National Reservation System Will Cost Jobs and
Businesses According to The National Association of RV Parks
and Campgrounds
The National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds (ARVC)
has expressed its concern that the proposed National Recreation
Reservation System is being developed by a consortium of federal
land management agencies. In a letter to team project manager
Tom Lennon of the US Forest Service, the association sharply
attacked the development of the system as creating a substantial
competitive advantage for the public sector and driving campers
into a federal camping system that would likely cost jobs and
businesses in the private sector. The federal agencies involved in the
proposed system include the National Park Service, the U.S. Forest
Service, the Bureau of Land Management and the US Army Corps of E
ngineers. Lennon and others associated with the effort have also
expressed interest in bringing state park systems into the national
reservation system in the future.
ARVC president David Gorin expressed the campground
industry's concern that the proposed system is being created
by federal employees using federal tax dollars and that the
resulting system if it ever comes into being will "very likely do
considerable harm to the commercial sector by creating further
competitive advantages for federal campgrounds." Federal
facilities currently enjoy substantial operational and competitive
advantages and the playing field between private and public
campground operators is severely tilted in favor of government.
"With this system, the feds are ganging up on the commercial
campground industry and if they are successful in creating a
national, unified system for all federal agencies, they will simply
swamp the commercial sector. Together, these federal agencies
have tremendous access to the American people and a national
reservation system will function like that of a commercial business,
attempting to send customers from one system location to another,"
Gorin said.
Gorin is calling on the agencies to abandon this joint effort and
suggested that each should concentrate on assisting in strengthening
the commercial sector so that visitors to public lands can be served
through commercial businesses. "America is still on a free enterprise
system the last time we looked," said Gorin, "and our members resent
commercial development within the federal government."
RV Dealers Could Become Warranty Repair
Facilities for Chevy Chassis Industry Leaders Meet
with Ford and Chevrolet
The RVIA-RVDA Dealer-Manufacturer Task Force met with Ford and
Chevrolet in May in what are being described as "successful meetings
for all concerned."
According to Mike Molino, president of RVDA, dealers and
manufacturers gained a great deal of useful information from both chassis
manufacturers. In turn the RV representatives were able to make both Ford
and Chevrolet much more sensitive to the needs of the industry especially
those of our mutual customers.
Those attending the meetings for the Task Force included RVDA chairman
Tom Stinnett, along with other RVDA representatives Jim Fogdall, Rick Horsey,
Randy Thompson and Mike Molino.
Bernie Lambright, Lew Howard, John Zimmerman, Jerry McCarthy, Paul
Hanson, and Ruben Clanton represented RVIA and the manufacturers along
with the RVIA staffers Dianne Farrell, Bruce Hopkins, Dave Humphreys, and
Craig Kirby.
Molino said, "Both companies made special efforts to make us
feel that their RV trade is very important to their overall business plans.
Both have very aggressive customer support programs for motor home
owners. Chevrolet was obviously farther along in the development and
operation of customer support programs while Ford had recently
implemented a program involving a contractor named Coachnet that
appeared to be most promising. The Chevrolet program was much
more resource intensive and even included RV training for their
customer assistance employees."
Another promising outlook for the industry was Chevrolet's decision
to encourage more RV dealers to apply for certification. RVDA is
reviewing the requirements Chevrolet uses to determine if an
RV dealer should be certified to do warranty work on motorhome
chassis. Molino added, "In cooperation with Chevrolet, RVDA will
write a letter to each RV dealer describing the process for becoming
an authorized Chevrolet service center. RVDA can also work with
Chevrolet to assist qualified RV dealers in becoming warranty facilities."
Japan May Move to Clear Up RV Designations
Could Improve Export Picture for American Manufacturers
Japan's Office of Trade Ombudsman (OTO) Promotion Council has
recommended that RVs be excluded from that country's construction
standards law.
If accepted by the Japanese prime minister, the council's
recommendation will help American RV manufacturers increase exports
to Japan.
The OTO has also proposed that Japan's Construction and Transport
Ministry adopt RV standards that are close to those of the U.S.
Existing Japanese law does not address existence of RVs, so units
are sometimes classified as "buildings" and sometimes as "vehicles".
RVIA is asking that RVs be classified as "vehicles" which would
eliminate the need to meet Japanese building standards and help
spark more U.S. RV exports.
The groundwork for the OTO council's recommendation began in
1995 when a member approached RVIA for help in getting RVs classified
as vehicles instead of buildings.
