plus 3, Real estate transactions - Houston Chronicle

Real estate transactions - Houston Chronicle
Phoenix track running strong, despite struggling economy - ABC 15 News
Farmer rolls 700 series in 42nd year in league - Lancaster online.com
RV industry still licking its wounds as it gears up for its show - Elkhart Truth

Real estate transactions - Houston Chronicle

Posted: 29 Nov 2009 07:05 PM PST

Sales

RV PARK: SG&K has purchased a 32-acre mobile home and recreational vehicle park in New Caney, from Wild Country RV Park & Campground. Tarit Chauduri of Keller Williams represented the buyer. Joyce Sterling of Cypressbrook Co. represented the seller.

LAND: Keith C. Jaehne, Trustee, has purchased 4.2 acres at 2602 Greens Road near Aldine-Westfield Road and George Bush Intercontinental Airport. John Wall Jr. of Situs represented the seller, Whitney National Bank. Brandon Jaehne with General Property & Services represented the buyer.

RETAIL: VNR Brock has purchased 1964 Northpark, a 3,300-square-foot retail building, from Waste Management of Texas. Bill Burge and Mark Lehman of Grubb & Ellis represented the seller.

RETAIL: Superior USA Car Wash has purchased the Bear Creek Car Wash at 5614 N. Highway 6 from BC Car Wash Partners. Lynn Stewart and Mike Wallace of Longevity Realty Partners represented the seller.

OFFICE: Decorative Flooring has purchased a new 7,056-square-foot office/warehouse facility at 12814 Murphy Road in the Park Murphy Business Park in Stafford. Anthony Luk with LYT Realty represented the buyer. Mike Gornek with Indermuehle & Co. represented the seller.

LAND: Zephyr Realty Group has purchased 3.9 acres on Clara Road north of Tanner Road from the Estate of R. Spinella. George Polydoros of George Polydoros Co. represented the seller. Randal Vaughn of The National Realty Group represented the buyer.

INDUSTRIAL: Crescent Line has purchased a 25,000-square-foot office/warehouse on 3.5 acress at 14205 Westfair in Westland Business Park. Marc Drumwright and Nick Miller with Southwest Realty Advisors represented the seller, Westfair Industrial. Teresa Schouster with Lone Star Realty represented the buyer.

Leases

OFFICE: Benefits Unlimited, an employee insurance and benefits administration company, has leased 5,000 square feet in the Offices at Creekside for its corporate headquarters. Larry Indermuehle with Indermuehle & Co. represented the landlord, Offices at Creekside, Ltd. Bud Friedman with Fort Bend Real Estate Corp. represented the tenant.

OFFICE: Excelerate Energy, an importer of natural gas, has signed a lease for 23,242 square feet at 1450 Lake Robbins Drive in The Woodlands to more than double the size of its headquarters. Mary Barnwell of CB Richard Ellis and Lance McCarthy, who recently made a move to Studley, represented the tenant. Gary Johnson of Crimson Services represented the landlord, BIT Holdings Forty-Six.

OFFICE: Small Ventures USA, a venture capital and private equity firm based in Houston, has expanded and extended its office lease of 6,574 square feet at 3050 Post Oak Boulevard in the Lakes of Post Oak development. Cody Armbrister and Warren Savery of CB Richard Ellis represented the landlord, DRA CRT Post Oak. Charles Fertitta of Colliers International represented the tenant.

RETAIL: Tranzon Auction Resolutions has leased 900 square feet in the Cypress Village Station at U.S. 290 and Skinner Road. Heather Nguyen and Rebecca Le represented the landlord, NewQuest Properties.

OFFICE: Joan M. Watford Investments has leased 885 square feet in the 4800 Sugar Grove building in Stafford. David Gerber of Gerber Realty represented the tenant. Joan Gee of Parkway Realty Services represented the landlord, Parkway Properties.

OFFICE: Mike's MarketShare Coupons has renewed its office lease of 3,235 square feet at 10700 North Freeway. Steve Rocher, Kristen Rabel and Louann Pereira of CB Richard Ellis represented the landlord, Houston 333 10700 Investment Group. David Buesher of Bandier Realty Partners represented the tenant.

OFFICE: Advanced Systems G has renewed its office lease of 2,351 square feet of space at 3100 S. Gessner. Kristen Rabel, Steve Rocher and Louann Pereira of CB Richard Ellis represented the landlord, Gessner Partners.

