Two Great Years
FMCA’s national president relates some recent RV experiences and reflects on accomplishments as he prepares to conclude his term of office in late August.
National President
Rett Porter, F369084
rporter@fmca.com
Close Call
In June, Claire and I left the Midwest Area Rally in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, to travel back to our summer home in Traverse City, Michigan. We stopped in Bonduel, Wisconsin, at a Kwik Trip truck stop to stretch and check the straps on our golf cart we carry in the pickup truck that we tow behind our motorhome. As I walked back to the truck, I noticed the motorhome’s
tag axle tire had chunks of rubber coming off the outside tread. It was Saturday of Father’s Day weekend, and no tire shops were open in the area. I didn’t want to travel and risk a blowout, so we spent the weekend at the truck stop waiting for a tire. The manager of the Kwik Trip was very understanding and said there was no problem staying on their lot until Monday.
Claire and I talked about how this was only the second time in the past 20 years and 300,000 miles of traveling in RVs that we have had a tire problem on the road. We consider ourselves to be very fortunate.
On Monday morning, we got amazing tire service from Pomp’s Tire Service in Shawano, Wisconsin. Reid Peterman, store manager, sent an employee to their Green Bay headquarters to get the 365/70/22.5 tires that we needed. We were surprised they had the tires in stock. They worked us into their busy schedule, moving our steer tires to the tag axle and balancing the new tires and mounting them on the front axle. Possible tragedy averted.
Accomplishments
It is hard to believe that my two years as FMCA national president have passed by so quickly. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve you all and lead this incredible organization. As my term comes to an end, I’ve been reflecting on the numerous accomplishments the Governing Board, Executive Board, and I have achieved together during this time.
- Safety and Advocacy Efforts: We prioritized safety by implementing an active shooter training plan for FMCA conventions and events. In addition, we diligently advocated for RV owners’ interests by addressing issues such as the California Heavy-Duty Maintenance and Inspection Program for RVs, Michigan registration fees for RVs, DEF issues for diesel engines, and the Tennessee law regarding camping on public land.
- FMCA Membership Promotion: To enhance our membership promotion efforts, we developed an
educational video that highlights the benefits of FMCA membership and is intended to be shown at RV dealerships. This video will be released in July 2023 and will contribute to our ongoing recruitment initiatives. - Youth Activities Program: After years without a youth program for our events, we established a dedicated Youth and Family Activities Committee. This initiative aims to engage younger generations in the RV lifestyle and provide them with enriching experiences at our gatherings.
- Long-Range Planning and Strategic Plan: Our dedicated long-range planning efforts resulted in the creation of the first Strategic Plan for FMCA in over 20 years. This comprehensive plan will guide our organization’s future growth and development.
- Successful Perry Convention: I am delighted to report that we held a highly successful convention in Perry, Georgia, in March 2023 with almost 2,000 RVs in attendance. The event showcased seminars, vendors, entertainment, and camaraderie within our FMCA community.
- QR Code Scanning: We implemented use of the check-in and location QR code card scanning at FMCA International Conventions & RV Expos. This technological enhancement has greatly improved park-
ing management and attendee location data, helping to ensure a smoother experience for attendees. - Redmond Convention: I am excited to announce that we successfully signed a contract with Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center in Redmond, Oregon, which will mark the first FMCA convention in the Northwest Area since 2014. This location expands our reach and encourages members to participate in our events from other areas of the United States and Canada.
- Enhanced Collaboration: I am proud to have led the Executive Board to a congenial and effective working relationship. By fostering constructive communication and teamwork, we have strengthened our decision-making processes and improved our overall effectiveness.
- Member Recruitment and Retention: A Member Recruitment Committee was established to focus
on attracting new members and strengthening the satisfaction and engagement of our current members. This committee has been instrumental in driving membership growth and fostering a sense of belonging within FMCA. - FMCAssist Medical Emergency and Travel Assistance Program: We negotiated a two-year agreement with Chubb that resulted in a 7 percent reduction in rates for the FMCAssist insurance program. This achievement ensures that our members have access to affordable and comprehensive coverage.
- FMCAssist Benefits Expanded: We included urgent care as part of the FMCAssist emergency room benefits, ensuring comprehensive medical support for our members during emergencies. The benefit is $250 per trip with a maximum benefit amount of $500 per 12-month period.