At the direction of the RVIA Board, RVIA vice president of standards
Bruce Hopkins traveled to Japan to meet with U.S. Embassy officials,
the State of Indiana's Asian Office and Japanese RV importers.
In February, Hopkins and RPTIA executive director Bill Garpow went
to Japan to attend an OTO hearing where they explained the U.S.
RV and park trailer standards as well as described how the products
are meant to be used in campgrounds.
"OTO representatives agree that Japanese law needs to recognize
RVs as camping vehicles," Hopkins said. "Our goal is to get the
government of Japan to allow RVIA members to export more RVs to
Japan while keeping product modifications to a minimum."
The OTO Promotion Council, chaired by Foreign Ministry
Advisor Yoshio Okawara, is charged with developing policies which
will help open the Japanese market to more imports.
Fleetwood Enterprises
Joins RV America as a Sponsor
Fleetwood Enterprises, Inc., is the latest RV industry company to
see the potential of the Internet and has chosen to associate
themselves with RV America On Line. Fleetwood's web site on
RV America will serve as a gateway to an expansive resource of
information ranging from corporate financial and investing sources to
detailed walk-throughs of their extensive product lines. As the largest
RV manufacturer in the world, the Fleetwood web site should be one
of the most popular RV sites on the Internet.
Dan Holt, CEO, Web Site Management, Inc., and publisher of
RV News, said, "We are extremely excited about this relationship
with Fleetwood. Obviously, Fleetwood could have chosen to associate
with any service provider and the fact that they wanted a relationship
with RV America reinforces our conviction that our concept of
providing an umbrella for all RV industry companies is on track.
RV America provides an effective way for people searching the
Internet for RV information to find everything they need to know
about the RV lifestyle and the associated products and services
in one location."
Fleetwood's Internet address at RV America is:
http://www.rvamerica.com/fleetwood/
"Where It All Began" RV Show
to be Held In Elkhart
IMHA/RVIC Valley Chapter President Cathy Miller confirmed that
the Valley Chapter Board unanimously voted to hold a Recreation
Vehicle and Manufactured Housing show in Elkhart, IN.
While some Michigan industry pioneers might argue the
historical accuracy, the theme for the show will be Elkhart-Where
It All Began. Show dates are scheduled for September 13-15,
at the Elkhart Municipal Airport. The show will feature a variety
of manufactured homes alongside almost every brand of RV. In
addition, supplier and service firms will occupy booth space
to complete the event.
For more information on the Elkhart RV Show, call IMHA/RVIC
Valley Chapter at (219) 262-8095.
Newcourt Credit Forms Financing Venture
with Recreational Dealers Exchange
Newcourt Credit Group will provide Recreational Dealers Exchange
Co. L.L.C. (Redex), a select group of North American recreational
products dealers, with a U.S. $250 million line of credit through a
new cooperative venture called Recreational Dealers Acceptance
Co, (RDAC).
Redex was created earlier this year by several independent
recreational products dealers and by Bill Gorman an RV consultant
to RV and marine dealerships. Redex's mission is to contribute to the
growth, stability and reputation of the recreational products industries
by enhancing the financial performance and customer service capabilities
of each of the participating dealerships.
Redex will provide its members with a forum for the exchange of
financial data, manufacturer, product information as well as sales,
customer profile and other marketing data. Redex also intends to
centralize and manage a package of services for its members,
including financial services which will now be provided through
RDAC.
"This venture with Newcourt is revolutionary in the recreational
products industry," said Paul Skogebo, president of Arizona-based
dealership Robert Crist and Company, and one of two dealer
members on the advisory committee to RDAC. "This is the first time
dealers in the industry have banded together and financed
themselves."
Coachmen Reports Strong Sales And
Earnings Gains In First Quarter
Coachmen Industries, Inc. (COA) continued strong gains in
sales with a 13 % first quarter increase over the same quarter in
1995. Earnings before an extraordinary gain jumped 24% over
1995's first quarter performance.
Coachmen Industries chairman and CEO, Thomas H. Corson
reports sales for the first quarter ended March 31, 1996, were
$148,640,023, up 13 % from the $131,770,379 reported in the
first quarter of 1995. Net income reported for the quarter was
$6,250,956, a 95% increase over the $3,203,464 earned in the
first quarter of 1995. Earnings per share for the quarter were
83 cents as compared with last years 43 cents.
