2020 February Newsletter

News from RVDA

Newsletter

News Highlights • ‘Twelve NTP-Stag

Canada RV Technician Bursaries up for grabs!

• 2019 RVDA of

Canada RV Industry Payroll Survey

• 2020 Skills Canada

National Competition

• Save the Date !

2020 RV Dealers International Convention/Expo

Inside this issue: Multi-tasking, focus, and other stuff - by Dave Kahle

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Twelve NTP-Stag Canada RV Technician Bursaries up for grabs!

6-7

2019 RVDA of Canada RV Industry Payroll

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Risk Insights — Winter Maintenance

14-16

Join our Team at the 2020 Skills Canada National Competition

17-19

2020 RVDA Upcoming RV

20-21

“The Climate Crisis is a Health Crisis”

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Newsletter

February 2020

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Dear Members, It is the start of a new year and a new decade, which brings new beginning, renewed growth and endless possibilities. This time of year is always a busy time for our industry. With provincial and regional RVDA shows in full swing, we are able to showcase the fun, flexible and affordable vacation options for Canadian consumers. RV show numbers have been steady and we remain optimistic consumers will continue to discover and thoroughly enjoy the RV Lifestyle. Let’s keep this momentum going throughout the year!

Please check you inboxes for an email inviting you to participate in the 2019 RVDA national payroll survey.

The survey collects vital information on RV dealership employment statistics, compensation packages and human resource needs. We collect this information annually so that we can provide you with a comprehensive guide on what is happening in our industry both nationally and in your province. These findings also give us the viable statistics needed when consulting with regulators and Members of Parliament.

And this year, in appreciation of your participation in the 2019 Canadian national payroll survey, we will be giving away a Go RVing Canada Premier Dealer Tie-In Program Membership. To encourage participation, those that complete the survey by March 13, 2020, will have TWO chances to win the grand prize! The final survey deadline is April 17, 2020 and those that respond after the early bird deadline are still eligible for the prize draw. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact our national office.

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In this edition of the newsletter, you will find some information on our participation at the Skills Canada national competition. Please note that we are looking for volunteers to assist at our Try-A-Trade booth. The event is in Vancouver this year. I have personally participated several times and it is truly an incredible event. It’s a wonderful way to showcase our industry and the numerous career opportunities available. I hope you can join us.

Don’t forget that our Pre-Owned Certified Inspection Program is available to RVDA dealer members. To recap, the program lets consumers know they are dealing with a professional RVDA member and it offers dealer members a tool to legitimize their pre-owned unit servicing. It also provides the consumer with added security when purchasing a pre-owned RV. If you have not already done so, we urge you to contact RVDA of Canada to get the details on this value-added program.

Finally, I want to highlight that February is Heart and Stroke awareness month. It is important to understand cardiovascular health, and to know what we can to reduce our risk of cardiovascular disease. Heart disease affects approximately 2.4 million Canadian adults, and is the second leading cause of death in Canada. I urge you to learn about the risk factors so that you and your staff can continue to live healthy and productive lives.

All the best for 2020!

Gord Bragg, Chairman of the Board RVDA of Canada

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Multi-tasking, focus, and other stuff

By Dave Kahle I just had a conversation with a sales manager at my last seminar. The gist of it is this: he has so many competing responsibilities; it is difficult to spend time with his sales team. Sound familiar? It should. I have heard that idea expressed countless times by executives, sales managers and sales people. In one way or another, sales professionals find themselves increasingly occupied by trivial tasks at the expense of the important ones. Effective sales time management is the greatest challenge facing sales professionals in this turbulent economy.

It is an epidemic that is raging unabated in our economy. It renders people unproductive, and organizations operating at a fraction of their potential. It often comes from what I call “other stuff.”. Over the years, I have seen this phenomenon to be so pervasive that years ago I labeled it and gave it its own acronym: OSE. That stands for “Other Stuff Expansion.”

The rule is this: When you give a proactive sales person “other stuff” to do, the other stuff will always expand, taking more in time and energy than you anticipated, and rendering the proactive sales efforts to an unacceptable smaller part of the person’s labors.

Here’s how this looks in practice. A branch manager needs someone to fill in a couple of hours a day for a customer service person who has taken a maternity leave. “The salesman can do it,” the branch manager thinks in a flash of inspiration. “He’s got time.”

Presto. The problem is solved.

But, alas, the couple of hours a day turn into a half day, and sometimes more, as the sales person gets caught up in reacting to the inbound calls. Those proactive sales calls that should have been made in that time are never made. The silent costs of that decision and the inevitable “Other Stuff Expansion” begin to be felt months down the road.

Or, you have a sales manager check out that promising new product line, or write that new procedure because he/she “understands that,” and, of course, you’re too busy.

Or, you have inside sales people who also answer the phone and respond to inbound calls, and you are constantly frustrated that they don’t make enough outbound calls.

