November 2011
By Bradford Koshland, F313666
Executive Director
Well, it is that time of the year. Some of you are lingering up north, while others are either making plans to head south for the winter or are already in a warmer climate. Whatever the case, enjoy yourselves and the RV lifestyle we share. It is one fantastic lifestyle, and I wouldn’t trade it for any other. As for me, I will be staying in Cincinnati this winter, full-timing in the motorhome and working for this great association. And I’m hoping that Ohio has a mild winter this year.
As you travel this great continent of ours, please be cognizant, wherever you roam, of motorhomes without FMCA’s familiar goose-egg-shaped emblem. Whether at a fuel stop, Walmart store, Cracker Barrel restaurant, or any other place motorhome owners frequent, if you notice a coach whose occupants appear to be non-members of FMCA, then introduce yourselves and tell them about our great association. I am hopeful that you keep a supply of membership applications with you to pass on. If you need some, please call the Member Services staff at our national headquarters in Cincinnati (800-543-3622 or 513-474-3622) or send an e-mail (membership@fmca.com) and request some membership applications, so that you will have them on hand for the future.
Remember, for each new member you recruit, you will receive a $10 FMCA coupon. You may use these coupons in several ways: to purchase FMCA Store items at FMCA conventions or area rallies or by mail; to purchase merchandise at Camping World locations; and, the latest option to be added, use up to $20 in coupons to offset the cost of attending one of FMCA’s Family Reunions or area rallies. So, recruiting a new member can benefit you, the new member, and FMCA at the same time.
I would also ask that if you meet a motorhome owner and you have your copy of Family Motor Coaching magazine with you, please “Pass It On” to this prospective new member. I call this our new Connection Program. Only we can “Connect” non-FMCA members to our motorhome family and welcome them as new members. Remember, FMCA tends to be the best-kept secret out in the RV world. So, let’s break the ice this winter and start getting the word out about FMCA. I am tired of it being kept a secret for so many years. Now is our time; so, let’s spread the word together.
I would like to report on something new and exciting that occurred in September at the FMCA national office. Jon Walker, national vice president, Great Lakes Area, arranged and invited the Great Lakes Area officers, chapter officers, and national directors to spend a day in Cincinnati learning about the operations of FMCA and getting to see your facilities firsthand. This was actually FMCA’s first-ever area leadership training workshop. In total, 33 attendees took part, coming from as far away as northern Michigan and Canada to attend a one-day workshop. There were presentations made throughout the day to the group, but in the end they made many suggestions to staff for things that they would like to see improved “” benefits, programs, etc. Most of them also signed up to become recruiters for FMCA under our new G.R.O.W. (Go Recruiting On Wheels) membership program.
The day proved to be extremely valuable, and I believe our staff gained just as much as the group did through communication and the exchange of ideas.
Remember, this is your organization, and we want to hear from you as to how to make it better. Become involved, whether at the chapter level, area level, or national level. You can make a difference for the good of the whole organization.
Until next month, from your 48 hard-working staff members here in Cincinnati, may you have safe travels wherever the road of RV life takes you. Thank you for allowing us to serve your needs.