RV Industry News
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| February 2003 | Volume 28 - Number 7 | |
RV Industry News | ||
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Rapid Developments in Propane Fuel Cell Systems
Clean Fuel Generation LLC. (CFG), based in Los Angeles, California, has developed and tested prototypes of fuel cell systems using the Company’s patented and patent pending technologies for propane RV fuel cell systems. CFG’s current development project is for components and fuel cell systems that will use propane as its only operating fuel. One major difficulty in achieving propane fueled fuel cell systems has been removing the impurities in LPG gas. In the system propane must be converted to hydrogen on demand, which is electrochemically converted to electric and thermal energy in the fuel cell stack. The fuel cell stack must have a highly pure source of hydrogen or the stack will be negatively affected by the impurities, resulting in a short operational life. For example, impurities in the hydrogen stream such as sulfur compound, and carbon monoxide must be removed. CFG testing of its new propane system using a gas chromatograph (with specialized detectors including helium ionization detector) demonstrates the achievement of highly pure hydrogen. The results show no detection of any impurities in the hydrogen including carbon monoxide. Testing will continue with the 2.5-kilowatt propane prototype system, and the next step will be scale up and prototype development for 5- kilowatt systems for testing on RV’s. This technology can provide electric power to 10kilowatts and above, and provide cogeneration heat and hot water. CFG has focused on the RV market since its inception in 1998, and set as its goal to be the first company to commercialize fuel cell systems in RV’s. These recent tests bring the company nearer to its goal. CFG’s technology can be applied to a variety of additional markets. Based on this new technology, CFG is also developing an advanced methanol fuel cell system. For further information visit www.cleanfuelgeneration. com, or call Nick Ballinger at (310)440-4240.
A. Ben Long, Inc. Changes Name to Long & Tullier, Inc.
"I am excited about this opportunity! Ben and I have a strong working relationship. Our personalities and work ethics fit together perfectly. Ben is a great mentor and the future of our success and strong partnership will continue to grow through our representation of first class suppliers, our attention to detail, our desire to exceed expectations and our integrity", said Nathan Tullier. Their new corporate office is located at 3330 Cobb Parkway, Ste. 17, #307, Acworth, GA 30101. Phone number: 770-974-1086; fax: 770-975-3222; e-mail: info@longandtullier. com.
MBA Offers Motorcycle Rental Insurance
The program boasts a unique pricing method targeted to dramatically reduce insurance premiums. The major feature: low monthly premium payments with zero finance charges. Coverage includes liability, comprehensive, collision, conversion and medical payments. Once insured with MBA, dealers are given access to state specific rental contracts and rental laws. A rental software package is available to assist your overall rental business. MBA has been insuring rental motor home dealers nationally for twenty-five years. President of MBA, Burt Alanko stated, “This program, a knock off of our motor home program, is just what the industry needs to provide stability in the marketplace.”
Woodland Park Celebrates 20th Anniversary
The company has announced the introduction of 5 new floor plans, all under 35’ to their line up of trailers. The new Timber Ridge Short Line will be added to over 40 standard existing floor plans.
RV Shipments Forecast to Reach 25 Year High in 2003 Factory-to-dealer deliveries of RVs are expected to reach their highest levels in 25 years as baby boomers and travel concerns continue to drive up sales, according to newly released forecasts for 2003. Roughly 20% more RVs rolled out of manufacturing plants in 2002 compared with 2001, according to market data compiled by Recreation Vehicle Industry Assoc. (RVIA). Another 5% gain in RV wholesale shipments is predicted for 2003, according to Dr. Richard Curtin, director, surveys of consumers, University of Michigan Survey Research Center. Shipments of 323,000 units would top 1999’s 321,000 units.
