National Director’s Report October 2019
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| Ed & Anke Fisher |
By Ed Fisher
The Summer convention, 2019, which was number 100, was held in Minot North Dakota August 14 -17. In attendance were a total 1791 RV's, with 1608 being Family RV's and 183 being Commercial.
FMCA's overall condition continues to improve. For the first year since the time period 2007-2008, net assets increased. Net assets increased in the range of $76,000 to $77,000.
There was another solid increase in net membership gain. Membership is about 88,000, with 5,000 of those being towables.
After a multi hour discussion, an overwhelming majority voted in favor of a major ($25.00) per year dues increase. It was either the increase or or drop FMCAssist, our medical emergency and travel assist program. The FMCA Finance committee had worked for several months developing a balanced budget, to present to the Governing Board for discussion and approval in Minot, basing it on the estimated 15-20% price increase provided earlier by Four Corners, the plan administrator. At the last minute, Four Corners presented FMCA with a 73% increase, take it or leave it. They stated they had just realized they were loosing money on FMCA's plan, based on their new accounting procedure.
The Governing Board recognized that FMCAssist is our flagship benefit, attracting many members, and must be retained. They also realized we could no longer finance operations from our reserves, which are uncomfortably low. Thus, the only choice was to raise dues. The $25.00 increase seems excessive on the surface, but the funds are needed right now, and many members pay up to 3 years in advance. Thus, the full impact of the increase will not be realized
for up to 3 years. If expenses stay in line, then the increase will be used to fund reserve replenishment.
The last order of business was the election of National Officers:
President- Jon Walker
Vice President- Rhett Porter
Secretary- Kathie Balough
Treasurer- John Reynolds
The convention was, as usual a fun and well planned event. Anke and I have noticed the number of quality vendors showing at the convention has declined, which is unfortunate, because we rely on them for information, and to learn of and purchase needed items.
Ed Fisher