OFFICE: Rom-Ann Electric has leased 2,100 square feet at High Ridge Business Park, located at 5750 N. Sam Houston Parkway East and managed by The Betz Cos.

RETAIL: Sienna Liquor has leased 1,967 square feet in the Sienna Market Shopping Center owned by HEB Grocery Co. Debbie Knox represented the landlord. Mandy Cancino with WDJ Realty Group represented the tenant.

RETAIL: Marble Slab Creamery has leased 1,200 square feet in the Victory Lakes Town Center at Interstate-45 and FM 464 in League City. Heather Nguyen represented the landlord, NewQuest Properties. Patrick Berna of Shanks Darby represented the tenant.

RETAIL: Texas Tuscan Furniture Designs has leased 5,500 square feet of space at 1302 W. Gray between Waugh and Montrose.

INDUSTRIAL: Goose Creek Consolidated Independent School District has leased a 45,600-square-foot office/warehouse on 23 acres at 2200 Market Street in Baytown. Claire Sinclair with Claire Sinclair Properties represented the landlord, RSSJ Holdings.

INDUSTRIAL: PWM Electronic Price Signs has leased 24,170 square feet of office/warehouse space in the Commerce Park Business Center II at 221 Barren Springs Drive from Blue Ash Partners. The tenant was represented by Fred Sklar of Sklar Realty Services and the landlord by Hart Schleicher of Capital Real Estate Commercial.

INDUSTRIAL: KDC has signed two tenants at its Ellington Trade Center development at 12554 Highway 3, across from Ellington Field. Goodman Distribution will occupy 25,300 square feet and the Houston Chronicle will take 15,300 square feet. The project is being developed by KDC and Harbert Management Corp. as part of a national industrial development program launched in February 2008. John Ferruzzo, Griff Bandy and Jon Michael of NAI Houston represent KDC. Shirley Laymance with Mohr Partners represented Goodman Distribution and Valerie Palmquist with Transwestern represented the Chronicle. The 50-acre Ellington site will include three buildings totaling 513,000 square feet. The shell of the first building has been completed.

OFFICE: Vitruvian Exploration has leased 15,333 square feet at 4 Waterway Square from The Woodlands Land Development Co. Frank Onorato of Grubb & Ellis represented the tenant. Dennis Conine of Conine & Associates represented the landlord.

OFFICE: Windsor Consulting has leased 3,658 square feet in the Wells Fargo Building at 13201 Northwest Freeway from Parkway Properties. Keith Lloyd and Tony Ricci of Grubb & Ellis represented the tenant.

RETAIL: Carrie Ann's Shopping Addict has leased 1,488 square feet at Uptown Park. Beth Palka of Page Partners represented the tenant. Jodie Pearson of AmReit represented the landlord, AmReit Uptown Park.

INDUSTRIAL: Esteban Hernandez has leased an industrial warehouse and storage yard at 5716 Jensen. Kelley Parker, John Littman and Coe Parker of Cushman & Wakefield represented the landlord, Ronald Bromagren and Jean Wyckoff.

RETAIL: Pizza Hut has leased 1,450 square feet in the Northeast Marketplace at U.S. 59 and Little York. Matt Reed and Nick Olive of NewQuest Properties represented the tenant. Scott and Clay Trozzo of Property Commerce represented the landlord.

OFFICE: MEDEX, PSI, a medical supply and services company that provides custom orthotics, prosthetics, and durable medical equipment to patients and hospitals throughout Texas, has leased 1,700 square feet at 25003 Pitkin Rd. Tim Warren of Cypressbrook Co. represented the tenant. Kristine Lilly of Tarantino Properties represented the landlord.

INDUSTRIAL: PII North America has renewed a lease for 12,000 square feet at 16111 Park Entry Drive. Edward Bane and Robin Moore with Holt Lunsford Commercial represented the landlord, Principal Life Insurance, and Gray Gilbert with CB Richard Ellis represented the tenant.

RETAIL: H&R Block has leased 1,750 square feet at the Wayside Shopping Center at 900 S. Wayside. Kristen Hill of United Equities represented the landlord, Wayside Development Co. Elizabeth Diestelkamp of Colliers Turley Martin Tucker represented the tenant.

