Chairman’s Column
Dear members,
I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude for the privilege of being recently elected as your Board Chair. It is an incredible honor to represent such a passionate and resilient group of individuals and businesses that collectively embody the strength and vitality of the Canadian RV industry. Your confidence in my leadership deeply moves me, and I am committed to working tirelessly on your behalf. I look forward to all we can achieve together in the year ahead.
This past year has brought its share of challenges. From navigating the impacts of shifting economic conditions to addressing the evolving needs of consumers, we have seen just how adaptable and resourceful our industry can be. The way you have risen to these challenges reflects the ingenuity and dedication that define our sector.As we turn our focus to 2025, I am filled with optimism about the opportunities that lie ahead. Together, our collective efforts in dealership operations, service excellence, and customer engagement will pave the way for a stronger and more prosperous future.
The RVDAof Canada will continue to play a critical role in supporting these efforts. Through our work in advocacy, industry training, and providing market intelligence, we ensure that your voices are heard at the national level and that you have the tools and resources necessary to succeed. Together, we are creating an environment where the RV lifestyle can continue to grow, evolve, and thrive across the country.
To fully realize these opportunities, I encourage each of you to take an active role in engaging with the association. Whether it’s by participating in programs, attending events, or simply sharing your insights and experiences, your involvement strengthens our collective impact.
Chairman’s Column
It is through collaboration and a shared commitment to excellence that we will continue to elevate the RV industry in Canada.
To that end, there are several ways you can engage with the association early in the new year:
• Complete our annual surveys: These include theAdvocacy Needs Survey and the Dealership Compensation Survey. Your input is invaluable in shaping our advocacy and programs.
• Explore our programs: Take advantage of the resources and opportunities offered through our endorsed partners to enhance your business operations.
• Sign up for a webinar: Stay informed on key industry topics and trends by participating in our educational sessions.
• Leverage Go RVing Canada materials: Explore the marketing tools available through the Dealer Tie-in Program to help drive consumer interest and engagement.
These are just a few of the ways you can make your voice heard and take advantage of the resources we offer to help you succeed.
As we approach the holiday season, I want to thank you for your dedication, resilience, and contributions to our industry. This is a time to reflect on the progress we’ve made and to recharge for the opportunities that lie ahead. Let’s celebrate the successes of this past year and prepare for an even brighter and more successful 2025.
Wishing you and your loved ones a joyous holiday season and a prosperous New Year.
Warm regards,
Jim Gorrie, Board Chair RVDAof Canada
Canadian National RV Retail Statistics October 2024
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 and 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
2024
Third Quarter Economic Review
RVDA of Canada
The 2024 Third Quarter Economic Review RVDA of Canada 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)
Mark Your Calendars!
We are excited to announce the upcoming 2025 Trouble Shooter Clinic, scheduled for December 9-12, 2025 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Calgary North. This exclusive training event is designed to equip RV technicians with the latest tools and knowledge to excel in today's dynamic industry.
What to expect
• Expert Instruction: Learn from industry-leading experts.
• Hands-On Training: Gain practical experience with the latest RV technology.
• Cutting-Edge Techniques: Master advanced diagnostic techniques.
• Collaborative Learning: Exchange ideas and insights with fellow RV technicians.
Don't miss this opportunity to:
• Enhance your technical expertise.
• Stay ahead of industry trends.
• Provide exceptional service to your customers. Registration opens soon! Visit www.rvcareers.ca for more information and to register.
Managing Your Attitudes By Dave Kahle
We’ve all heard about the importance of our attitudes. Usually the directive goes like this; “XXXXX, you need to improve your attitude!”
Fortunately, there is a lot more to attitudes than just the oft-spoken refrain to improve ours. Successful people eventually learn how to manage their attitudes.
Attitudes are contagious. You know that if you spend a lot of time with negative people, you begin to see what’s wrong with everything and everyone. Hang around a lot with depressed people, and you become depressed. On the other hand, if you are with energetic and optimistic people, it rubs off on you as well. While it is true that the attitudes of others rub off on you, the opposite is also true and far more important: Our attitudes can rub off on others. Your attitude, then, becomes one of the key pieces of your ability to influence others.
Here’s one of the more powerful bits of wisdom I have ever come across: You can choose your attitudes. You can choose to be happy; you can choose to be sad, you can choose to be confident, and you can choose to be cautious. Don’t believe it? Take this little test. Tomorrow, as you are eating breakfast, tell yourself these things over and over. “It’s going to be a rotten day. Everybody’s afraid to buy. Most people probably won’t even see me. I’ll probably be laid off soon anyway.”
Now, having repeated that litany of dreariness to yourself, pay attention to what kind of attitude you exhibit during the course of the day. You are probably not going to be effervescent and overwhelmingly positive. Instead, you’ll be depressed and discouraged, and you’ll spread it to the people around you like the plague.
You could, on the other hand, dramatically change your attitude for the day if you were to get up in the morning and repeat this kind of dialogue with yourself: “It’s going to be a good day. I can ’t wait to see what good things are going to happen. I know there’s some good things I can do for my customers. I’m going to make a difference in their businesses and their lives.” The result of that kind of train of thought is confidence and positive energy. And you’ll spread that, also.
Here’s the point.
You can choose an attitude of confidence and optimism. By so doing, you influence those around you, and you do your small part to contribute to the betterment of those in your sphere of influence. Of course, you are not single-handedly going to change world attitudes. But you can positively influence those with whom you come into contact.
You are a professional. You contact more individuals in the course of the day than most people do. Your customers, prospects, colleagues; your friends and family; the people you work with and supervise; even your managers – all of them can be influenced via your attitude. Because of your position of great potential influence, you have a greater responsibility to be proactive, and to lead others.
