2008 Hall of Fame inductees selected

The RV/MH Heritage Foundation Board of Directors recently announced the election of the RV/MH Hall of Fame class for 2008. Those elected by the foundation’s board of directors are:

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.

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.

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.

Donald 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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

These industry leaders join over 300 previous inductees installed in the 35 years that the RV/MH Hall of Fame, 21565 Executive Parkway, Elkhart, IN, has recognized the key leaders for the RV and manufactured housing industries.

Lon Larson Named RV-MH Hall of Fame Chairman

Larson was previously vice chairman.   46

A Tribute to Dave Altman

RV-MH Hall of Fame Chairman Dave Altman, Altman's Winnebago, Baldwin Park, California, passed away on January 12.

In 1971, Dave opened Altman's Winnebago where he grew the dealership into one of the largest in Southern California. He was an active member of RVDA and was the chairman of the RV/MH Heritage Foundation that maintains the RV/MH Hall of Fame, Museum, Library and Conference Center in Elkhart, Ind.

He served the industry for 36 years in various rolls. Dave worked tireless for industry organizations serving and promoting the RV industry and RV lifestyle. His last industry appearance was in August 2007 where he hosted the induction dinner for the Class of 2007 RV-MH Hall of Fame inductees. Altman served as chairman of the board of the RV-MH Heritage Fondation from 2006 until his death.

Born David J Altmanshofer on November 16, 1941, in Columbus, Nebraska. He married his high-school sweetheart Marla and moved from Lincoln, Nebraska to Southern California in 1966.

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony and Dedication of the New RV-MH Complex Brings These Industries' Pioneers and Current Leaders Together

RV-MH Hall of Fame President Carl A. Ehry Honored

Industry leaders, both past and present, from across the nation gathered at the new RV-MH Hall of Fame facility in Elkhart, Indiana, in August for formal grand opening and gala induction dinner for the RV-MH Hall of Fame Class of 2007

Also, RV/MH Heritage Foundation President Carl A. Ehry was honored as the first recipient of the Carl A. Ehry Award newly created by the foundation’s Board of Directors to honor individuals who have provided outstanding service to the foundation’s Hall of Fame, Museum, and Library. Ehry was cited for his 13 years of exemplary leadership of the foundation and for conceiving and leading the campaign to expand and relocate into the new RV/MH Hall of Fame facility.

The new RV/MH Hall of Fame located at 21565 Executive Parkway, Elkhart, is now open and hosting approximately 100 visitors per day. The first two phases of the new building totaling nearly 80,000 square feet were dedicated in a brief ribbon cutting ceremony proceeding the social hour for the banquet honoring the hall of fame class. The banquet honoring the inductees was attended by 480 industry leaders from around the world.

The new building includes a gallery where the 314 members of the RV/MH Hall of Fame are honored; the RV Founders Hall where the foundation's collection of vintage RVs are displayed; the Go RVing Hall where a selection of new modern RVs are displayed; the Exhibitors Hall where industry supply firms have permanent booth displays demonstrating their products and history; and the nearly complete Boots and Betty Ingram Hall which will house and display the world famous David Woodworth collection of twenties and thirties RVs that was acquired through a gift from Boots Ingram.

The two phases yet to be constructed are: a 20,000 square foot conference and convention facility that will host up to 1,000 for dinners and up to 2,100 seated theater style, and a 20,000 square foot hall to display and develop the foundation's collection of very early manufactured homes. With the foundation's strong commitment to remain debt free, these wings will be constructed as funds become available. A portion of the Ingram Hall will be temporarily available for industry meetings until the full convention facilities are built.

James McGee (left), immedate past chairman of the Hall of Fame, congratulates Jim Visser, a trade magazine publisher from The Journal in Manchester, Georgia, who was among those from the manufactured housing industry inducted into the Hall of Fame.

The new RV/MH Hall of Fame members inducted were: Mel Adams, an industry supplier from Airexcel RV Products in Wichita, Kansas, Jerry Britton, a financial leader from Textron Financial in Alpharetta, Georgia, Dick Moore, a housing retailer from Dick Moore, Inc. in Millington, Tennessee; Billy Sims an RV retailer from Billy Sims Trailer Town in Lubbock, Texas; Paul Skogebo an RV retailer from Robert Crist and Company in Mesa, Arizona; Tom Stinnett, an RV retailer from Tom Stinnett RV Center in Clarksville, Indiana; Ronald Thomas a housing retailer from Rona Homes in Pataskala, Ohio; Jim Visser, a trade magazine publisher from The Journal in Manchester, Georgia; Don Walter, an RV manufacturer from Starcraft RV in Topeka, Indiana; and the late Jerry Wilson, a housing manufacturer from Cavalier Homes in Addison, Alabama.

RV/MH Hall of Fame Anounces 2007 Class

The Board of Directors of the RV/MH Heritage Foundation of Elkhart, Indiana, has announced the election of the 2007 class for the RV/MH Hall of Fame.

Members of the class as recommended by a nominating committee, from a pool of nearly 50 candidates, and elected by the foundation board of directors include:

Mel Adams:
an industry supplier from Airxcel RV Product Division in Wichita, Kansas. A past Chairman of RVIA, he has also served as Chairman of the RV Service Training Council and is recognized as a leading voice for industry education and customer satisfaction.

Jerry W. Britton:
an industry financial leader from Textron Financial in Alpharetta, Georgia. He has been active in the financing of RV and manufactured housing dealers for over 30 years. Today he provides floor plan financing for over 800 dealers and annually finances over $1 billion in industry products.

