Boots Ingram Presented the Second Annual RV/MH Hall of Fame Award

Robert "Boots" Ingram (right) founder of Teton Homes of Casper, Wyoming, received the second annual "RV/MH Hall of Fame Award" for his leadership and support of Hall of Fame programs and development. The award was presented by Lon Larson (Oliver Technologies), Chairman of the RV/MH Hall of Fame Board.

In addition to the inductions, Robert "Boots" Ingram founder of Teton Homes of Casper, Wyoming, a member of the Hall of Fame class of 2003 and a major promoter and benefactor of the Hall of Fame, was presented with the second annual "RV/MH Hall of Fame Award" for his leadership and support of Hall of Fame programs and development.

Don Wallace (right), founder of Lazy Days RV Center in Seffner, Florida, receives Hall of Fame commorative plaque from Mike Molino, president, National RV Dealers Association.

Those honored by their induction into the Hall of Fame included RV industry members:

Gordon Collins (right), Fleetwood Enterprises, accepts the Hall of Fame commemorative plaque from Lon Larson (Oliver Technologies), Chairman of the RV/MH Hall of Fame Board.

Donald W. Wallace, an RV retailer from Lazy Days RV Center in Seffner, Florida. He is recognized for building the nation's largest RV dealership and for his years of dedicated support to the Florida RV Supershow, the Go RVing campaign, and many other RVDA and RVIA events for over 30 years.

Mike Molino (left), president, RVDA, presents commorative Hall of Fame plaque to Wade F.B. Thompson (right), founder and Chairman of Thor Industries.

Wade F.B. Thompson, an RV manufacturer from Thor Industries in Jackson Center, Ohio. He is the founder and Chairman of Thor Industries having built his company into America's largest RV and small bus manufacturer with divisions in the US and Canada. He is a strong supporter of industry training and educational programs.

Lon Larson (left) (Oliver Technologies), Chairman of the RV/MH Hall of Fame Board, presents the Hall of Fame commemorative plaque to Edward Hussey, Jr., (right) Liberty Homes

Wilbur Bontrager, an RV manufacturer from Jayco in Middlebury, Indiana. An RVIA board member and Past Chairman, also serving on the Standards and Legislative Affairs committees, he is recognized as a key leader in the development and implementation of programs to promote the RV industry. His company is recognized for its attention to quality and integrity with its dealers , consumers, and employees.

Mike Molino (left), president, RVDA, presents commorative Hall of Fame plaque to Wilbur Bontrager (right), CEO of Jayco in Middlebury, Indiana.

Darryl Searer, an industry supplier from Ultra-Fab Products in Elkhart, Indiana. A long time promoter of the RV industry he has served over 20 years on the RVIA Public Relations Committee, as President of the RV Aftermarket Association, member of the Go RVing Coalition and board member of the RV/MH Hall of Fame

Darryl Searer (right), Ultra-Fab Products in Elkhart, Indiana, receives congratulations from Mike Molino (left), president, RVDA.

Don Magary, an RV industry media specialist from Website Management in Tempe, Arizona. A strong promoter of the RV lifestyle as a writer and editor, he is recognized as a champion of many industry causes always focusing on "what is best for the entire RV industry". He is also recognized as the key pioneer in the industry's use of the digital universe with the largest website portal for information and sales. He has designed and developed websites for dozens of industry companies and associations. He has also served as Secretary of the Board of the RV/MH Hall of Fame.

Don Magary, Publisher, RV News Magazine; and President, Web Site Management, giving his acceptance remarks.

Hall of Fame inductees from the MH industry included:

The Hall of Fame inductees included: Front Row (l-r) Ross Kinzler, WI Housing Alliance, accepted the award for Frank Walter, Manufactured Housing Institute; Mrs. William Turney, accepted the award for the late William H. Turney, Florida Manufactured Housing Association; Mrs. William Kormeier, accepted the award for the late William Kormeier, Nordyne; Wilbur Bontrager, Jayco; Donald W. Wallace, Lazy Days RV Center in Florida. Back Row, (l-r) Don Magary, RV News Magazine; Edward Hussey, Jr. Liberty Homes; Wade F.B. Thompson, Thor Industries; Gordon Collins, Fleetwood Enterprises; and Darryl Searer, Ultra-Fab Products.

Gordon Collins, a housing and RV manufacturer from Fleetwood Industries in Riverside, California. For over 50 years he has been an active promoter of the manufactured housing industry in the US and Canada. He has served as an owner and as a national sales manager for housing manufacturers and as a successful retailer, always maintaining a high level of activity with industry associations. He continues to travel the country as an ambassador for the housing industry and a communication link between many of the industry pioneers.

Edward Hussey, Jr. a housing manufacturer from Liberty Homes in Goshen, Indiana. A champion of legislation supporting the housing industry he has led the campaigns to update the HUD code and was the key leader of the effort which passed the Manufactured Housing Improvement Act of 2000. A long time board member and now Chairman of MHARR he is active on many state and national associations.

Frank Walter, an association executive from the Manufactured Housing Institute in Arlington, Virgina. A 25 year Vice President of Technical Activities for the manufactured housing industry he is recognized of his leadership of engineering, design and construction issues in the industry.

The late William Kormeier, an industry supplier from Nordyne in O'Fallon, Missouri. A long time champion for the manufactured housing industry, he has worked with numerous manufacturers to develop and promote a great many HVAC products to enhance the comfort and livability of affordable housing.

The late William H. Turney, an association executive from the Florida Manufactured Housing Association in Tallahassee, Florida. He is recognized as a dynamic leader as a housing retailer, association officer, Florida's representative on the National Manufactured Housing Federation, and Assistant Executive Director of the Florida MH Association.