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LAS VEGAS – Larry Troutt III of Topper’s Camping Center in Waller, Texas, was named chairman of the RV Dealers Association for 2025 during the association’s annual meeting on Nov. 13, at Paris Las Vegas.

Troutt succeeds Ryan Horsey of Parkview RV Center in Smyrna, Del., who will remain on the board as immediate past chairman.

Troutt became the second RVDA chairman in a row to follow in his father’s footsteps at the top of the RV Dealers Association board on Wednesday at Paris Las Vegas.

Horsey, who handed over the gavel after serving out his term, was following his father Rick Horsey as well.

“It was definitely a time of transition and education for me,” Horsey said. “If I could go back and tell my younger self one thing to prepare me for the past year, it would be to pay more attention to English class.”

But Horsey acknowledged the industry as a whole has made strides toward improving repair event cycle time over the past year = a goal that has been set in front of every chairman over about the past seven years.

“That’s an improvement benefitting all shareholders,” he said.

“Next to working with family and friends, serving RVDA has been one of the best experiences of my professional career,” Horsey said.

Troutt congratulated Horsey on his year at the helm and favorably compared their two experiences.

“We are a small dealership getting close to 60 years in business, and just like Ryan before me we are in our third generation of ownership and operation,” he said. “And I wouldn’t be standing here today without what my father has done for Topper’s and the RV industry. Now being married and having kids I’m beginning to understand what it took to not only run a great dealership but come home and be two great role models for me and my sister.”

During the session, President Phil Ingrassia gave a look at the state of the industry and delivered a positive sentiment.

He said that after a long period of headwinds that slowed every aspect of the industry, 2025 is looking like a time to pick up some tailwinds. The Federal Reserve seems poised to lower interest rates, and the new administration and Congress are likely to provide new opportunities to improve business conditions.

He also touted an RVDA pilot program for a help desk to provide solutions on a wide range of issues dealers face.

The entire new slate of RVDA officers for 2025 are:

• Chairman Larry Troutt III of Topper’s Camping Center in Waller, Texas
• First Vice Chairman Bob Been of Blue Compass RV in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
• Second Vice Chairman Brad Bacon of Pleasureland RV Center in St. Cloud, Minn.
• Treasurer Lane Bell of Bell Camper Sales in Bartlesville, Okla.
• Secretary LaDonna Meadows of Tacoma RV Center in Tacoma, Wash.

The new board of directors members are:

• Michael Moix of Moix RV Super Center in Conway, Ark.
• Jeff Myers of Myers RV Center in Albuquerque, N.M.
• Russ Perkins of Tri-Am RV Center in Bulls Gap, Tenn.
• They join Travis Creech of Rex & Sons RV in Wilmington, N.C. as directors.

Also included are:

• RV Assistance Corporation Chairman Jeff Hirsch, Campers Inn, Jacksonville, Fla.
• RV Rental Association Chairman Scott Krenek, Krenek RV Center, Coloma, Mich.
• RV Learning Center Chairman Jeff Pastore, Hartville RV Center, Hartville, Ohio

RVDA President Phil Ingrassia continues as a non-voting member of the Board.

A number of awards were delivered including the following:

• James B. Summers Award went to longtime RVDA staff member Ronnie Hepp

Chairman’s Service Awards were given to:

• Andy Cripe of Wave Express
• Curt Hemmeler of RVTI
• Corey Ruzicka of Priority RV Network
• Shawn Moran of Brown & Brown
• Rick Horsey and Joy Horsey of Parkview RV Center

An RVDA Special Award was presented to Chris Andro of Hemlock Hill RV Sales.

RVDA, the National RV Dealers Association, is the only national association dedicated to advancing the RV retailer’s best interests through education, member services, industry leadership, and market expansion programs that promote the increased sale and use of RVs and that enhance the positive image of the RV experience. For more information, go to www.rvda.org

The post Larry Troutt III of Topper’s Camping Center Elected RVDA Chair first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

LAS VEGAS, Nev. – RVBusiness presented the 13th edition of its Top 50 Dealers Awards on Wednesday night at the RV Dealers Convention/Expo at Paris Las Vegas.

