RVDA’s annual meeting Nov. 19 included officer elections and awards recognizing industry leaders via a virtual platform.
Ron Shepherd, the association’s now-former chairman of the board, kicked off the meeting with a brief RVDA finance overview.
RVDA officers were elected via a microphone-vote, led by Nominating Committee Chairman Mike Regan. Past board chairmen comprise the Nominating Committee, which reviews new director and Board of Delegates nominations.
“These RVDA volunteer leaders share a commitment to the long-term health of RV retailing and the industry,” Regan said. “We simply could not function without their efforts.”
The board’s elected chairman was Hemlock Hill RV Sales’ Chris Andro, who succeeds Shepherd.
Andro tasked dealers, and the industry, to look at what can be controlled and improved within his acceptance speech. Processes, procedures and personnel were highlighted as contributors to repair event cycle time (RECT) success.
“This is why I am challenging our industry to look at the ‘front of the house’ message we are sending as dealers,” Andro said. “…Through RVDA, we can work together with our industry partners to deliver on the opportunity that is before us in 2021 and beyond.”
Other elected officials are Hilltop Camper and RV Sales’ Mike Pearo as first vice chairman of the board, Walnut Ridge Family RV Sales’ Nathan Hart as second vice chairman, Parkview RV Center’s Ryan Horsey as treasurer and Stoltzfus RV’s Bob Cox as secretary.
Regan noted that earlier this week, RV Retailer’s Jon Ferrando was elected to the Board of Directors.
Awards were presented by Shepherd, although the association’s highest honor, the James B. Summers (JBS) award, will be postponed to a later date. RVDA plans to present two JBS awards during an in-person gathering next year.
“This is my last meeting as chairman,” Shepherd said. “I have the privilege to announce the Chairman’s Service Awards. These awards recognize exceptional individuals who have made significant contributions to RVDA and to the RV industry. They are awarded and presented each year at the chairman’s discretion.”
The 2020 Chairman’s Service Awards were given to Cummins/Onan’s Garry Enyart, CDK Global’s Chris Hauck and Crestview RV Center’s Regan.
Shepherd’s last award highlighted RVDA President Phil Ingrassia and the RVDA team.
“My final award is to recognize the dedication and devotion to all dealers that we’ve been shown this year, in navigating through some pretty rough waters at times and a boom like never experienced before,” Shepherd said. “It goes to Phil Ingrassia and his RVDA team.”
“On behalf of the staff, I want to let you know that we are honored to be recognized with the Chairman’s Service Award,” Ingrassia said. “… The industry emerged stronger and more united thanks to Ron’s efforts and the combined work of your RVDA officers and board, who met throughout the spring and summer with manufacturers, suppliers and campgrounds to help set us up for success.”
Following the awards, Shepherd remarked on the industry’s current state, including supply chain issues.
“I do want to report that the industry is making progress on the repair event cycle time,” Shepherd said. “The three major dealer software providers, one of whom we honored today, are making major efforts to provide RECT reporting capabilities to identify bottlenecks in the system.”
New RVTI training programs and RVIA’s commitment to the ongoing RECT task force were noted, along with RVDA initiatives such as a service writer online course via the RV Learning Center.
Other news included a 2020 model law approval between RVIA and RVDA, intended to simplify the process in establishing a state law to protect dealer territories. Shepherd said the law isn’t intended to replace legislation in states where laws exist, but will help establish laws in states that don’t.
“While I’ve enjoyed my time as chairman, I couldn’t have done it without the support of some very important people at home and at the dealership,” Shepherd said. “And thanks to all of you dealers for allowing me the privilege to serve as your chairman this year. It has been an honor and a time I will always cherish. I’m not going anywhere right away, there’s still too much to do.”
