Executive Director’s Commentary
By Don Eversmann, F240000
May 2002
In September 1998, Family Motor Coach Association started an effort to develop a document that would solidify the goals and objectives of the association as well as strategies that would contribute to their accomplishment. Over the following three years, a committee made up of family members of the association met periodically and developed FMCA’s Strategic Plan. The plan was approved by the FMCA Governing Board in Redmond, Oregon, on August 13, 2001.
Recent interviews with management consultants who were working with the national office staff reinforced the importance and guiding principles of the document. I realized that although the governing body of the association had supported development of a strategic plan and approved it and its implementation, the general membership had only been given brief outlines of the process and its developments.
I would like to share with you significant portions of the Strategic Plan, including the vision identified. Highlights of the strategic plan are available on the FMCA Web site, www.fmca.com, in the “For Members Only” section (member login required).
FMCA’s commitments are articulated in goals that declare the outcomes or attributes the association intends to achieve. Objectives represent key issues affecting FMCA’s ability to achieve the goal and describe the direction in which these issues must move. The document also includes strategies that explain how FMCA plans to commit its limited resources to make its vision a reality.
In the future, FMCA will not be able to be all things to all people, but it must be different things to different people as the plan evolves to meet the needs of a constantly changing environment. Therefore, underlying this plan is the adoption of an ongoing process of planning and thinking strategically, designed to ensure relevance of direction and action over time.
FMCA’s Core Purpose — that which doesn’t change, is true today and will be true in the foreseeable future — is:
To be the premiere organization for motor coach owners that promotes motorhoming for family, fun, and fellowship.
Core Values are basic, timeless guiding principles. The following Core Values reflect the spirit of FMCA:
- Members are the focus
- Family, Fun, & Fellowship
- Integrity
- Sharing common interests
- Volunteerism
- Motorhome Safety & Education
The Envisioned Future consists of a Big Ambitious Goal that is clear and compelling, falls outside the comfort zone, and can be accomplished in 10 to 30 years. FMCA’s Big Ambitious Goal is:
Be ‘the voice’ for motor coach owners
FMCA will have a more active role in promoting motorhoming and the motorhome lifestyle within the RV industry and among legislators, regulators, manufacturers, dealers, and others.
The Strategic Plan includes six goals that describe how FMCA will likely be different in the future, each with a set of objectives that serves as a guide indicating desired direction, leaving the “how” of implementation to those on the front line — the committee members and office staff responsible for executing annual programs.
Goal A: Advocacy
“FMCA will champion and promote the common interests of its members on legislative, regulatory, and other emerging issues that protect and enhance the motorhome lifestyle.”
Goal B: Motorhome Lifestyle/Industry
“FMCA will promote the motorhome lifestyle within the RV industry.”
Goal C: Membership
“The majority of first-time motor coach buyers will choose to be FMCA members.”
Goal D: Resources/Facilities
“FMCA will plan for, provide, and maintain adequate resources and facilities to accomplish its goals in a fiscally responsible manner.”
Goal E: Information, Education, and Knowledge
“FMCA will foster communications among all levels of the organization to effectively serve its membership and provide educational opportunities that enhance the motorhome lifestyle.”
Goal F: Organizational Structure and Governance
“FMCA will have an organizational and governance structure that best achieves its goals in a competent, timely, and fiscally responsible manner.”