In a special meeting of the board of directors of Winnebago Industries, Inc., (NYSE: WGO), Fred G. Dohrmann, Winnebago president and chief executive officer was named chairman of the board, succeeding John K. Hanson who passed away on June 27, 1996. Dohrmann will also retain the title of chief executive officer, but will relinquish the title of president. Bruce D. Hertzke has been named president in addition to his current role of chief operating officer.

Dohrmann said, "John K. Hanson often told me of his considerable confidence in the company's management team, and he had turned over all day-to-day activities quite some time ago. Although we will miss him greatly as both a friend and mentor, we're confident that we are following his wishes by continuing with business as usual."

Dohrmann joined Winnebago Industries in 1974. In 1990, he was named chief operating officer and also acquired the duties of president in 1991. In December 1993, he was named president and chief executive officer for Winnebago Industries.

Hertzke joined Winnebago Industries in 1973. Since that time, he has served in various production and engineering supervisory positions. In 1989, Hertzke was named vice president of operations. He was elected to the position of chief operating officer in 1995. Earlier this year, Hertzke was awarded the additional post of senior vice president.

In further business, John V. Hanson was named to the board of directors. John V. Hanson, Jensen Beach, FL, son of founder John K. Hanson, is a former board member. He was previously employed by Winnebago from 1965 to 1979 and again from 1985 to 1989 and has served at various times as Winnebago industries president, chief executive officer and deputy chairman of the board.

Thomas H. Corson Named Indiana"Master" Entrepreneur of the Year

Thomas H. Corson, chairman and CEO of Coachmen Industries, Inc., has been named Indiana's 1996 "Master" Entrepreneur of the Year.

The award was presented June 20 in Indianapolis before a crowd of 600 entrepreneurs, their supporters and business community leaders.

The audience was told that Corson demonstrated the courage, imagination and perseverance for 32 years in turning dreams into a successful business now known as Coachmen Industries. Under the chairman's leadership, the company has grown from three people to 3,750 employees building recreation vehicles, van conversions, modular housing, and parts and supplies. The company manufactured 13 travel trailers in 1964, but over 18,000 in 1995.

"This award is a source of a lot of satisfaction," Corson told the Elkhart Truth, "it's a compliment to all the people of Coachmen Industries, as far as I'm concerned because all of our employees really earned the honor."

The professional services firm Ernst & Young began the event in 1987, along with national sponsors The Center for Entrepreneurial Education, Inc., the NASDAQ stock market, and USA Today.

Corson is now in contention for the National Entrepreneur of the Year award presented in November at Palm Springs, CA.

Campground Owners Oppose Proposed National Reservation System For Federal Parks

If allowed to move forward, a multi-agency campground reservation system being developed by the US Forest Service, National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management and the Army Corps of Engineers could be the most signigicant competitive challenge ever to confront the commercial campground industry. The system would provide a single national 800 number through which campers and RVers could make reservations at any federal campground. When the requested facility is full, the operators would suggest alternative campgrounds. If successful, the system would create a national government campground network of over 8000 campgrounds. Federal concession operators would be a part of the proposed system.

According to the National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds (ARVC), this could be the most significant competitive challenge ever to confront the association and ARVC is strenuously opposing the plan.

ARVC President David Gorin and Kenton Pattie, executive director of the Business Coali-tion for Fair Competition, met recently members of the National Recreation Reservation development team to express the concerns of the private campground industry.

According to Gorin, the plan will place public sector campgrounds into direct competition with all commercial RV parks and campgrounds and is likely to cause the loss of substantial commercial business and lead to the loss of commercial campgrounds and private sector jobs.

RV Source Joins RV America on the Internet as a Sponsor

RV Source recently joined RV America On Line as a sponsor and added its web site on the Internet under the RV America industry web address. RV Source's site features information on locating RV appliances and repair parts for consumers who are having trouble finding parts. RV Source's Internet address is

http://www.rvamerica.com/rvsource/ and e-mail address is rvsource@rvamerica.com.

RV America, the Home of the RV industry on the Internet, is becoming the location of choice for more and more RV industry companies. RV America is associated with RV News magazine.

