National R.V. Holdings, Inc. Agrees To Acquire Country Coach, Inc.

National R.V. Holdings, Inc., (Nasdaq:NRVH) announced October 22, 1996 it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Country Coach, Inc. of Junction City, OR. Country Coach is a leading manufacturer of highline motor coaches under the Magna, Affinity, Concept, Intrigue, Allure and Country Coach Prevost Conversion brand names. Following the acquisition, Country Coach will be operated as a wholly-owned subsidiary of National R.V.

Country Coach was founded in 1973 by chief executive officer Robert B. Lee. Lee along with the rest of the Country Coach management team will continue in their current positions following the acquisition. In 1995, Country Coach generated net sales of approximately $70 million and pre-tax income of approximately $2.8 million. For the first nine months of 1996, Country Coach reported net sales and pre-tax profits ahead of its results for the comparable period in 1995. In fact, pre-tax profits for the first nine months of 1996 already exceed full year 1995 results. National R.V. expects the transaction, which is subject only to customary closing conditions, to be accretive to earnings per share.

Gary Siegler, chairman of the board of directors of National R.V. stated, "We are extremely excited about the acquisition of Country Coach. The addition of Country Coach's high-end product lines allow us to offer our customers a complete line of products ranging in price from $40,000 to more than $700,000. National R.V.'s philosophy of quality is consistent with Country Coach's twenty year reputation for building the finest motorhomes in the industry. Additionally, we are pleased to add the depth of experience afforded by Country Coach's excellent management to National's first class management team. We believe that this acquisition will position National as one of the nation's fastest-growing and most exciting RV manufacturers."

National R.V. is one of the nation's leading manufacturers of Class A motorhomes. The company designs, manufactures and sells motor-homes and fifth-wheel trailers under its Dolphin, Sea Breeze and Tropi-Cal brand names.

WDA Honors George Keller

George Keller, founder of Keller RV and Marine in Port Treverton, PA, was honored last month at the WDA--The RV Aftermarket Association's Annual Executive Conference in Chandler, AZ. Keller received the association's highest award, the Jim Barker Memorial Award. (For a complete story on this and other awards, read the WDA Wrap Up.)

Coast Distribution Continues Slide in Third Quarter

The Coast Distribution System reported results of its third quarter of 1996 and the company continues its decline. Down in revenue to $37,552,000, as compared to $46,805,000 for the third quarter of 1995. The company reported a net loss for the third quarter of 1996 of ($464,000), or ($0.09) per share, versus net income of $1,242,000, or $0.24 per share, in the comparable 1995 quarter. Weighted average shares outstanding totaled 5,209,324 versus 5,176,505 for the prior year's third quarter.

Following the third quarter results announcement, Coast's stock (AMEX-CRV) dropped below $5 for a 52-week low. Coast's stock had climbed to 8 3/8 in the spring so the slide was approaching a 50 percent decline at press time.

Revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 1996 totaled $117,091,000, as compared to $144,674,000 in the comparable period of the prior year. Net income was $1,454,000, or $0.28 per share, for the nine months ended September 30, 1996, versus net income of $4,238,000, or $0.81 per share, for the same period in 1995. Weighted average shares outstanding for the first nine months of 1996 were 5,194,261 versus 5,247,248 in 1995.

Thomas (Tim) McGuire, chairman and chief executive officer, stated in a news release, "Dur-ing the third quarter, sales continued to be significantly impacted by the transition of a large portion of our business from traditionally distributed products to both proprietary brands and exclusive supplier relationships, and by softer than expected industry sales in both the RV and marine markets. We've made good progress in certain areas, most notably our 60% increase in sales of Coleman air conditioners. However, supply problems and delays in the introduction of new products continue to have a negative impact on sales and have inhibited our ability to grow market share as anticipated. This has also had an adverse effect on margins. The decrease in margin also reflects competitive pricing pressures due to the tightening of the market, and the impact of fixed costs on the lower base of sales.

