A fund benefitting the Mike Molino RV Learning Center has been created by friends of RVDA’s past board chairman Jerry Greer, honoring what the association said is his memory and longtime service to the RV industry.
Greer passed away in February this year.
In Greer’s time with the association, he was the first chairman of the RVDA Education Foundation, now the RV Learning Center, in addition to the RV Assistance Corp. (RVAC) and being a top-elected volunteer leader in 1990-92.
“This Legacy Fund will serve as a lasting reminder of Jerry’s contributions not only to RVDA and the RV Learning Center, but to the entire RV industry,” said RV Learning Center Chairman Jeff Pastore, of Hartville RV Center. “Jerry was instrumental in making continuing education more available for RV dealership employees. Contributions to this fund will help carry on the important work that Jerry was so passionate about.”
Greer was the owner of Jerry Greer Airstream in Columbus, Ohio, and a 30-year RVDA member. In the 1980s through the 1990s, the associated stated he was recognized as an advocate for customer-friendly RV sales processes, and a driving force behind advancing outdoor recreation issues through his American Recreation Coalition support. RVDA stated Greer’s leadership “guided and inspired dealers” to become more professional through education.
Greer worked with other RVDA volunteer leaders and staff to develop the association’s first strategic plan, and participated in efforts to purchase RVDA’s current headquarter building in Fairfax, Virginia. He was honored in 1995 with the association’s highest honor, the James B. Summers award, for his service to RV dealers and the association. Greer was inducted into the RV/MH Hall of Fame in 2005.
Those interested can make an online donation to the RV Learning Center’s Jerry Greer Legacy Fund here.
The association noted members must be logged into their RVDA accounts and should indicate the gift is in honor of Greer at the donation form’s bottom. Checks can be mailed to: The Mike Molino RV Learning Center, 3930 University Drive, Fairfax, VA 22030.
RVDA noted other members who have established RV Learning Center Legacy Funds:
Rex Floyd – Deceased 2017, Floyd of Floyd’s Recreational Vehicles in Norman, Oklahoma, was a founding RVDA member and the family remains active in the association. He served as the association’s president in 1980 and was inducted into the RV/MH Hall of Fame in 2010.
Barbara Herleman – Deceased 2006, RVDA stated previous staff member Herleman was dedicated to serving association members and was instrumental in growing the RV Dealers Convention/Expo in the 1990s and early 2000s.
Sharon Horsey – Deceased 2013, Horsey of Parkview RV Center was dedicated to her family and friends in the RV industry. Horsey attended and volunteered at many RVDA events, including the RV Dealers Convention/Expo, and the association stated her family remains deeply involved in RVDA activities.
Bob Strawn – Deceased 2013, Strawn served as RVDA’s executive VP and president. He was a former RV dealer, RVDA stated, who served on the association’s board as a volunteer leader prior to his selection as RVDA’s chief staff officer. Strawn was inducted into the RV/MH Hall of Fame in 1996.
Jim Shields – Deceased 2014, Shields of Pan Pacific RV Centers, served as RVDA Chairman of the Board in 2006 and was a founder of the California RV Dealers Association (CalRVDA). Shields was awarded RVDA’s James B. Summers Award in 2013, and inducted into the RV/MH Hall of Fame in 2014. His family remains active in RVDA and CalRVDA.
Jim Summers – Deceased 2010, Summers served as RVDA’s executive VP following a career as an RV manufacturing executive. Summers helped raise RVDA’s visibility in Washington, D.C., and was a founding board member of the American Recreation Coalition. He was inducted into the RV/MH Hall of Fame in 2002.
Raymond Van Pelt – Deceased 2011, this legacy gift was established in tribute to Pelt, the son of past RVDA President Fran Van Pelt and her husband, Rich.
A complete list of current Mike Molino RV Learning Center contributors can be found here. For donations in honor of individuals, click here.