RVIA Fights Proposed Tax on RVs

RVIA submitted testimony to the House of Representatives Resources Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife and Oceans on June 5 stating the organization's opposition to the Teaming with Wildlife proposal.

The initiative calls for an excise tax on outdoor recreation products to generate funds for non-game fish and wildlife conservation, recreation and education. Under the plan, RV manufacturers would be forced to pay an excise tax of one-quarter to one-half of one percent, not to exceed $100, on the wholesale cost of an RV.

In the statement provided to the House, RVIA detailed why it opposed the special excise tax. Among the arguments cited:

· Buyers of high-ticket items, such as RVs, would assume the brunt of the funding burden without regard to their use of the programs financed by the initiative.· RV and other outdoor product users should not be singled out to bear the cost of non-game fish and wildlife programs which benefit the nation as a whole.

RVIA president Dave Humphreys said, "We believe that it is unfair to ask RV buyers to pay an extra $100 tax for programs they may not use. The same is true for consumers purchasing any of the loosely defined outdoor products that would be taxed under this proposal."

Humphreys believes the initiative should be funded through the general treasury or through a user fee on individuals who derive a direct and identifiable benefit from the Teaming with Wildlife's non-game fish and wildlife programs.

RVIA has joined with other groups including the American Recreation Coalition and National Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association in fighting the proposal.

Norcold Receives Environmental Award

Norcold received the award for the elimination of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) from its urethane foam process. CFCs, traditionally used as blowing agents for polyurethane foam insulation in refrigeration, are implicated in the depletion of the ozone layer that protects the earth from ultraviolet radiation.

Ron Riethman, president of Norcold, said, "This award represents a significant milestone for Norcold. Alcoa has an excellent environmental program; to be recognized in such a manner says great things about Norcold's own environmental initiatives and the people working to further them here."

Norcold began testing CFC substitutes in 1992, a full three years before the Montreal Protocol mandated phase-out of the chemical. The new material had to meet three criteria: maintain critical insulation properties; maintain critical interior dimensions; and minimize capital investments. In December 1992, Norcold switched to R-22 materials, with 1/20 the ozone depleting potential compared to R-11/R-12 CFC materials without affecting the refrigerator's cooling performance.

The new material also allowed Norcold to maintain each refrigerator's external dimensions and interior capacity, important considerations for manufacturers as well as owners.

With the new agent, Norcold has avoided significant cost penalties from imposed CFC taxes and prevented the release of 381 tons of CFC into the atmosphere since the introduction of the new foam materials.

Oberstar Named 1996 Winner of Sheldon Coleman Great Outdoors Award

U.S. Representative Jim Oberstar of Minnesota received the 1996 Sheldon Coleman Great Out-doors Award during a ceremony sponsored by the American Recreation Coalition (ARC) on June 11.

Oberstar, who has represented his northeastern Minnesota district as a Democrat since 1975, was nominated for the award by Homer Staves of KOA and Aubrey King of the Travel Industry Association's (TIA) Travel and Tourism Government Affairs Council.

He was honored for the major role he has played in shaping the nation's transportation policy, including several recreation-related programs closely tied to America's byways and major highways. As a member of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure since 1975, Oberstar was instrumental in establishing the Nation-al Scenic Byways program.

Secretary of Agriculture Dan Glickman said, "Jim became the chief House champion for the scenic byways concept in 1987, and has actively and successfully continued this role ever since."

The Sheldon Coleman Great Outdoors Award was named in honor of the late conservationist and founder of the Coleman Company, a leading manufacturer of camping and related outdoor products. It recognizes individuals who have played a substantial role in developing and expanding recreation opportunities for others.

NationsCredit Acquires Assets of Commerce Finance

NationsCredit Consumer Corporation, Dallas, TX, has acquired assets and storefront branches of Commerce Finance Company, Memphis, TN, from National Commerce Bancorporation. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

NationsCredit will acquire most of the assets of eight retail branches of Commerce Finance. Three of the eight branches will be consolidated into existing NationsCredit branch offices. The other five Commerce Finance offices-three in Tennessee and two in Mississippi-will remain in their current locations and begin operating as NationsCredit branch offices. Three of the five offices are located in Wal-Mart superstores.