"While the market transition on awnings and refrigerators has been slower than expected, these negatives have been partially off-set by our success in implementing our strategy to increase the percentage of higher margin, proprietary branded products that we sell. We expect this trend to continue as additional products are introduced and existing products continue to gain customer acceptance. In addition, through efforts with our suppliers, we expect to see improved availability of the remaining key products needed to complete the awning transition with our customers. Although this has been a difficult transition for us, we remain confident that our strategy is correct, and that when completed, will allow us to emerge a much stronger and better positioned company for both our customers and our investors."

Winnebago Sets All-Time Revenue Record

Winnebago Industries, Inc. (NYSE: WGO), reported its sixth consecutive year of revenue growth, with a record $484.8 million for the year ended August 31, 1996, compared to revenues of $460.1 million for the previous year.

Income from continuing operations for fiscal 1996 was $14.4 million, or 57 cents per share, compared to $27.9 million, or $1.11 per share, for the same period last year. Due to the strong pre-tax earnings growth Winnebago has experienced during the past four years, fiscal 1996 results reflect the full impact of income tax expense for the first time since 1992, while during fiscal 1995, the company recognized tax credits of $7.9 million, or 31 cents per share, resulting from reductions of its deferred tax asset valuation allowance.

Revenues for the fourth quarter of fiscal 1996 were $120.5 million compared to $105.1 million for the same period last year. For the fourth-quarter of fiscal 1996, the company's income from continuing operations was $4.2 million, or 16 cents per share, compared with $1.8 million, or seven cents per share in the same quarter one year ago, a quarter that also included a tax credit of $1.8 million.

Two strategic moves in 1996 will allow Winnebago the ability to more completely focus in the future on its core business, the manufacturing of high quality motor homes. In August 1996, Winnebago Industries' board of directors, along with additional Cycle-Sat shareholders, made a decision to sell Cycle-Sat, Inc. On September 9, 1996, The WilTech Group, a subsidiary of The Williams Companies, Inc., Tulsa, OK, announced that a letter of understanding had been signed for the purchase of Cycle-Sat, pending a due diligence process.

During the fourth quarter of fiscal 1996, Winnebago Industries' board of directors decided to discontinue the company's financial support of the buyer of its former North Iowa Electronics business and to exit future involvement with this business. A provision for expected losses under loan guarantees of $4.1 million was recorded in connection with this action. Financial results of Cycle-Sat and the loss provisions in connection with North Iowa Electronics are reported as discontinued operations.

Net income for fiscal 1996 was $12.4 million, or 49 cents per share, compared to $27.8 million, or $1.10 per share, for fiscal 1995. Net income for the fourth quarter of fiscal 1996 was $1.7 million, or seven cents per share, compared to $1.5 million, or six cents per share, for the same period last year. Both prior periods reflect previously mentioned tax credits.

The company's board of directors also announced its intention to pay bi-annual cash dividends of ten cents per share in January and July.

IMHA/RVIC Selects New Executive Director

Dennis Harney has assumed the position of executive director of the Indiana Manufactured Housing Association and Recreation Vehicle Indiana Council.

Mr. Harney comes to the association as former general sales manager of All American Homes in Decatur, IN. His other experience includes: director of planning and development for the City of Elkhart; director of marketing for Coachmen Ind. Housing Group; executive director of the Central Iowa Regional Association of Local Governments; executive director of Region 6 Planning and Development Commission and deputy planning administrator of Lake County.

Mr. Harney's education includes a Bachelor of Science degree and an M.P.A. from Ball State University; plus an M.A.L.S. degree from Valparaiso University.

Coachmen Industries Inc files for $1.5 Million Offering

Coachmen Industries, Inc. (NYSE-COA), has registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission a proposed 1.5 million share public offering. An additional 250,000 shares were also registered to cover over-allotments, the company said in a statement. Coachmen said proceeds would be used for general corporate purposes including working capital, spending for plant and equipment and for potential acquisitions. Coachmen has about 15.1 million shares outstanding. Underwriters are led by Oppenheimer & Co. Inc.

