2018 february newsletter

News from RVDA Canada News Highlights  New Endorsement Partnership with Stealth Enterprises for portable Wi-Fi products

 2017 RVDA of Canada RV industry payroll survey  2018 Annual Canadian RVing & Camping Week

 Kidde fire extinguishers Product Safety Recall

 Upcoming 2018 RV Dealers International Convention

 RV Learning Center Certification Programs

Inside this issue: New Endorsement Partnership with Stealth Enterprises

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Canadian National RV Retail Statistics

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2017 RVDA of Canada RV industry payroll survey

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2018 Annual Canadian RVing & Camping Week

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RVDA-Quebec Management Workshop TM1

10-11

2018 RV Dealers International Convention/ Expo

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RV Learning Center Certification Programs

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Newsletter February 2018

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Newsletter

Dear Members, How is your RV Show season coming along? With show season well underway, we are very pleased to report that people are attending RV retail shows in great numbers. And sales data collected to date shows an increase in both units sold as well as dollar volumes.

This is a clear indication that consumers are making investments in their RV lifestyle experience. What a great way to start off the year!

Our Q4 2017 Economic Report also bears good news.

Growth in new unit sales was very strong in 2017.

With data complied through November, new unit sales were up 14 per cent overall. Motorhomes lead the way in terms of growth, up more than 40 per cent over 2016 levels of demand. Other key indicators included in the report are:  Growth in real gross domestic product (GDP) slowed to 0.4% in the third quarter of 2017,  following a 1.0% increase in the second quarter.  The Consumer Price Index (CPI) increased 1.9% on a year-over-year basis in December, following a 2.1% gain in November.  Employment increased for a third consecutive month, up 79,000 in December. The unemployment rate continued on a downward trend, decreasing by 0.2 percentage points to 5.7%, the lowest since comparable data became available in January 1976.  Retail sales increased for the third consecutive month in November, rising 0.2% to $50.1 billion.

Sales were up in 6 of 11 subsectors, representing 37% of total retail trade.

Speaking of data, please check your in-boxes for your link to the 2017 RVDA national payroll survey.

We continually hear from our members that this membership benefit is a very valuable tool for their dealerships.

By participating in this survey, you will have access to provincial and national average monthly and hourly figures by position. You will also receive data on total number of employees, shop rates, as well as, employee benefits. This information can be used to help shape employee compensation as well as evaluate your company’s competitiveness.

Complete this survey before the following dates for a chance to be entered into a draw for one of four $25 Tim Horton’s gift cards. Draws will be made on: February 16, March 9, 23 and April 16. The final chance to submit the survey will be on April 13, 2018.

Mark your calendars for this year’s Convention/Expo.

This year’s event will take place from November 5–9, at Paris Hotel on the Las Vegas Strip. As always, this is the premier educational event of the year for North American RV dealers and dealership professionals. There will once again be a diverse lineup of speakers in workshops covering the many departments of an RV dealership. This year’s event will also include the Solution Center, an expo of the RV Industry’s leading companies offering products and services to help dealers improve profitability. We will have registration materials available in March.

I would like to remind you that as a member of the RVDA of Canada through your provincial or regional RVDA, you have access to a number of benefit programs which are designed to assist businesses involved in the RV industry.

A summary of the opportunities available to you can be found on page X of the newsletter.

Have a great spring selling season everyone!

Jean-François Lussier, Chairman of the Board RVDA of Canada

February 2018

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RVDA of Canada announces a new Endorsement Partnership with Stealth Enterprises for portable Wi-Fi products The RVDA of Canada is pleased to announce that it is entering into a new endorsement partnership with Stealth Enterprises. The RVDA of Canada Board has added Stealth Enterprise’s after-market portable Wi-Fi products to its slate of endorsed products. RVDA of Canada members will now be able to provide high-quality, portable Wi-Fi products to their customers.