MBA Joins RV America on the Internet

MBA, Scottsdale, AZ, recently added its web site on the Internet under the RV America industry web address. MBA's site features information on how consumers can get quotes on RV insurance and a weekly drawing for prizes. MBA's Internet address is

http://www.rvamerica.com/mba/ and e-mail address is rvinsurance@rvamerica.com.

S. M. Osgood Unveils Mobile Display Center

The S. M. Osgood Company, a manufacturer's rep organization servicing the Marine and RV industries, recently introduced a Mobile Display Center to support their marketing efforts.

According to a S.M. Osgood spokesperson, "With time becoming increasingly valuable to everyone, the Mobile Display Center allows us to take our suppliers products right to the customer's front door. By notifying the customer ahead of time when the Mobile Display Center will be at their place of business, they can arrange for people from engineering, marketing, purchasing, management, design and even production to view the products and get technical information."

The 36 foot Mobile Display Center is equipped with air conditioning, heating, generator and audio visual equipment to make it a self-contained "go anywhere" showroom. The gooseneck trailer is towed by a Dodge Dualee powered by a Cummins diesel. It will be used throughout Osgood's 16 state territory. At appropriate times, it will be used for OEM presentations, distributor sales presentations, distributor sales training and dealer seminars. The interior display panels are interchangeable to allow flexibility for various types of presentations. Many of the products are electrically hooked up and functional.

Jordan Research Joins RV America on the Internet

Jordan Research, Inc., Sarasota, FL, recently added its six-page web site on the Internet under the RV America industry web address. Jordan's site features information about its brake control product line as well as background information on the company. Jordan's Internet address is

http://www.rvamerica.com/jordan/and e-mail address is jordan@rvamerica.com.

Space Still Available for SeptemberSession of NRVPI

The National RV Park Institute (NRVPI) opens September 22 and continues through September 27 at an operating RV park in Plymouth, CA ( 1 hour east of Sacramento). Even though classes are filling rapidly, space is still available. NRVPI targets new and experienced park/campground operators. During the intensive week-long session, attendees will attend 16 courses covering a variety of topics pertinent to park management and taught by experts in their field providing a true "hands-on" learning experience.

Enrollment fees for the week-long course which runs from 4:00 p.m. on Sunday through lunch on Friday are $625 per person and include all classes, meals and handouts with a three-ring binder. Fees do not include lodging. Students can bring RVs and stay in the park for $15/night, rent a trailer at the park or stay in a nearby motel.

For more information Fax or e-mail Executive Services Group, P.O. Box 5578, Auburn, CA 95604, 916/823-1076 (phone), 916/823-633l (fax), esg@foothill.net (e-mail).

Thetford Introduces 2-Year Warranty

Thetford Corporation has doubled the warranty length on its top-selling Aqua-Magic brand toilets. According to Mike Larime, vice president of sales and marketing, the move makes it the first RV permanent toilet manufacturer to offer a two-year warranty.

Larime said, "We're proud to offer the industry's best warranty. It's indicative of our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction."

The two-year warranty will be honored on all Aqua-Magics sold in North America after Jan. l, 1996 - regardless of the toilet's manufacturing date or the warranty listed in its owner's manual.

Thetford on Internet

Information about Thetford Corporation, a manufacturer of recreational sanitation equipment for more than 33 years, can now be found on the Internet. Thetford's "home page" can be found online at "http://www.thetford.com". From there, information about Thetford's history, products and parts can be found.

RVIA Assigns Record Exhibit Space For34th Annual National RV Trade Show

A record amount of exhibit space has been assigned for Recreation Vehicle Industry Association's (RVIA) 34th Annual National RV Trade Show, scheduled for Dec. 3 - 5, 1996 at the Kentucky Fair and Exposition Center in Louisville, KY.

With manufacturer and supplier exhibit space sold out, the RV industry's premier trade event will cover more than 674,000 square feet. The l995 National RV Trade Show was the previous record-holder, occupying 665,000 square feet.

RVIA allotted exhibit space to 75 manufacturers and 256 suppliers during the annual lottery held on June 26 at the association's headquarters.

