Schafer Named President and COO at Coachmen Industries, Inc.

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Coachmen Industries, Inc. (NYSE: COA) announced it has named Matthew J. Schafer President and Chief Operating Officer. Schafer, a 19-year veteran of General Electric Company (NYSE: GE), will report to Claire C. Skinner, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.

“We are extremely pleased that Matt is joining the Coachmen Industries team,” said Chairman Skinner. “Matt has an outstanding track record of managing manufacturing and financial service businesses to achieve the highest levels of operational efficiency, and his expertise and understanding of manufacturing processes will benefit both segments of our business. Having recently served as Chief Operating Officer of GE Equipment Management, TIP and Modular Space Business, he possesses a great deal of knowledge and operational experience in all aspects of modular applications. In fact, GE is a large customer of our commercial modular subsidiary, Miller Building Systems, and Matt’s recent experience will be very beneficial to our Modular Housing and Building segment.”

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“Since the retirement of President and Chief Operating Officer Keith D. Corson in 2000, I have fulfilled this operational role,” Skinner continued. “In consideration of our growth objectives for Coachmen Industries, it is now the right time to add a very experienced operating executive to our team to help the Company realize our top and bottom line growth potential.”

“I look forward to working with the management team and all the employees of Coachmen Industries to help the Company achieve its growth and profitability objectives,” said incoming President and Chief Operating Officer Schafer. “Coachmen Industries operates in two very dynamic yet diverse markets, both of which offer tremendous growth potential. My goal is to help Coachmen Industries maximize the operational efficiency of its manufacturing operations and thus realize its full growth potential. I am excited about our opportunity to further improve the Company’s operations and its prospects as we move into 2004.”

Prior to joining Coachmen Industries, Schafer served for more than 19 years in various executive positions with General Electric Company. From 2002 to 2003, he was Chief Operating Officer, GE Equipment Management, TIP & Modular Space, a full line leasing, sales and service company of trailers, modular space units, containers and storage products. From 1999 to 2002, Schafer served as President, GE Equipment Management, Modular Space North America, a leading leasing, sales, turnkey construction and service business of modular units. From 1995 through 1998, he served as the General Manager for three businesses of General Electric Industrial Systems, a global manufacturer of AC/DC motors, controls, security equipment, and software for the HVAC, commercial, appliance, and industrial markets. Schafer also held several other management positions with General Electric from 1984 through 1994. Schafer holds a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering from Union College in Schenectady, New York, and an Associates of Science degree in engineering science from Hudson Valley College in Troy, New York.

Hopkins Manufacturing Corporation Acquires Master Concepts, Inc. Adds the BrakeBuddy® to its Product Offering

Hopkins Manufacturing has acquired the assets of Master Concepts, Inc. – the market-leading supplier of auxiliary braking systems for the RV market, Hopkins announced.

Sedalia, Col.-based Master Concepts is the designer, developer and manufacturer of the patented BrakeBuddy®, the innovative auxiliary braking system for the RV motor-home market. BrakeBuddy® leads the market as the easiest to use supplementary braking system for towed vehicles. The system takes the dead weight of the towed vehicle off of the motor-home, so that the motorhome’s brakes do not become overheated, causing brake fade or brake failure. BrakeBuddy® also meets the state-by-state regulations that require supplemental brakes on towed vehicles.

“We are very excited to see BrakeBuddy® join the Hopkins family,” said Bradley T. Kraft, president and executive officer of Hopkins. “This acquisition clearly reflects Hopkins’ continued commitment to the Towing segment and increases our participation in the exciting RV market.

“Master Concepts has done an excellent job of bringing RV owners the most advanced technology available in an easy-touse manner,” Kraft continued. “Users of the BrakeBuddy® enjoy the knowledge that they are ensuring themselves of towing safety and compliance with the increasingly strict enforcement of towing laws across most U.S. states and Canada.”

Master Concepts was founded in 1996 by Dan Decker, Sr. and Dan Decker, Jr. Decker, Jr., president of Master Concepts, said, “Along with my partner and CFO, Alec Brock, we have worked to develop BrakeBuddy® into the #1 RV tow brake with the most recognizable brand name in the industry. We’ve accomplished this by focusing on technology and ease of use for the RV’er. We foresee more growth as safety concerns surrounding braking performance continue to increase among RV owners who are towing vehicles. By aligning with Hopkins, we can accelerate this growth and the introduction of additional new products to our customers.” Hopkins said the BrakeBuddy® will fit with its existing line of trailer braking products and other towing accessories, providing an excellent platform to serve the RV market.

