SETTING OUR COMPASS TOWARD SUCCESS
By Paul Mitchell, F165576
National President
I am writing this column in late January, and Lisa and I are enjoying the warm Arizona weather during the Quartzsite RV Show. If you have never attended, it is worthwhile to at least stop by once or twice during the nine days that the big tent and surrounding area are filled with RV vendors and every type of RV you can imagine. You can find just about anything RV-related, plus many “must have” items that you never knew existed.
The first two months of the calendar year are traditionally a busy time for Family RV Association, and 2026 was no exception. The Western Area finished its January rally in Indio, California, and the Southeast Area, with an exceptional group of volunteers, represented FRVA at the Florida RV SuperShow in Tampa. Here in Quartzsite, the dedicated volunteers from the Rocky Mountain Area expounded on all things FRVA. At the start of February, hundreds of RVers flocked to the Southeast Area Rally in Lakeland, Florida. The Rocky Mountain show team will man a booth at the Phoenix RV Supershow in March.
The good news is that these efforts are paying off, and we are seeing an influx of new members along with higher renewal rates among existing members. This is also the first year that we were able to update current members’ information at the show and provide our newly joined members with their FRVA numbers immediately after they signed up.
By the time you receive this issue of the magazine, our Horizon management system should be fully operational, making all of our lives much easier. We have had some growing pains, but our new system is secure, robust, and easy to use. Our in-house IT staff and a group of smart member volunteers have done a superb job developing a system that will serve us exceptionally well for years to come. See pages 6 and 7 for detailed login procedures, including screenshots. These login instructions are also available at frva.com/documents-and-forms.
I’ve recently heard from family and commercial members about a rumor going around suggesting that Family RV Association is going out of business. I can assure everyone that this is as far from the truth as you can get. During the last year and a half, we have streamlined operations and decreased expenses. Our Executive Board has been integral to accomplishing this, led by national treasurer Ken Lewis, who has performed miracles finding waste and reducing expenses. We are paying our accounts on time, eliminating late fees. Utility bills and property taxes are being paid by check or ACH to reduce fees. Our new IT director, Allen Evans, has saved thousands of dollars annually by consolidating software providers, eliminating unused licenses, and implementing a better network to reduce costs. Our cash flow is positive; we’re not taking money out of deferred dues to pay bills; and our investments are stable.
Family RV Association is all about Family and we want to make sure you are treated as such. If you see something we can do better, send us your ideas. I am proud of the accomplishments our Executive Board and Cincinnati staff have achieved, and I’m excited about their commitment to move Family RV Association into the future.
We are the Premier RV Association, and I want you to always remember, “Just Keep On Having Fun.”
Horizon Login Procedures
These login instructions are also available at frva.com/documents-and-forms.
1 Go to frva.com (or directly to app.frva.com)
2 Click on the orange LOGIN button in the upper right-hand corner if you are on a larger screen. If you are on your phone, it will be the orange “Enter” button.
3 Go to app.frva.com and the following page will be displayed.
4 Enter your email address in the“email address” field. If the email address you entered is NOT found
in the database, the following screen message will be displayed:
We could not find this email address in our system. If you are already an FRVA member, please do not join again. Your email may simply need to be linked to your membership. Please email servicedesk@frva.com for assistance.
5 If you are a member and your email address was NOT found, please call 1-800-543-3622 or email servicedesk@frva.com to get assistance.
6 If the email address is found in the database, the following screen message will be displayed:
Welcome to FRVA! We’ve sent you an email with instructions to set up your password. Please check your inbox and follow the link to complete your account setup. Once you’ve set your password, return to this page to sign in.
7 An email message will be sent to the entered email address confirming your account setup and prompting you to set your password.
8 Click the “Set Password” link in the email.
9 Enter and confirm your password, then click “Reset Password.”
10 You will then be prompted to enter your password.
11 Select the “Don’t show this again” checkbox and click Yes. The selection does not affect access.
12 Your overview (dashboard) page will be displayed.
13 To return to the main website, click the Family RV Association logo in the upper left-hand corner or go to frva.com.
ARE YOU READY FOR SOME RALLIES?
By Doug Uhlenbrock
Executive Director
As I’m writing this, a large portion of the U.S. — including Cincinnati — is buried under a foot of snow while shivering to below-freezing temperatures. Certainly not weather that’s conducive to RV travel. But worry not, my FRVA friends; better days are on the horizon. Before you know it, you’ll be preparing for your next adventure.
While you are creating your travel agenda for 2026, I suggest you consider attending an FRVA convention or area rally. These events combine the best of social gatherings, seminars, entertainment, exhibits, and good times in one location.