But as usual, it was the final special honors of the night that showed what the RV industry is all about. Those awards brought out the care for their communities that the dealers have at heart as well as the respect and honor dealers hold for those who have paved the way in leadership roles before them.

As Curtis Trailers received the Arthur Decio Humanitarian Award for its work with Make A Wish, COO Kory Goetz detailed his company’s work to provide custom-made trailers for kids so they can make special trips. Since 2018, Curtis Trailers has partnered in 18 trailer wishes for critically ill children.

“A trailer gives kids like (wish-maker) Zoey a chance to get away from her routine,” Goetz said. “You can’t imagine the impact these wishes have on our team. Meeting these kids and seeing the tremendous challenges they face keeps life’s priorities in focus. This gift is the epitome of what our industry was founded on.”

In similar fashion, when receiving the first Sherman Goldenberg Digital Excellence Award, Nathan Hart of Walnut Ridge Family RV Sales was thankful for being recognized for digital innovations, but he also was quick to acknowledge the contributions of the award’s namesake to spreading the industry’s message over the years as publisher of RVBusiness magazine.

Walnut Ridge has been a groundbreaker in using AI technology for marketing, lead gathering and putting customers together with sales reps who can help them find the right RV for their needs.

“This award’s especially special to me and our team because it’s named after Sherman Goldenberg,” Hart said. “I got to know him pretty well in my time on the RVDA board, and he was at every event, every board meeting, every industry introduction of product – my respect for him only grew each time I spoke with him. His vision for our industry is really becoming realized in the way we’ve become more united.”

For the Gaylord Maxwell Innovation Award, Campers Inn RV was the winner, for changing its marketing efforts to create consistent advertising campaigns for all 36 of its locations.

“Part of Campers Inn’s vision statement is being an innovative leader and positive disruptor,” said Ben Hirsch, COO of Campers Inn. “This idea of hyper-targeted advertising and some of the other parts started from an advisory board. And it grew to how to we get in front of our customers to deliver that real-time content.”

Five Blue Ribbon Awards were presented to outstanding dealers, including:

• Princess Craft RV, Round Rock, Texas
• Moix RV Supercenter, Conway, Ark.
• Fraserway RV, Abbotsford, B.C.
• Bucars RV Centre, Balzac, Alb
• Beaver Coach Sales & Service, Bend, Ore.

Each year, RV manufacturers are invited to nominate their best RV-retailing dealer partners as Top 50 Honorees, and this year well over 200 such nominations were received.

Nominated retailers are then encouraged to complete application forms for review by an anonymous, independent panel of industry judges – 12 of whom stepped up after this past Labor Day weekend for a rather intense day-and-a-half session at Elkhart’s RV/MH Hall of Fame, where they reviewed the applicants’ submissions to determine the final list of Top 50 dealers and special award designees.

Top 50 dealer honorees are, in alphabetical order:

1. Airstream Adventures, Portland, Ore.
2. Alpin Haus RV, Amsterdam, N.Y.
3. Bama RV, Dothan, Ala.
4. Beaver Coach Sales & Service, Bend, Ore.
5. Bent’s RV, Boutte, La.
6. Bowling RV, Ottumwa, Iowa
7. Bucars RV Centre, Balzac, Alberta
8. Byerly RV Center, Eureka, Mo.
9. Camperland of Oklahoma, Tulsa, Okla.
10. Campers Inn RV, Jacksonville, Fla.
11. Colonial Airstream & RV, Millstone Township, N.J.
12. Crestview RV, Buda, Texas
13. Curtis Trailers, Portland, Ore.
14. Fraserway RV, Abbotsford, B.C.
15. Fun Town RV, Fort Worth, Texas
16. General RV, Wixom, Mich.
17. Gib’s RV Superstore, Coos Bay, Ore.
18. Great American RV SuperStores, Hammond, La.
19. Greeneway RV Sales & Service, Wisconsin Rapids, Wis.
20. Hartville RV Center, Hartville, Ohio
21. Hemlock Hill RV, Southington, Conn.
22. Hilltop Camper & RV, Fridley, Minn.
23. Leisure Time Sales, Quispamsis, New Brunswick
24. Moix RV Supercenter, Conway, Ark.
25. Mountaineer RV & Outdoor Center, Jane Lew, W.V.
26. Owasco RV Centre, Bowmanville, Ontario
27. Parkview RV Center, Smyrna, Del.
28. PleasureLand RV Center, St. Cloud, Minn.
29. Premier RV, Blue Grass, Iowa
30. Primeaux RV Superstores, Carencro, La.
31. Princess Craft RV, Round Rock, Texas
32. Rangeland RV & Trailer Sales, Rocky View, Alberta
33. RCD RV Supercenter, Pataskala, Ohio
34. Rich & Sons RV Headquarters, Grand Island, Neb.
35. Ron Hoover RV & Marine Centers, Rockport, Texas
36. Sicard RV, Smithville, Ontario
37. Skaggs Family RV, Elizabethtown, Ky.
38. Southaven RV & Marine, Southaven, Miss.
39. Southern RV, McDonough, Ga.
40. Steinbring Motorcoach, Garfield, Minn.
41. United RV Center, Fort Worth, Texas
42. Unlimited RV, Independence, Mo.
43. Veurink’s RV Center, Grand Rapids, Mich.
44. Vogt RV World, Fort Worth, Texas
45. Voyager RV Centre, Winfield, British Columbia
46. Walnut Ridge Family RV Sales, New Castle, Ind.
47. Wilkins RV, Bath, N.Y.
48. Windish RV, Lakewood, Colo.
49. Woodland Airstream, Grand Rapids, Mich.
50. Woody’s RV World, Calgary, Alberta

The post RVB Top 50 Dealers Bring Out Tender Spot at Heart of Industry first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

ANTIOCH, Tenn. – LKQ Corporation (Nasdaq: LKQ) today announced in a press release that Keystone Automotive Operations, a subsidiary of LKQ’s Specialty segment, received the Channel Partner of the Year Award at the 2024 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show in Las Vegas, the leading venue that brings together manufacturers and buyers within the automotive specialty equipment industry.

In addition, Warn Industries, a segment of Keystone Automotive Operations, won the Off-Road/4-Wheel Drive Product Award in the Best New Products Award category.

“We are pleased to be recognized for our leadership in the distribution of SEMA product lines and RV and marine accessories, as we continue to drive innovation and serve the diverse needs of our customers,” said Bill Rogers, President of Keystone Automotive Operations. “We are focused on operational excellence throughout the business and capitalizing on our growth potential as the Specialty market environment improves. These awards are validation of our efforts and the dedication of our talented teams.”

SEMA is a membership association representing over 7,000 member companies that create, buy, sell, and use specialty-automotive parts that make vehicles more unique, attractive, convenient, safer and fun. The Channel Partner of the Year Award recognizes Keystone Automotive Operation’s significant contributions to the aftermarket parts distribution industry, citing its commitment to new technologies and cutting-edge logistics and inventory management systems that ensure timely and accurate deliveries to customers.

The post Keystone Automotive Named 2024 Channel Partner of the Year 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 a discussion about the so-called “Trump Bump” a noticeable spike in activity since the presidential election Nov. 5.

Co-hosted by Bob Zagami and John DiPietro, tonight’s show airs at 7 p.m. ET.

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LOS ANGELES, Calif. – Exodus Rigs, a pioneer in the RV industry, introduces its first model, the Capax, at the LA Auto Show at the Los Angeles Convention Center Nov. 22-Dec. 1.Want to enjoy the outdoors while experiencing high-end amenities and life-on-the-road-enhancing technology? The Capax is the RV reimagined. Check out this new California-made mobile marvel at Booth WA-06 in the West Atrium.

