Fairfax, VA - Russ Patton of Byerly RV Center in Eureka, MO, has donated an additional $10,000 to the RV Learning Center, bringing the dealership's total contribution to $36,000.

"Russ Patton is a long-time supporter of the RV Learning Center and its continuing education programs for RV dealership personnel," said RV Learning Center Chairman of the Board Jeff Pastore of Hartville RV Center in Hartville OH. "We appreciate his generous contribution which will help advance education opportunities for RV retail employees and improve customer satisfaction in the industry." Byerly RV Center is celebrating its 65th year of serving customers in 2012.

The RV Learning Center is dedicated to providing dealers and their employees with innovative ways to operate RV dealerships through an array of education resources including publications, distance learning, live workshops, online products, training, and certification programs for RV dealership personnel.

For more information on the Foundation's RV Learning Center, visit www.rvlearningcenter.com, send an e-mail to info@rvda.org, or send a fax to (703) 359-0152. The RV Learning Center is a tax exempt organization as described in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Contributions may be tax deductible as charitable donations.

[ Top ]

ST. PETERSBURG, Florida, Priority One Financial Services, Inc., the recreational industry’s oldest and largest F&I outsourcing provider, is proud to offer its dealer partners free on-line access to NADA’s used value guide. The guide offers a comprehensive spectrum of benchmark pricing data that consumers and professionals from various industries use to help buy, sell, trade or shop for vehicles including RVs, trailers, boats, motorcycles and more. “Most of our dealers are currently paying to access NADA’s on-line vehicle pricing guide or paying for the quarterly books to perform their book-outs, so we wanted to take that cost burden away from our valued dealers,” said Lorraine Mariotti, Vice President of Lending.

By providing this tool for their dealers, Priority One dealers will be able to determine values on units at any time through a link to nada.com on Priority One’s exclusive dealer resource center (DRC).

About Priority One Financial Services

Priority One has been serving the marine and RV industry since 1987. Acquired in 2007 by Forest River, Inc. a Berkshire Hathaway company, Priority One serves as the F&I managed services provider for hundreds of dealers nationwide. For more information, visit www.P1FS.com.

About NADA Car Guides

Since 1933, the NADA Used Car Guide has provided used-vehicle valuation products and services to the auto, finance, fleet/lease, government and insurance industries. For additional information, call 800.544.6232.

[ Top ]

ELKHART, Ind. – The RVI Leadership Prayer Breakfast during the 2011 National RV Trade Show in Louisville was a successful and enlightening event, according to coordinator Carl Pletcher.

“We had a good turn-out for the prayer breakfast, and everyone seemed to enjoy our guest speaker quite a bit,” Pletcher said. Nathan Whitaker, co-author of motivational books with sports figures such as Tony Dungy and Tim Tebow, gave a talk about his life path and how it led to writing his latest book, The Mentor Leader, with Tony Dungy about servant leadership.

The event began with a welcome from Bob Olson, Winnebago’s chairman of the board, and an invocation by Dutchmen regional sales manager Jeremiah Grubert. After breakfast, Olson thanked the sponsors and introduced Kenneth Floyd, president of Floyd’s RVs in Norman, Okla., for a scripture reading. Floyd read that “iron sharpens iron” from Proverbs 27:17, counseling attendees to positively influence one another, and also read Deuteronomy 6:4-7. In the face of obstacles and rebellion, he said, “Faith and hope win out.”

Atwood Mobile Products president Tim Stephens then gave a prayer before Olson returned for his introduction of Whitaker.

“We all understand the pursuit of profit and results. We’re hoping for plenty of both this week, so we can pay our debts and keep good people employed. And there’s nothing wrong with that,” Olson said. “The question is how we go about it, and at what cost. What do we hold most dear? Happy workers. A positive environment. The good of the team. And ultimately, a life we aren’t ashamed of when we see the one who gave it to us.” Whitaker spoke of the evolution of events that brought him to Tony Dungy during his time working for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Dungy’s atypical approach to leadership that inspired him and eventually brought them to write together.

“One of the most important years of my life was 2001. The Bucs were 9-7 that year, but Tony’s message never changed: Do what’s in your core. He said leaving the game plan is a sign of panic and panic is not in the game plan,” Whitaker explained. “Alone in the locker room with him, I said, ‘I appreciate your witness.’ Tony said, ‘I sometimes think God wants there to be a circus so He can show people there’s another way to respond.’”

