Thought the boondockers would be interested in a couple bits of news that have just come out here in Elkhart, Indiana.

Travel Supreme, which builds high-end fifth-wheels and Class A motorhomes, closed its doors last week, notifying employees that it would be closed until further notice by posting a note on the front door of the administrative offices. No word when and if the company will re-open.

This morning, Monaco announced it is laying off about 200 workers from its Holiday Rambler plant and shutting down most production there until further notice.

As anyone knows who is involved in the RV industry, that industry ALWAYS -- without exception! -- leads our nation both into and out of recessions. The industry has been in a deepening recession since last summer, due primarily to high gasoline prices. If anyone doubts our economy is in a recession currently, all they have to do is look at the history.

It's not good news for any of us, but as I mentioned, the RV industry ALWAYS leads our nation out of a recession, so RV sales, RV travel and campground occupancy will almost certainly show improvement before the rest of our economy bottoms out.

Don Wright
Elkhart, IN
Cottage Publications

Moderator Note:
Travel Supreme only closed production facilities last Thursday and Friday to analize future production levels and staffing needs. Travel Supreme resumed production Monday but some employee positions were left unfilled.