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Dometic president Doug Whyte accepts an award from EDC chairman of the board Jim Hiatt.

ELKHART, Ind. – The Economic Development Corp. (EDC) of Elkhart County, Ind., recently honored Dometic among 10 companies for their commitment to leadership in the growth and prosperity of the local economy. About 100 people were in attendance at the 2010 Investors Meeting during which the EDC identified and showed appreciation to the companies with congratulatory remarks and the presentation of crystal globe awards.

Keynote speaker Mitch Roobe, CEO of the Indiana EDC, talked about Elkhart County’s impressive efforts to bring commerce to the area over the last year, and Dorinda Heiden-Guss, president of the Elkhart EDC, said companies working with them announced the investment of $245 million in 2009, resulting in 4,700 new jobs.

“We’re elated to have Dometic among our existing manufcaturers growing and expanding in Elkhart County,” said Heiden-Guss. “Dometic was our success story, as they surpassed their 10-year-goal their first year.”

Dometic promised 241 jobs between its Elkhart and LaGrange facilities but has created almost 400, just over 300 of those in Elkhart. Dometic was third highest in investment dollars among the companies honored at the meeting, spending $6.8 million in equipment and facilities.

“We were very honored to be recognized by the EDC,” said Doug Whyte, Dometic president. “We’ve moved factory operations here from overseas and constructed new facilities for product assembly and manufacturing because Elkhart is a great place to work and do business. This award is very meaningful to us.”

Distributor members from the Recreational Vehicle Aftermarket Association (RVAA) rated Thetford Corp. and Norcold Inc. as the highest performing Tier-1 supplier for 2010. The award is based on how RVAA distributor members rated performance in 14 categories, including marketing, philosophy, delivery, product warranty and customer service.

"On behalf of all the associates of Thetford and Norcold, we would like to express our pride in being recognized as the top-performing Tier-1 supplier," said Kevin Philips, Thetford's VP of sales and marketing. "We are honored to be recognized for our best-in-class performance as a leading supplier to the RV industry."

Headquartered in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Thetford Corp. is the world's leading supplier of sanitation and refrigeration products for the recreational vehicle, marine and heavy-duty truck industries.

Thetford subsidiaries include Norcold, America's leading manufacturer of gas-absorption refrigerators and freezers for the RV, marine and truck markets; Tecma, a producer of fine-china toilets and powerful waste-transfer systems based in Italy; and Spinflo, a unit in England that manufactures high-quality cooking and heating appliances as well as accessories.

Contact Thetford, 7101 Jackson Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48103. Toll-free 800-543-1219 or 734-769-6000; Fax: 734-769-2023. [ e-mail ] www.thetford.com.

Waunakee, WI--For years, drivers from every U.S. state and Canadian province have reported speed trap locations to the National Motorists Association's National Speed Trap Exchange.

As families squeeze in vacation time together this Labor Day weekend, before the school year begins in full swing, the roadways will be a very busy place for travelers.

With the combination of heavy holiday traffic, federally-funded ticketing campaigns, and financially-strapped local and state governments, motorists have good reason to feel like they have dollar signs painted on their vehicles.

To help families avoid a depressing and expensive holiday traffic ticket experience, the NMA has identified two cities in each state and province using data directly from the National Speed Trap Exchange. The first city listed has the most user-reported speed traps regardless of population size, while the second has the most speed traps for cities with populations of 100,000 or less.

To view information on over 60,000 specific speed trap reports by city, state or province, you can visit the Exchange at www.speedtrap.org.

Cities With Most Speed Trap Reports (All Population Sizes, Populations 100,000 or Less)

