SERVING CANADA’S RV INDUSTRY SINCE 1971 VOL 49 NO 1 268 - 44 Crawford Cres., Campbellville, ON L0P 1B0 Publications Mail Agreement #43638025 RV DealerNEWS CANADA’S FOREMOST RV INDUSTRY MAGAZINE TM TM TM TM WCANADIAN RV DEALER OF THE YEAR PROFILE: Garth Cane RV/MH Hall of Fame Canadian RVDA Updates CRVA News Atlas Niagara Highlights BRUCE MARSH Cape Breton Trailer Sales RVDN 48-3b.indd 12020-03-02 11:55 AM3 Volume 49 Number 1 | RV Lifestyle Dealer News contents 32 13 23 26 COVER STORY: Bruce Marsh - Canadian RV Dealer of the Year! Meet the winner of the 30th annual Walt Paseska Memorial Canadian RV Dealer of the Year Award! – IN THIS ISSUE: 6 Transitions Appointments, promotions, and milestones. 8 SPECIAL REPORT: THOR Forms new subsidiary - Hymer USA 10 CSA 240 Standards Update 13 PROFILE: Garth Cane, RV/MH Hall of Fame Inductee Our Senior Tech Expert, Garth Cane, will be inducted into the RV/MH Hall of Fame, Class of 2020. INDUSTRY UPDATES 16 RVDA of Canada Report 17 Atlantic RVDA 17 RVDA of Manitoba 18 ACVRQ - RVDA of Quebec Report 19 ORVDA Update 21 CRVA Update 23 RV Manufacturer Profile – Leisure Travel Vans 32 Spotlight – Atlas Trailer Coach Products – Niagara Festival 42 Insights – Creating New Energy Jim Clemmer describes how to reach new goals. 44 Spotlight: Coolest Wheels in the Industry! How Valterra went “Back to the Future.” Contentspub page.indd 32020-02-25 1:24 PM4 RV Lifestyle Dealer News | Volume 49 Number 1 TM TM TM TM RV Dealer NEWS CANADA’S FOREMOST RV INDUSTRY MAGAZINE PUBLISHERS MESSAGE Proud to be Canadian! As we travel throughout North America and beyond, Canadians often have good reason to reflect on our national image and take pride in the many ways the members of the Canadian RV industry bring recognition and respect to our wonderful country. This issue of Canada’s RV Dealer News is an excellent example of these “Canadian” moments. We are very proud to celebrate two very significant milestones in this issue. In 1989, when we created the Canadian RV Dealer of the Year Award, honouring the memory of Walt Paseska and his tireless contributions to the RVDA movement, the RV industry, and the community at large, we knew that we were setting a benchmark that would reflect the prime reason why RV dealers earn the respect of their peers and the general public. Our motivation for many of our actions is simply, as the former Prime Minister Stephen Harper described, “because it is the right thing to do”. The winner of the 30th Annual Canadian RV Dealer of the Year Award, Bruce Marsh, certainly embodies all of the qualities that make us proud to be Canadian. His achievements and contributions to the industry and the community are applauded in the special feature beginning on page 27. The second major milestone that we celebrate in this issue is the induction of our Senior Tech Editor, Garth Cane, to the RV/MH Hall of Fame. This very prestigious honour is the ultimate gesture of respect that an RV profes- sional can earn. We are extremely proud to celebrate Garth’s lifetime of dedication to the RV industry, the RV community, and Canada at large. Please take a few minutes to read about Garth’s contribution to the industry, beginning on page 13. We will expand the coverage of the RV/MH Hall of Fame Class of 2020 through our website at www.rvldealernews.com where we will celebrate the full roster of 2020 inductees. As we roll into the heart of the 2020 RV season, RV dealers across the coun- try are dedicating countless hours of effort to introduce new families to the many advantages of the RV experience. We applaud your efforts at the RV shows, on your lots, and at campgrounds from sea to sea to sea. To assist in this very important effort to expand the RV audience, we encourage RV dealers to share the links to our RV Lifestyle Magazine digital editions – we now have more than 50 issues avail- able in the archives, all accessible FREE of charge to your customers. Please take a minute to check out the special archives site at this link: https://online.flowpaper. com/77260755/RV485/#page=64 and share the link through your dealership websites and Facebook groups. W Bill Taylor, Publisher VOLUME 49 NUMBER 1 Publisher William E. Taylor Associate Publisher Melanie Taylor-Wallis V.P. Special Projects/Editorial Director Norm Rosen Technical Director Garth Cane Assistant Editor Keegan Kozolanka Production Coordinator Giselle Bansal ADVERTISING SALES Norm Rosen Melanie Taylor-Wallis Frank Hone ADMINISTRATION William E. Taylor President Melanie Taylor-Wallis Group Publisher Norman Rosen VP/Special Projects Nancy Mueller Accounting EXECUTIVE OFFICES Toronto: 268 - 44 Crawford Crescent., Campbellville, ON L0P 1B0 Tel: 