2022 October Newsletter

News from RVDA News Highlights

Days to go to the

RV Dealers

Newsletter

Newsletter

Dear members,

This fall I have had the opportunity to attend several of our provincial RVDAannual general meetings. It is truly a pleasure to meet with so many of our dealer and associate members. While there are some regional differences in the topics and concerns being covered during each forum; overall, we have a very resilient and engaged membership. Thank you for your hospitality.And I would also like to thank all of the hard working RVDAstaff who work behind the scenes to make these events a success.

I recently also attend the Elkhart Open House. Thank you to all of the manufacturers and suppliers for an outstanding event again this year. It was great to be able to finally travel to the event and have a look at the actual product on the ground.

The RVDAof Canada recently put forth its 2023 Pre Budget Submission to the House of Commons

Finance committee. While we continue to highlight the need for additional skilled workers and additional cooperation between all levels of government to encourage provincial apprenticeship, we also focused our recommendations on the need for campground infrastructure investment, particularly with a focus on electrification.

Investment in camping and RVing infrastructure will play a crucial role in the overall contributions of the tourism industry. This will lead to future economic development and prosperity post COVID 19. Upgrades in infrastructure are essential if we want to be able to ensure the future of this industry and make it more accessible to all Canadians.

We need to empower regional communities that are seeking to create, update or modernize camping and RV infrastructures. If smaller communities see investing in tourism as a great way for them to grow their local economy, then government needs to assist them in such endeavour.

Our next event will be the 2022 RV Dealers Convention/Expo in Las Vegas. The Convention/Expo strives to offer an education program with a mix of both recognized RV industry training experts and new presenters. With nearly 40% of our presenters being new to the convention, there really will be something for everyone! Visit www.rvda.org/convention for workshop descriptions, promo videos, and the schedule.

We will also be holding our annual meeting at the convention. Please join the RVDAof Canada for this annual assembly, sponsored by iADealer Service /Services aux concessionaires as we give a brief report on current association activities and programs. This meeting gives us a chance to review key association initiatives undertaken over the past year, and give you the opportunity to meet the RVDAof Canada Board and staff, as well as to network with your fellow Canadian participants.

This year we will feature a very timely presentation from the Wells Fargo Distribution Finance team on “Navigating the current Canadian economic environment and RV industry trends”.

I look forward to seeing many of you there.

Have a great fall!

Josée Bédard, Board Chair RVDAof Canada

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.

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

The First 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)

Is the solution them, or is it me? by Dave Kahle

In this rapidly changing economy, everyone is looking for a simple fix to dealing with the uncertainty of our economic environment. It seems like few are happy with their situations. And all but a few point their fingers at the changing economy and vibrant competitive environment as the source of their dismay.

The comments I overheard at one of my recent sales seminars were representative. One salesperson complained that his customers were shrinking and going out of business. Several complained about customers’ pressure to lower prices. Still others complained about desperate competitors’ feverish attempts to generate cash flow by dramatically discounting. And, of course, everyone is concerned about the lingering impact of the Covid 19 lockdowns.

There must be a genetic inclination in the human race to look outside ourselves and blame those things that are outside of our control for our situations. We lament the conditions outside of ourselves and cast ourselves as victims. If only someone else would fix it. Maybe the government will make everything good again.

Unfortunately, as long as our gaze is directed at “them” those conditions in the market that have changed and are outside of our ability to control we will never free ourselves from the constraints on our income and prosperity. We can’t do anything about “them.”

The real secret to improving our conditions is to work on “us.” James Allen said: “Men are often interested in improving their circumstance, but are unwilling to improve themselves, they therefore remain bound.”

What was true a hundred years ago is still true today. Salespeople, sales managers, and sales executives need to look inward at themselves and their sales teams for the solution to their problems.

Salespeople

Salespeople must understand that it was OK just a few years ago to “have your own style of selling,” to never invest in your own improvement, to make your living off of your existing relationships. Today, all of these are obsolete ideas that must be changed. It’s time to look inward and work on yourself.

