Chairman’s Column
Dear members,
Fall is always a busy season for the national and provincial/regional RVDAs. I’ve had the pleasure of attending manyAGMs across the country and would like to thank all of you who took time from your busy schedules to participate. Thank you for hosting me at these numerous events and it has been a pleasure to connect with members. Your involvement is greatly appreciated and crucial to the strength of our community.
In my last message to you as Chair, I want to speak directly to you about the importance of member engagement within our association. Our industry has evolved over the years, and through every challenge and triumph, it’s been our collective strength that has driven us forward. That strength comes from you members working together for a common purpose.
re actively engaged, whether through attending events, participating in discussions, serving on committees, or offering your feedback, you help shape the future of not just the association but the entire RV industry in Canada. Your involvement allows us to understand the unique challenges and opportunities you face in your business, helping us better advocate for your needs at both the regional and national levels.
Engagement isn’t just about what you contribute, it’s also about what you gain.And I have experienced this firsthand. By being involved, you stay informed about industry trends, regulatory updates, and innovative practices that can help you stay ahead in a competitive market.
Chairman’s Column
You also build invaluable connections with fellow members, creating a network of support and shared expertise that is essential in today’s fast-paced business environment.
Our collective voice is powerful, and it’s through your active participation that we are able to influence policy and regulatory decisions that directly impact our industry. Whether it’s government relations, dealer education programs, or market insights, the more engaged we are as a community, the more effective we can be in protecting and promoting the RV lifestyle we all cherish.
I strongly encourage you to take advantage of the many opportunities our association provides. Join us at the annual convention, lend your voice to a committee, and contribute to the initiatives that drive our association’s mission forward. The more you engage, the more we all benefit. Remember, the RVDAof Canada exists to serve you, but it thrives because of you. Together, we can continue to grow, advocate, and lead the RV industry into a prosperous future.
As I mentioned earlier, this will be my final newsletter message to you as I prepare to pass on the Chairman's gavel this November at our meeting in Las Vegas. I want to express my heartfelt thanks to all of you for your encouragement and support throughout this past year. Serving as your Chair has been an incredibly rewarding experience, and I hope I have represented and served you well.
Thank you for the incredible opportunity!
Dale Hopkins, Board Chair RVDAof Canada
Canadian National RV Retail Statistics August 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
Second Quarter Economic Review
RVDA
of Canada
The 2024 Second 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.
Federated Insurance is giving away $2,500 in cash to SIX lucky association members this fall to help your business grow!
The Federated Insurance Fall Contest is open from October 1 – 25, 2024 and there are six cash prizes of $2,500 to be awarded. The contest is open to all RVDA members and entries will be collected via a secure online form. Entrants will also have the chance to earn extra entries by following Federated on LinkedIn, reading a blog post, and watching a video.
Please note that members enter the contest as a representative of their business and, if selected, a contest prize would be awarded to their business, not the individual. Federated Insurance will select the winners using a random draw and may reach out to verify if winning entrants are members of your association. Please do not share the link for the contest publicly, as the contest is only open to association members.
Federated Insurance has been providing business insurance for over 100 years in Canada and is proud to offer a solution that is simple, comprehensive, affordable, and tailored to the needs of your business.
ENTER THE CONTEST NOW
DOUBLE your chances of winning
Once you’ve submitted the form, you can earn additional entries to increase your chances of winning.
Are Your Systems Obsolete?
Almost all of the policies and procedures that dictate our day-to-day efforts are vestiges of years gone by.
By Dave Kahle
Recently, following a request made by a client, I compiled a list of the 25 most important lessons I’ve learned in my 30 + years of working with over 500 organizations as a B2B sales expert and Christian business thought leader. In no particular order, here’s one of the 25:
If we are going to succeed in these rapidly changing times, we need to adapt new strategies and disciplines that keep us and our organizations changing along with the pace of change around us.
It is unfortunately true that most of the policies and procedures that dictate our activities on a day-today basis are vestiges of days gone by, designed to be effective in a world that no longer exists. In other words, most business systems teeter on being obsolete.
Let me illustrate. I am often called on to examine a company’s sales compensation plan. Almost invariably, when I ask why they have the plan they have, the answer is , “Because it’s the plan we have.”
In other words, the only reason for the plan is history. At some point in the past, someone designed a plan to accomplish something. The rationale has been lost, the situation it was designed for has long since faded away, but the plan remains. Since then, it has been easier to deal with day-to-day issues than to redesign a piece of the company’s infrastructure.
