The Recreation Vehicle Dealers Association of Canada is encouraging nominations for the George Goodrick Emerging Leader Award, a recognition reserved for early-career professionals who demonstrate leadership and contribute to the future of the Canadian RV industry.
According to information released by the association, nominations are open year-round. “We strongly encourage you to submit your nomination during our Priority Review Window (now through early Autumn). Late submissions will automatically roll over into the next evaluation period—don’t miss the chance to get your nominee on the radar for this year!” the announcement states.
The award is intended to recognize individuals who bring fresh perspectives and independent thinking to the RV sector. The association said the honor is not necessarily presented annually and is awarded only when a candidate demonstrates exceptional promise and redefines standards of excellence within the industry.
Recipients are recognized during a Provincial or Regional RV Dealers Association event in front of industry peers.
Chelsea May, national warranty manager at Fraserway RV, was named the 2025 recipient of the award.
The association said nominations may be submitted by industry colleagues, suppliers, manufacturers and customers who have known the nominee professionally for at least two years. Nominators are not required to be members of the RV Dealers Association.
The selection committee evaluates candidates based solely on submitted materials across five areas: customer service, impact, innovation, initiative and social responsibility.
Customer service criteria focus on customer satisfaction, loyalty and operational excellence. Impact measures contributions toward strategic goals affecting businesses, communities, the industry or the national market.
Innovation considers creative applications of ideas, resources or technology, while initiative recognizes work or volunteer activities that demonstrate growth and leadership potential. Social responsibility examines contributions that improve society.
Eligibility requirements state that nominees must be consistently employed by an RVDA member in good standing. Owners and acting principals of businesses are not eligible, and self-nominations are not accepted.
The association said the committee requires sufficient time to verify information and review supporting documents, prompting the emphasis on submitting nominations during the current priority period.
Nomination packages must include a recommendation of at least 400 words outlining the candidate’s achievements according to the award criteria, along with at least one supporting letter from a customer, industry peer or community member.
The online nomination form allows users to save their progress and upload supporting documents when they are completed.