Monika Geraci, a marketing powerhouse within the RV Industry Association, recently shifted from government affairs to handling the promotion of the association’s programs. As “RVs Move America Week” approaches (May 31 to June 4) – RV PRO sat down with Geraci for updates on RVIA’s latest efforts for a more robust industry.
“The second half of the week is really focused on moving us forward legislatively,” she said, referring to RVIA’s strategic planning ahead of D.C.’s meetings.
In the past two years, RVIA members and staff have held about 170 meetings. In fact, the number of people representing the industry hovers around 150 – all of them on Capitol Hill.
“It’s skyrocketed,” Geraci said. “First-time attendees get in there and walk the actual halls of Congress. It’s awe-inspiring.”
Big on the advocation list this year is getting the floor plan tax fixed – allowing travel trailers to be eligible for finance interest deductibility – and fitting campground modernization into a comprehensive package with other bills. The latter may prove an easier accomplishment given its bipartisan support and the fact that modernizing will only expand what can be done in the outdoor recreation space. The segment itself accounts for 2.2 percent of the GDP, which, Geraci pointed out, wasn’t even known until 18 months ago.
But other policies will take more convincing.
“Tax issues are really tough,” said Geraci. “We’re looking for some type of tax fix package potentially in August or December. So, June will be a good time to be talking about that in the lead-up to August.”
Geraci felt optimistic that this could be accomplished this year. As interest for RVs Move America Week revs up with 30 to 40 percent new event attendees, D.C. may finally take heed.
Another area RVIA has tapped into the past year or so has been helping establish offices of outdoor recreation. Part of the plan is to encourage companies to engage with state governments and perpetuate outdoor recreation through various avenues like grant opportunities.
“We’re up to 17 states now,” said Geraci. “Indiana is looking to create one of these offices this year, and we’re in talks with Iowa.”
Also, the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable coalition are in talks with another eight or nine states.
Additionally, the RV Women’s Alliance, of which Geraci is a board member, will hold its annual meeting during RVs Move America Week. The organization itself, which is inclusive to all genders, acts as an advocate for men and women in the RV industry to create opportunities for women to enhance their careers through mentorship and networking.
“It’s something we really needed,” said Geraci. To wit, the RVWA has grown to more than 400 members. This year, it intends to increase up to 1,000. “There’s been an explosion in the membership and the number of events we’re doing. We’re just laying some really good groundwork.”
For more information on RVs Move America Week, visit https://www.rvia.org/events/rvs-move-america-week.