RETAIL: Tutti Frutti Frozen Yogurt has leased 1,787 square feet at the West Lake Crossing Shopping Center at 7416 FM 1960 East. Matt Keener, Jazz Hamilton and Alex Makris of CB Richard Ellis represented the landlord/developer, Trammell Crow Co.

RETAIL: Freeway Auto Insurance Services has leased 1,200 square feet at the Wirt Road Shopping Center at 2323 Wirt. Anthony Clay of United Equities represented the landlord, Fiesta Mart.

RETAIL: One Green Street has leased2,000 square feet in the Plaza in the Park Shopping Center at Buffalo Speedway and Westpark Drive. Mark Sondock of NewQuest Properites represented the tenant. Jodie Pearson of AmReit represented the landlord.

RETAIL: Verizon Wireless has leased 3,150 square feet in the Riverpark Shopping Center at 19820 Southwest Freeway in Sugar Land. Mark Sondock represented the landlord, NewQuest Properties. Stephen Thomas of Riverway Retail represented the tenant.

OFFICE: Sivad General Contractors has leased 1,950 square feet at High Ridge Business Park at 5750 N. Sam Houston Parkway E. The property is leased and managed by the Betz Cos.

INDUSTRIAL: Simmonds Equipment has leased a 15,625 square foot building at 5325 Hiltonview. The landlord, Capital Commercial Investments was represented by John Ferruzzo and Travis Land of NAI Houston. Chris Kugle of NAI Houston represented the tenant.

OFFICE: The Houston-based law firm of Brown, Fowler & Alsup has renewed its lease of 6,079 square feet at the Frost Bank Building at 10333 Richmond Ave. Ron McWherter of CB Richard Ellis represented Brown, Fowler & Alsup. Virgil Hydes of Lincoln Property Co. represented the landlord, PRIM Triple 3.

Etc.

MANAGEMENT: Benchmark Hospitality International has added the Villas of Grand Cypress Resort in Orlando to its portfolio of resorts, conference centers and hotels. The property is owned by Grand Cypress Florida, LP.

LEASING: Moody Rambin Interests has been retained by Los Altos, Calif.-based Investment Grade Loans as the leasing agent for the 214,000-square foot 9401 Southwest Freeway office building. Lee Jeane and Derek Beck will handle the leasing assignment.

CHURCH: Turner Construction Co. has been selected by the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston to construct the 18,000-square-foot Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church. The church will be situated on a 20-acre property at U.S. 290 and Fairbanks North Houston Road. Houston-based Jackson & Ryan Architects has been selected as the project architect. The church was established in 1994 and has a membership of more than 850 families.

The Chronicle lists commercial real estate transactions each Monday. Send items to realestatedeals@chron.com

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Phoenix track running strong, despite struggling economy - ABC 15 News

Posted: 29 Nov 2009 11:56 AM PST

AVONDALE, AZ -- Dollars might have been tight at Phoenix International Raceway, but you wouldn't know it looking at all the RV's and Campers.

PIR spokesperson Paul Corliss says they're expected to see close to 250,000 fans at this weekend's Checker O'Reilly Auto Parts 500 series. The race will bring hundreds of millions of dollars into the Valley.

Some fans say they are cutting back on some purchases.

"We're spending less on t-shirts and souvenirs than we did in the past," said John Maxwell, a Valley resident who makes NASCAR a tradition.

Pedal cab driver Howard Gossack says this is the place to be.

"It is nonstop rides all morning and all afternoon," said Gossack. "You just ride until your legs can't go anymore."

Gossack says he'll ride up to 70 miles a day. He says people are tipping a little less but businesses is still going strong.

"People pay what they want to pay," said Gossack. "It is a rare opportunity for people to get great service for a great product but they get to determine what they pay."

The R.V. lots filled up early in the week with many people camping out for several days.

Many fans say they made sacrifices before getting to the track.

"All we wanted to do was come up here and fun," said Orville Hohenstein, of Benson, Arizona. His wife, who lost her job earlier, agrees.

"You just get excited about racing," said Windee Hohenstein. "It gets into your blood and you don't want to stop."

The couple drove up from the southern Arizona town yesterday and quickly set up their campsite and RV.

With times being tight the couple admits their trip is not as extravagent as before.

"We made up our mind that this was going to be our vacation time," Orville said.

Windee said she also cut back on her grocery store shopping prior to the race.

To help with the squeeze, PIR officals say they reduced ticket prices.

Fans could get in for as cheap as $15 per tickt.

