By Chris Smith
September 2017
FMCA Executive Director/CFO
You might have already figured out that I am a big sports fan. I shared in the March issue that the NCAA men’s basketball tournament is my favorite sporting event. My favorite season is football season, and my favorite team is the Cincinnati Bengals of the National Football League. As the weather turns a bit cooler, in my mind there is nothing better than relaxing in front of the TV on a Sunday afternoon with friends and family while cheering on the Bengals. To all fellow football fans, enjoy the game! If you’re just along for the party and couldn’t care less about the outcome of the game, grab a beverage and load up on some food while spending time in good company.
Back Into Our Routine
As I write this, we’ve finally unpacked at the FMCA national office and settled back into our office routine following FMCA’s convention in Indianapolis. Based on the feedback provided by our family member and exhibitor surveys, I consider it another success. One of these days, the weather will cooperate with us for the whole event! On our most important parking day in Indy, we were challenged by some severe weather conditions. Besides that, we had great weather and an even better time.
Thank You
I want to thank each and every volunteer who helps us put on our events. Without your assistance, we would not be able to pull it off. From security to safety, parking, and every other team, thank you again for the long hours and the amazing work you do to make sure your fellow members have a great experience.
We have made a lot of changes in our Events Department over the past few months. Our goal is to provide a fresh outlook and to try some new and exciting things. Along with that, we have started to ask for your opinions on how we can improve the member experience at our events. Please take the time to respond to the post-event surveys and leave your honest feedback. Or send me an email anytime. I personally read every comment, and we will incorporate every single viewpoint that we possibly can.
As we move forward, the Events team will be developing new ideas to help our attendees have a better convention experience. We plan to provide more opportunities for folks to socialize, either through organized gatherings or impromptu get-togethers. We’re adjusting the daily schedule to allow daytime downtime for shopping, having lunch, or just relaxing. And we’ll be rolling out the welcome mat for first-timers in innovative ways, helping to guide them through their rookie rally with the information they need for a fun, successful experience. We’ll also be adding a range of new and exciting activities for convention-goers. They will have you bubbling about all of the fun you had at Perry in March 2018 and at future events.
Please vote!
During their meeting in Indianapolis, FMCA’s Governing Board overwhelmingly approved a motion to allow you, the general membership, to make the final decision about the FMCA remodel we’ve been discussing — the concept of allowing owners of other types of self-contained RVs to join FMCA. This is a significant decision for the membership. Your ballot can be found on page 46 of this issue of the magazine, along with copies of the related documents reflecting the proposed changes. The ballot also will be included in the October and November issues. To be included in the final tally, completed ballots must be received by FMCA’s audit firm at the address provided by November 30, 2017.
The vote is obviously one that will have a big impact on FMCA. I want to provide a little reassurance to our members: Either way the vote goes, you are in good hands. You can count on the same level of thoughtful member service you have come to expect. Our staff is prepared to welcome any additional members who might join the association based on the change.
Built On Family
FMCA is built on the concept of family. That will continue to ring true no matter the types of RVs invited into our family. We have already adopted the saying “It’s about the people — not the equipment”. I see a wide variety of motorhomes at our events. They range from new to old, big to small, and everything in between. If owners of other types of RVs become eligible to join FMCA, I am sure that our membership will welcome them as family. At the end of the day, they are interested in the same RV lifestyle all of you cherish.
Not only will more members benefit FMCA as an organization, but this change also will benefit every member. It will allow us to continue to provide our current top-notch benefits and give us more opportunities to add to those benefits.
My final comment: Please make your voice heard by filling out and returning the ballot. FMCA is owned by its members. You control the future of your organization. I am excited to see how this monumental vote turns out. It would be great to have 100 percent participation!