November, 2011 - Vol 1, Issue 5

Guest Author: Richard Coon, President, RVIA

Richard A. Coon

As we near the end of this year, the RV industry continues to determinedly hold its ground in the face of the uncertain, volatile economic environment hampering business both nationally and globally.

Today's ever-changing business and media environment is one that increasingly demands immediacy, making it easy for all of us to lose perspective. We must not overlook the fact that nearly 250,000 RVs will be shipped to RV dealers this year, finding their way into the driveways, as well as the hearts and lives, of our customers.

And, even with the monthly and annual fluctuations of RV shipments tracked by RVIA, RV ownership has steadily grown to a new peak with 8.9 million households now owning an RV, according to RVIA's latest RV Consumer Demographic Profile being released this fall. That is up from 7.9 million households in 2005 and 6.9 million in 2001. These record ownership levels reflect the enduring appeal of RV ownership, despite economic challenges.

Guest Author: Phil Ingrassia, CAE, RVDA Vice President for Communications

Phil Ingrassia

The National RV Dealers association has enjoyed a strong relationship with RVAA and there is a true attitude of cooperation between the two organizations. One of the most important examples of this cooperation is in the area of AfterMarket continuing education for RV retailers.

RVAA continues to play a leadership role in the industry by demonstrating to dealerships that a strong parts and accessory department can improve overall profitability. RVDA, through the RV Learning Center, also supports the RV AfterMarket through education and certification programs for retail parts specialists and parts managers.

As RV Learning Center Chairman of the Board Jeff Pastore of Hartville RV Center told RVDA members at the recent RV Dealers International Convention/Expo, "We all know that the dealership profit centers of four and five years ago are not the same as they are today. Many dealers I talk to understand that the service, parts, and accessories departments have become even more important to our collective bottom lines."

Guest Author: Paul Bambei, President & CEO, National Association of RV Parks and Camprounds

Paul Bambei

Businesses are always looking for new distribution channels. But one place they often overlook is campground stores.

Many campgrounds, RV parks and resorts have on-site stores that offer everything from firewood and pre-packaged foods and beverages to holding tank treatment products.

But while some parks have well developed campground stores with a variety of products, there is a huge potential to expand their product offering, particularly with RV aftermarket products and services.

Dana Nelson, RV Pro

From the very inception of RVAA, our members have worked in conjunction with other industry associations for the betterment of the recreational vehicle industry. RVAA has a long history of working with the RV Dealers' Association (RVDA), the RV Industry Association (RVIA) and the National Association of RV Parks & Campgrounds (ARVC).

Keeping a vibrant parts & accessories supply chain is crucial not only for the success and profitability of RVAA's many members, but also for the host of RV manufacturers, RV dealers, RV parks/campgrounds and RV retail stores in this industry. The founding fathers of RVAA, then WDA, realized early on that much could be accomplished by working together with the other RV trade associations.