RVIA Presents Awards at Annual Meeting Each year RVIA honors members and others for their contributions to the RV industry. The awards were announced at RVIA's Annual Meeting in March. Jim Sheldon RVIA bestowed its highest honor, the Distinguished Service to the RV Industry Award, to Jim Sheldon of Monaco Coach Corp. at the association's Annual Meeting in March. Sheldon was recognized for his active participation in many arenas within RVIA and his innumerable contributions over the years to the industry, including his leadership of the Go RVing Coalition's Committee on Excellence. 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. In addition to being chairman of the Committee on Excellence, Sheldon has served on the RVIA board of directors for the past two years and on the Public Relations Committee for over a decade. He is a member of the Public and Legislative Affairs Committee and has also sat on the Market Information Committee, chairing it twice. He currently serves as special assistant to the chairman of Monaco Coach Corp. Don Pletcher Don Pletcher, president, chairman and CEO of Damon Corp., was the recipient of the National Legislative Award, which recognizes individuals who distinguish themselves in legislative matters pertaining to the RV industry. He was honored for the integral role he played in the area of manufacturer/dealer relations in the past year through his work as chairman of the Public and Legislative Affairs subcommittee that formulated and then drafted the RV specific model franchise law. Jack Conlan The RV Automotive Achievement Award was presented to Jack Conlan, president of Freightliner Custom Chassis Corp. This award recognizes a person from the automotive industry who has made outstanding contributions to the RV industry. Conlan has been a driving force behind Freightliner's increased partnering with the RV industry's motorhome manufacturers. Art Peterson Art Peterson, retired president and CEO of Kampgrounds of America (KOA) was presented with the National Service Award, which recognizes an individual, corporation or organization outside the recreation industry who has contributed in an outstanding way to the industry's success. He was honored for helping unify the RV and camping industries. For 30 years, Art was entrenched in the growth and expansion of the campground industry as it was challenged to meet the ever-changing needs of campers. Recognized as a driving force in the campground industry, KOA and Art have long been strong allies of the RV industry. Several other awards were announced, but will be presented when the honorees are able to be on hand. Dick Thatcher The National Education Service Award will be presented to Dick Thatcher of Manchester Tank and Equipment his commitment to the extensive testing and study of LP gas and his work in developing LP gas training seminars. Florida RV Trade Association The Florida RV Trade Associationwill receive the National Scholarship Award for their trailblazing efforts in creating new and innovative ways of reaching students and providing top-notch education programs for RV service technicians. Gary Duncan The Distinguished Achievement in RV Standards Award will be presented to Gary Duncan of Coachmen Industries for his involvement in the Standards Steering Committee, the Sizes and Weights Subcommittee, the Fire and Life Safety Subcommittee and the Conversion Vehicle Technical Subcommittee.
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