Nominations Open For Lifetime Achievement Award In The RV Aftermarket

Nominations are now open for the Jim Barker Lifetime Achievement Award. Given to one individual each year who has contributed specifically to the RV aftermarket throughout their career and/or lifetime, Jim Barker Awardees have delivered exceptional product innovation, education and philanthropy to the industry. Jim Barker Award candidates also embrace a spirit of service to the industry, making a difference to the ongoing excellence of the RV Aftermarket, while also exhibiting strong moral and ethical behavior that exemplifies good stewardship and conduct.

The nomination submission deadline is June 14.

Nominees for the Jim Barker Award will be voted on by the previous 10 award winners as well as the current Aftermarket Committee Chair and Awards Task Force Chair, and kept in the running for 3 years. Recent Winners of the Awards include:

• 2005 Shirley Prest
• 2007 Ellen Kietzmann
• 2008 Mike Keller
• 2010 Ron Dempster
• 2013 Jerry Shepherd
• 2014 Tom Manning
• 2015 John Spaulding
• 2017 Darryl Searer
• 2018 Bob Brammer
• 2019 George Grengs

Click Here to Submit a Nomination

The winner will be announced on Tuesday, August 10 during the 2021 RV Aftermarket Conference held at the Embassy Suites at Centennial Olympic Park in Atlanta, Georgia.

Registration for the RV Industry Association's annual industry conference focused on the RV aftermarket segment is now open. The 2021 event, which marks the 50th Anniversary of the conference, will be held in-person, August 9-12. 

The conference’s focus is to support a great parts and accessory purchasing experience that will benefit supply chain members and the RV consumer. During the event, Aftermarket suppliers and distributors meet during one-on-one "appointment sessions" to pitch new products and review their current offerings. In addition to networking with colleagues with a proven track record in the industry, attendees will hear from thought leaders on the state of the RV industry. With the latest RV Industry Association economic impact study finding the RV aftermarket contributes 3,187 jobs, $272 million dollars in wages, and over $750 million in total economic output on a yearly basis, the event is the perfect opportunity to develop strategies for expanding the market segment and discuss opportunities for future growth.

Click Here to Register for the Conference