Tony Ingram Becomes Sole Owner of Teton Homes

Teton Homes, manufacturers of luxury fifth wheel trailers in Casper, WY, has announced that Tony Ingram, president and CEO, has acquired 100 percent of the company's stock. Ingram, who has served as Teton's president since 1980, purchased 25 percent of the stock from Robert "Boots" Ingram and 25 percent from Betty L. Ingram. Prior to the transaction, Tony Ingram was a 50 percent stockholder. The stock purchase became effective January 1, 1996.

As part of the acquisition, Tony Ingram became the sole owner of B & B Homes, the company doing business as Teton Homes. Additional holdings include Triple I Investments and Goldmark Energy Leasing. Triple I is the owner of the 100,000-square-foot manufacturing plant in Casper and Goldmark is a leasing enterprise specializing in industrial housing to the oil field, mining and exploration industries. Also included in the stock agreement are 10 acres bordering the Teton Homes plant, slated for future development and expansion of the fifth wheel manufacturing operation.

Lazy Days Sets All Time Record

After record breaking sales in June/July, Lazy Days RV SuperCenter topped that in August setting an all time record with an 80% increase in sales over August 1995. According to Don Wallace, CEO, the record breaking sales are a direct result of the company's new state-of-the-art RV facility. He said, "It offers everything the RV enthusiasts could ever want or need, combined with our daily customer service training and our dedication to our goal of 'Making Customers For Life.'

"In addition, after several months of construction and preparation the Lazy Days Resort hosted its first rally in September attended by The Florida Space Orbiters. Lazy Days Resort has steady bookings through the end of this year and is currently making reservations for our Grand Opening Celebration to be held in January 1997."

Go RVing Fund-Raising Programs Underway

As the launch date for the Go RVing program nears, several association are implementing supplemental fund raisers to help underwrite the cost of the campaign.

RVIA has launched a supplemental funding program that allows its members to make voluntary donations to the Go RVing effort and receive special recognition for their additional support.

Five levels of support have been created for the supplemental funding program, including Go RVing Qualifiers ($1,000 - $4,999 contributed); Challengers ($5,000 - $24,999); Pacesetters ($25,000 - $49,999); Leaders ($50,000 - $99,999); and Champions ($100,000-plus).

Pledges will be accepted now for a three-year total commitment with only the 1997 contribution due at this time.

RV dealers can buy $125 promotional packages that contain posters and ad slicks, a copy of the "getting started" first-time buyer video, registration materials for an RV sweepstakes with Good Housekeeping and consumer leads. Customized versions of TV and radio ads with dealer- specific tag lines and other point-of-purchase materials are available for an additional charge.

ARVC has implemented a direct mail campaign encouraging members to become part of the Go RVing team by contributing $1 per campsite to the effort.

The Great Lakes RV Association presented the Coalition with a check for $4,000 during the group's meeting in Orlando on Sept. 24. This is the first installment of a $10,000 pledge to be contributed over the next three years.

Sunbeam Receives Patent for its Sunray TS Ballast

Patent number 5,568,018 has been issued to the principals of Sunbeam Trailer Products, Inc. for their Sunray TS (tube saver) Ballast. The Sunray TS features a technological breakthrough in 12-volt ballast design that eliminates the most frequent cause of tube failure - on and off cycling. This ballast eliminates voltage spikes that occur with faster on-off cycles initiated by their more efficient transistor. This adds up to cooler ballast temperature, longer tube life and quicker lighting.

According to Fred Music, president, the new Sunray TS will fully light in a second and a half or less, even after 25,000 on-off cycles. The ballast will prolong the life of the tubes by four times longer. It has been designed to help reduce the voltage spikes that cause AM radio noise and interference with lower TV bands.

