Continued Page 2

In a presentation titled “Forging Our Future” at Outlook 2011: “A New Era Begins” held Nov. 30 at the National RV Trade Show in Louisville, Ky., RVIA President Richard Coon examined emerging trends that will impact the

RV marketplace in the future and provided a positive forecast for RV wholesale shipments in 2011.

“As we come together for the National RV Trade Show this year, we are once again on the path to

recovery with the economy gradually gaining strength, RV shipments tracking upward, and a forecast projecting more growth in the coming year,” Coon said. “But, if we are to

Continued from Page 1capitalize on the promise of a new era, there a few key issues that require our attention.”

Coon cited the availability of credit; the growth of green technology; the need for quality aftermarket service; and the increasingly global nature of the RV market as trends that will shape the future of the RV industry.He reported that while credit availability has been an issue for many industries, he has seen signs of recent improvement and said the RV industry was fortunate to have had financing partners that remained in the market.

“I want to take this opportunity to thank those banks and financial institutions for the loyalty and support they demonstrated by standing with us through the economic downturn,” Coon said.

He also pointed to the recent expansion of the Small Business Administration’s Dealer Floorplan Pilot Program as having the potential to loosen credit by providing more floorplan opportunities to dealers. The new program has been extended until September 2013,

allows dealers to borrow up to $5 million, and, makes dealer with a higher net worth – up to $15 million – eligible.

Coon said there are several factors driving the trend toward more green technology, including consumers being more environmentally aware; market forces such as oil and gas prices, and government policy such as greenhouse gas regulations and CAFE standards.

“Given the various forces at work, our industry must continue to be proactive in designing and building the RVs of tomorrow,” Coon said

He also lauded the industry for the progress already made in this area, citing the trend toward better-designed and lighter-weight products in both the towable and motorhome segments of the market that that are more fuel-efficient.

Coon also stressed that as RVs become more technologically advanced, the need for quality aftermarket service will remain one of the industry’s top priorities. To help develop and drive new programs to bolster aftermarket service, Coon reported that RVIA is wrapping up a groundbreaking demographic study of the RV service technician that surveyed technicians, RV owners and RV dealers. This research will provided much-needed data about the RV service technician career path and the impact of the industry’s training and certification programs on service delivery and customer satisfaction.

Finally, Coon said another key long-term factor playing a critical role in the future of the RV industry is the increasingly global nature of the RV market. In addition to the United States and Canada, Europe and Australia have established RV markets while lucrative new markets are possible in South America, South Africa and China, in particular.

“There is very strong

Continued Richard Coon

interest in the further development of the RV industry in China where consumers with more disposable income and leisure time than ever before have shown an interest in RV ownership,” Coon said. “That represents tremendous potential.”

He explained that RVIA is taking step to capitalize on this potential by forming a Foreign Affairs Subcommittee and an ad hoc China Committee to focus on critical issues, build relationships and work to harmonize building standards.

Continued

Coon concluded his remarks by providing the forecast for the RV market in 2011, reporting that University of Michigan economist Dr. Richard Curtin forecasts wholesale RV shipments to finish 2010 at 236,700 units a 43% increase over the 165,700 units shipped in 2009.

Looking ahead to 2011, Dr.

Curtin sees RV shipments climbing by 4% to 246,000 units, with increases spread across all vehicle types:• Travel trailer shipments are expected to climb 3% to 145,600 units• Fifth wheels are expected to jump 5% to 57,200 units• Folding camping trailers will increase by 2% to 14,000 units• Truck campers will see

an 8% rise to 2,900 units.Motorized segments are also expected to see gains:• Type A motorhome shipments are set to rise 2% to 13,300 units.• Type B motorhomes will hit 1,900 units on 19% growth• Type C motorhomes will increase by 8% to 11,100 units.

Coon cited the availability of credit; the growth of green technology; the need for quality aftermarket service; and the increasingly global nature of the RV market as trends that will shape the future of the RV industry.

By Dennis Macready

Continued

I sat down with Gary Wakerley, part owner of Campground & RV Park E-News and the owner of Jumping Pillows LLC as we discussed the future of the Industry; his perspective I thought was worth publishing.

