LAS VEGAS – The RV Women’s Alliance held an open board meeting Monday afternoon at Caesar’s Palace in conjunction with the RV Dealer’s Convention. It marks the one-year anniversary of the inaugural meeting during the 2018 RVDA Convention.
The meeting, sponsored by Bank of America, had 23 members attend: 19 women and 4 men.
“We had our first official event in March and then a second successful event at this year’s Open House,” said Susan Carpenter, president of RVWA. “We’ve grown from a concept to an official 501C 6 organization with over 350 members.”
RVWA has had multiple other events regionally.
Bob Zagami of the New England RV Dealer’s Association, and one of the men in attendance, shared that he got involved for personal reasons.
“I had a very successful wife and two successful daughters who gained success in two very male-dominated industries,” said Zagami. “I saw what they had to go through.”
Topics discussed during the meeting ranged from future events to membership to sponsorships and donations.
“We are trying to fill the position of treasurer plus two other board positions,” said Kim Gregory of Coach-Net. RVWA members are encouraged to fill those positions.
On the topic of membership committee chair, Jennet Lewis from NTP-STAG, reported that there are two common myths regarding RVWA membership.
“The first myth is that there is a cost to belong. There is no cost,” said Lewis. “This is about recognizing and elevating women.”
The second myth is that the Alliance is only for women.
“This is a male-dominated industry,” said Lewis. “Women can define success multiple ways. It’s not always about leadership. Many women report to male bosses. Any male leader can recognize the women in their company so that they feel supported at their job. They will be rewarded by that.”