Association Overview The Michigan Association of Recreation Vehicles and Campgrounds is
a division of the Michigan Manufactured Housing, RV and Campground Association,
which is a full-service, non-profit, state trade association, representing
the manufactured housing, recreation vehicle and private campground industries
in the state of Michigan. The MMH & RVCA offers a wide variety of services
to aid you in the operation of your business and save you money as well.
Services include legal counsel and legislative advocacy,
and governmental relations , in-house public relations
programs, liability insurance and a clearinghouse of information where
members can obtain a wide variety of general and technical publications.
The MMH & RVCA is comprised of two divisional organizations (MMHA and
MARVAC), with each serving their specific industry's needs. MMHA and MARVAC
have separate boards of directors that represent their respective industries.
An executive board, made up of four representatives from each of the two
divisional boards, governs the association.
Our Mission Through legislation, education, marketing and public awareness, MARVAC works to improve the business climate for its members and to encourage growth in the recreation vehicle and private campground industries while contributing to the quality of Michigan tourism.
Michigan Association of Recreation Vehicles and Campgrounds The Michigan Association of Recreation Vehicles and Campgrounds is
the only full-service, non-profit, state trade association that represents
all segments of the recreation vehicle and private campground industries
in Michigan. MARVAC's members include RV manufacturers, dealers, suppliers,
private campgrounds, financial/lending institutions, insurance companies
and special service firms.
Membership Services All members are encouraged to participate in MARVAC's camper and RV
shows and educational programs, as well as the association's many other
services. Whether you need insurance, legal counsel, an architect, engineer
or some other related service firm, the association has the answer! Members
seeking a particular service or specific advice need only contact the association
office to have their questions answered. The staff serves as a referral
service to help members locate the services they require. Versed in all
segments of the industry, the staff can assist you in responding to technical
questions or help you deal with the local and state government units. The
professional staff is always as near as your phone. You can reach our staff
Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (after hours, just leave
a voice mail message) by calling 517.349.8881 or 800.422.6478.
Public Relations for the Industry The association has ongoing public relations programs that continue
to develop positive images of the RV and campground industries. MARVAC
keeps consumers, government officials, trade publications and media sources
throughout the state informed by releasing a steady flow of information
about the vital contributions the RV and campground industries make to
Michigan's tourism economy. Our programs are dedicated to creating positive
images about the industry; we remind sources how our industry creates a
more vibrant Michigan by constantly improving our recreation resources.
Communication-Publications and Seminars One of the most important features of MARVAC is its ability to communicate
information to its members quickly! The industry offers an e-newsletter, called
the Communicator, which keeps each member informed
about legislation, changes in laws and government regulations, and current
trends in the industry. The e-newsletter also lists activities and events
which are important to manufacturers, dealers, campground owners and service
companies. In addition to the e-newsletter, MARVAC keeps its members posted
regarding important information that affects their business and industry
through timely, special bulletins.
Continuing education for members is a major priority of the association.
Dealer, campground and service seminars have been highly successful at
keeping our members informed. Through our seminars, members from all segments
of the industry are kept up-to-date about new business procedures, legal
and legislative issues, and governmental regulations that could affect
their business and the industry. These seminars offer intense learning
opportunities for members who are interested in sharpening their skills,
and provides members with an opportunity to share information with industry
experts.
Annual Outings and Public Shows MARVAC's annual outing combines a full range of seminars and workshops
with social activities. The event provides members with an opportunity
to discuss common problems and exchange ideas with industry associates.
This event serves as a culmination point for the year as the association's
officers are welcomed for the new term.
MARVAC's camper & RV shows are among the
most heavily attended shows in Michigan with shows in Novi (2), Battle
Creek, Port Huron, Flint and Traverse City. Over 200,000 campers and potential
RV buyers attend MARVAC shows each year.
MARVAC also hosts an annual spring and fall golf outing, with the proceeds
benefitting the HARVEST Education Foundation.
HARVEST Education Foundation and "The Great Wall of
Tiles" HARVEST is a non-profit education foundation created by the association.
Its purpose is to establish educational programs and opportunities for
individuals who wish to make a career in the recreation vehicle and campground
industry, or simply receive scholarship help because they are a family
member of the association
The association office and
conference center is home to "The Great Wall," a mosaic
of handsome, commemorative tiles dedicated to honoring
those who have contributed to our cause of furthering
education in our combined industries. This
tax-deductible contribution is a wonderful way to pay
tribute to industry members, including members of your
own family or business, while supporting the work of the
HARVEST foundation.