Whitaker described the concept of servant leadership, reminding attendees that everyone is an example to someone nearby. “Leadership just means influence. You’re not always the boss, chairman of the board, president. But whether it’s 20,000 people or one person who’s watching you, the Lord calls us to be faithful,” he stated. “This is not about Tony, or football, or being wealthy and successful; it’s about being spiritually significant. No matter how flawed we are, or if we’re going in the wrong direction, or doing something that doesn’t seem to make sense, God will work through us to touch those He wants us to touch.”

Pletcher said the event was a good one and he was glad to come back again after a hiatus in 2009 due to the recession and a lack of sponsor support. “The plain truth is, we can’t make this thing happen without our sponsors. They were so good to us this year and I can’t thank them enough,” he said. “It’s not a self-funding event and we don’t make a profit. We’re just here to help people of faith in the RV industry have a place to gather during a very important, busy and maybe even hectic week, just to collect our thoughts in a positive way and focus on the one thing that’s needful.”

Platinum sponsors for the 2011 prayer breakfast were Andy Baer, KZRV; Wilbur Bontrager, Jayco; Matthew Miller, Newmar; and James Huebner, Huebner Petersen. Gold sponsors were Jack Enfield, MOR/ryde; BJ Thompson, BJ Thompson Associates; Kevin Phillips, Thetford and Norcold; Tim Stephens, Atwood Mobile Products; Thor Industries; and Fabric Services. Silver sponsors were Kenneth Floyd, Floyd’s RVs; Mike Keller, Keller Marine & RV; John Spader, Spader Business Management; and Carl Pletcher. Bronze sponsors were Bill and Sharon Koster; Chad Stoltzfus, Lake City Bank; Gary Shuder, Newmar; Gregg Fore, Dicor Corp.; Winnebago Industries; and RV-Info.net.

[ Top ]

NEW YORK, NY -- Liberty Coach of Florida Inc has been selected for the 2011 Best of Stuart Award in the Motor Home Dealers category by the U.S. Commerce Association (USCA).

The USCA "Best of Local Business" Award Program recognizes outstanding local businesses throughout the country. Each year, the USCA identifies companies that they believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and community.

Various sources of information were gathered and analyzed to choose the winners in each category. The 2011 USCA Award Program focuses on quality, not quantity. Winners are determined based on the information gathered both internally by the USCA and data provided by third parties.

About U.S. Commerce Association (USCA)

U.S. Commerce Association (USCA) is a New York City based organization funded by local businesses operating in towns, large and small, across America. The purpose of USCA is to promote local business through public relations, marketing and advertising.

The USCA was established to recognize the best of local businesses in their community. Our organization works exclusively with local business owners, trade groups, professional associations, chambers of commerce and other business advertising and marketing groups. Our mission is to be an advocate for small and medium size businesses and business entrepreneurs across America.

[ Top ]

JTB Manufacturing, Inc. and BR Wholesale RV & Marine have completed a 10 year lease transaction which will allow BR Wholesale RV & Marine to expand into facilities that they need for the Southwest Regional distribution to it's RV, Bus Transportation, Marine, Aeronautics and Specialty Vehicle customers. The warehouse is located 47 miles east of Dallas-Ft. Worth and houses approximately 15,000 sq. ft. of space complete with offices and conference room for all types of business meetings. The new facility will allow BR Wholesale RV & Marine to build their west coast call center and expand their calling hours.

"This is a deal that just happened during general conversation. James LeBelle, President of BR Wholesale RV & Marine and I were talking about the JTB Products and somewhere along the way he mentioned that he was looking for warehouse space in Texas. It was several weeks later that I told him about our facility. James then asked me for pictures and then he visited the facility for verification and we put an agreement together that day." Terry Hurst, President/CEO JTB Mfg., Inc.

"It has always been a goal for BR Wholesale RV & Marine to be able to serve our customers in the Southwest faster!" Now we will finally be able to support our customers with next day service of parts to this region. The call center will also allow us to provide installation and power electronic integration tech support for questions during the Pacific and Central time zones. This is going the "Extra Mile"... stated James LeBelle, President - BR Wholesale RV & Marine.