All Sunbeam products will incorporate the newly patented Sunray TS ballast.

Kwikee Establishes Scholarship in Memory of Dave Hunter

Howard Wallace, president, Kwikee Products, told RV News that Doug Mergenthaler, CEO, has established the David Hunter Memorial Scholar-ship, in memory of Dave Hunter who passed away last November. Hunter had served as national sales manager and president during his long career at Kwikee.

Wallace said, "Initially, there will be two $1,000 scholarships which will be awarded to dependents of Kwikee employees. The criteria for eligibility is based on scholarship, letters of recommendation from current teachers, community involvement and need."

The selection of the winners of the scholarships is being evaluated by a panel of Kwikee middle management personnel and Wallace chairs the selection committee.

Kit Sales Down For Third Quarter

Kit Manufacturing Company (ASE/KIT) reported a 13% sales decrease for the third quarter ended July 31, 1996 as compared to the third quarter of fiscal 1995. The company reported net income of $826,000, or $0.74 per share, for the current fiscal quarter in comparison to net income of $273,000, or $0.25 per share, for the same period in 1995. The third quarter included an after-tax gain from insurance proceeds from a business interruption claim of $360,000, or $0.32 per share. The company also reported sales of $70,575,000 for the nine months ended July 31, 1996 and net income of $1.20 per share in comparison to $75,813,000 in sales and $1.09 per share in earnings for the same period in 1995.

Manufactured housing sales decreased 33%, while recreational vehicle sales decreased 5% in comparison to the third quarter in fiscal 1995. Year-to-date sales for manufactured housing decreased 35% and RV sales increased 4% over the first nine months of operations in fiscal 1995.

According to Dan Pocapalia, Kit's chairman of the board and CEO, "The decrease in RV sales was primarily the result of a slowing of retail activity as well as extreme competition during the quarter. Manufactured housing in the Northwest continues to experience a general slowdown in market activity in our sales regions."

Mediation Available to Resolve Manufacturers-Dealers Disputes

While the entire RV industry has joined together under the Go RVing Coalition banner on the market expansion initiative, areas still remain where manufacturers and dealers occasionally disagree.

The Joint Manufacturer/Dealer Task Force was created by RVIA and RVDA four years ago to address and resolve many of these issues.

RVIA president Dave Humphreys said, "RVIA believes that manufacturer/dealer issues are better resolved in the market place than in state legislatures or court. The Task Force provides a forum for each side to educate the other on contested issues and helps resolve or head off current and future problems."

One of the programs this group has endorsed is a mediation process that allows contractual disputes between manufacturers and dealers to be handled in an amicable, efficient and economic fashion.

The mediation program is available to any RVIA manufacturer and any RV dealer who have agreed to utilize the process to resolve disputes that do not involve product-related third party claims.

New Chairman Heads RVIA Board of Directors

William J. Prinz, president of Barth RSV, Inc., has been elected chairman of the board of directors of the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA) for 1996-97.

Prinz has served on the board since 1991 and was elected first vice chairman in 1994 and 1995. He chaired the Awards Committee in 1995 and has served on the Louisville Show Committee since 1988 and the Public Relations Committee since 1992. Prinz joined Barth in 1993 as vice president of sales and marketing and became president in 1995. He has worked for manufacturers and suppliers in the RV industry since 1968.

Prinz succeeds outgoing board chairman Michael Larime, vice president of sales and marketing of Thetford Corp., who remains on RVIA's 1996-97 Executive Committee as immediate past chairman. The new Executive Committee's other members are Kelly L. Rose, chairman of the board of Starcraft Automotive Corp., who was elected first vice chairman. Wilbur Bontrager, chairman of the board of Jayco Corp., was elected second vice chairman.

Carl E. Pfalzgraf, vice president of OEM marketing and sales for Atwood Mobile Products, was re-elected secretary, and Walter Bennett, senior vice president and CAO of Thor Industries, joins the Executive Committee as newly-elected treasurer.

