The Route 66 RV Network closed out its 2024 rally by bestowing its top award on a Virginia dealership.
Coastal RV owners Amy and David Stoup earned the Larry Coker Award, given annually to the Route 66 dealership that has performed business the right way over the years. The Stoups accepted the award, with Amy Stoup’s eyes welling in gratitude.
The honor was the end of the three-day event held at Cheyenne Mountain Resort in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Co-founder Rob Merrill announced the rally would return to the resort next year, from Oct. 13-15, 2025.
The network welcomed new advisory board members, who met privately after the Larry Coker Award announcement. New members include Donny Mason of Rocky Ridge, Jeff Hilliard of Miller’s RV, Mike Rone of Sonny’s RV, Chris Andro of Hemlock Hill and Phillip Price of CSRA Camperland.
Board members whose terms ended Wednesday included Brian Krykewycz of White Horse RV Center, Jim Rangitsch of Rangitsch Brothers, Tony Clark of Ron Hoover RV & Marine Centers, Kevin Campbell of Campbell RV and Russ Perkins of Tri-Am RV Center.
The final day’s events began with a Ride Digital presentation on digital marketing. The company has over 65 Route 66 dealers on its platform. Ride Digital said its the dealers’ website traffic and form submissions grew in the past year.
Route 66 Director Cooper Merrill told attendees about the network’s plans to increase Route 66 brand visibility nationally. The network is investing in some advertising, particularly on YouTube, and is exploring potential partnerships with influencers and an ambassador program.
Cooper Merrill also detailed enhancements to the network’s RV Club Unlimited program. The program has split its towable and motorized coverage plans into two RV Club Unlimited programs. The programs feature new pricing and enhanced benefits, including mobile mechanic dispatch service, a fuel savings program and access to the Roadtrippers mobile app.
A candid Q&A session preceded the Larry Coker Award announcement.
Rob Merrill said, “Never before have I been more excited about the network than I am right now.”
