COVER STORY

Resolve, Courage and Unity Highlight
Outlook 2000 Breakfast

There were a few things missing at the Outlook 2000 kickoff breakfast in Louisville this year: pessimism, fear, doubt, and an economist. RVIA president Dave Humphreys said, "Why do we need an economist when we have the strongest economy in the world, there are no dark clouds on the horizon -- the news is all good, and the industry is at a 20-year high for RV shipments?"

The festive mood continued a spiraling upward trend of RV shipments, satisfied consumers, new prospects, enhanced products and a fantastic market expansion program that will kick-off soon after all your Y2K fears have disappeared.

Humphreys added, "I hope you didn't have to come all the way to Louisville, KY, to find out that the economy is good. In fact, it's very good. While certainly not a time to become complacent, it's a much better alternative than the years that preceded this unprecedented growth and expansion of all areas in the RV industry.

"There was no need to bring in an economist to tell you what you already know . . . the economy is very strong and showing no signs of retreating to negative statistics. Everybody is upbeat and optimistic about the years ahead with an expanding market, exciting new products, and the soon-to-be-launched $40 million phase two expansion of the popular Go RVing market expansion program.

"RV sales are at a 20-year high with predictions to exceed these numbers and set yet another record in 2000 and 2001."

Humphreys, with ties to other recreation associations and as Chairman of the American Recreation Coalition (ARC) and their 100+ industry representatives, pointed out that many people and associations are looking at the RV industry and are genuinely mystified at the success it is currently enjoying across the country and abroad.  continued