EDITORIAL

New Beginnings . . .

A new millennium! Practicality tells me, it's just another day, yet my emotional side cannot help but anticipate the coming New Year's day as something special. This editorial will be printed in time for the National RV Trade show in Louisville, not only the last trade show of the year, but also the last Louisville show in this century.

If it weren't for the promise of the new millennium, there would be some regret and finality to the event. And the immediate promise of this new millennium for this industry is extremely bright. Our industry is experiencing one of it's greatest growth periods, there is unprecedented harmony within the industry, and no apparent major crisis, either politically or economically, loom on the horizon that might burst this fantastic bubble in which we are riding.

Part of the reason why this coming year may be special to me is that as a young 12-year-old boy, in childlike innocence, I set some goals as far as longevity was concerned. One, I thought I would like to live long enough to see Haley's Comet, and the other was to live long enough to see the turn of the century. That would have been about 1950, and if I make it, I would turn 62 during the year 2000.

As I edge ever more closely to that second goal, I can tell you it's becoming more and more clear to me that the goals set by this 12-year-old who was me were grossly inadequate ­ 62 may seem old to a boy, but it's a whole different perspective from where I stand today.

Well, it's apparent that I made it to the first plateau of those goals; albeit, I must admit that Haley's Comet was a real disappoint, unlike in 1910 when those people were able to see the comet in all it's glory with a long streaming tail. All I ever saw was a faint, fuzzy blur in the night sky, which I would have trouble swearing if it was the comet or not.

So I am determined to make sure this second plateau doesn't fizzle and go the way of Haley's Comet. However, if age has taught me anything, it's if I have any expectations about almost anything, it is really up to me to make it happen.

With that I mind, I need to consider some action that will help me achieve more joy from this milestone.

While historically I'm not one given to making New Year's resolutions, I may make an exception this time around, both on a personal and professional level.

On the personal side there are a variety of areas where I could improve myself, and for the most part, these fall into the area of indulgence, or more precisely, overindulgence. So that's one area I could work on. Another area I could work on might be tolerance. I've noted through introspection that I have a low-level of tolerance for actions and attitudes of others ­ this manifests itself most typically when I'm driving. I definitely need to work on tolerance.

On the professional side, I probably could work on tolerance as well. As editor of RV News, I find myself being pretty intolerant from time to time about the attitudes, action or inaction of some of our trade associations and their paid and elected leaders. It would probably make several association executives happy if I worked to improve upon tolerance here as well. So I might resolve to be more tolerant of these leaders; however, I would have to hold in reserve the right to remain vigilant and speak out when I see an attitude or action that might seem to me self-serving or destructive -- in other words, keep my musket loaded and close by, but just not fire it as often.

I also might resolve to work harder and smarter and make a concerted effort to better manage my time. I know I'm guilty of tunnel vision from time to time where I focus on one thing to the exclusion of other things which are as, if not more, important than the immediate issue capturing my attention.

But as important as these shortcomings may be, I would most like to improve on appreciating some of the things I simply too often take for granted. And I would start right here at home.

For 15 years, I have had the pleasure of working for and with Dan Holt and his wife, Carmel. They started RV News nearly 25 years ago and have experienced the ups and downs this industry has served up and have always met the challenges and remained strong and positive throughout it all. I do appreciate all they've taught me about this industry, as well as their friendship and the opportunities provided to me -- I just don't think about it often enough nor express it often enough.

I also appreciate this industry that I'm so privileged to work in, but it too I often take for granted. I've worked in other businesses and other industries and I can say without reservation the RV industry is head and shoulders above the best of the others.

And while it's true recreation vehicles are the mortar that holds it together, it is ultimately the people that make this industry special. It's has been my privilege as a writer to meet and interview the giants and founders of our industry, and I can say without hesitation, I like and respect them all. But it certainly goes far beyond the class of people in this category.

Sometimes, it's people like Larry Nonemaker, owner of Larry's RV in Bend, OR. Larry is a small dealer by almost any standard, but he's a big dealer in a very special way. Like so many 'mom and pop' stores, he brings integrity to our business through his day-to-day honest dealings with his customers. But it's even more than that. He brings his personality, values and attitude, and in the process enriches all those who come in contact with him, including this writer.

I also have the highest respect for our national trade association executives and their staffs. These organizations assist us all, members or not, in ways we may never know. They help keep the wolves from our door as well as make the entire industry more professional. So yes, I should express these feelings of respect and admiration more often.

And I cannot overlook you, the reader of RV News ­ where would we be without you. I certainly never want to take our readers, these honorable partners in our success, for granted.

No matter where I look in this industry, I see people I like and respect, even those I might disagree with from time to time, and they all touch my life and bring me joy and contribute to my job satisfaction.

It's a total matrix of ideas and people that make this industry great, and each one, whether a lot boy in some remote rural town or the CEO of a large RV company, is part of the fabric that is the RV industry. Thank you, thank you all.

This is truly a wonderful industry, so I resolve to keep this fact in mind and appreciate the friends I've made through my associations.

And while I should never lose site of these facts, it may have taken a millennium event to help me refocus and rededicate myself to work harder, do a better job and appreciate all that I have, both personally and professionally.

It's about to be a new millennium . . . and maybe it should be a time for new beginnings.

RVN