Valterra Named "Supplier of the Year" at WDA Annual Executive Conference

By Don Magary

At this year's annual WDA Executive Conference in Phoenix, AZ, Valterra Products was named as the associations' Supplier of the Year. This prestigious award is presented annually to an RV industry supplier and voted on by warehouse distributor members of the association.

In other news out of the conference, Gary Chancy, president, Leisure Time Marketing, Inc., was elected as the new president of WDA ­ The RV Aftermarket Association (WDA), succeeding Stan Sunshine, president, StagParkway who is ending his two-year term leading the association.

Chancy, who will lead the association for the next two years, heads a manufacturer's agent firm and becomes only the second manufacturer's agent to lead WDA since members other than warehouse distributors were allowed to hold the position. In his acceptance speech Chancy promised to focus on an agenda to expand on what's positive about the association, such as the executive conference, and explore ideas and programs to add value for belonging to the association for all members.

Distributor of the Year - Eastern Region - Keller RV and Marine. Award accepted on behalf of Keller by Mike Keller, Melissa Bilger, John Fisher and Jonas Lantz.	Distributor of the Year - Western Region - Northwest Trailer Parts. Award accepted on behalf of Northwest by Bob Morter, Joe Barrer, Dave Duty and Ken Modrall.	Catalog of the Year - StagParkway. Award accepted on behalf of StagParkway by a group that included Stan Sunshine, Bobby Waldrop and Mike McKay.

The yardstick used to measure the progress of the association from one leader to the next is whether or not the association is stronger both in terms of total members and the financials condition of the association, and using those criteria, Stan Sunshine's term in office was very positive. He steps down as president leaving the association better than he found it.

The tone of this year's executive conference is consistent with other recent industry events - charged with positive thinking and a conviction that these are good times in the RV industry.

The most important aspect of the executive conference, aside from the distributor-supplier conferences, is the annual presentation of awards recognizing outstanding achievement in business or service to the association.

Other award winners included Keller RV and Marine for Eastern Distributor of the Year, and Northwest Trailer Parts for Western Distributor of the Year.

Catalog of the Year honor for warehouse distributor was won by StagParkway. Earning the most improved catalog was Arrow Distributing.

RVN