The Stealth Wi-Fi system is a powerful receiver operating on its own private network. This means an end to net traffic, using Wi-Fi hotspots on your mobile device and expensive data overages, all while providing a service with an 80% stronger signal over using a cellular device to get online. Also of important note is that the unit will not slow down with multiple users.

“This Wi-Fi system is the technology of the future and is the way that the industry is going” stated Jean-François Lussier, RVDA of Canada Chairman, “with more millenials entering the RV industry, the need for reliable, cost effective service has become mandatory. Our new partnership with Stealth Enterprises will ensure that our RV Consumers can stay connected while they enjoy their RV experience.”

“We are very happy to enter into this Partnership with the RVDA of Canada. It’s become increasingly clear that more and more people place a strong value on the availability of internet access whether for work, play, entertainment or all of the above” states Bradly Morrison, President & CEO Stealth Enterprises Inc. “Many people make their travel decision based on the availability of the Wi-Fi services available and our product has the ability to provide a greater sense of freedom by meeting the current needs of our consumers.”

RVDA Canada is very excited about this new endorsement program and the positive impact it will have on the member services provided to dealers.

For more information, please contact the RVDA of Canada at 604-718-6325.

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Canadian retail sales statistics are now available for both motorized and towable recreational vehicles.

These statistics will allow dealers to better manage the inventory on their lot by knowing which units are selling in their area, which price points are attracting buyers as well as knowing the local trends affecting their marketplace.

The RV retail sales statistics compiled by Statistical Surveys Inc. are the result of matching manufacturer VIN numbers with RV registrations.

The RVDA of Canada endorsement agreement includes free access for national monthly figures only, for members only. Going forward, these figures will be published in the RVDA of Canada bimonthly newsletter and archived at the “RV Statistics / National RV Sales” link on the member side of www.rvda.ca.

This information is copyrighted to Statistical Surveys Inc. and for your use only, not for distribution. In order to protect your endorsement benefit, please honour that onfidentiality.

To purchase more detailed statistics – by province, region or city – please contact Scott Stropkai of Statistical Surveys Inc. at 616-281-9898 ext 128 or sstropkai@statisticalsurveys.com.

To learn more about Statistical Surveys Inc., visit www.statisticalsurveys.com.

Newsletter

Elite Insurance Company is a subsidiary of Aviva Canada Inc., one of the leading Property and Casualty insurance groups in Canada which provides insurance protection to more than 3 million Canadians.

Aviva Canada is on a mission to change insurance. "At Aviva, we listen to our customers' views and opinions because by listening and acting on your feedback, we become better at what we do. We want Aviva customers to feel they are being treated as people, not as a number.

We want our customers to be confident and comfortable that they have the right insurance to cover their needs.

And we want our customers to have a positive experience at Aviva. We've already started the change by introducing our claims service satisfaction guarantee which you can learn more by visiting www.ClaimsGuarantee.com Elite Insurance Company is Canada's largest insurer of specialty personal insurance products since 1954, covering recreational vehicles, mobile homes, antique & custom cars and pleasure crafts. To learn more about Aviva Elite and their mission to change insurance visit their website: www.avivacanada.com Aviva Elite

February 2018

The Quarterly Economic Review is intended to deliver a comprehensive look at the economic indicators affecting the RV industry in Canada. These products are intended to provide members with current economic information, which can assist them in gaining insights into the changing economic dimensions of the RV industry and the economy at large.

Download this report on RVDA of Canada member site under Member services / Industry Relations tabs (login required)

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Need some benchmarking figures for your annual reviews?

Complete the 2017 RVDA of Canada RV industry payroll survey!

Very strong RV show attendance was reported in 2017. Combined with heightened interest in RVing from the millennials and nice fall weather, RV sales were strong into the fall and winter months.

With the information gathered from preparing the T4, you already have most of the data needed for this survey. With that in hand, we would like to ask for your participation in the annual national RV industry payroll survey.

The RV industry payroll survey continues to evolve based on your feedback to offer you the most concise report. For the 2017 survey, we are asking you to report average years of experience for each position. By collecting this information, it will enable us to provide you with more precise salary and hourly range. While there are other human factors that would determine the rate of pay such as education and credentials, years of experience is one that can be accurately captured.