All exhibit space was assigned in a lottery system established by RVIA. The space drawing was monitored by Monica Missall, a representative of the accounting firm Lang & Associates. The exhibitor representative attending the drawing was Carol Darr of Thetford Corporation.

Canadian Dealer Frontier RV Joins RV America on the Internet

Canadian RV Dealer Frontier RV has joined RV America On Line, the premier RV-related web site on the Internet. Frontier is located in Orono, Ontario, and represents Firan, Rexhall and Newmar motorhomes as well as Great West Vans.

Frontier's Internet address is

http://www.rvamerica.com/frontier/ and e-mail address is frontier@rvamerica.com.

Winnebago Reports Record Third Quarter Revenues

Winnebago Industries, Inc. (NYSE: WGO) announced record revenues of $151.5 million for the third quarter ended June 1, 1996 compared to $125.1 million for the same period in fiscal 1995. Pre-tax income for the quarter was $7.7 million, an eighteen percent increase from $6.6 million in the third quarter of 1995. Net income for the quarter was $5.4 million, or 21 cents a share, compared to $6.6 million, or 26 cents a share, for the same quarter last year.

Due to the strong earnings growth Winnebago Industries realized the past three years, the company has fully reflected the benefit of prior tax losses that had existed. Fiscal 1996 results show the full impact of income tax expense.

Revenues for the nine months ended June 1, 1996 increased to a record $387.1 million from $371.3 million for the same nine month period in fiscal 1995. Net income for the nine month period was $10.6 million, or 42 cents a share, compared to $26.3 million, or $1.04 a share, for the same period in fiscal 1995, which included a tax credit of $6 million, or 24 cents a share.

President and chief executive officer Fred G. Dohrmann, said "Even though industry publications have noted that the RV industry will feel the impact of a slow economy and a lack of consumer confidence until the middle of 1996, we have emerged with increased revenues based on the quality of our products. We believe the outlook for the future is bright and plan to continue to set the pace for industry quality standards as we prepare our exciting new lineup of motor home models for 1997."

Dohrmann said the strong third quarter was a result of a 17 percent increase in sales of motor-homes to Winnebago dealers.

Forward orders for the Company's motor homes increased 31.5 percent from last year.

Winnebago also declared a cash dividend of 10 cents per share paid June 17, 1996 to shareholders of record as of May 17, 1996. The total dividends paid in fiscal 1996 are 30 cents per share.

RVIA Presents Awards During Committee Week

Bob Strawn, president emeritus of RVDA, was given an RVIA Special Award during RVIA's recent committee week activities. Strawn's leadership in his 10 years as president of the national dealer organization was instrumental in strengthening the ties between the manufacturing and dealer segments of the RV industry.

Other awards presented:

Education Award

Erroll Cheney, director of quality control, trailer division for Fleetwood Enterprises, Inc., was honored with the National Education Service Award. Cheney was cited for his personal support of RVIA's Trouble Shooter Clinics and his leadership in developing many industry-wide initiatives aimed at improving customer satisfaction and the enjoyment of the RV lifestyle.

Legislative Award

The National Legislative Award was presented to Mate Maitland, an RVDA regional director from Caldwell, ID. Maitland was a key force in pushing through the legislative repeal of the duplicative Idaho RV standards program. The repeal will save time and money for the industry, consumers and the state.

Standards Award

Greg Buss of Damon Corporation received RVIA's Distinguished Achievement in RV Standards Award. As chairman of the Ad Hoc Committee on Discretionary Weights, his work led to creation of a vehicle weight program to unify and standardize the RV industry.

Camco Manufacturing Joins the Internet

Camco Manufacturing, Inc., recently put a web site on the Internet, featuring a large number of its products on line for Internet users to browse. Camco also has joined RV America On Line, the premier RV-related web site on the Internet. Camco's Internet address is http://camco-mfg-online.com and http://www.rvamerica.com/camco/ and their e-mail address is camco@rvamerica.com.

RVDA Education Foundation Releases How to Value an RV Dealership

The Recreation Vehicle Dealers Association (RVDA) Education Foundation has just released a new RV dealer operations manual, "How to Value an RV Dealership," written by noted business appraiser David Duryee. It is the first in a series of manuals to be released periodically by the foundation.