- Mechanical Failure Added to FMCAssist Benefits: If members have a mechanical failure, they are entitled to an emergency cash benefit. The daily benefit amount is $250 per day for food and lodging for a maximum of three days per trip. The maximum benefit amount per 12-month period is $1,500.
- Infrastructure Improvements: Recognizing the need for maintaining structural integrity, we replaced the roof and three A/C units on the FMCA Round Bottom Road office and warehouse building. These improvements have enhanced the functionality, comfort, and efficiency for our employees at that facility.
- Campground Fee Restructuring: To help fund improvements for the FMCA Campground on Round Bottom Road in Cincinnati, we changed from offering members two free nights of camping to charging $15 per night for full hookups and $10 for electric-only sites for the first two nights, which is half off the regular rates. This change is projected to generate $40,000 annually, which will be allocated toward further enhancing our campground.
- Legal and Medical Expertise: To better serve our organization, we hired a new FMCA attorney and secured a medical advisor to provide guidance on COVID-19-related matters in the office, at conventions, and for chapter requirements.
- Risk Management and Expense Reduction: Our risk management efforts resulted in a commendable 2 percent reduction in overall insurance expenses for FMCA. This achievement demonstrates our commitment to responsible financial stewardship.
- Affiliate Program Launched: To promote the recruitment of new members, we successfully began an affiliate program. This initiative has brought in a significant number of new members and has strengthened our FMCA community.
- CAN-SPAM Enforcement: In line with federal regulatory requirements, we actively educated and enforced CAN-SPAM regulations with chapters and areas. This ensures compliance and protects the privacy of our members.
As I conclude my term as FMCA national president, I am filled with pride for what we have accomplished together. These achievements would not have been possible without the dedication, support, and engagement of members of this organization. I am confident that FMCA will continue to thrive under new leadership, and I encourage all of you to consider being open to leadership positions within FMCA to contribute to its continued success.
Thank you for entrusting me with the role of FMCA national president. It has been an honor and privilege to serve you all. I look forward to remaining an active member of this wonderful community and witnessing the future achievements of FMCA.
Introducing FMCA Accelerate!
News about this new mobile internet plan and an announcement about the FMCA convention slated for summer 2024.
Chief Executive Officer
Chris Smith
csmith@fmca.com
FMCA’s new mobile internet plan — Tech Connect+ Accelerate — runs on one of the leading, most advanced, and reliable 5G networks in the United States. The no-contract, month-to-month plan comes with 290GBs of data and delivers consistent internet access so you can spend more time checking your emails, browsing the internet, or watching your favorite shows and movies with fewer interruptions!
The cost is just $89.99 per month with a one-time device rental fee of $39.99.
Things to know about the FMCA Accelerate plan:
- Comes with a 5G router instead of a hotspot; connects to 4G and 5G networks, including 5G Ultra-Wideband networks in dozens of major cities.
- On 4G the download speed is up to 50Mbps; on 5G the download speed is up to 100Mbps in good coverage areas.
- No throttling until the 290GB limit is reached.
- Premium support, with FMCA staff as the first point of contact.
For details, visit www.fmca.com/fmca-techconnect-accelerate.
Get Ready For Redmond
FMCA will be returning to the Northwest Area to host the 109th International Convention & RV Expo. The event will be held August 14 through 17, 2024, at the Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center in Redmond, Oregon. While FMCA has not hosted a convention at the facility since 2014, this will be FMCA’s sixth event held there.
The city of Redmond has seen many improvements since the last time FMCA was there. And attendees can take in the breathtaking views of snowcapped mountains, the sunny days and cool nights, and the unique terrain of the high desert. Registration will open roughly six months before the event. More details will follow as they become available.
As a reminder, FMCA’s 108th International Convention & RV Expo will be held at the Pima County Fairgrounds in Tucson, Arizona, from March 20 through March 24, 2024. Registration for that event will open on September 20, 2023.
Also, it’s not too late to join us this month for FMCA’s 107th International Convention & RV Expo, August 23 through 26 in Gillette, Wyoming. Hope to see you there!
Meanwhile, enjoy the journey!
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.