Policymakers Impressed By RVX

RVX: The RV Experience was a pinnacle place to be, not only for the RV industry, but also for key state and federal policymakers. Guests of the RV Industry Association’s government affairs team included Utah Governor Gary Herbert; directors from the entire Utah Congressional Delegation including the offices of Senators Mike Lee and Mitt Romney and Representatives Rob Bishop, Chris Stewart, John Curtis and Ben McAdams; Office of Outdoor Recreation Directors and their staff from Colorado, North Carolina, Utah and Wyoming; the California New Motor Vehicle Board Executive Director; staff from Georgia’s Office of the Attorney General; the Wyoming Business Council and staff from Utah’s Office of Economic Development.

“Policymakers were impressed with what they saw, especially The Reveal,” said RV Industry Association Vice President of Government Affairs Jay Landers. “Seeing RVX and the vast array of member products really helped the policymakers see how the RV industry fits into the bigger outdoor recreation picture. And the size and scope of the list of guests the team brought to RVX reflects the growing stature and professionalism of the government affairs team.”

Governor Herbert not only welcomed dealers to RVX with a VIP reception on the evening of March 11,  he also returned to RVX the following day to get a sneak peak of the exhibit floor as well as attend the highly anticipated Reveal. The fact that the governor devoted so much time to the RV industry during the busy final days of Utah’s legislative session speaks to the importance of the RV industry to the state.

In addition to taking in The Reveal, policymakers from across the country were given tours of the exhibit floor where they got an up-close look at the products being built by the RV industry. Policymakers were also introduced to senior staff of manufacturer, supplier and dealer companies creating the foundation for relationship building and follow-up on the industry’s key legislative priorities.

“The RV camping industry is a big part of the outdoor recreation economy, supporting millions of jobs and billions in consumer spending. Many Utah families travel our beautiful state and neighboring states in their RV or camping trailer, creating memories that last a lifetime,” said Congressman Ben McAdams (D-UT-4). “I appreciate the outdoor recreation industry’s support on bipartisan issues, including the recent landmark public lands bill that helps preserve the beauty of these places for future generations.”

“Outdoor recreation is a hallmark of the American experience.’ said Congressman Rob Bishop (R-UT-1). “The United States has some of the most picturesque public lands on earth and access to these lands must be guaranteed. The recent bipartisan passage of the Natural Resources Management Act was a major victory and a giant step toward ensuring access to these recreational lands remains open to all to enjoy.”

KOA’s Campground of the Future display was popular with many of the policymakers, especially the Offices of Outdoor Recreation Directors who were interested in how some of these technologies could be implemented in their state parks to increase revenue. The virtual reality experience and supporting website allows policymakers to bring the experience and ideas back to teams in their own offices. 

Stakeholders from the wider outdoor industry also made the trip to RVX, including leadership from the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable, the Motorcycle Industry Council, the National Marine Manufacturers Association and the National Association of Trailer Dealers.