The officers were chosen by the board in a Sept. 22 meeting at the Ocean Edge Conference Center on Cape Cod, MA. Their one-year terms started Oct. 1. Together with Michael Larime and RVIA president David J. Humphreys, they comprise the association's seven-member Executive Committee.

In an association-wide election for the board of directors held in September, RVIA members elected one new member and reelected ten members to three-year terms, each representing a segment of the RV industry. Ron Doyle, president of Western Recreational Vehicles, Inc., was elected to his first three-year term on the board, filling a truck camper seat on the board.

The incumbents who were re-elected are: William Bontrager, chairman, Jayco Inc. (folding camping trailer); Bill Prinz, president, Barth RSV, Inc. (folding camping trailer); Robert "Boots" Ingram, chairman, Teton Homes (travel trailer); Lew Howard, general manager, National RV, Inc. (motorhome); Kelly Rose, chairman, Starcraft Automotive Corp. (conversion vehicle); Art Wyatt, vice president of sales, OEM Division, Dometic Corp. (supplier); Jerry Pickrell, vice president, marketing-plumbing, LaSalle Bristol, Division of Heywood Williams Co. (supplier); and Tom Faludy, president, Carefree of Colorado (at large).

Also re-elected were Page Robertson, president, Monaco Coach Corp. (at large) for a two-year term and Bob Lee, chairman, Country Coach Inc., (motorhome) for a one-year term.

RVIA-RVDA Revise Certification Testing

The industry's RV technician certification examination has been revised under the authorization of the RVIA/RVDA Certification Governing Board to more closely align the testing with the recently developed RV Technician Task and Skill Analysis.

Both the written and practical application portions of the exam have been amended based on the findings from the analysis, which will serve as the basis for all industry education programs.

The written test, consisting of 200 multiple choice questions, has been expanded to cover more areas of RV service, including chassis components, plumbing systems, hydraulic systems and accessories.

Brake, plumbing and hydraulic components will be added to the hands-on exam,

In addition to these changes, the focus of the testing has also evolved. Technicians will now be tested more on practical, task-oriented topics rather than theory.

A team of master certified RV technicians, which included dealer, manufacturer and supplier representatives, worked together with a facilitator from the National Occupational Competen-cy Testing Institute (NOCTI) to revise the certification exam.

A pilot test was given in October to certified and non-certified technicians to validate the new written examination and establish a cut score.

Master and certified technicians passing the written exam will have their certification extended for five years with those certified techs who qualify being upgraded to master status.

Non-certified techs passing the pilot test will be eligible to take the practical exam in Elkhart on an individually scheduled basis.

Any certified tech sitting for the pilot test will not lose their certification by failing. This examination revision will have no effect on those technicians already certified.

Fogdall Elected 1996-97 RVDA Chairman

Jim Fogdall of Ace Fogdall, Inc., Cedar Falls, IA, was elected chairman of the Recreation Vehicle Dealers Association (RV DA) in September, during a board of directors meeting held in conjunction with the association's national convention/expo in Orlando, FL.

Previously, Fogdall served as vice chairman, treasurer, and secretary. He has been a member of the board of directors since 1991 and served as chairman of several committees. Fogdall also served as Region 8 director for the states of Iowa, Kansas , Missouri, and Nebraska. He has made educational presentations at several RVDA conventions and seminars and was the 1988 recipient of the industry's prestigious "Dealer of Year" award.

Other RVDA Officers Selected, Regional Directors Elected

Also, Rick Horsey of Parkview RV Center in Smyrna, DE, was elected first vice chairman; Cammy Goetz of Curtis Trailers Inc., in Portland, OR, was elected second vice chairman; Mark Bretz of Bretz RV and Marine in Missoula, MT, was elected treasurer; and John Pastore of Hartville RV Center in Hartville, OH, was elected secretary. All officers will serve one year terms. Tom Stinnett of Tom Stinnett RV in Louisville, KY, remains on the board and Executive Committee as past chairman.