Q. What observations and changes have you seen in the 7 years you have been in the industry here?

A. There are three retail sectors in our industry, Franchises, Independent

owners with vision and Independents hanging on by their fingernails. Interestingly, the franchises are growing in size with KOA leading the way on numbers but this is to be expected as they target the general market, whereby Leisure Industries and Best Parks target niche markets, all are growing and all represent the future I believe. With a Topsy-Turvy economy during the past 6 years much has been learned about public trends and habits, at least should

have been learned! Many have capitalized many have not. The campgrounds that have and are growing are investing in Accommodation and/or Recreation, those who have not recognized one or both of these powerful moneymakers have failed or I believe will fail eventually. I guess in a nutshell I’ve seen the strong get stronger and the weak get weaker.

Q. Can you exemplify that?A. Yes, but I won’t in print.

Q. Why is Accommodation so relevant in a Campground Industry?

A. It isn’t just relevant it’s vital if you are to introduce a significant number of new clients to the industry. Accommodations allow a Campground to compete with the broader accommodation industry and offer exposure to the Camping and RV’ing way of life, many clients will go on to purchase a tent or RV. The system of introducing the non RV’ing/Camping public to the industry via accommodations works. Each year we are seeing major improvements in the products offered by the accommodation manufacturers, I think the direction they are taking is largely influenced by the push from KOA and I think it’s a good thing but from my perspective there is a

difficulty to overcome and that is the ‘Public Education of what our Industry offers’. KOA is not far reaching enough to undertake this project alone and with the Industry organizationally fragmented the hurdle still remains. Until the National and State bodies together with the Franchises adopt a working partnership to address this, progress will happen but may will remain very slow.

Q. There seems to be a lot of exchange between KOA and the Big4 group in Australia what is that all about and what do the various overseas Campground industries have to offer the USA?

A. To get a definitive answer to the first part of your question you would have to ask KOA. It is interesting though that KOA franchisees seem to generally think that the Australians are getting the most out of the deal and at the same time the Australians think the

Gary Wakerley

Continued opposite! Generally though, the KOA booking software was adopted by Big4 because the online booking interface in that software is excellent, Big4 have modified the software to suit their accommodation and other needs and eventually KOA will benefit when the Campground Accommodation industry here reaches a similar level to that of Australia. The improvements in Accommodations we’re seeing here may have been impacted upon by the Australians acting in an advisory capacity. The question really is for KOA as I’m just guessing. As far as part 2 of the question is concerned, the USA can learn much about Industry Structure and Public Awareness from other countries, similarly there are things that are done very well here in the Campgrounds of the USA that Campgrounds in other countries like Australia and New Zealand should consider, the ability to tap the local community for clientele is a biggie!

Q. Is ARVC doing enough to support and promote the Industry?

A. There will always be conjecture about how things should be done I guess and there are critics of ARVC out there as well as supporters. For me, the big issue with ARVC is the lack of a National ARVC Directory of Campgrounds, instead we have private enterprise reaping the financial

rewards of the National Directory and throwing some financial support to ARVC for the pleasure. I feel ARVC needs to look closely at potential profit centers and the national directory is a starting point. There is a way to produce a National directory and at the same time provide major benefits to the State Affiliates. Is there a better reason to join ARVC then to be profiled in the National Directory? It is also inconceivable to me that as an owner of Campground & RV Park E-News I have a better level of communication with the entire Industry than anyone out there, including ARVC and I profit as well! If you think about that it just isn’t right!In reality, Campground and RV Park E News is another product ARVC possibly should have started and owned. What better way for the national body to reach out to existing members and seek out new ones. It is self supporting so no financial input would have been required.ARVC does good work in the area of advising and steering statuary bodies on policy affecting the industry, it is unfortunate though that this subject is largely of no concern to the average Campground until those individual Campgrounds are affected directly, that’s when they appreciate ARVC and many of those who would be appreciative of the good work of ARVC do not get it communicated to them. ARVC needs to communicate its good work

to the whole industry and not just keep preaching to the converted.

Q. Where is the recreation side of the industry going?

A. It’s tough for suppliers to keep coming up with new and exciting product, since the Jumping Pillow I have not seen anything of any great importance introduced, although Splash Pads and Mini Golf have become more sophisticated (and more expensive). Right now if you have a swimming pool, a Jumping Pillow and Mini Golf then you’re in good shape. As far as the future goes, I’m waiting to see the emergence of more Indoor recreational product; the fact is that when it rains the stable outdoor products become virtually useless. Indoor Family Entertainment centers are a growing industry, they generally cater to age groups 2 – 13 and I can see the day coming when astute

Campgrounds will provide this type of all weather Indoor Soft Play facility.