Hopkins is a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of innovative consumer pro-ducts for the RV and automotive aftermarkets, as well as of service products for automobile dealers, repair shops and safety inspection facilities. Built on a philosophy that its products will reflect an Image of Difference®, the company is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.

Harbour Group, the parent of Hopkins, is a privately owned company based in St. Louis. Harbour Group, its related companies and former subsidiaries are engaged in the manufacture of industrial products, including automated production equipment, auxiliary plastic processing equipment, automotive accessories, spray equipment and products, textile machinery, component parts for the computer industry, pre-engineered building components, and heat exchange equipment. These businesses have annual revenues in excess of $1.5 billion.

For further information, see www.hopkinsmfg. com , www.brakebuddy.com , or www.harbourgroup.com .

ARVC Board of Directors Elected and Installed

The National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds (ARVC) elected and installed its new, 2004 Board of Directors at Insites, the association’s annual convention and expo in Las Vegas, November 12 – 15.  

The newly comprised Board includes nine new members: Tom Gerken, Gene Zanger, Allen Beadel, Rick Yeager, Joe Striska, Jim Lawrence, Mark Anderson, and Steve Sanders. Also new this year, the association elected to establish a Board seat for the Chairman of the National Foundation of RVing and Camping, thereby installing Foundation Chairman Chuck Hayes to the Board. Max Gibbs, whose Board term as Chairman of the ARVC Council of Delegates expired this year, was newly elected as the representative of Region 3.

The remaining members of the Board and the Executive Committee whose terms expired this year were re-elected to successive terms.

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, the National Foundation of RVing and Camping, and three At-Large members.

RVDA, RVAC Supports Take Pride In America

RV retailers and RV park and campground operators can now show their support for the U.S. Department of Interior's Take Pride in America program through the purchase of decals and posters sponsored by the National RV Dealers Association (RVDA) and the National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds (ARVC).

Take Pride in America is a public-private partnership initiative managed by the Department of Interior designed to increase volunteer service on America's public lands and connect more Americans to their outdoors legacy. The new decals feature the red, white, and blue Take Pride in America logo. The removable decals are weather resistant for indoor/outdoor use and are ideal for dealership special events, distribution to customers, and to place on vehicles at shows. A four-color Take Pride in America poster with beautiful RV camping scenes is included with each order of 50 decals. Proceeds from the sale of materials are donated to Take Pride in America.

"RVDA supports responsible recreational use of America's great outdoors and expansion of volunteerism on our public lands," said RVDA President Mike Molino. "RV dealers are pleased to support the Take Pride in America program that will help foster healthy outdoor opportunities in our parks, forests, and other outdoor places."

	The Take Pride in America decals are sold in packs of 50 for $29.99 ($49.99 non-members) and include one poster. Bulk prices are available for RVDA and ARVC members.

"The National Association of RV Parks & Campgrounds is proud to be a charter member of this important program and to promote volunteerism on America's public lands," said Linda Profaizer, ARVC President & CEO. "Outdoor recreation is part of the American spirit, and the owners and operators of America's RV parks and campgrounds are pleased to lend a hand to this important effort.

Ron Wheeler to Serve as RVDA Convention/Expo Committee Chairman

RVDA Chairman of the Board Marty Shea of Madison RV Center has selected Ron Wheeler of Wheeler Advertising in Arlington, TX, to serve as chairman of the association's Convention/Expo Committee.

Volunteers on the committee work with RVDA staff to stage the annual RV Dealers International Convention/Expo featuring the RV Learning Center, which is set for Sept. 21-24, 2004 at the Rio All-Suite Casino Resort in Las Vegas, NV. The RVDA Education Foundation golf tournament to benefit the RV Learning Center will be held on Sept. 20.

Ron Wheeler has a long history of service to RV dealers, RVDA, and the convention. In addition to serving on the Convention/Expo Committee, Wheeler is a popular workshop presenter. He has helped organize the Foundation's annual charity golf tournament, serving as chairman for eight years. In 1999, Wheeler was honored with RVDA's Chairman's Service Award for his outstanding contribution to the association and its members.

