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SERVING CANADA’S RV INDUSTRY SINCE 1971 268 - 44 Crawford Cres., Campbellville, ON L0P 1B0 Publications Mail Agreement #43638025 CANADA’S FOREMOST RV INDUSTRY MAGAZINE TM TM TM TM CANADIAN RV DEALER OF THE YEAR Nick Farnell Pre-Owned Sales Stats RVDA DSI Awards KYLE AND JEFF REDMOND Bucars RV, Balzac, Alberta VOL 53 NO 3 RVDA Updates CRVA Update CampEx Report And MORE! RVDN 53-3-COVER.indd 1RVDN 53-3-COVER.indd 12024-12-19 4:29 PM2024-12-19 4:29 PMProtect your investment with one of our comprehensive plans TITANIUM Platinum Titanium coach only Contact us to find your local rep! YOUR RV PROGRAM NON-MOTORIZED PARK modelsMOTORIZED YEARS 25 25 YEARS Honoring our Commitment as Your Trusted Provider. 3 Volume 53 Number 3 | RV Lifestyle Dealer News contents 20 6 44 COVER STORY: 20 Jeff and Kyle Redmond, Bucars RV – Canadian RV Dealers of the Year Bringing the RV Experience to families and leading the industry in community involvement. IN THIS ISSUE: 6 A Tribute to Pete Liegl One of the true icons of the RV industry leaves a legacy of innovation and ingenuity 8 Breaking News – Dragonfly Energy Battle Born Batteries now available through Keystone Automotive. 10 Special Feature – by Theresa Syer Enhancing Customer Experience in the RV Industry. 12 Events – CampEx 2024 Bringing the Canadian Camping industry together in Niagara Falls, Ontario. 16 Marketing – A Special Report from Nick Farnell Pre-Owned RV Sales Data 37 RV Advocacy Day at Queen’s Park The RV Industry Team takes our message to Ontario’s MPPs. 43 RV Care – Celebrating 25 Years! This Canadian dealer network now includes 90 dealers! INDUSTRY UPDATES: 27 RVDA of Canada Update 28 CRVA Report 30 ORVDA – AGM and Awards 32 ACVRQ - Quebec RV Dealers Denounce Retroactive Ontario Sales Tax Imposition 34 ACVRQ dénoncent l’imposition rétroactive de la taxe de vente de l’Ontario 46 RV Shows and Events – Canada and USA Looking for late-breaking news of interest to the Canadian RV industry? Check out the RV Dealer News website – www.rvldealernews.com Contentspub page.indd 3Contentspub page.indd 32024-12-19 4:29 PM2024-12-19 4:29 PM4 RV Lifestyle Dealer News | Volume 53 Number 2 TM TM TM TM RV Dealer NEWS CANADA’S FOREMOST RV INDUSTRY MAGAZINE AD PUBLISHERS MESSAGE RV Industry Milestones This issue of RV Dealer News commemorates a very important series of milestones in the RV industry. We begin on a sad note, as we reflect on the recent passing of Pete Liegl, one of the industry’s most innovative personalities. Pete led a range of RV manufacturing companies before creating his Forest River Inc. empire, which he ultimately sold to Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway – he could have retired then, but he continued to work as one of the key leaders in the industry. He will be sorely missed. On a happy note, we celebrate Jeff and Kyle Redmond and the team at Bucars RV Centre in Balzac, Alberta, on their selection as 2024 Canadian RV Dealers of the Year. This honour comes 25 years after their father, Bill Redmond, was presented with the 1999 Canadian RV Dealer of the Year Award and coincides with the 65th anniversary of the dealership – well done! As we prepare to begin our 54th year of service to the Canadian RV industry, we are working closely with CRVA to prepare selected articles from our archives as the association will be celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2025 – it is amazing to see how many challenges we have surmounted over the past half-century, and how many of our core values continue to inspire the RV industry at all levels – manufacturing, retail, and supporting the RV community at large. This issue applauds the recent CampEx conference, and the efforts of the Ontario RV Advocacy Team to bring the concerns of the RV community to the attention of the politicians at Queen’s Park. 2024 has been a year of challenges and achievements throughout the industry, and we are proud to chronicle the efforts of our RV associations and the many individuals who work tirelessly to keep the RVs rolling along the North American RV roads to adventure. Bill Taylor, Publisher VOLUME 53 NUMBER 3 Publisher William E. Taylor