Subject: National Directors report on Governing Board meeting Lincoln Nebraska August 24 , 2022
President Rhett Porter called for a quorum report, and 53 % of possible votes were present. With a requirement for 51%, a quorum was established.
In his opening statements, President Porter stated that approximately 650 family units were present, the lowest since the early days of FMCA. (your National Director has attended National Conventions with 7,000 in attendance).
The National Treasurer reported there were $308,470 in off budget spending. Funds were taken from the investment account. Most of these funds were spent on new roofing and HVAC Units at the Cincinnati offices, and for losses on last Spring’s Tucson Rally. I have all budget figures in my file. If any member desires to review them, please request via email, and I will scan and return via email.
Highlights of CEO Chris Smith’s report are as follows: For the first 7 months of the current fiscal year, there was a net loss of 257 members, compared to 1031 last year. Motorhome vs non-motorhome memberships continue to move in opposite directions. Non motorhome memberships increased 1196, while motorhome memberships declined by 1435.
The transition of on-line and magazine advertising to the James G Elliot Company is complete with encouraging results.
The Tech Connect + program has presented some issues that have proven costly. The reason was the explosive popularity of the program. Since it’s inception, Tech Connect+ income has been reported as net, that is, revenue collected minus expenses. FMCA’s auditors determined that the IRS rules require that the unrelated income must be reported as gross. This change caused an issue with the IRS rule that a nonprofit cannot have more than 35% of its income from unrelated business. By my calculation from the figures presented, show that Tech Connect+ will be 36.9%, and indications are it will continue to grow. To align FMCA with IRS rules, Tech Connect+ must move from the nonprofit to the profit side of the ledger. This will result in a huge tax bill from IRS, unless other actions are taken. The best solution, though costly, would be a rebate to the Tech Connect+ users. Auditors estimated a cost of approximately $500,000. I suspect this program is in process.
The 2022 by-laws amendment number 2 was approved as amended. The effect on the chapters was to make the election of the Alternate Director optional, rather than mandatory.
Dogwood had a presence at the Chapter Fair. Not too much interest. I made a pitch to about 20 people, but no gain.
The Convention Committee recommends Tucson Arizona for the Spring 2024 convention, and already established are Perry Georgia for the Spring 2023 and the Summer 2023 will be held in Gillette Wyoming.
The Long Range Planning Committee had a long wish list. It all leaned toward attracting younger upper middle class RV owners who are looking to use their RVs for vacations and shorter travel and weekend trips. This group is perceived to be the vast majority of the RVers out there.
Dogwood National Director
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