RV Weekly

While new units sales are down it is obvious that RVers are still using, maintaining and upgrading their existing units. NOW is the time to take advantage of this increase in the continued activity by supporting our dealers to build the accessory side of their business. NOW is the perfect time to place that special emphasis on customer service and customer loyalty that will pay dividends. Not only in the immediate time but, if done in the constructive manner and with the correct focus, loyalty can be developed and preserved well into the future with endless possibilities. RV Trade Digest will be working with RVAA to assist in helping our dealer base continue to grow, learn, nurture and maintain their core customers.

In February 2009, the association initiated its “Aftermarket NOW” outreach campaign to provide the RV dealership community with additional tools and support for improving their aftermarket sales. In a teleconference meeting with, Karl J. Etshied, Executive Director RVAA, Piar Adams of Carefree of Colorado, Aaron Engberg of Winegard Company, Kevin Phillips of Thetford Corp. and RV Trade Digest asked how we could be an integral part of the campaign and help place our resources to use for the continued education and prosperity of the RV industry. By stepping up to the plate I feel that we can help supply a vital connection and conduit to the RV industry. RV Trade Digest has a history of serving the RV dealers with RVAA through our Aftermarket Success program. By continuing to partner with RVAA’s Aftermarket Now program we can help effect vital change in the industry that will pay off for the entire industry, not only NOW, but carrying on in the long term.

The RVAA Education Committee, chaired by Aaron Engberg and Kevin Phillips will oversee the campaign in presenting dealers with tangible tips and education to improve the aftermarket aspects of their operations.

Look for more information to appear on RVAA’s site, www.rvaftermarket.org and in RV Trade Digest’s print publication and our various interactive resources as well. NOW is time for change and information to ensure our customers will continue to return to the RV dealership that can provide the best that our industry has to offer. The answer is Aftermarket.

Last week I attended the NTP Distribution Show in Austin, Texas. I spent three days attending workshops, visiting exhibitors on the show floor and speaking with dealers.

The general consensus of the show that was it was ‘better than expected.’ I was told from NTP representatives that attendance was slightly down but the mood of the event was upbeat and cheerful.

In speaking with folks at the show most feel the industry is stable but could be better. While I was attending the show I kept an eye on our opinion poll and blog comments posted on www.rvtradedigest.com

I was a bit shocked that 57 percent of RV Trade Digest opinion poll voters said that their dealership “could be better” or was “terrible.”

I then viewed the blog comments left in my “President Obama’s visit to Elkhart” blog post. Eighteen comments were left by readers expressing their thoughts on the economy, the industry and Obama’s administration’s attempt to fix the current problems.

As one of the editor’s of RV Trade Digest I would like to hear more about how we can fix this industry economic issue.

RVIA and RVDA have taken great strides to assist the industry in the current times and we all should rally to help in their efforts.

I would truly like to hear some suggestions on how we all can positively impact our industry in these hard times. Granted, some of the issues that need fixing are out of our control but I would like to get a discussion going on steps we all can take to get through this dilemma.

If you have suggestions please feel free to leave a blog comment or if you would like to send me a one-on-one note feel free to e-mail Jackie@rvtradedigest.com or call 800-547-7377 ext. 1148. You may also contact our Publisher Bob Carnahan with potential suggestions. He can be reached by e-mailing publisher@rvtradedigest.com or calling 800-547-7377 ext. 1682.

All photos taken by RV Trade Digest Staff

All photos taken by RV Trade Digest Staff

Breakfast Trivia Answers:

1. How many national parks are in the U.S.? —- 61
2. How many miles of public road are in the U.S.? —–4 MILLION MILES
3. Which state is “The equality” and “Cowboy State?” —-WYOMING
4. Which state houses Mt. McKinley? ——ALASKA

Thursday Lunch Answers:

1. Transportation counts for what percentage of total energy used? —-25 %
2. What is the average year of retirees in the U.S.? —-62
3. Which U.S. state has the most lighthouses? —–MICHIGAN
4. Which state would you be in if you were near Mt. Whitney? —CALIFORNIA

All questions in the NTP meal time trivia came from the Rally Ho game for RVers. A list of winners will be posted in the Show Blog. Each winner of the 9 trivia games won the Rally Ho game to take home!

Also, stay tuned for photos of Thursday afternoon’s floor show and the closing NTP dinner and casino night.