• Alabama: Montgomery, Hoover
• Alaska: Anchorage, Juneau
• Arizona: Tucson, Flagstaff
• Arkansas: Little Rock, Fayetteville
• California: Los Angeles, Mission Viejo
• Colorado: Colorado Springs, Littleton
• Connecticut: Milford, Milford
• Delaware: Newark, Newark
• Florida: Jacksonville, Boca Raton
• Georgia: Atlanta, Marietta
• Hawaii: Honolulu, Aiea
• Idaho: Boise, Idaho Falls
• Illinois: Chicago, Elk Grove Village
• Indiana: Indianapolis, Bloomington
• Iowa: Des Moines, Iowa City
• Kansas: Overland Park, Lawrence
• Kentucky: Louisville, Bowling Green
• Louisiana: Baton Rouge, Metairie
• Maine: Portland, Biddeford
• Maryland: Baltimore, Gaithersburg
• Massachusetts: Boston, Lynn
• Michigan: Livonia, Livonia
• Minnesota: St. Paul, Edina
• Mississippi: Jackson, Meridian
• Missouri: Kansas City, O'Fallon
• Montana: Missoula, Missoula
• Nebraska: Omaha, Bellevue
• Nevada: Las Vegas, Carson City
• New Hampshire: Manchester, Nashua
• New Jersey: Mahwah, Mahwah
• New Mexico: Albuquerque, Las Cruces
• New York: New York City, Troy
• North Carolina: Raleigh, Asheville
• North Dakota: Fargo, Grand Forks
• Ohio: Cleveland, Millersburg
• Oklahoma: Tulsa, Moore
• Oregon: Portland, Beaverton
• Pennsylvania: Pittsburgh, Reading
• Rhode Island: Pawtucket, Pawtucket
• South Carolina: Greenville, Greenville
• South Dakota: Sioux Falls, Rapid City
• Tennessee: Nashville, Smyrna
• Texas: Houston, Tyler
• Utah: Salt Lake City, Sandy
• Vermont: Wilmington, Wilmington
• Virginia: Virginia Beach, Fairfax
• Washington: Seattle, Bellingham
• West Virginia: Summersville, Summersville
• Wisconsin: Milwaukee, Kenosha
• Wyoming: Cheyenne, Cheyenne

• Alberta: Calgary, Lethbridge
• British Columbia: Vancouver, Victoria
• Manitoba: Winnipeg, Portage la Prairie
• New Brunswick: Moncton, Moncton
• Newfoundland: St. John's, Corner Brook
• Northwest Territories: no listings, no listings
• Nova Scotia: Dartmouth, Dartmouth
• Nunavut: no listings, no listings
• Ontario: Toronto, Brantford
• Prince Edward Island: no listings, no listings
• Quebec: Montreal, Brossard
• Saskatchewan: Saskatoon, Moose Jaw
• Yukon: no listings, no listings

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Diesel fuel degrades in quality over time, even during short-term storage, leading to diminished performance, decreased service life and potential engine failure. This occurs due to the daily accumulation of water, which can also create growth of microbial contaminants, such as bacteria. The accumulated water and bacteria can quickly turn into costly damage and a cumbersome clean-up process.

There are many methods to keeping fuel in top shape, but the best solution to maintaining a healthy fuel delivery system is to address the root of the problem and eliminate the daily build-up of water and pollutants. Parker Energy Systems' FPM-050 Fuel Polishing Module promotes a healthy fuel environment by continuously removing water and other contaminants before damage results.

Enabling fuel maintenance during engine downtime and off-season storage, the FPM-050 is a fuel recirculation system that utilizes solid-state pump technology. It filtrates up to 50 gallons of fuel a day and is compatible with diesel, bio-diesel and kerosene.

Consuming only 150 mA at 12 VDC, less than two watts of power, it won't drain the battery, enabling continuous fuel maintenance. It can even work with a solar panel.

Simple to operate, it incorporates an automatic, full-slow bypass valve, eliminating the need for manual switching. This versatile fuel maintenance solution can be installed in multiple configurations. The FPM-050 is designed for easy retrofitting into existing diesel fuel systems, whether in line with the main fuel filter/water separator or as a dedicated fuel maintenance loop.

Compared to other current methods of keeping fuel clean, the FPM-050 maximizes fuel system reliability and minimizes maintenance expenses. Fixed-base filtration systems and enzyme-based additives can be good at removing contamination, but aren't intended for daily use or address the root of the problem. Pre-filtration units require frequent filter changes, while high-flow-rate polishing systems need substantial power from a generator or shore power source.

The FPM-050 Fuel Polishing Module from Parker Energy Systems has a price of $587.

Contact Parker Energy Systems
Parker Hannifin Corp.
95 Edgewood Ave.
New Britain, CT 06051.
Toll-free 877-217-4501
sleahy@parker.com
www.parkerfuelpolishing.com.

