Damon's Calderbank Represents RV Industry at Indiana Economic Outlook Meeting
Jim Calderbank, director of marketing at Damon Corporation represented the RV industry on a distinguished panel of local media, business and education leaders in South Bend in February. The South Bend Tribune's annual Economic Review and Forecast Forum presented a business management professor, retail store manager, program coordinator for minority and women's business issues, CPA, union business representative and Calderbank to local business people. To the surprise of nobody in attendance, the major problem highlighted throughout the evening was the lack of qualified applicants for various employment opportunities in the area. The robust national economy has presented challenges for every type of business and those involved in the RV industry are fighting for a decreasing labor pool. Calderbank reviewed the dynamic growth of the industry in the 1990's and presented an optimistic projection for continued success for RV companies that represent a major segment of the area's manufacturing, distribution and supplier marketplace. Damon, a multimillion dollar, privately held company, has grown faster than the 15% growth of the RV industry. The company has managed to attract and retain a stable workforce with an enjoyable work environment. Calderbank noted the company's emphasis on training, cultural diversity, and respect for all employees as the key factors in their continued success despite a highly competitive industry and intense local employment opportunities. Looking ahead, Jim saw no let up in the next three years and that the only obstacles to continued prosperity in the RV industry would be escalation of interest rates or fuel prices. Calderbank noted that Damon presents a complete product line from folding campers to luxury diesel pushers to meet the demands and changing image of RV prospects and customers. According to RV News Contributing Editor Bob Zagami who covered the event for RV News, it was painfully obvious that many of the people in attendance did not understand the impact of the RV industry on the local economy and were not aware of the above-average manufacturing wages offered by many companies, including Damon. Zagami asked those in attendance to raise their hands if they were active RVers owning anything from a pop-up camper to a motorhome. Only two people, out of approximately 40 in attendance, raised their hand -- and one of them was Zagami. Zagami observed, "Although a disappointing response given the location of the meeting, it just further emphasizes the growth potential of the RV industry and the need to get the message about the RV lifestyle in front of more people, more often. Jim Calderbank represented the industry very well."
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