Unity was at the core of RVIA President Dave Humphreys' address during the March 9 Annual Membership Meeting in Maui. He stressed unity as key to a prosperous future.

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Building on that theme, Humphreys reported that RVIA will be working hard to strengthen its relationship with dealers. "We're going to begin by showing dealers what we have done for the industry that has also benefited them," said Humphreys. "Then, we're going to focus on things that we both can agree on instead of putting forth efforts in areas we cannot." He added that RVIA wants to show dealers that the association is in fact their friend.

On a topic winning unanimous support from manufacturers and dealers, Humphreys applauded the work of the RV Service Education Council and reported that the Board of Directors agreed to support the satellite-delivered technician training program by providing $250,000 to fund the 2003-05 curriculum year. He recognized both Council Chairman Mel Adams and RVIA's Bruce Hopkins for their efforts that have resulted in a successful program that is of benefit to the entire industry.

Humphreys also praised the efforts of the Strategic Planning Committee that resulted in a newly "refined" plan that will guide association activities during the next two years. Among notable changes, he reported the heightened importance of "Growing the RV Market" and the addition of "Fostering Continuous Improvements of RV Products" as goals within the Mission Statement.

Under the Mission Statement goal "Ensure a Favorable Business Environment," Humphreys announced the establishment of a new lobbying effort that will enlist employees of RVIA members as a political force. He pointed to the success of the grassroots lobbying effort that was initiated by the first strategic plan in 2001 and said the new effort is a logical next step. Attendees were reminded that a second Annual Meeting will be held in September 2003, beginning the new rotation of RVIA meetings that was established by the Board last September. He reported that Nashville, Tenn. was selected by the Board as its first choice with Lake Geneva, Wis. as a second choice. The meeting will be shortened by one day and hopes are that the location and timing will save members money and encourage greater participation.

Regarding the recent announcement that that the Kentucky Fair and Exposition Center received the blessing from the State Legislature to move ahead with plans for a $52 million, 170,000 square foot expansion, Humphreys noted that the addition will nearly satisfy the space that has been requested in recent years. "We have overcome a major hurdle," said Humphreys. Reflecting on the challenging times experienced by the industry during his early years as president, Humphreys closed his remarks by commending the members for building an association that is strong and flexible today, and is well prepared to take the industry into a prosperous future. RVIA