HAPPY BIRTHDAY MMH & RVCA!
Today marks our 71st year of existence as our industry’s trade association. We thought you’d like to read excerpts and updates about your organization as reported by Professor Carlton M. Edwards in his book, Homes for Travel and Living.
“The Michigan Trailer Coach Dealer Association, Inc. was formed on September 19, 1941. It was the first state or regional association on record with continuous activity.
Mr. F.W. McKenny was the first director and was instrumental in the passage of the Michigan Trailer Coach Park Act Of 1939. This is believed to be the first state wide legislation in the country regulating trailer parks. It was designed to replace all municipal laws and ordinances affecting parks. Other states used this as a model for similar legislation.
In 1946 the Association office was located in East Lansing. The name was then changed to the Michigan Trailer Coach Association.
By 1956 the Michigan Trailer Coach Association had changed its name to the Michigan Mobile Home Association. Mr. Ben Hennink served as executive director for several years while the office was in East Lansing.
1960 the Association moved its office to Detroit and Mr. Charles Snyder became executive director. He was followed by Haven La Bohn, Daniel Dowsett, Donald Rokos and Robert Pelkey since early 1973. Its name was again changed to the Michigan Mobile Home and Recreation Vehicle Institute in 1969. The Association purchased a headquarters building in the late sixties in Livonia.”
Timothy J. DeWitt currently serves as its Executive Director and helped move its office to the current location in Okemos in the early 1990’s.
During the over 71 year life of this Association it has had an extensive program for members’ benefit which undoubtedly accounts for its longevity. In addition to the executive directors there has always been an active and changing group of officers. The Association’s legislative work has been helped by legal representatives, lobbyists, and very active members. Many seminars have been help to provide members with up-to-date information on sales and site development. A regular e-mail newsletter keeps members informed of activities in the industry. Separate divisions of the Association with a board and assistant executive director’s work for the interest of mobile home dealers, communities, recreational vehicle dealers, campgrounds, and naturally manufacturer’s for both divisions.
FALL DETROIT CAMPER & RV SHOW
BOOTH SPACE NEARLY GONE!
There are less than five booths left for sale at the October 3-7 show. Reports from the Hershey RV Show which just closed on Sunday reports record crowds and a higher number of buyers than last year. For more information about the show, check out the show information link on the MARVAC website. www.marvac.org
NOW SELLING RV & CAMPSITE ADS
Don’t miss this opportunity to reach over 100,000 campers and RVers! For 22 years, RV & Campsite has been Michigan’s most comprehensive guide for campers and RVers. As many of you know, consumers actively look for RV & Campsite at Michigan Welcome Centers, MARVAC’s camper & RV shows, and in many of your business locations. Stand out from your competition by purchasing a full-color ad in the 2013 issue. Rates start at just $370.
MARVAC’s official consumer publication, RV & Campsite is the only publication focusing exclusively on camping and RVing in Michigan. Consumers will learn about the camping and RVing lifestyle, as well as some places to visit in Michigan. Readers will also enjoy the consumer-friendly directory, complete with maps and amenities tables.
Don’t delay, prime positions will go fast! Click here for rates (link to:http://www.marvac.org/members/downloads/2012-rv-and-campsite-rate-card.pdf), or contact Kim Amesbury (link to:kamesbury@comcast.net), 616.291.1008 and reserve your ad today!
INTERESTED IN ADVERTISING TO OUR MEMBERS?
Would you like to help sponsor future Industry Insights issues?
We are currently selling advertising space in the form of a ,”cube ad.”
Industry Insights are published a minimum of once per month and reach almost 300 members!
Please call the Association Office and ask Brandy for more information!
INFORMATION CHANGES
Have you changed email addresses, phone numbers, had a staff or contact change? Please keep us in the loop so we can make our records are current. Send Brandy a quick email to keep your record current. You and your staff wouldn’t want to miss out on important industry news, would you?
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.