Q. What is the future for Gary Wakerley and Jumping Pillows?

A. Well! G’Day Y’all seems to be catching on in Tennessee and my wife Alina and I just love it here, having relocated from Australia some seven years ago. We made a decision earlier in the year to apply for Permanent Residency and that is progressing. In 2011 I’m totally re-structuring my business to provide for greater professionalism and a broader market penetration. We have several new products on the drawing board which we will introduce over the next two years; the first is an affordable Shade Structure that I will to be ready to introduce in February 2011.

The National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds (ARVC) kicks off their annual InSites and Outdoor Hospitality Expo which runs Wednesday through Friday.

To kick off the convention and welcome the outdoor hospitality industry to Las Vegas, InSites 2010 attendees will receive an official welcome from Las Vegas Mayor Oscar B. Goodman at the Annual Meeting & Breakfast on Thursday.

Following his address, Jeff Sims, ARVC membership representative, will share his findings from his cross-country journey to spread goodwill and educate parks about the benefits of ARVC membership. Attendees will learn about the 38,000-mile trek that Sims and his wife, Susie, traveled and the 1,800 parks that they

visited with along their journey.

On Wednesday, Guest speaker, Jon Stetson, the real life “mentalist” on whom the CBS TV hit “The Mentalist” is based, will

share a hands-on, interactive session that awakens participants to the possibility of reaching their full potential while experiencing greater personal power and achieving success more easily.

In addition to congratulating ARVC award winners at the conclusion of the convention on Friday night, ARVC will also honor and salute ARVC President and CEO, Linda Profaizer on her retirement.

ARVC will recognize her efforts and achievements within the industry and salute her for her 10 years of service as ARVC. All attendees are welcome to attend this evening to help celebrate with the award winners and to honor Profaizer for her dedicated years of service.

For a full schedule of events:www.arvc.org/insites.aspx

Linda Profaizer

John Stetson

Paul Bambei, a marketing and business development expert and entrepreneur with a track record of success at some of the nation’s best-known companies, including Time Inc. and Comcast Corporation, will be introduced at the upcoming InSites Convention & Expo as the new president and CEO of the National Association of RV Parks & Campgrounds (ARVC).“I am extremely excited to have Paul coming on board

as our newpresident and CEO,” said David L. Berg, CPO, ARVC’s chairman.

“Paul is a proven leader, and his vast knowledge and experience working in senior management positions for Fortune 100 companies together with his recent experience as a business owner and operator made him the unanimous choice of ARVC’s Personnel Committee.”Paul Bambei

Joe Elton, President of The National Association of State Park Directors is on his way to meet Michelle Obama to discuss her "Let's Move Outdoors" iniative and also attend meetings on the new State Park Youth Ambassador Program.

The Youth Ambassador program is a collaboration between America's State Parks and Outdoor Nation, the State Park Youth

Ambassador program offers an exciting way for young people to explore the state parks in their state as well as help us achieve our goal to promote our country's state park system.

State Park Youth Ambassadors will collaborate on a nationwide media and marketing program promoting outdoor recreation in our state parks.

Joe Elton

RICHMOND — The settlement of a lawsuit will cost the city government $700,000 at a time when it can ill afford another big expense.

In a special meeting Tuesday, the Richmond City Commission approved the settlement of a breach-of-contract lawsuit filed last year by the developers of a proposed recreational vehicle park.

The developer sued after the city commission terminated a lease that would have allowed the

development of Lakeview RV Park at Camp Catalpa Park, a 15-acre tract owned by the city that borders Lake Reba Recreational Complex.

Under the terms of the settlement, the payments will be staggered.

Richmond must pay $500,000 on Tuesday — $50,000 of which will be paid by the city's insurer, the Kentucky League of Cities Insurance Services, Inc. The remaining $200,000 must be paid on or before July 30, 2011.

http://issuu.com/industryenews/docs/getawayusamediakit1

Indianapolis IN (Vocus) November 30, 2010

The Indiana Office of Tourism Development and the Koch family announce the creation of the Will Koch Indiana Tourism Leadership Award. Nominations are currently being sought through January 10, 2011.

The new award is named for the late Will Koch, long-time owner and president of Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari and chief executive officer of its parent company, Koch Development Corporation. It celebrates and pays tribute to Koch’s business and philanthropic achievements, recognizes outstanding accomplishments in economic and community development through tourism and showcases the important role tourism plays in a diversified economy.

