By Jerry Yeatts, F390000
May 2012
What are your first thoughts when someone mentions the word “change”? For me, change can take on several meanings. In Cincinnati, people often say that if you don’t like the weather today, just wait, it will change. Change is something I hunt for in the small drawer next to my car’s steering wheel as I pay for coffee at the drive-up window. Change is sometimes frustrating. After I have finally learned how to successfully maneuver through a social media Web site, they change the terms of service. Change can also be exciting. I am truly excited to share with you some changes that will be taking place over the next several months to make your FMCA experience even better.
We’ve got an app for that!
FMCA now has an app for smartphones and tablets, so you can more quickly gain access to some of the most up-to-date information about what’s going on with your association. This application provides news, videos, a link to the FMCA Campground Connection, the Association Calendar list of chapter and area rallies, and a direct link to contact the FMCA national office. This application has been designed by our talented Information Technology staff and is a very welcomed addition to FMCA’s communication and marketing efforts. To download the FMCA app, visit the App Store if you have an Apple device, or the Android Market if you have an Android device, and search for FMCA. Choose to download the app from there. The app is free of charge. A Blackberry version is planned to be available soon.
What is that postage-stamp-looking thing?
You may notice that some advertisements in Family Motor Coaching magazine have a black, stamp-shaped square on them. This “postage stamp” is actually a quick response (QR) code, which, if scanned by a smartphone with a QR application, takes the user to additional information through a URL (uniform resource locator). By scanning the QR code, you may be able to get additional information about a product or service being offered by the company providing this symbol. If you have a smartphone, you may wish to download the QR code app and then get effortless access to FMCA and our valued partners, exhibitors, and supporters.
New technologies mean new opportunities.
FMCA strives to offer new services that may continue to benefit the membership. A new telephone system was recently installed at the national office as a cost-saving measure, but it also may provide greater communication. For one thing, the new phones feature greater sound quality, so that we may be able to hear you better when you call and vice-versa. Also, each new office phone may be taken from one part of the building to another, or even to events outside the national office. Because the IP (Internet protocol) address is specific to that phone, I theoretically should be able to, for instance, take my desk phone from the office and plug it into my computer as I am attending FMCA’s Family Reunion in Indianapolis this August.
Of course, we are still a little old-fashioned at FMCA’s national office. When you call us, you will still be greeted by a live person. We haven’t lost focus on the fact that you are an important member of our family! You won’t need to punch in a number or talk to a recording, or wait on hold for what seems to be an eternity with some funky elevator music in the background in order to speak to someone in the office.
Another change at FMCA has to do with the mail. A new postage system has been acquired so as to better process and track the thousands of pieces of mail that we send out on a weekly basis. We will be updating our mail forwarding patrons with regard to enhancements to our mailing process as that system is implemented.
Dues renewal changes.
The number-one benefit enjoyed by members of FMCA is Family Motor Coaching magazine. This is evidenced by the fact that you are actually reading this article (by the way, thank you for that!). Within the next couple months, your magazine may also arrive with a dues-renewal notice for you right inside.
If all goes as planned, instead of receiving a separate letter in the mail with your membership card and an invoice, your membership renewal will be included with your magazine. Issues mailed out with the dues-renewal info will be polybagged, so you know something special is inside. This new process will save thousands of dollars in postage annually and help you keep your dues current so as to avoid missing all the great tech tips, travel articles, and valuable information found in the magazine.
50 never looked so good!
Plans are under way for a yearlong celebration marking the 50th anniversary of this wonderful association. It all starts at FMCA’s 87th Family Reunion and Motorhome Showcase in Indianapolis, August 27-30, 2012, and will culminate with a celebration at the 88th Family Reunion and Motorhome Showcase, June 19-22, 2013, in Gillette, Wyoming. Celebrations will be planned throughout the year to honor our glorious past and to look forward to the next 50 years.
Our Web site may be taking on a new look as we head into our 50th year. You also will continue to see us on some of the popular social media spots. And, who knows . . . we may even have a few other surprises up our sleeves.
Change is inevitable . . .
Robert C. Gallagher wrote, “Change is inevitable — except from a vending machine.” Hey, FMCA, we are changing and we are all proud to be a part of that change. Some people may think that 50 is the beginning of the downside of life. To me, FMCA is entering the prime time with many more years of fun, fellowship, and camaraderie for current and future generations of motorhomers!
Change? It sure makes cents to me!
Random Drawing Winner Named Among Mascot Entries
FMCA asked and you answered! The national office received more than 150 suggestions for a mascot to serve as a goodwill ambassador for our association. A random drawing of all entries was conducted at the FMCA national office on Monday, April 2. The winner gets free registration and full hookups at FMCA’s 87th Family Reunion and Motorhome Showcase in Indianapolis, Indiana, August 27-30, 2012. Congratulations to Al Roeske, F24288, of Eugene, Oregon.
Once the top five mascot ideas have been chosen, they will appear in the June 2012 issue of Family Motor Coaching magazine and online at FMCA.com starting June 1. FMCA members will have an opportunity to vote online for the best mascot to represent our association as a goodwill ambassador. The winning mascot will be unveiled at the Indianapolis Family Reunion.