Conducting the RV industry payroll survey annually provides us with the following information: Number of people currently employed, provincial and federal tax revenues derived and its economic impact Number of (red seal) technicians and apprentices in each province Competitiveness with other skilled trades sectors in relation to working conditions, hourly wages and benefits The annual payroll survey will be administered, compiled and analyzed by MNP. Each survey is coded by your dealership location. We strongly urge you to complete the survey online.

Please retain a copy of the completed survey for your own record.

Complete this survey before the following dates for a chance to be entered into a draw for one of four $25 Tim Horton’s gift cards. Draws will be made on: February 16, March 9, 23 and April 16.

The final chance to submit the survey will be on April 13, 2018.

Winners will be announced via RVDA of Canada’s RV Express and on RVDA of Canada’s Facebook page.

Upon closing of the survey, MNP will compile the responses into comparative provincial and national summaries. MNP is also charged with the responsibility of maintaining complete confidentiality of all the information submitted. By participating in the 2017 RVDA payroll survey, you will receive a comprehensive summary report with national and provincial data.

If you have any questions about this survey, please contact Anita Lien at the RVDA of Canada office at surveys@rvda.ca or at 604-718-6306. You can also contact Sabrina Gagne at MNP at sabrina.gagne@mnp.ca

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Mark Your Calendar for the RV Dealers Convention/Expo The dates are set for the 2018 RV Dealers Convention/Expo, November 5–9, at Paris on the Las Vegas Strip. This is the premier education event of the year for North American RV dealers and dealership professionals.

The convention is sponsored by RVDA – The National RV Dealers Association, RVDA of Canada, and the Mike Molino RV Learning Center.

The RVDA Convention/Expo Committee, chaired by Chris Andro of Hemlock Hills RV Sales, is engaged in developing a diverse lineup of workshops and networking events that will enrich dealers and their personnel to build on an expanding market.

The event will also feature the Solution Center, an expo of the RV Industry’s leading companies offering products and services to help dealers improve profitability. For more information on becoming an exhibitor at the premier education event for RV dealers, visit our convention website at www.rvda.org/convention/exhibit. Companies interested in partnership and sponsorship opportunities can contact Julie Newhouse at (703) 364-5518 or send an email to jnewhouse@rvda.org.

Visit www.rvda.org/convention for regular updates as the convention approaches. Receive convention news on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and the RVDA mobile app available for Android and Apple devices.

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RV Learning Center Certification Programs Did you know that the Mike Molino RV Learning Center offers North American-wide professional certification that supports career development and professionalism?

The Mike Molino RV Learning Center offers five certification programs. The Learning Center partnered with the Ohio State University's Center for Education and Training for Employment to develop certifications, competency profiles, and instructional materials for RV service, parts and warranty professionals. The credentials are designed to recognize individuals employed in the RV industry that demonstrate a thorough knowledge of their jobs and a commitment to professionalism.

So if you are looking for new training materials for your parts and service departments, have a look at the guides available through your national association. Why not give your employees the tools necessary to become top performers.

Learning Guides for RV Parts & RV Service Personnel The Learning Guides are a comprehensive training tool that identifies the core duties and competencies needed in each position. Here’s a breakdown of what each Learning Guide focuses on: Parts Manager Learning Guide • Merchandise the Store • Market Parts & Accessories • Manage Parts Inventory • Sell Parts & Accessories • Manage Customer Relations • Manage Human Resources • Manage Financial Resources • Perform Administrative Functions • Pursue Professional Development Parts Specialist Learning Guide (included in the Parts Manager Guide) • Merchandise the Store • Market Parts & Accessories • Manage Parts Inventory • Sell Parts & Accessories • Perform Administrative Functions • Pursue Professional Development Service Manager Learning Guide • Manage Service Department Work Flow • Provide Customer Service • Generate Service Department Revenue • Review Administrative Reports

