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Forest River, a manufacturer in the recreational vehicle, cargo trailer, pontoon boat, and commercial vehicle industries, has announced changes to its leadership team.
Founder and CEO Pete Liegl announced three leadership changes designed to continue Forest River’s forward trajectory and dedication to customer satisfaction.
Forest River Founder & CEO Pete Liegl
- CFO Darrel Ritchie will lead corporate management. Having started with Forest River in 2002, Ritchie brings deep understanding of the company and is poised to continue the Forest River commitment to excellence.
- David Wright, another 22-year expert, will assume management of Forest River’s commercial division, inclusive of buses, vans, trucks, and cargo trailers.
- Doug Gaeddert, who has run towable divisions for 25+ years, will now oversee Forest River’s entire recreational vehicles division, including towables and motorized.
Liegl remains CEO and will continue to lead strategic oversight of Forest River.
“I believe it is important to envision the future and plan for a smooth transition for the continued legacy of Forest River,” said Liegl. “I will remain fully engaged and devote significant time to help the incoming leaders.”
In other news, Forest River is proud to announce it is renewing its partnership with Care Camps Foundation. This announcement was made as part of the celebration marking Forest River surpassing the $1M milestone in cumulative donations.
In 2019, Forest River pledged to donate to Care Camps Foundation with every product sold. This month, the partnership surpassed its $1M goal, enabling thousands of children living with cancer and their families to experience a medically supervised camp.
Forest River Commercial Division President David Wright
"We are pleased to celebrate this milestone in our partnership with Care Camps Foundation. As an RV manufacturer, it just makes sense.” said Forest River General Manager and Care Camps Foundation Board Member Jason Hershberger. “As an industry we do a lot of good things individually, but this is one of those things that we should all do together. We hope to inspire every manufacturer, supplier, and dealer to come together so every child suffering from cancer will have the opportunity to attend a special camp.”
The Forest River-Care Camps Foundation collaboration can also be seen at their annual Elkhart RV Open House, and with a co-branded sticker that is placed on every Forest River recreation vehicle sold across the country.
“We are deeply grateful for our partnership with Forest River and their extraordinary generosity,” said Care Camps Foundation Executive Director Gwynn Sullivan. “Their steadfast commitment to our mission greatly contributes to our ability to fund the pediatric oncology camps we serve.”
In 2023, Care Camps Foundation provided $2M in funding to over 120 pediatric oncology camps across the United States and Canada impacting over 41,000 lives of children, siblings, families, and volunteers who attended. Corporate partnerships with the outdoor industry are pivotal to help fund the camps’ operational expenditures, capital improvement needs, and program innovations—and ultimately provide the opportunity for children living with cancer and their families to experience community and the healing power of the outdoors.
Visit forestriverinc.com for more information.
[09.17.24]
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Can you believe we’re less than a month away from the CD/NLA Show in National Harbor? We’re super excited to be returning to the all-under-one-roof Gaylord National this October 13-16. If you haven’t booked your room, now’s the time. Our room block is well on the way to selling out, so don’t miss your chance to secure your accommodations at our incredible $259/night rate. To start your stay, click here.
Brett Barenholtz 
Eric Devlin 
J.R. Garza
As we’ve detailed in the past few weeks, education is the heart of the CD/NLA Show. But in addition to our classroom-style sessions and interactive roundtables, we’re excited to offer attendees the opportunity to get a candid insight into our industry. Join us on Monday, October 14, for the State of the Industry, sponsored by Driving Transactions. Always one of our most-attended events—and usually standing-room-only—the State of the Industry provides a unique snapshot of the luxury ground transportation world.
Tiffany Hinton 
Jason Messinger 
Moderator Chris Weiss
“The State of the Industry was not only a powerful learning experience, but it was also incredibly up-lifting. Having the opportunity to spend time with industry leaders was invaluable,” says Richard & Wanda Van Dyke of Ambassador City Chauffeurs.
This year, we’re thrilled to offer a panel of dynamic operators, representing different sizes and markets from around the country. Moderated by CD President Chris Weiss, this year’s panel includes Brett Barenholtz of Boston Car Transportation/Above All/ETS/Maine Chauffeured Services, Eric Devlin of Premier Transportation, J.R. Garza of Diamond Limousine & Sedan, Tiffany Hinton of MOTEV, and Jason Messinger of BBZ Limousine & Livery Service.
The State of the Industry will address some of the most pressing topics faced by operators in 2024, including insurance, AI and technology, fluctuating rates, remote employees, and vehicles being embraced by the clients and the industry. You can guarantee that this will be an intriguing, enlightening, and entertaining session.
“Kudos to everyone involved in the CD/NLA Show! From the educational programs, State of the Industry to the show floor, everything was well orchestrated, professional, and top notch,” says Mike Rose of My Limousine Service.
Visit cdnlashow.com for more information.
[09.17.24]
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- Category: Industry News
Paul Walsh of Superior Executive Transportation casts a line
On Tuesday, August 27, the Virginia Limousine Association (VLA) held a fishing trip/membership meeting in Virginia Beach. The day-long event gave members and guests the opportunity to network on the open water followed by a membership meeting with special guest Dan Roberts of Virgina Tours.
The VLA began the day at Rudee’s Inlet where 20 members spent the afternoon fishing for bluefish and Spanish mackerel as well as sighting dolphins. More than 50 fish were reeled in by the group.
VLA President Bill Kerr of Camryn Executive Transportation (left) and John Oulton of Richmond Limousine
“This was a great day for the VLA,” says VLA President Bill Kerr of Camryn Executive Transportation. “We had operators come from all over the Commonwealth to take part.”
Following the fishing trip, the association held a general membership meeting at the Virgina Beach Sheraton on the waterfront. Guest speaker Roberts was on hand to discuss trends in tourism, conventions, and the retail business. He took questions from the operators in attendance, which allowed them to plan effective business strategies for 2025.
The group caught 57 fish during the afternoon excursion
“A special thank you to Paul Walsh with Superior Executive Transportation in Virginia Beach for providing transportation to members,” says Kerr. “We’re doing great things in Virginia, and we’re particularly excited about our joint meeting with the Maryland Limousine Association at the Gaylord National.”
Scheduled to be held during the CD/NLA Show, this meeting will be open to all operators and will feature a representative of the Washington D.C. Airport Authority.
Visit virginialimousineassociation.org for more information.
[09.16.24]