Net income for the quarter included $2,293,983, or 30 cents per
share, resulting from the cumulative effect of an accounting change
for company-owned life insurance policies. Earnings per share
for 1996's first quarter prior to the extraordinary income
resulting from the accounting change were 53 cents per
share, or an increase of 24% over the prior year's first
quarter.
"As we look forward to the rest of the year," Corson said "we
expect a reasonable economy and continued good markets for
our products. We also see continued market share gains, which
will allow us to outperform the markets in which we participate.
All three of the company's operating groups appear ready to have
excellent performances this year.'
Associates First Capital and Fleetwood
Sign Agreement on Sale of Fleetwood Credit Corp.
Fleetwood Enterprises, Inc., announced that it has reached
an agreement with Associates First Capital Corporation for the
sale of Fleetwood's wholly owned RV finance company, Fleetwood
Credit Corp. The agreement is subject to regulatory and corporate
approvals.
Under the terms of the agreement, The Associates will acquire
all of the outstanding stock of Fleetwood Credit for $157 million
in cash. As part of the transaction, an operating agreement will
be signed to assure long-term cooperation between Fleetwood
and The Associates and to provide for wholesale and retail
financing services to Fleetwood dealers and customers. The
companies expect to complete the transaction within 60 days.
Fleetwood Credit has total assets of approximately $400
million, and services a total receivables portfolio of
approximately $ 1.1 billion, including securitized receivables.
It has nine regional offices and serves customers in 49 states.
Commenting on the sale, Fleetwood president Glenn
Kummer said, "We are pleased that an organization of
Associates' stature will continue FCC's efforts in the
RV finance business. Fleetwood and Associates have
had a very successful relationship for several years
involving the financing of Fleetwood manufactured
homes, and we look forward to expanding that relationship."
Do RVers and Potential RV Buyers
Surf the Internet?
When RV industry companies consider using the Internet as
one portion of their marketing plan, the inevitable question is,
"Are the people surfing the Internet our potential customers?"
To help answer these and related questions, RV America On
Line conducted a "Visitor Survey" during May. Visitors to the
web site were asked questions such as age, income, whether
they currently camp, do they own an RV and if so what kind, what
kinds of RV related information they hoped to find on the Internet,
and would they consider buying products on line on the Internet.
Dan Holt, CEO, Web Site Management, Inc., and publisher
of RV News, said, "We are still compiling the results, but
early indications are that the people who visit an RV-related
web site fit the profile of our customers. Predominately, their
ages range between 35 and 55, mostly male, many own RVs
and plan to buy another one, and those who don't RV now say
they will in the future. The types of information they seem to be
looking for ranges from finding a campground in a certain
region to finding out about products and services to
pre-shopping for RVs, such as looking at floorplans and
specifications.
"We hear about the fantastic numbers of people who
are surfing the Internet and experts tell us their ages range from
the teens upward. An RV related site is not getting the millions of
'hits" we hear some sites are getting, but I'm convinced that those
who come to an RV-related web site seem to be exactly the kinds
of prospects most companies in the industry are looking for.
Millions of them? No, not at this time, but there are thousands who
go to RV sites looking for information. I'm convinced that
companies procrastinating about getting a web site are missing
an opportunity to tell their story to people who would really like to
know more about them and their product or service - and these
people are trying to use the Internet to find answers."
Holt believes the results of this survey will be a valuable
tool for companies that want to explore using the Internet to
help market their products or services.
(RV News will publish a detailed break down of the results
of the Visitor Survey in the July Issue.)
Winnebago Sponsored Car
Ends Up in Restaurant
With the tremendous increase in popularity of auto racing,
four of the biggest names in motorsports have joined together
to create the first Race Rock Cafe in Orlando, FL.
The cafe, with more than 20,000 square feet, is loaded to the
rafters with exciting racing exhibits, vehicles and memorabilia.
One of the race cars, which will be suspended from the Race
Rock foyer's ceiling will be the Winnebago sponsored Darrell
Gwynn, NHRA Top Fuel racer with its "Winnebago" logo
running down the length of the hood.
Country Coach Pays Employees Bonuses
Country Coach, Inc., recenly paid a bonus of $60,700
to 269 qualifying employees as a result of first quarter sales.
Country Coach sales increased 11 percent in this period.
The three-part profit sharing program, now in its 5th year,
is based on sales, productivity and projected goals.
RV West Celebrates 20 Years
In the spring of 1976, the magazine that would become
RV West was created to meet the needs and interests of the
increasing number of RVers. The May issue of RV West
celebrated 20 years of serving RVers. In 1994, Vernon
Publications Inc. of Bellevue, WA, acquired RV West.
