Feature Story

Faludy Rewarded for His Role in Go RVing's Success

RVIA Annual Meeting Wrap Up

by Don Magary

In March, the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA) held its Annual Business Meeting in Scottsdale, AZ. Coming on the heels of a another excellent year in 1996, forecasts for another good year in 1997, and the launch of Go RVing, the national market expansion advertising campaign, the members attending meeting were upbeat and optimistic about the industry's future.

RVIA Chairman Kelly Rose (chairman of Starcraft Automo-tive) called for industry unity in his State of the Association address. He told members, "The association must remain unified and constantly focus on streng-thening relations between all industry segments to ensure the RV market's future success."

He said, "Our industry traveled a great distance in 1996 with development of the Go RV-ing Coalition's national advertising campaign, but there is still much work to be done. The entire industry - manufacturers, suppliers, dealers and campgrounds - must continue to work together so that RVers enjoy the best possible product and experience."

Rose detailed programs that are helping promote industry unity, including the Joint Manufacturer/Dealer Task Force med-iation process to settle disagreements between manufacturers and dealers and the mandatory arbitration agreements between RV manufacturers and chassis makers that removes the consumer from product disputes.

"These agreements are ac-complishing the desired results, leading to amicable settlements instead of court dates," he said.

Rose also cited how RVIA, the Recreation Vehicle Dealers Association (RVDA) and the National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds (ARVC) are making a concerted effort to ally the industry by keeping the lines of communication strong and open. "The result has been a healthy dialogue that helps industry partners identify potential disagreements and identify areas where we can work together," he continued.

Rose then focused on the association's commitment to establish an ongoing strategic planning process. With an eye on the future, RVIA recently renewed the long-term planning that began three years ago under the guidance of the Strategic Planning Committee, chaired by Mike Larime of Thetford Corp.

"Forward-looking programs are one of the hallmarks of RVIA," Rose said. "Given the constantly shifting market, be assured that the association will use strategic planning to help chart a course for the RVIA board, committees and staff in advancing our industry's interests."

Rose also described how current RVIA programs in the areas of industry education, standards, government affairs and trade shows benefit the industry's manufacturers, suppliers and dealers. "All of RVIA's programs and strategies share the common goal of creating a fertile market in which the RV industry can continue to grow," he said.

The RVIA Annual Meeting is also the time when the association pauses to honor members who have made a significant contribution to the industry. This year the association presented its most prestigious honor, the Distinguished Service to the RV Industry Award, to Tom Faludy. president of Care-free of Colorado.

Tom Faludy & Family

The Distinguished Service Award is presented annually to an individual within the RV industry who has demonstrated outstanding service over a long period of time.

Faludy has served on RVIA's board of directors since 1994 and has sat on the public relations committee since the early 1980's.

Mike Larime, RVIA's former chairman and vice president and chief operating officer for Thetford Corp. said in presenting the award, "Our industry debated the advantages of an institutional advertising campaign for nearly 20 years. It was Tom who with great diplomacy finally brought all industry factions together to create the dynamic program we have today."

The National Legislative Award, which recognizes those individuals who distinguish themselves in legislative matters pertaining to the RV industry, went jointly to John Willibrand, president, and Jim Mandle, sales manager, both of Play-Mor Trailers. They were honored for their efforts in lobbying on behalf of the RV manufacturers to amend a Missouri franchise bill last year.

Larime said, "John Willi-brand's tenacity, professional demeanor and ability to speak rationally about the issues gained him the respect of dealers and state legislators, and ultimately won the cause."

Larime also said, "As a Play-Mor employee as well as an independent RV dealer, Jim Mandle was invaluable in speaking to legislators and in helping dealers see both sides of the issue."

Tom Faludy --John Willibrand -- Mike Larime

Current chairman, Kelly Rose, said, "Your tenure was one filled with decisions that will help mold our industry's future. As tumultuous as the tides seemed sometimes, you steadily guided the association. You did a great justice to the position of chairman of the board."

In addition to the awards presented at the meeting, RVIA also announced winners of other awards which will be presented at a later time.

Elden Smith, senior vice president, RV group of Fleetwood Enterprises, will be given an RVIA Special Award, presented to individuals within the industry who have made extraordinary contributions to its overall success.

Smith was recognized for his extraordinary contributions to RVIA and the key leadership role he has played in the association, including his terms as chairman (1981 and 1982) and treasurer. He helped develop RVIA's strategic plan and helped ensure the organization's steady growth through his dedication and commitment.

In announcing the award, Larime said, "Elden has been a driving force in our association's success, There is no doubt that he left an indelible mark on our organization," Continued