BR Wholesale, Inc. has been committed to providing the highest level of service and technology advanced support for over 20 years. With our strategically located nationwide network of warehouses with parts & accessories from over 200 brands and manufacturers and over 30,000 unique SKUs to the industries we serve.

For additional information visit us online at www.brwholesale.com or call 1?800?900?2468

[ Top ]

Newmar Corporation announced today that it will show the RV industry’s first use of Sony® 3D television technology at RVIA’s 49th Annual National RV Trade Show in Louisville, KY next week. These televisions will be shown in the 2012 Essex at the event, and will also be available on Newmar’s 2012 King Aire.

“Newmar’s introduction of Sony 3D technology in its luxury motor home lines is just another RV industry first brought to market by our company,” shared Kyle McCrary, Newmar’s Director of Luxury Motor Home Sales. “Thanks to the Miller family and the resources they provide, our company has a legacy as being an innovator in the RV industry. Newmar will remain committed to innovation when the opportunity presents itself,” McCrary added.

In a partnership between Sony® and Newmar, visitors to the Newmar display will be able to experience the Sony 3D TV first hand, as well as have the opportunity to enter a drawing for a chance to win a Sony 3D television prize package.

For more information about Newmar products, visit www.newmarcorp.com

[ Top ]

RVIA is offering an expanded schedule of insightful seminars at the National RV Trade Show that features business and RV technical experts providing valuable information designed to help attendees boost business and increase profits in a challenging marketplace.

Business-Focused Sessions

• “Exploring Aftermarket Accessories – A New Revenue Source” with SEMA Director of Councils Zane Clark on Tuesday, Nov. 29, from 2:30 – 3:30 p.m. Attendees will learn simple, industry-proven accessory practices that will help the bottom line, differentiate your product, and sell more units.
• “How to Have Your Best Year in Service” with Jeff Cowan of Jeff Cowan’s Pro Talk, on Wednesday, Nov. 30, from 8:00 – 9:00 a.m. Cowan will discuss proven techniques that will help replicate what highly-successful RV service centers are doing to be profitable.
• “Social Media 101” with Jared Hamilton, founder and CEO of DrivingSales.com, on Wednesday, Nov. 30 from 11 a.m. – 12 noon. This session will examine the social media landscape and the tools each dealership needs to thrive in this new advertising space.
• “More Down Payments Equal More Deals Financed” with Randy Sobel, president of Sobel and Associates, on Wednesday, Nov. 30, from 2:30 – 3:30 p.m. This timely seminar will help dealers learn how to increase down payments and structure deals to gain bank approval in today’s new financing environment.
• “New Ways to Increase Gross Profit and Close Educated Buyers” with Randy Sobel on Thursday, Dec. 1, from 8:00 – 9:00 a.m. Sobel will explore new and easier-to-teach techniques to implement with your sales staff to close more deals and boost profits.

These seminars will take place in South Wing Conference Room C108. The cost for each session is $50 in advance or $60 on-site.

Technical Seminars

• “RV Weight Presentation and Demonstration” by Walter Cannon, executive director of the Recreation Vehicle Safety Education Foundation, and the RV Doctor Gary Bunzer, president of Bunzer Consulting, on Wednesday, Nov. 30, from 8 a.m. – 12 noon in the KEC West Hall

The two will present a complete program on the correct techniques for weighing all RV types. Technicians will also learn how to weigh and record data as well as educate consumers on the proper vehicle balance and safety concerns. The cost for this session is $50 in advance or $60 on-site.

• “Career Ladder, Testing and Tro•uble Shooter Clinics Information” with RV Service Training Council Co-Chair Mel Adams, RVIA Vice President of Standards and Education Bruce Hopkins, and RVIA Director of Technical Information Sharonne Lee on Wednesday, Nov. 30, from 11 a.m. – 12:00 noon in South Wing Conference Room C101.

There is no charge for this session, which will focus on the new RV Service Technician Career Ladder, improved testing programs for technician certification, and RVIA’s revised Trouble Shooter Clinic curriculum, which tracks with the new Career Ladder and offers technicians more in-depth learning opportunities.

