By Chris Smith
FMCA Executive Director
March 2017
March 2017
March is one of my favorite times of the year. With the start of spring this month, it is time here in Cincinnati to dig ourselves out of the cold winter conditions and look forward to blooming flowers and warmer weather. If you are lucky enough to be a snowbird, you can leave the comfy spot where you stayed over the winter and head back to your home.
One of my other favorite things about March is the college basketball tournament. It generates excitement for sports fans, and in my opinion is the best sporting event in the world. Nothing like rooting on my Kentucky Wildcats (go Big Blue!) to win it all. The first two days of the tournament are like a holiday to me.
March is a time for change and excitement, not only in my own little world, but at FMCA as well. I am pleased to announce that we have finalized details for a new tire program. Continental Tire has agreed to partner with FMCA. It is exciting to be able to give our members even more choices when it comes to equipping a motorhome with tires. Following is a step-by-step how-to on purchasing tires through this new program.
1) Get the specifications for the tires you need to have replaced. At this point, the program covers only motorhome tires.
2) Use the specifications to find out which Continental tire is a match. You can do this by calling Continental (704-583-8889) or the FMCA national office (800-543-3622), or by using the pricing tool at FMCA.com. This tool is extremely helpful and will give you pricing for every single tire that matches your search. It can be found at www.fmca.com/continental-choice.html.
3) Find a local Continental dealer who can do the install, and set up an appointment. Also let the dealer know which tire you are looking for. That way, you can be sure the dealer will have the tires in stock and ready for your appointment. You can find a list of dealers at www.continental-truck.com/truck. From that page, select Dealer Locator in the top right corner. \\
4) When you go to the dealer, show them your FMCA membership card. You will pay the dealer directly for the tires and installation.
5) Keep in mind that Continental quotes only the tire price and federal taxes. Any mounting, balancing, or other services the installer offers will be at an additional charge. We cannot quote those fees up front.
Don’t forget that we still have the Michelin Advantage program to choose from as well. Get quotes from both and decide which tire will work for you. The more choices, the merrier!
By the time you receive this magazine, we will be a week or two away from FMCA’s 95th International Convention. It will be held at the Rawhide Western Town and Event Center in Chandler, Arizona, from March 7 through 10. If you are in the area and want to stop by to check out the event, you have a few options.
You can purchase a passport, which provides access to all activities except overnight parking. This includes seminars, entertainment, coach displays, indoor exhibits, and much more. You can purchase a daily passport or an event passport that is good for all four days. Another option is to join us via a public gate pass, which provides access to the coach displays and exhibit hall.
You can find more information at www.fmca.com/conventions-64/chandler.html. Registrations have been strong, and this event will be filled with fun and opportunities for learning more about RVing. We look forward to seeing you at the “Rally In The Valley”!
I also want to make sure you are planning to join us for FMCA’s 96th International Convention, which will be held at the Indiana State Fairgrounds and Event Center in Indianapolis, Indiana, from July 12 through 15, 2017. Registration is currently open and available online at FMCA.com or by calling the FMCA national office. The registration form appears on pages 75 and 76 of this issue of the magazine. Once more details come to light, I’ll be sharing them in this column. For now, check out www.fmca.com/conventions-64/media/3946. The website will be updated as plans take shape.
The final topic I want to highlight this month is our chapters at FMCA. Chapters represent one of the best things we offer to promote family and camaraderie. Joining a chapter gives you an opportunity to make new friends and find like-minded people in the organization. FMCA has over 400 active chapters. Among them are chapters for golfers, NASCAR fans, music lovers, sports team supporters, owners of certain brands of motorhomes, and everything in between. Many of the chapters are based on geographic area. Chapters hold their own rallies, allowing members to get together to share interests and good times. Resources for finding a chapter or chapters (yes, you can join as many as you like) include the following:
*Use the FMCA.com Chapter Search to request information from chapters that interest you — www.fmca.com/chapters/chapter-search.
*Check the Association Calendar for dates, times, and locations of upcoming chapter rallies, and then visit a chapter you’re interested in. Most FMCA chapter rallies are open to all motorhome owners. Each issue of FMC magazine includes a calendar with three months’ worth of rallies listed. A calendar listing chapter rallies up to a year in advance can be found at www.fmca.com/component/fmcaassociationcalendar/?view=displaythismonth.
*Of course, you may also contact the Chapter Services Department by emailing chapters@fmca.com or calling (800) 543-3622.
As you can tell, FMCA has many exciting things to offer our members, as well as numerous other things in the works. Get out and enjoy the spring weather and use one of the many excellent member benefits that are at your disposal. Stay tuned for more info next month. Until then, enjoy the journey!