The upcoming rally season kicks off with the “Changes In Latitudes – RV Beach Party” convention, March 18-21 at the Georgia National Fairgrounds in Perry. Here, you’ll join thousands of fellow FRVA members eager to get on the road again and celebrate the RVing lifestyle. With hundreds of exhibitors, educational opportunities galore, several nights of terrific musical performances, and daily social gatherings, the only thing you’ll find missing is time to do it all.
Following the Perry convention, the area rally season kicks into high gear with a triple-shot of spring events across the country. The International Area will hold its “INTO The Smokies” destination rally May 13-17 at The Ridge Outdoor Resort in Sevierville, Tennessee. Next up, the Great Lakes Area will wave the red, white, and blue during its “Freedom’s Journey – Celebrating 250 Years of Independence” rally, June 10-13 at the Allegan County Fairgrounds in Allegan, Michigan. Finally, the Northwest Area will welcome West Coast RVers to “A Coastal Gathering” at the Ko-Kwel Casino Resort in North Bend, Oregon, June 17-20.
FRVA will celebrate the United States Semiquincentennial at the Missouri State Fairgrounds in Sedalia during our “250 Years of Red, White & Blue” convention, July 1-4. Yes, Uncle Sam wants you to join us for this patriotic birthday bash in the heart of the country. We’ll declare independence from boring RV rallies and join ranks with fellow attendees to have a booming great time.
While you’re already set up in Sedalia, keep the party going by registering for the Midwest Area’s “RVing In The Heartland” rally, July 5-6. That’s right: Keep the electric plugged in and the water and septic hoses attached as you seamlessly transition from one great event to another, with both in the same location.
Three other area rallies are scheduled for late summer/early fall. The South Central Area will offer plenty of “Fun In The Sun” during their rally at the Camp Margaritaville Resort in Crystal Beach, Texas, September 14-17. Later that month, the Northeast Area will encourage RVers to make a “Green Mountain Getaway” to the Champlain Valley Exposition in Essex Junction, Vermont, for their annual event, this year slated for September 30-October 3. Rounding out the rally season will be the Rocky Mountain Roundup, being held this year at the San Juan Fairgrounds in Farmington, New Mexico, October 7-11.
Of course, hundreds of other chapter rallies are also taking place throughout the rest of the year, many of which are open to all FRVA members. Take a look at the Association Events calendar in each issue of the magazine or on FRVA.com to find one or more in the areas you’ll be traveling.
Horizon Event Registration
I’m thrilled to announce that the Horizon Events Registration platform is now available for our convention and area rally signups. I know that you are going to love this new and improved method of registering for FRVA events.
Unlike our previous module that prompted more than a few outbursts by staff and registrants that would not be suitable for gentle company, this new system is simple and smooth, taking you from one selection to another. Yes, it’s different than what you may have previously encountered when registering online, but it promises to be much easier for users and staff. Give it a try as you sign up for your next FRVA event.
National Office Staff
Over the past six months, FRVA’s national office staff has undergone many changes and additions that may have gone unnoticed by members. I want to bring you up to date about the staffing adjustments
we’ve made to prepare the association for a bright future.
On the leadership side, Sherry Light was promoted to director of membership and Robbin Gould was elevated to director of communications. Allen Evans joined us in late October as the director of information technology.
Jeff Scheeler also joined us at the end of October as our controller, and he recently added Marcie Barnett as associate accountant. In the Communications Department, Brandon Jones was brought in as a graphic designer. Membership welcomed Max Edde as a part-time assistant, and Josh Bentley joined the IT Department as a Tech Connect support specialist.
In addition, we are working to add a digital marketing assistant, an associate editor, an events services assistant, and a director of events.
With these staffing changes, I believe we are now set to address the many challenges set before us as we strive to grow the association and provide you with the best member experience possible.
The 2026 Western Area Rally featured an unforgettable closing night of entertainment by The E&J Movement, a high-energy R&B band composed of original Motown musicians. During their performance, lead singer Al Robertson (right) called area president James McDaniel (center) and past vice president Jess Bassford to the stage for an impromptu assist.
ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING NOTICE
The annual membership meeting of the Family RV Association will take place on Saturday,
July 4, 2026, during the 113th International Convention &RV Expo in Sedalia, Missouri.
THE MISSION OF FAMILY RV ASSOCIATION is to educate, support, and encourage family and social RV lifestyles.
Contact an FMCA National Chaplain
Chaplains Connection Line:
(833) 458-0778
chaplains@frva.com