They also added free events like hopping inside a replica of the pace car.

Organizers say people could get on a test track to try one out.

Organizers also showed off Glendale native -- number 36 -- Mike McDowell.

There was no price to see him fullfill his dream of racing at PIR.

"I always wanted to be a professional race car driver," Mcdowell said. "So to be able to come out here in front of the hometown crowd with friends and family, it's a lot of fun."

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Farmer rolls 700 series in 42nd year in league - Lancaster online.com

Posted: 28 Nov 2009 09:01 PM PST

It was a very good year for Merle Farmer.

Lyndon B. Johnson was president, the TV series "Star Trek" was popular and the St. Louis Cardinals won the World Series.

The year was 1967, and Farmer, of New Providence, started bowling in the the Holtwood Tenpin League. He's been bowling in the league ever since.

This season, the U.S. Air Force veteran celebrated 42 years in the league with his first 700 series. He rolled a 707 on Nov. 11.

Background: Merle and his wife, Mary Ann, who have been married for 43 years, have two children. The 1962 Penn Manor graduate retired after 36 years at PPL.

Leagues (averages): Rocky Springs Holtwood Tenpin (185); Garden Spot Thursday Seniors (184); and Leisure Mix & Match (180). He's treasurer of the Holtwood Tenpin league and president of the Thursday Seniors league.

My greatest moment in the sport: My 707 (258, 225, 224).

One highlight in the sport: Converting the 4-7-6-10 split.

Favorite bowling center: Rocky Springs.

Type of bowling ball I use: Brunswick Zone.

The person who taught me the most: My dad, who I did get to bowl with for a few years in the Holtwood Tenpin League, which began in the Quarryville Lanes.

Over the years, the biggest changes I've seen in the sport are: Computer scoring. I would rather keep score by hand because it keeps the mind sharp. It would help the kids know how to keep score by hand. Bowlers carry more bowling balls and wear all kinds of different equipment on their arms and hands.

The best teams to be part of have: People who enjoy bowling as a fun time and encourage one another, regardless of how well or poor the team is doing.

Bowling has helped me: Realize that my life will be no different whether I win or lose, so I just get out there and do the sport for fun. And I thank the good Lord for my physical abilities.

My interest in the sport began: When my dad bowled in the league from the Holtwood Power Plant. We would go out to Quarryville Lanes and watch him bowl, so I decided I wanted to bowl when I grew up. I started bowling in a league on the base I was stationed in the Air Force.

Suggestions for others: Don't expect a strike every time you throw the ball. Always show good sportsmanship.

My long-term bowling goal is to: Bowl as long as the good Lord will allow me.

I think other bowlers would describe me as: A fun-loving, dependable bowler.

This brings me good luck in the sport: I don't wash my bowling towel unless my game starts to go south on me.

People would be surprised to know that: I performed on the stage of the Dixie Stampede and the General Jackson riverboat in Nashville.

When I'm not bowling you'll find me: Playing golf, going to bluegrass concerts, or just sitting on my front porch in the summer, enjoying my retirement.

The funniest thing that happened in bowling was: When I had to laugh because of the bowling rolling coaster that I experienced in a Rocky Springs senior no-tap tournament with games of 126-298-130.

College Scene: Shippensburg University's Mark Strausbaugh, a 2008 Donegal graduate, finished fourth in the Penn State Classic with a 205 average. Catlin Edwards, a 2008 Ephrata graduate, was sixth with a 191 average for Penn State-Berks.

Alley notes: Perfect games were rolled by Tim Laurento and Jeff Waller at Garden Spot; and Chuck Winkler and Jason Weaver at Dutch.

High series (men, 800; women, 700) were rolled by Bert Myers (719) at Dutch and Darlene Anderson (721) at Clearview.

Note: If you have a suggestion for the column, e-mail Sunday News Correspondent Barry Decker at deckrunner@aol.com or call him at 786-2620.

High scores

Rocky Springs

Seniors: Rocky Springs Seniors, George Engle 558, Fred Daum 523, Anne Fullam 502; Club 55, Guido Coccio 545, George Smith 522, Albert Birunas 508, Beryl Coccio 454; Duffy's Ladies, Edie Miller 448; Bob Rudisill Seniors, George Smith 527, Robert Freiler 519, Ken Yoder 517, Robert Brown 511.

