Go RVing Ads Debut On “American Idol”
The second year of the “What Will You Discover? Go RVing” ad campaign, which combines TV, print, and Internet advertising with several new media outlets, began with a bang on February 14 with its debut on “American Idol,” TV’s highest-rated program.
The Go RVing spots are scheduled to continue on the hit FOX program, which airs at 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, March 7 and 20. Ads for Go RVing also will appear on the “American Idol” Web site, www.americanidol.com.
Go RVing’s 2007 media plan also includes a trio of sponsorships on ESPN. Spots will run during ESPN’s coverage of Triple Crown horse racing prior to the Kentucky Derby, Preakness, and Belmont Stakes.
The Go RVing ads also will appear on ESPN’s coverage of the Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) tour, currently enjoying a TV renaissance. The PBA sponsorship will include a special “Hit the Road” segment featuring Walter Ray Williams, the all-time leading money and title winner on the tour, who travels to tournaments in his RV.
Rounding out the trio of sponsorships on ESPN will be ads during the network’s coverage of NASCAR Busch series races from February through June.
The 2007 media plan also includes another NASCAR sponsorship. Popular NASCAR driver Kenny Wallace will be featured in two new 60-second vignettes, which follow him and his wife on RV getaways to the beach and mountains. These vignettes will be aired March through November on the SPEED Channel during primetime and during the popular weekend show “Engine Block.”
Go RVing’s four 30-second TV spots will air nationally February through October on more than 30 major cable networks. They also are running in sports stadiums throughout the country, including the entire baseball season in Major League Baseball venues nationwide.
The eight “What Will You Discover? Go RVing” print ads are slated to run through December in a mix of 29 national and regional publications.
On the Internet, Go RVing ads will appear February through December on 25 popular Web sites and search engines.
The Go RVing Coalition, formed in 1994, consists of RV manufacturers, component suppliers, dealers, and campgrounds.
Protect Trees; Don’t Move Firewood
Environmental agencies throughout the United States are urging campers who enjoy building fires at their campsite to purchase wood from a vendor near their destination rather than bring their own wood.
The reason for this is to protect trees and forests from invasive insects and diseases that live in dead or dying wood and can accidentally be spread to new locations by campers and other outdoor enthusiasts who move firewood from one location to another.
One example of a pest being moved in firewood is the emerald ash borer (EAB), an invasive insect from Asia that attacks ash trees with disastrous results. Adult EABs consume ash foliage and cause little damage. But EAB larvae cause the real damage by feeding on the inner bark of ash trees, disrupting the tree’s ability to transport water and nutrients.
It is reported that the EAB is responsible for more than 20 million dead or dying ash trees in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois since its accidental introduction into the United States in 2002. And since there are no native predators of the EAB in North America, it has proven to be very difficult to control the infestation once it takes place. Therefore, it is vital to block any opportunities for introducing this, or other pests, into new territory.
Thor’s Wade Thompson Issues $1 Million Prostate Cancer Challenge
Wade F.B. Thompson, chairman, president, and chief executive officer of Thor Industries Inc., has made a challenge gift of $1 million to the National Prostate Cancer Coalition (NPCC) for 2007.
The challenge aims to persuade individuals, corporations, and foundations to donate for the first time, renew a gift, or increase their support. From February 1 through December 31, all donations made to the NPCC will be matched by Mr. Thompson dollar for dollar.
The Wade Thompson $1 Million Prostate Cancer Challenge is broken down into two parts. The NPCC is challenged to raise the first $500,000 before June 30. If that amount is met on time, a second $500,000 challenge gift will be issued by Mr. Thompson with a deadline of December 31.
The funds will support the NPCC’s mission to fight prostate cancer through early detection, awareness, outreach, and advocacy specifically by expanding the Drive Against Prostate Cancer to test 20,000 men free every year and to further research by discovering a better test for the disease. To date, the Drive Against Prostate Cancer has provided free tests to more than 46,000 men, saving countless lives.
Mr. Thompson, who has survived prostate, melanoma, and colon cancer, has dedicated his life to defeating cancer. In 2001 Mr. Thompson started the Drive Against Prostate Cancer, a mobile screening program for prostate cancer now managed by the NPCC. In 2005 Thor Industries donated the program’s two vehicles to the NPCC.
“Despite exercise, a good diet, and annual checkups, prostate cancer can strike anyone, at any time,” said Mr. Thompson. “Early detection is the key. I am alive nearly 11 years after detection because my cancer was caught early, and I urge every man to get tested. Prostate cancer discovered early is virtually 100 percent curable. I plan to continue trying to find the cure for this disease that kills more than 27,000 U.S. men annually.”
Individuals, companies, and organizations can make contributions to the NPCC by logging on to www.fightprostatecancer.org; calling (888) 245-9455; or writing to NPCC, 1154 15th St. N.W., Washington, D.C. 20005.
Companies Undergo Name Changes
Two well-known companies involved in the recreation vehicle industry recently underwent name changes that will more closely define their products.
Onan Corporation, which specializes in power generation systems, including RV generators, has changed its name to Cummins Onan. According to company literature, the change was made to create “a stronger, more diversified, and globally recognized brand,” with Onan taking on the name of its parent company, Cummins Inc. The company will remain the same, except that all of its power-generating products will include new logo graphics.
Also, Home & Park Motorhomes, a division of Hanmar Motor Corporation, has changed its name to Roadtrek Motorhomes Inc. to eliminate confusion between the company and its type B motorhome brand.