News from RVDA Canada News Highlights New Endorsement
Partnership with ReachLocal Canada 2017 RVDA of
Canada RV industry payroll survey 2018 Annual Canadian RVing & Camping Week 2018 RVDA Best Bulk
Contest Upcoming 2018 RV
Dealers International Convention RV Learning Center
Certification Programs
Inside this issue: 2017 RVDA of Canada RV industry payroll survey extended
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Canadian National RV Retail Statistics
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2017-2018 NTP-Stag Canada RV Technician Bursary
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2018 RVDA Best Bulk Booth Contest
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New Endorsement Partnership with ReachLocal
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2018 Annual Canadian RVing & Camping Week
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2018 RV Dealers International Convention/ Expo
14-15
RV Learning Center Certification
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Newsletter April 2018
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Dear Members, April is always a very exciting month for the RVDA of Canada. We are just about to embark on a series of important meetings with our Members of Parliament in Ottawa. Board members from the RVDA of Canada and the Canadian Camping and RV Council (CCRVC) will be hosting their annual Parliamentary Awareness Day in Ottawa on Thursday, April 26th. We look forward to the opportunity to meet with Members of Parliament to discuss issues of importance to the RV and Camping industry. These meetings serve as an opportunity to update government on important industry developments that have an impact to the camping, RV and tourism sectors. As our association members know, a growing number of Canadians continue to pursue the RV lifestyle as an affordable vacation choice. Campgrounds also play an increasingly important role as drivers of economic activity and job creation in small communities across the country. However, challenges such as the need for increased investment in Canada’s tourism policies and the shortage of skilled trade workers remain key concerns. The RVDA of Canada and CCRVC look forward to working with all Members of Parliament to encourage long-term investments to support growing RV and camping industries, as they represent an important economic lever for tourism across the country.
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and spend time on social media sites. From search engine to display to social media advertising, their solutions will get dealers real results. With ReachLocal, dealers can have all of their digital marketing under one roof, backed by a team of industry experts. Please see pages 9 –11 for more details. The 2018 Canadian Trouble Shooter Clinic dates and location are set. Mark your calendars for the week of October 28 through November 3, 2018 at the Sheraton Cavalier Hotel in Saskatoon, SK. The clinic will once again include 5 training days. Training will be provided by the following: DC Power; Dexter; Lippert Components; Horizon Global; Suburban and Truma. All participants will receive a printed manual and a certificate upon successful completion. Look for registration details to be available at the beginning of May. Our dealership has sent numerous technicians to this clinic in the past and I can honestly say that they have found the hands-on training to be excellent. RVDA Convention/Expo registration is open! I would recommend that you register at least one participant prior to the June Early-bird deadline. This will allow your dealership to “lock-in” at a lower rate which will be extended to your additional personnel provided they register by mid- October. This year, best-selling author and acclaimed speaker Jason Dorsey will present “Crossing the Generational Divide” during the opening general session on Tuesday, Nov. 6. This provocative keynote address, made possible by convention Platinum Partner Wells Fargo CDF, features new generational truths that directly impact leaders. Dorsey will share surprising data, firsthand stories, and step-by-step actions needed to drive communication, engagement, recruiting, etc. Further speakers and educational sessions will be announced this spring.
The RVDA of Canada is pleased to announce that it has formed a new endorsement partnership with ReachLocal Canada, Inc. ReachLocal, a global company, is an online marketing and advertising solution provider for small, medium, and large businesses, creating advertising to consumers in local markets. It provides internet and mobile internet marketing solutions to business clients. Wishing everyone a prosperous season. ReachLocal will assist dealers in getting more leads and building their brand by advertising to local consumers Jean-François Lussier, Chairman of the Board as they use search engines, surf top sites on the web, RVDA of Canada
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2017 RVDA of Canada RV industry payroll survey has been extended! You probably need a little bit more time to complete the Payroll Survey. No problem! We have extended the survey deadline to Friday, April 27. As your association, it is important for us to be engaged with you as a member, monitor and report findings that would help you advance your business and the RV industry as a whole while acting as your representative when interacting with the government at the Provincial and Federal levels. We rely on your input to help us determine whether the programs and policies in place are still relevant and to gather important statistics. This annual payroll survey continues to evolve to ensure we ask the right questions to allow us to capture the correct data. We encourage you to take 15 minutes to participate in this survey. The annual payroll survey will be administered, compiled and analyzed by MNP.
Take the 2017 payroll survey now Please retain a copy of the completed survey for your own record.