• “RV Body Repair” with Tony Yerman, president of TYL Consulting and author of "The RV Damage Repair Estimator," on Thursday, Dec. 1, from 8 a.m. – 12 noon in South Wing Conference Room C101.

This session will review body repair techniques to help educate technicians on the proper methods and procedures when repairing all types of RV body damage, including aluminum siding replacement, frame structure, fiberglass, F.R.P. and roof repair, as well as paint and graphics. The cost for this session is $50 in advance and $60 on-site.

For more information about the National RV Show or to register for the seminars, contact Huyen Dang in RVIA’s Shows department at (703) 620-6003, ext. 305 or hdang@rvia.org. RVIA’s National RV Trade Show takes place Nov. 29 – Dec. 1 at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville, KY.

[ Top ]

Certified technicians are encouraged to sign-up for the RVIA’s popular Trouble Shooter Clinics starting on Nov.7 in South Bend, Indiana. The clinic will launch a format with new tracks covering Chassis, Power Sources, and Appliances. In this first session, these new tracks are open only to technicians who hold a RVDA-RVIA RV Service Technician Certification.

The new format also includes a Foundation Track open to all technicians, covering basic knowledge of Propane, Electrical, Plumbing, PDI, Preventative Maintenance and Fire, Life and Safety.

“The new tracks offer more for the experienced technician”, says RVIA’s Sharonne Lee, director of technical information. “Enrollment in the new tracks is limited and Certified Technicians are encouraged to sign up before all of the seats are taken.. Certified Technicians get more hands-on and diagnostic experience with the new tracks. Tracks are taken independently, and technicians can now get training suited to their individual needs, rather than having to take the one size fits all approach. Another benefit is the tracks make it possible for technicians to be away from the shop for a shorter period of time and provide Continuing Education credits for recertification.”

Chassis – 2 days, 16 hours CE Credit, $240
• Axles and Frames – Explanation and identification of components of axle, brakes and suspension systems. Hands-on training on brakes, bearings, seals and measuring of axles and frames.
• Hydraulics – Theory and operational characteristics, demonstrate different leveler and slide operations, discuss effective ways to troubleshoot and make timely repairs.
• Towing & Hitches – Covers the proper selection, installation and set-up including brake controls, weight distribution kit, sway controls and 5th wheel hitching systems.

Power Sources – 3 days, 24 hours CE Credit, $360
• Generators – A comprehensive course covering both Onan and Generac generators including component identification and function, reading and understanding wiring schematics and hands-on performance of operational tests.
• Converters – This course will cover the operating characteristics of 3-types of power converters and their appropriate applications. Hands-on performance diagnostics will be performed on each type.
• Power Systems – This class covers 30- and 50-amp input systems, load panels, basic energy management, line generator switches and neutral current in in-phase and out-of-phase power sources.
• Batteries – Covers battery technology, inspection, testing equipment, specifications and terminology.
• Inverters & Transfer Switches – This course covers inverter/charger and transfer switch basic operation, installation wiring, programming, troubleshooting and board replacement in the field.
• Energy Management Systems - Covers the basic operations, board replacements, and troubleshooting including interfacing.

Appliances – 4 days, 32 hours CE Credit, $480
• Water Heaters – A comprehensive course covering both Atwood and Suburban water heaters including specifications, installation and sequence of operation. Course includes the water heater tear down, testing and reassembly.
• Air Conditioning and Heating - Comprehensive courses covering Airxcel air conditioners and heat pumps and Dometic air conditioners. Instruction includes component operation, installation and troubleshooting. Students will perform a cooling performance and use meters to diagnose components.
• Refrigerators – A comprehensive course covering both Norcold and Dometic refrigerators covering absorption refrigeration versus gravity, heat transfer, component operation and completion of a cooling performance tests.
• Furnaces – A comprehensive course covering both Atwood and Suburban furnaces including specifications, installation and sequence of operation. Course includes the furnace tear down, testing and reassembly.

[ Top ]

CAMP HILL, Penn. – The next RV Technician Distance Learning courses at Northampton Community College, in partnership with the PA RV and Camping Association (PRVCA), are set to begin November 7, 2011.

