Coast Names Executive VP of Strategic Planning

The Coast Distribution System, Inc. has named Stephen Bartolotta to the post of executive vice president of strategic planning, according to Tim McGuire, chairman and CEO of Coast. Bartolotta was previously a senior manager with Andersen Consulting's Strategic Services Division specializing in supply chain management.

McGuire said, "Our business has changed significantly in recent years requiring us to pursue new approaches for servicing our customer base and managing our costs. We were looking for someone with a perspective of 'best-in-class' operations, deep logistic skills, customer service expertise and an infusion of new ideas for evaluating our overall business model. I am confident in Steve's ability to create value for our shareholders."

The RVIA board resolved that in order to increase the allowable motorhome length in California from 40 feet to 45 feet, RVIA agrees to support a bill in California that requires an endorsement to the class C operator's license (a car license) to operate motorhomes over 40 feet in length and that also limits such vehicles to the national network of highways. The driver's license endorsement would require the operator to pass a written test and a skills test, as well as fill out a self-certified, medical questionnaire.

The board also approved revisions to the RVIA trailer weight label program
requirements and declared the new weight label is available for use immediately with a mandatory compliance date of September 1, 2000. The Standards Steering Committee was instructed to investigate the feasibility of membership weight label program for truck campers.

In addition the board moved that exhibit space for RV chassis suppliers at the National RV Trade Show be assigned in the same manner as space for RV manufacturers so that chassis exhibits are distributed throughout the exhibit hall and not confined to one specific area. Also, the RVIA member chassis exhibit space rate will match the non-discount exhibit space rate charged to member RV manufacturers.

And finally, the board approved the projected budgets for the National RV Trade Show and California RV Show with a three percent increase in the exhibit space rates at the California RV Show.

Marketing Study Released On New England RV Shows

Contributing editor Bob Zagami has released the first independent market research study sponsored by his IMAGAZ by ZAGAMI business services and consulting company. Zagami has surveyed the five largest RV shows held in New England during the early months of 2000. The studies catalog every towable and motorized unit on display, by manufacturer and model. The reports also include list pricing and show pricing when displayed by the dealer.
The study compares gas vs. diesel motorized units and slideout vs. non-slideout towables and motorized units. Studies were conducted at the Boston and Springfield, MA shows; Hartford, CT; Providence, RI and Concord, NH.
Each show is priced separately (Boston, Springfield and Hartford at $50 each and Providence and Concord at $25 each) or can be purchased as a complete set for only $100. This special complete set pricing (50% off) is valid through June 30, 2000 and is offered as a first year promotion to showcase the landmark studies.
Manufacturers will be able to compare dealer activity and pricing on various models displayed to the public. Dealers will be able to compare their units and pricing with competitors showing the same or comparable product lines. At this time, a decision has not been made on whether the study will be made available to the consumer.
For additional information and brochure contact Bob Zagami at 978-461-2143 or via e-mail at zagami@tiac.net.

RV Dealers Convention/Expo to Feature Disney-style Customer Service Workshop

RV dealers at this year's RVDA Convention/Expo will have the opportunity to learn the strategies behind "Customer Service -- Disney Style" by attending a special workshop during the 2000 RV Dealers International Convention/Expo in Orlando, FL, September 25-28, 2000.

RVDA Convention/Expo committee chairman Jeff Pastore of Hartville RV Center in Hartville, OH, said, '"Customer Service -- Disney Style"' will give attendeesinformation they can use to develop a consistent, measurable service program that exceeds their customers' expectations. Areas that will be covered in the workshop include: establishing goals and objectives of a customer-focused service approach; promoting accountability among employees for good customer service; and integrating service systems that ensure a seamless customer experience." The workshop will be conducted by the Disney Institute and is sponsored by Fleetwood RV.
"This workshop is ideal for dealers and managers who want to learn proven methods for providing world-class customer care. The Disney Institute is a recognized leader in providing service that keeps guests coming back. Many of the strategies Disney uses have useful applications in the RV business."
The workshop is only one of more than 65 workshops scheduled for the 2000 RVDA convention.

Recreation USA Acquires Assets of Luke Potter Winnebago

Holiday RV Superstores, Inc. operating under the trade name Recreation USA (NASDAQ: RVEE), announced in March that the company acquired the inventory and operating assets and facility lease of Luke Potter Winnebago in Winter Garden, FL.

Luke Potter Winnebago is a full-line Winnebago dealership with revenues of approximately $9 million in 1999. The 16,500-square-foot Winter Garden dealership is on five-plus acres of land. The service area of over 12,000 square feet can hold up to 15 units and includes an EPA approved paint area.