Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/100911
RV/MH Hall of Fame���s Searer and McNulty Honored The Indiana Manufactured Housing Association-Recreation Vehicle Indiana Council (IMHA-RVIC) honored RV/MH Hall of Fame's Darryl Searer, president, and Tom McNulty, vice president, with its "Citizen of the Year" award. The ceremonies took place at the Sheraton Indianapolis City Centre Hotel during the IMHARVIC Annual Christmas Party and Awards Banquet on December 7, 2012. The awards were based on Searer���s and McNulty���s successful efforts to bring the RV/MH Hall of Fame (Hall) back from the brink of financial disaster to the doorway of a bright future and Tom McNulty (left) accepts ���Citizen of the Year��� from Adriane DeRose president of IMHA-RVIC. JANUARY 2013 6 THE JOURNAL opportunity. McNulty accepted the awards on behalf of himself and Searer, who was unable to attend the awards presentation. McNulty said, ���Both Darryl and I thank you for this award and this great recognition. One of the wonderful things about an award like this is that it was totally unexpected, and I believe that makes it even more meaningful.��� McNulty was quick to point out to the audience that much of the Hall���s success has been through the concerted effort of the board of directors and a dedicated and professional team. He said, ���Initially, the team consisted of Al Hesselbart, Charlene McNulty, Susan Weaver, me and a great group of volunteers. We were joined in April by our new captain and president, Darryl Searer, whom you honor tonight, and our newest team member, Stacey Walworth.��� Earlier this year, the Hall faced a financial crisis that threatened to cause the board of directors to make the difficulty decision that would have resulted in closing the Hall facility and selling off its assets, including the building. During this period, McNulty worked unceasingly to keep the No. 4 on Get It Quick Page Hall���s doors open. But that all changed in April when Searer, semi-retired chairman of Ultra-Fab Products, Inc., volunteered with no compensation to accept the position of president and chief operating officer. McNulty told the audience, ���I know of no one other than Darryl who had the ability through his business experience, knowledge of the players involved and his love of the RV/MH Hall of Fame and Museum that could have made the team function so smoothly. It was through his leadership and business sense that we have substantially lowered our debt and now hold our destiny in our own hands. It's a marvelous feeling being able to sleep better with the knowledge that the future of the Hall, the gem of our industry, is finally secure.��� The Indiana Manufactured Housing Association-Recreation Vehicle Indiana Council (IMHA-RVIC) is an association of individuals and firms whose purpose is to serve its members and enhance growth of industry products and services through governmental, educational and promotional programs.