On the first day of RVs Move America Week, Monday, three awards were presented to outstanding members of the RV industry.
The RV Industry Association uses the annual event each year to honor outstanding contributions to the industry specifically in the areas of RV standards, education and government affairs.
Mike Becker
The first award to be presented was the Distinguished Achievement in RV Standards, which recognizes an individual who has contributed to the enhancement of RV standards in the industry. Mike Becker, the head of compliance at Forest River Inc, was the recipient.
“Mike has been a key member of our technical subcommittees for many years and has contributed considerable expertise and guidance to the group,” said RVIA Chair, Kevin McArt. “He has served as an ambassador for the outreach and training for the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards recall reporting and responsibilities, and currently chairs the Regulatory and Safety Subcommittee.s
In addition, Becker has served on and provided technical input for the Standards Steering Committee and RV-C committee, while also serving as his chair’s alternate for the National Fire Protection Agency 1192 Standard. His commitment to improving safety by serving and assisting in the development of standards, enforcement positions, and policies has greatly assisted the standards department and is respected by his colleagues in the RV industry.
Phil Ingrassia
The next award was the National Education Service Award, which recognizes an individual who has been instrumental in the development of educational programs in the RV industry.
“The award this year goes to Phil Ingrassia, president of the RV Dealers Association,” McArt said. “Phil has championed industry education programs and technician training throughout his entire career. Most recently, he was a driving force in the creation and execution of the RV Technical Institute.”
“As one of the organization’s original board members, he aided in the success of the RV Technical Institute’s 2022 recruitment goals by assisting with strategic planning, attending recruiting events, promoting the institute through RV Dealers Association channels and events, and always working to advance technician training and certification,” McArt added.
Debbie Brunoforte
The third award, the David J. Humphreys RV Industry Unity Award, was presented to Debbie Brunoforte, president of Little Dealer, Little Prices. This recognizes an individual who continuously strives to encourage the multiple constituencies of the RV industry to work collectively for the growth and betterment of the industry.
“Debbie personifies the spirit of the Unity Award through her work as the longtime president of Little Dealer, Little Prices, now a Campers Inn company, and in her volunteer service on many industry organizations,” said McArt. “She has always championed the belief that the RV industry is strongest when it works together.”
Brunoforte is also a past RVDA chairman of the board, and was recognized with that organization’s highest honor, the James B. Summers Award, in 2014. In addition, she is a longtime member of the Go RVing Coalition and played an instrumental role in forming the Arizona RV Dealers Association. In 2014, Brunoforte was inducted in the RV/MH Hall of Fame and was the inaugural recipient of the RV Women’s Alliance RV Trailblazer Award for lifetime achievement earlier this year. She continues to work on the industry’s behalf through her continuing service as a member of the RV Dealers Association Board of Delegates as a participating past chairman.