Over 400 Volunteers Participate In Emerging Leader Coalition Park Restoration Project

Lippert, along with several RV manufacturers, teamed up with the RV Industry Association, the leading trade voice for the RV industry, representing 450 manufacturers, component, and aftermarket suppliers, to host a park restoration project at Potato Creek State Park in North Liberty, Indiana. More than 400 volunteers from the industry gathered to take part in projects ranging from landscaping and trail cleaning to building a stage for an education presentation area and building and replacing the bridge to the fish-cleaning station.

“It was overwhelming to see the incredible support from so many manufacturers, especially on a 90-degree day. It, once again, shows how passionate and committed the industry is to enhancing our communities and promoting the outdoor lifestyle. We look forward to building upon the success of the park event and making an even bigger impact in the future,” said Michilah Grimes, Director of Corporate and Community Impact at Lippert and Coalition member.  

“I want to express my deepest thanks to the over 30 companies and nearly 400 volunteers who came out to support the launch of the RVIA park initiative. Without the effort, time, and enthusiasm from all of our partners, we would not have been able to accomplish such significant improvements at Potato Creek. It never ceases to amaze me our industry’s ability to come together and get things done,” said Mike Gaeddert, General Manager at Forest River and Coalition member. 

The event marks the first of its kind for an industry that is known for the volunteerism and community service priorities from individual companies, but this is the first, large-scale volunteer event to bring together people from across the entire RV industry. The project was led by the RV Industry Association’s Emerging Leaders Coalition, a group made up of RV representatives from across the industry. The coalition was recently formed in an effort to maintain and strengthen the RV industry’s rich legacy and culture of unity that has been built over decades.

“What the Emerging Leaders Coalition has accomplished in such a short time is very impressive,” said RV Industry Association President & CEO Craig Kirby. “This group of leaders are very clear in their desire to make a difference not only in our industry but for the wider outdoor recreation consumers who frequent our state and national parks. Their passion and drive to improve parks for RVers across the country speaks volumes about the future of our great industry.”

“With American interest in the outdoors being stronger than ever, and consumers flocking towards camping and RVing experiences, our impact as an industry continues to grow," says Samantha Rocci, the coalition lead for the RV Industry Association. "It’s more important than ever that the RV industry comes together to establish and grow significant personal and professional relationships that will bring fresh perspective and ambition to current and future issues facing the industry. Our work this week at Potato Creek is just the first of many ways this group will improve not only the RV industry but the experience of many RV consumers.”