The RV Industry Association is cutting costs and staffing this year in response to the financial slump brought on by the coronavirus in the past few months.
RVIA President Craig Kirby told members that the association expects a sharp decrease in revenues this year due to the pandemic. Last week, the RVIA Board of Directors passed a revised 2020 budget that calls for a 30% reduction in operating expenses and salary reductions for executive staff. The organization will also cut five staff positions and postpone filling 11 currently vacant positions.
Kirby announced the operational changes in a letter to RVIA members on Friday, April 24.
“These are difficult and unprecedented times, but I believe that we have developed a strong budget going forward that will allow the RV Industry Association to continue our operations and provide the member services on which you have always relied,” Kirby wrote. “The past several weeks have been challenging but better days and more opportunities for the RV industry are ahead.”
The RVIA acknowledged that nearly every business in the RV industry has taken a hit one way or another during the coronavirus pandemic. Kirby encouraged business owners to take advantage of the recently expanded federal Paycheck Protection Program.
In addition to cutting back on expenses this year, the RVIA also organized a task force meant to support the industry’s return to normal operations. The RVIA Task Force includes manufacturers, dealers, suppliers, wholesalers, rental and finance businesses, and will start meeting starting next week.
“The unity that our industry has displayed during this difficult time has been inspiring,” Kirby wrote. “I expect no less as we get back to celebrating the life-changing moments and shared joy that RVing brings to millions of Americans every year.”
Kirby wrote that the RVIA, RV Dealers Association and National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds began meeting in mid-March to “align on industry-related issues as we navigate the pandemic.”
The RVIA continues to host webinars and online discussions related to workplace operations during the coronavirus pandemic. RVIA members can register for and access those webinars on the association’s website.