“Will Koch worked tirelessly to make Indiana a wonderful place to live and visit,” said Lt. Governor Becky Skillman. “It is fitting to recognize exceptional partners in the tourism business community with an award dedicated to a great man and true leader.”

An award will be given annually to a deserving Hoosier who demonstrates the following qualities:

Strong leadership and an ability to inspire others; Entrepreneurial spirit and willingness to invest in Indiana; Commitment to tourism and business development in Indiana; Dedication to improve Indiana’s travel and tourism profile; and Distinguished service to community.

“We are touched by the opportunity to commemorate my brother’s devotion to his life’s work and his lasting impact on the State of Indiana,” said Dan Koch, the park’s new president. “It is comforting to know his legacy will live on through the meaningful work of fellow Hoosiers.”

Nomination forms are available on the Office of Tourism’s industry-focused website, tourism.IN.gov. Completed forms and required documents are due by 4 pm EST on January 10, 2011. The Indiana Office of Tourism Development will work with

the Koch family and a group of representatives from the tourism industry to review nominations and select a winner. The award will be presented during the Hoosier Hospitality Conference in March.

About Will Koch: Born and raised in Santa Claus, Koch graduated from Notre Dame University and received his master’s degree from the University of Southern California. Under his leadership, Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari have become an award-winning destination with annual visitation exceeding one million per year. The park’s economic impact on Spencer County is $161.7 million. Koch also served as president of the Lincoln Boyhood Drama Association, which worked with the State of Indiana to reopen the Lincoln Amphitheatre in 2009 with a new drama honoring the bicentennial of Abraham Lincoln’s birth. In addition, he helped initiate and lead a grassroots campaign to “Save Indiana Summers” and address the effects of an ever-earlier school start date. He passed away in June 2010 at age 48.

About Indiana’s tourism industry:

Tourism is a big industry comprised of many small businesses that provide positive and significant contributions to Indiana’s economy. Annual spending from more than 62 million visitors exceeds $10 billion in Indiana. The industry generates more than $1 billion in local and state tax collections from visitor expenditures. It also creates one in 10 jobs and employs approximately 257,000 Hoosiers.

Lt. Governor Becky Skillman oversees the Indiana Office of Tourism Development. Amy Vaughan serves as the agency’s Director.

Will Koch was president and CEO of Holiday World & Splashin' Safari in Santa Claus, Indiana

Emerald Desert RV Resort in California will hold a three-day grand reopening celebration beginning Dec. 8 at its campus at 76-000 Frank Sinatra Drive.

The tropical-themed entertainment begins at 5 p.m. with a steel drum band and fire thrower at the entrance to the ballroom.

Hot-air balloon rides begin 8 a.m. Dec. 9, and property tours at 9 a.m.

An 11 a.m. golf competition will award whoever gets

“closest to the hula girl without hitting her.”

An Elvis impersonator is scheduled to perform at 3:30 p.m. Dec. 10.

The resort is at 76-000 Frank Sinatra Drive and has undergone $1 million in renovations including a revamped Grand Ballroom.

The Santa Claus Land of Lights Family Christmas Light Adventure in Santa Claus, Ind., opened for the 2010 season on Thanksgiving night, Nov. 25.

Located inside Lake Rudolph Campground & RV Resort, this custom outdoor light show tells the Shining Story of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer in bright, energy-efficient LED lights. The Santa Claus Land of Lights is the only light show in North America that tells a story in lights and storyboards. At 1.2 miles long, it is also the largest campground holiday light show in North America.

Improvements and additions for the 2010

Santa Claus Land of Lights include a new light tunnel measuring 150 feet long, more storyboards, and a pre-paid express lane that provides faster admission into the show. Another traffic flow improvement includes moving the entrance for the Santa Claus Land of Lights to the main entrance of Lake Rudolph Campground & RV Resort, about ¼ mile north of the Holiday World Theme Park entrance on Holiday Boulevard (highway 245).

“We’re excited for our second season of the Santa Claus Land of Lights,” said Philip Koch, owner of Lake Rudolph

Campground & RV Resort. “We appreciate families from across the region that come and experience our unique light show and the town of the Santa Claus. We hope that everyone will make this an annual Christmas Tradition.”

