President’s Message
By Charlie Schrenkel, F140050
July 2010
As I write this, we are in a campground just off of Interstate 70 in Ohio, following a visit to FMCA’s offices in Cincinnati. It dawned on me that whoever you are, wherever you are, whether you have rented an RV for the weekend or have had one for a while, and whether you have been introduced to this lifestyle through a friend or acquaintance, you are involved in a unique form of enjoyment that many people only dream about.
In July 1963 Family Motor Coach Association was founded on these same dreams and desires when a few individuals met on a hilltop in Maine. They were the founding families of this great organization, and they had a forward-thinking, positive outlook. Other motor-coach-owning folks may have thought of forming such a group, but they didn’t have the wherewithal at the time to “make it happen.” These FMCA founders did. They “made it happen.” They formed our association, made up of pioneers who had been converting school buses, over-the-road buses, and panel trucks into recreation vehicles. These recreation vehicles were the forerunners of the modern motorhomes that exist within the RV industry today.
FMCA plays a very supportive role in this lifestyle through its informative articles in Family Motor Coaching magazine; its online presence at FMCA.com; its many chapter and area rallies; and its two international conventions held at different locations across the United States each year. These conventions offer educational seminars directed toward the motorhome owner, as well as exhibits of the latest products we RVers just cannot do without, and a showcase of the newest motorhomes on the market.
FMCA is a multifaceted association. We also have a family relationship with these commercial entities. For example, I have stayed at many campgrounds across this continent, in the Lower 48, in the beautiful country of Canada, and on into Alaska. Many facilities are FMCA commercial member campgrounds, and a number of them provide discounts to FMCA family members. More importantly, if you have a favorite campground and get that campground to join our growing list of FMCA places to stay, you will receive a $10 coupon toward merchandise at the FMCA Store or at Camping World, or you can apply it to your next year’s membership dues. The campground also benefits. FMCA has a program whereby campground owners who introduce a new member to FMCA will receive compensation in the amount of $10 per member.
The idea of spreading the word about FMCA applies to any motorhome-related business: repair facilities, service centers, RV suppliers, and so on. The next time you stay at an RV park or visit a service facility or RV-friendly commercial entity, find out whether they are a member of our family. If not, invite them to join us.
Once they do join FMCA, commercial members like to be sure the membership is good for their bottom line. You can help in this regard by looking for their listings in the RV Marketplace, which is published in the January and June issues of Family Motor Coaching and on FMCA.com. Many of these companies advertise in the magazine and online and also support FMCA’s international conventions and area rallies with sponsorships, exhibits, seminars, and program advertising. Make these businesses your first “go-to,” and let them know it’s because they are a part of our family.
Convention news. On another topic, FMCA’s next international convention — “Redmond Rocks! Feel The Excitement!” — will be held at the Deschutes County Fair and Expo Center in Redmond, Oregon, August 11 through 14, 2010. Many exciting and fun events have been planned for your participation and enjoyment. This is a great location nestled in the high desert of Oregon in view of the Three Sisters peaks, which are part of the Cascade Mountain range. Redmond’s summer weather is typically low in humidity, with high temperatures in the mid-80s.
The area is teeming with sight-seeing adventures that include, but are not limited to, Newberry National Volcanic Monument; the High Desert Museum; Tumalo Falls; Crooked River Gorge; and the Redmond Air Center, home to airborne forest-fire-fighting crews and their aircraft. Other great Oregon destinations can be found on your way to and from Redmond.
So, dig out the atlases, input the GPS, and head out for four fun-filled days and nights with other members of your FMCA family in Redmond. And while you are on site, as always, I invite you to stop by and introduce yourself so I can get to know more RVing “kin.” Just remember, on your way to Redmond, leave a magazine at a campground or service facility and encourage them to join FMCA. We all will benefit.
Until next time, safe and healthy travels.
SEARCH COMMITTEE SEEKS QUALIFIED APPLICANTS
FOR FAMILY MOTOR COACH ASSOCIATION EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Family Motor Coach Association (FMCA), an international organization for motorhome owners, seeks to employ a qualified person to serve as Executive Director. This individual will coordinate and manage all of the association’s business affairs and staff in accordance with its Constitution and Bylaws. FMCA’s national headquarters is located 20 minutes east of downtown Cincinnati, Ohio. Applicants must show evidence of extensive knowledge and successful experience in the following areas:
Leadership Skills:
Working with volunteer board, committees, and other volunteer groups in various capacities.
Managing and coordinating multiple departments and 50 employees.
Marketing
Finances/Budgeting
Verbal and written communication skills
Organizational skills
Possess a minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university or equivalent work experience and experience in management position(s).
Airline travel involved.
Knowledge of recreation vehicle matters and/or similar industries is a plus.
Send resume and references to:
Family Motor Coach Association, Inc.
Attn. Executive Director Search Committee
8291 Clough Pike
Cincinnati, OH 45244, or
E-mail: ED@FMCA.com, or
Fax: 513-388-5288