Stag-Parkway, Inc. Acquires DTI

Monday, May 1, 2006 - Stag-Parkway, Inc. has acquired Development Training Inc. (DTI). DTI, founded by Hal and Sue Fowler in 1980, Headquartered in Middlebury, IN, DTI operates distribution centers in Indiana, Texas, California, Florida and New York. Their information system known as the Magnifinder is the most commonly used tool for service departments in identifying repair and replacement parts.

Stan Sunshine, President/CEO of STAG said, "The combination of resources and capabilities between STAG and DTI allow us to provide the broadest and highest quality array of products and services to both the dealer and supplier communities. I have tremendous respect for the Fowler family and the entire DTI organization for the quality of their values and the business they have built, as well as the DTI brand. I worked with both Hal and Jess Fowler on a variety of industry initiatives and associations and we have a common purpose in helping the industry grow. We will be combining the significant resources of both organizations into one team over time in an effort to provide quality business solutions to the RV market."

Jess Fowler, President of DTI said, "We are extremely excited to combine our resources with a company that we have respected as the industry's leader in full line distribution. This merger is a stepping-stone to providing the next level of service needed to achieve total satisfaction with the RV lifestyle. The combination of businesses into a larger organization with substantial capabilities allows enhanced services to suppliers and dealers as the RV market develops. Both organizations have displayed a significant commitment to training and education in order to respond to the needs of their customers and suppliers in the past and we look forward to being a leader in helping the RV market exceed the expectations of the consumer into the future."

Stag-Parkway, Inc. headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia.

A CTPA member has filed suit against the California Coastal Commission

Imagine you own a park that was built some years ago and your building, business, occupancy and operating permits are in order. You have loyal customers who have also invested tens of thousands of dollars to enjoy their new vacation home, your community is growing to the next level of success, and your efforts are beginning to be rewarded. Now imagine that you have been notified by a state agency (CCC) that you are in violation of the "original intent" use of the land and that you are being shut down. Even more disturbing is the fact that if you do not comply you will be fined $6,000.00 per day until you do. What may be more difficult to imagine is that this is a true story? Fortunately for the owner of the park, they are a member of CTPA.

The CTPA association has filed suit on this member's behalf to protect "Property Rights". If the actions of CCC are allowed to stand and become precedent it is just a matter of time before others are challenged using this case and other "Eminent Domain" laws to confiscate land. The next hearing will be held on April 27th in Sacramento. Contact Debbie Sipe: Debbie@ctpanews.com for more information.

Suit filed by White Rock Resort against the California Coastal Commission

In 2005 members realized a 13-25% reduction in costs of their premiums and this year it is anticipated that CTPA members will save an additional 13-15%. The management of Workman's Compensation by CTPA has been accomplished by:

• Increasing participation in the program by converting existing members and registering new members. Remember, the bigger we are the more powerful we are and the more savings we realize.
• Educating members about Workman's Compensation through programs at annual conferences and online. We promote methods making the work place safer.
• Forming strategic alliances with managed care organizations in order to control the costs of claims.
• Lobbying for governmental reforms through our members' Political Action Committee, providing a strong voice at all levels of government (local, statewide, and national).

It's simple to get a quote, just contact Patty Garcia at (800) 423-0303 to see how you can save your company money.

Wilkins Recreational Vehicles, Inc.

BATH, NEW YORK - After nearly 10 years of planning, development and construction, the new Wilkins Recreational Vehicles, Inc., opened to the public in January. RV enthusiasts and curiosity seekers will get the chance to experience the brand new 51,000 square foot facility that boasts a 14,000 square foot climate controlled showroom, state-of-the-art RV service facilities with 20 indoor service bays, a fully stocked 3,000 square foot parts and accessories department, large comfortable waiting area for customers and over 15 acres of new and used RV's.

HERSHEY, PA - Not simply a location, Hershey is a Destination - Nestled in a charming valley, with giant Hershey kisses as streetlights, Hershey is proven to attract trade and retail attendees alike.