Goodyear's OE Strength Is Unmatched North America's largest tire company relies on its numerous original equipment fitments to pull through additional millions of tire sales in the replacement market. And that continuing OE popularity again has The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company looking forward to its future tire sales. "Because we know that OE tire selection does translate into satisfied customers and related tire sales in the replacement market, we work hard to earn key vehicle fitments for our brands," said Kevin Kramer, Goodyear's vice president of original equipment. Across the industry, about a third of consumers will replace their tires with the same brand as the one mounted at OE. For those with Goodyear tires, however, the figure rises to 45% -- another example of the power of the Goodyear name. At OE, Goodyear has earned more approvals over the years than any other brand. At January's North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Goodyear shows off that strength with key positions on new models like the Ford F-150, Chevrolet SSR and Jeep Liberty Freedom Edition, just to mention a few.
Fleetwood Introduces 2004 Models at Louisville Show Much to the dismay of RV dealers, manufacturers and consumers, Fleetwood Enterprises, Inc. introduced 2004 model year RVs at the National RV Trade Show last month. The introduction of 2004 models means that 2003 Fleetwood models are no longer new units and the rest of the manufacturers are now behind the power curve. Futhermore, consumers who recently purchased 2003 models already have year old units. The 2004 model introduction has a lot of dealers truly upset, and reaction is sure to come. As an example, the Great Lakes Recreational Vehicle Association (GLRVA), Ohio’s largest organization of RV dealers and related businesses, decided at their December quarterly meeting to no longer accept manufacturer product displays dated any later than the current model year for their annual January Ohio RV Supershow. "As of now, for the January 2004 Ohio Supershow, we will allow only products labeled 2004 to be displayed at that show," said GLRVA executive director Bruce Wolfson. "It’s too confusing for the consumers to attend a current year event and see models labeled for the following year. Our customers deserve better and our dealers dislike the practice of introducing following year models before they’ve barely had a chance to introduce consumers to the current year offerings." Camping World Named to Top 50 List for Internet Retailers Camping World was recently recognized by Internet Retailer for hosting one of the top 50 retailing web sites. Camping World, the country’s largest supplier of RV equipment, was named to Internet Retailer’s "Best of the Web" listing in the specialty/non-apparel category. Internet Retailer publishes a national trade magazine and hosts a web site targeted at "e-commerce strategies for merchants and catalogers." Winnebago’s Jim Jaskoviak Announces Retirement Winnebago Industries, Inc. (NYSE: WGO), the world's leading motor home manufacturer, has announced that Jim Jaskoviak, Vice President Sales and Marketing, has elected to resign effective January 10, 2003. A review is currently underway to determine Jaskoviak's successor. Jaskoviak is a 25-year veteran of the company and has been in his current capacity since 1994. Bruce Hertzke, Chairman, CEO and President, stated, "Jim has played a critical role in our company's many successes and his leadership was instrumental in Winnebago Industries securing our #1 position in motor home sales, in addition to our recently announced 7th consecutive RVDA Quality Circle Award. We have been truly rewarded many times over by his insight and wisdom." Jaskoviak was diagnosed with laryngeal cancer in July and recently completed a successful course of treatment. Jaskoviak added, "My career at Winnebago Industries has been exceptionally gratifying and the people I've worked with through the years are simply incredible. Since we're avid RVers, Pat and I saw this as a great time to further enjoy all the pleasures of RVing that I've been promoting for the last 25 years. We've recently taken delivery of our third Winnebago motor home, a new 2003 double slide and plan to hit the road." Jaskoviak's wife, Pat, also is a 27 year employee of the company and will be resigning to join Jim in his travels. FRVTA Takes Part in National Teach-In
The Florida RV Trade Association (FRVTA) recently participated in the National Teach-In at Boyette Springs Elementary School in Riverview. FRVTA's Controller Karla Reigner arranged the teach-in through her children's teachers. Marketing Director David Kelly and FRVTA mascot "Roadie" greeted the two classes with a Coachmen Catalina Class C motorhome and discussed the various types of RVs available. "I was surprised by the intelligent questions that these elementary school students came up with," said Kelly. "Next year I think we'll need to bring a technician to answer some of the technical questions. It's amazing how many of the students have traveled in an RV and can recall trips all over the country. These kids are the future of our industry and if their enthusiasm is any indication, the future looks bright." The FRVTA represents all facets of the RV Industry in Florida and produces a number of regional RV shows and the annual Florida RV SuperShow. 2003 HWH Technical School Dates Set
HWH Corporation, the leader in
hydraulic leveling and room extension systems,
announces their 2003 Technical
School dates for OEM and dealer service
personnel.
