The Mail-Journal, Volume 8, Number 9, Milford, Kosciusko County, 31 March 1971 — Page 12

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THE MAIL-JOURNAL—Wed., Mar. 31, 1971

ONE YEAR AGO Annexation meeting for area 1 draws crowd, debate. The disposition of a 13-year-old Syracuse youth is being debated by county authorities following his apprehension last Tuesday in connection with two bomb scares at Lakeland schools. Mr. and Mrs. Maurice Crow have returned from a month-long stay at Venice, Fla. The Paul Kerlins have returned from a 10-day visit with John and Pearl Herrmann at Brownsville, Tex. The former Geiger home on the corner of south Main street and Portland has been burned to the

Vol. 111 Serving Recreational Veh : cle Dealers Throughout The U.5.A... February, 1971

Regional Sales Managers Named

Bauer Regional Sales Manager In Sunshine State Don Bauer, who was formerly a Vega dealer in the Chicago area, now represents Vega travel trailers and truck campers in Florida He is being assisted by his wife Jo who, like Don himself, is a dedicated outdoorsman. The Bauers, who have twenty years of experience in the recreational vehicle field, are active campers who can “tell it like it is” when it comes to grass roots knowledge about camping. Both have been officers of the National Campers and Hikers Association and both have a very real appreciation of dealer problems, since they have spent many years on the dealer’s side of the fence. The Bauers. with their three children, make their home in Orlando Phillips Takes On 10-State Southern Area J. E. “Bud"-Phillips has been named regional sales manager for Vega in a territory that includes Alabama. Arkansas. Georgia. Kentucky. Louisiana. Mississippi. Missouri, Oklahoma. Tennessee and Texas The rapid pace that will be required to cover his territory is nothing new for "Bud ”, who is completing his third year in the fast-moving recreational vehicle business In addition to his field sales responsibilities. "Bud" is former owner of a Memphis dealership His experience there has given him a special understanding of dealer problems. In addition, he is a business graduate of Baylor

OTHER STAFF PROMOTIONS STRENGTHEN VEGA OVERALL ORGANIZATION

At the same time he announced the corporation’s executive promotions. Vega President Robert Skillen also called attention to a senes of promotions within the firm's internal organization. “We are making these promotions not only to recognize the outstanding performance of the people who really keep us in business — the men responsible for the day-to-day output of Vega travel trailers and truck campers — but also to insure orderly and significant growth Our ability to build a quality product and to give our dealers prompt and dependable service has brought us to a leadership position in the industry in three short years By promoting the able and reliable people who put us there, we are serving notice that we intend to stay on top ‘"

REMEMBER WHEN IT HAPPENED IN SYRACUSE

ground to make room for improvements and parking area for Harris Funeral home. Wilkerson Paint and Wallpaper Company on south Huntington street is closing it’s doors after 17-years in the business. The Syracuse-Village car wash is now open and being operated by Bud Felkner and Paul Gerke. Mrs. Ida Hibschman has returned to her home following a week end visit in the Hermann Jensen home at Garrett. Mrs. Dee Stiver, Mrs. Richard Miller and Mrs. John Connolly have been named as captains for the cancer crusade at Syracuse. The John Kimbles have

University, Phillips has also done graduate work at Memphis State University He. his wife Louise, who is also his business partner, and their four children make their home in Bartlett, Tennessee, a Memphis suburb. The Phillips* are inveterate campers. while “Bud” also enjoys fishing and golf. When he is at home, he devotes what few spare hours he can muster to churchrelated youth work. x Alden Company Is Vega Down East' Representative Vega representative for New England is the Alden Co. of Danvers, Mass Sid Goldman and Ed Baker are principals of the firm, which has distributed Vega travel trailers and truck campers for two years. Alden, which has been active in the R V business for over four years, also has wide experience with tents and other camping gear, to qualify them as outdoor experts" Additional regional sales manager appointments can be expected within the next fewweeks. according to Vega President Robert Skillen