"Ron has continually demonstrated his commitment to RVDA and its mission," Shea said. "He's a hardworking, respected leader in the industry who will do a terrific job as Convention/Expo Chairman."

Companies that are interested in sponsorship opportunities or exhibitor information can contact RVDA at (703) 591-7130 or send an e-mail to info@rvda.org. Visit www.rvda.org for regular updates about the convention.

Your Holding Tank Horror Stories Could Earn You Cash Prizes!

Have you ever had your waste holding tank plug up? Have you ever received a shower from your sewage hose? Have you ever encountered a smell that kept you from using your RV?

Hydro-Agri of North America, the manufacturer of ODORLOS®, an all natural product that is fragrance free, effectively prevents unpleasant odors found in holding tanks, is looking for your Holding Tank Horror Stories and real-life experiences. Prizes include $100 for first prize and 1 year supply of ODORLOS for one vehicle is second prize.

Send your stories by e-mail or by mail to SerinaZavala@aol.com or to Editor, Research Knowledge P.O. Box 1237 Lakeside, CA 92040. The stories must be in by April 31, 2004.

Stories may be used with other stories and published in trade publications and or for promotional purposes and will become the property of Hydro-Agri of North America.

RVDA-ARVC Honor Two Groups with Unity Award

RVDA, The National RV Dealers Association and ARVC, the National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds, honored two New Jersey organizations for their cooperative efforts to build customer satisfaction and enhance the RV lifestyle with the organizations’ first Unity Award. The New Jersey Campground Owners Association and the New Jersey RV Dealers Association received the award Oct. 2 during the 2003 RV Dealers International Convention/Expo in Las Vegas.

Jay and Margie Otto of the NJ Campgrounds Owners Association and Gary Threlfall and Barry Raye of the NJ RVDA accepted the awards for their organizations, which have worked together extensively to promote consumer satisfaction and enjoyment of the RV lifestyle.

“The idea is to share these great programs on a national level and perhaps spark more partnerships within the industry,” said Bruce Bentz, past chairman of the RVDA board of directors. “These two organizations worked together on a terrific promotion that gives New Jersey RV dealers the opportunity to provide their customers with a discount coupon book for campgrounds and RV parks around the state. Dealers and campgrounds are very enthusiastic about the program. It’s a great example of associations teaming up for a program that increases customer satisfaction.”

“Partnerships are keys to marketing success today and RV dealers and campgrounds make perfect partners. They share the same customers and working together they can offer the consumer a great experience and keep people in the lifestyle,” said Linda Profaizer, ARVC’s president “ARVC is pleased to present this first award with RVDA in recognition of cooperative programs created to assure customer satisfaction for their mutual benefit and the positive promotion of the industry.” RVDA, The National RV Dealers Association, is the national association representing RV retailers. The association's members include RV dealers, RV rental operators, and RV Aftermarket sales and service locations.

ARVC, The National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds, is the national association representing 3,700 parks and campgrounds in North America. The association is headquartered in Falls Church, VA. More information about ARVC can be found at http://www.arvc.org/. Information about ARVC parks and campgrounds, and other camping information can be found at http://www. gocampingamerica.com/.

Lazydays Achieves Best October & Quarter Ever

Lazydays RV SuperCenter, the nation’s number one recreational vehicle (“RV”) dealer, delivered 641 RVs in October resulting in total revenue of approximately $55,000,000. This represents a 7.2% improvement in deliveries over prior year and a record for October throughout the entire 27-year history of the dealership.

“Our record sales for the month of October follow a record breaking calendar third quarter for our company when we achieved total revenue of $160,000,000 and total deliveries of 1,990 RVs. I am very pleased that these positive sales trends have continued throughout the third quarter, which in recent years has been our slowest quarter. I attribute this excellent performance to our philosophy of consistently exceeding our customer’s expectations and selling RVs one customer at a time,” says Lazydays’ Founder and CEO, Don Wallace.

And Exceeds $700 Million In Sales!

For the first time in its history Lazydays RV SuperCenter, the nation’s number one RV dealer, exceeded $700,000,000 in retail sales. This was accomplished with 23 selling days remaining in the year and after achieving record sales for the first three calendar quarters this year.

“I am very proud of the accomplishments of our employee partners and also very grateful to our wonderful customers for helping us to achieve this record level in sales revenue,” says Lazydays’ Founder and CEO, Don Wallace. RVN

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