Associate Publisher Melanie Taylor-Wallis V.P. Special Projects/Editorial Director Norm Rosen Technical Director Garth Cane Production Coordinator Giselle Bansal ADVERTISING SALES Norm Rosen Melanie Taylor-Wallis Todd Taylor ADMINISTRATION William E. Taylor President Melanie Taylor-Wallis Group Publisher Norman Rosen VP/Special Projects Nancy Mueller Accounting EXECUTIVE OFFICES Toronto: 268 - 44 Crawford Crescent., Campbellville, ON L0P 1B0 Tel: 905-844-8218 Montreal: Tel: 514-856-0788 Vancouver: 1745 Rufus Drive North Vancouver, BC V7J 3L8 Camping Canada’s RV Lifestyle Dealer News is published by Camping Canada Magazine Ltd. Reproduction of any mate- rial appearing in this magazine in any form is forbidden without prior consent of the publisher. Advertising rates available on request. Camping Canada Magazine reserves the right to refuse any and all advertising and disclaims all responsibilities for claims or statements of facts made by its advertisers or independent columnists. PUBLICATIONS MAIL AGREEMENT #43638025 Undeliverables to: 268 - 44 Crawford Crescent., Campbellville, ON L0P 1B0 MONTREAL, QUEBEC © 2024 CAMPING CANADA MAGAZINE PRINTED IN CANADA aaaa Contentspub page.indd 4Contentspub page.indd 42024-12-20 12:06 PM2024-12-20 12:06 PM• Creditor Life, Disability & Critical Illness Insurance • Mechanical Breakdown Plans • Appearance Protection Products WE PROVIDE PROTECTION TO CANADIAN FAMILIES FOR WHEN “WHAT IF?” BECOMES “WHAT NOW?”. 320 Sioux Rd, Sherwood Park, AB T8A 3X6 F inancial G r oup Phone: 780.467.9575 • Fax: 780.467.4016 • Toll Free: 1-800.561.3242 Trevor Smolski Director - Business Development 780-819-3271 tsmolski@firstcanadian.ca RV Lifestyles publication - 2024.indd 1RV Lifestyles publication - 2024.indd 12024-09-27 10:55 AM2024-09-27 10:55 AM first canadian.indd 1first canadian.indd 12024-12-19 4:27 PM2024-12-19 4:27 PM6 RV Lifestyle Dealer News | Volume 53 Number 3 It is with deep sadness that Forest River, Inc. announces the passing of its founder, Peter J. Liegl. Pete not only was a visionary leader who transformed the RV industry, but one of Indiana’s proudest citizens and most generous philanthropists. He is survived by his wife Sharon, daughter Lisa L. Rees, son-in-law Logan Rees, and grandchildren Adrienne (6) and Ryan (3) and brother-in-law Gary Chamberlin. Pete is best known as the founder of Forest River, Inc., and the man who in 2005 sold Forest River to famed investor Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway, Inc. But his legendary role in building the RV industry into a multibillion-dollar enterprise began from humble beginnings. Sales and management positions brought him valuable experience in production, operations, and customer service. He worked his way to the role of president at Midas Motorhomes and then on to Shasta, a Coachmen-owned company, before deciding to venture out on his own when he co-founded Cobra Industries. Cobra Industries went public and Pete was “fired.” This led him to build his first RV by hand in a barn. Driven to succeed, Liegl brought IN MEMORIAM A TRIBUTE TO PETE LIEGL his first units to Louisville and sold them outside under a lamp post – which was the beginning of “Where the forest meets the river.” In 1996, Liegl established Forest River, Inc. in Elkhart, Indiana, with the vision of bringing the power of nature to as many Americans as possible. His goal was to create a company that could meet a wide range of consumer needs, and he did just that. Forest River grew rapidly under A Special Report from our friends at Forest River, Inc. Forest River, Inc. Mourns the Passing of Founder Pete Liegl, Celebrating His Visionary Leadership and Philanthropy pete.indd 6pete.indd 62024-12-20 12:15 PM2024-12-20 12:15 PM7 Volume 53 Number 3 | RV Lifestyle Dealer News A TRIBUTE TO PETE LIEGL his leadership, expanding its product range to include not only RVs but also buses, cargo trailers, and marine products. He believed in providing the best product at the best price. His strategic acquisitions and commitment to innovation helped Forest River to become one of the largest RV manufacturers in North America. His management philosophy emphasized empowering employees, fostering a