"I am thrilled to be associated with Home & Park. I have been using Roadtreks to take me to concerts and for visiting friends across the country. It's my preferred way of traveling" Hawkins, shown at left above, said .

Darren Thomas has joined Falken Tire as their new business development manager. He brings an extensive background in new business development, product planning, product development, and market research.

Thomas, who spent several years with a major tire company as product manager has in-depth, first hand knowledge of the ultra high performance and sport light truck markets.

Thomas will be involved in all aspects of the firm's distribution and product planning.

Richard Magee has joined Gemstone Solid Surfacing as national sales manager. He will be responsible for all marketing and sales for the manufacturer of solid surface materials including sheet stock, bowls, sinks, vanity and counter tops for the RV OEM in addition to the kitchen, bath, and cabinet manufacturers as well as fabricators, design, architectural, new home, remodeling and contractor firms.

Magee has over 25 years experience in the RV OEM and aftermarket having worked for Mid-American Electro Cords and Coleman Cable.

Damon Rapozo has been named Salesman of the Year by Country Coach, Inc. A top salesman at Shorewood RV Center, Anoka, MN, Damon has been with the dealership for 14 years.

Country Coach Recognizes 2001
Employee of the Year

Paris Lovett of Country Coach's maintenance department feels that showing up every day and giving 100% to his job is foremost on his list of priorities.

As a maintenance technician and department supervisor, Lovett has elevated the performance and perception of his department. He shares his vast knowledge and experience of mechanical and electrical troubleshooting to contribute to the safe and efficient manufacturing facility.

"Instant asset, great attitude, pleasure to work with, up for the challenge, go-to guy" are a few of the appreciative phrases used to describe Paris in his first performance appraisals.

"There is always something to do here -- and it's never the same. The people keep me coming back. I've made a lot of friends here and really enjoy being at work each day," says Lovett of his job.

RVIA's Humphreys Recognized

Recreation Vehicle Industry Association President David J. Humphreys was honored for his leadership and longstanding commitment to the National Scenic Byways Program at its tenth anniversary celebration in Washington D.C. Humphreys was recognized as a central figure in the creation and development of National Scenic Byways and as an effective advocate for access to public lands by current and past Cabinet Members, key federal agency heads and national recreation, conservation, transportation and historic-preservation community leaders who were guests at the event.

Since 1991, the Scenic Byways Program has spurred byways programs in virtually every state, has provided more than $150 million in matching federal funding for over 1100 projects and has resulted in the designation of 81 routes as National Scenic Byways and All-American Roads. Federal Highway Administrator Mary Peters lauded byways for "making the journey as important as the destination" and expressed her personal appreciation to the program's participants. Secretary of Transportation Norman Mineta and former Secretary of Transportation Rodney Slater applauded the bipartisan, diverse and nationwide support for byways.

In his remarks, Humphreys spoke to the widespread popularity of byways as a means to connect travelers with America's grandeur, especially by RV.

A respected authority on outdoor recreation issues, Humphreys has impacted public opinion as a guest on national news outlets including NBC Today, ABC's Good Morning America, CNN and CNBC, and has also been featured in hundreds of national magazines and daily newspapers articles, from the New York Times to Wall Street Journal and USA Today.

Humphreys became president of RVIA in 1979 following ten years of service as the association's outside legal counsel. He was the leading force in the creation of the American Recreation Coalition in 1979 and has served since then as the chairman of its board of directors. This active industry leader has also served on the Travel Industry Association of America's board of directors and executive committee. In 2001 Humphreys received the Sheldon Coleman Great Outdoors Award which recognizes individuals who have demonstrated outstanding efforts to sustain and enhance America's outdoor legacy.