This 48-page manual is designed to provide RV dealers with the tools that will help them objectively determine the value of their dealership. The publication is also a useful guide for dealers to make an informed analysis of dealership valuations done by outside business appraisers.

Cummins Introduces M11-450E Plus Engine For RV Applications

Cummins Engine Co., Inc., has introduced the M11-450E Plus engine with a more powerful 450 horsepower rating, especially designed for recreational vehicle applications. The new rating, along with all Cummins RV engines, is backed by Cummins seven-year/150,000-mile warranty coverage.

The newly engineered M11-450E Plus horsepower rating offers a peak torque of 1450 lb-ft. RV markets director Kevin Woodring said, "Since the M11 engine was introduced in 1993, it has proven to be one of the most reliable and durable products for meeting our customers' needs. Power and performance aren't just luxuries, they're necessities with larger Class A motor homes. The M11-450E Plus has one of the highest power-to-weight ratios in its class, which means faster acceleration on highway entrance ramps and steep grades."

Findlay RV Joins RV America on the Internet

Findlay RV, an RV dealer in Las Vegas, NV, recently added its web site on the Internet under the RV America industry web address. Findlay's site features information on the various services the dealership offers including new and used RVs, the service department as well as the aftermarket store. You can find Findlay RV on the Internet at

http://www.rvamerica.com/findlay/ and or contact them by e-mail at findlay@rvamerica.com.

Cycle-Sat Postpones Completion Of Initial Public Offering

Winnebago Industries, Inc., (NYSE: WGO) subsidiary, Cycle-Sat, Inc., has delayed its previously announced initial public offering due to current conditions in the new issues market and the general oversupply of initial public offerings.

Loren A. Swenson, president and CEO of Cycle-Sat, said, "The current market conditions are simply not conducive to the completion of an offering at this time. We were pleased with the response from potential investors to our story and hope that market conditions will improve in the near-term providing the opportunity to complete our offering. Cycle-Sat, as the market leading distributor of broadcast quality advertising, remains committed to executing our business plan of facilitating industry consolidation, converting our 550 television station satellite network to the MPEG2 digital format, and capturing the operating leverage inherent in our cost structure. With the support of our parent, Winnebago Industries, Inc. we have the resources to execute our plans without the proceeds of the offering."

Caravan Salon 96 Off To A Good Start

Five months before the start of Caravan Salon 96, International Trade Fair for RV's, Mobile Homes, Trailers and Camping Equipment, 374 exhibitors from 16 countries have reserved over 760,000 square feet of net exhibit space. The trade fair will be held at the fairgrounds in Dusseldorf, Germany, from September 28 - October 6, 1996.

The organizers of Caravan Salon 96 expect the show's final exhibitor number to reach the results of last year's event (481 exhibitors).

To date, 82 of the exhibitors at Caravan Salon 96 are from countries other than Germany. Italy is the leading foreign exhibitor country with 29 companies, followed by the Netherlands (18 companies), France (9 companies), Great Britain and the U.S. (4 companies each). From Germany, 292 companies have registered to take part.

American companies will again have the opportunity to exhibit within a United States Pavilion. The U.S. Pavilion, sponsored by RVIA, provides a cost-effective means for American companies to enter into or to expand their business in the lucrative overseas marketplace. For one package price, companies are provided with a fully equipped, turn-key booth built to their specifications. An on-site architect custom designs the space, matching exhibitor display needs and personal tastes. All technical work, set up and dismantling is included. A lounge is provided for business hospitality and the service of hostesses and translators. U.S. Foreign and Commercial Service staff will be on hand to assist with export and licensing questions.

Ten Channels Added To The DirecTV® Select Choice™ Programming Package

DircecTV®, a broadcast satellite service, announced it has added to its Select Choice™ programming package ten popular cable networks at no extra cost. The expanded Select Choice package, which will deliver 34 video and audio channels for only $19.95 per month, debuted on DirecTV in July. Select Choice subscribers automatically received the ten new channels.

