Military Veterans Business Meeting August 5, 2016

Military Veterans Business Meeting

August 5, 2016

Meeting was called to order at 8:05 by MVC member Gary Milner (standing in for President John Lee).  The group was led in prayer by member Dellward Jackson followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by Gary Milner.

Members Present:  30 members and spouses.  See attached attendance sheet

Member George Schremp spoke to the group about the 2017 International Area Rally in Branson, MO.  He encouraged everyone to attend. 

Gary Milner indicated that he was standing in for President John Lee who could not be in attendance at the rally.  He shared all dues are suspended for this year; normally $15 for new members and $10 for renewal.  This is done to encourage new members.

Gary Milner indicated that a Nominating Committee has been established to select the officers for the upcoming MVC election.  The Nominating Committee is:  Gary Milner, Roy Holt and Dellward Jackson.  The committee is will be seeking candidates for all office positions.

Gary Milner summarized the electronic Treasurer’s report presented by Skip Kazmarek.  The chapter currently has $9,278.31.  Motion was made by Dellward Jackson, seconded by George Young to accept Treasurer’s report was read.  Vote was taken and was unanimously approved.

Gary Milner indicated that the Audit Committee has completed their audit for the July 1, 2015 through June 30, 2016 bank statements, records of receipts and disbursements of that period and found them to be in compliance with customary accounting practices.  No discrepancies were noted.  The committee members are:  Chairman, Shirley Clark, Member Mike Neighbours, and member Bill Dees.  The motion was made by Sonny Gillespie to accept the report as read and seconded by Tom Hoffmeier.  Vote was taken and was unanimously approved. 

Sonny Gillespie noted the Pre-rally held by the Elks Chapter was poorly attended.  He noted there were only 5 members present.  His concern is that even our senior members of the organization are not in attendance.  It was felt by the group that better communication of upcoming events would be helpful.  It was noted that the Elks Clubs are very supportive of our American Veterans and members are strongly encouraged to attend. 

A lengthy discussion about communication that is not getting to each member of the organization.  It was suggested that maybe FMCA can possibly add a space on their enrollment for indicating if the member is a Veteran or not might be helpful.  This would generate a notification to our chapter that a Veteran has just enrolled and we can seek their enrollment in MVC.  It was suggested by George Young that we might want to look at changing or modifying our Bylaws to include a position for VP of Media.  That position responsibility would be to communicate to all members of the Chapter.  The discussion led to the possibility of using an additional communication avenue of RVillage as a way in which to communicate to members.  It was noted that the current enrollment for that group is only 16 members, therefore members need to enroll to participate in further discussions and communications with the Chapter.  It was also noted that the MVC enrollment form might need to include the best way in which to communicate with member, i.e., e-mail, text or mail might be needed. 

New Business.

1.      Dellward Jackson was asked to become the Chairman for the Nominating Committee and he was duly elected.  It was noted that elections for the vacant positions will be held in Indianapolis in July 2017.  It was noted that members need to be notified of exactly what positions are open for election.

2.     Discussion on setting the pre-rally as a post-rally due to the July 4^th weekend involved.  A Wagonmaster is also needed for that event. 

3.     A member indicated that he went to the vendor booth for US RV and received a 10% military discount.  Members are encouraged to see his booth and thank him.

4.     Dellward Jackson gave a summary of the Governing Board that was held on August 3, 2016. 

a.      Because of the membership changing, i.e. the sales projections changing in the market for recreational vehicles, that FMCA is looking at establishing a separate Corporation for Towables.  This process could take 3 or more years; therefore, the discussion is just starting.

b.     FMCA membership dues will be increasing effective 1 October 2016 to reflect a $10 increase to $60 annually for all members.  This increase is largely due to the increase cost of FMCAssist.  Currently claims are exceeding income.  Currently FMCA membership is over 70,000; July noticing a 344 membership increase.  Even with those increases, funds are needed to sustain this valuable benefit.  Large discussion indicating that the funding for this benefit is coming from interest gained for our investments. 

c.      Pat Bennett indicating that she would like to see members salute when the Pledge of Allegiance is given in all venues.  This is a teaching tool for others to note who might be Veterans and/or Active members of our military.  She indicating that she had stars from flags that had been retired for anyone that might want one.

d.     RVillage is teaming up with FMCA for a communication avenue for all members.  Currently RVillage is experiencing over 300 new members a month.  It was noted that the “new generation” of communications has become a great communication device for everyone.

e.      Discussion about the upcoming dates for Chandler is for 2017.

Adjournment was taken at 9:50 a.m. 

Submitted by:

Gary Milner