A Special Report from our friends at RVDA of Canada
Jim Gorrie of Classic Trailers in Headingley, Manitoba has been elected as the new Chairman of the Board of the Recreation Vehicle Dealers Association (RVDA) of Canada.
In 2023, Jim Gorrie embarked on a new journey in the RV industry, purchasing Classic Trailers in Headingley, Manitoba, alongside his wife, Louise, and their son, Michael. This followed a distinguished 37-year tenure as co-owner and Director of Sales and Marketing at GNR Camping World, a family-owned RV dealership in Winnipeg, Manitoba. GNR Camping World, in operation for 53 years, was sold in 2023. Additionally, Jim owned Recreation World in Thunder Bay, Ontario, for a decade.
Throughout his extensive career, Jim has remained steadfast in his commitment to customer satisfaction, leading his teams by example to ensure every RV purchase and service meets the highest standards.
Raised on a farm in rural Manitoba, Jim left home at 16 to pursue his passion for hockey. After seven intense years of travel and securing five championships, he shifted his focus. In 1986, he was approached by Gil Robert, the founder of GNR Camping World and his soon-to-be father-in-law, to manage a fleet of 50 RV rentals. Jim, together with his brother-in-law, Kevin Betzold, later purchased the dealership, which they successfully operated until its sale in 2023.
A prominent figure in the Canadian RV industry, Jim has been deeply involved in both provincial and national RVDA initiatives. Newly elected as the Board Chair for the RVDA of Canada, Jim has also served as Chair of the Recreation Vehicle Dealers Association of Manitoba. His active participation with the RVDA of Canada has allowed him to address significant industry concerns, including discussions with Canadian Members of Parliament.
In 2018, Jim and his brother-in-law Kevin Betzold were honoured with the prestigious Canadian RV Dealer of the Year Award. He has also made his mark as Chair of Go RVing Canada, the RV industry’s marketing arm, serving on its board for seven years before passing the torch to his son, Michael, in 2024.
Jim’s passion for hockey continues, and he still plays weekly. His community involvement includes support for the St. Amant Foundation, Children’s Wish Foundation, and Kiwanis, underscoring his dedication to giving back.
Jim and Louise have been camping at Lake of the Woods since 1989, where they have a seasonal trailer. They enjoy travelling, golfing, and spending quality time with their son Michael and his fiancée, Haley.
Jim joined the RVDA of Canada Board in 2010. His passion for shaping the future of the RV industry inspired him to join the National Board, where he has contributed to the association’s continued positive growth.
RVDA of Canada officers for the 2024-2025:
- Vice Chair: Ken Dobson, Leisure Time Sales, Quispamsis, NB
- Treasurer: Marc Rémillard, Roulottes Rémillard, St-Jean-sur-Richelieu, QC
- Past Chair: Dale Hopkins, RV City, Morinville, AB
RVDA of Canada’s current Board of Directors:
- Ward Fraser, Voyager RV Centre, Winfield, BC
- Peter Schmucker, Fraserway RV, Lacombe County, AB
- Kyle Kehoe, Kehoe RV, Saskatoon, SK
- Travis Bromley, Transcona Trailer Sales, Winnipeg, MB
- John Krohnert, Platinum RV Sales, Erin, ON
- Mathieu Hérard, Roulottes Chaudière, Lévis, QC
- Jonathan Stone, Stone’s RV Centre, New Glasgow, NS
- Chardell Brydon, Jerry’s RV Trailer Sales & Service, New Minas, NS
For more information on the RVDA of Canada please visit: https://www.rvda.ca/
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RVDA du Canada nomme Jim Gorrie, de Classic Trailers, président du conseil d’administration
