President’s Message: From East To West

This event gave convention attendees an opportunity to celebrate all things related to the RV lifestyle — the fun, freedom, and friendships it brings. In addition, we were in a part of the United States that overflows with history and was a hotbed of activities leading up to the formation of a new nation back in 1776, something that secured our freedom long ago.

 

We didn’t need to leave the convention site to stroll through history. Eastern States Exposition, which happens to be celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, is home to Storrowton Village Museum. This re-created village features 18th- and 19th-century buildings brought there from sites within Massachusetts and New Hampshire and assembled around a traditional town green. On Tuesday, August 2, members were invited to tour the village and interact with the costumed interpreters.

 

Of course, the life the interpreters portrayed is in sharp contrast to the modern amenities and technology we have in our homes on wheels. Convention attendees were able to tour the latest motorhomes, in a variety of sizes and price ranges. In addition, hundreds of booths were filled with everything someone could need to outfit a motorhome.

 

We had some great entertainment during the event. The Texas Tenors have become an FMCA favorite, this being their third appearance at an FMCA convention. And they did not disappoint. What a talented group of guys! The crowd loved them. Sondra Walker, wife of FMCA national senior vice president Jon Walker, looked like she was in seventh heaven when the guys brought her up on stage to serenade her.

 

We also enjoyed a performance by Dave and Daphne, who frequently entertain at FMCA events. And on the final evening, we were treated to a show by Massachusetts native and country artist Ayla Brown, a gifted young lady with a bright future.

 

Convention attendees took part in seminars on a variety of topics, from serious technical talk about chassis, engines, and towing a car behind a motorhome to sessions related to microwave-convention cooking and jewelry making and other crafts. 

 

One really fun event that had a little different twist at this convention was the ice cream social. Usually, because of the number of people we need to serve in a small amount of time, we provide ice cream bars or ice cream sandwiches. We decided to try what some of FMCA’s areas do at their rallies and provide hand-dipped ice cream and toppings. Thanks to the volunteers who organized the event, it went off without a hitch. They hand-dipped 183 gallons of ice cream to serve more than 1,500 people within 40 minutes. Wow! Among the toppings provided were 11 gallons of chocolate syrup. Now that’s a lot of ice cream and syrup! 

 

Speaking from a personal standpoint, Gloria and I absolutely loved New England. We spent a full week in advance of the FMCA convention as tourists in the area. We visited Newport, Rhode Island, and toured a couple of the mansions there, including The Breakers, of course. We also went to Boston and took advantage of the Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley Tour, with the Boston Harbor Cruise to cap off the evening. We really enjoyed visiting so many of the places associated with our nation’s beginnings. My only regret is that we didn’t have more time, but we’ll definitely be back to New England at some point to explore more.

 

Vote to change FMCA’s Articles of Incorporation. During the convention in Massachusetts, FMCA’s Governing Board passed a motion to allow the Executive Board to supervise the process of amending the purpose statement in FMCA’s Articles of Incorporation “so that it is as broad as possible, to avoid an overly restrictive constraint on FMCA’s mission (which may evolve over time) and activities in serving the needs and expectations of its members.”

 

FMCA’s Articles of Incorporation were written and signed in 1971 and have not been altered since. Times have changed so much and continue to change at an increasingly rapid pace that it makes sense to allow a bit more flexibility to association leaders in terms of opportunities and activities that can be pursued. And most corporations have this type of language included in their purpose statements.

 

The process of changing the Articles of Incorporation involves a vote of the FMCA membership. To accomplish that, we have included a ballot on pages 84 and 85 of this issue of the magazine. Please read through the current purpose statement in the Articles of Incorporation and the suggested addition and make your wishes known by returning this ballot to the address listed on the form with a postmark date before December 31, 2016.

 

FMCA dues increase effective October 1, 2016. Also during the convention in Massachusetts, FMCA’s Governing Board passed a fiscal-year 2017 budget that includes a $10 dues increase for FMCA family members effective October 1, 2016. So, as of that date, first-year membership dues will be $60, and renewal dues will be $50 per year. Multiyear discounts will continue to be offered. Commercial member dues will increase by a proportionate amount on that date, which coincides with the start of the new fiscal year.