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• Manage Human Resources • Supervise Support Staff • Train Service Department Staff • Promote Public Relations • Perform Administrative Activities Service Writer/Advisor Learning Guide • Satisfy Customer Requirements • Coordinate Customer Appointments • Maintain Daily Operations • Coordinate Technician Workload • Coordinate with Other Departments • Participate in Professional Development Warranty Administrator Learning Guide • Process Open/Closed Repair Orders • Process Warranty Claims, Parts, and Payments • Maintain Customer and Manufacturer Relations • Perform Administrative Activities • Pursue Training and Professional Development These principle-based guides detail the knowledge and skills that today's parts and service personnel need to perform effectively. They are based on real-world task-and-skills analysis of the positions compiled by industry experts and include multiple self-checks and practice exercises. The guides can be used by mentors working with new or existing employees, or they can be used by employees who already have some experience.

Please see the following order form for pricing information.

Certification Certification includes a rigorous testing process that ensures dealers their certified staff are knowledgeable in their field according to industry standards, as well as what is displayed in each position's competency profile. These profiles should be used as a guideline and further study materials are recommended for test preparation.

Have questions about the application or testing process? Download the certification FAQ information page.

Online readiness tests or pre-assessments help individuals assess their job knowledge and preparedness for certification.

QUICK LINK to LEARNING CENTER CERTIFICATION APPLICATIONS

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RVDA of Canada Endorsements CREDITOR INSURANCE / WARRANTY / APPEARANCE PROTECTION / ANTI-THEFT

GROUP EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

iA-SAL

Federated Insurance

iA-SAL supplies innovative after-market products to the RV market. An industry leader since 1963, iA-SAL's RVDA- endorsed products include:  Creditors' Group Insurance: Life, Disability & Critical Illness  Extended Warranty Program (SPP: SAL Protection Plan)  Diamond-Kote Appearance Protection Products  Silent Sentinel Anti-Theft Etch Program Check your member directory, or member listings at www.rvda.ca, for your provincial contact. http://www.iasa.ca/

COMMERCIAL FINANCING Wells Fargo Commercial Distribution Finance RV Inventory Finance Contact : Carlos Lobo 1290 Central Parkway W, Ste. 1100 Mississauga, ON,. L5C 4R3 (905) 361-3837; Cell: (416) 573-1520 www.wellsfargo.com/cdf PORTABLE Wi-FI PRODUCTS Stealth Enterprises The Stealth Wi-Fi system is a powerful receiver operating on its own private network. This means an end to net traffic, using Wi-Fi hotspots on your mobile device and expensive data overages, all while providing a service with an 80% stronger signal over using a cellular device to get online. To discuss the program, please contact: Dave Zadkovich at 416-902-1218 Web Site: http://www.stealthalarmscanada.com/promos/2016/5/25/ stealth-wi-fi-portable-wi-fi-units WEB AND ONLINE SERVICES RVHotline Canada SynergyProSolutions.com 1-866-642-2343 RVHotline Canada provides New and Used RV online classified and inventory services exclusive to members of the RVDA. Every month, tens of thousands of RVers select this web site to look for RVs. RVHotline Canada also promotes the RV industry by providing additional online resources to the RV community. Affordable quality web design and free web hosting for participants complement the offering.

Federated Insurance provides customizable Group Employee Benefit coverage. Contact: Western Canada: Wayne Budge at 1-800-665-1934 Eastern Canada: Mauro Di Tullio at 1-800-361-0790 www.federated.ca

PROPERTY & CASUALTY INSURANCE

Federated Insurance Federated

Insurance Company of Canada provides direct underwriting of Property and Casualty Insurance for RV dealerships. In addition, the Inventory Floor Plan Advantage is available from Federated Insurance for Commercial Distribution Finance (CDF) customers.

