Remembering Hugh White
Hugh White, who founded H.W.Motor Homes in Canton,MI in 1960 passed away on February 19th. Hugh’s commitment to the RV industry covered 54 years. He spent the last 28 years operating Florida RV World in Plant City, Florida on the I-4 corridor. Over the 5 decades in this industry, he has personally sold several thousand units with many repeat customers. Hugh’s Michigan dealership, H.W.Motor Homes, Inc. is now owned and operated by his sons: Dan and Jeff White.
“I had the opportunity early in my career at MARVAC to work and talk with Hugh at many Association events. His wisdom and willingness to share his experience on the industry was priceless and very appreciated.” – Tim DeWitt, MARVAC Executive Director.
Service will be held on Saturday Feb. 22nd from 4-9 at McCabe Funeral Home in Canton, MI
MARVAC & TICOM Address Michigan Road Conditions
On February 18th, MARVAC Director Bill Sheffer gave the following testimony on behalf of MARVAC and TICOM (Tourism Industry Coalition of Michigan) before the Michigan House of Representatives Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation.
Good afternoon, Chairman VerHeulen and members of the committee. Like George Moroz, I have also served as a board member and past president of TICOM and currently serve on the Public Policy & Government Support Implementation Committee with George. I join George today for the purpose of supporting Michigan’s tourism industry and those families and individuals who participate in and enjoy the recreation vehicle lifestyle throughout Michigan.
George has given you the numbers that depict the size and importance of Michigan’s tourism industry to our state’s economy. I will briefly tell you the story of the recreation vehicle industry in Michigan. For purposes of clarification, when I refer to recreation vehicles, I am speaking of motorhomes and travel trailers. Michigan’s RV industry has pulled itself from the economic downturn in 2009 to double digit sales increases for each of the past four years. According to Michigan’s Secretary of State official numbers, there are 299,858 travel trailers and 29,342 motorhomes registered in Michigan. Although a small percentage of these RVs spend a majority of their camping season at one location, the vast majority of RV owners travel with their family and friends to their choice of over 1,300 licensed campgrounds throughout the state.
Research conducted by the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA) in Reston, VA. has estimated the average RV is driven 3,750 miles per year. In addition, the research has shown that about two-thirds of RV owners are increasingly taking shorter trips closer to home, which would indicate miles traveled are mainly within the state. A recent Campfire Canvass survey conducted by RVIA showed 90% of RV owners take 3 or more mini-vacations (1-4 nights) closer to home. That works out to roughly 297,000 RVs using Michigan highways at a minimum of three times a year. Overall, it is fair to estimate Michigan RV owners in total, travel over 1.1 billion miles per year.
The average retail price of a travel trailer sold in 2013 was $29,000 and the average price of a motorhome was $110,000. With the current conditions of our roads and bridges, RV owners are going to become more reluctant to travel and experience Pure Michigan in their home on wheels. The Pure Michigan advertising campaign has increasingly enticed out-of-state RV owners to venture over our borders to experience the woods and waters of our great state. With the condition of our roads today, I’m afraid those trips may turn into “one and done”, further decreasing RV travel to Michigan. Like George has pointed out, much of this you already know and like George, I cannot sit here and propose an answer to funding but I can tell you unless something is done soon there will be a lot of “unhappy campers” in Michigan.
2014 Detroit Camper & RV Show; Another Great Year!
Camping and RV enthusiasts aren’t afraid of this year’s harsh winter weather. Over 20,000 people filed into the Suburban Collection Showplace February 5th – 9th to experience a wide variety of campers, RV’s, park models, and booth exhibits.
MARVAC was happy to host special guest U.S. Senate Candidate Terri Lynn Land.
Darren Ing (MARVAC), Terri Lynn Land (U.S. Senate Candidate), and Bill Sheffer (MARVAC)
MARVAC 2014 Camper & RV Show Schedule
Click on the links below for more information about each show.
February 27 – March 2
Battle Creek Camper & RV Show
Kellogg Arena – Battle Creek, MI
March 13 – 16
Flint Camper & RV Show
Perani Arena & Event Center – Flint, MI
March 21 – 23
Northwest Camper & RV Show
Grand Traverse County Civic Center – Traverse City, MI
HARVEST Applications Due March 28
Apply Now!
HARVEST applications for 2014 – 2015 are due March 28!
Time is running out to apply for a HARVEST scholarship! If you know college students who could benefit from receiving a HARVEST scholarship, have them visit the association’s website, and download the application.
The HARVEST Education Foundation is a non-profit education foundation created by the Michigan Manufactured Housing, Recreation Vehicle and Campground Association in 1991. Recently, the Self Storage Association of Michigan was added to the HARVEST family.
HARVEST establishes educational programs and opportunities for students who wish to make a career in the RV and campground, manufactured housing or self-storage industry. In some cases, HARVEST will award scholarships to students even though their career goals may not lead them back to these industries. In cases like these, awards will be made to outstanding scholars or students with compelling needs.
To obtain a scholarship application or inquire about requirements, please call 586.752.6066 or click to download the 2014-2015 Scholarship Application
http://www.marvac.org/docs/HARVEST-application-2014-2015.pdf
RECRUIT A NEW MEMBER!
As a member, you understand the value of MARVAC membership. Spread the word with your contacts and peers in the industry, and help expand our association. A growing MARVAC means greater recognition for the industry, more resources to support member programs, and a stronger voice when advocating issues with state and national legislative members. Click here to download a membership application.