28th Annual PRVCA Show
Space at Record Levels
This year's Pennsylvania RV and Camping Show
space drawing exceeded last year's draw by nearly 6
percent. The annual event, which took place May 14th
not only sold out of space but picked up new areas within
the Farm Show Complex to accommodate demands.
Rebecca Lenington, PRVCA executive vice president,
said, "Due to the tremendous success of this year's show
drawing we are on target to another great show."
The 28th Annual Pennsylvania RV and Camping Show
opens its doors September 9 - 10 for trade days and
September 11 - 15 for the public at the State Farm Show
Complex In Harrisburg.
This event features entertainment. educational
seminars and approximately 630,000 square footage
space for exhibits. Attendees will be entertained ,
educated and inspired by the likes of guitarist Kenny
Allen, accomplished writer Don Taylor, economic futurist
Dr. Barry Asmus and comedy performers The Capitol Steps.
Siemens Solar Director Appointed
to the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award
Board of Examiners
Alex Mikonowicz, senior director of quality assurance
for Siemens Solar, has been re-appointed to the
Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award Board of
Examiners.
Mikonowicz was re-appointed to the board based on
his breadth and diversity of industry experience, as well as
leadership skills and ability to communicate as a
spokesperson for the award. He has more than 17 years
experience in quality assurance management within the
computer and semiconductor industries, in addition to his
experience in solar cell and module (photovoltaic)
manufacturing.
The Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award was
established in 1987 by President Reagan to recognize the
quality achievements of U.S. companies and to publicize
successful quality strategies.
SMC Corporation Reports Record
Revenues for First Quarter
SMC Corporation (NASDAQ: SMC) reported record
revenues for the first quarter of 1996. For the quarter
ended March 31, 1996, net sales rose 27% to $43.1
million from $34.0 million 1995. First quarter unit
sales increased 24% to 402 units up from 325 in the
prior year. Pretax income decreased slightly to $2.16
million from $2.21 million reported a year earlier.
First quarter 1996 net income after taxes was $1.30
million, compared to 1995's pro forma net income of
$1.35 million. 1996 first quarter earnings per share
were $.20 on 6.6 million shares outstanding, down
from 1995's pro forma $.21 per share on 6.5 million
shares.
Mathew M. Perlot, chief executive officer of
SMC Corporation, said, "The first quarter of 1996
marks the third consecutive period of record revenues
for SMC Corporation. This is the third consecutive
quarter of increasing profitability as well. It is the
continuing objective of SMC to increase our market
share in the high line class A motorcoach market,
and strong demand for both our Beaver and Safari
lines has increased production in our manufacturing
plants by 35% compared to a year ago. Based on
the increasing demand that we continue to see for
SMC products, our analysis indicates that we now
control 25% of the high line market."
In response to this growth, SMC acquired a
178,000 square foot manufacturing facility in Burns,
OR in January. Presently, the company is producing
motor coach components at that site. SMC also
announced plans to introduce an all-new product
line during 1996 aimed specifically at the
emerging baby-boomer market
Perlot said, "This new generation of RVers are
ffluent and they value quality products. We are
confident that we have the correct product strategy
to attract these people."
In addition to the expansion in Burns, SMC
started a new business unit, Electronic Design
& Assembly, Inc. (ED&A), which will design and
manufacture electronic and electrical components.
ED&A will manufacture electronic component products
for SMC as well as other OEM's with the need for
specialized design work and short-run production
capabilities.
NRVPI Schedules 1996 Fall Session
The National RV Park Institute, a training school in
the basics of RV park management and operations, will
hold classes September 22 - 27, 1996 at 49er Trailer
Village in Plymouth, CA.
The classes are design for RV park/campground
owners, managers, employees or those wanting to
learn about the industry.
The intensive 40 hour session will cover a variety of
park management topics including the importance of
customer service, inspection of facilities, emergency
planning, computer operations, front desk management,
budgeting, marketing and promotion, legal aspects
of park management and operations, economic
analysis, restroom and pool maintenance and
much more. The classes are taught by experts in
their field and provide a true "hands-on" learning
experience.
For more information on the institute or
its courses, contact Tug or Judy Miller at
916/823-2316.
Industry Veterans Set Up
Sales Rep Company
Dave Weinsz (top) and Gordon Harmon,
two RV industry veterans with nearly 60 years
industry experience, have established a sales
rep company, Recreation Products Marketing (RPM),
to market a line of RV products to dealers.