 

Have you put your FMCA membership on “cruise control”? FMCA members may now opt to sign up for automatic dues renewal when renewing their membership using a credit card. If you sign up for the program, when your dues renewal time arrives, you will receive notice that the credit card on file will be charged at the current dues renewal rate. The great thing about this is that you won’t need to worry about your dues inadvertently lapsing and you losing access to valuable benefits such as the FMCAssist Medical Emergency and Travel Assistance Program at a time when you may need it most. 

 

Do you know about one of FMCA’s best benefits? I continue to hear stories from members who have been helped by the FMCAssist Medical Emergency and Travel Assistance Program, which is included as part of your annual dues. In fact, we had a couple of instances during the convention in Massachusetts where members needed to contact Seven Corners, administrator of the program, for assistance. We want to make sure all members know about this valuable benefit and understand how to use it. Information appears online at FMCA.SevenCorners.com and also in the January 2016 directory issue of Family Motor Coaching magazine. 

 

One key thing to remember is that Seven Corners must make the arrangements in order for coverage to apply. So, we tell members, it’s as easy as 1-2-3. First, call 911 in an emergency. Second, consult with the attending physicians. Third, if you or your loved one needs to be medically transported or your motorhome or pet needs to be returned home, or you require some other service provided by the program, contact Seven Corners next and discuss your needs with them before making any plans.

 

Also, make sure family members back home have your FMCA membership number, which Seven Corners will require, and that they have the Seven Corners phone number. This number is now included on the back of your FMCA membership card if you’ve received the new cards. If not, you should be receiving a packet with new cards by early 2017. The phone number also appears at the website referenced above and in the ad that runs in Family Motor Coaching each month.

 

Have you registered for FMCA’s Arizona convention? If not, make plans now to join us. For the first time in years, FMCA is hosting an international convention in Arizona, and the event will have a fun-filled Western flair. We’ll gather at the Rawhide Western Town and Event Center at Wild Horse Pass (www.rawhide.com), located in Chandler, which is just outside Phoenix. There are reasons this area attracts so many snowbirds each winter, and if you’re not one of the people who flock there, this would be a good year for you to join us and find out. If you’ll already be in the area, so much the better. The dates for the event are March 7 through 10, 2017. Be sure to check out the registration form that appears on page 57 of this issue of the magazine and then go online to sign up, mail or fax the form, or register by calling the FMCA national office at (513) 474-3622 or (800) 543-3622. 

 

One new thing we are offering this year is a payment plan for convention registrations. Members can pay 50 percent at the time of registration using a credit card, and then the balance will be charged to the card on file prior to the early-bird registration deadline. To register using a payment plan, use the online registration process or contact the Events Department at the FMCA national office.

 

I hope to see you in Arizona or even before at one of the upcoming FMCA area rallies. For dates and locations, check the “Association Calendar” in this issue, or visit FMCA.com and click on Chapters/Areas. 

 

And wherever you roam, from East to West, remember, “It’s all about having fun!” 

 

Are Your Records Up-To-Date?

 

Please keep the FMCA national office informed when your contact information changes. You can make changes to your membership records anytime at FMCA.com (sign in; click on My Account; View My Member Profile), or by sending an email to membership@fmca.com. Changes also may be submitted by calling the Member Services Department at (513) 474-3622 or (800) 543-3622 Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern time.

 

Changes to your membership records can include home phone and cell phone numbers, email addresses, and the brand of motorhome you own. We especially urge you to provide your email address if it is not on file with us. This helps us to contact you quickly in case important issues arise and to communicate about FMCA matters. Your private information is used for FMCA business purposes only.

 

If you are listed in the Stoppin’ Spots directory — Stop Over Spot, Come Visit, Mechanic’s Helper, and Pinch Hit Driver — please check that your contact information is up-to-date. The list begins on page 202 of the January 2016 issue of FMC magazine and is available at FMCA.com (click on Members Area and then Member Directory). If you would like to volunteer to be in the 2017 Stoppin’ Spots listing, please contact the Member Services Department. The deadline for making changes to the 2017 directory is October 14, 2016.