The example can go on and on. A quick perusal of your sales efforts will unearth dozens, I’m sure.

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There’s a simple explanation for this. Making proactive sales calls is a high risk effort that requires initiative, motivation and self-discipline. In other words, it’s hard to do. That’s one of the reasons why most people aren’t sales people. On the other hand, taking care of “other stuff” is usually low-risk, easier and somewhat fulfilling. And, it keeps you busy.

That’s why, “When you give a proactive sales person “other stuff” to do, the other stuff will always expand, taking more in time and energy than you anticipated, and rendering the proactive sales efforts to an unacceptable smaller part of the person’s labors.” It’s the law of OSE. In a bigger picture, OSE for sales personnel is just the specific application of a deeper rule. That rule is this: When you give someone something to do, you are, by that act, preventing him/her from doing something else. Or, to be more personal, when we accept the responsibility for doing something, we, by that action, eliminate the possibility of our doing something else.

What sounds blatantly obvious is open reflection, so often violated that it has become one of the major productivity killers, and one of the most common mistakes made today by managers and self-managers of all kinds.

Here are two solutions: a. If you have given, or are tempted to give, anyone who has proactive sales responsibilities, other things to do – don’t! There is always a greater cost than meets the eye. If you are a salesperson who has other stuff to do, try to hand it back to your manager or pass it on to someone else.

Be very careful about giving responsibilities, or accepting responsibilities, that detract from your core focus. In today’s hectic, multi-tasking world, it is more powerful to say “no” than it is to say “yes.” b. OK, you can’t do that. For whatever reason, your sales personnel must also do other stuff. Plan Keep the division between the two sets of competing responsibilities as clean and sharp as you can. So, the other stuff should be well defined, have clear guidelines for completion, and be limited to a specific period of time.

So, for example, don’t say this: “John, we want you to do this other stuff.” Instead say, “John, I’d like you to spend ½ day every other week doing this other stuff.”

By keeping the divisions clear between the competing responsibilities, you limit the damage done by other stuff expansion.

In the long run, it’s those organizations and individuals who focus on the core tasks and don’t diffuse their efforts who succeed.

Originally posted: https://www.davekahle.com/other-stuff/ 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

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Twelve NTP-Stag Canada RV Technician Bursaries up for grabs!

First semester has come and gone. That means that some of you are already eligible to apply for the 2019-2020 RV Technician Bursary! For the others, there is still time as the application deadline is June 1, 2020!

There will be one grand bursary prize of $1,500 and eleven just-as-grand bursary prizes of $1,000 available to aspiring, enthusiastic and talented RV techs.

Are you enthusiastic about the RV trade?

Show us just how enthusiastic you are!

All training course must be taken between August 1, 2019 and May 31, 2020 in order to be considered for a bursary.

Bursaries will be awarded to technicians with serious interest and desire to succeed in the RV industry as demonstrated by successful program completion.

We have made it more interesting for you. We hope. We already know you're the JACK and JILL of all trades! Find those creative juices and spice up those applications!

So, how about putting together a video or photo collage? We're asking you to show us doing something you're good at. Sounds not too bad, right?

Of course, if you prefer to sit and put ideas on paper, we'll accept that as well. But, why? ] We thank NTP-Stag Canada for their generous support for providing this bursary to Canadian RV apprentices and technicians.

Download the application now!

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2019 RVDA of Canada RV Industry Payroll Survey The Canadian RV Industry Payroll Survey focuses on providing current compensation and benefits market data for RV dealership personnel across Canada. The services of MNP have been retained to administer and conduct the 2019 RVDA of Canada Payroll Survey and to compile the data for publication. Data for this survey is collected from all dealership departments from entry-level to management positions representing 37 job categories.

This survey is conducted annually between January and April with the results analyzed and tabulated by June.

A copy of this summary will only be provided to participating dealerships.

This survey is open to all RVDA of Canada members regardless of size. This survey invites dealers, service centers, and rental dealers to participate in this survey. Please check your inbox for your survey invitation!

START SURVEY In appreciation of your participation in the 2019 Canadian RV industry payroll survey, we will be giving away a Go RVing Canada Premier Dealer Tie-In Program Membership. To encourage participation, those that complete the survey by March 13, 2020, will have TWO chances to win the grand prize! The final survey deadline is April 17, 2020 and those that respond after the early bird deadline are still eligible for the prize draw.

If you have any questions about this survey, please contact Anita Lien at RVDA of Canada office at 604-718-6306.

You can also contact Aisling Finucane at MNP by e-mail or by phone at 778-374-2184.

Thank you in advance for your participation.

Yours sincerely, Eleonore Hamm President

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2019 Halifax Trouble Shooter Clinic The Trouble Shooter Clinic was held in Halifax, Nova Scotia from October 28 to November 1, 2019. There was one training schedule with participants divided into three groups depending on their experience level. A one-day parts workshop was also held during this clinic. 37 technicians and 10 parts managers/personnel participated in this event.