905-844-8218 Fax: 905-844-5032 Montreal: Tel: 514-856-0788 Fax: 514-856-0790 Vancouver: 1745 Rufus Drive North Vancouver, BC V7J 3L8 Camping Canada’s RV Lifestyle Dealer News is published by Camping Canada Magazine Ltd. Reproduction of any mate- rial appearing in this magazine in any form is forbidden without prior consent of the publisher. Advertising rates available on request. Camping Canada Magazine reserves the right to refuse any and all advertising and disclaims all responsibilities for claims or statements of facts made by its advertisers or independent columnists. PUBLICATIONS MAIL AGREEMENT #43638025 Undeliverables to: 268 - 44 Crawford Crescent., Campbellville, ON L0P 1B0 MONTREAL, QUEBEC © 2020 CAMPING CANADA MAGAZINE PRINTED IN CANADA Contentspub page.indd 42020-02-24 3:51 PMFor More Features, Specs, and a Virtual Tour Visit golittleguy.com or Call 1-888-469-8688 Dealership Opportunities Available in Select Canadian Markets FIND YOUR HAPPY PLACE. 3,140 lbs. Sleeps 3 adults. Tow with an SUV. 1,993 lbs. Sleeps 2 adults. Tow with a small SUV. 630 lbs. Sleeps 2 adults. Tow with almost anything. xtreme outdoors.indd 12020-02-24 4:15 PM6 RV Lifestyle Dealer News | Volume 49 Number 1 TRANSITIONS THE SM OSGOOD COMPANY The SM Osgood Company is pleased to announce that Terry Goddard accept- ed the position of RV Regional Sales Manager and will be working out of their Elkhart facility focusing on RV OEM accounts. Goddard brings a wealth of knowledge from 32 years of experience working in the RV industry. According to a press release, the company feels Terry’s enthusiasm and passion for the RV market will be a great asset to our company. “After 32 years working with after- market RV parts distributors, RV dealers, and RV consumers across the country, I am now able to focus my efforts in the RV OEM market. Thanks to SM Osgood providing me an opportunity to join their team of RV professionals, I will be able to stay close to my home in Northern Indiana, the heart of the RV Industry,” Goddard said. “The time I spent in the RV parts aftermarket gave me great insight as to what types of products RV consumers and RV dealers want to see in their RV’s. I will use this information and education to work directly with the RV OEM’s to help them choose products from the qual- ity vendors we represent to accentuate the Recreational Vehicles that drive our industry.” AIRXCEL Airxcel has promoted Caroline Callahan to the position of social media manager. Harold Ogden, director of glob- al marketing, made the announcement. In her new role, Callahan manages the public relations and social media pres- ence of all 11 of Airxcel’s brands. As the primary communication coordinator, she develops campaigns that grow brand awareness and B2B and B2C engagement. Callahan was most recently subsidiary Aqua-Hot Heating Systems’ marketing coordinator. Previously, she was a senior account manager at Riddle & Bloom, a marketing agency that specializes in Millennial and Generation Z consumers. She is a graduate of the University of South Carolina. “We’re pleased to have Caroline in this role,” said Ogden. “She understands how to creatively leverage social media and has fresh perspectives that resonate with younger people who are coming into RVing as consumers and industry profes- sionals.” Callahan will work out of the Frederick, Colorado Aqua-Hot office. WINNEBAGO INDUSTRIES Winnebago Industries announced the appointment of Sara Armbruster to its Board of Directors, effec- tive Dec. 18, 2019. Armbruster will sit on the Finance and Human Resources Committees. Winnebago Industries fur- ther announced it has increased the size of its Board of Directors from eight to nine. Armbruster is Vice President, Strategy, Research and Digital Transformation for Steelcase Inc., the global leader in the office furniture indus- try. Armbruster has held several lead- ership positions since joining Steelcase in 2007 as Vice President of Corporate Strategy. As her role increased in scope and complexity, she added responsibil- ity for new business innovation activities, which include investment in internal and external growth opportunities and devel- opment of new business models. “Sara’s extensive experience in cor- porate strategy and her understanding of customer experience in various indus- tries will provide a valuable perspec- tive,” said Michael Happe, Winnebago Industries President and Chief Executive Officer. “We welcome Sara to the board and look forward to the contributions she will make as we continue to strategically transform Winnebago Industries into a larger, more profitable outdoor lifestyle product manufacturer.” “As Winnebago Industries has grown