Burnaby, BC – 1-800-939-7788 Edmonton, AB – 1-800-661-8617 Calgary, AB –1-800-342-9157 Regina / Saskatoon, SK –1-866-291-0523 Winnipeg, MB –1-800-665-1934 London, ON –1-800-461-3117 Mississauga, ON –1-800-387-5953 Laval, QC & Atlantic Region –1-800-361-0790 www.federated.ca/

PAYMENT SOLUTIONS Baseline Processing looks forward to providing great group-rates to all RVDA of Canada members.

Baseline provides payment solutions and expertise to more than 1,000 merchants across North America. Their commitment to Cost -Plus pricing means complete transparency and significant savings for merchants of all sizes.

No teaser rates. No hidden fees. No cancellation fees. Just Baseline’s exceptional service and dedication to building long-term relationships.

Contact : Tom Bremner : (604) 606-7950 www.baselineprocessing.com

RVDA / SPADER 20 GROUPS Spader Business Management RVDA/Spader 20 Groups, managed by the Spader Companies, help dealers improve management skills, recognize market trends and solve problems.

1.800.772.3377 (US and Canada) info@spader.com | www.spader.com

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/ Benefits on select Exclusive discounts up to 35% off select FedEx services when shipping within Canada, to the US, or internationally.

on hotel – access to Choice Hotels program discounts of 15-20% at over 325 hotels in Canada & 6,300 hotels worldwide, & some complimentary services at select hotels. Aeroplan or Choice Privileges points can be earned. Book travel be online, on your mobile device or via a toll-free number.

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If you have a FedEx account, simply enroll in this program through the dedicated FedEx webpage that can be found at the member link If not, see the member benefit page for a link to do so. View FedEx services at www.fedex.ca.

on tools

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– an exclusive 20% discount on 3 of their publications: and HR & free trials of information services. The constantly-updated information will help you understand employer obligations & legal requirements, & stay updated with Canadian federal, provincial & territorial employment legislation.

on UPS Preferred pricing with UPS for Canada-wide, USA and other destinations for expedited and standard services via Wholesale International Couriers and Freight Forwarders through UPS’ website. Visit the member link above for contact information to set up an account.

Card with use of the Petro-Canada credit card, members of Explorer RV Club & RVDA of Canada can realize significant savings, convenience, control & security.

Click here for an information / application form & contact

on and First Preferential pricing for First Aid Certification with AED (defibrillation), & many more courses; and a 10% discount on all First Aid products and supplies, where applicable. eck c ss availability online. Find contact information for registration and links to classes / programs at the member benefit page.

An array of products at very competitive prices in over a dozen Maintenance, Repair & Operations (MRO) categories, with two discount structures – based on national volume and on catalogue prices. Inventory at each branch location is tailored to the local market. For a complete list of products available, a credit application form to sign up for an account, & a contact for complete details on this program, click here.

on Volume-based preferred pricing on a wide range of products in over 700 categories. Imago Marketing is able to distribute to all locations across Canada Visit the member link above for the member code. For more information, contact Jessie Lo at or 604.304.6246.

Discounts and offers for top attractions, shows and other entertainment! .Now you’ll have access to exclusive discounts, special offers and access to preferred seating and tickets to top attractions, theme parks, shows, sporting events, movie tickets, hotels and much more. Be sure to visit often as new products and discounts are constantly being added!

Discounts on Dale Carnegie Training programs 10% discount off local pricing for any Dale Carnegie Training program. Contact your local training office for class details / dates, or find an office near you. Download & present this offer to them to qualify for the discount.

Marks: select 10% discount on the numerous items listed on our member program card, including work clothing, gloves, belts, winter and safety accessories and CSA-Approved Footwear. Show your card at the check-out counter

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RV Service Technicians deserve to be in the spotlight!

After the release of the English video in June, we’re very excited to release the French video! Here are the two promo videos! Click on the images below to view

As you know, the RV service technician’s work is highly diverse with endless possibilities. We want everyone to know just how diverse it is! You know that the RV technology is constantly changing and the trade combines 14 major trades. But, most people do not know that!

