Hugelmeyer Takes Reins At RVIA
Frank Hugelmeyer officially became president of Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA) in October. He succeeded Richard Coon, who retired after holding the position for 10 years. Mr. Hugelmeyer’s appointment was announced in June 2015 by RVIA board chairman Derald Bontrager, president and CEO of Jayco Inc.
In an RVIA press release, Mr. Hugelmeyer thanked Mr. Coon, noting he left the association in a great position. “The team that Richard built in the past decade is outstanding, and now it’s our task to continue to work on behalf of the industry, one of America’s best,” Mr. Hugelmeyer said.
Mr. Hugelmeyer was the longtime president and CEO of the Outdoor Industry Association, the trade association for the outdoor recreation industry and title sponsor of the Outdoor Retailer trade shows. He also has served on various boards and advisory groups, including the Outdoor Foundation, National Forum on Children and Nature, Sustainable Apparel Coalition, President Obama’s Partnership for America’s Great Outdoors, and others.
RVIA is a national association of RV manufacturers and suppliers that together produce more than 95 percent of RVs manufactured in the United States.
Former Airman Writes Memoir
Many of the people Robert M. Fletcher meets in RV parks share something in common with him. They are military veterans, and they have stories.
At 85, the Navarre, Florida, resident is an avid RVer who travels in his 2005 Fleetwood Pace Arrow. But what often draws other veterans to him as soon as he sets up camp are the tags on the front of his coach and on the rear of his towed Jeep. One reads “Korea-51.” The other, “V-Nam-71.” Mr. Fletcher enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1947 and served for 25 years, which included duty during the Korean War and the Vietnam War. He retired with the rank of major.
For years, Mr. Fletcher swapped many stories with other veterans. He told of working to break enemy communication codes during the Korean War; of forecasting the weather for a general in charge of air transport support during the Vietnam War; and of forecasting the weather for the Strategic Air Command during the Cold War. Eventually, he decided to write his stories down and compile them in a book, along with some of his many photos.
The book, An Airman’s Journey, is available for $59 from Amazon.com or by emailing Mr. Fletcher at robfltch7@yahoo.com. Mr. Fletcher also will be happy to sell you a book if you cross paths in an RV park. Just look for those special tags.
ASV Rolls Out New Corporate Name
Allied Specialty Vehicles (ASV) has changed its name to REV Group Inc. The specialty vehicle manufacturer’s recreation vehicle division (formerly Allied Recreation Group, or ARG) produces motorhomes under brand names that include Fleetwood, Monaco Coach, American Coach, and Holiday Rambler. Other divisions produce commercial and emergency vehicles. In all, the company manufactures more than 18,900 vehicles a year.
“Like a revving engine letting bystanders know a car is preparing for a quick acceleration, REV communicates to the world that we are set for growth,” president and CEO Tim Sullivan said in a news release. “REV shows speed and engagement in action. REV lets the world know we don’t simply manufacture specialty vehicles — we REVolutionize them.”
In connection with the new name and logo, the company also introduced a “Vehicles for Life” tagline. Sullivan noted that each of the company’s 23 brands helps “connect and protect” lives.
3-D Film Celebrates U.S. National Parks
Traveling by motorhome is one way to see national parks. Or, you can head to a theater in February and allow the 3-D IMAX film National Parks Adventure to take you on a tour of 30 of the United States’ scenic wonders.
National Parks Adventure, from MacGillivray Freeman Films, is scheduled for release February 12, 2016. Actor Robert Redford narrates. The film’s release commemorates the centennial of the National Park Service. It will be shown at select IMAX and giant-screen theaters.
The film, shot over a nine-month period, includes scenes from Yellowstone, Everglades, Redwood, and Arches national parks. It is told from the perspective of national parks ambassador and world-class mountaineer Conrad Anker, his stepson Max Lowe (an adventure photographer), and family friend Rachel Pohl.
For a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the film, the movie trailer, and theater locations, visit www.macgillivrayfreeman.com/project/national-parks-adventure.