Oh, Buoy! MARINE/RV SALES ARE UP! 2 / SUMMER <strong>2010</strong> / CuRRENT / <strong>Interstate</strong>Batteries.com <strong>Interstate</strong> Batteries Chairman Norm Miller meets some inspiring people through his involvement with the I Am Second campaign, but James Caldemeyer is quite a catch. As a top bass fishing guide at Lake Fork in Texas, James uses his fishing expertise and first-hand knowledge of the lake to help clients catch the big ones. And we mean big—it’s not uncommon to hook a bass that weighs more than 10 pounds! Jackie McLarry (left) and Norm Miller win bragging rights after luring in two beauties of their own during a guided fishing expedition with James. <strong>Interstate</strong>’s marine battery sales are making a splash this year with an almost 15% increase over last year’s sales. That’s great news for summer outdoor leisure markets, especially boat and RV <strong>Dealers</strong> who have been among the hardest hit by the poor economy. Marine and RV industries share similar obstacles when it comes to sales because financing “luxury” items can be much more difficult unless credit scores are high. However, even the smallest gains are good news in the recreation vehicle markets. James is equally remarkable in his willingness to share the uplifting story of how he overcame personal struggles, learning to put God and others above himself. His heartfelt account is featured at IAmSecond.com, along with videos of celebrities such as former Indianapolis Colts head coach Tony Dungy, musician Jason Castro, first-round NFL draft choice Sam Bradford and former Korn lead singer Brian Welch. Log on to see how this Revolution of Second is sweeping the globe, and if you’re interested in catching a trophy bass, visit officiallakeforktrophybass.com. According to the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association, RVBusiness.com and Boating Industry magazine, the leisure vehicle market is improving, slowly but surely. Nationwide boat sales rose a modest 3% the first quarter, especially used boat sales. RV sales have increased slightly as well, with used and repossessed RV bargains being found across the country. Families are taking vacations but staying closer to home for “staycations,” and gas prices are expected to remain lower than last summer’s prices. So what does all this mean for you? More used leisure vehicles means more repairs and maintenance opportunities. Have your RSM look over your inventory to ensure you have the right batteries on the rack, and let your clients know that you also provide <strong>Interstate</strong> marine/RV, lawn & garden, ATV, personal watercraft, motorcycle, scooter and golf car batteries, too. <strong>Interstate</strong> team members and NBC “Today” weatherman Al Roker <strong>Interstate</strong> Lends a Hand <strong>Interstate</strong> All Battery Center reaches out to an Iowa homeless shelter and a New Hampshire science center <strong>Interstate</strong> All Battery Center joined NBC “Today” weatherman Al Roker and other corporations in providing products for selected charities on June 23 and June 25 as part of the show’s ninth annual “Today’s Lend a Hand.” During the weeklong tour to five U.S. cities, <strong>Interstate</strong> and Roker surprised The Buchanan Transitional Living House, an Iowa Homeless Youth Center facility in Des Moines, Iowa, and the Seacoast Science Center in Rye, New Hampshire, with muchneeded batteries. <strong>Interstate</strong> surprised two community centers with donations. <strong>Interstate</strong>Batteries.com / CuRRENT / SUMMER <strong>2010</strong> / 3