Upon closing of the survey, MNP will compile the responses into comparative provincial and national summaries. MNP is also charged with the responsibility of maintaining complete confidentiality of all the information submitted. By participating in the 2017 RVDA payroll survey, you will receive a comprehensive summary report with national and provincial data. If you have any questions about this survey, please contact Anita Lien at the RVDA of Canada office at surveys@rvda.ca or at 604-718-6306. You can also contact Kira Sherlow at MNP at kira.sherlow@mnp.ca or at 604-637-1531.
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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 onfidentiality. To purchase more detailed statistics – by province, region or city – please contact Scott Stropkai of Statistical Surveys Inc. at 616-281-9898 ext 128 or sstropkai@statisticalsurveys.com. To learn more about Statistical Surveys Inc., visit www.statisticalsurveys.com.
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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
April 2018
The Quarterly Economic Review 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)
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RVDA of Canada announces its new Endorsement Partnership with ReachLocal Canada The RVDA of Canada is pleased to announce that it has formed a new endorsement partnership with ReachLocal Canada, Inc. ReachLocal, a global company, is an online marketing and advertising solution provider for small, medium, and large businesses, creating advertising to consumers in local markets. It provides internet and mobile internet marketing solutions to business clients. ReachLocal is positioned to deliver unique technology and proven strategies to help RV dealers grow their business with transparent results while providing much needed funds to the RVDA of Canada. ReachLocal has won the Google Quality Account Champion Award in North America three times since 2013 and in Latin America in 2015. This award highlights ReachLocal’s best-in-class digital search advertising technology among Google’s Premier SMB Partners. ReachLocal has also won the Google Innovator Award for its ReachEdge™ software and ReachCode tracking technology. The award highlights the Premier SMB Partner who has delivered outstanding technology innovations in their digital advertising solutions. ReachLocal will assist dealers in getting more leads and building their brand by advertising to local consumers as they use search engines, surf top sites on the web, and spend time on social media sites. From search engine to display to social media advertising, their solutions will get dealers real results. With ReachLocal, dealers can have all of their digital marketing under one roof, backed by a team of industry experts.
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Registration now open! RV Dealers Convention/Expo The dates are set for the 2018 RV Dealers Convention/Expo, November 5–9, at Paris on the Las Vegas Strip. This is the premier education event of the year for North American RV dealers and dealership professionals. The convention is sponsored by RVDA – The National RV Dealers Association, RVDA of Canada, and the Mike Molino RV Learning Center. The RVDA Convention/Expo Committee, chaired by Chris Andro of Hemlock Hills RV Sales, is engaged in developing a diverse lineup of workshops and networking events that will enrich dealers and their personnel to build on an expanding market. The event will also feature the Solution Center, an expo of the RV Industry’s leading companies offering products and services to help dealers improve profitability. For more information on becoming an exhibitor at the premier education event for RV dealers, visit our convention website at www.rvda.org/convention/exhibit. Companies interested in partnership and sponsorship opportunities can contact Julie Newhouse at (703) 364-5518 or send an email to jnewhouse@rvda.org. Visit www.rvda.org/convention for regular updates as the convention approaches. Receive convention news on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and the RVDA mobile app available for Android and Apple devices.
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RV Learning Center Certification Programs Did you know that the Mike Molino RV Learning Center offers North American-wide professional certification that supports career development and professionalism? The Mike Molino RV Learning Center offers five certification programs. The Learning Center partnered with the Ohio State University's Center for Education and Training for Employment to develop certifications, competency profiles, and instructional materials for RV service, parts and warranty professionals. The credentials are designed to recognize individuals employed in the RV industry that demonstrate a thorough knowledge of their jobs and a commitment to professionalism. So if you are looking for new training materials for your parts and service departments, have a look at the guides available through your national association. Why not give your employees the tools necessary to become top performers. Learning Guides for RV Parts & RV Service Personnel The Learning Guides are a comprehensive training tool that identifies the core duties and competencies needed in each position. Here’s a breakdown of what each Learning Guide focuses on: Parts Manager Learning Guide • Merchandise the Store • Market Parts & Accessories • Manage Parts Inventory • Sell Parts & Accessories • Manage Customer Relations • Manage Human Resources • Manage Financial Resources • Perform Administrative Functions • Pursue Professional Development Parts Specialist Learning Guide (included in the Parts Manager Guide) • Merchandise the Store • Market Parts & Accessories • Manage Parts Inventory • Sell Parts & Accessories • Perform Administrative Functions • Pursue Professional Development Service Manager Learning Guide • Manage Service Department Work Flow • Provide Customer Service • Generate Service Department Revenue • Review Administrative Reports
