We recently travelled to Indiana and North Carolina. In Elkhart, we felt the sense that the worst was behind us in the RV business. More of the plants were opened, and there was inventory ready to be delivered in the once empty yards. Certainly there were many plants and retail businesses that were closed, and offered for sale or rent, a definite sign of the times in the Central USA. We noticed that some craftsmen who once worked for large firms were now gainfully self-employed producing the myriad of small changes and woodworking alterations RV owners continually want made. TV replacement seemed to be high on the list with small work stations and functional improvements such as the removal of single combination washer-dryer units and replacement with stacked washer dryers being popular.
Talking to one of our campground owner acquaintances gave insight into us ongoing changes in campground business. He said occupancy was down this year however 2010 was his best year ever. His recent focus on improving his facility for RV Rallies provided the boost in 2010 however many Rally organizers choose not to return to the same location year after year. This in turn requires more marketing efforts by the campground to continually prospect for new Rally events. Changing conditions require changes in business plans to keep current.
As we travelled to Decatur, IN, we noticed a significant number of solar panel installations for both residential and business use. Many farm buildings had large arrays on the southern exposure showing the influence on self-sufficiency and energy subsidies are driving a lot of the changes.
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