To effectively deal with the changing economy, salespeople must become more strategic and thoughtful about the investment of their sales time, and they must bring value both to the customer and to their employers in every sales call. They must view their jobs as professions, not just jobs, and become serious about improving themselves. In many cases, salespeople will have to gain new skills in working from a home office and running sales calls via phone and video technology.

In a world where it is blatantly obvious that good salespeople sell more than mediocre salespeople, they must decide to become better.

That means investing in their own improvement and striving to achieve higher levels of competency and thus, better results. Those salespeople who survive and thrive in this climate will be those who understand the path to their prosperity lies not in the outside world, but in themselves.

Sales Managers

Likewise, sales managers must stop coddling those salespeople who aren’t interested in, or committed to, continuous improvement and greater levels of productivity. They have to be sensitive to those salespeople who will refuse to strive to add new skills, and they’ll need to hold them accountable for practical expectations of growth and development. They need to put in place practices and disciplines that call for quantifiable expectations on the part of their sales team, regular measurements, and greater thoughtfulness and strategic planning.

They must demand continuous improvement and thoughtful efforts to increase market share. Sales managers must look inward, understanding that their chances of success are dependent on them, not the market, understanding they can do it better, and doing it better brings better results.

They must examine their sales forces and use this window of opportunity to weed out those salespeople who have no interest in developing, who don’t have the capability to succeed as a professional salesperson, and who aren’t committed to their own personal success. Now is the time to review the bottom third of their sales forces and aggressively seek to upgrade.

Sales executives

CEOs, and CSOs (Chief Sales Officers) need to recognize that the current state of the economy, and the resulting impact on the attitudes and perspectives of employees, has delivered a once in a lifetime opportunity to make significant changes in the structure of the sales force.

Recall just a little over a year ago. To make wholesales changes in sales territories, account responsibilities, the role of the inside and outside salesperson, sales management practices, compensation plans, and expectations for continuous improvement all of these initiatives would have been met with resistance from the majority of the sales force. Today, most salespeople are willingly cooperative, acutely aware that they can be easily replaced if they don’t follow your lead.

Those CEOs and CSOs who look inward and use this window of opportunity to streamline and rationalize their sales systems will increase their productivity and lay the groundwork for disproportional growth when the economy turns up.

The world is full of victims who lament their condition and blame their fate on sources outside of their control. Leaders accept their responsibility to look inward and improve themselves.

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

Just as dealerships strive for continuous improvement the RVDA Convention/Expo Committee is using the same principle when it comes to the RVDA Convention. The education program will provide segmented content based on dealership size, management structure, and revenue in addition to focusing on things dealers have in common.

The annual RVDA Convention/Expo brings together dealers, manufacturers, suppliers, and RV industry business partners for the premier dealer education and networking event of the year.

The RVDA Convention/Expo Committee and staff are working to bring dealers relevant educational content and networking opportunities. To register visit www.rvda.org /convention. Regular updates will be posted on the convention website, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter.

Companies interested in partnership, sponsorship, exhibiting, and Vendor Training +Plus opportunities can contact Julie Newhouse at (703) 364 5518 or send an email to jnewhouse@rvda.org.

Noted author and one of the first female sports agents Molly Fletcher is scheduled to deliver the keynote address during the opening general session of the 2022 RV Dealers Convention/Expo on Tuesday, Nov. 8 at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas.

Her presentation, “Fearless at Work,” made possible by convention platinum sponsor Wells Fargo Commercial Distribution Finance (CDF), will examine what sets the top professionals apart from their counterparts as they perform at the highest levels on the biggest stages. The fearlessness these performers show is a muscle that must be developed. With stories from her experiences working with the world's greatest athletes, Fletcher shows what it takes to overcome fear and perform at the highest level.

Author of five books, including “Fearless at Work: Achieve Your Potential by Transforming Small Moments into Big Outcomes,” Fletcher negotiated over $500 million in contracts and represented more than 300 of sports' biggest names. Noted as a World's Top 50 Keynote Speaker, she delivers her inspiring message to audiences around the world. As the founder of The Molly Fletcher Company, she helps leaders transform workplace complacency with her Game Changer Negotiation Training and The Energized Leader programs.