Tour each of the Capax Premier Edition in three of its usability variations: Towing Mode, Picnic Mode, and Camping Mode. The Capax Premier Edition offers the model’s top notch Platinum styling loaded with the maximum specifications available. Created for sophisticated and uncompromising adventurers, these convertible and expandable travel trailers deliver next-level tech and design. 

“Exodus Rigs is bringing the combination of ‘garageability,’ luxurious but practical design, cutting-edge technology, and multi-functionality to the premium travel trailer market,”  said Shaddi Gohar, CEO, Exodus Rigs. “The waiting is over. We’ve brought the only no-sacrifices-needed travel trailer to the market.”

Exodus Rigs is the brainchild of Gohar and his son Fareed Gohar, the company’s product manager, who have a passion for camping. The duo elevated their initial Jeep trailer fabrication project in their  garage into a campsite sensation – and a new kind of company was born. One devoted to solving the pain points of the RV industry.

An Innovative Up Start Shakes Up RV Norms

Exodus Rigs prides itself on delivering what outdoor enthusiasts want, but never thought they could have.

Garageable Design: Tired of trying to park an oversized RV? The Capax offers garageability. Simply pull it into a standard home garage where its 15 compartments  and three-piece door remain fully accessible in its collapsed state. No need for an RV storage trip. Everything stays accessible at your fingertips, keeping your garage tidy from cluttered tools, toys, and camping supplies. Storing, packing and staging are a snap, hitting the road for spontaneous getaways or extensive travels has never been quicker.

Multi-Functional: The Capax is multi-use to the extreme. Everything has more than one function, which means the Capax‘s smaller footprint works harder than any other travel trailer ever built. Full accessibility from both the interior and exterior makes life on the road as easy as it gets. Access the bathroom without going inside the trailer. Stand outside and enjoy the view while stocking the cooler and refrigerator. Fully slide-out closet removes packing pain points.

Built for More. The Capax delivers creative storage and cozy living spaces by day; beds by night. Inside capacity provides those working on the road with a dedicated  workspace big enough for two monitors. A semi-dry bathroom keeps the wet out. Marine grade material and superior build-quality means the trailer is everything-proof. 

Aerodynamic Efficiency. The Capax offers aerodynamic, automotive-style manufacturing, with enhanced safety and ease-of-towing.  Lower height towing decreases the drag coefficient of the rig, further increasing stability, maneuverability, and energy efficiency.

Off-Road & Off-Grid. Go off-road thanks to axle-less air suspension and three pre-set travel ranges that provide maximum ground clearance for rough terrain.  Stay connected with StarLink internet. Solar panels provide electricity on the go, so searching for hookups are a thing of the past. Increased tank capacity means longer stays on the road.

Room for a Crowd. The Capax invites family and friends to come along for the fun. As a mobile basecamp, it accommodates larger groups and provides utilities, bath and kitchen amenities, and renewable energy sources for extended trips.

Place a Capax Order at the Show

A limited number of Capax Premier Edition travel trailers are being produced. Place orders at the show for these exclusive first editions. Be the first in line for delivery and enjoy a multitude of benefits including: customizations, a private delivery event with Exodus Rigs executives, bespoke gifts, lifetime concierge services and access to upgrades, invitations to adventure events and road trips including special Exodus-sponsored outings and exhibitions, extended warranties, maintenance packages, and servicing benefits, plus exclusive access to Exodus Rigs’ Founders Club and ownership portals.

Meet Exodus Rigs representatives at Booth WA-O6 in the West Atrium and get a Capax Premier Edition while supplies last. Visit exodusrigs.com to learn more.

The post Exodus Rigs RV Combines Tech, Design and Garageability first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Outdoor destinations that were beloved in the 1980s are making a major comeback, according to recent data from Campspot, a camping booking site. Building on its recent (Re)Creation Vacation trend report, which revealed that Americans are seeking nostalgia-driven getaways in response to modern pressures, Campspot today unveiled the top U.S. travel hotspots from the ’80s that are experiencing a resurgence in 2025. As the desire to reconnect with the past grows, and with the 1980s reported as the top decade travelers wish to escape to according to survey data, these legendary outdoor destinations are attracting a new generation of adventurers eager to experience the charm of yesteryear.