Held annually at Hershey's Giant Center, AMERICA'S LARGEST RV SHOW is growing another 76,000 sq. ft. in 2006 to exceed 1.4 million sq. ft. PRVCA added continuous tram service around the entire perimeter, with designated stops to insure our guests see it all!

DEALER AND CAMPGROUND OWNERS, ACROSS THE USA AND CANADA, ATTEND to get the jump on their supplies and inventory as we premier over 1,200 new RVs. Increasing 39% in 2005, our dealer attendance is second only to Louisville. We feature the Park Trailer Drive, the nation's largest display of Park Trailers and Campground Boulevard, with firms marketing to campgrounds/resorts. Each trade day starts with a sweet breakfast and seminar at Hershey's Chocolate World. Monday "Increase profits by $1000 per unit" with Randy Sobel and Tuesday enhance your performance with NFL couching legend, Don Shula. Attend one seminar breakfast for $20 or both programs for $35. Tram service provided from the Registration Tent to Chocolate World and back again. Sign up early, as seating is limited to first 250!

Industry Party is second to none, party hardy on us (admission is free with show badge or button) at HERSHEYPARK® with thrilling rides and Country BBQ. Country entertainer Darryl Worley and his band will be there, as we come together in remembrance of 9/11, with his stirring hit, Have You Forgotten.

CONSUMERS ENJOY

There are Acres and Acres of FREE parking adjacent to the GIANT Center. There is also a new over-flow parking area and a shopper friendly display that is grouped by manufacturers vs. dealerships. Enjoy quality, hourly seminars with Gary Bunzer, the "RV Doctor" and Joe and Vicki Kieva.

PRVCA will help make your participation easy, enjoyable, and profitable. CALL 888.303.2887 or e-mail rvcamping@prvca.org

Governor Kulongski Visits Country Coach and RV Consortium

Junction City, OR - Country Coach, Inc. was visited by Governor Kulongski on March 7th. Governor Kulongski met with the newly formed RV Consortium at Country Coach, Inc.'s Learning Center to celebrate the consortium's accomplishments. The RV Consortium is comprised of three motor coach manufacturers: Country Coach, Marathon, and Monaco Coach, as well as the Lane Workforce Partnership and Lane Community College. The governor discussed the work of the consortium and the training programs developed to support the RV industry. After hearing testimonials from employees who benefited from the training programs to date, Governor Kulongski toured motor coaches built by the different manufacturers.

In October of 2005, Governor Kulongski awarded $500,000 in Governor's Strategic Training Funds to support the development of an RV Consortium to address workforce needs in the industry. The RV industry in Lane County currently employs over 4,500 people, with a projected growth rate of 19% over the next 10 years.

Call the Country Coach Customer Care Team at 800-654-0223 for more information. Or, visit on-line at www.countrycoach.com.

COLE HERSEE ANNOUNCES WARNING BUZZERS AND ALARM KITS
Ensures the Safe Operation of RVs

BOSTON - Cole Hersee Company introduces its line of Alarm Kits and Buzzers. These warning devices, alert drivers that a system has either failed or reached a dangerous level that could escalate to failure.

Cole Hersee's warning devices have various designs that alert the driver to a potential problem. The low air pressure alarm kit sounds a warning buzzer when air pressure is too low to safely operate the brakes. Universal buzzers alert the driver to various dangers, and dual alarms have a combination warning light and buzzer.

Using these warning devices is a key to ensuring the safe operation of RVs. Applications include engine monitoring to detect low air, oil, water and transmission fluid, a door ajar, battery failure and low vacuum for brakes. Other key warnings for the RV user include refrigerator failure warning, and rear light warnings to aid in towing.

For more information about Cole Hersee products contact 617-268-2100, ext. 203 or fax 617-314-9490. Information is also available on the company's web site at www.colehersee.com.

Winnebago Industries Plant Tours

Come tour 60 of the most productive acres in Iowa. Winnebago Industries has the largest motor home production facility in the world, located in Forest City, Iowa!

Tours are offered twice daily from April 1 through November 30, and start at the Winnebago Industries' Visitors Center. Over 30,000 people stop at the Visitors Center annually to see the exhibits that detail Winnebago Industries' history and explain various steps in the design and construction of the Company's motor homes, as well as highlight their features and benefits. The Visitors Center also houses the Winnebago Industries Museum, which is also free.