Discount coupons ($4 off per vehicle) for the Family Christmas Light Adventure will be offered at 160 McDonald’s locations in Kentucky, Indiana and Illinois, and a portion of proceeds will be donated to Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC). A complete list of coupon locations may be found at www.SantaClausLandofLights.com.

The Santa Claus Land of Lights will be open from 5 to 9 p.m. Central time on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, from Thanksgiving through Dec. 12. It is open nightly Dec. 17 through Jan. 1 and is closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Motorhomes are welcome. Admission is $15 per vehicle; additional charge may apply to passenger buses carrying large groups.

For more information or to purchase pre-paid express lane passes, visit www.SantaClausLandofLights.com.

December 1-3: InSites Convention andOutdoor Hospitality Expo, Rio All SuitesHotel & Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada. Formore information visit www.arvc.org

December 6-8: PCOA Conference,

Wyndam, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. Formore information contact Beverly Gruber at610-767-5026 or info@pacamping.com

To post your upcoming events please email the editor at admin@industryenews.com

New Berlin, PA – As exhibitors prepare to settle into their booths and speakers prepare their presentations at ARVC Insites in Las Vegas this week, it is worthy to note that the Virtual Outdoor Hospitality Expo, which was live on November 1-3, is still active.

The show, which is now in the “on demand” status, is still being attended by campgrounds and other outdoor hospitality businesses which cannot make it to the annual event being produced by the campground industry’s association.

Each week since the live portion of the Expo ended an estimated 20 new visitors have logged on to the Expo, many watching the recorded webinars and Open Forums or downloading brochures or videos from Exhibitors.

MCPS for Campgrounds alone has gained 22 new visitors since the Expo’s live version ended.

Attendance figures at the Webinars are extremely impressive:

Derrick Crandall’s Keynote Address - “Let’s Move” has had 184 viewersThe Open Forum on Registration Systems has had 153 viewersEvanne Schmarder’s RV

Cooking Show has attracted 108 viewers

The Open Forum on Social Media has had 93 viewersMike Prom’s webinar on Effective E-Salesmanship has had 82 viewsThe Open Forum on Wi-Fi – Emerging Trends and Guest Expectations has had 66 viewers.

“This was going to be a BIG advantage to sponsors, exhibitors and attendees alike when we anticipated a virtual show”, said Producer Art Lieberman. “Having produced physical trade shows the concept of not having to close the show after a few days was something that I had never experienced before. You have to leave the venue, the booths had to be disassembled and the security people dismissed

in a physical show. When it’s over, it’s over”

“The ability for attendees to retrieve information or, particularly, to view the recorded webinars is unique to virtual shows”.Lieberman emphasizes, however, that although the virtual expo has a place in marketing and educating attendees, it is not an alternative, in his opinion, to physical shows – merely a supplement to them.

“Even with the chat rooms at a virtual show, attendees miss the social atmosphere that only can be found at a live event. That is why this next two week remains very important to us as we attend both the ARVC Insites and Pennsylvania Campground Owners Conventions.

Both Conventions also

afford us the opportunity to meet with several important industry people to discuss plans for the next virtual Expo”.

Comments about the Virtual Outdoor Hospitality Expo can be directed to the producers by e-mail at campvirtualshow@yahoo.com. More information about the expo can be found at www.outdoorhospitalityexpo.com or by calling them at 877-901-EXPO (3976). (Website designed and maintained by Pelland Advertising)

Art Lieberman

Those bracing for the cold of winter: if you have septic systems be sure to mark your drainfields and treatment tanks with red flags to make sure nobody inadvertently drives over them in the snow or plows piles of snow on top of them.

After you have all the pipes drained and turned off in your buildings, the last of the hatches battened down, and the security measures in place, go home and congratulate yourself on another great season.

Then, while things are still fresh in your mind, make a list of things to remember come spring.

One of the top items on that list if you use wells: test your well water. The EPA notes that both phosphorus and nitrates are on the rise in streams and shallow aquifers, especially in agricultural and urban streams.

Shallow aquifers and shallow wells are vulnerable. Nitrates can persist for years in

groundwater, all the while working downward into the aquifers. A well that tested good this year could be bad next year because of untreated stormwater runoff, agricultural fertilizers, lawn fertilizers, industrial discharges and any number of other sources.

Two top sources of nitrates and phosphorous seeping into groundwater and aquifers are agricultural fertilizers and fertilizer from lawns and gardens. Be vigilant if there are new neighborhoods and other landscaping near your location or if there is agricultural activity in your vicinity.