RPM will represent several RV manufacturers
and be responsible for sales and marketing of
their products to RV dealers In addition to RVs,
RPM will also rep several lines of aftermarket
RV accessories.
Fleetwood to Take Earnings
Charge for German RV Operation
Fleetwood Enterprises, Inc. announced that it
intends to recognize a charge against fourth
quarter operating earnings for the revaluation
of its German RV operation. As previously
disclosed, this operation continues to incur
losses, and the continuing weakness of the
German economy makes it unlikely that
sufficient sales volume can soon be generated
that would make the operation profitable in the
foreseeable future. According to Paul M. Bingham,
Fleetwood's chief financial officer, the writedown
of the German investment will result in a charge
against operating earnings in the fourth quarter
and for the fiscal year estimated to be in the range
of $27 to $35 million. On a pro-forma basis, the
after-tax effect on net earnings is expected to be
between $16 and $21 million.
Increase in RV Travel Seen
Low interest rates, stable consumer confidence
and other factors are expected to contribute to an
increase in RV travel and camping over the coming
months. Research by the Travel Industry Association
of America found that 22% of respondents plan to travel
in an RV this spring, up from 15% last year. The
seven-point gain is the largest increase among the
pleasure/vacation activities covered by the survey.
Wheelers Win the 1996
Entrepreneurial Success Award for Nevada.
Andy and Marlene Wheeler, of Wheeler's
Las Vegas RV, have been awarded the Entrepreneurial
Success Award for the State of Nevada, by the U.S.
Small Business Administration (SBA).
As the winner of the Nevada Entrepreneurial Success
Award for 1996, the Wheeler's will be honored at the
annual Small Business Awards luncheon to be held
at the Tropicana Hotel this month.
Wheeler's Las Vegas RV is presently undertaking
a $3 million dollar expansion that is said to become
the largest privately owned recreational vehicle
dealership in the West. The dealership will
quadruple in size encompassing more than
880,000 square feet for a total of 20 acres.
Andy Wheeler, when discussing the expansion
and the award stated, " We have seen exceptional
growth in what has become an exceptional business.
My wife Marlene, who heads our daily operations,
not only put together this plan for growth, she's kept
this business strong to make a big expansion like
this possible. I fully credit her for putting us in a
position to win this award."
John Scott, SBA district director said that
Wheeler's RV was judged on seven basic criteria:
staying power, growth in number of employees,
increase in sales and/or unit volume, current and
past financial reports, innovativeness of product or
service, response to adversity and evidence of
contributions to community-oriented projects.
Wheeler's Las Vegas RV began as a one-acre
dirt lot, where they sold used motor homes on
consignment. With the assistance from the Small
Business Administration, Wheeler's Las Vegas RV
has become Nevada's largest full sales and service
dealership.
KOA Goes on the Net
KOA is in "Kyberspace." KOA Kampground's
Internet site puts every KOA campground at a
visitor's fingertips. One of the most ambitious
undertakings for any RV industry company's
embarkation to the Internet, KOA's site has more
than 600 pages of information to help campers find
where to camp and how to get there as well as what
ammeneties are available at any location. KOA has
a home page for every KOA campground in North
America and many foreign countries.
New and first-time campers can find out "Who is
KOA" and "What to do at KOA," more experienced
campers can go straight to "Where is KOA" to check
out the specifics-amenities, rates and detailed locator
maps of KOA Kampgrounds along upcoming routes.
KOA Kyberspace can be reached at http://www.koakampgrounds.com/
ARVC Honors Senator Bond
for Small Business Advocacy
The National Association of RV Parks & Campgrounds
(ARVC) presented a special Public Service Award to
Senator Christopher Bond (R-MO), Chairman of the
Senate Small Business Committee, in April during a
ceremony in the Senator's office. The presentation was
part of the association's 9TH Annual ARVC Government
Affairs Conference in Washington, D.C. He was given the
award in recognition of his outstanding efforts on behalf of
the American small business community and his
sponsorship of the recently enacted Small Business
Growth and Fairness Act of 1996.
In presenting the Public Service Award, ARVC
vice-chairman Jeff Sims, owner of Compton Ridge
Campground, Branson, MO, applauded Senator
Bond for seeking regulatory flexibility for small
businesses.
