The Virgil D. Miller Memorial Award is established in the memory of Virgil D. Miller, who passed away July 7th, 2002  In addition to being president of Newmar Corporation, Virgil served on the Board of the RV Safety Education Foundation (RVSEF), and was its first president and chairman.

The award will be presented to a member of the Recreation Vehicle industry who exemplifies the ethical standards that were the keystone of Virgil's leadership.

In the words of fellow RVSEF Board member, Edson deCastro, "Virgil was the antithesis of the modern CEO and someone from whom we can all learn much. He proved that it is possible to run a successful business in a highly competitive environment while maintaining the highest of ethical standards. He well may represent an ideal model for the successful CEO of the 21st century."

The award recipient will be selected by the RVSEF Board of Directors, from nominations provided by the RV community, including manufacturers, dealers, suppliers, consumers, and other participants in the industry. For additional information, contact John Anderson at: (423) 256-4940, john.anderson@rvsafety.org

Successful Research & Development Brings Clean Fuel Generation LLC.
One Step Closer to the RV Market

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Clean Fuel Generation LLC (CFG), a company dedicated to the commercialization of fuel cell generator systems for the recreational vehicle market, successfully designed, tested, and demonstrated a vital fuel cell system component. The component, a fuel reformer, is one of the keys to bringing a useful product to the RV owner. CFG.s new fuel reformer converts propane, already stored onboard RV's, for use in a fuel cell stack to produce electrical power required for operating RV appliances (air conditioners, microwaves, etc.).

This breakthrough design further

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reduces system size and cost, and results in a more environmentally friendly power generating system than traditional generators. The new reformer technology operates with normal propane cylinders and pressures used on RV's. The development can also be applied to other hydrocarbon fuels, which in future versions may offer the consumer a choice of fuels. This is CF's second reformer design, previously CFG successfully demonstrated it's  first generation (patented) LPG fuel reformer design, and set higher standards for further refinements, in which CFG has now achieved further success with it's new LPG fuel reformer design (patent pending). This second-generation design will provide enough fuel to operate fuel cell systems to 10 kilowatt and above.

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CFG is now beginning to integrate this new design LPG reformer into RV fuel cell generator prototype systems, while continuing to make additional system component improvements that will improve system safety, reduce cost, and decrease size and weight. CFG intends to introduce the first commercial fuel cell system for the RV market application. CFG is confident that this new development will not only allow a fuel cell to operate on propane for RV's, but will also apply to markets beyond recreational vehicles. Given the efficiency of fuel cells, the increasing cost of petroleum fuels and worldwide energy shortages, fuel cell technology has a promising future. In fact RV owners have commented that fuel cell systems will offer them the ability to use their RV year round by providing a quiet power source for their home. Using your RV for a quiet back-up power source in areas at risk of power outages may prove to be a value added sales point for RV manufacturers.

Clean Fuel Generation LLC (CFG), a privately held company based in Los Angeles, California, has conducted research and development in fuel cell power generation systems for the RV market since its inception in 1997. Fuel cell generators will provide many benefits over internal combustion generators for the RV traveler including increased fuel efficiency (operate on less fuel), quieter operation, and provide cogeneration capability (hot water, space heating, and fresh water). Higher kilowatt systems can offer a safer RV design by replacing LPG appliances with all electric appliances, ridding the inside of the RV of hazardous open flames and LPG lines and connections. For further information visit www.cleanfuelgeneration.com, or call Nick Ballinger at (310) 440-4243.

Monaco to Offer Sirius Monaco Coach Corporation (NYSE: MNC-News), a leading manufacturer of luxury recreational vehicles, plans to offer Sirius- ready radios as standard equipment on selected models. With a signal that extends from coast-to-coast, Sirius will deliver its 60 channels of commercial-free music and 40 channels of news, talk, sports and entertainment to RVers across the country. Sirius is pleased to announce this extension of our service to the RV market," said Walter Kerner, senior director, special markets, Sirius Satellite Radio. "Monaco coach owners will be able to enjoy their favorite music, uninterrupted, while cruising across America in one the finest RVs on the road." "We are excited to be the first RV manufacturer to offer satellite radio as an option in our products," said Pat Carroll, vice president of product development, Monaco Coach Corporation. "Our customers will now be able to greatly enhance their RV experience with the best in commercial free music, news and entertainment programming from Sirius Satellite Radio coast-to-coast."

Marks Named Editor for RV Executive Today

Recreation Vehicle Dealers Association is pleased to announce that Matt Marks has been named RVDA's Web manager and Editor for RV Executive Today magazine.

In this position, Marks will coordinate content and production of RV Executive Today magazine and RVDA's Web sites, www.rvda.org and www.rvtechnician.net.

ipd Receives ISO 9001 Certification

ipd co. Inc. announced that they have received ISO 9001 certification. This is the international standard for quality in design, product development, production, installation and service.

The "ISO" designation are standards that are set and monitored by the International Standards Organization which are accepted as the worldwide federation for International standards.

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