RVWA Launch Draws Big Crowd

A standing-room-only crowd of women and men thronged a downtown Salt Lake City restaurant to celebrate the inaugural launch of the RV Women’s Alliance on Wednesday night, in an event coinciding with RVX: The RV Experience trade show.

RVWA Chairwoman Susan Carpenter kicked off the event by talking about the importance of female and male mentors in her own life and by encouraging the roughly 130 to 150 people in attendance at Squatters Pub to look for people in their own careers that they can gain professional insights from while giving back to others. She also encouraged those in attendance to network with their peers.

Jordyn Foos, the vice president of the organization, followed up Carpenter by thanking each level of sponsor for the RVWA, letting the crowd know that without their support, the meeting itself would not have been possible.

The sponsors include:

• Gold Sponsor: Coach-Net and American Guardian Warranty Services
• Silver Sponsors: Creative Products Group, Global Link and Samlex
• Bronze Sponsors: RV PRO, Dometic, Go Power, Winnebago, Girl Camper, TOGO, and CWRV Transport
• Honorable Mentions: Stromberg Carlson Products and RV Designer

Several of those in attendance said the event exceeded their expectations.

“Tonight was very successful. The turnout was terrific and I saw a lot of new faces here,” said Chad Reece, director of corporate relations for Winnebago Industries, an event sponsor.

Liz Crawford, RVIA vice president of trade shows and events, said she was also very impressed with the turnout, which she said indicated that industry professionals see the value of the new organization, which is open to men and women.

Many others commented on the success of the night, particularly the networking that occurred through the launch event. Business cards were exchanged all evening, furthering Carpenter and Foos’ points about the importance of connectivity for women in the RV industry.

The RV Women’s Alliance was formed last fall with the mission to bring together a diverse group of women and men from across the RV industry who, through social and educational programs, mentorship and networking opportunities, are inspired and empowered to realize their individual potential, enhance their career experiences and create opportunities for the next generation of women leaders.