Monaco Sells Four Holiday World Retail Dealerships

Monaco Coach Corporation (NASDAQ: MCCO) has sold four of the ten Holiday World dealerships it purchased in early March as part of its acquisition of the assets and operations of Holiday Rambler Recreational Vehicles from Harley-Davidson, Inc. Included in the sale were the following store locations: Mesquite, TX, sold to an investment team led by current general manager Jim Anderson; Camarillo, CA sold to San Fernando-based Neil's Motorhomes, and Tacoma and Everett, WA, both sold to the Tacoma-based American RV Center. Terms of the sale were not disclosed. All four stores, however, will remain Holiday Rambler retail dealerships.

28th Annual Penn. RV & Camping Show

The Pennsylvania Recreational Vehicle and Camping Association (PRVCA) is gearing up for the 28th Annual Pennsylvania RV & Camping Show which will be held in September at the State Farm Show Complex in Harrisburg. For more information Click Here

.Addition of Atwood Helps Push Excel's Income Up 98 Percent

Excel Industries, Inc., reported a 98 percent increase in net income on a present sales rise in its second quarter. The record results reflected strength in all its markets and the acquisition of Atwood. Sales in the second quarter ended June 29 rose to a record $274,148,000 from $158,749,000 in the same quarter last year.

Net income climbed to a record $8,053,000, or 75 cents per share, from $4,068,000 or 38 cents per share, for the quarter a year ago.

Sales for the first six months of 1996 rose 32 percent to $424,755,000 from $320,738,000 for the first half of 1995. Net income increased 25 percent, to $12,936,000, or $1.21 per share, from $10,324,000, or 97 cents per share in 1995, a period that includes a 9 cents per share gain on the disposition of a Canadian facility.

James O. Futterknecht, Jr., chief executive officer of Excel, said business was strong in nearly every market the company serves and that the inclusion of Atwood Industries for the quarter also boosted results.

"Second quarter sales and profits grew without the acquisition," Futterknecht said. "But, Atwood added $109 million more sales with about $17 million of gross profit."

Coast Sales Off $6.9 Million in First Quarter

Coast Distribution, Inc., saw net sales drop nearly $7 million in the first quarter ended March 31; yet, the company managed to hold its own in net income. The 1996 first quarter net sales of $37,380,000 represented a 16 percent decline from last year's $44,355,000. Despite this dramatic plunge, Coast ended up with a net income of $763,000, only slightly below last year's $772,000.

Coast's CEO Tim McGuire told stockholders, "During the first quarter we continued transitioning our product mix to higher margin proprietary branded products. "While overall sales for the quarter slowed during this transition, we made progress on growing sales of our proprietary products which represented 23 percent of total sales compared to 15 percent last year."

Coast's long term obligations rose nearly $8.4 million from $37.4 million in 1995 to $45.8 this year. At the same time shareholder's equity rose $3.5 million from $36.5 last year to $40.1 in the quarter just ended.

McGuire also said, "We believe that this product transition along with exclusive supply agreements, such as our five-year product distribution agreement with RV Products, Inc., position Coast for long term growth and increased profitability. We continue to focus on strengthening our product offering and productivity."

Coachmen Quarterly Sales Hit Record High

Coachmen Industries' sales for the second quarter were the best in the company's 32-year history.

Sales for the second quarter ended June 30 were $166,715,051, a 30-percent increase over the $128,192,670 reported for the same quarter a year ago.

Sales for the six months ended June 30 were $315,355,074, a 21 percent increase over 1995's six month sales of $259,963,049.

Both sales figures are records, according to Thomas H. Corson, chief executive officer, and the second quarter figures represent a record for any quarter in the company's history.

Net income earned in the second quarter was $8,685,723, a 106 percent increase over the $4,212,086 reported for the same period a year ago.

Earnings per share for the quarter were $1.16 compared with 57 cents for a year ago. Net income for the six months was $14,936,679, a 101 percent increase over the $7,415,550 earned for the comparable period a year ago.

Earnings per share for the six months were $1.99 compared with $1 for the period a year ago.

"The recreational vehicle group had a 31 percent sales gain for the quarter," Corson said. "This gain was fueled by market share increases and an improving RV market as evidenced by the April and May industry sales gains of approximately 6 percent reported by the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association."

The modular housing group had a second quarter sales increase of 34 percent with the growing volume from the North Carolina and Tennessee plants.

