ELKHART, Ind. – Michilah Grimes with Lippert and Mike Gaeddert for Coachmen RV reported on the progress of the RVIA Sustainability Committee as the first presenter at the 2026 Power Breakfast. The group was just coming off a major project the day before with refurbishment and upgrade of the 4H Elkhart County Fairgrounds.
“Yesterday, hundreds of volunteers from across our industry showed up at the Elkhart County 4H Fairgrounds to complete 15 projects in just one day,” informed Grimes. “Maintenance sheds were built, bathrooms refurbished, buildings painted, fencing installed and even a brand new dog park was installed. This was all because people chose to show up and serve together.”
“That’s what happens when this industry works together,” added Gaeddert. “Yesterday was just one example of what this mission has become. In five years this mission has completed 60 projects built by 1500 volunteers giving 4,500 hours of service.”
The committee then recognized both an individual and a business that have been key to this initiative.
“Our first award is the 2026 Trailblazer of Tomorrow award recognizing an individual that has gone above and beyond to make this project successful. Heather Ek, Lead Purchasing Manager at Coachmen RV, has been on this committee all five years and has played a vital role in securing the materials and financial support to make this committee successful.”
The second award, The 2026 Champion Parks and Progress award was presented to Patrick Industries that has been dedicated to the committee since 2022.
Grimes then concluded thanking the entire RV industry.
“The RV Industry doesn’t just build products, it builds up people, partnership and communities,” she said.
