FORT ATKINSON, Wis. -- Russ Dean Family RV Center in Pasco, Wash., was recognized last week for their work in creating a customer-focused RV dealership committed to developing a lifetime revenue stream.

The dealership was one of six finalists for the annual award sponsored by RV Trade Digest and StagParkway. The dealership received a plaque the magazine and a $2,000 check from StagParkway.

All the finalists this year were innovative and extremely customer focused. They were among the best dealerships I've visited," said Greg Gerber, editor of RV Trade Digest.

"What set Russ Dean RV apart from the others was their willingness to break down a common wall between the service department and parts department," he added. "They eliminated their parts and service departments and integrated the staff into one fixed operations department under one manager. They cross-trained the staff so that parts counter personnel and service writers could do the same jobs."

The other finalists, which also received a $1,000 check from StagParkway, included:

Plemmons RV in Rural Hall, N.C. They were recognized for their exceptional commitment to training. Not only does Plemmons RV invest heavily in training their own staff, the dealership hosts instructors from a nearby technical school who teach associate degree courses in RV repair onsite. They also pioneered development of a mobile parts and accessories store that brings 1,200-square-feet of equipment and merchandise to RV rallies.

Pierce RV in Billings, Mont. The dealership made a tremendous investment in developing a first-class sales facility. The 53,000-square-foot sales center features an indoor showroom and parts and accessories store that stocks $300,000 in inventory. They also hired someone specifically to complete customer walk-thru orientations so that technicians don't need to take time from their projects to rush through the important first-step of ownership.

Sagon RV in Jackson, Ga., has enjoyed meteoric growth in the last five years in part because they have created several opportunities for customers to try the RV experience. Once a dedicated motorhome dealership, Sagon RV added a strong towable line and expanded their rental programs to ensure they can earn a customer's business at whatever financial point they are comfortable in entering.