WIBC: Retail Ladies, Carol Bushman 645, Sue Lapp 611; Friendship, Joanne Bowman 454.

ABC: What Not, Bob Leberfinger 758, Jack Walton 637, Keith Coble 604; Holtwood 10 Pin, Jon Waltman 718, Bob Huyard 612, Bob Sultzbach 626, Darin Groff 600.

Mixed: Have a ball, John Christman 464, Vickey Christman 330; Rocky Rollers, Monte Drebenstebt 596, Tracey Canfield 530; Mon Travelers, Fred Wilds 663, Vince Nieves 620; Winter Flower, Curvin High 615, Carol Beiler 534; Meadia Heights, Gary Ketterer 630, Mark Hess 609; Semi Classic, Steve Keen Jr. 736, Shawn Wise 728, Linda Goodling 625; General Contractors, Pat Brandt Sr. 675, Carl Lucci 658, Don Parmer 608; Mixed Rainbow, Hank Flory 644, Donna Prokay 486; Rocky Early Birds, Ray Hake 630, Joe Garner 627, Andy Thomas 614, Bobbi Myers 605; New Beginnings, Eric England 803, Karen MIller 547.

Garden Spot

Men: John Peck 692, Steve Cook 679, Jacob Mullins 651 (GS Men); Dan Bailey 680, Gregg Tavalare 667, Joe Schneider 655 (Strasburg Community); Bill Moore Jr. 667, Andrew Abrams 665 (Levi's Classic); Bob Rhoades 694, Rodger Hatfield 686, Dan Young 681, Charlie Bisking 669, Tony Leister 667, Jim Johnson 653 (Central); Tim McComsey 673, Ron Thomas 661 (RPM); Joe Abrams Jr. 683 (Mechanic Grove); Bob Heiney 650 (Thunder); Mike Anderer 686 (PV Mixed).

Women: Mary Kay Carrigan 595 (Noisemakers).

Seniors: Dan MacDonald 550, Don Neupauer 511, Betty Ortutay 510, Otis Harrison 437, Bob Olcott 417, Gene Recherd 417 (Swingin' Seniors); Dave Simmons 691, Glen Lutz 638, Larry Lutz 626, Bud Hart 608, Abie Evans 536, Norm McVey 513, Pearl Johnson 500, Jonas Zook 488, Joy Corey 487, Otis Harrison 461, Bobbie Browning 456, Janet Denlinger 453, Bill Ortutay 452, Ruth Denlinger 430, Margaret Foultz 375 (Thursday Seniors).

Juniors: Stephan Englehart 609, Brandon Wiley 562, Philip Quinn 483, Brandon Dooley 472, Megan Weidman 464, Kyle Shertz 411, Andie Gribble 355, Storm Slaymaker 244, Carrie Shertz 235, Nick Scheid 232, Lacey Slaymaker (Saturday).

Leisure

Men: Keanglong Yoeun 668 (McCombs Supply); Bob Kilheffer 720, Rick Dougherty 696, Glenn Huber 684, Jim Landis 683 (AMF Ind); Mark Gagnon 692, David Schlotter 683 (Klines RV); Wil Kellenberger 732, Chris Hess 725, Scott Carper 718, Josh Houser 698, Matt Hogg 692, Steve Levering 685 (City County Ind); Dave Kurau 651 (Tues Mens Hdcp); Bob Fasnacht 658 (Indoor World); Scott Karr 603 (Millersville Men); Clyde Kemmerly 687 (Lanc Ind); Rob Vital 719, Brian Zahm 685, Doug Schwenk 670, Rick Graham 656, Tim Walters 655 (Leisure Lanes Challenge); Rick Butt 752, Brian Heaps 728, Eric Keller 706, Don Bradley 690, Scott Kennedy 689 (Conestoga Ind); BRian Zahm 741, Rick Benedick 689, Ken Spang 300 (Midway Hotel Men).

Women: Aluana Hoke 466 (Hopefuls); Clara Olewiler 550 (Precious Gems); Pat Hiemenz 556 (Sparklers); Dennett Anderson 599 (Sparemakers); Debbie Beland 528 (Jewels); Sue Schickel 708, Shirley Redcay 694, Beth Graham 674, Angie Kneckt 627, Jen Burroughs 615 (Myers Auto Body Ladies).

