For months rumors have been circulating in the
industry that the Affinity Group, Inc., parent company of
Trailer Life, the Good Sam Club, Woodalls, Coast to Coast
and other businesses, was about to acquire Camping World
and its national chain of 26 stores. The rumors were
true. The mega-million dollar deal is among the biggest
industry stories of the decade and potentially could have
a dramatic effect on the RV aftermarket. RV News
interviewed a cross-section of industry representatives
about the impact of the Affinity Group's decision to
enter the retail business. Read how the industry is
reacting to the announcement and learn what issues are
being raised by dealers, suppliers and others.
RV News Interviews Affinity's Mike Schneider
Affinity Group Explains Camping World Acquistion
A candid interview with Mike Schneider, Affinity Group's COO and executive vice president.
RVIA held its annual membership meeting last month in
Scottsdale, AZ, and reflected on issues faced during the
past year and the challenges in the year ahead. In
addition, the annual membership meeting is also the time
when RVIA recognizes individuals who have made an
extraordinary contribution to the RV industry and or the
RV Lifestyle. Tom Faludy took the top honor this year for
his successful efforts to help guide the industry to its
first-ever unified market expansion program, dubbed Go
RVing. Read about other honorees and why they were
selected for recognition. This year's meeting brought to
light everything from "wars" to growing
partnerships as well as the on-going success of RVIA's
public relations efforts.
COLUMNS
Editorial
From the Publisher -- Dan Holt
- Hypocrites!
This month Dan Holt, publisher of RV News, responds
to critics who find inconsistencies in RV News'
philosophies by accepting advertising from Coast
Distribution, a company RV News has criticized in the
past. Holt re-iterates his long standing "in the
best interest of the industry" editorial philosophy
and cautions readers to not read more into Coast's
advertising than is there.
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