The school will cover installation,
"hands-on" trouble shooting and repairs of
HWH Leveling Systems. The school will also
cover "hands-on" trouble shooting and
repairs on HWH Room Extension Systems.
All students will tour HWH Corporation’s
manufacturing facilities and receive Service
and Repair manuals. Plus upon completion
of the school, each student will receive a
certificate and HWH embroidered patches
for their uniforms.
As always, HWH will provide and
arrange at no charge: lodging, meals and
school transportation. The student’s only
responsibility is transportation to and from
the Moline, Illinois airport. The hours for the
school are 8AM until 5PM each day and students
are requested to attend the full 3
days. The school(s) will be held at HWH’s
corporate headquarters in Moscow, Iowa.
Class size is limited and will be on a first
come, first serve basis. April 10 – 12, 2003 October 16 – 18, 2003 November 13 – 15, 2003 For further information or to register, please contact Carol Marolf at 800-321- 3494 or carolm@hwhcorp.com. TIA’s Cook Reports RV Travel A Bright Spot in Current Climate Dr. Suzanne Cook, senior vice president of research for the Travel Industry Association of America (TIA), gave her much anticipated industry overview and forecast at TIA's Marketing Outlook Forum on Oct. 10 in Hollywood, Florida. Among the "good" news reported were a surge in RV sales and rentals as well as a two percent increase in leisure travel. Cook's report was covered in an October 25 USA Today article that termed RV travel as, "The star of the travel industry, with blockbuster growth year-over-year." Cook noted a 30 percent surge in RV rentals during 2002 and that new RV shipments are on track for a 15 percent increase. The trend driving the RV market, according to Cook is Americans getting back to basics and changing their travel patterns, traveling even more than usual by car and RV. She noted the heightened preference for domestic travel and trips closer to home, reporting in region trips are up 8 percent in the first half of 2002. "American travelers are looking to make connections: connections with family and friends, and connections with America itself -its heritage, culture and natural environment," said Cook. After falling nearly 6 percent last year, domestic and international travel spending continues to be soft and isn't expected to recover to record 2000 levels until sometime in 2004. "We can expect a long, slow road to recovery for the travel and tourism industry, and even when it does come, this does not mean we will necessarily return to the way things were before September 1l," remarked Dr. Cook. "Travel demands, patterns and expectations may have been changed for the long-term. And despite continued slow growth in the leisure travel market, this recovery is fragile and could be choked off by any number of new developments." Domestic and international travel expenditures dropped $33.3 billion in 2001 to $537.2 billion (-5.8%). Expenditures are forecasted to decline another $1.9 billion in 2002 to $535.3 billion. The industry will see a 5 percent gain in domestic and international travel spending in 2003, to $560.1 billion. Another 5 percent gain is projected for 2004, to $588.2 billion, finally exceeding 2000s record level of spending ($570.5 billion). Already depressed, business travel continues its downward spiral. After experiencing a 3 percent decline in 2001, business travel is forecasted to fall another 4.3 percent this year. It's expected to stabilize in 2003 with a gain of less than I percent, followed by a 1.5 percent gain predicted in 2004. Travel intentions for nearly all segments of the travel industry are tracked and published quarterly in TIA's Travelometer report. For more information, contact TIA at (202) 408-8422 or visit TIA's website at tia.org. Chevrolet Kodiak - GMC Topkick Pickup
