Joe Cahn, "The Commissioner of Tailgating," has received Recreation Vehicle Industry Association's (RVIA) 2003 Spirit of America Award. The award honors Cahn's efforts to promote recreation vehicle (RV) tailgating nationwide.

"Joe Cahn has demonstrated to millions that RVing is the best way to see America and tailgate in style," said RVIA President David Humphreys. "We admire his charisma, remarkable spirit and eloquence. His efforts have certainly captured the appeal and advantages of RV tailgating," he added.

Humphreys, RVIA Board Chairman Claire Skinner and RVIA Public Relations Committee Chairman B.J. Thompson, president of B.J. Thompson Associates, Inc., presented the award to Cahn at a special ceremony December 2 during RVIA's 41st National RV Trade Show in Louisville, Ky.

In a rousing tribute, Cahn was lauded for bringing RV tailgating into the national spotlight. A three-minute retrospective video was shown, featuring Cahn in several TV appearances ranging from CNN and CBS News Sunday Morning, to the Food Network and a Coca-Cola commercial. As commissioner, Cahn's self-appointed mission is to travel the country by RV and tailgate with fellow RVers in the parking lots of sporting events.

"You are in the happiness business," Cahn shouted, moments after receiving the award. He led the attendees in a rousing chant of "Go RVing!" that resounded throughout the ballroom. "You're making people happy. You make me happy. And it's your job to make future generations happy," Cahn exclaimed. He then stripped off his business suit, revealing his khaki shorts and a football jersey to the pumped-up crowd. "I live full-time in an RV, and I love it," Cahn boomed.

Cahn later toured the National RV Trade Show and "tailgated" with attendees. He becomes the second recipient of the newest RVIA award, which was presented last year to retired CBS News cameraman Isadore Bleckman.

This past August Cahn embarked on his eighth annual cross-country tour of tailgating hot spots in a Safari by Monaco motorhome. He visits as many as 45 college and NFL games each year as commissioner.

RVIA (rvia.org) is the national association representing more than 500 manufacturers and component suppliers producing approximately 98 percent of all RVs made in the United States.

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Media Contact: Amy Shelton Marketing Communications Manager (703) 620-6003 ext. 306 ashelton@rvia.org