By Allen Rein, F214273
September 2008
I would like to introduce to you the members who have served this past year with me on the Long-Range & Development Committee. They are Charles Powell, F191230, from the Great Lakes Area; Frank Ward, F301331, from the Northwest Area; and Brett Wolfe, F252125, from the International Area.
Our committee met formally twice this past year in Cincinnati, Ohio. We started our term by conducting an in-depth review and analysis of FMCA’s Strategic Plan. The Strategic Plan was developed over a three-year period and approved by the FMCA Governing Board at its annual meeting in Redmond, Oregon, in 2001. The six goal categories outlined and reviewed by the Long-Range & Development Committee this past year are as follows:
- Advocacy
- Motorhome Lifestyle/Industry
- Membership
- Resources/Facilities
- Information, Education, and Knowledge
- Organizational Structure and Governance
Open forums on how to improve FMCA were held during the convention in Perry, Georgia, in March 2007 and in Redmond, Oregon, in August 2007, and open forums related to how to improve chapters and chapter operations were held during the Pomona, California, convention in February 2008. After review and analysis of all of the information, the Long-Range & Development Committee prioritized and assigned areas out to the various other national committees. All of the goals will be touched upon in some way by one or more of the committees during the upcoming year.
Among the recommendations the Long-Range & Development Committee presented to the Executive Board were updating the FMCA Web site; asking the Convention Committee to add a Chapter Fair at summer conventions; and requesting that the Risk Management Committee investigate the ability for chapters to purchase liability insurance for off-site activities. The committee also recommended that guidelines be developed within our existing governance for chapters to use in conducting electronic meetings and virtual business.
In this coming year, the Long-Range & Development Committee has been charged with thinking “outside of the box” and trying to come up with ideas that will work for a new five-to-10-year plan. FMCA must look into the future as to what services and support our members will expect. Will all committee and board meetings be held electronically? Will our international conventions have virtual vendors? These are just some possible issues to consider. We would like to hear your suggestions or ideas for us to consider. Just send me an e-mail at arein@fmca.com or call the national office at (800) 543-3622 and leave a message with executive director Don Eversmann, who will contact me to return your call.