By cross-referencing the most popular 1980s outdoor destinations with current search data from their platform, Campspot created the ’80s (Re)vival Rankings, identifying the top five destinations in each U.S. region that have captured the attention of campers for the coming year.

“The sense of nostalgia our data reveals is powerful,” says Erin Stender, CMO of Campspot. “As we look ahead to 2025, it’s clear that travelers are gravitating toward places that remind them of simpler times, whether it’s revisiting a national park they visited in the ’80s or discovering the same outdoor treasures their parents once enjoyed.”

The ’80s (Re)vival Rankings Revealed

West:

• West Yellowstone, MT – Nearby 1980s hotspot: Yellowstone National Park, WY/MT/ID
• Grand Canyon, AZ – Nearby 1980s hotspot: Grand Canyon National Park, AZ
• Yosemite, CA – Nearby 1980s hotspot: Yosemite National Park, CA
• Estes Park, CO – Nearby 1980s hotspot: Rocky Mountain National Park, CO
• Moab, UT – Nearby 1980s hotspot: Arches National Park, UT

Midwest:

• Traverse City, MI – Nearby 1980s hotspot: Sleeping Bear Dunes, MI
• Mackinaw City, MI – Nearby 1980s hotspot: Mackinac Island, MI
• Cleveland, OH – Nearby 1980s hotspot: Cuyahoga Valley National Park, OH
• Rapid City, SD – Nearby 1980s hotspot: Badlands National Park, SD
• Duluth, MN – Nearby 1980s hotspots: Voyageurs National Park, MN; Lake Superior Shoreline, MN/WI

South:

• Miami, FL – Nearby 1980s hotspots: Everglades National Park, FL; Biscayne National Park, FL
• Gatlinburg, TN – Nearby 1980s hotspot: Great Smoky Mountains National Park, TN/NC
• Mammoth Cave, KY – Nearby 1980s hotspot: Mammoth Cave National Park, KY
• Asheville, NC – Nearby 1980s hotspot: Blue Ridge Parkway, VA/NC
• South Padre Island, TX – Nearby 1980s hotspot: South Padre Island, TX

Northeast:

• Bar Harbor, ME – Nearby 1980s hotspot: Acadia National Park, ME
• Lake George, NY – Nearby 1980s hotspot: Adirondack Mountains, NY
• Boston, MA – Nearby 1980s hotspots: Cape Cod National Seashore, MA; Berkshires, MA
• North Conway, NH – Nearby 1980s hotspots: White Mountains, NH; Mount Washington, NH
• Stowe, VT – Nearby 1980s hotspot: Green Mountains, VT

The 1980s Are Back: Why Nostalgia Is Fueling Travel in 2025

Today’s campers are flocking to outdoor destinations that were beloved in the 1980s, from the towering cliffs of Yosemite to the sandy shores of Sleeping Bear Dunes. But this resurgence is more than a fleeting trend– it’s part of a larger cultural shift where travelers seek comfort and connection in the face of modern uncertainties. As Campspot’s recent (Re)Creation Vacation report revealed, 88% of Americans are seeking escapes to simpler times, with many looking to recapture the joy and adventure they experienced during their childhood.

The growing appeal of these destinations is rooted in both personal memories and a broader longing for simpler experiences. According to Campspot’s data, 7 in 10 respondents are willing to trade modern conveniences for a chance to experience life as it was in the ’80s, with camping providing the perfect opportunity to unplug and recapture the magic of childhood trips. In fact, 94% of respondents reported seeing camping as a key form of stress relief, and another 80% agree that camping trips reconnect families free from the stress of modern life.

Whether it’s setting up camp under the stars or trekking iconic trails, it’s clear why these ’80s revival locations are seeing renewed popularity, driven by a collective yearning to escape digital overload and reconnect with nature in ways that mirror the adventures of the past.

