Not only does FEMA have roughly $4 billion in inventory about to hit the open market, the dealerships and the manufacturers will also have to deal with the units that were sold by FEMA in 2010 that will be used as trade-ins.

I have had several people purchase a RV during the selling of these units. One person had purchased a 2006 Cardinal travel Trailer that was fully loaded with two slideouts and included holding tanks for $3,600. I looked up the trade-in value of his unit and found that the value is worth $25,000. These units could be traded in by accident. Remember that a dealership can still be sued, or the dealer arrested under the Title 18, Section 1001, the United States Code for selling a 2010 FEMA unit that was designated unfit for habitation.

As the holidays approach, the giant Asian factories are kicking into high gear to provide Americans with monstrous piles of cheaply produced goods -- merchandise that has been produced at the expense of American labor. This year will be different. This year Americans will give the gift of genuine
concern for other Americans. There is no longer an excuse that, at gift giving time, nothing can be found that is produced by American hands. Yes there is!

It's time to think outside the box, people. Who says a gift needs to fit in a shirt box, wrapped in Chinese produced wrapping paper?

You see, Christmas is no longer about draining American pockets so that China can build another glittering city. Christmas is now about caring about the United States, and encouraging American small businesses to keep plugging away to follow their dreams. And, when we care about other Americans, we care about our communities, and the benefits come back to us in ways we couldn't imagine.

When a new "form" (whether its a new regulation, technology or economic trend) becomes available, we must completely rethink the "function." Our marina management system is an ideal candidate for a mobile application. Marine management software and RV dealer systems shouldn't tether you to a desktop. People who work at boat and RV dealerships, as well as boatyards and RV service centers are on the move constantly. Sales people show customers units in the showroom and take prospects on demo rides.

Similarly, technicians and mechanics are in boats, under RVs or down in the engine room. Having to run back to a computer, each and every time the technician needs to clock on or off a job is extremely inefficient. Furthermore it costs the dealership or boatyard money.

I fully realize that ARVC has not required CONY to admit public campgrounds or offer discounts to multi-property companies. However, ARVC doing so undermines the CONY state association. They are offering to provide FREE marketing and other benefits to state parks for six months. Knowing how well ARVC maintains their Go Camping America website, I expect that the free marketing will last much longer than six months before it is taken down.

Having watched ARVC for the past 8 years as a member, I continually wonder what I am actually receiving as a benefit of my membership.

Canadian Government Mexico Travel Advisory – Is this simply fear mongering or a responsible response?

Thank you for taking the time to meet with me earlier this spring, a meeting I requested to discuss your government's travel advisory regarding Mexico and the adverse impact this is having on RV tourism, particularly on Baja California. Please know this travel advisory is having a devastating effect on the people and economy of Baja, particularly those who rely on RV tourism, such as RV parks, campgrounds, tour and guide companies, restaurants, vendors and many other stakeholders.

We also believe the Canadian government should also be responsible. Please know we abhor violence wherever it occurs. All the death, murder and mayhem happening across North America is sad, tragic and heartbreaking for sure, particularly for the families that have to pick up the pieces and try to carry on. However, given the realities of the level of violence in both Canada and the United States, we believe it is fundamentally unfair and irresponsible to characterize Mexico as a particularly dangerous country to visit.

As the owner of an RV dealership in Augusta, Maine, I am not sure how aware the Elkhart Chamber of Commerce is that most of the major RV manufacturers will be hosting open houses in Elkhart and the surrounding area from Sept. 19 to 23. This would be a perfect opportunity for the chamber to be involved with organizing this event. It could be as little as publishing a map to each event, providing guests with a list of restaurants in the area, or even developing a smart phone app with the same information and more.

Trade Shows and conventions often bring new ideas and energy to your business.

One of the things that separates the best retailers from the pack is they are always on the hunt for ways to improve. Trade Shows and conventions are a great place for business leaders to hunt for those ideas. With both the NATDA convention and the RVDA convention right around the corner, we thought this would be a good time to review why you should take some time away from your business to work on your business by attending these industry events.

Each trade show offers an opportunity for discovery, education and community.