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• Manage Human Resources • Supervise Support Staff • Train Service Department Staff • Promote Public Relations • Perform Administrative Activities Service Writer/Advisor Learning Guide • Satisfy Customer Requirements • Coordinate Customer Appointments • Maintain Daily Operations • Coordinate Technician Workload • Coordinate with Other Departments • Participate in Professional Development Warranty Administrator Learning Guide • Process Open/Closed Repair Orders • Process Warranty Claims, Parts, and Payments • Maintain Customer and Manufacturer Relations • Perform Administrative Activities • Pursue Training and Professional Development These principle-based guides detail the knowledge and skills that today's parts and service personnel need to perform effectively. They are based on real-world task-and-skills analysis of the positions compiled by industry experts and include multiple self-checks and practice exercises. The guides can be used by mentors working with new or existing employees, or they can be used by employees who already have some experience. Please see the following order form for pricing information. Certification Certification includes a rigorous testing process that ensures dealers their certified staff are knowledgeable in their field according to industry standards, as well as what is displayed in each position's competency profile. These profiles should be used as a guideline and further study materials are recommended for test preparation. Have questions about the application or testing process? Download the certification FAQ information page. Online readiness tests or pre-assessments help individuals assess their job knowledge and preparedness for certification. QUICK LINK to LEARNING CENTER CERTIFICATION APPLICATIONS
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RVDA of Canada Endorsements CREDITOR INSURANCE / WARRANTY / APPEARANCE PROTECTION / ANTI-THEFT iA-SAL iA-SAL supplies innovative after-market products to the RV market. An industry leader since 1963, iA-SAL's RVDA- endorsed products include: Creditors' Group Insurance: Life, Disability & Critical Illness Extended Warranty Program (SPP: SAL Protection Plan) Diamond-Kote Appearance Protection Products Silent Sentinel Anti-Theft Etch Program Check your member directory, or member listings at www.rvda.ca, for your provincial contact. http://www.iasa.ca/
COMMERCIAL FINANCING Wells Fargo Commercial Distribution Finance RV Inventory Finance Contact : Carlos Lobo 1290 Central Parkway W, Ste. 1100 Mississauga, ON,. L5C 4R3 (905) 361-3837; Cell: (416) 573-1520 www.wellsfargo.com/cdf PORTABLE Wi-FI PRODUCTS Stealth Enterprises The Stealth Wi-Fi system is a powerful receiver operating on its own private network. This means an end to net traffic, using Wi-Fi hotspots on your mobile device and expensive data overages, all while providing a service with an 80% stronger signal over using a cellular device to get online. To discuss the program, please contact: Dave Zadkovich at 416-902-1218 WEB AND ONLINE SERVICES RVHotline Canada SynergyProSolutions.com 1-866-642-2343
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 & CASUALTY INSURANCE
Federated Insurance Federated
Insurance Company of Canada provides direct underwriting of Property and Casualty Insurance for RV dealerships. In addition, the Inventory Floor Plan Advantage is available from Federated Insurance for Commercial Distribution Finance (CDF) customers. Burnaby, BC – 1-800-939-7788 Edmonton, AB – 1-800-661-8617 Calgary, AB –1-800-342-9157 Regina / Saskatoon, SK –1-866-291-0523 Winnipeg, MB –1-800-665-1934 London, ON –1-800-461-3117 Mississauga, ON –1-800-387-5953 Laval, QC & Atlantic Region –1-800-361-0790 www.federated.ca/
PAYMENT SOLUTIONS Baseline Processing looks forward to providing great group-rates to all RVDA of Canada members. Baseline provides payment solutions and expertise to more than 1,000 merchants across North America. Their commitment to Cost -Plus pricing means complete transparency and significant savings for merchants of all sizes. No teaser rates. No hidden fees. No cancellation fees. Just Baseline’s exceptional service and dedication to building long-term relationships. Contact : Tom Bremner : (604) 606-7950 www.baselineprocessing.com
RVHotline Canada provides New and Used RV online classified and inventory services exclusive to members of the RVDA. Every month, tens of thousands of RVers select this web site to look for RVs. Affordable quality web design and free web hosting for participants complement the offering.
ONLINE MARKETING/ ADVERTISING SOLUTIONS
RVDA / SPADER 20 GROUPS
ReachLocal, a global company, is an online marketing
Spader Business Management RVDA/Spader 20 Groups, managed by the Spader Companies, help dealers improve management skills, recognize market trends and solve problems. 1.800.772.3377 (US and Canada) info@spader.com | www.spader.com
and advertising solution provider for small, medium, and large businesses, creating advertising to consumers in local markets. It provides internet and mobile internet marketing solutions to business clients. contact: Linette Moore at (416) 380-2900 Website:www.reachlocal.ca
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/ Benefits on select Exclusive discounts up to 35% off select FedEx services when shipping within Canada, to the US, or internationally.
on hotel – access to Choice Hotels program discounts of 15-20% at over 325 hotels in Canada & 6,300 hotels worldwide, & some complimentary services at select hotels. Aeroplan or Choice Privileges points can be earned. Book travel be online, on your mobile device or via a toll-free number.