Monroe Truck Equipment, Inc., (MTE) located in Monroe, WI, has announced the newly created Chevrolet Kodiak—GMC Topkick Pickup truck. To develop this special version of the C4500/C5500, MTE worked with GM to give customers and converters the ultimate Class IV/V pickup. Note this vehicle has an 8’ steel dually pickup box and tailgate featuring custom composite side panels and protective Rhino interior lining. This design is also ideal for MTE’s Kodiak/Topkick Extended Cab and the Topkick/Kodiak Crew Cab. What makes this truck truly unique is the combination of the Powertrain, which consists of a Duramax Diesel engine or an optional 8.1 gas engine with an Allison transmission. This is a heavy duty vehicle with a personal pickup maneuver-ability, physical appearance, style and comfort. Both recreational and commercial usage are built into ONE vehicle. This vehicle lends itself to personal/recreational users who tow 5th wheel and gooseneck RV’s, horse trailers, race cars haulers and boats along with vocational users such as construction crews and rancher/farmers. For more information call Monroe Truck Equip. & Modifications at 888.878- 8777. Ask for Mod Sales. ARVC Elects New Chairman Industry promotion and member services
are top The National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds (ARVC) elected and installed Kathy Palmeri to the chairman’s post at Insites, the industry’s annual convention and expo in Memphis, November 20-23. Ms. Palmeri succeeds Immediate Past Chairman, Randy Packard. Ms. Palmeri and her family own and operate Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park of Estes, in Estes Park, Colorado. Ms. Palmeri was elected to the Chairman’s position after serving on the ARVC Board for the last five years, and on the association’s Executive Committee for the last three years. She was instrumental in leading the association’s committee restructuring and overhaul, reducing the number of standing committees and better aligning their responsibilities to the association’s strategic plan. She has owned and operated her campground since 1994. Ms. Palmeri has long maintained an active presence in the outdoor hospitality and travel/tourism arenas. She was president of the Colorado Campground and Lodging Owners Association (CCLOA) from 1996 – 1998, and the immediate past president from 1998 – 2000. In 2000, she was appointed by Colorado’s governor to the Colorado Tourism Office, and was recently reappointed to a second term, slated to run through 2005. She also chaired the 2002 Governor’s Tourism Conference, which drew a record attendance and was widely applauded for its comprehensive look at tourism trends in the post 9/11 environment. “Kathy brings tremendous vision and terrific leadership to the post,” said Linda Profaizer, ARVC’s President and CEO. "Under Randy’s leadership, we were able to build a new foundation of industry promotion and member services. I’m excited to be able to build on that foundation with Kathy, and under her leadership, implement and grow that vision."
New Directors Installed The ARVC Board of Directors is comprised of representatives from each of the six geographic regions, representatives from the State Association Executives, the Supplier Council, the Business Forum, the Council of Delegates, and three At-Large members.
Winnebago Adventurer Featured in
About Schmidt About Schmidt, starring Oscar® winners Jack Nicholson and Kathy Bates, chronicles the life of Warren Schmidt as he attempts to find meaning in his life after his retirement. Told with the help of a series of letters to a six-year old orphan he adopts for $22 a month via TV, Warren sets out in his Winnebago Adventurer to attend the wedding of his daughter, Jeannie, played by Hope Davis, and soon-to-be-son-in-law, Randall, an underachieving waterbed salesman played by Dermot Mulroney. The Winnebago Adventurer is featured throughout the film, with both interior and exterior shots included. "We knew quickly after reading the About Schmidt script that it was a film we’d be happy to lend our brand name and product to. The combination of the excellent cast and the key role the motor home plays in Warren’s life-altering journey can only further enhance communication of the advantages of travel in a Winnebago Industries motor home," said Winnebago’s Director of Marketing Roger Martin. The film opens nationwide on January 3. For more information about the film, log on to www.AboutSchmidtMovie.com.