The tour starts with a 20-minute video that provides visitors with a preview of the manufacturing process they are about to tour. After the video, the Plant Tour bus (constructed on a Winnebago Industries Commercial Vehicle shell) departs for a drive-through tour of the grounds, and a walk-in tour of the main production area. Each tour lasts approximately ninety minutes.

All tours of Winnebago Industries are free, and all ages are welcome. We ask small children be accompanied by an adult. The Visitors Center is accessible to those with disabilities; however the factory tour does include two staircases. Tours are offered twice daily at 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. Monday through Friday from April 1 through November 30, excluding holidays.

For more information on our 2006 lineup, please contact Sheila Davis at 641/585-6803 and/or sdavis@winnebagoind.com or Kelli Harms at 641/585-6731 and/or kharms@winnebagoind.com.

KVH to Expand TracVision A5 Distribution by Offering Bundled Professional Installation Exclusive Access to InstallerNet's InstallCard Program Enables KVH to Support Automotive Satellite TV Sales and Installation through New Channels, including Catalog and Online Retailers

MIDDLETOWN, RI - March 7, 2006 - KVH Industries, Inc., (Nasdaq: KVHI) recently announced that it has entered into an agreement with InstallerNet, a division of MobileToys, Inc., to deliver professional installation services nationwide, a move designed to dramatically expand consumer access to and convenient installation of KVH's award-winning TracVision® A5 automotive satellite TV system.

Drawing on InstallerNet's nationwide network of certified professional installers and patent-pending InstallCard, KVH expects to begin merchandising the TracVision A5 through retail channels that do not typically support consumers' installation needs, such as catalog and online retailers. The InstallCard will establish a standard, bundled installation cost and connect customers purchasing the TracVision A5 through one of these non-installing outlets to the nearest InstallerNet location, making it easy and convenient for consumers to add the TracVision A5 to their vehicles.

KVH's TracVision A5 is a low-profile in-motion satellite TV system designed for passenger vehicles. Using KVH's proprietary hybrid phased-array technology, it is a sleek aftermarket accessory that mounts to the roof rack or directly to the vehicle's roof and brings more than 155 channels of digital DIRECTV® satellite TV programming and commercial-free XM Radio music into automobiles. The award-winning TracVision A5 has been available in the aftermarket for more than two years at retail locations around the United States and offers exclusive access to DIRECTV's TOTAL CHOICE® MOBILE programming, the only satellite TV package approved for use in automobiles.

Installation support through the new InstallCard will begin in March 2006 and focus on KVH's TracVision A5 satellite TV system. KVH dealers will have the option of handling the installation of the TracVision A5 directly or selling the InstallerNet installation as part of the product purchase. In addition, InstallCard will enable KVH to potentially provide pre-paid, convenient installation service for other products in the future. Additional details regarding KVH's TracVision A5 are available at http://www.tracvision.com.

Newmar Announces Addition to Executive Staff

NAPPANEE, Ind. - Newmar Corporation has appointed Matthew Miller to its executive committee. Miller, who began his new duties as President on Monday, has been involved in various Newmar business activities since May 1991, and is the son of Newmar owner Mahlon Miller.

"I'm pleased to increase my involvement and I'm looking forward to working side-by-side with Dick Parks to continue to grow the company," said Miller. "Newmar has a great management team in place and I'm excited to become a part of it."

Parks, President of Newmar since October 2001, has assumed the role of Chairman of the Board and will continue to be a part of the daily operations at Newmar.

RVDA'S RONNIE HEPP RENEWS CERTIFIED ASSOCIATION EXECUTIVE (CAE) DESIGNATION

Fairfax, VA - Recreation Vehicle Dealers Association (RVDA) Vice President of Administration Ronnie Hepp recently recertified as a Certified Association Executive (CAE) with the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) through 2008.

The CAE credential is widely recognized as an indication of demonstrated skill in leadership, activity in community affairs, and expertise in association management. Less than five percent of all association executives have achieved this distinction.

