2020 April Newsletter

News from RVDA News Highlights

Newsletter

• A Call to Consider

Canadian RV and Camping Industry as Essential Services

• The RV and Camping

Industry Stands Ready to Help During this Pandemic

• NTP-Stag Canada RV

Technician Bursaries up for grabs!

• 2020 Skills Canada

National Competition Cancelled

Inside this issue: A Call to Consider 4 Canadian RV and Camping Industry as Essential Services How to Navigate Difficult Times

By Dave Kahle

6-7

2020 Skills Canada National Competition Cancelled

8-9

NTP-Stag Canada RV Technician Bursaries up for grabs!

10-11

Helping You Sustain 14-15 Essential Services to Your Communities

by PURIFIED Systems Credit Card Fraud Prevention— Baseline Processing

16

Federated 17 Insurance Pandemic Coverage Information and Members Coverage

Newsletter

April 2020

Page 2

Newsletter

Dear Members, To say that these are interesting times would certainly be the understatement of the year. I hope that you, your families and staff are staying healthy during this unprecedented pandemic. As you know, COVID-19 can be a very serious health threat. We recommend that you follow and adhere to the established health and safety guideline so that we can combat this virus. We can all help stop the curve.

Please do your part.

With the situation evolving daily, the Public Health Agency of Canada, along with provincial public health authorities, has been working tirelessly to ensure that our preparedness and response measures are appropriate and adaptable, based on the this evolving situation. Please consult these links frequently to educate yourself about the measures in your area. I would also like to say thank you to all of the hardworking essential and frontline staff who are working to keep our communities safe and supported.

As an association we are trying our best to keep you informed of the latest developments, with particular emphasis on the available help for small and mediums businesses. We have also been advocating to government the importance of the RV industry at this time as RVs are uniquely able to meet the critical needs in an expedited time frame for emergency crisis management.

By the time we publish this newsletter there are likely to be more details but for now, here are some of the measures that have been announced by the Canadian government: The Canada Emergency Business Account, which provides interest-free loans of up to $40,000 to small businesses and not-for-profits through their financial institutions. Up to 25% of the loan will be forgiven if repaid by December 31, 2022. • The Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) applied at a rate of 75% on the first $58,700 earned by employees, representing a benefit of $847 per week. •

Newsletter

•

•

•

•

• • •

•

Page 3

The program will be in place for a 12-week period, retroactive to March 15 and ending June 6, 2020. Eligible businesses of all sizes and from all sectors of the economy, regardless of the number of workers they employ, that suffer a drop of at least 30% in gross revenues due to COVID-19 in March, April or May, when compared to the same month in 2019, would be able to access the subsidy. This will help businesses to keep paying their employees and to bring laid-off workers back on the payroll.

A new loan guarantee through Export Development Canada (EDC), which provides operating credit and cash-flow term loans of up to $6.25 million. More details to follow.

A new co-lending program through the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC), which will team up with financial institutions to co-lend term loans to support cash-flow requirements.

Deferment all payments of GST/HST and import duties for all businesses, including individuals who are self-employed, until June 30. This amounts to $30 billion in interest-free loans to Canadian businesses.

Reducing the administrative burden on businesses by extending the filing deadlines for returns for charities, trusts, partnerships and NR4 information.

An enhanced the Work-Sharing program to support employers and their workers who are experiencing a downturn in business.

Has worked with the financial sector to ensure an additional $300 billion in lending capacity.

Has created the new Business Credit Availability Program to make more than $10 billion available to Canadian businesses in financing and credit insurance solutions through EDC and BDC. Has ensured the Canada Revenue Agency will defer tax payment obligation until August 31, 2020, to help businesses with cash flow.

We have also added a form to the Go RVing Canada website which individuals can fill out to ask for help to source available RV rentals, self-contained RV units, maintenance services or a campground to enable self-isolation and self-quarantine measures. As well, if you have any services that you can offer, please let us know as we are compiling a resource list and may be reaching out to you with any requests in your area.