Mixed: Ron Smith Jr. 736, Kristina Miller 556 (Funtime); Chris Porcher 653, Sue Schickel 581 (Zodiac); Mike Kreider 710, Niles Lane 704, Catherine Kreider 578 (Turtle); Fred Armstrong 604, Barbara Geiter 471 (Ball and Chain); Dan Bowers 628, Sandy Howard 553 (AM Ind); Mark Smoker 662, Ann Rummel 674 (Mixed Nuts); Henny Boyles 670, Marie Hodgson 588 (Leisure Times); Mike Bonham 622, Shirley Redcay 590 (Southern End); Brandon Cox 583, Tracy Williams 397 (Late Mixed Nuts); Dick Markley 665, Judy Bleacher 469 (BCA); Leo Young 655, Nikki Luecker 523 (Armstrong Eng); Gary Weidman 623, Ginny Hamill 520 (Gary Pro Shop); Rick Wolf Jr. 675, Jen Burroughs 641 (Wed Mix); Kevin Kurtz 721, Emily Jacoberger 671, Kris Tomlinson 621 (Thurs Mix); Chet Eckman 754, Ashley Eby 566 (Derrs Auto Transport); Nick Rose Sr. 659, Lisa Cunningham 505 (Knights of Columbus); Ron Lehman 629, Michelle Myers 497 (Roses and Thorns); Victor Fritz 646, Amber Heil 512 (Thurs Funtime); Scott Brill 656, Melanie Akers 649 (Mixers); Merle Farmer 582, Sue Otthofer 510 (Mix and Match); Scott Karr 591, Mary Kilheffer 468 (Mountville Mix).

Seniors: Dave Stalknecht 577, Elsie Wagner 506 (Manor North); Bruce Greiner 461, Doris Weaver 419 (AARP); Carl Melin 476, Merilynn Hart 464 (Woodcrest); Bill Ehleiter 534, Mary Kilheffer 505 (Early Birds); Champ Bauer 669, Galen Zook 645, Pat Cooper 627, Russell Gantz 618, Rudy Ries 605, Bob Steely 604, Charlie Albin 567, Jean Slothower 541 (Tender Tears); Stu Wesbury 536, Millie Fabryka 441, Pat Strub 441 (Lakes Campus); Ron Bearley 586, Bob Fornoff 559, Kate Bozochovic 496 (Millersville Srs); Don Cunningham 654, Bob Buzzendore 630, Richard Kleckner 617, Don Bissinger 605, John Erney 604, Don Killian 604, Ralph Kurtz 598, Charlie Heinaman 593, Russell Gantz 590, Bud Yeager 589, Fred Snyder 582, Earl Frey 564, Joe Goodman 558, Galen Eberly 551, Ron Hart 550, Gerry Skiles 527 (Thurs Srs).

Juniors: Michael Morris 320, Hailey Petrosky 313 (Bantam Prep Div); Cody Simet 580, Lisa Denlinger 521 (Jr Div); Jim Moshos 672, Tyler Schickel 637, Nick Falstick 603, Christina Leid 587, Becky Gerhart 563 (Major Div).

Dutch

Men: Tom Weitzel 628 (Sunday Night Mix); Mike Witwer 682, Ric Bromirski Jr. 669 (Brownstown Mix); John Dimeler 761, Brian Kachel 747, Harry Rogers III 738, Harry Rogers Jr. 728, Dick Alexander 726, Andy Bobetsky 714, Brian Pogorzerski 704 (Industrial Service); Jeff Widders 689, Bruce Snader 642, Todd Kauffman 635 (Tri-Town Church); Jason Rieker 710, Dean Cooper 662, Ron Maurer 647 (Woodstream); Chris Brown 725, Randy Haldeman 683, Joseph Bilger 615 (Ephrata Mix); Rick Miller 721, Marc Johns 710, Jamie Eberhart 710 (Lancaster County Travel); Bob Kennedy 652, Bryan Kauffman 645, Albert Oversen 648 (Lincoln Forest); Chuck Winkler 649, 300, Merv Landis 646, Mark Wagner 632 (Lancaster North End); Troy Lint 791, Jason Weaver 764, 300, Scott Canfield 759, Randy Miller 729, Glenn Ruhl 722, Tom Swalwell 718, Josh Stegeman 717, Jeremy Smith 708 (Commercial); Dustin Wise 688, Fred Armstrong 654 (Simply Everything); Andy Miller 739, Jim Miller 717, Randy Haldeman 712, Ken Vesper 704 (New Holland Men); Rex Litzenberger 610, Don Rineer 592 (Ephrata Church); Don Eckert 686, Dale Kohler 629, Clair High 604 (North End Mix); Carl Miller 717, Doug Herr 696, Rick Ober Sr. 685 (Friday Night Mix); Joe Long 633, Chris Mace 600, Rick Miller 599 (TGIF).

