The RV Industry Association (RVIA) took on a massive project to give back to the community and preserve nature for future generations. They initiated a volunteer-driven restoration project for Potato Creek State Park in Indiana, improving visitors’ experience.
“We have all kinds of different trades. Whether it’s electricians, carpenters, salespeople, you name it, we have it. And what we do is build things,” said Mike Gaeddert, general manager at Coachman Catalina Travel Trailers.
Four hundred volunteers from the RVIA worked hard to help make Potato Creek State Park even more enjoyable for visitors, as per RVIA’s News & Insights report.
“We have a lot of skill in this industry, whether it’s marketing, building, trades, different types of things that are all being put to use today,” said Michilah Grimes, director of Corporate and Community Impact at Lippert.
The skills were on full display as over 30 companies set aside business competition to work together and improve one of Michiana’s most delightful gems.
“We’re better when we work together, so how can we build relationships and do something good for the community, and we thought what a great way to give back than to the parks because that’s where a lot of people use products throughout the RV industry,” Grimes said.
They built a stage and 21 benches at the Nature Center to be utilized by students on field trips, a bridge to the fish cleaning station, and restoring the station. They touched up the paint on the signs, repaired the outside of numerous restrooms, did trail cleanup, and removed invasive species.
The volunteers built a stage and 21 benches at the Nature Center for students to use during field trips, as well as a bridge to the fish cleaning station and restoring the station. They touched up the paint on the signs, repaired the outside of numerous restrooms, did trail cleanup, and removed invasive species.
“I think it’s a credit to our industry for the kind of turnout we had at this event. Especially some of the notice was pretty short. A couple of companies didn’t realize until Friday, and they have 20-30+ volunteers out here that they took away from their business, so just a huge credit to the overall industry on the willingness to give back and jump in with both feet,” said Gaeddert.
He said it showed the commitment of the companies to the community for future generations to have the chance to appreciate nature.
“We care about the outdoor spaces, and not only for our customers but for our future generations. This is a place where they get to play and have fun and learn about nature,” Grimes said.
The event kicked off the Emerging Leader Coalition of the RVIA plans on undertaking two or three projects around the country every quarter and at least a couple right here at home.
Gaeddert said they use the phrase, “watch what the RV industry can do” to rally the troops.
This article originally appeared on WNDU.