Notes about cancellation of FMCA events; information about new member benefits
Chief Executive Officer
Chris Smith
csmith@fmca.com
May 2020
As I write this, unprecedented things are happening in our world. None of us could have predicted that a pandemic would prevent FMCA from hosting its 101st International Convention and RV Expo in Tucson, Arizona, in March. However, we were forced to cancel the event just a couple of weeks before it was to take place. Canceling a convention after registration began has never happened in FMCA’s history.
We were all excited to be together and to celebrate the RV lifestyle. So, we understand the disappointment this caused those planning to be there, and the financial ramifications for exhibiting companies that count on FMCA events to help generate revenue.
Quite honestly, this will have serious financial ramifications for FMCA as well. As a not-for-profit organization, FMCA devotes as much of its resources as possible to member benefits, including our first-class events. The budget is prepared with the idea of breaking even, not with the goal of generating large profits. So, canceling an event in this manner is difficult for FMCA from a financial standpoint. In the end, though, the safety of our members, exhibitors, and staff was paramount in the decision.
At this writing, the United States and Canada have not yet seen the peak of the COVID-19 outbreak. So, we are living with uncertainty. Because of that, on March 20, 2020, the Board of Directors made the very difficult decision also to cancel FMCA’s 102nd International Convention and RV Expo, scheduled to take place August 26 through 29, 2020, in Lincoln, Nebraska.
Several area rallies have been canceled as well. Please check the FMCA Events page in this issue for a list of those. Many of the chapter rallies listed in this issue likely have been or will be canceled as well. So, check with the rally contact listed before making plans to attend.
Speaking of cancellations, please keep in mind as you read this issue of the magazine that it was finalized in the midst of the COVID-19 crisis. Some of the destinations and attractions mentioned throughout may be closed to the public. Be sure to check before you plan a trip.
As I write this, the FMCA national office in Cincinnati is closed as a result of a “stay at home” order from the governor of Ohio, and for the well-being of FMCA staff members. We transitioned as many staff members as possible to work from home. We will continue to serve FMCA members as best as we can during these trying circumstances, but we ask for your patience and understanding. It’s great that we have the technology that allows us to do this, but it’s not without its challenges.
We are hopeful that this pandemic will pass quickly and that we’ll be able to return to life as normal sooner rather than later.
Meanwhile, we’re excited to introduce a couple of new member benefits that recently launched. FMCA has a new partner — Newcoast Financial Services — that is offering members special opportunities related to financing or refinancing an RV, be it new or preowned. Newcoast Financial Services is offering member-exclusive discounted interest rates and fees. So, if you’re in the market for a new or new-to-you RV and need financing, visit www.fmca.com/rv-financing for more information.
Members now also receive special pricing on an RV Whisper remote monitoring system. Wireless sensors keep watch on the RV while you’re away, and the system sends automatic text and email alerts. A key use for the system is to monitor the inside temperature and humidity levels to make sure pets stay safe. But the system also can be used to monitor batteries, propane level, park power, door open/close status, motion, and water leaks. Visit www.fmca.com/rv-whisper for details. FMCA members receive discounts on monitoring packages as well as on the annual support and Gateway Cloud Services fee. Be sure to sign in to your FMCA account and to order from the page labeled “FMCA Members Only” in order to receive the discounts.
Visit the RV Marketplace. If you’re looking for a campground; an RV dealer or service center; or other RV-related services, supplies, or components, I’d encourage you to make your first stop the FMCA RV Marketplace — available online at FMCA.com/rvmarketplace and also in the January directory issue of the magazine each year. FMCA’s commercial members are part of the FMCA family. They support FMCA through their dues, participation in events, and advertising, so let’s return the favor by looking to them for products and services. When you contact these companies, be sure to let them know you found out about them from FMCA.
Again, we remain hopeful that efforts taken by authorities in the United States and Canada will succeed in mitigating the virus, and that this will pass quickly. We’re thinking of those afflicted by the virus. We’re thankful to those on the front lines fighting this — the doctors, nurses, and other health care workers and essential personnel.
Wishing you health and wellness!
History Will Remember When The World Stopped
History will remember when the world stopped
And the flights stayed on the ground.
And the cars parked in the street.
And the trains didn’t run.
History will remember when the schools closed
And the children stayed indoors
And the medical staff walked towards the fire
And they didn’t run.
History will remember when the people sang
On their balconies, in isolation
But so very much together
In courage and song.
History will remember when the people fought
For their old and their weak
Protected the vulnerable
By doing nothing at all.
History will remember when the virus left
And the houses opened
And the people came out
And hugged and kissed
And started again
Kinder than before.
Donna Ashworth
Ladiespassiton.com