By Bradford Koshland, F313666
October 2011
I would like to focus this month’s commentary on changes that are taking place within FMCA. First, a new events manager has been selected from two very qualified in-house candidates. Please join me in welcoming Chris Lusk as FMCA’s new events manager. Chris comes with his own extensive background and knowledge and has worked for FMCA since 1994. As I reported in last month’s commentary, Chris can rely upon Jerry Yeatts’ background, knowledge, and expertise, so members can continue to enjoy the great conventions all of us have come to expect. Chris will do an outstanding job for FMCA as we move forward into the future.
Speaking of conventions and our future, more than 1,900 family member motorhomes were in attendance for our “Family A’Fair” “” the 86th FMCA Family Reunion and Motorhome Showcase “” held August 10 through 13 in Madison, Wisconsin. Many FMCA members who attended this event were what we call “first-timers.” I especially would like to thank them for attending and hope they had a good time. I also would like to invite the many members who have yet to attend one of these events to our next Family Reunion, which will take place at the Indiana State Fairgrounds in Indianapolis August 27 to 30, 2012. Please plan to attend and support FMCA. We work hard to provide you with many great seminars and events throughout our conventions, and I think you will be pleasantly surprised if you have never attended an FMCA convention in the past.
Two very important things happened in Madison that left a lasting impression in my mind. The first was the Governing Board’s conservative approach to all issues in the budget, including future Reunion/Convention expenses. These national directors, who come from FMCA chapters across the United States and Canada “” and who represent you “” are leading the way in helping us in our recovery from a worldwide economic downturn. This shows me how committed the Governing Board is to seeing that FMCA succeeds. I want to personally thank each and every Governing Board member in attendance at Madison. You have shown the membership that we all need to do our part and lead by example. You have raised the bar.
The second memorable event in Madison was our first “Go Recruiting on Wheels” “” or “G.R.O.W.” “” seminar. This was an idea that came forth from the Membership/Member Services Committee, wherein they decided to provide training to interested members on how to recruit non-members. The seminar turned out to be an overwhelming success, in that 54 members signed a pledge to actively recruit new members to FMCA. It is the committee’s intention as they move forward to conduct seminars at the area rallies and continue signing up FMCA members to be active recruiters. We hope this just continues to “G.R.O.W.” so that all of their recruitment efforts produce many new members for FMCA. I want to personally thank the members who have stepped forward to perform this voluntary service for FMCA. Good luck, and keep recruiting!
Until next month, on behalf of your 48 hard-working staff members here in Cincinnati, may you enjoy the road of life as you travel this great continent of ours.