Watch Fletcher’s welcome video here To learn more about Molly Fletcher, visit her website mollyfletcher.com.

Registration for the 2022 RV Dealers Convention/Expo was set for November 7 11 at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. Click here to register.

on hotel

Access to Choice Hotels program discounts of 15 20% at over 330 hotels in Canada & 7,000 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

Discounts on select courier services worldwide

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

f 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.

Introducing member benefit from John Deere ! RVDA of Canada members are now eligible for an upgraded John Deere Rewards membership which unlocks extra discounts on equipment, parts and merchandise. Enroll today!

It’s simple , fast & free.

Marks: Discounts (in-store) on select workwear

As your current cards expired, we're offering you an easier way to shop! To receive the discounts, all you need to do is mention the RVDA of Canada account number at check out. This offer is available at all Mark's stores across Canada.

We're still working on extending the program to online purchases so stay tuned.

Access the program now through the RVDA of Canada member site

Discounts and offers for top attractions, shows and other entertainment!

Exclusive discounts and offers for all your stay at Home and work from home needs including, Disney+ subscription, Showtime subscription, black Friday pricing for computers/laptops audiobooks and much more! Access the program now through the RVDA of Canada member

Perkopolis Member Discount Program

Great perks on everyday products and services!

Perkopolis is continuously sourcing exclusive offers and benefits for you! Use your Perkopolis membership to enjoy great savings on entertainment, travel, attractions, shopping, health, wellness, sports and more! Click here for more information

Petro-Canada SuperPass Credit Card Discount

With use of the PetroCanada 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,

Baseline Processing provides payment solutions and expertise to more than 1,000 merchants across North America including many RVDA of Canada members. Vancouver based Baseline offers transparent pricing on an RVDA plan pricing that won’t change for the duration of our relationship.

Contact :Hugh Lalande (604) 606 7950) Website: www.baselineprocessing.com

TheCorpaybrandunifiesthedomesticU.S.paymentssolutions Comdata Corporate Payments,Nvoicepay,andRoger withtheir cross borderpayment solutions,CambridgeGlobalPaymentsandAFEX,andofferscustomersthepowertomoreseamlessly connecttheirfinanceandAPdepartments.AspartofCorpay, Cambridge’smaingoalwill betocontinuetomeetourcustomerscross border paymentsandcurrencyriskmanagementneeds.

Contact :BradLoderat416 646 6401Ext:2392 Website:http://crossborder.corpay.com/rvdacanada/

DT Tire and Atlas Tire Wholesale are prominent figures in Canada’s Independent tire distribution market. They offer services exclusively to dealers and with more than 25 warehouses across Canada, they are able to service a broad area and ensure several deliveries daily.

DT Tire and Atlas Tire Wholesale are committed to offering services tailored to their clients’ unique needs. They are an efficient provider with customized solutions.

Contact: Riley Johnson: (250) 859 2177 Website: http://dttire.ca

GROUP EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

Federated Insurance

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

Website: www.federated.ca

PROPERTY& CASUALTYINSURANCE

Federated Insurance Companyof Canada providesdirect underwriting of Property and CasualtyInsurance for RV dealerships. In addition, the InventoryFloor Plan Advantageis available from FederatedInsurance for CommercialDistribution Finance (CDF) customers.

Website: www.federated.ca

CREDITORINSURANCE/WARRANTY/APPEARANCE PROTECTION /ANTI THEFT

iA Dealer Services: F&I protection programs including, Creditor's Group Insurance (life, accident & sickness, involuntary unemployment, critical illness), Extended Warranty, Appearance Protection and Theft Deterrent System. An array of dynamic and RV specific F&I training webinars to support your business office.