Training was provided by: Airxcel Coleman/ Mach Air, BAL, Demco, Dexter, Equal-i-zer-, Go Power, and Lippert Components.

The week-long technician training allotted for much hands-on and in some cases, one-on-one time with the instructor. It was the ideal learning environment. Of course, if you ask the technicians, they will say there is never enough hands-on time. It is very important to learn by seeing and feeling as it triggers muscle memory. No matter how seasoned you are, there is always something new, something different, and something untried. Outside of classroom hours, it is a rare time for technicians to meet others from across the region and engage in open discussions on products, customer concerns and service.

Overall, the participants had a very positive learning experience and look forward to future training opportunities in their region. The common goals for both instructors and participants alike are deepening product knowledge and lessen steps to quickly diagnose the true issue and address accordingly and improve overall repair cycle and send the customer on their next trip.

The participating suppliers are the true hosts of this training event. Together, we are committed to empowering RV apprentices and technicians across the country by bringing technical workshops to their Province.

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The 2020 Trouble Shooter Clinic will be held in Calgary, Alberta in a similar time frame. We hope to see you this November!

See Photos from this clinic

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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 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.

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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

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The Third Quarter 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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When we say we are truly excited to promote RV Careers and showcasing the RV service technician trade, we really mean it!

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 of 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.

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Will you answer the call for volunteers?

RVDA of Canada has been participating in the annual Skills Canada National Competition since 2013 as a Try-A- TradeÂŽ and Technology partner. We have seen booth traffic increase, year after year. We continue to attract people to experience and ask questions about the RV Service Technician trade and other career opportunities.

This event is open to the general public and all the elementary and high schools in the region are invited to attend.

The proportion of spectators with a positive perception of skilled trades and technologies grew from 76% before attending the 2019 competition to 91% after attending the competition. The impact is greater in 2019 than in previous years.

We're very excited about our Try-A-Trade activity and our "highly" interactive booth. We need you to be present to help convey your passion for RVs to youths and their influencers (teachers, parents, grandparents, counsellors etc.) and to the general public through social media.

If you have people skills, and believe in promoting this trade to future generations, contact Anita Lien at RVDA of Canada office at 604.718.6306.

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We are pleased to introduce a new regular column called ‘Healthy RV’ing’ brought to you by PURIFYD SYSTEMS®. This new column will provide actionable information on health related trends applicable to both RV dealerships and their customers.

“The Climate Crisis is a Health Crisis” WHO warns of 13 emerging health threats for the new decade In a recent press release the WHO released a list of urgent, global health challenges for the new decade. “The list reflects a deep concern that leaders are failing to invest enough resources in core health priorities and systems” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO DirectorGeneral Number 1 on the WHO’s hit parade is climate change: “The climate crisis is a health crisis” – WHO We couldn’t agree more. Here at PURIFYD® SYSTEMS, we have been monitoring the trends in disease epidemics, toxic mold proliferation and vector-born disease (spread by biting insects) for 5 years. We are seeing how a warming planet is accelerating the worsening of those trends.

For RV dealers and customers, the most important takeaway is the worsening of toxic mold proliferation.

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Even though RV manufacturers, for the most part, have reduced the amount of water leakage into new RVs, don’t expect that will lessen the mold issues. RVs, simply by the nature of their construction and use, are prone to a buildup of moisture in the living spaces thereby creating ideal conditions for mold growth, particularly in the air handling systems. Couple that with a warming planet fueling more aggressive toxic molds and you can understand why we see moldrelated issues worsening in this new decade.

So what can we do collectively to stop the buildup of toxic mold in recreational vehicles, and keep our customers’ safe?

Prevention is the key. Waiting until there is a mold problem can mean expensive repairs and an increase in health risk for your customers.

We recommend that Service have a written policy on informing customers about the potential for mold in their RV, including; • Tips on how to prevent mold growth, • What to do and say to the customer when mold is discovered in their RV, and • How to remediate mold contamination in an RV. We believe that a written policy is necessitated by the increase in mold-related lawsuits that are now occurring in the RV and automotive industries in the US. Unfortunately, we expect to see an increase in those as mold proliferation worsens and the public becomes more educated on the health consequences of toxic molds in their living spaces.

“The cost of doing nothing is one we cannot afford…” WHO Director General PURIFYD® SYSTEMS has been designed with the future in mind. With PURIFYD® SYSTEMS in your Sales, Rental, Service and F&I menus you have one preventative and remedial solution, for any contaminant, anywhere, that is completely scalable…from spot decontamination to pandemic procedure.

And it eliminates and deters the growth of toxic molds.

Brought to you by the PURIFYD ®SYSTEMS Health Watch

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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

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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

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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.

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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.