In its continuing search for new and improved benefits for motorhome owners, FMCA offers several new or enhanced programs.
August 2011
FMCA’s commitment to members goes beyond providing fun and fellowship. FMCA is always looking for ways to provide extra value to the members it serves, especially during these challenging economic times. To that end, following is information about several new and enhanced “connections” to discounts for members.
Campground Connection
FMCA has introduced its new “Campground Connection” program, which is designed to help motorhoming families save money on campground stays and to provide participating campgrounds with an additional source of revenue.
The FMCA Campground Connection program is a system of FMCA commercial member campgrounds that have agreed to offer FMCA families a discount of at least 10 percent off their campground fees. These FMCA campgrounds also have joined FMCA in its member recruiting efforts and thus are authorized to sell FMCA memberships on the spot to customers who own motorhomes but do not yet belong to the association.
Participating campgrounds receive recruitment materials and signs that designate them as an FMCA Campground Connection. FMCA members can locate campgrounds via a searchable map at FMCA.com/campgrounds, which includes links to each facility’s Web site and lists services and amenities, the amount of discount offered, and contact information.
Campgrounds are required to be an FMCA commercial member in order to participate in the Campground Connection program. A one-year FMCA commercial campground membership costs $57 ($40 for each subsequent year). This membership puts campgrounds in touch with FMCA’s established network of nearly 100,000 motorhoming families. In addition to the visibility provided by the online map, FMCA member campgrounds receive a free listing in the association’s RV Marketplace, which is published in Family Motor Coaching magazine and is available at FMCA.com. Commercial membership also entitles the campground to a subscription to Family Motor Coaching, including the FMCA Annual Directory/Member Benefits Guide. Other benefits include the opportunity to host rallies planned by FMCA’s nearly 500 chapters; to participate in international and area rallies and other events; and to use the FMCA commercial member logo in advertising and other communications.
“We see our new Campground Connection program as benefitting FMCA members in many ways,” commented Jerry Yeatts, FMCA director of member services. “Who doesn’t like a discount? Plus, being able to identify FMCA campgrounds easily and quickly on FMCA.com will help our motorhoming families to confidently plan their travels. And, of course, the potential for campground owners to connect with an enthusiastic group of motorhome travelers “” all for a nominal investment “” makes the program appealing for them as well.”
Tire Connection
As the Michelin slogan says, “There’s a lot riding on your tires.” That seems to ring especially true when it comes to motorhome tires. At some point, all FMCA members will need to purchase new tires for their home on wheels. In an effort to help ease the financial ramifications of that purchase, FMCA has signed up for the Michelin Advantage Program. This program allows FMCA to provide its members with the opportunity to receive a substantial discount off the retail price of Michelin tires at Michelin tire dealers. The purchase must be paid for with a VISA, MasterCard, or American Express credit card at the servicing dealership. Michelin’s corporate office will charge the credit card the discounted price. FMCA will then send the member “” via e-mail “” a copy of the invoice that reflects the total with the Advantage Program discount.
Instructions and FMCA’s Michelin Advantage account number are available to FMCA members only (via a member sign-in) at FMCA.com/connect. At the current time, the FMCA Michelin Advantage program is available at Michelin dealers within the United States. FMCA is hopeful that a similar program can be arranged with Michelin dealers in Canada. Meanwhile, Canadian members are welcome to visit a Michelin tire dealer in the United States to obtain the discounted pricing. To locate a Michelin dealer near you, visit www.michelinrvtires.com.
Tour Connection
The new FMCA Tour Connection, powered by Fantasy RV Tours, C5644, offers members the opportunity to embark on FMCA-member-only RV caravans and rallies at discounted rates, and also to receive an FMCA discount on any other Fantasy RV Tours event.
Fantasy RV Tours is planning a variety of exciting member-only tours to popular destinations. Fantasy’s experts do all of the planning and handle all of the details for each outing. Tour participants simply show up, take in the sights, and enjoy the experience, all in the company of fellow RVers.
The first of these member-only tours will be a seven-day rally for motorhome owners in Washington, D.C., in April 2012 just in time to savor the cherry blossoms. In July 2012, a group of FMCA members will take in all the rip-roarin’ action at the Calgary Stampede Rally in Alberta, Canada. In September 2012 members will come together for a Western National Parks 32-day caravan to enjoy the grandeur of Bryce, Zion, Monument Valley, and Grand Canyon national parks, among others. And in October 2012, members will gather in Albuquerque, New Mexico, for the ever-popular International Balloon Fiesta Rally.
Additional FMCA-member-only tours will be announced as time goes on. If none of these 2012 tours or destinations meets your needs, you’ll want to check out the full complement of other RV adventures offered by Fantasy RV Tours, with more than 40 different itineraries around the globe.
For more information, see the ad that appears on page 21 of this issue of the magazine; visit www.fantasyrvtours.com/FMCA; or call (toll-free) 855-385-3622.
Phone Connection
American Telecom Network (ATN) has been providing FMCA members with phone-related services since 1997. The company is now offering cell phone service to FMCA members at special rates. These plans allow members to select the package and the phone that best suits their lifestyle. There are no roaming charges, no hidden taxes and fees, no long-term contracts, and no credit checks. Service provides access to one of the nation’s largest cellular networks. Members can take their number and service with them anywhere they travel in the United States (service is not available in Canada).
Three prepaid plans and three different phones are available. The Silver Plan costs $39.99 and offers 500 minutes, 500 text messages, and 10 MB of data per month. The Gold Plan costs $49.99 and provides 1,000 minutes, 1,000 text messages, and 20 MB of data per month. The Platinum Plan costs $69.99 and supplies unlimited calling and texting and 50 MB of data each month.
As noted, three different phones are available at discounted prices for FMCA members. All phones are refurbished/recycled and thus are eco-friendly. For more information, see the ad that appears on page 25 of this issue of the magazine. To order online, visit CallATN.com/FMCA. If you have questions, please call (866) 598-9320 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Central Time.