The digital version of the June issue of RV News is now available to read online. Click here and then just click on the front cover of the June issue to begin reading the magazine.
This issue has a great story on Grand Design and their recent growth, a feature story on the latest trends with RV refrigeration, plus a story on new technology tied to RV electrical systems. While we don’t do many stories on campgrounds/parks, this issue has a feature on a really interesting campground built using self-sustaining technology that is cutting edge and one of a kind. No really!
I am also happy to report that since I’ve owned RV News, this is the 2nd-ever magazine that features a woman on the cover… and she is there for good reason.
This mystery woman is doing some amazing work to help your RV-related business, no matter what business that may be. She is part of an indispensable team that tirelessly works to not only protect your company (even if you don’t know it) but also make it successful. Want to know who it is? Go to page 48 in the magazine.
Big News in the Aftermarket
Some of you may have seen some emails coming out of RVIA recently regarding the aftermarket.
If you are not a member of RVIA, these emails may have slipped past you but if you are an aftermarket supplier or distributor it’s really important you get up to speed on upcoming events that may impact your business. Here are just a few noteworthy ones.
RVIA will hand out the highest aftermarket honor one can receive in the RV industry to one worthy person in the RV aftermarket—the Jim Barker Lifetime Achievement Award. It will be given at this year’s aftermarket executive conference in August.
I bring this up because there are still a couple of days left to nominate someone for the award. I assure you getting this award is a big deal. Only one person per year receives it.
That said, some people have some misconceptions about the lifetime achievement award.
- You do not have to be a member of RVIA to receive the award.
- It has nothing to do with service or contributions specifically to the old RVAA, or RVIA for that matter. It’s for a lifetime of success and contributions to the overall aftermarket.
- Under no circumstances is the award a popularity contest.
- You must work at a distribution company, aftermarket supplier, manufacturer’s rep agency, or an RV service company related to the RV aftermarket to be eligible to win.
- The person can be dead, retired, or currently active in the industry.
So what makes a Jim Barker Award winner? Well, this is an award that recognizes someone who has dedicated the majority or entirety of a career working to improve the RV aftermarket through a variety of ways. RVIA said:
The annual Jim Barker Award is given to one individual each year who has contributed
specifically to the RV aftermarket through contributions to the RV industry throughout their career/lifetime, whether through service, product innovation, education, and/or philanthropy, in such a way that makes them stand apart from others. A Jim Barker Award candidate should absolutely embrace a spirit of service to the industry and by evidence of their work over years and decades make a difference to the ongoing excellence of the RV aftermarket, while also exhibiting strong moral and ethical behavior that exemplifies good stewardship and conduct.
Do you know someone who has spent a lifetime training RV retailers/dealerships on aftermarket products and/or retail best practices? Do you know someone who invented an aftermarket product that changed the industry? Do you know someone who has consistently volunteered with various organizations in significant ways to improve not only the RV aftermarket retail experience but also RV consumers’ experiences? If so, you know a potential Jim Barker Award Winner and it’s important you fill out the form to nominate them.
If you would like to nominate someone, click here and fill out the form.
RVIA is also accepting nominations for its annual product of the year award. Again, time is really short to submit a product to win this prestigious award, but the good news is it’s absolutely free for parts/accessories suppliers to submit a product to win. The only stipulations are that the product must have been released at some time in 2020 or 2021, and the supplier must be a member of RVIA to enter a product and win the award.
To submit a product to receive the New Product of the Year Award click here to fill out the form.
I’ll have more news in the coming months but don’t delay on these two 1X per year awards.
Thanks for reading and please enjoy the magazine.
Dana Nelsen
CEO of RV News Magazine