Among association professionals "CAE" is an indication of demonstrated skill in leadership and expertise in association management. To earn the CAE credential, an applicant must obtain a minimum number of years of required experience, complete multiple hours of specialized professional development, pass a stringent examination in association management, and pledge to uphold a code of ethics.

ASAE members manage the leading trade associations and professional societies across the country. RVDA of America is the national association representing RV retailers. The association's members include RV dealers, RV rental operators, and RV AfterMarket sales and service locations.

RV Ownership Nearly 8 Million U.S. Households, Up 15% Since 2001

U.S. ownership of recreation vehicles (RVs) has reached record levels, reveals a newly released study by the University of Michigan's Survey Research Center.

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Today nearly 8 million U.S. households own at least one RV—a 15 percent increase over the past four years and a stunning 58 percent rise since 1980, according to the study. One in 12 U.S. vehicle-owning households now own at least one RV.

A leading force behind RV ownership's upswing is the enormous baby boomer generation, supported by strong ownership gains among both younger and older buyers. In fact, high RV ownership rates now extend across a 40-year span from age 35 to 75, the study found.

Those under age 35 posted the largest gains in RV ownership rates over the past four years—testimony to industry promotion efforts bringing in more young families, the study suggests.

"Programs to attract younger owners have had a very noticeable impact on RV ownership," remarked Dr. Richard Curtin, director, University of Michigan Survey Research Center, who conducted the study. Launched in 1997, the industrywide GoRVing.com advertising campaign targets adults age 30 to 64.

Among other key demographic findings:

• More RVs are owned by 35-to-54 year olds than any other age group.
• The typical RV owner is age 49, married, owns a home and has an annual household income of $68,000.
• Commissioned by Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA), the study updates similar research conducted every four years since 1980. Telephone interviews were conducted January-June 2005 with 3,000 consumers—randomly selected to be representative of all U.S. households.

Strong RV Market Growth Forecasted
Demand for RVs will continue to grow during the next decade, due to favorable population trends and purchase intentions, the study found.

By 2010, RVs will be owned by 8.5 million households—an 8 percent increase, outpacing overall U.S. household growth of 6 percent, Curtin estimates. The enormous baby boomer generation is reaching retirement age and is expected to continue dominating the RV market, the study forecasts.

Baby boomers have begun entering the prime age range—55 to 64—with the highest ownership rates, according to the study. Today one-in-10 vehicle-owning households in that age group own at least one RV.

In addition, purchase intentions are higher now compared to what the study found in 2001 and 1997. Two-thirds of current owners plan to purchase another RV. Among households that have never owned an RV, more than one in six expressed interest in buying one in the future. Among all U.S. households, nearly one quarter (23 percent) intend to purchase an RV in the future.

"Overall, there is a strong and enduring appeal to the RV lifestyle that is as valid today as it was 20 years ago," Curtin declares. "The latest survey data only adds support to an optimistic forecast of RV sales and future ownership growth."

Mike Ryman Joins DTI as Midwest Sales Director

Industry Veteran Mike Ryman has been named Director of Outside Sales for the Midwest for DTI RV Parts & Appliances.

Ryman, will oversee outside sales and service for Indiana, Illinois, Ohio, Kentucky and Michigan. Mike has over 20 years experience, most recently with Renegade Motorhomes.

Dometic Corporation’s Canadian sales representative, Lanny Irwin, was named the 2005 supplier of the year by RVDA of Alberta, Canada. The award is nominated and voted on by a peer of RVDA of Alberta members and given to an individual active in the RV industry and RVDA.

"This was a very special award to win. With over 30 years in the RV industry and 10 years with Dometic, it has been a very gratifying time in my life," Irwin said. "I have won other awards, but this one is special because when Dometic went factory dealer direct 10 years ago, the outcome was unknown. By the show of support from the RVDA of Alberta, we see it was a success. It is always great taking an unknown and turning it into something special. I’m glad I got to be a part of that transition."

