On Wednesday, the highlight of lunch at the 2024 RV Aftermarket Conference was the presentation of the 2024 Aftermarket Awards.
Prior to the unveiling of this year’s honorees, the RV Industry Association (RVIA) gave a brief state of the industry update. James Ashurst, executive vice president for RVIA, said that while there are continued headwinds out of the industry’s control, the association is still optimistic. Ashurst said that dealers also remain cautiously optimistic for the future.
Samantha Rocci, director of federal affairs for RVIA, provided a Government Affairs team update, specifically the association’s advocacy work regarding PFAS and de minimis legislation. 75% of RV products affected by de minimis retail under $100 and the industry has been severely affected, Rocci said, but there is growing momentum in Washington, D.C. to tackle this issue.
Justin Rickett offered insight into the RV Technical Institute (RVTI), including how the RVTI Level 3 training process works, the approval process and the benefits of the training program for participating companies and technicians alike.
Hosted by Bob Brammer of Stromberg Carlson and John Hawkins of BAL and sponsored by AP Products, the awards program recognizes high-achieving individuals, suppliers, distributors, rep groups, and products.
Recognized this year in the following categories were:
- Chairman’s Award: Bob Brammer, Stromberg Carlson
The Chairman’s Award is a special award selected and presented by the Aftermarket Committee Chair John Tinghitella.
In presenting this year’s Chairman’s Award, John Tinghitella, chairman of the Aftermarket Committee, highlighted Brammer’s efforts in raising industry awareness of the de minimis issue and his work during RV’s Move America Week.
“He really, really made a difference,” Tinghitella said.
- 2024 Distributor of the Year: Meyer Distributing
The Aftermarket Distributor of the Year Award recognizes the most outstanding Distributor in the aftermarket segment and is voted on by all the Supplier members.
Finalists: Arrow Distributing, Meyer Distributing, NTP-STAG
- 2024 Supplier of the Year: Star Brite
The Aftermarket Supplier of the Year Award recognizes the most outstanding Supplier in the aftermarket segment and is voted on by all Distributor members.
Finalists: Blue Ox, Creative Products Group, Genesis Products, Star Brite
- 2024 Rep Group of the Year: Derema Group
The Rep Group of the Year Award recognizes the most outstanding Rep group in the aftermarket segment voted on by aftermarket distributors.
Finalists: Dealer Resources Group, Derema Group, Tom Manning and Associates
- 2024 Product of the Year: PullRite OEX Series Hitch
This award recognized new products that have entered the market since the last conference.
Finalists: Genesis Products REVIVE Ceiling Kit, Genesis Products REVIVE Wallboard Kit, PullRite OEX Series Hitch