BJELLA NAMED PRODUCTION MGD.. TRUCK CAMPERS Responsibility for the production of Vega truck campers rests with Oscar Bjella. who has been with the company since late in 1969 Prior to becoming a member of the Vega production team, he had devoted twenty-five years to cabinet-making and millwork, generally in super-

returned from a 10-week stay at a lodge resort near Orlando, Fla. FIVE YEARS AGO Jack Vanderford has filed candidacy for state representative of Kosciusko. Whitley, Wabash. Huntington and Fulton counties. , Maurice B. Crow has filed his candidacy for Turkey Creek township trustee on the Democratic ticket. • Harold Wellman has been named a director of the newly formed Northern Indiana Economic Development Alliance, to represent Kosciusko county. Janice Auer and Susie Kitson have been selected as delegate and alternate, respectively, for Girls’ State in June. Bessie Wolfe and Linda Broekers have both graduated from hair dressing school at Fort Wayne. Obits: Harry (Mike) Rodgers. 62; Hugh Barker. Jr.. 46; Mrs. Jack O’Hart. 54. Mrs. James Franklin Lundy. 88; Mrs. William McGill. 62; William H. Rodebaugh. 55.

VEGA PROMOTES, REALIGNS EXECUTIVES TO MEET DEMANDS OF BUSINESS GROWTH

• -if 1 Il|Br Robert Skillen. President Promotions In a series of moves designed to strengthen the Vega management team to meet the demands imposed by the firm's greatly increased volume, several new officers have been elected by the Board of Directors. In announcing these promotions and realignments of responsibilities. Vega President Robert Skillen said. "The growth of our corporation has exceeded that of the recreational industry itself. In fact, our volume has become so great that we have been forced to seek out ways to streamline our operation and to take the utmost advantage of the talents of all our people. We have already embarked on a plant expansion program that will increase our production capacity by 100 per cent. We are confident the promotions and assignments of responsibilities being announced today will have a comparable effect on our overall business." Promotions announced by President Skillen included those of A L Amos, Executive Vice President, to the Vega Board of Directors. Gary B Baker, Vice President Marketing and Sales; Ted Auer, Vice President Production. Sam Eby. Director of Purchasing; and William E. Rice. Secretary.

visory capacities. He is known throughout the industry for his engineering ability and for his insistence on painstaking craftsmanship. WELTI* PRODUCTION MGR.. TRAVEL TRAILERS Lowell Welty, who has been named production manager, travel trailer division, is a real Vega specialist. He has worked in every department of the plant

The engagement of Dianne Lynn Kerfin and Craig Steven Bontrager is being announced. The new Front street bridge is now completed and open for traffic with blacktopping of approaches to be done come summer. TEN YEARS AGO Gas service around Wawasee is to be ready' for summer use. Syracuse won the county volleyball championship Wednesday night. Mrs. A. W. Sutton of Indianapolis is visiting in the Wm. T. Jones home. Mr. and Mrs. Carl O’Haver of Elkhart spent Tuesday* and Wednesday at the Wayne Coy home. Mr. and Mrs. James Kirkwood returned Friday from six-weeks at Honolulu. Kim Trammel, two and onehalf year old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Richard Trammel, has been dismissed from Goshen hospital following three weeks of treatment for severe bums when

’ ■ Ft A. L ('AD Amos Elevated To Board The first executive advancement announced by President Skillen was the election of A. L. “Al" Amos. Executive Vice President, to the Board of Directors of the Vega Corporation. One of the founders of Vega, Amos has been associated with recreational vehicles in a variety of capacities for nearly eighteen years; as a result, he is well known throughout the industry as one of its pioneering leaders. He is one of the original incorporators of the Recreational Vehicle Institute and has served as an RVI Director He is also a past president of the Gold Seal Craftsmen’s Guild and Board of Directors. In commenting on “Al" Amos’ elevation to the Vega Board. Bob Skillen observed. “We need all the help we can get to achieve continuing success in the recreational vehicle business and “Al" Amos is the best help we could have on our Board. His experience can’t be matched anywhere in the industry. He has done a tremendous job in the two years he has been with Vega and we look forward to many, many years more of outstanding contributions from ’Al’ Amos."