The award recipient is chosen according to the following criteria: outstanding service to the RV industry; involvement in the RV industry for a minimum of five years; widely known in the industry; regular participation in the RVDA of Alberta events; a reputation of honesty and integrity; a commitment to and involvement in the RV industry; and a contributor to the community.

Lori Auld, executive vice president of the RVDA of Alberta, said, "We are very pleased that Lanny was selected as the worthy recipient for the 2005 supplier of the year and we feel that he deserved the acknowledgement and recognition."

Irwin was director on the RVDA of Alberta Board of Directors for four years from 2001-2005. He chaired the newly developed human resources committee and was instrumental in developing the association’s recruitment program. He has been active in education and training within the RVDA of Alberta and the RV industry as a whole.

Irwin credited the award to Dometic and the people he works with, including Al Haimbach, Dometic vice president, aftermarket sales; Don Gipson, Dometic special projects manager; the inside sales team; and aftermarket sales managers.

National R.V. Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: NVH) recently has appointed Thomas J. Martini, the company's current Treasurer, as the company's new Chief Financial Officer.

Martini has served as Chief Financial Officer of Miller Building Systems, Inc., which was publicly-traded prior to its acquisition in 2000 by Coachmen Industries, Inc.

Martini has held a number of senior financial management positions for several manufacturing organizations; as well as being a certified public accountant.

New Go RVing TV Spots Slated for High-Profile Network Exposure

It’s great to be back on the Go RVing team for another three years. I’m delighted that the last round of ads I voiced for you proved to be so effective. I just wanted to thank you for giving me an opportunity to work with the RV industry again.

Your new TV Spots tell wonderful, memorable stories of the discoveries people make on RV trips. It was a pleasure to play a part in making these ads and I think they’ll do an excellent job in building awareness of the great products you offer and the many reasons people just love RVing.

So congratulations on the tremendous success of the Go RVing campaign to date. And best wishes for even more success.

But RPTIA needs help from the industry to make this effort successful. 

While the trade group has compiled and substantial initial list of park model dealers, campgrounds and RV parks that feature park models, the lists are far from complete and, in some cases, may include outdated information. Dealer and private park listings for a number of states have yet to be added to the website.

Changes or additions to these listings and transmitting any photos for (including photo credits) should be e-mailed to info@rptia.com or faxed to (770) 251-0025. For more information on RPTIA, please contact William Garpow at (770) 251-2672 or visit the association’s website at www.rptia.com .
 

• Winegard Dealer Website, which offers training courses that can be downloaded, troubleshooting tips, product FYI’s, new product information, technical tips, etc
• Live and pre-recorded satellite broadcasts offered by the Recreational Vehicle Dealers Association’s (RVDA) Distant Learning Center.
  · Winegard Live Training via group sessions in centralized locations or with the Mobile Training Center.

Centralized training allows certified Winegard trainers to train technicians from multiple dealerships at a single location.

Mobile Training Center is an RV that has been outfitted with a variety of Winegard products. Up to 7 technicians are trained inside the RV in a classroom setting and receive hands on experience with the products.

Winegard is offering two programs:

Course 605 

• One hour segments covering a specific Winegard product
• Taken in its eight-hour entirety or broken up into separate one-hour sessions
• Sessions cover the basic features, proper installation and troubleshooting tips

This course is recommended for technicians who are already trained on Winegard systems and either need training on a new product or are looking to get a refresher on an existing product.

Course 705

• Four-hour all0inclusive program which focuses on details of specific Winegard products and less on satellite basics

This course is recommended for technicians who are receiving Winegard product training for the first time and who already have basic knowledge of satellite systems.

Cost for Winegard Live Training is $50 per technician and includes specialized tools, choice of hat or T-shirt and a certificate. Trained technicians will receive a dealer number and will gain access into a secured site within the Winegard web site where they can review their training records, receive new product information, get product FYI’s, access recent technical tips, plus much more.

All dealerships having technicians complete training through any of the aforementioned options will receive special recognition on Winegard’s “Mobile Dealer Location”.

For more information or to register for the program, call (80) 288-8094; select option 3, then Ext. 605 or go to www.winegard.com/dealer/intro.htm