culture of accountability, and always focusing on the needs of the consumer. “We don’t take ourselves too seriously,” he said recently. “But we’re very serious about what we do.” In 2024, despite announcing a succession plan for the company, Pete Liegl remained at the helm of what he called “the quiet company,” working every day – including Saturdays and Sundays – while presiding over a slate of internal innovations and investments that will provide the foundation for growth and excellence for years to come. Pete, to anyone that knew him for more than a minute, found meaning and inspiration from his namesake, the Apostle Peter. Peter’s story inspired transformation, and Pete’s journey inspired many, while highlighting themes of redemption, leadership, and unwavering commitment to one’s beliefs. Pete was very proud of his roots in Elkhart, and privately made generous philanthropic contributions, supporting causes in education, healthcare, conservation and local communities. In the end, it is his determined strength of character, booming laugh and a twinkle in the eye that will leave a lasting impact on those who knew him best. ABOUT FOREST RIVER, INC. Founded in 1996 by Pete Liegl, Forest River, Inc. has evolved into North America’s largest manufacturer of recreational vehicles, cargo trailers, pontoon boats, and commercial vehicles including buses, vans, and trucks. Its portfolio includes market share leaders in every category, and it is the country’s leading manufacturer of buses and vans for both the private and public sectors. Based in Elkhart, Indiana, Forest River employs 14,000+ employees in 100+ facilities in more than a half dozen states. With a commitment to excellence and a focus on customer satisfaction, Forest River is proud to be a Berkshire Hathaway company. Rod Roberson, Mayor of Elkhart, Indiana, addresses hundreds of Pete’s friends and family at the Celebration of Life, held at the RV / MH Hall of Fame. pete.indd 7pete.indd 72024-12-20 12:04 PM2024-12-20 12:04 PM8 RV Lifestyle Dealer News | Volume 53 Number 3 Dragonfly Energy Holdings Corp. (Nasdaq: DFLI) (“Dragonfly Energy” or the “Company”), an industry leader in energy storage and maker of Battle Born Batteries®, today announced BREAKING NEWS DRAGONFLY ENERGY’S BATTLE BORN BATTERIES Available Through Keystone Automotive the entry into a partnership with Keystone Automotive Operations, Inc. (“Keystone Automotive”), a leading distributor and marketer of specialty automotive equipment and accessories in North America. With this joint effort, Dragonfly Energy’s Battle Born Batteries brand of products are available for shipment from any of Keystone Automotive’s eight distribution centres for overnight or two-day delivery to Keystone A Special Report from our friends at Dragonfly Energy dragonfly.indd 8dragonfly.indd 82024-12-19 4:31 PM2024-12-19 4:31 PM9 Volume 53 Number 3 | RV Lifestyle Dealer News Automotive’s extensive network of suppliers across 48 states and 9 Canadian provinces via its truck delivery service. This partnership is expected to increase the availability of Battle Born Batteries by leveraging Keystone Automotive’s robust distribution network. Battle Born Batteries are available to Keystone Automotive customers across multiple industry segments, including the recreational vehicle (RV) industry through NTP-STAG, the marine industry through SeaWide, and the overlanding and off-grid industry through Keystone Automotive. “Keystone Automotive brings an extensive network and a large, engaged audience to this partnership, which we believe will expand Dragonfly Energy’s market presence,” said Wade Seaburg, chief revenue officer at Dragonfly Energy. “In addition to their strong market presence, Keystone is known for delivering top-tier distribution services. We are proud to align with such a respected partner to provide customers the opportunity for increased accessibility to the batteries and products they rely on.” “The addition of Dragonfly Energy’s Battle Born Batteries brand to our product offerings complements our commitment to quality, customer service, and providing our customers the best products on the market,” said Andy Morgan, director of marketing at Keystone