While that is often the situation with sales compensation plans, it is not unique to them. That’s just one example of a situation which impacts all kinds of organizational systems. When I look at the other fundamental infrastructure elements in a business – the policies, the procedures the that dictate daily activity, almost all of them have the same history – they were created at some time in the past by other people for a long-gone situation. As such, they can rarely be defended as effective. They just are.
And, since these are the tracks upon which much of the company’s efforts run, their effectiveness is crucial to the organization’s success.
Test yourself. When was the last time you questioned the design of the basic policies and procedures in your business? Here are some of the most common:
the way prospects are created and qualified
the way new customers are created
the way partners are nurtured
the way orders are processed
the way invoices are created
the way customers are encouraged to become repeat buyers
the way people report to their supervisors
the way supervisors manage their teams
the way bills are paid
the way invoices are collected
the way strategy is determined
the way new products are developed.
I could go on for ages, but you get the idea. Your organizational systems are composed of processes, principles, practices and tools. And those have most likely been created at some time in the pasts and are vestiges of days gone by.
The Problem:
Since much of the infrastructure was created for a different time and a different situation, and since the infrastructure dictates the behavior of the folks who work within it, much of the company’s efforts are not nearly as effective as they could be. Left untouched, this will eventually render the organization obsolete.
A solution
1. Identify the key components.
Create a list of the important elements in your organization’s systems. I call my list my “punch list of key systems components.” This list exists on two levels:
a. Fundamental activities the organization must be successful at if it is to continue. So, in my business, one of the six key activities is…
Key Activity 1.
Expose people to the sales content. Nudge them to pursue excellence and influence so that they can sell better and lead better. WE primarily do this by creating and publishing our content as broadly as possible.
The second level is composed of the key practices, policies and tools that support the first level. So, for example, under the key activity noted above we have a list that contains, among other things,
a. Our list of potential publishers/distributors of our content
b. Our processes for posting to our blogs.
c. Our process for distributing content through our newsletters.
d. Our processes for submitting content to other publishers.
2. Examine the items on the list on a regular and recuring basis. So, I keep a date as to when we last examined that item. While I have no definitive schedule, I keep the dates and items on a spread sheet and note when it has been a while since we last examined that item.
3. Examine means: to look critically at the items and ask these questions: Are we doing this as effectively as we could be?
What are the best practices for this process?
What can we change, add to or subtract from, in order to be more effective?
Sometimes we do this as a team, sometimes I do it, and sometimes I delegate it to one of my associates. The point is that the item is being critically examined by someone on a regular basis.
Benefits
This process keeps us constantly improving the key pieces of infrastructure in our business, ensures that our systems are working as effectively as they can be, and prevents us from being rendered obsolete or irrelevant by depending on decisions made in the past for a different situation.
As such, this regular “system component” review is one of the disciplines that will help us to change with the pace of change around us.
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
The new 12th edition of the RV Learning Center’s “Service Management Guide” (a flat rate manual) has been completely updated with more product and model times, plus management guidance that can help service departments improve their daily operations.
The guide offers more than 100 pages of average work unit times for the functions that RV technicians perform most often, along with check sheets that serve as references for service managers and technicians.
The SMG provides reasonable guidance on the time required for competent technicians to complete assigned tasks. It’s an important part of the service management system but isn’t intended to be the sole
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/
PURIFYD®SYSTEMSeliminatesthebuild-upofenvironmentalcontaminantsandbiologicalpathogensthatcontinuallyoccursinsidethelivingspacesinwhichpeoplelive,work andtravel.Foryourcustomers,youprovideavaluableservicethatenhancestheirexperiencewithyourdealershipandkeepsthemcomingbackfortreatments.Yourbusiness benefitsfromnewrevenueandgrossprofitstreamsinSales,Rentals,Serviceand theBusinessOffice.
Contact :StephenDunnat(604)230-5175 Website:www.getpurifyd.com/
NCMAssociates,Inc.,helpdealersimprove managementskills,learnbestpractices, and applythemtoyourdealershipwhileutilizingdetailedproprietaryreportsandhard intelligenceongroupandindustrytrends.
Call:1.800.756.2620(USandCanada) Website:info@ncmassociates.com|www.ncmassociates.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
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 Specialist
Parts Manager
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,
Dale Hopkins RV City Morinville, AB
Vice-Chairman, Jim Gorrie
Classic Trailer Sales Ltd. Headingley, MB
Treasurer, Ken Dobson Leisure Time Sales Quispamsis, NB
Past Chairman, Josée Bédard Roulottes Chaudière Lévis, Quebec
Directors
John Krohnert Chardell Brydon Platinum RV Sales Jerry's RV Trailer Sales & Service
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