RV/MH Hall Of Fame Burns Bank Note
On May 9, 2013, more than 400 RV industry leaders attending the first RV Power Breakfast in Elkhart, Indiana, witnessed Darryl Searer, president of the RV/MH Hall of Fame, ceremoniously burn the organization’s bank note to 1st Source Bank of Elkhart.
The ceremony marked the successful conclusion of the Hall of Fame’s “Burn the Bank Note” fund-raising campaign, which resulted in $150,000 in contributions and an additional $50,000 earned through a challenge grant offered by the Boots Ingram family.
Family Motor Coach Association members assisted in this effort by answering a call to sign up for life memberships in the Hall of Fame, which generated $16,000.
“On behalf of the Hall’s board of directors, I would like to thank all of those who contributed and helped us achieve this success,” Mr. Searer said. “I continue to be amazed by the generosity of those who believe in the Hall’s mission and continue to open their hearts and pocketbooks. We cannot thank them enough.”
In early 2012, the Hall of Fame teetered on defaulting on the bank note, which would have forced the facility to shut down. However, through management changes, belt-tightening, and several fund-raising campaigns, the Hall of Fame was able to pay off the debt in record time.
Mr. Searer pointed out that while this achievement is a major hurdle, it does not make the Hall of Fame debt-free. It still has an outstanding $600,000 debt for the purchase of the David Woodworth antique RV collection, and the final note of $3 million to the Ingram family.
“The Ingram family has been extremely gracious and supportive of the Hall of Fame in honor of the late Boots Ingram. As long as we meet our monthly obligations, this note will pay off with 2 million dollars as the Ingrams are matching the principal payment by 50 percent.”
Mr. Searer recognizes that the Hall of Fame still has some challenges ahead, but he remains optimistic that the facility will be completely debt-free by 2020.
Allied Specialty Vehicles Acquires Monaco RV
Allied Specialty Vehicles (ASV), a leading manufacturer in the RV, fire and emergency, and commercial and industrial vehicle markets, announced the purchase of the Monaco, Holiday Rambler, and R-Vision recreation vehicle businesses and a collection of iconic brands, including Beaver and Safari, from Navistar Inc.
“ASV is honored to welcome all of the existing Monaco, Holiday Rambler, R-Vision, Beaver, and Safari customers and an exceptional network of dealer partners to the ASV family,” Peter Guile, CEO of ASV, said. “The ASV team is committed to providing our customers and dealers with exceptional product, service, and support, and we are fully committed to re-establish the product leadership and extraordinary reputation for innovation, quality, and service for which the Monaco family of brands has been known.”
The company also announced that Mike Snell, a 20-year veteran of Monaco RV, will serve as president of Monaco and Holiday Rambler
ASV is parent company to Fleetwood RV and American Coach. For more information, visit www.alliedsv.com.
Winnebago Industries Introduces New 2014 Models
Winnebago Industries Inc. unveiled several new 2014 models during its Dealer Days event at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada, at the end of April.
The company launched the Winnebago Touring Coach product line, which includes the popular Era Type B motorhome, built on the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter chassis, as well as the new 22-foot Travato Type B, built on the Ram ProMaster van chassis. The front-wheel-drive Travato has a reported fuel economy figure of 15 to 18 miles per gallon.
Building on a successful launch of the Type A gas Winnebago Vista and Itasca Sunstar 26HE floor plans, the company expanded the line by adding the 31KE model, which has a U-shaped dinette, mid-coach TV, and walk-around queen-size bed.
Additions to the Type C family are the new Minnie Winnie Premier and Spirit Silver models, with upscale features and amenities, as well as deluxe exterior graphics.
The new Winnebago Forza and Itasca Solei models are luxury diesel pushers that initially are being offered in two floor plans loaded with standard features such as a Cummins 340-horsepower engine, SuperStructure steel construction, large pass-through storage, and upgraded appliances.
For more information about Winnebago Industries’ 2014 lineup, visit www.winnebagoind.com.