Damon's Interlocking Slide-out on Camplite Tent Trailer Receives Patent

Damon Corporation has received a federal government patent for their design of a slide-out room in the Camplite Tent Trailer line.

Damon's Camplite Tent Trailer features a manual interlocking slide out unit which adds more square footage of living space than any other fold down camper on the market. The slide-out room, available in five different Camplite floor plans, features a 50" x 80" dinette which doubles as a sleeping area.

The patent on Damon's interlocking slide-out was granted on the basis of originality.

Faludy Receives Special RVDA Market Expansion Award

Go RVing Coalition chairman Tom Faludy of Carefree of Colorado received a special RVDA Market Expansion Award during the associations convention recently in Orlando, FL.

The national dealers association presented Faludy with the award for his efforts in building consensus among dealers, manufacturers, and suppliers that led to the RV industry's first national advertising campaign, which is set to be launched early in 1997.

Former RVDA chairman Tom Stinnett said, "Many people were instrumental in making the campaign a reality, but Tom Faludy's leadership was crucial throughout the process. Those of us in the RV business are truly fortunate to have someone with his determination working on behalf of this historic market expansion effort."

Rader Elected to Automotive Communications Council

Todd A. Rader, manager of marketing communications for Draw-Tite, Inc., has been unanimously elected into membership in the Automotive Communications Council.

Rader joined Draw-Tite in 1992, after serving as sales manager and then marketing manager with Solaronics, Inc. from 1985-92. He holds a BA degree in advertising from Michigan State Univer-sity.

Automotive Communications Council members embody the collective history of aftermarket communications trends, tactics and experience. Members share this accumulated knowledge through participation in industry functions such as Automotive Aftermarket Industry Week, as well as ongoing awareness campaigns like the ACC's annual Promotional Achievement Awards.

Former RVDA Chairman Tom Stinnett Honored

Tom Stinnett, 1995-96 RVDA chairman and owner of Stinnett RV Center in Louisville, KY, and Clarksville, IN, was presented with a special recognition award on Tuesday, September 24 at the association's convention in Orlando, FL.

RVDA president Mike Molino (l) presented Stinnett with a plaque in appreciation of his outstanding leadership as RVDA chairman of the board and of his visionary efforts that have built a strong foundation for the associations future.

Coachmen RV Expands Production

Coachmen Recreational Vehicle Company has announced plans to open a new manufacturing facility in an 80,000 sq. ft. plant in Goshen, IN.

Michael R. Terlep, executive vice president and general manager, said, "Coachmen RV continues to accomplish significant growth and market share gains in most of our product types. The increasing demands of our towable product's suggests that this growth trend will only continue. This new facility will produce Coachmen travel trailers and fifth wheels and will provide us the opportunity to recognize even more growth in these product types."

Terlep added, "The addition of this manufacturing facility will increase our towable production capacity by as much as 60%. The expansion also allows better utilization and continued growth for our Middlebury facilities." He said plans are to begin production at the new facility in December. The Goshen plant will initially employ approximately 90 people, with several experienced and skilled employees transferring from the Middlebury complex. Projected employment will reach 150 people at targeted production rates.

RVIA Board Actions

RVIA's board of directors voted to amend the association's by-laws to help assure its Nominating Committee assembles the most qualified slate of candidates for board elections.

Under the change, the RVIA board will now include an aggregate of six folding camping trailer, travel trailer and truck camper representatives.

Previously, two representatives each were needed from folding camping trailer, travel trailer and truck camper manufacturers. The new ap-proach provides the Nominating Committee with greater flexibility in fielding candidates while continuing to provide representation for all vehicle types.

The board will continue to have four supplier, two motorhome, two conversion vehicle and seven at-large representatives. Any of the association's past chairmen can also serve.

