By Chris Smith
FMCA Executive Director/CFO
June 2017
This month we officially welcome summer. I hope you all have been out enjoying the beautiful weather in your motorhome. As you make plans for the summer, be sure to include FMCA’s big July event in Indianapolis, Indiana.
FMCA will host its 96th International Convention and RV Expo at the Indiana State Fairgrounds and Event Center, Wednesday through Saturday, July 12 through July 15. The theme for this event is “Crossroads To Fun.” And that’s just what we are planning – FUN!
These are exciting times for our conventions. We have been making a concerted effort to ensure that attendees have a great experience. One consideration has been finding new entertainment options. We are thrilled to announce that in Indy, we will be treated to a performance by Cirque-A-Palooza on Saturday evening, July 15. Critically acclaimed international cirque director Stefan Haves has customized a show specifically for FMCA. Audience members will be filled with awe and wonder, as well as laughter, at the spectacle, music, and comedy these artists bring to the stage. This is the first time FMCA has had this type of entertainment at a convention, and it’s sure to be an extravaganza all will enjoy. For more information, see page 61 of this issue.
On Thursday, July 13, singer-songwriter William Florian will return to the FMCA stage. He wowed the audience at FMCA’s July 2015 “Escape To Wisconsin” convention in Madison. He returns in Indy with a special program called “The John Denver Story,” combining stories, songs, and humor to honor the life and achievements of one of America’s most beloved folk singer-songwriters. Mr. Florian will share classics such as “Take Me Home, Country Roads,” “Sunshine On My Shoulders,” “Annie’s Song,” “Leaving On A Jet Plane,” and many more.
On Friday, July 14, Pamela G. and Jackie B. also will pay another visit to an FMCA audience. These ladies have made FMCA members smile at previous gatherings with their mix of country songs, pop oldies, and folk and bluegrass melodies. When they harmonize, it’s one beautiful sound.
Indy also will bring the last opportunity for convention attendees to take a ride with Charlie Adcock during his time as FMCA national president. He will hand over the reins to a new president during the event. So, be on the lookout for Charlie as he makes the rounds on his golf cart looking for event attendees to give a lift around the fairgrounds. We tried this in Chandler and it was a big hit. People enjoyed getting a chance to chat with Charlie, and they even received an “I Survived a Ride With Charlie” pin to commemorate it. When it comes to Charlie, it’s all about having fun. This is a perfect example of that mantra.
Speaking of fun . . . this issue of the magazine contains several convention-related articles intended to help you have a good time. In the past couple of issues, we’ve shared ideas for side trips to embark on either before or after the convention. This month the spotlight is the French Lick and West Baden Springs area of Indiana. Read more about the stunning historic hotels that have found new life in this area, as well as all of the other activities to enjoy there in the story that starts on page 54.
If you’d like to compile a list of seminars you’re hoping to attend during the Indy convention, check out the seminar story that appears beginning on page 69. And if you want to start a shopping list, be sure to read through the list of exhibitors who will set up shop during the RV Expo. That list begins on page 60.
If you’d like to get the fun started early, while brushing up on your RV knowledge, consider attending RV Basics. This two-day workshop will take place July 10 and 11 right at the convention site, and the fee for the course includes two nights of motorhome parking. RV experts Walter Cannon, executive director of the RV Safety and Education Foundation, and Gary Bunzer, known as the “RV Doctor” and a member of the RV/MH Hall of Fame, will provide a host of valuable information during their sessions.
RV Basics took place for the first time prior to the Chandler, Arizona, convention and received rave reviews from participants. You can either sign up when you register for the convention or call the FMCA national office at (800) 543-3622 if you’ve already registered for “Crossroads To Fun” and now want to add RV Basics. For more information, visit FMCA.com/academy.
Indy Rally Boosters needed. We could use some boots on the ground to promote the Indy convention. Prior to the Chandler, Arizona, convention, we started a program called Rally Boosters. It was wildly successful, to the point that we had to cap sign-ups for volunteers for the program. We will be using Rally Boosters again during the Indy event. Here is how it works:
1. You sign up to participate. The sign-up form can be found at http://join.fmca.com/indy-rally-booster/. You will receive a confirmation email after you complete and submit the form.
2. We send you 25 free day passes to disperse, Rally Booster buttons to wear, five posters to hang up at your favorite local social hangout (with permission, of course), and a special gift as our thanks to you.
You don’t have to sign up to be a Rally Booster to help spread the word about the “Crossroads To Fun” convention in Indy. Just tell all of your RV friends that they need to come join the excitement. FMCA members and nonmembers alike are invited, and owners of towable RVs are welcome also. Call your friends, post something on your Facebook page, send out a tweet, or all of the above.
If you absolutely can’t join us in person, tune in to FMCA’s social media pages during the event. We’ll have it covered. Please make sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and RVillage to see all of the fun unfold. There is no better way to stay up-to-date on what is happening in the organization.
And if you’ll be joining us in Indy, please be sure to join the conversation on social media. Share your photos and comments about the goings-on. FMCA uses the hashtag #fmcarv, and for Indy we’ll also be using #fmcaIN17.
Those of you who are attending the Indy convention will want to sign up for the EZ Texting text messaging service. This is a great way of receiving updates regarding changes to the schedule or other important information convention attendees might need to know. Keep in mind that this is a one-way conversation. If you reply to the text, there is no way to respond to you and answer your question. To sign up, just text indy2017 to 313131 (United States) or 393939 (Canada).
On the subject of staying in touch, please make sure to keep your email address up-to-date in FMCA’s records. We have been using email more and more to communicate important updates to members, including dues renewal notices. If you’re not on the list, you’re missing out on hearing from FMCA. You are able to choose what types of emails you want to receive from FMCA. If you’ve opted out at some point, you can go to FMCA.com to include an email address in your member profile; send an email to updateemail@fmca.com; or call the FMCA national office.
New pet insurance benefit. If you have a pet, you know how expensive it can be to obtain care for them, whether it’s well care or a sick visit. Have you ever wished you had insurance for them? Well, FMCA members can now receive a 5 percent discount off the cost of pet insurance for either a dog or a cat, brought to you by our partners at FMCA RVinsurance. The pet insurance carrier is Nationwide Insurance, and three options for pet health plans are available:
*The whole pet with wellness plan includes the following services (use any vet): accidents; common illnesses; serious chronic illnesses; hereditary conditions; procedures/services; basic wellness services/additional wellness services; prescribed therapeutic treatments. Reimburses 90 percent of vet bill; $250 annual deductible.
*The major medical plan includes set benefits for the following services (use any vet): accidents; common illnesses; serious/chronic illnesses; hereditary conditions; and procedures/services. $250 annual deductible.
*The pet wellness plan includes the following services (use any vet): basic wellness services, including exams, vaccinations, and flea/heartworm preventatives. No annual deductible.
Select a plan based on your specific pet needs. FMCA members have three simple ways to sign up for the new pet insurance:
1. Go directly to www.petinsurance.com/fmcarvinsurance.
2. Visit PetsNationwide.com and enter Family Motor Coach Association in the “Search for your company” box.
3. Call (877) 738-7874 and mention that you are a member of FMCA RVinsurance to receive preferred pricing.
After your pet visits a vet, you send in the claim form and the insurance company will reimburse your expenses. The plan uses a benefits schedule — which comes with your policy and can be viewed online — to determine reimbursements for various treatments and procedures.
If you’re a pet lover like me, you’ll want to be sure to check into this new benefit.
Hope to see you in Indy in July! Meanwhile, enjoy the journey.