“As travelers embrace the (Re)Creation Vacation trend, we’re seeing these 1980s-era hotspots come back to life for a new generation of campers,” Stender adds. “Their timeless appeal, combined with modern updates, offers the best of both worlds—a nod to the past and an authentic outdoor experience that still resonates today.”

About Campspot

Campspot is the leading software provider and online marketplace for RV resorts, family campgrounds, cabins, glamping options, and more, providing access to more than 230,000 campsites across the United States and Canada. Their innovative online marketplace simplifies the process of finding and booking campsites with a user-friendly platform and a diverse selection of campgrounds. Whether you’re a seasoned camper or a first-time adventurer, Campspot has the perfect spot for you.

The post Campspot Reveals 1980’s Travel Hotspots Making a Comeback first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

Effective Nov. 1, Jasper Hafkamp was appointed the new Global Managing Director of Brink Group, according to a company release.

Brink Group, one of the global market leaders in towing systems, is part of the AL-KO/DexKo group of companies since 2021. Today, the company boasts more than 800 passionate employees spread across nine locations (including Staphorst and Oosterhout in the Netherlands, France, Thailand, South Africa, Denmark, Poland, Italy, and Australia). The highly engineered product portfolio, which is crucial to safety and performance, includes fixed, detachable, retractable and next generation towbars.

Jasper Hafkamp brings over 20 years of extensive experience in the Daimler/Mercedes-Benz organization and a proven track record of leadership, general management, sales and marketing as well as after sales and operations. His focus was on growing business, building diverse teams, market development and new business approaches to ensure expansion in challenging markets.

Harald Hiller, president and CEO of AL-KO Vehicle Technology, comments: “I am delighted that we have gained Jasper Hafkamp as an experienced leader who will enrich our global management team. Jasper will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of our operations, driving our strategic initiatives, and continuing to build on our success. We are confident that under his leadership we will achieve new heights and continue to deliver exceptional value to our stakeholders.”

Jasper Hafkamp says: “I am very happy to be a part of the Brink Group and the AL-KO/DexKo organization. Brink has a long history and is a global leader in towbar solutions. My focus will be on providing our customers with the highest level of support and offering them the best possible products and services. Driving change and the further development and expansion of the international group, based on a clear vision and strategy, will be one of my main tasks. I am convinced that a dedicated, diverse and successful team is the key to success. I look forward to soon getting to know all our customers, partners, and employees and making a meaningful contribution to the company’s success.”

More information can be found at www.brink.eu.

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LAS VEGAS – Lightspeed, a leading provider of RV dealership management software, announced in a press release the winners of its third annual RV Dealership RECT (Repair Event Cycle Time) Excellence Awards. The winners were recognized during the RVDA’s 2024 RV Dealers Convention Spotlight on Excellence Luncheon, held in Las Vegas, Nevada, on November 12, 2024.

This year also saw the introduction of a new award category: the RV Innovator of the Year Award, which recognizes an OEM that has significantly advanced innovation through forward-thinking contributions to the RV industry. The purpose of this award is to spotlight companies that are pioneering advancements in RV technology and elevating the customer experience with innovative, cutting-edge solutions. Forest River was selected as the inaugural recipient of the RV Innovator of the Year Award for its work in providing dealers with higher efficiencies through integrations for VIN decoding, unit bulletins/recalls and parts price files.

“Forest River is setting new standards for dealership efficiency,” said Jeremy Johnson, Senior Manager of OEM and Business Development at Lightspeed. “Their progressive approach is helping dealerships streamline operations and deliver faster, more accurate service, ultimately enhancing the customer experience.”

The RECT awards honor the achievements and efforts of five RV dealerships in reducing RECT time and enhancing customer service. These award-winning dealerships, spanning locations across the U.S., represent a diverse range of dealership sizes and RV expertise.

The Lightspeed 2024 RV RECT Excellence Award winners are:

• Vacationland – Illinois
• Tulsa RV – Oklahoma
• Bish’s RV Omaha – Nebraska
• RV Supercenter, Menifee – California
• Outlet Recreation, Clearwater – Minnesota

Recipients were chosen based on their significant year-over-year improvements in reducing RECT time—a critical factor in dealership success within the RV industry. Effective RECT management enables dealerships to identify service inefficiencies, enhance operations, and improve overall customer satisfaction. In addition to boosting customer experiences, better RECT management also helps reduce employee burnout by streamlining workloads and processes.

