By Chris Smith
FMCA Executive Director
April 2018
FMCA Executive Director/CFO
April is a month of renewal and change. Here in the Midwest, spring bursts forth, and we — and the landscape around us — shake off the winter doldrums. April is one of the months of the year that holds special meaning for me. My first child, Lyla, was born in April five years ago. When I started working at FMCA, she was only 4 months old. One of my favorite pictures of her is the one we took of her sitting in my office chair shortly after I was hired. Another is of the two of us braving the snow, the photo I’ve shared in this column. She sure was tiny. The adage “Time flies when you are having fun” has never rung more true.
Five is a milestone year for children. We will enjoy one last summer with Lyla before she climbs aboard a bus to go to “big” school. For years, her grandma has said, “Lyla, once you are five, you get to have some gum.” She is counting down the days!
Happy birthday, Lyla, my first child and only daughter. I am sure most of you can relate to the passage of time I am experiencing, whether it is with your children or grandchildren.
The passage of time and change is a theme that relates to FMCA right now as well. The Communications Department staff has been working diligently for the past few months to bring you a new and improved magazine. It has been roughly 10 years since the magazine’s last makeover. With all of the other changes going on within FMCA, the time seems right for reimagining the magazine. The staff has been working in conjunction with a firm that specializes in publication design, and I think you’ll enjoy the clean, revamped, fresh new look of the magazine.
This new design will be unveiled next month, with the May issue. So, be on the lookout for it in your mailbox, or in your email inbox if you’re a digital magazine reader.
The first thing you’ll notice is the name of the magazine: Family Motor Coaching is becoming Family RVing. The new name was chosen to reflect the broader scope of FMCA membership in light of the vote of the membership last year to welcome all self-contained RVs.
We’ve kept the word “Family,” because it is an integral part of the essence of FMCA. We are a close-knit community — a family of RVers. And the magazine will continue to focus on providing information to enhance the RV lifestyle — no matter the type of vehicle you use to pursue the fun, freedom, and flexibility RVing affords.
So, grab your copy of Family RVing when it arrives and take a look. We’re hoping you’ll be as excited as we are about this transformation. Let us know what you think!
New member benefit. FMCA has partnered with Tadd Jenkins Auto Group in southeast Idaho to provide our newest benefit. FMCA members can order any new Chevrolet, Ford, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, or Ram vehicle at invoice pricing (less any applicable rebates or dealer incentives). The dealership offers free delivery anywhere in the contiguous United States. One unique thing about this arrangement is that the dealership has RV experience and can outfit your new vehicle so that it matches up with your current tow bar; wire the vehicle for towing; or install a braking system that matches up with your RV. For more information about the program, visit http://taddjenkinsautogroup.cms.dealer.com/fmca-member-offers.htm.
Wanted In Wyoming! Remember, you are wanted in Wyoming! No, you aren’t in trouble with the law there — at least we hope not! We want you to join us in Gillette for FMCA’s 98th International Convention & RV Expo, which has been dubbed “Wanted In Wyoming,” in honor of the host area.
The dates of this monumental event will be July 18 through 21, and the registration form appears elsewhere in this magazine and online at FMCA.com. This issue of the magazine also includes a story about the host city, Gillette, starting on page 58. And you can enjoy a sneak peek at the entertainment lineup for the convention, starting on page 66.
We also invite you to sign up for RV Basics. This 2½-day educational opportunity is designed to help new RVers learn more about their home on wheels, or it’s a good refresher for any RVer. It will take place July 15 through 17 at Cam-Plex Multi-Event Facilities, right on the grounds of the convention. So, arrive early for the convention and get your learnin’ on! To find out more about RV Basics, visit FMCA.com/rvbasics. If you’re interested, be sure to sign up as soon as possible; the course held before the recent convention in Perry, Georgia, sold out.
Hope to see you in Gillette! Until then, enjoy the journey.