All RVIA board members must be employed in an active managerial position with the firm they represent.

University of Michigan Research Funding

On the recommendation of the Market Research Sub-Committee, the board approved funding to update the University of Michigan RV Consumer Demographic research.

The new study, which will include a baseline assessment of the behavioral changes in RV ownership, will be conducted throughout the winter with results to be presented next fall.

Finance Memberships

The RVIA board also approved the development of two new membership categories for finance firms as recommended by the Finance Committee.

Dues and privileges will differ under the new categories. "Full Finance Firms" will have voting memberships with access to all association services and activities. These firms will be able to exhibit at RVIA sponsored shows at the member rate. "Limited Finance Firm" members will not have voting privileges. These members will be eligible to exhibit at RVIA sponsored shows provided they pay the non-member rate and will receive association publications.

FY '97 Budget Approved

A budget of $8.3 million for fiscal 1997 (beginning Oct. 1) was approved with membership dues remaining at 1996 levels.

BPC Mfg. Earns ISO 9002 Certification

The BPC Manufacturing Division of LaSalle Bristol, Inc. was awarded its ISO 9002 certification during a gathering of it's employees to acknowledge their achievement. The certification, issued by the International Standards Organization, recognizes BPC Manufacturing as having reached specific criteria in its operating process and procedures that assure consistently high levels of product quality and service to its customers.

Participants in the certificate award presentation included (l-r): Tim Sanders, liaison with U.S. Senators Richard Lugar and Dan Coats; Bill Kuehne, senior vice president LaSalle Bristol; Ken Downs, KWD Consulting Partners, LTD.; Ray Burnett, management and training consultant; Janice Vancza, BPC Manufacturing quality assurance manager; Bill DeHaven, BPC Manu-facturing plant manager; Mayor Jack Greenlee, Plymouth, IN; Brent Hershman, liaison with U.S. Representative Steve Buyer, and Gary Cook, Indiana state representative.

Azevedo Receives James B. Summers Award

Bob Azevedo (r), former RVDA chairman and owner of Alpine Recreational Sales in Morgan Hill, CA, was presented the James B. Summers award during the recent RVDA convention in Orlando, FL.

The award is presented to those who have made a consistent and outstanding contribution to RVDA and its members. This year's winner was one of the leaders who helped organize the association 26 years ago. Azevedo served on the board twice and became chairman of the association in 1984. The award was presented by former RVDA executive vice president Jim Summers (l), for which it is named.

Life on Wheels Conference Goes on the Road

The University of Idaho's Enrichment Pro-gram has announced the first eastern Life on Wheels Conference to be held in Harrisburg, PA, on September 7-10, 1997. Harrisburg Area Community College (HACC) will host 200 students for the three-day event, to be held in conjunction with the Pennsylvania RV and Camping Show.

Students enrolling in the Life on Wheels conference will be able to choose from more than 30 college-style courses specializing in the RV lifestyle, the technical aspects of RVs and RV lifestyle enhancement programs.

Tuition for the conference is $99 which includes RV parking at the nearby State Farm complex (bus shuttles will be available), two lunches, daily coffee breaks and social activities. A $25 refundable deposit is required to guarantee enrollment. All attendees will receive a three-day, unlimited pass for the Pennsylvania RV and Camping show as part of the tuition.

Manufacturers Performance Improve in Dealer Satisfaction Survey

A new survey by RVDA shows that most RV dealers perceive that the business relationships between dealers and manufacturers are improving.

Now in its third year, RVDA's Dealer Satis-faction Index (DSI) asks RV dealers to rate manufacturers' performance in five major categories: sales agreement quality; product competitiveness; sales support; aftermarket; and management. The results of the 1996 DSI survey reflect nearly 1,200 individual manufacturer evaluations from 313 dealers.