Hehr Adds Polymers Division
Hehr International Inc., manufacturer of window,
glass and related vehicular products, has purchased
certain assets of the Polyurethane Design Division
(PDD) of EniChem America, Inc. Among the assets
purchased are production machinery and equipment,
proprietary patents on various polymers, and other
tangible and intangible rights. The purchase was
finalized on March 14, 1996. Hehr will operate the
organization under the name Hehr International
Polymers.
The acquired organization blends chemicals for
polyurethane applications. Hehr International
Polymers can provide polyurethane concentrates for
many applications. Hehr and former PDD personnel
will continue to operate the company, serving the
same customers while looking to expand markets for
their patented proprietary products. Hehr also sees the
opportunity to improve products and services for its
existing vehicular and marine window customers.
Thor Announces Record
3 and 9 Months Sales
Thor Industries, Inc. (NYSE:THO) announced
record preliminary sales for the 3 and 9 months
ended April 30, 1996.
Sales in the quarter were $168.3 million, the
highest for any quarter in the company's history
and up 3% from $163.1 million last year. Sales
for the 9 months were $439.6 million, up 6% from
$416.6 million last year.
RV sales were $142.3 million in the quarter, up
3% from $138.4 million last year, despite an industry
shipment decline of about 6%. For the 9 months, RV
sales were $362.9 million, up 5% from $347.4 million
last year. Small and mid-size bus sales were $26.0
million in the quarter, up 5% from $24.7 million last
year and $76.7 million in the 9 months, up 11% from
$69.2 million last year.
Foremost Announces First Quarter Results
Catastrophe losses, caused by winter storms along the
east and west coasts in January and February, negatively
affected the first quarter financial results of Foremost
Corporation of America (FOM-NYSE). Foremost reported
a combined loss and expense ratio 13.9 points higher
than in the first quarter of 1995.
Foremost president, CEO and chairman of the
board, Richard L. Antonini, said, "As we anticipated,
catastrophe losses had a major impact on our results
during the first quarter."
Net loss for the quarter was $.01 per share compared
with net earnings of $.87 in the same period of 1995.
Realized gains of $.05 per share and a realized loss of
$.01 per share are included in the results for 1996 and
1995, respectively
National Parks Visits
Expected to Reach Record Levels
Attendance at national parks is expected to reach
record levels this year. Overall visitation in 1995 was up
2% to 259 million, just below the all-time record of 259.4
million set in 1992.
However, visitors are learning to time their visits for
less-crowded periods of the year - over 400,000
overnight stays a month are provided by the Park
Service from November through February. (Source:
Recreation Executive Report, January/February 1996)
Morgan Group Reports First Quarter
Results
The Morgan Group, Inc. (AMEX:MG ) announced
that revenues rose 14% in the first quarter ended
March 31, 1996, but net income and earnings per
share fell from last year's figures to break-even levels.
Operating revenues reached a record $30.5 million,
led by a 17% rise in revenues for manufactured
housing and a 28% acquisition-aided gain in driver
outsourcing revenues. Specialized transport sales,
however, declined by 6.4% as shipments of recreational
vehicles were negatively impacted by the slow down in
industry production.
Fleetwood Reports FY 1996
Revenues and Record Fourth Quarter
Fleetwood Enterprises, Inc., reported preliminary revenues
for the fourth quarter and fiscal year ended April 28, 1996.
Revenues for the year were $2.81 billion which was
virtually identical to the amount recorded in the prior
year. Fourth quarter revenues reached an all-time
high of $771 million, up 9% from $706.5 million last
year. Fiscal 1996 revenues exclude finance revenues
from the company's RV finance subsidiary, Fleetwood
Credit Corp., which is being sold. Prior year revenues
have also been appropriately restated.
Fleetwood's housing group achieved record revenues
of $1.44 billion in 1996, 5% ahead of last year's
$1.37 billion. Fourth quarter housing revenues
were also up 5% to $361 million compared to
$343.6 million last year.
Sales for the company's RV group lagged behind
the prior year for most of fiscal 1996, but rebounded
nicely in the fourth quarter. RV revenues were $1.32
billion for the year, 5% behind last year's $1.39 billion.
A strong recovery in motorhome sales boosted fourth
quarter RV revenues 14% to $396 million, up from
$347.8 million a year ago.
KOA Franchisee Receives IFA Award
Kampgrounds of America (KOA) Franchisee Walt S
chumacher was honored with an International
Franchise Association Franny Award, according to
Art Peterson, KOA Inc. president and CEO. The Franny
Award is presented in recognition of outstanding
achievement in the field of franchise business.
