RV Hall of Fame Announces Class of 2009

The RV/MH Hall of Fame, Elkhart, Indiana, has announced the election of the Hall of Fame class of 2009.  The class will be officially inducted on August 3, 2009 in Elkhart.  Those to be honored as selected by the RV/MH Heritage Foundation Board of Directors include:

 

Richard A. “Dick” Baidas (deceased), General RV Center, Wixom, MI, RV Retail

He was a long-term industry promoter and board member of the Michigan MH and RV Association.  He has been a principal in the founding of 10 different RV and MH manufacturers.  He built his RV dealership into the largest in the country at one time. 

 

Susan Bray, Good Sam Club, Ventura CA, Association Executive

She is a 30 year leader of the RV industry’s largest consumer organization.  She has served for 25 years on the Board of the American Recreation Coalition, and on the Advisory Board for the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Scenic Byways program.  For 25 years she has been a valued collaborator with the RVIA Legal Affairs Staff. She was a key promoter of the “Take Pride in America” program to increase volunteer service on public lands that has been adopted by the Department of the Interior.

 

Tim Dewitt. Michigan MHA, Okemos MI, MH Association Executive

As a 30 year Executive Director of Michigan MHA,  he is recognized by his peers and his members as a dynamic spokesperson for the MH and RV  industries and a leader in developing positive promotions for both. 

 

Hal Fowler, DTI RV Appliance Parts, Middlebury, IN, RV Supplier

He built what is now the largest distribution center in the country for supplying repair parts to RV dealers and repair facilities.  He has served as a board member of WDA – the Warehouse Distributors Association and as an active member of RVDA.  He is recognized for his maintenance of a huge inventory of parts for obsolete RV appliances and other parts. 

 

David Garvin, Camping World, Bowling Green, KY, RV Aftermarket Supplies

He built the world’s largest RV supply and service business, and owned and operated a large RV park.  He revolutionized the marketing of RV aftermarket products and services with customer satisfaction as the guide.

 

Peter Leigl, Forest River, Elkhart, IN, RV Manufacturer    

He is a long time industry executive developing several companies.  He built his company into the nation’s largest towable RV manufacturer.  Most recognized for building his company into one of the industry’s largest and selling it to Warren Buffett, bringing Berkshire Hathaway into the RV industry.

 

The RV/MH Hall of Fame was founded in 1972 and has inducted over 300 pioneers and key leaders of the industry through its 37 years.  Honorees are selected for their exemplary contributions to the growth and development of the greater industry and not primarily for their personal success.