Angie

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reminds the public that the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new equestrian campground at Governor Dodge State Park is scheduled for 2 p.m. on Friday, April 29. Located in Wisconsin's scenic driftless area, Governor Dodge State Park is one of the state's largest parks, with over 5,000 acres of steep hills, bluffs and deep valleys, plus two lakes and a waterfall. With over 25 miles of equestrian trails, Governor Dodge also offers some of Wisconsin’s best horseback riding. The new equestrian campground boasts 20 campsites, 18 with electric hook-ups. Each campsite includes a high-line [...]

The application for the Mike Molino RV Learning Center College Scholarship Program is now available online. The scholarship is available for undergraduates currently employed in the RV industry, who are dependents of an RV industry employee, and to those seeking a career in the RV industry after graduating. The $2,500 award will be applied to the cost of tuition for the 2022-2023 school year. The deadline for submitting all required items is July 1, 2022. The program was created to help foster the next generation of RV industry leaders, and this will be the 31st scholarship awarded since its inception. It [...]

The 2022 RV Dealers Convention/Expo is set for November 7-11 at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. The event is presented by RVDA of U.S., RVDA of Canada, and the Mike Molino RV Learning Center. Just as dealerships strive for continuous improvement the RVDA Convention/Expo Committee is using the same principle when it comes to the RVDA Convention. The education program will provide segmented content based on dealership size, management structure, and revenue in addition to focusing on things dealers have in common. The annual RVDA Convention/Expo brings together dealers, manufacturers, suppliers, and RV industry business partners for the premier dealer education and [...]

Although college enrollment has been declining since 2012, it’s clear that the pandemic has intensified the trend. Undergraduate enrollment has decreased by 6.6% since the start of the pandemic, equating to more than one million students skipping out on undergrad, according to data from the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center. This downward trend has been continuing for a decade, one that’s driven in part by changing demographic patterns. As more young adults consider alternative paths to higher education, some may be interested in having a career in the skilled trades, a field with increasing demand. To meet this potential interest, the RV Technical [...]

The RV industry set a new record for retail sales last year as 567,079 registrations were recorded across North America in 2021. That’s an 8.4% increase – 43,981 units – better than the previous record of 523,098 set in 2020, according to Statistical Surveys Inc., the Grand Rapids, Mich.-based supplier of RV industry retail and consumer demographic data. Nearly every segment also saw a year-over-year increase, with the exceptions being camping trailers (8,815 in 2021 vs. 9,629 in 2020; an 8% decline), Class A motorhomes (15,501 vs. 17,514; -10%) and Class C motorhomes (26,106 vs. 27,234; -4%). Otherwise, it was [...]

The National Park Service (NPS) has created a National Campground Office. This new program will be responsible for boosting visitor experiences across NPS’s more than 1,400 campgrounds by improving coordination and facilitating technical assistance to parks and regions on campground-related issues and services. "This initiative is great news for RV travelers and everyone who enjoys camping in our National Parks," said Phil Ingrassia, president of the National RV Dealers Association and past ORR chair. "The formation of a National Campground Office is a proactive step to enhance the visitor experience at NPS campgrounds across the country." NPS also released "Tools for Managing the Campgrounds in [...]

The Federal Trade Commission announced a newly updated rule that strengthens the data security safeguards that financial institutions are required to put in place to protect their customers’ financial information. In recent years, widespread data breaches and cyberattacks have resulted in significant harms to consumers, including monetary loss, identity theft, and other forms of financial distress. The FTC’s updated Safeguards Rule requires non-banking financial institutions, such as mortgage brokers, motor vehicle dealers, and payday lenders, to develop, implement, and maintain a comprehensive security system to keep their customers’ information safe. “Financial institutions and other entities that collect sensitive consumer data [...]

The board of directors of the RV/MH Heritage Foundation (Foundation) has announced the names of those who will be inducted into the RV/MH Hall of Fame (Hall) as members of the Class of 2022. Foundation President Darryl Searer said, “Congratulations to the ten new honorees. All of them have had or are having outstanding careers and are richly deserving of this high honor. The Hall of Fame could not be more excited to celebrate these ten phenomenal people along with their family, friends, and industry colleagues.” The 2022 RV inductee class includes: Mark "Mick" Ferkey, Greeneway, Inc. Don Gunden, Forest [...]

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced year-round camping reservations are now available at more than 20 state parks and forests. Temperatures may be dropping, but that doesn’t mean the end of camping for anyone looking for a winter adventure. With 100% reservable campsites, visitors can plan ahead and have peace of mind before hitting the road knowing that a site is waiting for them. Campers will no longer find campsite self-registration envelopes at state properties. Instead, make your reservations using the DNR’s online camping reservation webpage or by calling 1-888-WIPARK. Reservation service agents can assist by phone or online chat [...]

Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland and Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg announced new initiatives that will increase access, support jobs, and enhance the transportation experience on public lands across the country. At an event in Washington, D.C., the two Secretaries signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that will strengthen the Departments’ coordination regarding infrastructure investments and the deployment of innovative technologies at National Park Service-managed sites. The MOU outlines priority initiatives – including innovative technology pilots, shared mobility integration, the electrification of major transit fleets, and additional electric vehicle charging stations – which will guide the Departments’ efforts to build world-class transportation systems [...]