Rochester, Minn. - Pace International, a national authorized distributor for DISH Network L.L.C. and a leader in integrated home-theater solutions, has introduced a new "pay-as-you-go" satellite program designed specifically for the RV market. The program, marketed as "HD for the road less traveled," is the first of its kind and is supported by a customized RV toll-free support line.

Winnebago Industries, Inc., one of the nation's top-selling motor home manufacturers, has named the satellite program "Your HD" and is offering "Your HD" along with the DISH Network Mobile HD receiver on select 2011 Winnebago and Itasca models in anticipation of the high demand this program will create.

The new DISH Network Mobile HD program allows RV owners to pay month-by-month, only when they want to watch satellite TV programming. Subscribers purchase the receivers outright; there are no contracts, no equipment to return and no activation fees. Setup is simple: (1) Purchase the DISH Network Mobile HD receiver, (2) pick a programming package and (3) call the toll-free 1-800-472-1039 to activate.

"We're excited to be able to offer a new pay-as-you-go satellite option for the RV industry with DISH Network. People want their entertainment, and we believe it should be on their terms as much as possible. This program really helps to deliver a great experience for people who want 'HD for the road less traveled'," commented Vern Swedin, Pace International.

Pace is welcoming OEMs, dealers, and customers to sign up today. Learn more at www.dish4myrv.com or call 1-800-444-PACE.

About Pace International

Pace is an industry-leading automation and procurement specialist with expertise in supporting communication systems worldwide. As an authorized national hardware and content distributor for DISH Network, the company offers complete solutions that help telcos, operators, and mobile customers Just Add TV™ anywhere in their communities. Pace also carries the industry's most recognized communication hardware and tools, along with its own lineup of installation materials, sold under its own brand name, MVP™. Founded in 1972, Pace operates from its headquarters in Rochester, Minnesota, and through facilities in Denver, Colorado and Ningbo, China. For more information visit www.paceintl.com or call 1-800-444-PACE (7223).

Jackson Center, Ohio --This Fall, Airstream will join Bloomingdale's as the retailer launches its nationwide “Hot” campaign. This season’s travel-themed campaign provides customers with insider tips on what to wear, who to know, and where to go. Airstream will be featured throughout Bloomingdale's three catalogues (Men’s, Women’s, and Home) and with signage in their stores. Additionally, Bloomingdale’s will host several lifestyle events coast to coast where Airstream’s top dealers will exhibit their best-selling travel trailers and touring coaches.

An Airstream International travel trailer is scheduled to be on the cover of Bloomingdale’s September Home catalogue, and in doing so will reach more than 700,000 of Bloomingdale's upscale customers. Additionally, Airstream will be prominently featured in-store with specially designed graphics and videos. Coupled with an email campaign, this promotion is expected to generate an estimated three million incremental impressions for the nearly 80-year old RV brand.

“This is a great opportunity to bring two design-centric brands together. Bloomingdale’s is obviously at the forefront of great style and we’ve been a modern classic since 1931”, says Bob Wheeler, President and CEO of Airstream. “Additionally, we’re able introduce a whole new segment of influential and design-savvy consumers to a brand, and a lifestyle, that is certainly within their reach.”

Bloomingdale's is also conducting a consumer sweepstakes with a grand prize being a 2010 16’ Sport– Airstream’s premium compact travel trailer. Customers can participate in the sweepstakes by visiting Bloomingdale's’ website: www.Bloomingdales.com/hotsweeps

For more information on Bloomingdale's’ fall campaign, visit http://www1.bloomingdales.com/about/company/press/detail.ognc?newsID=123

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FOREST CITY, Iowa--Winnebago Industries, Inc. (NYSE: WGO), a leading U.S. motor home manufacturer, continues to lead the way in innovation by unveiling the new Winnebago Vista for 2011.

“So many of the Vista’s floorplans are completely unique to the RV industry, so we are excited for RVers to get to their Winnebago dealer to see the coach in person.”