Women: Donna Pannebecker 640, Missy Miller 634, Janet Horst 615, Ellen Merklinger 614, Christy Ayres 610 (Brownstown Mix); Bert Myers 719, Jaclyn Greenly 514 (New Holland Ladies); Lydia Cochran 526 (Tri-town Church); Elysia Current 583 (Woodstream); Janice Meckley 552 (Ephrata Mix); Sandy Harnish 538 (Lincoln Forest); Janice Meckley 647, Cara Miller 607, Sandra Hinkle 594 (Ephrata Ladies); Angie Kilhefner 565 (Simply Everything); Cheryl Mengel 547 (North End Mix); Evelyn Brown 516 (Friday Night Mix); Tunisia Miller 504 (TGIF).

Seniors: Al Johnson 621, Ardie Kupp 79, Dick Kellenberger 560, Ruth Eddy 583, Peggy Schmidt 496, BJ Metzler 435 (Young At Heart), Lee Hauck 583 (Thursday Srs); Ed Ronald 535 (Dutch Men).

Juniors: Kenny Burdge 282, Tristan Current 237, Tyrus Current 278, Kaleigh Kramer 272, KC Miller 242, Tara Neikirt 192 (Bantum); Matthew Snyder 443, Ian Wettlauffer 342, Tyler Walton 326, Rachell Waddell 306, Cheyenne Angelo 358, Hanna Nace 288 (Zoo); Matt Cover 552, Justin Cramer 375, Nic Skoronski 352, Katie Redcay 367, Elizabeth Mace 339 (Coed); Austin Kissinger 660, Alex Blanck 626,Chelsey Merklinger 651, Briana Ord 561 (Seniors).

Clearview

Men: Josh Stiles 707, Brian Ashby 686, Shane Deardorff 658 (Donegal HDCP); Jeff Becker 738, Dave Kready 706, Bill Johns 705, Tony Becker 698, Chris Stum 691, Marv Rote 683, Gary Long 656, Josh Becker 653, Rod Stoltzfus 650 (Monday HDCP); Stan Gall 628, Jeff Strayer 617 (Men's Church); Dale Young 746, Ron Smith Jr. 721, Dennis Shufflebottom 717, Bob Elzer 704, Harry Ebersole Jr. 687, Rick Winner 681, Nick McCaulley 665, Bill Hamer 664, Ken Hoerner 650 (Tuesday Businessmen).

Women: Amy Livingston 680, Lisa Farwell 646, Shirlee Waugh 619 (Ladies Classic); Carol Eddins 529, Mindy Lease 528 (Pinbelles); Karen Wolgemuth 503, Lynette Brown 422 (Kennels).

Mixed: Brendan Ford 753, Ray Secord 752, Henry Blough 729, Darlene Anderson 721, Mike Sheeler 712, Josh Becker 708, Steve Decker 700, Carl Meachum 695, Bob Miller Jr. 693, Frank Telenko Jr. 690, Chris Stum 688, Bob Elzer 679, John Barborek 666, Lisa Farwell 661, Noah Dissinger 654, Sherry Margucci 609 (Monday Majors); Carlton Cummings 637, Dave Coble 549, Robin Baker 489, Virgina Garman 449 (Monday Mixed); Ike Knaub 690, Ron Kratofil 659, Ray Husband 650, Ann Kelly 522, Samy Chaffins 478 (Clearview Leisure); Steve Decker 699, Marlin Winters 621, Shirlee Waugh 552, Sue Lehman 510 (Sunday Crackers); Carl Meachum 732, Jeff Becker 716, Lloyd Schaffner 708, Jim Stillwagner 701, John Henry 689, Jesse Snyder 683, Doug Hosking 673, Brent Fortney 663, Dale Young 657, Tracy Beck 616 (City County Travel); Gary High 678, Curtis Gruber 640, Rose Stasko 439 (Thursday Industrial); Justin Fisher 576, Larry Mowrer 558, Brenda Mowrer 536, Robin Baker 471 (Friday United Church); Steve Decker 763, Chris Stum 677, Adam Glass 650, Pat Weber 631, Danette Alleman 618, Dennett Anderson 602 (Friday Mixed).

