Day two of RVs Move America Week in the nation’s capital, and once again the lunch break was used for both a nice meal and for the second round of awards to be handed out by RV Industry Association (RVIA) President and CEO Craig Kirby.
The RVIA annually recognizes individuals, companies and organizations for outstanding contributions to the advancement of the RV industry with the presentation of awards honoring exceptional service and achievements in the areas of RV standards, education and government affairs.
The first award to be presented was the Distinguished Service to the RV Industry award, the RVIA’s highest honor. This year it went to Pete Liegl, president and CEO of Forest River.
“Pete is an industry titan who founded Forest River in 1996 and built the company into one of the world’s most well-known, respected and successful RV manufacturers,” said Kirby. “Throughout his time at the helm of Forest River, he has been a steadfast advocate for our association and has always generously encouraged many talented people in his organization to be active on the RV Industry Association Board and on many committees.”
Liegl’s entrepreneurial leadership and innovative ideas are credited with having fueled the industry’s growth over the past two decades, introducing RV travel and camping to millions of families and outdoor enthusiasts. He is also a generous benefactor and patron for many deserving causes nationally and in the greater Elkhart area.
“Pete really wanted to be here with us this week but was unable to join,” Kirby added. “Let’s all join together and recognize Pete’s accomplishments and dedication to the RV industry.”
RV Industry Association Board of Directors Chair Kevin McArt presented the remaining two awards, the Special Award and the National Scholastic Award.
Dick Grymonprez
The Special Award recognizes an individual within the RV industry who has made extraordinary contributions to the industry’s overall success. This year the winner of the Special Award is Dick Grymonprez, director of park model sales for Skyline Champion.
“Dick has been an invaluable volunteer leader for the RV Industry Association and an impactful advocate for the park model RV industry,” McArt said. “He played a crucial role in working with the RV Industry Association to have park model manufacturers rejoin the organization in 2012. He served as a park model RV representative on the Board of Directors from 2012 to 2022 and has also served as a member of the Park Model RV, Membership, and Awards committee.”
The final award presented, the National Scholastic Award, recognizes state/regional association directors or institutions who have contributed most to the advancement of technical training within the industry.
Michigan Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds (MARVAC)
“The award this year goes to the Michigan Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds,” McArt said. “The Michigan Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds has been an unwavering champion for the RV industry’s educational and training efforts for decades and a passionate booster more recently of the RV Technical Institute. The organization has generously promoted the Institute programs through association channels and provided exhibit spaces and customer presentations at their events, free of charge to elevate awareness.
“They have also facilitated networking opportunities with campgrounds, dealers and key contacts throughout Michigan, helping to unite the industry around the Technical Institute, improving the Repair Event Cycle Time, and serving the RV customer. The National Scholastic Award was received by Darren Ing, director of MARVAC.”