This video conveys the passion technicians have toward their work and hope to inspire many more to become RV Service Technicians.

Help us broaden the reach by liking, sharing these videos and adding to your playlist.

The RV Careers videos were developed with assistance from the following:

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A website for everything RV Careers!

It’s been 2 years since we launched the RV Careers site! But, have you heard about it?

As the name suggests, “RV Careers” site contains information about career opportunities in the RV industry. This site contains trade-related and education/training opportunities for those already working in the industry as well as information for those looking to learn more about the RV service technician trade and how to participate in an apprenticeship.

When you visit the site, the first thing that should jump out at you or anyone is “jobs.” And, the call-to-action would be to see what jobs are available and to look deeper for the job and training requirements.

Newly added event and news listing will keep you and your staff up to date on training and industry events and the latest RVDA and industry news.

You have full control of your job postings! You can add, edit or remove your job posting whenever you like. You will be able to receive job applications via e-mail. Before this listing expires (in 45 days), you will be notified to either update or delete the posting.

To post a job, simply go to the employers tab and log in using your RVDA of Canada user name and password. Contact RVDA of Canada at 604-718-6325 or e-mail if you do not have this information.

If you currently work in sales, parts, or service, you will want to visit the Education page. There are training and educational programs for technicians, parts/service management programs, sales, marketing and F&I programs, administration/accounting programs and awards available.

For apprentices and anyone wishing to become an apprentice, detailed information can be found on the Become an apprentice page.

There are many programs such as youth and pre-apprenticeship where high school students can get practical work experience. If there isn’t one in your area, there’s information available under the Employer page on how to start and implement your own apprenticeship program.

There are many financial incentives for both apprentices and employers to participate in an apprenticeship as well as assistance from Provincial and Federal governments and your local RVDA. On the financial incentive page, it lists numerous benefits for apprentices to participate in an apprenticeship and for employers to hire apprentices. There are numerous Federal, Provincial and RVDA Financial assistance programs such as bursaries and grants.

If you have any suggestions or comments about how we can improve the site, please e-mail us or comment on the RV Careers Facebook page

News from RVDA Canada

RVDA of Canada Mission Statement: The RVDA of Canada is a national federation which exists to protect and promote the interests and welfare of RV Dealers across Canada in order to enable the industry to maximize its potential.

Newsletter Editorial Staff The RVDA of Canada Member Newsletter is produced and distributed through the national association office : RVDA of Canada, Richmond BC For Inquiries please contact us at: #145 – Coppersmith Way Richmond, BC V7A 5J9 Ph: (604) 718-6325 Fax: (604) 204-0154 www.rvda.ca powered by rvhotlinecanada.com Emails : Eleonore Hamm, eleonore_hamm@rvda.ca Anita Lien, anital@rvda.ca Amee Inocencio, ainocencio@rvda.ca

Post your Positions at

www.RVCareers.ca

To post a job, simply go to the employers tab and log in using your RVDA of Canada user name and password.

Contact RVDA of Canada at 604-718-6325 or e-mail if you do not have this information.

WWW.BUYLOCALRV.CA RVDA of Canada’s “BUY LOCAL” campaign promotes “Buy your RV close to home.

It’s better in the long haul, to consumers.

We encourage you to download a copy of brochure available at the member’s website.

Board of Directors Executive Committee Chairman, Jean-Francois Lussier, Horizon Lussier, Marieville, QC Vice-Chairman, Herb Cowen, Pike Lake Golf Centre, Pike Lake, ON Treasurer, Gord Bragg, Hub City RV, Lantzville, BC Past Chairman, Sam Parks, Camp-Out RV, Stratford, ON Directors

Dale Hopkins RV City

Trevor Moase Vacationer RV Sales And Services

Jim Gorrie GNR Camping World

Kyle Kehoe Kehoe RV

Bruno Tombari Bellavista RV

Bruce Marsh

Josée Bédard Ruolottes Chaudière

Murray Sullivan

Cape Breton Trailer Sales

Sullivan Motor Products