A groundbreaking ceremony was held recently at the site of the new location for Motor Home Center in Auburn, Maine. In attendance were (pictured, from left) City Councilman Therriault, Construction Consultant Ernie Ray, Owners Connie and Robert Armstrong and Banknorth representative Paul Lacombe as well as many other contractors, suppliers and special guests. The new dealership will be located on Washington Street in Auburn, near the junction of Kitty Hawk Road, just a short distance from Exit 12 of the Maine Turnpike. The twenty acre site is being developed as a full service recreational vehicle dealership, with sales offices, service center and a parts and accessories store all in one convenient location. The dealership is planning its grand opening in late spring of 2003. "This is a proud day for all the people of Motor Home Center," said Rob Armstrong, President of the company. "This new location will bring us to the next level in the growth of our company." Motor Home Center is one of northern New England's premier motor home dealerships, having been in business for over 40 years. As dealers of Winnebago and Holiday Rambler products, Motor Home Center carries two of the most sought after and respected product lines in the industry. Workhorse announces
tech-training dates New course also part of RVST Council’s satellite technician training Workhorse Custom Chassis is providing a number of technician training options, including a satellite feed directly to Workhorse Custom Chassis service centers, to provide training for both its front engine chassis and its new R Series rear diesel engine chassis for motor homes.
Traditional Training The four Workhorse training locations will be Smyrna, Del., Cypress, Calif., Rochester Hills, Mich., and Lakeland, Fla. The cost for the five-day course at these sites will be the same as the previous three day sessions: $250 per student. Traditional training at these sites will be 80 percent hands on and Workhorse specific, taught by ASE certified instructors. Students (limit of eight per class) will learn how to use proper diagnostic equipment and work on actual Workhorse platforms. Students who successfully pass both a written and a hands-on pass/fail proficiency exam at the end of each course receive a certificate. Students also receive Workhorse logo patches and course chevrons. Traditional training is now scheduled through March for the Delaware, California and Michigan locations and April through July in Florida. More information may be obtained at workhorse.com. Participants may register online or call 877-922-9923. MY 2003 Rear Diesel Engine Four-day intensive classes on servicing the new rear engine diesel chassis from Workhorse are also scheduled from March through December of 2003 at the Rochester Hills, Mich., training site.
Satellite Training
Rear Diesel Engine Chassis Satellite
Training
Gasoline Engine Chassis Satellite
Training More information may be obtained by visiting the workhorse.com or by calling 877-922-9923. Courses are subject to change, so topics and dates should be confirmed when registering. "The Workhorse service model is designed to exceed customer expectations and create ‘customers for life,’ " said Chris Christy, national service manager for Workhorse. "By providing the latest technical training and delivering it in innovative ways, Workhorse continues to assist service centers in achieving best-in-class service." Workhorse specializes in the manufacture of chassis for motor homes, walk-in trucks and buses, as well as integrated walk-in trucks. Workhorse Custom Chassis is ISO 9001 certified and considered a leader in the motor home and walk-in truck industries. Its manufacturing facility is in Union City, Ind., and its corporate headquarters are in Highland Park, Ill. For more information on Workhorse visit its web site at www.workhorse.com. Petoskey KOA Named Franchisee of the Year The Rose family, owners of the Petoskey, Michigan KOA Kampground, was named 2002 KOA Franchisee of the Year during the recent Kampgrounds of America International Convention in Nashville. Wayne and Lorene Rose and their two sons built the Petoskey KOA in the early 1990s at the top of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula. Each year, the Petoskey KOA is one of the top performers in the KOA system of 500 campgrounds in the U.S., Canada, Mexico and Japan. The Petoskey KOA has averaged nearly double-digit growth each year since it opened. The Rose family is renowned within the KOA system for their marketing skills and customer relations talents. To learn more about their campground visit www.koa.com/where/mi/22222.htm. Lazydays' Delivers Record 530 RVs in October Lazydays RV SuperCenter ("Lazydays"), the number one RV dealer, delivered 530 retail units in October exceeding $50,000,000 in retail sales. This was a 12% improvement over prior year and a record October for the entire 25-year history of the dealership. "These positive sales trends have resulted from our unceasing commitment to provide great customer service and add extra value for our customers as we pursue our number one goal of making customers for life," says