RVDA TODAY ...
JUNE 2015 NEWSLETTER ...
SUMMER HAS ARRIVED
EDUCATION & LEARNING:
Career Expo (Edmonton Journal Employment Super Show) – April 2015
Mary Anne Tokarik recently attended the Edmonton Employment Super Show. Joining her was
Jonathon Doucette of Woody’s RV World. Due to the economic downturn, we had fewer Exhibitors in
attendance. There were, however, many people looking to find employment, looking to change careers,
or simply just looking. We always feel that our presence is important at Trade Shows such as this, as
many people are not aware of the job opportunities in the RV Industry, and it is a great way to educate
people.
RECOGNITION &CONGRATULATIONS:
On behalf of the RVDA of Alberta, we take this opportunity to acknowledge and congratulate Shae
Miettinen for being chosen as the Top Apprentice (Recreation Vehicle Technician) at a recent Awards
Ceremony held in Edmonton on April 20th.
Along with the distinction from the Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training Board, Shae also
received a $1,000 award from the RVDA of Alberta (shown with EVP Dan Merkowsky).
We wish Shae much success in his chosen profession. He is currently working in the RV Industry and
lives and works in Red Deer where he is employed by Woody’s RV World.
Pictured at the award ceremony are (from left to right) Lyndon Nystrom (Woody’s), Shae Miettinen
(recipient), Dave Arb (Woody’s) and Dan Merkowsky (RVDA of AB).
LOOKING TO GOLF THIS SUMMER?
Member ONLY: Please join us on August 12, 2015 at Alberta
Springs Golf Club Resort for our Annual Golf Tournament. Please register at www.rvda-alberta.org
SAVE THE DATE:
– RVDA Golf Tournament (Red Deer)
– AGM at Jasper Park Lodge (Jasper)
RVDA National Convention (Las Vegas)
Canada Night Dinner (Louisville)
– Spader Training (Parts & Accessories Mgmt - Edmonton)
National RV Trade Show (Louisville)
– Spader Training (Total Mgmt. 2 – Calgary)
RECENT VISITS:
One of the many initiatives of the RVDA of AB is to support and assist our RV Technicians who are in
the Tech Program at SAIT. We recognize that the financial obligation on these men and women is
burdensome, and we have tried as an Association, to mitigate some of this by providing them with gas
cards, grocery cards, and providing reimbursement for mileage. We have made a lot of people very
happy over the past year, and will continue to support them in the future.
Shown here is Executive-Vice President Dan Merkowsky with students from the SAIT RV Technician
Program after receiving their gift cards.
OUR 3RD Annual RV Learning Weekend was held May 22-24th at Ol’ MacDonald’s Resort. It was
another huge success with this year’s attendance up from the first two years – a great testament to
the weekend’s reputation in providing great learning, resources, and a whole lot of fun. We thank our
many sponsors for their support in being there, providing funding, and ensuring that we had great door
prizes.
Friday evening included a Meet & Greet; Ol’ MacDonald’s staff provided a great Saturday evening
dinner, followed by a campfire & entertainment by a great signing duo. Seminars were also held on
both Saturday and Sunday.
Below, the group takes time out to enjoy one of the fabulous meals prepared by Jean MacDonald and
her staff at Ol’ MacDonald’s Resort www.olmacdonalds.com/
TIPS FROM THE EXPERTS: (FROM FEDERATED INSURANCE)
Suggestions for knowing what to ask your potential new employees:
Source:
Title:
Author:
Federated Insurance
The Best Questions You Can Ask in an Interview
Barbara Stepic, CHRP
The five best questions to
ask in an interview
Inviting a prospective employee to an interview is easy, the hard
part is knowing what to ask them.
The best way to make sure you’re ready for the interview is by preparing questions in advance.
This allows for relatively consistent interviews that evaluate all candidates fairly based on their
resumé. So what questions should you ask?
A quick word on behavioural questions
The most common interview questions are behavioral. Examples include “tell me how you work
under pressure” or “have you been involved in a conflict with a co-worker and if so, how did you
handle it.” They’re based on the idea that past experience is a good indicator of future
behaviour. Behavioural questions aren’t on this list because they tend to vary by sector but it’s
important to ask them in addition to traditional, open-ended questions.
Top five questions to ask candidates
1. Tell me about yourself.
This question gives candidates an opportunity to sell themselves and provide insight on how they
communicate – a sought after skill in today’s tech-savvy marketplace.
2. Why did you leave your last job?
Candidates who show a pattern of leaving past employers will probably continue to do so. Reasons
for leaving such as pursuing a new challenge or better opportunity are fine but should be confirmed
when completing reference checks.
3. What do you know about our business and the position you applied for?
This question must be asked to all candidates. If they don’t know anything about your business then
they aren’t interested in working for you. Serious candidates will research your website, industry and
truly show interest in the position they’re applying for.
4. What are your strengths and weaknesses?
Look for an answer that supports their work experience. The candidate should explain how they
overcame their weaknesses and how their strengths benefit their work.
5. Do you have any questions?
This provides you with an opportunity to assess the candidate’s interest and gives them chance to tell
you about planned trips or any other unavailability.
To successfully interview a candidate, you need strong listening skills, an understanding of the
position you’re recruiting and the knowledge, skills and abilities you require in an employee. The
most important thing, however, is to hire a candidate that’s well suited for your organization.
Happy interviewing, everyone!
© Federated Insurance Company of Canada. All rights reserved.
This document is provided by Federated Insurance Company of Canada (“Federated”) for informational
purposes only to augment your own internal safety, compliance and risk management practices, and is
not intended as a substitute for assessment or other professional advice by a qualified person or entity.
Federated makes no representations or warranties regarding the accuracy or completeness of the
information contained in this document. Federated shall not be responsible in any manner for any loss, or
any direct, indirect, consequential, special, punitive or other damages, arising out of your, or any other
person’s, use or reliance on the information contained in this document.
Barbara Stepic, CHRP is the HR Generalist at Federated Insurance, having joined the company in 1994. Her
articles on human resources topics have appeared in numerous trade magazines across Canada.
REMINDER TO GET REGISTERED:
We are pleased to inform you of the following RV Apprentice classes and DATES for
the 2015-2016 School Year:
1st Period
3rd Period
2nd Period
1st Period
August 31 – October 23, 2015
October 26 – December 18, 20-15
January 4, 2016 – February 26, 2016
February 29 – April 22, 2016
Contact SAIT to Register for RV Tech Program @ www.SAIT.ca
Registrations begin June 9, 2015
HUMOUR ME: Do you find it hard to go camping these days
without your i-phone, your i-pad, your stuff??????
Wishing you all a very enjoyable, safe and sun-filled summer.
May all your days have special sunsets.
STAY CONNECTED BY VISITING US AT:
www.rvda-alberta.org OR By Calling:
780-455-8562 or 888-858-8787
MISSION STATEMENT
RVDA of Alberta is a group of independent businesses that promotes the growth,
quality and awareness of the RV Industry and RV Lifestyle. We provide leadership, education,
training and support to our members and Industry partners to help them
exceed consumer expectations.