and transformed recently, so has our Board membership,” said David Miles, Chairman of the Board of Winnebago Industries. “Sara’s business acumen will strengthen our Board as we work to con- tinue our role of guiding Winnebago Industries to higher levels of performance. We are pleased to welcome Sara.” LIPPERT COMPONENTS INC. Lippert Components Inc. announced that it has promoted Rob Ford to Chief Technology Officer. In his new role, Ford will primarily focus his efforts on driving technological integrations throughout the TERRY GODDARD CAROLINE CALLAHAN SARA ARMBRUSTER Transitions-49-1.indd 62020-02-24 3:54 PM7 Volume 49 Number 1 | RV Lifestyle Dealer News product development process, across all of LCI’s product lines. “I’m extremely grateful for the oppor- tunity to be an integral part in such an important initiative for LCI as we contin- ue to transform ourselves from a tradition- al manufacturer into a technology-driven solution provider,” Ford said. “Technology offers us the possibility to transform and enhance all aspects of our products, processes, customer rela- tionships, and consumer experiences. I have never been more excited about the direction we are going and the power we have to create products and solutions that will make a real difference. The teams, talent, leadership, and vision throughout LCI, with regards to the importance of technology, provide a solid platform for explosive creativity, innovation, and prod- uct development,” Ford concluded. Ford has been deeply involved in numerous facets of technology for over 25 years. In 1997, he founded Innovative Design Solutions, Inc. a designer, develop- er, and manufacturer of electronic systems encompassing a wide variety of RV appli- cations as well as electronic systems for automotive, medical, and industrial applica- tions. Now operating under the name LCI Technologies, the business has expanded its roles and capabilities far beyond a supplier of control systems to a leading innovator of cutting-edge technologies for smart RV systems and components. “It’s paramount that we continue to integrate advanced technology into our product offerings. Rob’s experience with- in a wide variety of industries makes him the perfect person to lead these efforts as we move forward,” said Ryan Smith, LCI’s Senior Vice President of Sales & Operations. KEYSTONE RV COMPANY Tavernier Takes the Helm of Alpine, Avalanche and Laredo Keystone RV Company, a divi- sion of Thor Industries, has announced that Keystone product manager, Dustin Tavernier, has been asked to take the lead of Keystone’s Alpine, Avalanche and Laredo business. Josh Miller, vice president of sales announced the appointment, adding that “Keystone is committed to dominating the luxury fifth wheel category. We expect that Alpine, Avalanche and Laredo will play increasingly significant roles in our portfolio, and we wanted a leader with proven chops and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Putting Dustin in this position was the easiest choice I’ve ever made.” Tavernier has been a powerhouse product developer for Keystone. During his three-year tenure as the Bullet prod- uct manager, he tripled the brand’s pro- duction volume. His accomplishments include creating the luxury lightweight category for Keystone with the introduc- tion of Bullet Premier, which featured the company’s first arched rafter design. This innovation is now offered across a num- ber of Keystone products. In 2011, Tavernier became the prod- uct manager for Keystone’s Springdale and Residence brands. In this capacity, he introduced the brand’s first laminat- ed fifth wheel, first 8’ wide single-axle model, and, most recently, the Springdale Rugged Terrain, an off-road, off-grid travel trailer designed to capitalize on an emerging category of first-time buyers. Tavernier commented, “I’m excited for this new challenge. I’m fortunate because over the last sixteen years, I’ve had the opportunity to work with a broad dealer base. Those relationships have proven to be critically important as we have evolved and grown each product line, and I’m sure they will be in my new role as well.” FOR THE RV PROFFESSIONAL YOUR DIGITAL EDITION OF THIS ISSUE IS ALSO AVAILABLE ONLINE... Enjoy the convenience of 24/7 access no matter where you travel, from your laptop or phone. ROB FORD DUSTIN TAVERNIER MISSED AN ISSUE? Archive copies of RV Dealer News Magazine issues are available online at www.rvldealernews.com RV Dealer NEWS CANADA’S FOREMOST RV INDUSTRY MAGAZINE Transitions-49-1.indd 72020-02-24 4:23 PM8 THOR Industries, Inc. announced the formation of Hymer USA, a new subsidiary focused on producing and marketing recreational vehicles