More News from the International in Madison, WI

We had 1450+ families and 250+ vendors in Madison to enjoy great weather. 
GREAT THOUGH, WE HAD 10 FINGERLAKERS. MANY VOLUNTEERED. 
We all got together for hot dogs and snacks on Thursday night, joined by guests including Tom Ziobrowski, NEA President. More information will be on another post.

Below is John Pangburn's National Director's report.

The GB meeting was called to order promptly at 9am by President Adcock. There were 278 National Directors present. This did constitute a quorum. After approving the standing rules for the meeting, introduction of the head table and adoption of the agenda, the first order of business was the Treasurers finance committee report. I am glad to tell you that we are financially sound. I will bring the GB booklet to the October meeting for review. Next was the Executive Directors report and then standing committee reports. Much of the above action is just housekeeping issues making sure policy and procedures are compatible with the by-laws.

Our executive committee is looking very closely at ways to increase our membership. It seems we the people are doing quite well recruiting new members, approximately 1000 per month. Unfortunately we are losing about 1200 members each monthwho do not renew. A system to send e-mail reminders is in the works and a pilot study shows this to be effective.

President Adcock report addressed the FMCA Assist program. It has been in place now for 6 months. 43 members have used the service quite successfully and satisfactorily. Unfortunately there have been problems. Charlie stressed the importance of the Nat. Directors getting out the message that the system must be used properly. Our insurance carries is Seven Corners. You must call them immediately after an incident occurs. The complaints about the system have occurred when members take care of travel and healthcare issues and then submit bills to be paid. They will not be paid. The proper way to use the system is “ call 911 then call 7 corners. They will take over and be sure you are taken care of properly and promptly. I will send back the new cards and information as we are continuing on west from here. There is a presentation tomorrow I will attend and I will add an addendum to this report with any new information I get.

In the new business issues the membership dues will remain the same. The FMCA Assist will again be funded using the income from the investments. The program costs in the area of $333,000.00. The estimates now of our investment income for this year is $775,000.00 The EB considers the use of investment income an investment in our membership and the GB concurs.

The new slate of officers is as follows

President Charlie Adcock F311374

Nat Senior Vice President Jon Walker F268778

Nat Secretary Gaye Young F284657

Nat Treasurer Percy Bell F371754

This summarizes the main information from the meeting. Joan and I will not be returning until late September. WE are continuing on west with the Sprouts and the Pages. Lord willing we will see you all at the October meet in Cambria.

John Pangburn Fingerlakers Nat. Director