Seniors: Tom Mulleavy 589, Milt Heilman 574, Jake Garman 539, Bert Goodling 529, Arlene Mummert 522, Ruthie Garman 463 (Tuesday Seniors); Milt Heilman 595, Jan Olnick 497, John Lee 468, Arlene Mummert 459 (Early Birds).

Juniors: Danny Secord 700, Justin Stillwagner 626, Steven Ritzman 614, Katie Boozer 586, Aerika High 573, Beth Moyer 534 (American); Makyla Yoder 475, Olivia Farwell 414, Taylor Basham 319, Cayden Livingston 312 (Prep).

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RV industry still licking its wounds as it gears up for its show - Elkhart Truth

Posted: 28 Nov 2009 09:30 PM PST

Debbie Brunoforte, owner of the recreational vehicle dealership Little Dealer Little Prices, always remembers what her father told her: "Honey, you don't know how bad it can get."

Recalling what the past 18 months have meant to the RV industry, she observed, "He can no longer say that."

As the 47th Annual National RV Trade Show opens in Louisville this week, manufacturers, suppliers and dealers will notice a much smaller event than in years past and, like Brunoforte, they will probably be saying they have seen the worst. Optimism is creeping back into the industry with many believing the improvement in wholesale shipments, retail sales and lending will continue.

Economists echo that sentiment, declaring the Great Recession has ended. Yet, the casualties are still being counted and in the RV industry, the damage is staggering. Changes caused by the economic downturn include:

* From 2006 through 2008, towable and motorhome manufacturing shed a total of 6,000 jobs, according to the most recently data available from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Looking back, both segments of the industry continued to add jobs through the recession of 2001.

* Among the manufacturers going into bankruptcy court were Fleetwood Enterprises, Monaco Coach Corp. and Country Coach.

* Companies that are no longer in business include Pilgrim RV, Weekend Warrior, Sun Valley and AmeriCamp.

* Amid the manufacturers with new owners are Coachmen (bought by Forest River), Fleetwood RV (bought by a private equity firm), Monaco Coach (bought by Navistar and renamed Monaco RV) and Travel Supreme (bought by Jayco and renamed Entegra).

* Between 2005 and 2008, sales of motorhomes dropped by 27,106 units while towables fell by 61,316 units, according to Statistics Surveys.

* Wholesale shipments have plunged from a high of 390,500 units in 2006 to 138,000 units in 2009 through October, according to the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association.

The pain of this recession is still radiating through the RV industry but data shows the economic upheaval of the late 1970s early 1980s was, to date, as bad as it has gotten. The combination of a slumping market and climbing interest rates created a downturn that trumps the current decline, said Tom Walworth, president of Statistical Surveys. A total of 131,500 motorhomes were sold in 1978, a retail sales record, Statistical Surveys found, that has not even been broached in the 31 years since. Also 44 RV manufacturers went out of business between 1978 and 1982 while less than half that amount permanently stopped production from 2005 through September 2009.

History has shown each time the RV industry has suffered economically, it has come back stronger. What the business will be going forward remains to be determined but representatives from three segments of the RV world give their personal assessments of what happened during this downturn and of the future.

SUPPLIER

Tim Stephens, president of Atwood Mobile Products in Elkhart, stepped into RVs from the auto industry in 2006 and while he said the new job was supposed to be fun, it turned into a gut wrenching experience.

"I would call it the Great Depression of the RV industry," Stephens said. "When you lose 60 percent of sales, that's very hard to take."

During the 2008 National RV show in Louisville, everyone was wondering when the industry would hit bottom, he said. High fuel prices followed by the credit crunch slowed retail sales and induced dealers to quit ordering new units in favor of selling off what was already on their lots. By December and January, the entire industry was parked along side of the road.

Manufacturers "right-sizing their cost structures," Stephens said, along with developing new products like lightweight travel trailers that can be towed with smaller vehicles. Already making lighter parts for RVs, Atwood captured 85 percent of customers' contracts for lightweight products.

As production and sales grow, Stephens is watching the rise of inventories with caution. Yet looking at the baby boomers who will be coming into the market and the adaptations the RV companies have made during this downturn, he believes the business is positioned well for steady, sustainable growth.

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