“For 2011, our Class A gas lineup has never been better and the new Winnebago Vista with its new floorplans and features, has it all,” said Winnebago Industries’ Vice President of Sales and Marketing Roger Martin. “This value-priced motor home offers five floorplans, with the new 35F and 36D making their debut in 2011. Each floorplan is full of conveniences and features that make RVers feel at home – like the extendable sectional sofa, comfort sofa sleeper and popular MCD American Solo blackout roller shades – a feature typically not found in a coach at this price point. Add in the interior and exterior styling and the Vista is truly impressive in 2011.”

The new 35F is taking the Class A gas market by storm. It features a bath and a half floorplan design, with a “BIG” 36-inch x 36-inch shower. Our impressive extendable sectional sofa is positioned mid-coach with a 32-inch LCD TV just opposite for optimal viewing from wherever you’re seated. This double slide floorplan also features a spacious galley with a large double door refrigerator, and exceptional bedroom storage with two wardrobes and a chest of drawers.

The new 36D floor plan offers a more conventional double slide layout that incorporates abundant storage and an available, innovative computer desk workstation. It all adds up to a motor home perfectly suited for full timers and experienced RVers looking for maximum Class A livability in a gas powered motor home at a very competitive price.

The Vista lineup also includes the popular 26P – the most value-packed Class A in the industry in length and convenience, the 30W – a wide-open, amenity-loaded floorplan that’s easy to maneuver, and the 32K – that’s perfect for families with sleeping for seven.

“When you add the new 35F and 36D to the rest of the lineup, the Vista has a floorplan for everyone,” said Martin. “So many of the Vista’s floorplans are completely unique to the RV industry, so we are excited for RVers to get to their Winnebago dealer to see the coach in person.”

To see a Vista for yourself, find a dealer closest to you by visiting www.gowinnebago.com and clicking on Dealer Locator.

SYRACUSE -- A luxury recreational vehicle start-up now has a home to make its products.

Redwood RV, formed earlier this year, announced Tuesday it has acquired a 30-acre facility in Syracuse.

The production facility features more than 105,000 square feet of manufacturing space, according to a company news release.

Don Emahiser, Redwood's president, said in an interview that the building was barely used and is an ideal place for the company's high-end fifth wheels to be produced.

"It's almost new," he said. "It's a nice facility. It really sets the tone for building a quality product like Redwood is going to do."

The building was formerly owned by Ameri-Camp RV, which shut down in 2008 and auctioned off its inventory and equipment in early 2009.

Redwood is a division of CrossRoads RV, a part of Thor Industries.

Emahiser said the company has already hired some key staff and is developing a prototype fifth wheel.

It plans to debut its new products at the 48th annual National RV Trade Show in Louisville, Ky., from Nov. 30 to Dec. 2.

As development progresses, Redwood expects to hire between 60 and 80 employees in its first year.

"We believe we'll be able to pull some great workers, quality workers from the area," Emahiser said.

Company officials began visiting facilities in and around Elkhart County in June. The Syracuse facility was selected for a number of reasons, Emahiser said, including its area work force, road accessibility and the quality of the buildings.

Some renovations will take place in the coming months, he said, to give the building and the campus a facelift.

"When all is said and done," he said, "that complex has the chance to be something very special."

Emahiser, who also was named president of CrossRoads last week, said Redwood will maintain a certain independence as a company. It will have its own production and sales teams at the Syracuse facility, something that's necessary for the type of vehicles it will manufacture.

"It's the luxury division, and needs to be treated as such," he said. "That buyer, that product, that market -- to cater to the luxury consumer is a different set of circumstances than catering to mainstream RVers."

OREM, Utah, - Tim Anderson has had a tough time selling his wife, Jan, on the merits of tent camping, which he typically does two or three times a year.

But after winning four days and three night's worth of free RVing through a contest co-sponsored by GoCampingAmerica.com and El Monte RV through OutdoorLife.com, Anderson thinks he's got a pretty good chance of selling her on the idea of camping in a motorhome.

"I plan to take them camping in Wyoming in late September to see the fall colors," said Anderson, an Orem, Utah resident who grew up in Alpine, Wyo., about 30 miles south of Jackson Hole.

Each participant in the online contest was required to write a short essay explaining why they like to go camping. A drawing was held earlier this month and Anderson's name was selected.

Anderson and his family will camp in a Class C motorhome provided by El Monte RV and stay in campgrounds affiliated with GoCampingAmerica.com, the website of the National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds.

