Important announcements regarding FMCA leadership, plus membership benefits and dues.
National President
Paul Mitchell, F165576
pmitchell@fmca.com
As I’m sure you know, life can take some unexpected turns and change overnight. Around the time of the Redmond convention, FMCA president Gary Milner was diagnosed with a serious medical condition. As a result, he has resigned from his position. His letter of resignation and note to the membership and staff appears on page 6 of this issue. In the next issue, we’ll share an article that highlights the Milners’ contributions to FMCA. Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with Gary; his wife, Glenda; and their family as they face this health challenge.
In accordance with the FMCA Bylaws, I have assumed the role of president and will complete Gary’s term of office. While this was unforeseen, I’m honored to be serving our association and will do my best to keep FMCA moving forward.
Governing Board actions. During the August 14, 2024, meeting in Redmond, Oregon, the FMCA Governing Board made several key decisions.
Among them was the decision to adopt a “doing business as” (DBA) name for Family Motor Coach Association (FMCA). This new name is Family RV Association. The recommendation came from the Identity Committee, which partnered with a professional marketing firm to study the concept of rebranding FMCA. The group presented its findings to the Executive Board and then the Governing Board. This name will better reflect our mission of welcoming and supporting those who enjoy all types of RVs. A new logo is being developed to accompany the updated name, and we are working on a timeline for the rollout of the Family RV Association brand.
The new name keeps the word “family,” something that has been at the heart of the association since its founding in 1963 and has been part of the “Your RVing Family” tagline we’ve used for several years. For association members, “family” goes beyond the conventional sense of the word and extends to the entire community of RVers. Many members develop close bonds with their fellow members — another type of “family” — turning strangers into lifelong friends and travel companions. The new name also incorporates “RV” to clarify the organization’s focus as an RV travel and lifestyle community.
We are excited to begin a new adventure as Family RV Association. Our association has been helping RVers form incredible connections with fellow RV travelers for more than 60 years. Having a name that better describes the RV community makes perfect sense.
The Governing Board also voted to continue to provide the medical evacuation and travel assistance program benefit to members as part of their annual dues, something no other RV association provides. This program affords medical transportation to all members in the event of an accident or medical emergency when more than 75 miles from home, with dozens of covered benefits. These include expenses for transport to the hospital and to another facility if needed, and for returning them, their RV, and their pets home after a medical emergency if a doctor advises that they not drive the RV home. The travel assistance part of the pro-gram also includes emergency cash for mechanical breakdowns and reimbursement for emergency room or urgent care visits.
Similar programs cost many hundreds of dollars for coverage. The Family RV Association program is more comprehensive in its benefits and provides our members peace of mind during their travels.
Effective October 1, 2024, the program (known as FMCAssist for many years) has a new provider — Arch Insurance; a new phone number — (844) 289-3442; and a new name — Medical & Travel Assist. If you have a claim for an incident that occurred before October 1, please contact Chubb Insurance at (877) 352-0785 (inside the U.S.); (877) 350-3532 (Canada); or (202) 659-7803 (outside the U.S., collect).
Medical & Travel Assist represents one of many valuable benefits you receive with your Family RV Association membership. In keeping with the association’s longstanding mission to educate RV owners, members also receive a subscription to Family RVing magazine, a bimonthly publication available in print and digital formats, and archived online where members have full access to past issues. Among the other popular benefits are tire discount programs; group rates on our Roadside Rescue® program, RV and auto insurance, and health insurance; discounted rates for RV tours and caravans; and discounts on mobile internet access plans. Several hundred chapters further the family concept with activities and rallies, and the association also brings RV owners together on a larger scale at its international conventions.
Although it operates like one in many respects, Family RV Association is more than just a business. Organized as a nonprofit social club, the association supports a strong, vibrant community of RV owners enjoying the freedom of the open road and pursuing their passions. Family RV Association ultimately is all about RVers having fun!
In today’s challenging economic climate, Family RV Association — like many businesses and member-ship organizations — is addressing financial shifts that impact revenue streams such as membership, magazine advertising, and event attendance. Despite these challenges, Family RV Association leadership remains firmly focused on its mission: delivering valuable benefits, services, and educational programs that elevate the RV lifestyle for members and make life on the road more enriching and enjoyable.
To ensure the strength and sustainability of these offerings, the Governing Board made a strategic decision to set membership dues at $99 per year, effective October 1, 2024. This adjustment positions Family RV Association to maintain and enhance the benefits that members rely on, enabling the organization to remain a vital partner in RVers’ travels both now and in the future.
The Governing Board also voted to offer a multiyear discount program, with dues set at $99 for one year; $188 for two years; $267 for three years for Family, Commercial, and Pathfinder members. (Pathfinder membership is designed for “RV curious” folks in the research phase who are looking for information and support before they purchase an RV.) For those who prefer a monthly payment schedule, membership dues will be $19.95 for the first month and $9.95 per month thereafter.
Family RV Association continues to be the leading resource, advocate, and support network for RV owners and to provide great value to members.
Thank you for being a member of Family RV Association.
Letter From Gary And Glenda Milner
Glenda and Gary Milner
It is with a heavy heart that I submit my letter of resignation from my position as the FMCA President. I have recently been diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a form of cancer that is not curable, and that will require my full attention and devotion for the next several years. In addition to focusing on my health, I’ll be spending as much time as possible with my family.
It has been a pleasure to serve as the FMCA President. FMCA and the Executive Board will be in good hands with Vice President Paul Mitchell, who, in accordance with the FMCA Bylaws, will move into the President position. Paul and I have worked very closely the last 13 months, and he has assumed many duties and achieved all tasks asked of him. He did so without wavering or hesitating. Paul is ready to assume the responsibilities and will work in the best interests of FMCA.
I would like to thank him and the entire Executive Board. You have been extremely helpful and have assumed the responsibilities of your positions with great drive and devotion. I feel we have the most amazing team to help FMCA through these difficult times. Please give Paul the same assistance you have given me as he moves forward with the goals established by you and the Governing Board.
To the Governing Board: I want to thank you for all your support of my presidency and, foremost, your support of FMCA. The effort and determination you and leaders before you have put into this organization is the main reason we have existed since the early 1960s. It is your commitment to ensure that FMCA will remain the best RV educational and social organization in North America.
To the FMCA members: It has truly been an honor to meet and get to know so many of you. You mean more than I can put into words, and Glenda and I look forward to seeing you again down the road. Thanks for everything.
To the FMCA staff: Our short time together is coming to an end. Glenda and I appreciated your support and assistance. We hope that you will have the opportunity to continue to help FMCA grow in the RV community. If my health improves, we might be fortunate enough to see you down the road. Until then, we wish you and your families all the best, and a safe and prosperous life.
And, remember, it’s all about having fun!
In parting, thank you.