Stay safe, Gord Bragg, Chairman of the Board RVDA of Canada

Page 4

Newsletter

Newsletter

Page 5

The RV and Camping Industry Stands Ready to Help During this Pandemic As we anxiously await to see how Canadians have come together to flatten the curve and slow the spread of the Coronavirus, more help is needed.

Help is needed for the frontline workers, for those needing to be in self-isolation and self-quarantine and for those to orchestrate and direct the vital resources and services available.

If you are able to offer any support or if you need help, the Canadian RV and Camping Industry is ready to step up. We have developed a dedicated support page, which will allow for those in need to get in touch with us. We will then reach out to you if a request comes from your area or for the services you have available.

We also ask that if you are offering any services or have units available, please let the RVDA of Canada office know so that we can keep track for those that may have a request.

We understand there are many changes happening and this form will help us make a consolidated effort and approach to getting the aid into the right hands.

Share this infographic across your social channels.

Click on the image to be redirected to the website.

Page 6

Newsletter

How to Navigate Difficult Times

By Dave Kahle We are in the middle of some difficult times. Rather than belabor that point, I’d like to come to the heart of the problem: What do we do? We need to answer that question in an immediate, urgent basis: What do we do right now? What should be our highest priority?

You. Now, before you accuse me of promoting selfishness, let me explain. Because of the nature of our difficult times, you must be at the top of your game. If you are going to be an effective leader, if you are going to guide your family, if you are going to shepherd a sales force, if you are going to be effective in your career or profession, if you are going to direct a business through these difficult times – you can’t afford to be operating a less than 100%.

Here are some ideas to help you.

1.Control the input into your mind. It is easy to become obsessed and overwhelmed with hundreds of daily messages of gloom, doom and pending trauma. As those messages take hold in our brains, they produce feelings of fear, dread and anxiety. You will not do anyone any good if you are operating out of fear or anxiety.

So, stop that at the source. Take control of what comes into your head. Don’t watch the news. Stop reviewing the listings on your cell phone app. The best way to prevent the negative from taking root in your brain is to substitute positive thoughts for the negative.

So, find sources of positive, affirming thoughts and substitute them in place of the time you would have spent on the opposite.

I once changed the trajectory of my career by creating a packet of index cards, on which I printed positive thoughts and Bible verses, and then reading them to myself several times a day. I tell the story here.

2. Surround yourself with like-minded people. The times are too perilous to go it alone. On the other hand, you can’t afford to waste your time with people who will bring you down or suck the energy and strength out of you.

So, find a group of people who you can meet with on a virtual platform, regularly. Encourage each other, learn from each other and support each other. Most cities have such groups meeting (online via video) regularly already. In addition, there are national companies who organize and administer local groups. Do a Google search.

Newsletter

Page 7

3. Invest in your own development. Now is the time to take that management training course you’ve been eyeing. Now is the time to read those books that have been recommended to you. Focus on improving your skills or gaining new competencies so that you will be more effective and of greater value to your employer and to the people who are looking to you. For sales people and sales leaders I highly recommend a couple of training programs which I have authored.

4. Exercise. I know, you are thinking, “Where did that come from?” The answer – from experience.

We have all read about the positive impact exercise can have on us. From my experience, a good workout session can clear your mind, flood your body with endorphins, release lots of tension, and fill your stores of emotional and physical energy. It’s a discipline that will help keep you at the top of your game.

5.Increase your giving. Here’s another one of those concepts that are outside of the mainstream. In every one of my most challenging financial crises, I increased my giving.

There is something about giving that helps put your situation in perspective. No matter how dreary and depressing your situation is, there are multitudes of people who are worse off. When you step up and intentionally give, you acknowledge that. You take a life-affirming action that recognizes your place in the greater scheme of things and demonstrates faith in the future.

It is a fear-demolishing, future-affirming action that reveals you as a leader and influencer who has the strength of character to take confident action.

