The Class of 2017 includes: Back Row (l-r) Michael Sullivan, Spencer Roane, David Gorin, Walt Bennett; Front Row (l-r) Dennis Beadle, Woody Paylor, Marty Shea, Christine Lindsey, Ed Baier, Doug Lippert

Click Illustration for Larger Image 2017 Spirit Award honoree Al Hesselbart (r) accepts the award from Hall of Fame President Darryl Searer(l).

ELKHART, Ind., -- More than 400 friends, colleagues and guests gathered at RV/MH Hall of Fame last night (August 7, 2017) to help celebrate the induction of the Class of 2017 into the RV/MH Hall of Fame (Hall).

The Class of 2017 RV industry inductees include Edwin Baier, Evergreen RV Supply; Walter Bennett, Thor Industries; David Gorin, David Gorin Associates LLC; Woody Paylor, Woody's RV World; Martin Shea, Madison RV Supercenter, Inc.

On the manufactured housing side, the inductees include Dennis Beadle, Victorian Homes; Christine Lindsey, UMH Properties, Inc.; Doug Lippert, Lippert Components, Inc.; Spencer Roane, Boyd Roane Inc., and founder of Southeastern Community Owners; Michael Sullivan, Newport Pacific Family of Companies.

(Editors: see more expanded bios below)

Before the induction ceremonies, Hall President Darryl Searer, said in his "Annual State of the Hall" address, " Besides this being our 45th year in existence. This is our tenth year at this beautiful location, and my sixth Sate of the Hall address in the past five-and-half years. And the most exciting, as we have continued to make great progress in all areas of the operation. Income is up and expenses are down. Our debt continues to be paid down at an aggressive pace. Our current debt is now 10-percent of the debt of $5.5 million just five years ago.

"One last word as your volunteer President for over five years, if I had a genie in a bottle and could have two wishes granted by next year's induction dinner, they would be first, that the Hall of Fame is debt free, and second, we have all the money in the bank to start construction on our new vision.

"Together, I do know we can make it happen."

Spirit Award

Searer also announced that long-time RV/MH historian and librarian at the RV/MH Heritage Foundation Al Hesselbart is the 2017 winner to the Hall's Spirit Award, Searer said, "This man has put his life into both the RV and MH Industries history for more than 25 years. He has written books and attended hundreds of RV rallies over the years, making people laugh, but more importantly educating folks on the important history of both industries. He has even gone to China as the expert on the history of the RV Industry."

The Spirit Award is an annual award to honor the person who has demonstrated his or her desire and dedication to further the legacy of our great heritage.