"Due to his ongoing efforts to develop and improve
his business, Walt is now the owner and operator of
one of the ten largest volume campgrounds in the
KOA system," Peterson said. "He is readily
recognized in the KOA system as a leader of
his peers."
Schumacher entered the KOA system more than
25 years ago when he purchased a small seasonal
KOA Kampground in upstate New York. After improving
that operation and increasing its sales, Schumacher
sold the property in order to purchase a larger KOA
facility, also in New York state. He continued this process
with the Tucumcari, NM, and Clinton, OK. KOAs before
purchasing Cherokee/Great Smokies KOA in Cherokee,
NC, in 1989.
During his career as a KOA franchisee, Schumacher
has served as a director of the KOA Kampground Owners
Association and as a member of the KOA Advertising
Advisory Committee. He currently serves as a member
of the KOA President's Advisory Council.
Winnebago Honored by EPA
Winnebago Industries, Inc. was recently awarded
the Pollution Prevention Environmental Excellence
Award for 1995 from the United States Environmental
Protection Agency, Region 7. Presenting the award was
William A. Spratland (second from the right), Region 7
Director of air, RECR and toxics division, EPA, Kansas
City. Present to accept the award were Russ Dagget
(far left), plant engineering manager; Winnebago Industries;
Fred Dohrmann (right), president and chief executive officer;
and Bruce Hertzke, chief operating officer.
Monaco Reports Quarterly Results;
Holiday Rambler Integration Progressing
Monaco Coach Corporation reported its first quarter
1996 results and said that the integration of its recently
acquired Holiday Rambler division is "progressing nicely."
In March, Monaco acquired substantially all of the
assets of the Holiday Rambler RV Division and ten
related retail dealerships from Harley-Davidson, Inc
For the three months ended March 30, 1996, net
sales for Monaco Coach. including its Holiday Rambler
division from March 4, 1996, totaled $62.0 million.
Proforma gross profit and operating income, before
a charge of $645,000 related to the acquisition. were
$7.4 million and $2.5 million. Proforma net income
and earnings per share were $1.0 million and 22 cents
per share, respectively.
On a comparative basis, Monaco's net sales
excluding Holiday Rambler were $34.4 million, down
9% from $38.0 million reported in 1995, and operating
income declined 33% to $1.8 million from $2.7 million
in 1995. Holiday Rambler contributed $27.5 million in
sales during March. Of this, $17.9 million was from
manufacturing operations and $9.6 million was from
the ten retail stores. As, previously announced.
Monaco is in the process of selling off the retail stores.
Hicklin Power Systems Puts Up Web Site
for Honda Generators
Bart Hicklin, president, Hicklin Power Systems,
says his company is on the Internet offering a
complete line of Honda generators, from economy
priced portable units to RV generators to industrial models.
Hicklin chose to put his web site on RV America On Line,
an umbrella web site for RV related companies, because
RVers are one of the primary user groups of portable and
RV generators. And since RV America offers unique Internet
addresses for customers, Hicklin's web site can be listed
with all the major search engines so anyone looking for
generators or portable power will be able to go directly to
Hicklin's pages.
The Internet address for Hicklin Power Systems is
http://www.rvamerica.com/hicklin/
ARVC Honors John Garamendi for
Travel & Tourism Advocacy
The National Association of RV Parks &
Campgrounds (ARVC) presented a special Public S
ervice Award to John Garamendi, Deputy Secretary of
the Department Of Interior. The award was presented
at a dinner during the association's 9th Annual Government
Affairs Conference in Washington, D.C. Garamendi
was recognized for directing the Department of Interior's
aggressive response to private-sector recommendations
developed at the historic White House Conference on
Travel & Tourism held in October 1995. Garamendi has
been instrumental in developing a close and strong
partnership between the U.S. travel and tourism industry
and the Department of Interior.
Country Music Theme For Coachmen Rally
The International Coachmen Caravan, made up of
owners of Coachmen products, will gather August 4-8, 1996.
at the James E. Ward Center, Lebanon, TN. Theme for
the 29th International Coachmen Caravan Rally is "Country
Music." Various performers will entertain with country/western,
bluegrass, and gospel music during the week.
Thetford Wins Fleetwood Award
Thetford Corporation has received the prestigious "Circle of
Excellence Award of Merit" from the Fleetwood RV
Group for 1995.
Thetford was given the special award for
"exemplifying long-term outstanding performance."
"This is a tremendous honor for our company," said
Mike W. Larime, vice president of sales and marketing.
