About Us
Our Mission
PRVCA’s mission is to enhance the recreation vehicle and camping industry through education and promotion by being a resource and partner to all segments of the recreation vehicle and camping industry.
Our Vision
PRVCA’s vision is to be the information leader for the recreation vehicle and camping industry, to link education, legislative, compliance and other aspects for the good of the consumer and the industry.
Our History
The Pennsylvania Recreation Vehicle and Camping Association (PRVCA) started in 1968, when John Serro, a travel trailer industry pioneer, had the vision to recommend a separate organization for recreation vehicle dealers. At his urging, the Pennsylvania Manufactured Housing Association (PMHA) developed PRVCA as a sister organization to promote the industry and monitor legislative and regulatory issues. The groups eventually split into the two separate groups they are today.
The associations held their first combined show in 1968 at the Pennsylvania Farm Show with 89 RVs on display. In 1970, PRVCA held its first show exclusively with RVs. In 1980, at the request of manufacturers, the association hosted two RV shows to accommodate a date change from February to September. The change brought more attention to the show and the exhibit number grew from nearly 89 RVs in one exhibit hall to more than 800 units in seven exhibit halls. PRVCA exceeded its space allotment and 325 vehicles were located outside. By 2005, PRVCA moved the show to the Giant Center in Hershey, Pa., where it occupied 943,000 square feet and hosted more than 28,000 attendees. Despite the challenges of a Recession from 2007-2009 and Hurricane Irene in 2011, the show continued to attract attendees and officially became known as America’s Largest RV Show in 2008. In 2012, the show rebounded and reached the more than one million square feet milestone in 2015. In 2019, the show covered 1,056,068 square feet with 1,500 RVs on display. A total of 55,639 consumers attended the show.
PRVCA promotes Pennsylvania’s RV and camping industry through its “Open House” advertising campaign in the spring. It also works to educate both the industry and consumers. PRVCA members can attend free hands-on training and webinars, while consumers can learn more about RVing through the many education programs offered at the show. In addition, the association advocates for the industry and keeps members up to date on the latest legislative and regulatory changes.
As RVing and camping grow, PRVCA’s board and staff continue to stay in touch with industry trends, technology and regulations to provide the latest information to the industry and consumers.
Bylaws
Please be sure to view the Bylaws for the Pennsylvania Recreation Vehicle and Camping Association. This document is the roadmap to how we conduct ourselves and what we expect in becoming a Member of PRVCA.
PRVCA Board of Directors
The Pennsylvania Recreation Vehicle and Camping Association’s board of directors represent all segments of the RV and camping industry. Their experience is crucial as the association develops its strategic plan and works to accomplish its mission to enhance the recreation vehicle and camping industry through education and promotion. The association and its board serves as a resource and partner to all segments of the recreation vehicle and camping industry.
Tim Umstead
Chairman
Trumark Dealer Services
Greg Starr
Vice Chairman/Past Chairman
Starr’s Trailer Sales
Nick Boyer
Secretary
Boyer RV
Ed Flick
Treasurer
Retired, Fulton Bank
Nick Palm
Sr. Manufacturer Director
Tiffin Motorhomes
Steve Fretz
Show Chairman
Fretz Enterprises
Steve Beyeler
Manufacturer Director
Forest River
Brad Bryant
Rolling Stock Director
Bryant’s RV Showcase
Ryan Eash
At-Large Director
Jayco
Beverly Gruber
Campground/Resorts Director
Pennsylvania Campground Owners Association, Retired
Mike Keller
At-Large Director
Keller Marine & RV
Stephanie Reeder
Rolling Stock Director
Lerch RV
Ryan Reich
Rolling Stock Director
Susquehanna RV
Brad Rhone
Rolling Stock Director
Rhone’s RV
Rocky Riley
Park Model Manufacturer Director
Athen Park Model / Champion Homes
John Roba
Honorary Board Member
JR Products
Dan Saltzgiver
At-Large Director
Liberty RV of Gettysburg
Hadden Smith
Rolling Stock Director
Campers Inn RV
Jason Vaughn
At-Large Director
Pennsylvania Campground Owners Association
Our Team
The Pennsylvania Recreation Vehicle and Camping Association team utilizes its knowledge and experience to help assist members with questions about the RV and camping industry. They work hard to fulfill the association’s mission and strategic objectives.
Contact us at 717-303-0295 or email [email protected]
Heather Leach
Executive Director
Daniel Jusko
Membership & OPS Director
Elizabeth Peroni
Communications Director
Carolyn Riley
Finance Director
Megan McClain
Marketing & Edu Coordinator
Teresa Severance
Administrative Assistant
Ray Wherley
Graphic Designer
Our Members
Join Our Mailing List
Consumers: If you would like to receive our quarterly consumer newsletter, please join our mailing list. It provides information on America’s Largest RV Show, articles on Pennsylvania travel, recipes and fun games for around the campfire.
