike Molino RV Learning Center.

Companies interested in partnership or sponsorship opportunities can contact Julie Newhouse at (703) 364-5518 or email [email protected].  

The post Traveler’s Choice RV a Bronze Partner for Convention/Expo first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

RVing in New England,” the weekly Facebook Live show hosted by the New England RV Dealers Association (NERVDA), this week features coverage of Hurricane Milton’s landfall on the west coast of Florida.

The post ‘RVing in New England’ Looks at Milton’s Impact on Florida first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.