Those of you in sunny warm winter places also need to watch your beaches, ponds and shorelines for buildup of bird leavings. They can quickly contaminate your water.

Eternal vigilance!

By Larry

STAFFORD — An Enfield man died shortly after he was found trapped by his overturned golf cart in the Roaring Brook Campground Friday night.

Timothy Veilleux, 53, of 52 Foxcroft Road, was discovered in the middle of Cherokee Way and Mason Dixon in the campground off South Road at 8:41 p.m.

First responders said he was unresponsive and he subsequently died of injuries at Johnson Memorial Hospital, police said.

Article: www.courant.com

Idaho State Parks, brought to you by … The North Face? Columbia Sportswear? REI?

With backup cash dwindling and no new income streams in sight, the state might sign a corporate sponsor to stave off park closures.

“We’re trying to get very creative in the way that we survive here,” Nancy Merrill, state Parks and Recreation Department director, told IdahoReporter.com on Monday.

Merrill said department public relations staffers have consulted with a firm specializing in corporate-naming matchmaking and that a sponsorship policy will be presented to the department board in February. Potential partnerships with specific companies have not been discussed and how much money a deal might generate isn’t known, Merrill said. A handful of other states’ parks departments are exploring advertising arrangements with companies, according to the AP. Virginia is negotiating sponsorship with The North Face, while park workers’ uniforms in New Hampshire could soon sport the emblem of a regional outdoor outfitter.

Such is possible here, Merrill said, as is corporate logos slapped on signs,

maps, trail markers, playgrounds, and recycle bins. She said she’s wary of a potential backlash to commercialization of parks and that any corporate branding would be done “carefully and modestly.” Corporate names would not be tagged to facilities, she said.

“I think that we have to realize that we have a resource to protect. We don’t want to take away from nature,” she said, adding, “Commercialization is a difficult thing.”

Difficult, but perhaps necessary to maintain the parks system, which counts 30 facilities and about 4 million users per year. The department only avoided

closing any parks this year by slashing 25 workers, raising various fees, drawing from reserves and borrowing from a recreation vehicle registration fee account. The moves were a response to Gov. Butch Otter and the Legislature cutting general fund money given to parks from $6 million to $1.4 million per year. The department’s $30.4 million budget for fiscal year 2011 is $8 million less than the year before.

Given the extent of job cuts already made, Merrill said, “we really don’t have any place to go. The only thing we have left to do is to close the least revenue-generating parks.”

Besides corporate sponsorship, the department is considering doing away with $40 annual passes, which require a special effort to purchase, and instead allowing people year-long access by checking a box and paying $5 when they register their vehicles — more revenue has resulted from the switch in other states. Developing a smart phone application that would charge users to access parks information is another idea being batted around.

Said Merrill of the varied offbeat possibilities: “We’re kicking over every stone we can.”

Contact Dennis Macready 865 387 5667 | 865 429 8344E: dennis@voircreative.com W: www.voircreative.com

ARTWORK | LOGO DESIGN | WEBSITES | PRINTING SERVICES

JACKSON CENTER, Ohio --Thor Industries, Inc. announced results for the first quarter ended October 31, 2010.

Sales for the quarter were $606,684,000, up 21% from $502,552,000 last year. After expenses including those related to the acquisition of Heartland RV on September 16, 2010, net income for the quarter was $23,688,000, up 1% from $23,429,000 last year. E.P.S. for the quarter were $0.44 versus $0.42 last year.

RV sales in the quarter were $506,563,000, up 30% from $389,929,000 last year. Towable RV sales in the quarter were $422,449,000, up 23% from $342,136,000 last year. Towable RV sales for the quarter ended October 31, 2010, include $50,119,000 of sales from Heartland RV. Motorized RV sales in the quarter were $84,114,000, up 76% from $47,793,000 last year. Bus segment sales in the quarter were $100,121,000, down 11% from $112,623,000 last year.

“In the first quarter Thor invested heavily in growth and future profitability through the acquisition of Heartland RV, capital expenditures of approximately $16,500,000, and development of exciting new products, which will be shown at this week’s RVIA Expo in Louisville, Ky.,” said Peter B. Orthwein, Thor chairman.

“Beyond the costs related to Thor’s acquisition of Heartland RV, gross margins were impacted by increased discounting as dealers remained cautious entering the slowest season of the year. Thor’s retail RV sales continue to be strong, which is encouraging,” he added.

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