R.C. "Dick" Moore:
a manufactured housing retailer from Millington, TN. He is a charter member of the Tennessee Manufactured Housing Association and a member of the TMHA Hall of Fame. He is the publisher of the housing "Industry Perspective" newsletter and a mentor to other retailers and land-lease community oprators.

Billy Sims:
an RV retailer from Billy Sims Trailer Town in Lubbock, Texas. A long time RV retailer, he has served on the board of directors of the Texas RV Dealers Association and on the dealer councils for many manufacturers. He is actively involved with number of consumer organizations to further promote the growth of the industry.

Paul Skogebo:
an RV retailer from Robert Crist and Company of Mesa, Arizona. He is the founder and only President for over 10 years of REDEX an independent dealer buying group representing over 100 dealers. In addition to operating an RV dealership that is over 70 years old, he has founded multiple RV and manufactured housing parks.

Tom Stinnett:
an RV retailer from Tom Stinnett RV Freedom Center in Clarksville, Indiana. He has served as Chairman of the RVDA, Co-Chairman of the Go RVing Coalition, and Chairman of the Recreational Vehicle Assistance Corporation. He has built one of the country's larger RV dealerships and advertises "the world's largest infoor showroom".

Ronald Thomas Sr.:
a manufactured housing retailer and community operator from RONA Homes in Pataskala, Ohio. He is a past president and lifetime member of the Ohio Manufactured Housing Association board of directors. He serves as chairman of the Midwest Manufactured Housing Association and on the Louisville Show Committee.

James P. Visser, Sr.:
an industry publisher from "The Journal " a monthly periodical from Manchester, Georgia. He is a major promoter of industry trade shows and events via his publication and provides a forum for major organizations to communicate with the industry.

Don Walter:
an RV manufacturer from Starcraft RV in Topeka, Indiana. He is a founding member and Co-Chairman of the Go RVing Coalition. He is a past chairman of the RV Indiana Committee and has served for over 20 years on the RVIA Public Relations committee. He has made a career ambition to introduce more Americans to the joys of the RV lifestyle.

Jerry Wilson: (deceased)
a housing manufacturer from Cavalier Homes in Addison, Alabama. One of the founders and past chairman of the Alabama Manufactured Housing Institute, he is recognized as a 30 year industry leader and mentor to others.

The class of 2007 will be inducted into the RV/MH Hall of Fame on August 6, 2007, in conjunction with the Grand Opening celebration for the new 55,000 square foot hall of fame and museum on the north side of Elkhart.

The RV/MH Hall of Fame was created in 1972 and has honored leaders, who have made a significant contribution to the growth of the industry, with induction into the hall each year for 35 years.

Restored 1931 Housecar Donated to the RV/MH Hall of Fame Museum ...

The housecar – today called a motor home – was custom built by a very talented unknown craftsman and traveled the country in the 1930s. It had been stored in a barn in Alabama for over 40 years when discovered and acquired by Bobby White of Pulaski, Tennessee.

Bobby and a friend restored it in 2002 and 2003 using most of the original wood and all of the original hardware. After showing it at vintage auto and RV shows, he determined to donate it to the museum where it can be enjoyed by all. The gift was delivered on Sunday September 3, 2006, and is available for viewing.

For more information, please contact: RV/MH Heritage Foundation, 801 Benham Ave., Elkhart, IN 46516, or call 800-378-8694, 574-293-3466 (Fax); and/or E-mail: rvmhhall@aol.com.   42

New RV/MH Hall of Fame and Museum Features Go RVing Exhibit

The Go RVing campaign’s vital role in building awareness of RVs will be celebrated in the new showroom, which features interactive displays of the award-winning “What Will You Discover? Go RVing” ads.

The purpose of the Go RVing exhibit is to encourage all visitors to leave with a strong desire to experience RVing. The contemporary, state-of-the-art hall will feature a theater where the popular TV spots and free, introductory consumer video will air continuously. At nearby computer kiosks, viewers can visit the GoRVing.com website, sign up to receive the Go RVing DVD and search for participating Go RVing dealers, manufacturers and campgrounds. Cinema-sized murals and interactive versions of the “What Will You Discover” print ads will also be displayed.

The RV/MH Museum will have a diverse collection of new RVs on display in the Go RVing hall so visitors can experience the industry’s latest products as well as the many historic units in the museum.

Chosen through a lottery by RV/MH officials, the featured units include a Type A motorhome from Winnebago Industries; a Type C motorhome from Coachmen Industries; a fifth wheel trailer from Jayco, Inc.; a travel trailer from Thor Industries and a folding camping trailer from Starcraft RV.

“We are very proud to be playing a part in commemorating the rich history and vibrant future of the RV industry as the sponsor of the Go RVing display at the RV/MH Hall of Fame and Museum,” said RVIA Vice President of Public Relations and Advertising Gary LaBella. The RV/MH Museum features trailers, photos, and memorabilia reaching back to the 1920's and is open to the public. The museum presents chronological and technological advancements in the industry from before World War I to the present. Besides the 5,000 square foot Go RVing showroom, the new 50,000 square foot facility will include a Hall of Fame gallery where individual leaders are honored, an archival library, an exhibit hall and a 100 seat theater.

The Go RVing Coalition, formed in 1994, consists of RV manufacturers, component suppliers, dealers, and campgrounds. Go RVing works to provide the public and media with pertinent information about the benefits of RV travel and to foster customer satisfaction with the RV experience through customer research conducted by its Committee on Excellence.

For more information, visit GoRVing.com.   41