"It is significant for two important reasons. First, it goes
beyond the annual awards which Fleetwood presents.
Second, it is in recognition of entire company-wide
performance over a long association."
On hand at the award presentation ceremony were
Thetford's OEM sales team: (l-r) Ken West, Jim Janowski,
Bob Watts, and Brad Harvey.
Winnebago Declares Cash Dividend
The board of directors of Winnebago Industries,
Inc., (NYSE:WGO) have declared a cash dividend of
ten cents per share, payable on June 17, 1996 to
shareholders of record as of May 17, 1996. The
dividend was declared as an indication of the continued
strength of the company's business. With this payment,
Winnebago Industries will have paid cash dividends
aggregating to 60 cents per share since reinstating cash
dividend payments in January, 1995.
RVIA's Committee Week '96
Begins June 10
RVIA members are preparing to travel to the
Washington D.C. area for the association's Committee
Week '96 held June 10-13.
The annual event helps set RVIA's agenda for the
next fiscal year and beyond. Thirteen RVIA standing
committees, the Executive Committee, the Board of
Directors and a new Market Expansion Coalition Advisory
Committee will all meet during Committee Week.
A joint committee breakfast on Tuesday, June 11,
will include briefings on association activities from
RVIA chairman of the board Mike Larime of Thetford
and RVIA president Dave Humphreys as well as a
market expansion update.
The host facility for Committee Week is the
Ritz-Carlton Tysons Corner in McLean, VA.
Country Coach Showcased
on NBC Today Show
Country Coach, Inc. (CCI), recently traveled to New York
City to appear in a Gadget Guru segment of the
Saturday NBC Today Show. The segment by Andy
Pargh dealt with various modes of camping and
featured two pop-up campers, a mini-motorhome
and the Prevost Conversion by Country Coach.
CEO Bob Lee, Carol Taylor Clay, director of
advertising/marketing and driver Jerry Little
attended the March taping.
RVIA Renames Pomona Show
RVIA's Pomona show held each October will
now be known as the California RV Show.
The name change and a new logo will be put
in use immediately. The show was formerly known
as the RV Manufacturer's Show.
DirecTV, Inc. Offers Free Programming
To Consumers
DirecTV, Inc., continues its aggressive marketing
and promotion packages to help dealers sell the direct
broadcast satellite service package to consumers.
The latest program is America Wins Big(tm), a national
retail promotion that will offer consumers three months
of free DirecTV programming valued at more than $100.
To participate in America Wins Big, consumers must
purchase a DSS(r) system between May 24 and July 7,
from one of the more than 25,000 DirecTV authorized
consumer electronics retailers and satellite TV dealers
nationwide. In addition, consumers must also subscribe
to one of three DirecTV Total Choice(tm) programming
packages - Total Choice Silver, Gold or Platinum - and
complete a reply form from any participating retail outlet.
Reply forms must be mailed with proof of purchase and
postmarked by July 31, 1996. DirecTV will then send new
subscribers three Total Choice Silver programming
certificates, each valued at $34.95, which may be redeemed
for three free months of the Total Choice Silver
programming package. New subscribers also have
the option to apply the $34.95 certificates towards the
Total Choice Gold or Platinum packages.
DirecTV will also air America Wins Big television
spots on DirecTV channel 299 for all dealer
showrooms. DirecTV Channel 299 airs a continuous
feed of DirecTV programming and packages, answers
the most commonly asked questions, and highlights the
latest retail promotions to aid in dealer education of the
product and increase consumer awareness.
In March, DirecTV announced an agreement with
Microsoft Corp. to enable personal computers to receive
digital video programming entertainment and new
interactive data services from DirecTV.
DirecTV subscribers with a digital broadcast-enabled
personal computer will be able to access all of the
video programming packages currently available
on DirecTV, in addition to a new category of data
services which will use the DirecTV broadband digital
transmission system. Through this system, subscribers
can receive "data broadcasts" including information
accompanying video broadcasts, selected Internet
content, multimedia magazines and other data
subscriptions in addition to broadcasts.
Microsoft is developing specifications for a version
of the DSS decoder that can be integrated into new
Microsoft Windows' 95-based PCs.
And then this past January DirecTV and AT&T
announced a broad and exclusive agreement for
AT&T to market and distribute the DirecTV high-power
direct broadcast satellite (DBS) service and DSS equipment.
AT&T plans to begin offering the service and equipment
this mid-summer. AT&T also acquired an equity interest
in DirecTV.
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