Automotive Operations. “Dragonfly Energy’s products will allow us to provide our customers with powerful energy solutions that give them the benefit of extended lifespan, increased safety, and an environmentally responsible power solution.” For more information about Dragonfly Energy, please visit https:// dragonflyenergy.com/ To learn more about Keystone Automotive Operations, please visit https://www.keystoneautomotive. com/. ABOUT DRAGONFLY ENERGY Dragonfly Energy Holdings Corp. (Nasdaq: DFLI) is a comprehensive lithium battery technology company, specializing in cell manufacturing, battery pack assembly, and full system integration. Through its renowned Battle Born Batteries® brand, Dragonfly Energy has established itself as a frontrunner in the lithium battery industry, with hundreds of thousands of reliable battery packs deployed in the field through top-tier OEMs and a diverse retail customer base. At the forefront of domestic lithium battery cell production, Dragonfly Energy’s patented dry electrode manufacturing process can deliver chemistry-agnostic power solutions for a broad spectrum of applications, including energy storage systems, electric vehicles, and consumer electronics. The Company’s overarching mission is the future deployment of its proprietary, nonflammable, all-solid- state battery cells. To learn more about Dragonfly Energy and its commitment to clean energy advancements, please visit www.dragonflyenergy.com/investors. ABOUT KEYSTONE AUTOMOTIVE OPERATIONS: Keystone Automotive Operations is the leading distributor and marketer of automotive aftermarket products and services, uniquely positioned to offer customers and suppliers substantial scale, the most comprehensive inventory selection in the industry, high levels of customer service and innovative marketing support. Keystone is committed to expanding its offerings to meet the ever-growing needs of its customer base, providing them everything they need, when they need it. FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS This press release contains forward- looking statements within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward- looking statements include all statements that are not historical statements of fact and statements regarding the Company’s intent, belief, or expectations, including, but not limited to, statements regarding its partnership with Keystone Automotive, the Company’s future results of operations and financial position, planned products and services, business strategy and plans, market size and growth opportunities, competitive position and technological and market trends. Some of these forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking words, including “may,” “should,” “expect,” “intend,” “will,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “predict,” “plan,” “targets,” “projects,” “could,” “would,” “continue,” “forecast” or the negatives of these terms or variations of them or similar expressions. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties, and other factors (some of which are beyond the Company’s control) which could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include those set forth in the sections entitled “Risk Factors” and “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward- Looking Statements” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, and in the Company’s subsequent filings with the SEC available at https://www.sec.gov/. If any of these risks materialize or any of the Company’s assumptions prove incorrect, actual results could differ materially from the results implied by these forward-looking statements. There may be additional risks that the Company presently does not know or that it currently believes are immaterial that could also cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward- looking statements. All forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date they were made. Except to the extent required by law, the Company undertakes no obligation to update such statements to reflect events that occur or circumstances that exist after the date on which they were made. dragonfly.indd 9dragonfly.indd 92024-12-19 4:32 PM2024-12-19 4:32 PMNext >