RVIA Details Awards Presented for RV Standards, Industry Unity & Government Affairs

Throughout RVs Move America Week 2026, the RV Industry Association (RVIA) recognized several individuals for their outstanding contributions to the advancement of the RV industry.

Awards were presented in recognition of exceptional service and achievements in the areas of RV standards, industry unity and government affairs. The association’s Awards Committee oversees the annual program and works with staff and industry colleagues to identify, nominate and name honorees.

1) Matt Carboneau, strategic account manager for Wesco, was the recipient of the National Service Award, in recognition of his service on the RV Industry Association Board of Directors and the Government Affairs, Governance and Supplier committees. His engagement reflects a deep commitment to advancing sound policy, strong organizational leadership, and the vital role of suppliers within the association and RV market. The award was presented during the Association’s annual meeting on Monday, June 2, which included the yearly awards presentation.

2) Whitney Holtz, the president of Windish RV Center, Airstream of Colorado, Airstream of Utah and Airstream of Wyoming, was the recipient of the National Education Service Award, honoring her passion for workforce development that has helped create new pathways for students to discover meaningful careers in the RV industry. She is an alumna of the Littleton Public School system, and her leadership directly led to the inclusion of the RVTI program within the course offerings at Littleton Public Schools’ EPIC Campus. Most notably, Whitney Holtz is a pioneer in this space. Her leadership has helped RVTI create a repeatable “playbook” for partnering with high schools, one that can now be scaled and implemented in communities across the country. This honor was also presented during the Monday awards presentation.

3) The National Legislative Award was presented to Representative Rudy Yakym (R-IN-2) and Representative Dina Titus (D-NV-1). They received recognition for their dedicated advocacy on behalf of the RV industry and their role in reintroducing the Travel Trailer and Camper Tax Parity Act, which groups all RVs, including towables, in the definition of “motor vehicles,” thereby allowing all RVs to be fully deductible. This legislation was ultimately included in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act and benefits RV dealers and manufacturers nationwide. The award was presented to both representatives on Advocacy Day, which took place on Wednesday, June 3.

4) The David J. Humphreys RV Industry Unity Award was presented to Toby O’Rourke, president and CEO of Kampgrounds of America, Inc., for her extensive collaboration efforts between the RV industry, campground community, and outdoor hospitality leaders. O’Rourke was also recognized for KOA’s impressive contributions to outdoor recreation research, as well as her collaborative nature and positive attitude. The award was presented at the RV Industry Association Board of Directors Meeting on Thursday, June 4.

5) The Distinguished Service to the RV Industry Award recipient is Bob Martin, president and CEO of THOR Industries. Over 12 years of service on the Board of Directors, including his role on the Executive Committee as Secretary and contributions to both the Audit and Strategic Planning committees, Martin has consistently provided thoughtful leadership, sound governance and a steady voice. His dedication, leadership and commitment to advancing the broader RV industry make him exceptionally deserving of this highest honor. The award will be presented at a future date.

6) The Distinguished Achievement in RV Standards Award recipient is Martin Perlot, the recently retired founder of Silverleaf Electronics. He has been a member of the RV Industry Association and its technical subcommittees for nearly 25 years. Perlot served as chair of the RV-C Subcommittee from its inception until a few years ago. He was among the first to identify the critical need for the RV industry to develop a specialized Controller Area Network (CAN) that would enable various components within a unit’s overall system to communicate with one another. In recent years, Perlot has led an ongoing, comprehensive expansion of this document that incorporates wireless communication capabilities. He is truly the “Father of the RV-C” and deserving of this recognition. The award will be presented at a future date.

National Legislative Award

During the recent RVs Move America Week, the National Legislative Award was presented to Representative Rudy Yakym (R-IN-2) and Representative Dina Titus (D-NV-1). This award recognizes individuals who have distinguished themselves in legislative matters regarding the RV industry, the RV Industry Association (RVIA) said.

Congressman Rudy Yakym has proven himself to be a dedicated advocate for the RV industry, demonstrating unwavering commitment since his election to Congress in 2022. During the 118th Congress, Representative Yakym introduced the Travel Trailer and Camper Tax Parity Act to make a technical correction to the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. The legislation would allow RV dealers to fully deduct interest on their floor plan financing for all RVs they sell, including non-motorized towable trailers. Although the bill was introduced and referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means in 2023, it did not advance out of committee.

Determined to see the measure enacted, Representative Yakym secured a seat on the House Ways and Means Committee in 2025, strategically positioning himself to help advance the bill and champion critical tax priorities for his district and the RV industry. He and Congresswoman Titus reintroduced the bill in January 2025 and worked diligently to build bipartisan support among members of Congress.

Through persistent advocacy, the Travel Trailer and Camper Tax Parity Act gained support from colleagues on both sides of the aisle. The bill passed the House and was ultimately included in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which President Trump signed into law on July 4, 2025. This legislative victory, which benefits RV dealers and manufacturers nationwide, is a testament to Representative Rudy Yakym’s leadership and makes him a truly worthy recipient of the National Legislative Award.

“I don’t do this job for awards. But when I receive one, I want it to mean something, and the National Legislative Award certainly does,” said Yakym. “Nobody fights harder for manufacturing jobs than the RV Industry Association. It’s an honor to stand with the RV Industry Association’s team to protect the 49,000 jobs and billions in investment the RV industry brings to Indiana’s second district.”

Congresswoman Dina Titus is co-chair of the House RV Caucus and has been a strong, vocal champion of the RV industry throughout her career. During the 118th Congress, Representative Titus — alongside Representative Yakym —  introduced the Travel Trailer and Camper Tax Parity Act.

In January 2025, she again joined Congressman Yakym to reintroduce the Travel Trailer and Camper Tax Parity Act, securing support from eleven additional cosponsors and ultimately passing the House of Representatives.

Thanks to Congresswoman Titus’s steadfast leadership and advocacy, RVs remain competitive within the broader recreation and outdoor economy sectors. Her efforts ensure that even more people can explore the country in an RV. As she often says, “RVs are made in Congressman Yakym’s district, and they come to recreate in my district.”

Because she supported this legislation, she is highly merited for the RV Industry Association’s National Legislative Award.

“It was an honor to receive this year’s National Legislative Award from the RV Industry Association,” said Titus. “Many families and tourists across the country find the best way to explore our nation’s national parks and beautiful natural landscapes is from an RV. As co-chair of the Congressional RV Caucus, I led legislation that is making it easier for my constituents to acquire an RV, travel to new places, and experience the American dream in this unique way.”