It’s time for you to step up to the plate and to become a positive leader for those around you.
Here are a couple guidelines to help you….
1. Start with yourself. Make sure you are nurturing your own personal attitude. Now is the time to revisit and revitalize your faith in God. Hang around positive people. Make a point to read uplifting books and articles. Get some additional training, expose yourself to positive audiotapes. Create a set of strong affirmations and read them to yourself at the start of every day.
2. Assume that you are the leader for which people around you are looking. Be sensitive to opportunities that come up in the course of the day to influence the attitudes of those around you. If you are a manager, do something positive for your people. Invest in them someway. Enlist their input and involvement in some new initiative. Don’t just talk the talk, show your attitude by your actions. Walk the walk.
You can choose to be part of the problem, or part of the solution. You can choose to be influenced by the negativity around you. You can reflect that cautiousness and lack of confidence.
You can contribute to that downward spiral in attitude. In that case, you have chosen to be part of the problem. On the other hand, you can choose to be part of the solution. The choice is yours.
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.
Spend your money vacationing, not parking
Make your organizations travellers smile with Park'N Fly's unbeatable offer stay up to 28 days* for one low price! Not only will your travellers save when they enter their company’s discount code, but they will thank you for the extra cash they can now spend on more exciting vacation perks such as:
Discounts on select courier services worldwide
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.
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. Check JohnDeere.ca/rvda
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 site.
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 Petro-Canada SuperPass credit card, members of Explorer RV Club & RVDA of Canada can realize significant savings, convenience, control & security.
Click here for information / application form & ontact information.
Reserve and Save on Airport Parking Program
With a network that spans coast to coast, Park’N Fly is focused on providing our customers with cost-effective parking options while enjoying a park happy experience with every stay. Access Program
Purolator Member Discount Program
CSAE has negotiated group shipping discounts of up to 55%* on Purolator Shipping Services.Service designed with you in mind! Whether it’s across town or across the country, you’ll get reliable, professional shipping that will satisfy and impress your customers. Access Program
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://cross-border.corpay.com/rvda-canada/
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
PROPERTY& CASUALTYINSURANCE
Federated Insurance Companyof Canada providesdirect underwriting of Propertyand CasualtyInsurance for RV dealerships In addition, the Inventory Floor Plan Advantage is available from Federated Insurance for CommercialDistribution Finance (CDF) customers.
Website: www.federated.ca
CREDITORINSURANCE/WARRANTY/ APPEARANCE PROTECTION /ANTITHEFT
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.
Contact: 1 855 725-6584 email: info.iads@ia.ca Website: www.iadealerservices.ca
IntroducingRoadie,yourdedicatedAIassistant,custom-builtforRVdealerships.Imagine areliable,always-onteammemberwhoknowsyourinventoryinsideoutandisreadyto answerqueriesaboutyourRVsandservices. AdoptingRoadiemeansembracinga hassle-free,tech-savvyapproachtoenhanceyourdealership'sproductivityandcustomer satisfaction.AdoptingRoadiemeansembracingahassle-free,tech-savvyapproachto enhanceyourdealership'sproductivityandcustomersatisfaction.
Contact:BrianSearl:(216)232-3132 Website:https://insiderperks.com/
KYCS(KeepYourCommunitySafe),KYCSGlobal’sstateoftheartBluetoothandIoT theftrecoverysolutionscreatepeaceofmindforyourcustomers.KYCSworksinpartnershipwithCrimeStopperstoassistintherecoveryofRVandTrailertheft.Thecompany’s flagshipsolutionincludesKYCSLocatesoldexclusivelyatdealerships.Withseamless installation,KYCSLocateiscovertlyhiddeninRVs&Trailers
Contact:JasonLyallat(289)230-1833, Email:jlyall@kycs.ca Website:http://www.kycs.ca/
NCMAssociates,Inc.,helpdealersimprove managementskills,learnbestpractices,and applythemtoyourdealershipwhileutilizingdetailedproprietaryreportsandhard intelligenceongroupandindustrytrends.
Call:1.800.756.2620(USandCanada) Website:info@ncmassociates.com|www.ncmassociates.com
Waterfall Analytics , Canadian Pre-Owned RV sales data and intelligence: Discover the latest trends, insights, and key performance indicators shaping the dynamic landscape of RV sales across the country. Waterfall’s comprehensive reports provide a detailed analysis of the Canadian RV pre-owned market, offering valuable data and actionable intelligence for industry professionals, enthusiasts, and investors . Contact:info@wtrfll.ca Website: https://wtrfll.ca/
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
Service writer/advisor online training available through the Mike Molino RV Learning Center
Developed by RV industry service management experts, the online course 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
More New Online Courses
The Mike Molino RV Learning Center continues to add to its curriculum online courses designed to help dealers and fixed operations meet the needs of a new generation of customers.
The Parts Specialist online course
Parts Manager Online Course
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:
Service Manager
Service Writer/Advisor
WarrantyAdministrator
Parts Manager
Parts Specialist
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, Jim Gorrie
Classic Trailer Sales Ltd. Headingley, MB
Vice-Chairman, Ken Dobson
Leisure Time Sales Quispamsis, NB
Treasurer, Marc Rémillard
Centre du Camping Rémillard
St-Jean-sur-Richelieu, QC
Past Chairman, Dale Hopkins RV City Morinville, AB
Directors
John Krohnert
Chardell Brydon Platinum RV Sales Jerry's RV Trailer Sales & Service
Jonathan Stone Kyle Kehoe Stone’s RV Center Kehoe RV
Mathieu Hérard
Peter Schmucker Roulottes Chaudière Fraserway RV (Lacombe)
Ward Fraser
Travis Bromley Voyager RV Centre Ltd. Transcona Trailer Sales