Lazydays' Founder and CEO, Don Wallace. "These trends also keep us on track to reach our goal of achieving 1,000,000,000 dollars in annual sales." Lazydays was founded in 1976 in Tampa, Florida and relocated in May 1996 to a much larger RV destination complex in Seffner, Florida, which is just east of downtown Tampa. The dealership is located on 150 acres with an 83,000 sq. ft. main building, over 1,000 RV's on display, 273 service bays and 300 RV campsites. Lazydays' expansive complex requires a fleet of 150 golf carts to move both customers and employees throughout the property. Additionally, the dealership serves over 430,000 meals annually to its customers, prospects and employees. The site has a 40,000 sq. ft. Camping World store, a Cracker Barrel Restaurant and a Flying J RV Travel Plaza; all the amenities needed for the world's number one RV experience. Cummins Receives 3rd EPA Certification ISM Fully Compliant to New Standard; Included in Uptime Guarantee Cummins Inc. (NYSE:CUM) announced that it had received unconditional certification for its heavy-duty ISM engine from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The EPA approval certifies that the ISM complies with the strict new emissions standards agreed upon by the industry. "The ISM certification gives Cummins customers a complete line of certified and compliant heavy-duty engines to choose from, without concern for paying penalties," said Thomas Kieffer, Cummins executive director - marketing. The proven 11-liter ISM engine, with horsepower (hp) ranging from 280 to 385, complements the Cummins ISX product in meeting the needs of short-haul trucking, vocational and bus customers. Cummins also will offer the ISM in a restricted 400 hp and 450 hp for motorcoach, recreational vehicle and fire truck applications. This heavy-duty engine is included in the Uptime Guarantee program Cummins recently announced to assure the trucking industry that the new engines will meet and exceed customer performance and reliability needs. Under the guarantee, if any part on a customer's ISX or ISM engine fails and can't be repaired within a 24-hour period, Cummins will reimburse the cost of a rental vehicle. The Uptime Guarantee applies to Cummins ISX and ISM engines purchased between Oct. 1, 2002, and March 31, 2003, with coverage from the date of purchase through Dec. 31, 2003. "The ISM utilizes the same cooled exhaust gas recirculation subsystem design used on the ISX and ISB engines. This common approach provides customers with the most reliable and best performing engines in their class," noted Kieffer.
SmarTire Finalizes Strategic
Relationship with Agreement to develop and deliver tire monitoring solutions for original equipment manufacturers SmarTire Systems Inc. (Nasdaq: SMTR), a leading developer of tire pressure and temperature monitoring technology, and Visteon Corporation (NYSE:VC), a leading global Tier 1 supplier of products to the automotive industry, today announced an agreement blending the expertise of the two companies to bring SmarTire's unique tire monitoring solutions to automotive original equipment manufacturers internationally. Under the agreement, SmarTire and Visteon will work together to present products that comply with current TREAD Act requirements as well as develop next-generation tire monitoring systems. The agreement also grants Visteon manufacturing rights for select SmarTire products and contains provisions that will enable SmarTire and Visteon to jointly explore other opportunities such as the commercial vehicle market. The two companies have been working together since May under a Memorandum of Understanding, actively quoting on contracts with many of the major auto manufacturers. "Original equipment manufacturers rely on Tier 1 suppliers to provide the products, quality and scheduled deliveries required by the automotive industry," reports Robert Rudman, SmarTire’s President and Chief Executive Officer. "This relationship with Visteon opens the door for SmarTire to the original equipment marketplace. Together, the two companies will market high quality, low-cost SmarTire solutions to automotive manufacturers globally." Visteon Corporation is a leading full service supplier that delivers consumer driven technology solutions to automotive manufacturers worldwide and through multiple channels within the global automotive aftermarket. Visteon has about 79,000 employees and a global delivery system of more than 180 technical, manufacturing, sales, and service facilities located in 25 countries. SmarTire is a pioneer and market leader in the development of direct measurement tire monitoring technology for all sectors of the automotive and transportation industries. With the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) TREAD Act rulemaking that requires the installation of tire pressure monitoring systems in all passenger vehicles and light trucks beginning November 1, 2003, there is substantial market potential for SmarTire technologies and products. Incorporated in 1987, SmarTire is a public company with offices in North America and Europe. Additional information can be found at www.smartire.com.