6. Proactively plan. Now is the time to make those proactive plans, to revise your personal and organizational mission and vision statements, and to visualize and articulate your view of what you can become in the future.

There is something about a well-conceived vision statement that attracts and compels people and energy, that says to the world around you “It doesn’t matter what is going on right now. That’s just a bump in the road. We are going to become something significant just down the road a bit.”

Once you have articulated that positive, impactful future, you can harness your personal and corporate energy, your people, your emotional power to creating that future. You have provided, for yourself and those around you, a vision of a future that will keep you positive and engaged.

Article originally posted: https://www.davekahle.com/difficult-times/ Dave Kahle is one of the world's leading sales authorities. He's written twelve books, presented in 47 states and eleven countries, and has helped enrich tens of thousands of sales people and transform hundreds of sales organizations. Sign up for his free weekly Ezine. His book, How to Sell Anything to Anyone Anytime, has been recognized by three international entities as "one of the five best English language business books.” Check out his latest book, The Good Book on Business

Page 8

Newsletter

Newsletter

Page 9

Due to the Coronavirus pandemic, the 2020 Skills Canada National Competition was cancelled. We wish to thank the sponsors and the volunteers that have committed to showcasing the RV Career opportunities with us.

We look forward to the 2021 Skills Canada National Competition in Quebec City!

There is a lot to be grateful for during this pandemic. While we could not attend this event this year, your generosity and support meant a great deal to us! We look forward to getting back to business as usual!

Skills/Competences Canada (SCC) is mandated to promote skilled trade and technology career options to Canadian youths. SCC wants youth to be aware of the many opportunities, benefits and rewards of skilled trade and technology careers. We also want our country to have a skilled workforce so that Canada will continue to prosper and remain at the forefront of the global economy.

Each year, SCC and its member organizations offer a variety of programs and activities across Canada that engages over 350,000 youth. The main events are skilled trade and technology competitions, beginning at the regional level, followed by provincial/territorial, national and lastly the international level. All these programs highlight the importance of the nine Essential Skills, which are crucial in today’s careers.

SCNC is the only national, multi-trade and technology competition for students and apprentices in the country.

Every year, more than 550 students and apprentices from across Canada come to SCNC to compete in over 40 skilled trade and technology contests.

Through these competitions, Skills/Competences Canada seeks to raise awareness about Skilled trade and technology sectors to youths and their influencers.

Page 10

Newsletter

Newsletter

Page 11

Page 12

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 confidentiality.

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

Newsletter

The Annual 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)

Page 13

Page 14

Newsletter

Newsletter

Page 15

Page 16

Newsletter

Credit Card Fraud Prevention At a time when social distancing is profoundly impacting many of our businesses, the last thing any of us wants is for losses to be compounded by the actions of thieves. Unfortunately, it’s during these emotional and disrupted days that many criminals are at their most active. We are all more vulnerable to social engineering attacks during times of stress. In this short message we’re going to address one of the most common and damaging types of fraud: the passing of stolen credit card information.

Let's start with how to foster a fraud-busting environment. We want a space where employees feel comfortable trusting their instincts and digging a little deeper with customers who raise red flags. In my experience, those businesses that are least vulnerable have two-part systems which provide clear guidance to team members. First, employees are trained to look for suspicious actions such as: • •

a customer who’s trying to hurry them through the transaction odd demands about shipping timelines or shipping address

And second, identifying fraudsters without irritating legitimate customers. The following strategies strike that all important balance: • • • • • •

Call your processor before the transaction is processed and ask for a “Code 10”. The operator will then go through a security process to ensure the card is valid.

Have the customer send a picture of their Driver’s License for confirmation on call-in and online orders.

Collect CVV codes on all manually entered transactions.

Have the customer sign & send back the invoice. Include a description of the goods or services on the transaction receipt for all large, card-not-present orders.

Be sure to use your Processor’s Address Verification Service (AVS).

Take license plates down on pick-up orders.