using European manufactur- ing practices, automation and control standards – a first for North America’s RV industry. Hymer USA will be based in Bristol, IN, with initial product avail- ability expected in the fourth quarter of calendar year 2020. The announcement follows THOR’s 2019 acquisition of Europe’s Erwin Hymer Group (EHG), which created the world’s largest RV manufacturer, hold- ing leading positions on both continents. Erwin Hymer Group is a long-standing leader in the European RV market and one of the largest RV manufacturers in Europe. EHG, including its Hymer brand, is well-known for innovation, design and product quality. “We are very proud of our exten- sive brand portfolio, which has histor- ically allowed us to be responsive to the diverse needs of both our dealers and consumers. The Hymer brand and product offering has already received very positive feedback from our North American dealer network,” stated Bob Martin, president and CEO of THOR Industries. “Delivering to the North American market the innovation, design and quality for which the Hymer brand is known will benefit consumers and dealers and further enhance THOR’s ANNOUNCEMENT THOR INDUSTRIES FORMS SUBSIDIARY HYMER USA RV Lifestyle Dealer News | Volume 49 Number 1 AD leadership position within the market, which we believe will provide strong long-term value to our investors.” “We anticipate significant benefits in working together with our German team, learning from each other and, ultimately, offering unique products to provide years of enjoyable experiences for our customers. As we begin to lever- age the combined talent of our compa- nies and share best practices across the globe, we are more optimistic than ever about the future.” Initial phases of the EHG acquisi- tion integration have been complet- ed with the oversight of Troy James, THOR Industries senior vice presi- dent. James, one of THOR’s most experienced company leaders, who has spent considerable time in Europe over the past year engaging with the EHG leadership team, will take on the additional responsibility of overseeing Hymer USA. “Troy is one of our top leaders. His experience and leadership make him ideally suited to lead our newly created Hymer USA subsidiary while continu- ing his responsibilities with the EHG leadership team,” Martin said. “We look forward to the leadership Troy will provide in introducing the Hymer product and manufacturing processes to the North American market, uniquely establishing Hymer as a global brand.” “Having worked closely with EHG this past year, I’m very impressed by their teamwork, product innovation and manufacturing processes,” James said. “We are very excited to fully incor- porate the EHG best practices into the operations of the newly created Hymer USA subsidiary starting on day one.” Employees in key product develop- ment roles and with specific European manufacturing expertise will relocate from Germany to Bristol to allow Hymer USA to replicate its proven manufacturing process in collabora- tion with THOR’s skilled American workforce. The Company will utilize an existing, newly renovated, company- owned facility with the expectation of investing approximately $8 to $10 mil- lion in additional capital expenditures during 2020- primarily for machinery and equipment to build out the facility for Hymer USA. “Hymer USA will feature a very dif- ferent way of manufacturing not cur- rently seen in the North American RV industry, including automated process- es that will be implemented through- out design and assembly,” James said. “Products will benefit from the world- leading quality standards set by EHG and our new work environment will feature highly skilled team members collaborating directly with employees from EHG’s European operations while incorporating the speed to market for which THOR is well-regarded.” W Hymer USA to use German innovation and manufacturing processes–a first for the US RV industry Troy James Erwin Hymer .indd 82020-02-25 1:28 PMMASS_NRG_B_Inset_Mask_Op2Congratulations to the 2019 Canadian RV Dealer of the Year Bruce Marsh Cape Breton Trailer Sales On behalf of our entire sales and service team, RBC® salutes you for your outstanding dedication and contribution to the RV industry. ® / ™ Trademark(s) of Royal Bank of Canada. VPS106103 30075 (11/2019) MASS_NRG_B_Inset_Mask_Op2Congratulations to the 2019 Canadian RV Dealer of the Year Bruce Marsh Cape Breton Trailer Sales On behalf of our entire sales and service team, RBC® salutes you for your outstanding dedication and contribution to the RV industry. ® / ™ Trademark(s) of Royal Bank of Canada. VPS106103 30075 (11/2019) Untitled-1 12020-02-24 3:57 PMNext >