Barry LaBov Recognized as
Ernst & Young LaBov & Beyond’s president, Barry LaBov, was recently named a recipient of the Northern Indiana Ernst & Young 2002 Entrepreneur Of The Year (EOY) Award. Barry was recognized as a regional award winner in the Business and Other Services – Large Category and is now eligible for the National Entrepreneur Of The Year, as well as several additional EOY category awards. The Ernst & Young National Entrepreneur Of The Year Awards took place on November23 at a gala event in Palm Springs, California where all national finalists and award winners were announced. Ernst & Young presents its annual Entrepreneur Of The Year Award to the most successful and innovative entrepreneurial business leaders in more than 30 countries around the globe. Mr. LaBov was previously named Indiana Entrepreneur Of The Year in 1992. LaBov & Beyond Marketing Communications, founded in 1981, is a marketing, communications and training company specializing in Field Relationship Management™ for clients with more than 100 dealers or distributors. The company has full-service in-house audio, video, interactive media and print capabilities. LaBov & Beyond’s clients include Newmar and Freightliner Custom Chassis, as well as major automobile, trucking, consumer electronics, and tire manufacturers. The company is headquartered in Fort Wayne, IN, with offices in Detroit, Portland, New York and Indianapolis. New Texas State Park Program Benefits RV Groups Recreational Vehicle groups can now receive a special deal on overnight stays at selected Texas state parks thanks to a new promotional program unveiled recently by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. The unprecedented program targets RV users traveling as a group who plan to stay Sunday evenings through Friday mornings at participating state parks. A special package price per rig per day includes the entrance, campsite and facility use fees and a park-provided special program. The package deal generally will be offered during lower-use periods that vary throughout the state. This special package does not apply to individual RV users. The Great Texas State RV Package benefits cover individual park entry fees for day use or overnight stays, group facility fees and activity fees for interpretive programs offered by park staff. RV groups can make reservations up to 11 months in advance. "The RV program recognizes important state park constituent groups by providing quality camping experiences in some of our finest state parks during off-peak periods when our facilities are often underutilized," said state parks director Walt Dabney. "It also will encourage our RV groups to discover the natural beauty of our wide-open spaces, explore the rich history and diverse cultures of Texas, and provide an opportunity for RV groups to relax with family and friends in a safe and scenic environment." Dabney said the new program offers better customer service and a price break for groups. Group members will benefit, too, he said, from being accommodated in the same part of the park campground or near a group facility, and from special programs presented on natural and cultural history. RV groups can make reservations by calling the Group Reservation Desk at (512) 389-8900 and requesting dates for the scheduled visit. A small deposit will hold the group camping facility at the park. To learn more about the parks participating in the RV group camping program, go to the Internet and log onto www.tpwd.state.tx.us/park/rvgroup/ or email park.information@tpwd.state.tx.us to request a copy of the new RV group brochure and a free Park Information Guide be mailed. Gemstone Receives UL & CSA Certifications Gemstone - solid surfacing manufacturers of elkhart, IN has received notification from Underwriters Laboratories of a dual UL and CSA certification on all their molded solid surface sinks and lavatory bowls. Richard Magee, National Sales Manager, commented, "This certification by the most widely accepted and highly respected listing authority - Underwriters Laboratories - will further enhance Gemstone solid surface products to our entire customer base. We are very proud to have achieved this distinction and believe we are the first in our industry to be so recognized by both UL and CSA." Testing included passing all applicable aspects of the following tests: CSA - B45.0 and B45.4-99, ANSI - Z124.3 and ANSI - Z124.6. All of which test for, among others; workmanship and finish, surface tests, subsurface tests, stain resistance, burn resistance, wear resistance, and shock resistance.
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