One of the major areas of improvement shown in the 1996 DSI is in the area of sales agreement quality, which includes dealers' sales territories, dealer ownership transfer (buy/sell provisions), and termination provisions. For the first time, overall manufacturer ratings were higher in each of the sales agreement categories. The existence of a written sales agreement continues to receive the highest rating in this category. Eighty percent of dealers say they have written agreements with manufacturers, an increase of two percent over 1995 and 16 percent over 1994.

The largest gains in the sales agreement category came in the area of inventory repurchase provisions, which jumped to 54 percent -- a ten percent increase over 1995. Dealer ownership transfer (buy/sell provisions) moved up six points to 56 percent. While showing marked improvement, the survey indicates many manufacturers still do not include inventory repurchase and ownership transfer provisions in their sales agreements.

The 1996 DSI also indicates that most dealers feel satisfied with overall RV product quality and design, which are covered in the product competitiveness category of the DSI This category received the highest overall DSI score with a 78 percent average among all manufacturers, which is virtually unchanged from a year ago. However, dealers are less satisfied with aftermarket support from manufacturers. Dealer satisfaction with technician training and the accessibility/ cost of technician training schools is relatively low, scoring at 57 percent and 55 percent, respectively.

In addition to measuring dealers' perception of the performance of manufacturers in general, the DSI also evaluates the performance of individual manufacturers. For the second consecutive year, Holiday Rambler received the highest DSI score (91 percent). The company scored highly in all areas of the dealer/manufacturer relationship with sales agreement quality, sales support quality, and management perceived by dealers to be Holiday Rambler's strongest areas.

Skyline to Buy Back up to 1 Million Shares

Skyline Corp said it intends to repurchase up to one million of its common shares, or about 10 percent of the total.

The one million shares would be in addition to about 250,000 shares which remain to be repurchased under a previous authorization to buy back 1.2 million shares.

Purchases will be made in the open market or in negotiated transactions. William Blair & Co will be the exclusive agent for the repurchase program.

Atwood Mobile to Acquire the Compliance Group

Excel Industries, Inc. (NYSE:EXC) said its Atwood Mobile Products unit in Rockford, IL has signed a letter of intent to acquire the assets of The Compliance Group (TCG), located in Green-dale, WI

The Compliance Group, Inc. is a leader in seating and safety restraint systems for the van conversion industry. These systems, consisting of seat pedestals, safety belts, mounting hardware, and other components, are necessary to fulfill the compliance needs of final stage up-fitters and marketed throughout the country.

Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

Alfa Enters Low Priced Luxury Market

Strong and Lightweight!

Alfa Leisure, Inc. has a twenty-three year tradition of building innovative high line trailers including the industry flagship Alfa Gold. Now Alfa is taking its expertise in high lines and introducing the Ideal "Vacation Series". The line includes four floor plans ranging from 28' up to 30.5' in length.

"It is totally new for a 29 foot 5th wheel to feel like a 35 footer inside," explains Alfa founder Johnnie R. Crean. All 1997 Alfa 5th wheels feature a unique straight-line crowned roof, which allows lower outside clearance than other brands. This is possible by relocating the air conditioner from the rooftop to the basement between the steel "I" beam main chassis. A lower center of gravity also improves towing and handling.

The secret of Alfa's spaciousness is the 8' ceiling throughout the main living area and a full 6.4" headroom in the slideout rooms. This means no more bumping your head as you enter the dining room table, etc. The Ideal Vacation Series is available in a 28' rear kitchen, 29' rear lounge, 30' rear kitchen and 30.5' rear "L" shaped lounge.

Weight saving technology is used throughout the Ideal, from 2" welded aluminum framed sidewalls to ridged cabinet, chassis and structural supports. A fully loaded Ideal 28RK weights just 8,060 pounds, which is actually less than many so called "lite" models.

For more information on the lightweight, spacious Vacation Series from Ideal, contact: Alfa Leisure, Inc., 13501 5th St., Chino, CA 91710. Phone 909-628-5574.