during the year that he has been a member of the Vega team. Prior to joining Vega, he was plant superintendent for one of the country's largest kitchen cabinet manufacturers. > BARTMAN GENERAL FOREMAN. INSPECTION Harold Bartman. who was promoted to the position of general foreman, inspection, is charged with the final responI

falling into a kettle of boiling water at her home. Mr. and Mrs. Vance Moots observed their 25th wedding anniversary the past week. The water safety program plans equipment and beach safety. Mr. and Mrs. P. W. Cripe have returned from a vacation at Port Salerno. Fla. Mr. and Mrs. Paul Lantz announce the engagement of their daughter. Linda K.. to Cadet James C. Connolly with June 23 set as the wedding date. Mrs. K. V. Stanley of Greenwood spent the weds with her parents. Mr. and Mrs. Millard Hire, while her husband was on a training cruise with the U. S. Naval reserve. „ * TW ENTY YEARSAGO Mr. and Mrs. Gordon Geiger and two daughters of Indianapolis were week end guests of the W. I. Geiger home. Mr. and Mrs. Grant Skidgel returned Wednesday from a stay at Hammond with relatives. Mrs. George Miller returned

'Ofc .i Gary Baker Gets Marketing Post Gary B. Baker, whose elevation to a vice presidency was announced by Skillen. joined the firm as national sales manager just last year. Prior Co joining Vega he has been national sales manager for Poloron Corporation, New Rochelle. NewYork, manufacturer and marketer of Pleasure Mate tent trailer, and Utopia Travel Trailers. He became associated with Pleasure Time in January, 1967, as the firm’s dealer development manager. For two years prior to that he was on the staff of West Point Hills Mobile Homes, Mattawan, Michigan. Before becoming identified with the rec vee industry. Baker held management and dealer training positions with the Marathon Oil Company. He is a graduate of Western Michigan University and has done graduate work at both Western Michigan and Indiana University. A Hoosier born and bred. Baker is a native of Bedford, Indiana. As Vice President for Marketing and Sales, Baker will have overall responsibility for all Vega sales activity and will be especially charged with developing the Vega dealer organization. Skillen said.

sibility for the quality of every Vega travel trailer and truck camper. A cabinetmaker for Caravan. Inc., for two years immediately prior to joining Vega. Bartman is also a veteran of seventeen years with Mutschler Brothers, where he was foreman of the world-famous manufacturer's custom cabinet department. KUILEMA TO MANAGE SALES-SERVICE DEPT. Louis M. Kuilema. or “Lou” as he prefers to be called, has been with Vega since November, 1969. acting in a variety of capacities in sales, service and dispatching. His recent promotion to manager of the sales-service department makes him responsibile for assisting the sales department, dispatching, handling service calls, shipping parts and

Friday from Saltville, Va.. where she visited her sister, Mrs. A. R. Schmerda. Mr. and Mrs. A. A. Carr of Silver Lake and Roy Can* of Claypool were guests recently in the Orval Carr and Rev. J. C. Bailey homes. Mrs. Nathan Insley and Frank Hoover were killed in an auto accident near Tippecanoe County club W’ednesday night and Mr. Insley and Mrs. Hoover were hospitalized. FYed Hinderer will celebrate his 92nd birthday anniversary March 31 at the home of a son, Russell. Jap Jones has announced that he and his two sons. Ralph and Marvin, have added the Spencer Hotel at Indianapolis to their chain of hotels. Mr. and Mrs. James Slabaugh of Fort Wayne spent the week end at the Court Slabaugh home. Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Denzel were hosts to Mr. and Mrs. M. L. App and Patty of Fort Wayne through the Easter week end. Mr. and Mrs. Robert Wiggs are

generally being available to give dealers and field men a helping hand. He brings to his new position a background of twentyfive years in a wide range of manufacturing, sales and business management positions. A devoted outdoorsman. Lou also enjoys playing bridge as a hobby. He. his wife Jackie and their two sons t live in a year 'round home on Syracuse Lake.