To find out more about iA Dealer Services or to become an iA Dealer Services dealer partner, contact us today. 1 855 725 6584 info.iads@ia.ca

KYCS(KeepYourCommunitySafe),KYCSGlobal’sstateoftheartBluetoothandIoTtheft recoverysolutionscreatepeaceofmindforyourcustomers.KYCSworksinpartnershipwith CrimeStopperstoassistintherecoveryofRVandTrailertheft.Thecompany’sflagshipsolution includesKYCSLocatesoldexclusivelyatdealerships.Withseamlessinstallation,KYCSLocate iscovertlyhiddeninRVs&Trailers

Contact:JasonLyallat(289)230 1833, Email:jlyall@kycs.ca Website:http://www.kycs.ca/

DriveOnProtectionforPermaSealTireSealant,utilizesthelatestnanotechnologytocreatethe onlygreen,watersoluble,permanentfixtiresealantavailabletoday.Itisaproductsounique;it bringsanewsolutiontotirepressuremaintenanceproblems.

Contact:PeterHucul Tel:(604)787 0225 Website:www.permasealglobal.com

PURIFYD®SYSTEMSeliminatesthebuildupofenvironmentalcontaminantsandbiological pathogensthatcontinuallyoccursinsidethelivingspacesinwhichpeoplelive,workandtravel. Foryourcustomers,youprovideavaluableservicethatenhancestheirexperiencewithyour dealershipandkeepsthemcomingbackfortreatments.Yourbusinessbenefitsfromnew revenueandgrossprofitstreamsinSales,Rentals,ServiceandtheBusinessOffice.

Contact :StephenDunnat(604)230 5175 Website:www.getpurifyd.com/

RVDA/Spader20Groups,managedbytheSpaderCompanies,helpdealersimprove managementskills,learnbestpracticesand applythemtoyourdealershipwhileutilizingdetailed proprietaryreportsandhardintelligenceongroupandindustrytrends.

Call:1.800.772.3377(USandCanada) info@spader.com Website:https://spader.com

Wells Fargo Commercial Distribution Finance (CDF) is a global inventory financing solutions provider with more than 45 years of expertise in the RV industry. Wells Fargo CDF delivers inventory financing solutions, service, and intelligence through in depth expertise and a commitment to customers.

Contact: Ed Ristau Tel: (204)255 5965; Cell: (204) 430 6410; Website: www.wellsfargo.com/cdf

It’s Time for Service Writer / Advisor

Service writer/advisor online training available through the Mike Molino RV Learning Center.

Developed by RV industry service management experts, the online course is divided into training modules covering a variety of topics including managing appointments and workflow, generating additional revenue, and enhancing communication with customers.

Fully interactive and easy to navigate, the course is an ideal way to jump start the knowledge base of new employees . . . or provide a refresher for more experienced fixed operations professionals. Modules reinforce the customer service skill sets service writers/advisors are required to perform every day. The course concludes with a comprehensive final assessment to test knowledge and skills learned in the course. The course is excellent preparation for the RV Learning Center’s Service Writer/Advisor Certification Test, which is separate from the online training program.

The Mike Molino RV Learning Center (RVLC) is an affiliation of the Recreation Vehicle DealersAssociation ofAmerica. RVLC offers technical publications.

The RV Learning Center partnered with The Ohio State University’s Center for Education and Training for Employment have developed Certifications, Competency Profiles, and instructional materials in the following areas:

News from RVDA 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.

RVDAof 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.

Board of Directors

Executive Committee

Chairman, Josée Bédard Roulottes Chaudière Lévis, Quebec

Vice Chairman, Dale Hopkins RV City Morinville, AB Treasurer, Jim Gorrie GNR Camping World Winnipeg, MB

Past Chairman, Gord Bragg Hub City RV Lantzville, BC Directors

John Krohnert

Ken Dobson Platinum RV Sales Leisure Time Sales

Jonathan Stone

Kyle Kehoe Stone’s RV Center Kehoe RV

Marc Rémillard

Peter Schmucker Centre du Camping Rémillard Fraserway RV (Lacombe)

Ward Fraser Travis Bromley Voyager R.V.Centre Ltd. Transcona Trailer Sales