FMCA CEO Chris Smith will celebrate a personal milestone this month. Plus, FMCA is inviting members to sign up now for this summer’s event in Wyoming and the good times that await.
By Chris Smith, FMCA CEO
May 2021
FMCA CEO Chris Smith and his wife, Jill, share a tender moment on their wedding day. The couple will mark a milestone this year as they celebrate 10 years of marriage on May 14.
This month marks a special occasion in my life that many of you can relate to. On May 14, I celebrate 10 years of marriage to my beautiful wife, Jill. As I write this, it is hard to wrap my head around our wedding day being that long ago.
I remember the day I met Jill like it was yesterday. A mutual friend of ours set the date up, and another friend came along. I am naturally a quiet person, as is my wife. While I did not say much, I remember not being able to take my eyes off her. Afterward, I could not stop thinking about how I really bombed the date. Despite that, and without much hope, I reached out to see whether she would be interested in going out on another date. To my complete and total shock, she agreed.
The next date took place at a party. While everyone was inside enjoying loud music and adult beverages, we sat outside in the quiet the whole night, talking and enjoying each other’s company. I was on cloud nine, and much like our first date, I could not take my eyes off her.
On our wedding day, I remember being very calm and collected. I did not feel nervous at all. The moment did not hit me until I was standing at the altar, and the doors opened. I remember becoming very emotional as I realized the gravity of what we were about to do. The whole time, much like the first time we met, I could not take my eyes off her.
Ten years later, we have a wonderful life. We have three perfect children. I get to do the second-best job in the world, as CEO of FMCA. My wife has the best, and most stressful at times, job in the world. My children are lucky enough to have their mommy at home. I would not change anything. And to this day, I find myself unable to take my eyes off her. Happy anniversary to the best mom and wife in the world. I love you very much, Jill!
The Smith family has grown over the past decade. Chris and his wife, Jill, take a stroll on a Florida beach with their children: Lyla (far right), who is now age 8; Miles (left), age 4; and Brody (in Chris’ arms), age 3.
Now down to business.
FMCA recently took a big step toward being back to “normal.” FMCA’s 102nd International Convention and RV Expo took place in Perry, Georgia, March 10 through 13. As expected, the event was much different from Perry events in the past, with about half the attendance as compared to recent years. Among other safety protocols, masks were required, and I cannot thank our attendees and exhibitors enough for cooperating. As FMCA events director Doug Uhlenbrock said so well during the first-timer seminar in Perry, I hope we never have to require masks again.
The running joke is that FMCA brings the rain to Perry. That was not the case this year. The weather was perfect, which really paralleled the outcome of the show. I cannot count how many times I heard attendees say how happy and excited they were that FMCA decided to host the event. Exhibitors also were extremely pleased to be at a show and to do business with our members. One exhibitor told FMCA president Jon Walker that we saved her business by putting on the show, and she could not thank FMCA enough. From everyone at FMCA, thank you so much to every attendee and exhibitor who participated. It felt great to have one of our world-class RV events again, even if it was a little different.
We look to continue the fun this summer. FMCA’s 103rd International Convention and RV Expo will take place in Gillette, Wyoming, July 7 through 10. Cam-Plex Multi-Event Facilities last hosted an FMCA event in the summer of 2018, so we are very excited to go back. This also will be a very important event when it comes to the future of FMCA. The FMCA Governing Board will meet in Gillette and among other business will approve the fiscal year 2022 FMCA budget and elect national officers who will serve the association for the next two years. The resumes of the candidates for national president, national senior vice president, national secretary, and national treasurer appear starting on page 63. Although only Governing Board members vote, all FMCA members are encouraged to learn more about the candidates and to share feed-back with voting representatives, whether that is the national vice president for your FMCA area or a chapter national director.
Registration for “The Spirit of Wyoming” convention is open now, and the registration form appears on page 61 of this magazine and also online at FMCA.com. Sign up today so you do not miss out on the fun and excitement that’s planned!
The mission of FMCA is to bring together RV owners who share similar interests in congenial traveling, recreation, and social activities in order to preserve and perpetuate the traditional ideals and spirit of friendly and wholesome family fellowship as manifested by the founders of FMCA.