Lane County Oregon RV Related Businesses Enjoy Resurgence

In 2005, there were nearly 4,500 workers in Lane County’s RV industry according to the state’s employment department. By 2009 the financial crisis, credit lock down, escalating fuel prices created a perfect storm which saw the local RV industry shrinking drastically. The demise of Country Coach, LLC and the purchase of Monaco out of bankruptcy by Navistar (and its subsequent relocation of many jobs to Indiana) found Lane Country dealing with the fall-out. Many peripheral businesses who had served these RV manufacturers closed their doors as well. Thousands of RV related jobs went away. Resiliency, however, is firmly rooted in the men and women of the great northwest. Richard Coon of Recreation Vehicle Industry Association said a few years ago, “RVs are woven into the fabric of America." And it is true. Over the past many months, there has been a steady rebuilding of momentum as a “new” RV industry has risen from the ashes in a Phoenix-like rebirth in this county.

Many businesses happily welcomed RVers back to Oregon this past year.

Les Schwab/Bob Dickman Tire Center in Junction City, is a long-time supplier to the RV industry, well known as a highly valued friend of motorcoachers. When motorcoachers are in the area for coach service, they’re visiting Dickman Tire Center to purchase tires and batteries. Website: www.dickmantires.com. Carr Industries in Veneta (a great source for cabinetry and countertops upgrades) recently reported his business is up 40% year over year. Website: www.carr-industries.com

Service business is brisk at Country Coach Corporation (CCC) in Junction City, OR as well. The company keeps a robust inventory of Country Coach parts and fabricates parts on site. If you need Country Coach specific parts, Country Coach Corp can most likely get it for you. CCC owns all intellectual property of the former Country Coach, LLC which closed in bankruptcy in late 2009 and provides invaluable support to Country Coach owners nationwide via telephone technical support. CCC offers a selection of quality consignment motorhomes for sale. Situated on several acres of the former Country Coach, LLC manufacturing campus, CCC company owner Ron Lee hopes to one day build Country Coach brand motorhomes, which would be great for the community, displaced RV industry workers, and current Country Coach brand motorcoachers as well. Website: www.countrycoach.com

Motorcoach owners are a loyal group preferring to return to their service center of choice for routine service and maintenance, or for those more involved renovation projects. Oregon Motorcoach Center (OMC), a full service and renovations company in Eugene, finds that the majority of their customers come from out of the area. The business is co-owned by Bob Lee, original founder of Country Coach, Inc. and son-in-law Patrick Mason. Bob is an industry icon; he founded Country Coach, then Country Camper, in the early 70s. He also helped shape the industry as a whole and was inducted into the industry’s RV/MH Hall of Fame. With 1000s of parts in inventory, OMC is a great parts resource, too. OMC has created a Camp OMC atmosphere at their service facility on Airport Road in Eugene. Many motorcoachers now look forward to catching up with their OMC friends when they make their annual visit back to the service center. Website: www.oregonmotorcoachcenter.com

Premier RV Services, a full service center, pre-owned coach sales facility and indoor storage facility, is also located on several acres of the former Country Coach, LLC campus. Co-owner and Service Manager Gary Obermire noted, “Our customers come to Premier knowing they’ll receive the same level of quality service as when their coach was originally built. House and Chassis service, paint or body repair, or larger renovation projects, whatever is needed, we’re here to serve our motorcoaching friends. While we specialize in Country Coach and employ some of the best service specialists with Country Coach specific experience, all brands are welcomed.” The Premier pre-owned coach sales division has been extremely busy this past year. “With the largest inventory of pre-owned Country Coaches in the U.S., we’re seeing buyers coming in from coast to coast to purchase a well-maintained, hand selected pre-owned Premier motorcoach, or to consign their motorcoach,” Louie Courtemanche, co-owner said. Website: www.premierrvservices.com

As RVers from across the nation are visiting Junction City for attention to their service and sales needs, Oregon RV Alliance’s message of the benefits of spending your leisure time (and dollars) in Oregon is most timely. Founded in December 2010, its members include RV dealerships, service centers, suppliers, manufacturers, local chambers of commerce, community festival organizers, RV resorts, and others who are busy promoting Lane County, its many services, resources and attractions. Visit online at www.come2oregon.com.