For additional information on the contest, please contact Kera Tomlin at (303) 681-0401.

For commentary, statistics and sources on the latest camping trends in campgrounds and RV resorts or for leads on parks in your news coverage area, please contact Linda Profaizer at the same number and visit www.GoCampingAmerica.com.

HERSHEY, Pa. - The 42nd Annual Pennsylvania RV & Camping Show, Sept. 15-19 at Hersheypark Entertainment & Resorts Complex in Hershey, Pa., will feature the nation's largest display of recreational park trailers.

Ten manufacturers will display their cottage-like trailers, also known as park models, in the sold-out "Park Model Village" to more than 30,000 consumers from the Eastern U.S. and Canada who will be attending the show.

Show Chairman Dan Salzgiver, an RV and park model dealer from Hanover, Pa., promises a "fabulous" show this year, with at least 20 percent more products than last year's show.

Sponsored by the 368-member Pennsylvania Recreation Vehicle and Camping Association (PRVCA), the show will cover 1.6 million square feet of display space.

The park model manufacturers displaying this year are Bridgeview Manufacturing Co. Inc., Cavco Industries Inc., Chariot Eagle Inc., CrossRoads RV, Dutch Park Homes Inc., Fairmont Park Trailers, Kropf Industries Inc., Silver Top Manufacturing Co. Inc., The Barnyard and Woodland Park Inc.

Park models are among the most unique products to be featured at the show because you don't drive them and you don't tow them. Retailing for about $40,000, these are cottage-like units with peaked shingled roofs, bay windows and lofts that people use as weekend retreats and vacation homes.

Because they have wheels and sit on a chassis, they are classified as recreational vehicles, so they can be placed in scenic campgrounds and RV resorts, which are often off limits to both mobile and manufactured homes.

The show is important for manufacturers, dealers, vendors and park owners as the show features the first look at 2011 products.

"I'm hoping we get a little shot in the arm at Hershey," said Brad Bryant, owner of Bryant's RV Showcase Inc. in Dallas, Pa.

The Hershey show is the first chance consumers will see many of the new models. Manufacturers often show their new units at Hershey, and then give them a final tweak before the National RV Show in Louisville, Ky., in December. "It's good for me and it's good for the whole industry," Bryant said.

That's why Salzgiver and Bryant and other park model dealers expect a good show and are hoping to write some orders.

Media may contact the park model exhibitors and suppliers at the following locations:

• Bridgeview Manufacturing Co. Inc., 25876 Miner Rd. Elkhart, IN 46514; (877) 775-4591; www.bridgeviewmfg.com.
• Cavco Industries Inc., 2602 S. 35th Ave. Phoenix, AZ 85009 (800) 790-9111; www.cavco.com.
• Chariot Eagle Inc., 931 NW 37th Ave., Ocala, FL 34475; (352) 629-7007; www.charioteagle.com.
• CrossRoads RV, 305 Hawpatch Dr. Topeka, IN 46571; (888) 226-7496; www.crossroadsrv.com.
• Dutch Park Homes Inc., 2948 Hackberry Dr. Goshen, IN 46526; (574) 642-0150; www.dutchpark.com.
• Fairmont Park Trailers, Box 27, Nappanee, IN 46550; (800) 777-8787; www.fairmontparktrailers.com.
• Kropf Industries Inc., 58647 S.R. 15, Goshen, IN 46527; (800) 634-2171; www.kropfind.com.
• Silver Top Manufacturing Co. Inc., (a builder of add on rooms), 11120 Pulaski Highway, White Marsh, MD 21162; (800) 638-6960; www.rvtwoway.com.
• The Barnyard, 52 Mill St., Christiana, PA (610) 593-8400; www.barnyardsheds.com.
• Woodland Park Inc., 111 Crystal Heights Blvd., Middlebury, IN 46540; (800) 999-4958; www.woodland-park.com.

The Hershey Show is all about sales, but there is a significant educational component for the industry, too. Besides the trade show, PRVCA has brought together a number of noted speakers to discuss current topics.

For more information about the recreational park trailer industry, for digital photos or to speak with consumer, campground and dealer sources in your area, please contact William Garpow, executive director of the Recreational Park Trailer Industry Association, at (770) 251-2672 or visit the association's website at www.rptia.com.