A crisp day in Chicago is the backdrop for the final day of the inaugural Education Symposium, hosted by the RV Women’s Alliance (RVWA) this week.
Nearly 200 people joined Tuesday night’s dinner to celebrate the winners of the alliance’s four annual awards, given to individuals and one company striving to elevate, educate and promote women in the industry. See the award winners below:
Champion of Women (individual): Kim Gregory, Coach-Net
“Kim has been instrumental in elevating women’s presence, professionalism, opportunities and promotion within the RV industry,” RVWA said. “She commands respect in any room she is in by exhibiting strength, integrity, transparency and compassion. She has been instrumental in the growth of the women on her team, constantly challenging them to step into their growth, while giving them the freedom to navigate the boundaries of their abilities.”
Champion of Women (company): Winnebago Industries
“Winnebago is a great example of a company who has an inside team dedicated to advancing women within their company. Winnebago Industries has been a strong advocate in seeking out, encouraging, growing and advancing all employees to maximize their potential and their contributions to their communities, the company and the RV industry.”
Leader of Tomorrow: Alyssa Cox, Forest River
“Alyssa created a brand ambassador program for Rockwood, designed customer awareness programs and established the social media presence for the Rockwood and Flagstaff brands. Using customer input, she has helped the rest of her team make improvements for a better customer experience. Thanks to her engagement and leadership, the Rockwood/Flagstaff brands set the benchmark for customer engagement and product attention. She is not only a leader of the RV industry now but will continue to be on far into the future.”
Trailblazer Award for Lifetime Achievement: Debbie Brunoforte, Little Dealer Little Prices, a Campers Inn company
“Debbie is a consummate professional, serving in leadership roles across the RV industry for decades, including as past chair of the RV Dealers Association and on the Go RVing Coalition and Committee on Excellence. As the owner and operator of one of the most successful RV dealerships in the U.S., Debbie has shown what it takes to be really good in this industry. She is also known for looking out for those around her and saying ‘yes’ whenever her expertise, mentorship or guidance is needed. As a founding member of the RV Women’s Alliance, Debbie has provided strategic direction and support to the women following in her footsteps. She is also a member of the RV Hall of Fame.”
The Trailblazer Award is the alliance’s highest honor. Nominees must be an individual who has worked in the RV industry for a minimum of 20 years.
Tuesday’s dinner also featured keynote speaker and retired Naval Commander Mary Kelly, sponsored by Lippert. Kelly brough laughs and insight to the crowd as she talked about how to excel professionally and plan for the future.
Tuesday’s dinner also featured keynote speaker and retired Naval Commander Mary Kelly, sponsored by Lippert. Kelly brough laughs and insight to the crowd as she talked how to excel professionally and plan for the future.
The Symposium’s educational track – which started Tuesday and was led by Purdue University’s Jeremiah Sinks and Joe McMurry – garnered 164 attendees split between emerging and mid/top level leadership. Participants took a deep dive into effective coaching, communication and listening in the two-part seminar, along with a session on inclusion, diversity, equity and access on Wednesday.