the parents of a daughter. Karen Kay, bom Saturday at McDonald hospital. Warsaw. FORTY YEARS AGO High winds Saturday put the town in darkness due to a short circuit. Stanley Carr. 2, injured his little finger Monday afternoon when it was shut in a door by his sister. Rosemary, while playing. Lew Neff and party and Mr. and Mrs. George Colwell plan to start home this week from Lake Weir. A surprise party was held Saturday for the 17th birthday of Frank Millspaugh. Mrs. Orval Klink and Miss Helen Jeffries supervised the delivery of nine baskets of groceries to needy families in Syracuse Wednesday, using the last of a recent bridge benefit monies. Mrs. Sam Dillon. Mrs. Melvin Dillon, Mrs. Minnie Doll and daughter were Wednesday afternoon callers in the Raymond Bitner home.

Ted Auer Named Production V. P. Ted Auer, who was promoted from plant superintendent to Vice President for Production, has been with Vega since 1968. Prior to that he spent over twenty-one years in a wide variety of industrial supervisory production positions, including a number of years as plant superintendent for one of the major manufacturers of mobile horrres Among his prized possessions are manyawards for running a clean and efficient shop. He considers one of his more important duties to be demonstrating Vega production capability to visiting dealers; he has also been known to visit a dealership to get a better feeling for problems on the. spot. Ted Auer is a lifelong resident of the Syracuse. Indiana, area, where he and his wife now make their home. He is a scratch golfer and an enthusiastic outdoorsman who takes advantage of the Northern Indiana lake country forhunting and fishing, whenever he can steal a few hours from his full-time responsibilities for the production of Vega travel trailers and truck campers

Arthur Morris of Purdue University is spending his vacation with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Manford Morris. O. P. Davis has been given full charge of the Syracuse Gafill Station on Main street. Mr. and Mrs. James Myers called at the Clint Callander home Sunday evening. Messrs and Mesdames Snyder and Geyer were Sunday callers of Mr. and Mrs. Truman Ball of Elkhart. Miss Virginia Bachman arrived home Sunday evening for spring vacation at Naperville, DI., where she teaches. YOU AND SOCIAL SECURITY Q — My mother has come to live in my home. She is drawing social security each month but failed to receive her last check. What should we do? A— It sounds as though your mother’s recent move may be the problem. Have her contact the Social Security office regarding the missing check and change of address.

Eby Is Director Os Purchasing Sam Eby. the recently named, Vega director of purchasing, joined the corporation in October. 1969. after spending several years with Barger Box, Elkhart, in a variety of positions including purchasing, contestimating and production and material control. Earlier he had been on the staff of Morgan Driveway in the Personnel and Safety Divisions. I It,. y Rice Appointed Vega Secretary Newly named Vega corporate Secretary is William E. Rice, who came to Vega in November, 1970. from the Ridge Manufacturing Division of Leigh Products, Inc., of Elkhart, Indiana. where he had been assistant to the general manager in charge of purchasing, inventory control, production scheduling and customer service. Earlier he had been in charge ol cost estimation for the Skyline Corporation, Elkhart, and from October, 1964, to January, 1969, he was general office manager and administrative assistant to the president of Benham Supply Co., Inc., Elkhart. A graduate of Purdue University with a degree in industrial economics, Rice is married and the father of a two-year-old son. He and his family live in Elkhart, which has been his home for twenty-one years. He puts golf and bridge high on his list of "extra-curricular” activities, but concedes that business management is his “first love."