Remember that the name of the game is setting up an easily understood, appropriately vigorous fraud prevention system and then communicating it effectively to your entire staff. It's also a good idea to explain to your employees exactly why these steps are being taken. A team member who understands why they're performing these actions is more likely to feel a sense of responsibility for protecting the company.

Finally, as RVDA members, you have full access to the Baseline Processing team. While practicing social distancing we'll still be happy to help you design and implement a system that protects you without hindering your ability to do business.

Tom Bremner CPP, Association Sales / Office: 604-606-7950 ext 5 / Website: www.baselineprocessing..com

Newsletter

Page 17

The spread of COVID-19 is impacting Canadian businesses of all sizes. At Federated Insurance, we’re here to help you and your members during this difficult time.

We know that businesses face many challenges during a crisis and understanding insurance coverage may be a concern. That’s why we’ve developed this guide to help answer questions that your association and members may have about our policies. Please note that the information is specific to Federated Insurance and your members will have to contact their insurance provider for guidance if their policy is with a different company.

We’d also like to share the following resources to assist your members with their pandemic preparedness and business continuity efforts: •

COVID-19 Small Business Help Centre Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB)

•

COVID-19: Business Resilience Canadian Chamber of Commerce

•

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): Being prepared Government of Canada, Public Health Agency of Canada

•

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): Resources for Canadian businesses Government of Canada, Trade Commissioner Service

As new resources become available, we’ll be adding them to our COVID-19 Resources page on the Federated Insurance website.

Page 18

Newsletter

Newsletter

Page 19

Page 20

Newsletter

RVDA Member Discount Programs & Benefits

Discounts on hotel rooms – 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.

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

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.

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!

on tools 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.

Petro-Canada SuperPass Credit Card Discount With use of the Petro-Canada SuperPass 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 information

Newsletter

Page 21

RVDA Member Discount Programs & Benefits

Discounts on 3 payroll & employment compliance resources An exclusive 20% discount on 3 of their publications: Human Resources PolicyPro, Human Resources Advisor and HR infodesk; & 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.

Substantial savings on UPS services 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 or contact information to set up an account.

Discounts on promotional products Volume-based preferred pricing on a wide range of promotional 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 jlo@imagomarketing.com or 604.304.6246.

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: Discounts (in-store) on select workwear 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

Page 22

Newsletter

Newsletter

Page 23

Page 24

Newsletter

Did you know about the RV Careers website?

The RV Careers site was developed to raise awareness to career opportunities available in the Canadian RV industry. It provides some background information to the various departments found within an RV dealership, apprentice and technician training opportunities. It also contains information for employers on how to hire and work with apprentices and apprenticeship authorities and how to access the numerous Federal, Provincial and private grants available.

Hiring?

When you visit the site, the first thing that should jump out at you 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.

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.

You have full control of your job postings!

To post a job, 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.

Upcoming Events

Newly added events include career fair, RV lifestyle, trade show, workshop, and online training events. The news listing will keep you and your staff up to date on training and industry events.

Education for those currently working in the industry vs. those looking to enter the industry If you currently work in sales, parts, or service, you will want to visit the Education page.

Newsletter

Page 25

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.

Financial incentives and assistance programs 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 email us or comment on the RV Careers Facebook page!

News from RVDA 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

Board of Directors Executive Committee Chairman, Gord Bragg, Hub City RV, Lantzville, BC

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.

Vice-Chairman, Josée Bédard Roulottes Chaudière Lévis, Quebec Treasurer, Dale Hopkins RV City Morinville, AB Past Chairman, Herb Cowen, Pike Lake Golf Centre, Pike Lake, ON Directors Jim Gorrie GNR Camping World

Ken Dobson Leisure Time Sales

WWW.BUYLOCALRV.CA

Roland Goreski Campkin’s RV Centre

Kyle Kehoe Kehoe RV

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

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

Jonathan Stone Stone’s RV Center

Dean Goerzen Go RV

Marc Rémillard Centre du Camping Rémillard

Greg Nikkel NR Motors Ltd.

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