“We are thrilled to celebrate the achievements of all our award winners, whose commitment to excellence sets a benchmark for the entire RV industry,” said Brian Provost, President & CEO of Lightspeed.

Lightspeed continues to offer innovative tools to help RV dealers improve service efficiency, ensuring RV customers get back on the road faster. To learn more about Lightspeed, visit https://www.lightspeeddms.com.

The post Lightspeed Announces RV Excellence & Innovation Winners first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Spearheaded by Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR), 312 businesses and organizations across the $1.1 trillion outdoor recreation economy, called on Congress in a letter today to pass the Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences (EXPLORE) Act before the end of the year. The bipartisan EXPLORE Act, which has already passed the U.S. House of Representatives by unanimous consent in April, enjoys unprecedented support from a broad coalition of industry associations, conservation groups, and outdoor businesses.

The EXPLORE Act is a package of more than a dozen bipartisan policy measures designed to boost rural economies, foster community resilience, and enhance Americans’ quality of life by improving access to public lands and recreational opportunities across the nation, all without additional cost to taxpayers. The legislation will streamline processes crucial to the over 5 million American jobs supported by the outdoor sector and ensure more Americans can enjoy the health and environmental benefits of outdoor recreation.

“This is a pivotal moment for outdoor recreation and for all Americans who rely on access to the outdoors for health, enjoyment, and economic vitality and this letter signed by over 300 businesses and organizations underscores the need to pass the EXPLORE Act as soon as possible,” said Jessica Wahl Turner, President of Outdoor Recreation Roundtable. “The EXPLORE Act represents decades of hard work across the outdoor industry and support from leaders at all levels of government. Passing this bill will not only meet the surging demand for outdoor access but will also protect our public lands for future generations to enjoy.”

The EXPLORE Act addresses crucial issues impacting both urban and rural communities, from modernizing permitting processes for outfitters and guides to expanding green spaces in underserved areas and enhancing long-range trail systems. With provisions that benefit motorized and non-motorized recreation alike, as well as conservationists, sportsmen and women, and economic advocates, the EXPLORE Act represents the most diverse coalition of outdoor stakeholders ever assembled.

The EXPLORE Act is sponsored by House Committee on Natural Resources Chairman Bruce Westerman (R-AR) and Ranking Member Raúl Grijalva (D-AZ) and similar legislation, the America’s Outdoor Recreation Act (AORA), is sponsored by Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Chairman Joe Manchin (I-WV) and Ranking Member John Barrasso (R-WY).

This bill will revolutionize the outdoor recreation economy, paving the way for its continued growth while fostering equity and inclusivity in outdoor access. The American outdoor recreation community is eager to see the EXPLORE Act signed into law, benefiting the 145 million Americans currently enjoying outdoor activities—and creating new opportunities for millions more.

The text of the letter to Congress signed by over 310 outdoor recreation businesses and organizations is below and a PDF is available here.

Dear Members of Congress: 

As businesses and organizations across the $1.1 trillion outdoor recreation economy, we strongly urge the U.S. Senate to pass the Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences (EXPLORE) Act by the end of the year. This historic legislation passed the U.S. House of Representatives by unanimous consent in April, and an almost identical version passed twice out of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee without opposition. The bill is supported by a large and diverse coalition of recreation organizations covering all outdoor activities, including industry associations, conservation groups, local, state and federal officials, and hundreds of American outdoor businesses that span the outdoor recreation economy. 

The EXPLORE Act would support rural economies, communities, and our American quality of life. It streamlines efficiencies and updates processes that are critical to 5 million American jobs and over half of all Americans who get outdoors. This bipartisan legislation would respond to the increased demand for access to the outdoors while also protecting public lands and waters for future use. 