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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.
on tools
&
– an exclusive 20% discount on 3 of their publications: and HR & free trials of information services. The constantly-updated information will help you understand employer obligations & legal requirements, & stay updated with Canadian federal, provincial & territorial employment legislation.
on UPS Preferred pricing with UPS for Canada-wide, USA and other destinations for expedited and standard services via Wholesale International Couriers and Freight Forwarders through UPS’ website. Visit the member link above for contact information to set up an account.
Card with use of the Petro-Canada credit card, members of Explorer RV Club & RVDA of Canada can realize significant savings, convenience, control & security. Click here for an information / application form & contact
on and First Preferential pricing for First Aid Certification with AED (defibrillation), & many more courses; and a 10% discount on all First Aid products and supplies, where applicable. eck c ss availability online. Find contact information for registration and links to classes / programs at the member benefit page.
An array of products at very competitive prices in over a dozen Maintenance, Repair & Operations (MRO) categories, with two discount structures – based on national volume and on catalogue prices. Inventory at each branch location is tailored to the local market. For a complete list of products available, a credit application form to sign up for an account, & a contact for complete details on this program, click here.
on Volume-based preferred pricing on a wide range of products in over 700 categories. Imago Marketing is able to distribute to all locations across Canada Visit the member link above for the member code. For more information, contact Jessie Lo at or 604.304.6246. Discounts and offers for top attractions, shows and other entertainment! .Now you’ll have access to exclusive discounts, special offers and access to preferred seating and tickets to top attractions, theme parks, shows, sporting events, movie tickets, hotels and much more. Be sure to visit often as new products and discounts are constantly being added!
Discounts on Dale Carnegie Training programs 10% discount off local pricing for any Dale Carnegie Training program. Contact your local training office for class details / dates, or find an office near you. Download & present this offer to them to qualify for the discount.
Marks: select 10% discount on the numerous items listed on our member program card, including work clothing, gloves, belts, winter and safety accessories and CSA-Approved Footwear. Show your card at the check-out counter
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Did you know about the RV Careers website? The RV Careers site was developed to raise awareness to career opportunities available in the Canadian RV industry. It provides some background information to the various departments found within an RV dealership, apprentice and technician training opportunities. It also contains information for employers on how to hire and work with apprentices and apprenticeship authorities and how to access the numerous Federal, Provincial and private grants available.
Hiring? When you visit the site, the first thing that should jump out at you is “jobs.� And, the call-to-action would be to see what jobs are available and to look deeper for the job and training requirements.
You have full control of your job postings! You can add, edit or remove your job posting whenever you like. You will be able to receive job applications via e-mail. Before this listing expires (in 45 days), you will be notified to either update or delete the posting. To post a job, 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.
Upcoming Events Newly added events include career fair, RV lifestyle, trade show, workshop, and online training events. The news listing will keep you and your staff up to date on training and industry events.
Education for those currently working in the industry vs. those looking to enter the industry If you currently work in sales, parts, or service, you will want to visit the Education page.
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There are training and educational programs for technicians, parts/service management programs, sales, marketing and F&I programs, administration/ accounting programs and awards available.
For apprentices and anyone wishing to become an apprentice, detailed information can be found on the Become an apprentice page. There are many programs such as youth and pre-apprenticeship where high school students can get practical work experience. If there isn’t one in your area, there’s information available under the Employer page on how to start and implement your own apprenticeship program.
Financial incentives and assistance programs There are many financial incentives for both apprentices and employers to participate in an apprenticeship as well as assistance from Provincial and Federal governments and your local RVDA. On the financial incentive page, it lists numerous benefits for apprentices to participate in an apprenticeship and for employers to hire apprentices. There are numerous Federal, Provincial and RVDA Financial assistance programs such as bursaries and grants. If you have any suggestions or comments about how we can improve the site, please email us or comment on the RV Careers Facebook page!
News from RVDA Canada
RVDA of 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.
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.
Board of Directors Executive Committee Chairman, Jean-Francois Lussier, Horizon Lussier, Marieville, QC Vice-Chairman, Herb Cowen, Pike Lake Golf Centre, Pike Lake, ON Treasurer, Gord Bragg, Hub City RV, Lantzville, BC Past Chairman, Sam Parks, Camp-Out RV, Stratford, ON Directors Dale Hopkins RV City
Trevor Moase Vacationer RV Sales And Services
Jim Gorrie GNR Camping World
Kyle Kehoe Kehoe RV
Bruno Tombari Bellavista RV
Bruce Marsh
Josée Bédard Ruolottes Chaudière
Murray Sullivan
Cape Breton Trailer Sales
Sullivan Motor Products