Top RV News: JULY 15, 2024

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FMCA’s Chris Smith Steps Down as Executive Director, CEO

In a message to its membership, it was announced Sunday, July 14, that Chris Smith has left his position as executive director and CEO of FMCA. In an email FMCA National President Gary Milner informed the association’s members that Smith requested a release from his contract, and that “he and FMCA have reached a mutual agreement to part ways.”

Smith declined to comment when contacted by RVBusiness.

In accordance with FMCA’s bylaws and with the advice and consent of the Executive Board, Milner continued, a Management Committee has been appointed for the search of a replacement. In addition to Milner, the members of the Management Committee includes Paul Mitchell, Bill Dees, Dianna Huff and staff liaison Sherry Light.

“On behalf of FMCA, I would like to thank Chris for his 10-plus years of employment,” Milner concluded.

Smith had served as FMCA’s executive director and CEO since October 2016. Smith joined the association in August 2013 as director of administrative services/controller. Smith graduated from the University of Cincinnati with a bachelor’s degree in accounting. Prior to FMCA, he served as assistant controller for a Cincinnati-based company for several years.

In December 2017, membership eligibility in FMCA – which had been open to motorized RV owners up to that point – was expanded to include owners of all types of self-contained RVs becoming. Previously, membership was limited to motorhome owners for the first 54 years of FMCA’s history.

KOA: Campers Prioritize Relationships, Personal Well-Being

BILLINGS, Mont. – Kampgrounds of America, Inc.?(KOA) today released its inaugural Outdoors & Wellness report as part of the annual Camping and Outdoor Hospitality Report series.?Since the inception of KOA’s annual camping research, campers have reported that physical and mental wellness benefits are the driving force behind their continued participation in the outdoors.?This report provides a nuanced perspective into wellness and how it translates to the camping and travel industry.

Relationships, Wellness & Camping

• Spending time in the outdoors encourages healthy interactions and activities, providing holistic benefits such as a relaxed state of mind, strengthened relationships and enhanced physical well-being.
• At the most basic level, 69% of campers say camping contributes to their emotional well-being, with Gen X (76%) showing a higher preference for finding emotional respite in the outdoors compared to millennials and Gen Z (66%).
• Campers want to focus on what makes them happy, emphasizing spending time with loved ones and slowing down to enjoy the moment, with nearly two thirds of campers agreeing that doing so improves interpersonal relationships.
• 65% of campers say a digital detox is “very appealing” and would align with their travel goals of slowing down and recharging.

“The outdoors allow people to de-stress, feel relaxed, become more grounded and better connect to nature and the people they cherish,” said?KOA President and CEO, Toby O’Rourke.?“Wellness means more than self-care; it’s being in the moment, seeking out activities that bring joy and simply connecting to nature.”

Priority One Begins Offering Prequalification for Customers

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – Priority One Financial Services, a full-service finance company for marine, RV, trailer and equipment dealers, now gives customers the ability to prequalify for financing with no impact to their credit score.??

Using prequalification, Priority One finance managers can view credit reports from leading bureaus and discuss payment options that may be available to customers based on current lender programs. The service is complimentary to Priority One dealer partners and comes with no obligation to the customer and no impact to their credit score.??

“Prequalification gives niche dealers a competitive advantage over big box retailers,” said Nicole Armstrong, Vice President, Priority One. “Customers want questions answered right away – often before they even step foot in the showroom. Using prequalification, a dealer can connect a customer with Priority One early in the buying process so that by the time they walk into the showroom, they have an idea of what they might be able to afford.”??

Dealers can refer a customer to prequalify with Priority One by directing them to the homepage of their Finance Resource Center, through an in-store kiosk, or via text message with Kenect. When a customer completes the prequalification form, a Priority One team member will call to discuss their needs and begin the prequalification process.?

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