We are counting on you to pass the EXPLORE Act by the end of this Congressional session, representing a landmark achievement for the 118^th Congress and garnering widespread support from the most diverse coalition ever brought together in the outdoor sector, including motorized and non-motorized recreation, sportsmen and women, conservationists, economic development advocates, and elected leaders at all levels of government. Importantly, the legislation focuses on not just the 145 million Americans currently benefiting from outdoor recreation, but also the millions without access, and ensures equity so everyone can reap the health, social, and environmental benefits that time outside supports. 

This EXPLORE Act would revolutionize outdoor recreation in all corners of the country and pave the way for the recreation economy’s continued growth. It will transform how Americans access and enjoy their public lands and waters by streamlining permitting processes to ease burdens on outfitters and guides, improving access to recreational opportunities, ensuring access to green spaces in underserved communities, developing and completing long-range trails, and investing in rural communities. 

This bill results from the hard work of sponsors Chairman Joe Manchin, Ranking Member John Barrasso, Chairman Bruce Westerman, and Ranking Member Raúl Grijalva, and many U.S. Senators and Representatives whose bills are included, communities across the nation, outdoor recreation businesses, and stakeholders over many years.  

The American outdoor recreation business, conservation, and user community is eager for the Senate to pass this bipartisan and bicameral legislation. We have waited decades for some of these provisions to become law and without this important legislation, antiquated policies will remain a risk to our industry and those seeking to experience the outdoors. We strongly urge you to pass this comprehensive piece of legislation that meets the growing demand for outdoor access while also protecting public lands and waters for future generations.  

Thank you for your leadership and for supporting a sustainable and growing outdoor recreation economy for the benefit of all Americans. 

About ORR    

The Outdoor Recreation Roundtable is the nation’s leading coalition of outdoor recreation associations representing the more than 110,000 outdoor businesses in the recreation economy and the full spectrum of outdoor-related activities. The most recent data from the U.S. Department of Commerce shows that outdoor recreation generated $1.1 trillion and 5 million American jobs in 2022, comprising 2.2% of the nation’s economy and 3.2% of all employees in the country. 

The post Congress Urged to Pass Bipartisan EXPLORE Act this Year first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

RENO, Nev. – Dragonfly Energy Holdings Corp. (Nasdaq: DFLI), an industry leader in energy storage and maker of Battle Born Batteries, today announced in a press release entry into a partnership with Keystone Automotive Operations Inc., a leading distributor and marketer of specialty automotive equipment and accessories in North America.

With this joint effort, Dragonfly Energy’s Battle Born Batteries brand of products are available for shipment from any of Keystone Automotive’s eight distribution centers for overnight or two-day delivery to Keystone Automotive’s extensive network of suppliers across 48 states and 9 Canadian provinces via its truck delivery service.

This partnership is expected to increase the availability of Battle Born Batteries by leveraging Keystone Automotive’s robust distribution network. Battle Born Batteries are available to Keystone Automotive customers across multiple industry segments, including the recreational vehicle (RV) industry through NTP-STAG, the marine industry through SeaWide, and the overlanding and off-grid industry through Keystone Automotive.

“Keystone Automotive brings an extensive network and a large, engaged audience to this partnership, which we believe will expand Dragonfly Energy’s market presence,” said Wade Seaburg, chief revenue officer at Dragonfly Energy. “In addition to their strong market presence, Keystone is known for delivering top-tier distribution services. We are proud to align with such a respected partner to provide customers the opportunity for increased accessibility to the batteries and products they rely on.”

“The addition of Dragonfly Energy’s Battle Born Batteries brand to our product offerings complements our commitment to quality, customer service, and providing our customers the best products on the market,” said Andy Morgan, director of marketing at Keystone Automotive Operations. “Dragonfly Energy’s products will allow us to provide our customers with powerful energy solutions that give them the benefit of extended lifespan, increased safety, and an environmentally responsible power solution.”

For more information about Dragonfly Energy, visit DragonflyEnergy.com.To learn more about Keystone Automotive Operations, visit KeystoneAutomotive.com.

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