More than 50 RVDA volunteer leaders serving on the Board of Delegates joined the RVDA Board of Directors and staff for an intensive two-day session to review association strategies for 2008 and beyond.

RV dealers in their state elect members of the RVDA Board of Delegates to two-year terms. There are also at-large delegates.

Delegates identified as top priorities: Solving consumer problems through implementation of the Go RVing Committee on Excellence task force recommendations, and the formation of brand committees made up of dealers carrying specific brands.

RVDA leaders also discussed professional development opportunities for dealership employees through the RV Learning Center, the RV Dealers International Convention/Expo, and the proposed development of a career path for RV technicians. The delegates also reviewed strategies to contend with challenges posed by formaldehyde, RV weight labels, forklift safety, and legislation in Congress that would prohibit contract arbitration of consumer sales agreements.

The historic meeting marked the first time the Board of Delegates met outside of the RVDA convention. “The level of commitment that the delegates have to this industry and to their fellow dealers is amazing,” said RVDA Chairman of the Board Jeff Pastore of Hartville RV Center in Hartville, OH. “This meeting was crucial to implementing our strategic plan, which will help dealers and the industry survive and thrive.”

Delegates considered issues in the context of RVDA’s strategic goals, which are:

• Protect RVDA dealer members’ ability to conduct business profitably.
• Develop and providing solutions to help dealer members survive and thrive.
• Increase the percent of discretionary income spent on the purchases of RVs, products, and services through dealers.

Based on delegate input, RVDA will develop a program, plan, and budget for its 2009 fiscal year.