RVIA is accepting nominations for the association’s Jim Barker Lifetime Achievement Award, given to one individual each year who contributed specifically to the RV aftermarket.
Jim Barker awardees have provided exceptional product innovation, education and philanthropy to the industry, RVIA stated. Award candidates “embrace a spirit of service” and are recognized for supporting the RV aftermarket while exhibiting moral and ethical behavior that exemplifies “good stewardship and conduct.”
Nomination submission deadline is June 11. Nominees will be voted on by the previous 10 award winners, as well as the current aftermarket committee chair and awards task force chair. Recent award winners include:
- Shirley Prest, 2005
- Ellen Kietzmann, 2007
- Mike Keller, 2008
- Ron Dempster, 2010
- Jerry Shepherd, 2013
- Tom Manning, 2014
- John Spaulding, 2015
- Darryl Searer, 2017
- Bob Brammer, 2018
- George Grengs, 2019
The 2021 award winner will be announced Aug. 10 during the RV Aftermarket Conference, held at the Embassy Suites at Centennial Olympic Park in Atlanta, Georgia.
Aftermarket conference registration is now open. The event is scheduled Aug. 9-12.
“The conference’s focus is to support a great parts and accessory purchasing experience that will benefit supply chain members and the RV consumer,” RVIA stated. “During the event, aftermarket suppliers and distributors meet during one-on-one ‘appointment sessions’ to pitch new products and review their current offerings. In addition to networking with colleagues with a proven track record in the industry, attendees will hear from thought leaders on the state of the RV industry.”
Those interested can register here. Submit a Jim Barker award nomination here.