If you missed the RV Generators course in September, you have another opportunity to register for the class. RV Generators will run from November 7th through January 15th. This course provides the students a very detailed look into the idiosyncrasies of that voltage and power-producing device. Understanding that mechanical motion (including mechanical adjustments) has a direct electrical result helps students through the nuances of this sometimes difficult-to-understand machine. Generator sizing, installation, troubleshooting, repair and maintenance are all studied. The course costs $325.

RV Towing Systems is also set to begin November 7th and run through December 8th. All elements of RV towing are included in this course; a truck towing a travel trailer or fifth-wheel trailer, a motorhome towing a small car, etc. All elements of electric trailer brakes, including troubleshooting, repair and maintenance, are taught. Hitch design and installation techniques are presented as well as all associated electrical wiring between tow vehicle and trailer. Safety elements are stressed including weight data and all associated terminology. The tuition for this course is $190.

Completion of the courses can earn credit hours toward RVIA/RVDA recertification. All courses are RVIA-approved and based on RVIA curriculum to prepare students for RVIA/RVDA certification.

PRVCA is running a special offer for all employees of PRVCA members for the 2011-2012 semesters. Upon successful completion of a NCC distance learning course, students will receive a 50% reimbursement on tuition. For more information on the special offer, please contact the PRVCA office at 888-303-2887.

To learn more about the upcoming courses, please go to the PRVCA website at: www.PRVCA.org and click on “Training.” To register for the course, call Northampton Community College at 1-877-543-0998.

[ Top ]

FAIRFAX, Vir – – 2010-2011 RVDA Chairman of the Board Tim O’Brien presented Chairman’s Service Awards to four dealers and three associate members during RVDA’s annual meeting at the 2011 RV Dealers International Convention/Expo.

All four of the honored dealers have extensive records of service on RVDA boards and committees, and O’Brien thanked them for their unflagging support and commitment. “At a time when resources are stretched, it’s important to have dealers like these four in your corner,” he said.

Receiving awards were Peter Albano of American RV, Olive Branch, MS; Randy Biles of Pikes Peak Traveland, Colorado Springs, CO; Debbie Brunoforte of Little Dealer, Little Prices, Mesa, AZ; and Dan Pearson of PleasureLand RV Center, St. Cloud, MN..

Albano currently serves as co-chairman of the Government Relations Committee and as chairman of the Convention/Expo Committee. He is also an at-large member of the Board of Delegates.

Biles, a past chairman of the board, currently serves as co-chairman of the Industry Relations Committee and also serves on the RV Learning Center and RV Assistance Corporation Boards of Directors and on the RVDA-RVIA Technician Certification Governing Board.

Brunoforte, the association’s immediate past chairman, is an RVDA representative on the Go RVing Coalition, co-chairs the Industry Relations Committee, and chairs a special past chairman’s task force that works on special association projects. She also chaired the task force that worked on this year’s “Celebrate Excellence Gala.”

Pearson is a past RVDA president (chief volunteer leader) and a champion of efforts that lead to the formation of Go RVing. Currently, he serves as vice chairman of the RV Learning Center and chairman of the Winnebago Brand Committee. He is also a member of the RV Assistance Corporation Board of Directors.

O’Brien also presented service awards to associate members Mark Beecher, senior vice president of sales and marketing for the Consumer Finance Group of Bank of the West; Bill Koster, vice president of RV & specialty products, Protective; and Bob Parish, vice president, national account manager, GE Capital.

O’Brien praised Beecher, who currently co-chairs the RVDA Dealer Financial Services Committee, for being “an invaluable resource to dealers and RVDA staff as we all navigate the ‘new normal’ of RV financing.”

Koster, who serves as treasurer on the RV Learning Center Board of Directors, was honored for his efforts to grow and market Protective’s XtraRide service agreement, which has earned RVDA endorsement since 1992. “Through convention sponsorship and marketing communications efforts in RVDA media, he has worked closely with our association to grow the program into a market leader and important revenue source for RVDA,” said O’Brien.

Parish was honored for his sponsorship of the convention and for organizing an educational session on the future of the RV industry. “Through Bob, dealers and association leaders have also been able to get information about the state of floor plan financing directly from GE leaders,” said O’Brien. “We appreciate his efforts to keep the line of communication open and GE’s support of RV dealers and RVDA throughout the year.”

[ Top ]