Coachmen OKs Stock Split

The board of Coachmen Industries, Inc., unanimously approved a two - for - one stock split. The split will be effective Aug. 28 for shareholders of record on Aug. 7.

Thomas H. Corson, chairman of the board, said the board declared the split in view of the favorable outlook for Coachmen and to improve the liquidity of the company's stock.

Corson cited strong market share gains over several years in Coachmen's recreational vehicle and modular housing businesses in addition to favorable demographics as reasons for the positive outlook.

F&I Seminar Scheduled Prior to RVDA Convention

RV dealers and general managers looking to increase their F&I profitability are invited to attend a special one-day seminar on Saturday September 21 at the Radisson Plaza Motel in Orlando just prior to the opening of RVDA Convention Sept. 22-25.

One of the industry's leading experts in RV dealership finance and insurance training, Jan Kelly of the Automotive Training Network, will present a comprehensive seminar outlining a systems oriented approach to F&I selling. This advanced training session will show dealers how to improve F&I profits through package selling and turn objections into income opportunities.

RVDA members registered for the RVDA Convention/Expo can attend this full-day seminar for a special fee of $75 when they sign up in advance (on-site registration-$125). RVDA members not registered for the full convention may attend for $150 (on-site registration -$200). All others may attend for $200 (on-site registration $250).

For more information, or to receive a copy of the Convention/Expo and F&I seminar registration brochures call RVDA headquarters at (800) 336-0355.

New Study Predicts U.S. RV Market to Reach $12.7 Billion in the Year 2000

Freedonia study #804 Recreational Vehicles projects demand for recreational vehicles (conversion vehicles, motor homes, travel trailers and campers) to increase almost six percent annually to $12.7 billion in the year 2000. Growth will be driven by heightened replacement demand, due to the combined effects of rising disposable incomes, the aging of the existing RV stock and product innovation.

The RV market will also benefit from the aging of the "baby boom" generation, as RVs are primarily purchased by individuals in their 40s or 50s. However, competition from other recreational activities and an adequate supply of used recreational vehicles will limit gains. Spending on expensive durable goods, such as RVs, is also expected to slow as consumers direct an increasing share of funds toward paying off accumulated debt.

Shipments of RVs will advance slightly faster than demand, rising to $13.4 billion by 2000. In volume terms, shipments are expected to reach 570,000 units in the year 2000. A full economic recovery in Canada, the most important export market for US-made RVs, will drive gains. Heightened demand from emerging recreational vehicle markets in Asia and Eastern Europe will also lead to an increase in export shipments.

Conversion vehicles will continue to comprise the largest segment of the RV industry, with shipments growing 6.2 percent annually to $7 billion in the year 2000. Growth will stem from the conversion of sport utility vehicles, pickup trucks and minivans, as upfitted models of these vehicles are expected to gain widespread acceptance. Truck campers and folding camping trailers will be the fastest growing market, increasing 8.3 percent annually to 2000.

Demand for RVs varies across the regions of the US. The Midwest accounted for the largest portion (approximately 35 percent) of demand in 1995. The best growth is projected for the Western states, as this region will benefit from the widespread availability of camping grounds, and above average growth in population and business formations. The favorable climate and population growth of the South will also lead to above average gains.

The complete 191-page study #804, Recreational Vehicles is available for $3100 from The Freedonia Group, Inc., 3570 Warrensville Center Rd., Ste. 201, Cleveland, OH 44122-5226. For further details, please call (216) 921-6800, fax (216) 921-5459 or e-mail at tfgi@ix.netcom.com.

Shelter Distribution Named Exclusive Distributor for Marsh Industries

Shelter Distribution, has announced an exclusive distribution agreement with Marsh Industries, Inc., of Dover, Ohio. The agreement provides Shelter nationwide distribution of products produced by Marsh's Visual Products Group.

The Visual Products Group manufactures a full line of bulletin, chalk and marker boards for use by several markets including the mobile commercial building industry. Modular classrooms, one of many types of units the industry builds, account for the largest percentages (23%) of all units produced. Bill Singhaus, Sales Manager, said, there is a significant opportunity for our companies. By combining our strengths and expertise, we're confident we can realize a high level of market share of boards purchased by this industry.