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Topic: Letter from Russ Miller, Motorcade Interntional President. (Read 1120 times) previous topic - next topic

Letter from Russ Miller, Motorcade Interntional President.

I hope this country gets back on it feet quickly come May.  Things are happening so fast. I am having a hard time keeping up..
Here is letter sent out today to Motorcade members.


On behalf of the Executive Board and myself, we want to keep you informed.  The Executive Board met on Tuesday 3/31 via conference call to discuss the events that have begun to unfold.
As you well know, the current climate in our nation and around the world has been affecting business, travel, the economy and family life for the past couple of months. Foretravel of Texas (FOT) and the Foretravel Motorcade Club (FMC or Club) are no exceptions.
Over the past three weeks I have had the good fortune to spend time with Lyle Reed discussing our Club and Foretravel. Having met no less than four times, I can report that I was very surprised and exceedingly happy with his excitement about our Club. Immediately following our initial meeting, representatives of RV-One came in for a visit and were also very impressed with our Club. Beverly made a substantial impact on them and our Motorcade magazine was an immense hit.
The following day I received a call from Lyle requesting another meeting. His excitement had grown significantly from the previous day. RV-One expressed their high interest in working with the Club,  adding significantly to the Motorcade magazine and wanting to help make the Foretravel Motorcade Club the premier RV travel Club in the country. Lyle stated that this would include substantial financial support through the many opportunities to sponsor events and subscribe to advertising in our magazine.
Lyle and I exchanged our ideas on what needs to be done to achieve continued success of our Club and to enhance the value of the Club to our members. Our efforts to raise revenue through the "Optional Dues Schedule" were of specific interest to him. He made a few other revenue enhancement ideas including further help in gaining outside support for our events.
When it appeared that Lyle was cutting the umbilical cord to the Club last year; as you recall, we took appropriate steps to secure our status as a 501 c 7 non-profit social Club. It was understood (correctly or no) that Foretravel of Texas would review the financial relationship with the Club in the fourth quarter of this year. Correct or no, Lyle was under the impression that Beverly, our Club Manager intended to retire at the end of 2020. I assured him that this was not the case. With this new information he confirmed with Beverly that she intended staying through 2022.  With this news,  Lyle committed to keeping the status quo through 2022 with the same financial and logistical support as we enjoy today. Not only did he want to continue supporting the Club, we discussed when and how we/he could help in getting Beverly's replacement trained. This was an incredible indicator of his long-term commitment.
I'm not sure how many understand the financial support currently received through Foretravel of Texas.  In addition to our Club Manager's salary, we have been receiving administrative support of two additional people (40% of one employee and 25% of another employee) as well as the office space, storage space for supplies for our various events, internet and computer support, and additional direct financial support as needed.  Should we employ our own staff, provide commercial office space and equipment as well as other incidental expenses, we can estimate a cost of approximately $100,000 - $125,000 per year
I share this information so we all can understand the commitment Lyle made by his desire to keep the status quo. As of Thursday evening (3/26), this is where we were, and all seemed set for the foreseeable future.
By Friday (3/28) morning the first signs of trouble appeared when Lyle could not commit to helping bring RV-One on board as a sponsor for our Grandvention in October (2020). He briefly mentioned the economic uncertainty facing all manufacturing and the supply chain. Reorganizing the plant schedule so social distancing could be practiced without disrupting output was a priority.
The Governor of Texas, trying to limit the spread of covid-19 issued new directives for businesses. This and the economic outlook necessitated FOT's management team to work through the weekend developing a plan to comply with the new guidelines and economy. Late Sunday afternoon (3/29) Beverly received notice that she was being furloughed along with 150 other employees on Monday (3/30). Lyle immediately contacted me and explained the situation with great regret. It was initially stated the shutdown would be for 2 – 3 weeks; however, Lyle expects this lay off to last 60 – 90 days. On Thursday we were near the top of the mountain and by Sunday evening there was no longer a mountain to be found.
Beverly and I have spoken several times since. She met with Lyle and FOT Human Resources on Monday (3/30).  It was agreed that she would keep the keys to her office and voluntarily come in couple of times a week to continue some of the essential details of our Club.  It has been mentioned that the Motorcade Club consider bringing her on as an employee of the Club.  Unfortunately, we are not capable of doing so at this point in time.  As a furloughed employee of FOT, Beverly is eligible for unemployment compensation benefits.  While this is not ideal, this buys both the Club and FOT needed time to evaluate the future.
While Lyle and I developed an exciting relationship for the future growth of the Club, it's very hard to see into the future with positivity under such conditions however we will overcome this setback.    
The "Optional Dues structure" having been implemented with limited success is the means to be financially stable without outside help. After explaining the concept behind the schedule, four of eight members at the non-rally in Natchitoches opted to support the Club at a higher level of membership. This is the type of support which will guarantee a bright future for our Club.
Unfortunately, we have cancelled many events. The Cherry Blossom Motorcade was the biggest.  With the cancellation of the Cherry Blossom and the Ladies Driving School, refund checks have been processed.  Several on the Cherry Blossom participants did elect to leave their fees in place with the Club for future events.
It looks as though this crisis is likely to last beyond May. With all due consideration, I'm requesting Chapters to cancel any remaining events until after May. We MUST do our part in containment as guidelines set by government dictate. The only event in June is the Central Plains Chapter Rally. With a strict eye on the status of covid-19 in May, this rally's continuance should be monitored carefully. Likewise, the July Great Lakes Chapter Rally will also be reviewed.  September through early November, 2020 we have a very heavy schedule thus we are hopeful that these events will not have a problem.
I have spoken with Motorhomes of Texas and they too are taking precautions and will remain open for service. 
In closing I would like to say I'm still very positive about our Club's future. We had already taken some necessary steps to secure the continued success of our Club. Today, those steps seem even more prudent. The strength of our Club is in its membership.  With or without FOT we will be seeing each other down the road.

Submitted respectfully by,

Russ Miller, International President



2014 ih45  (4th Foretravel owned)
 1997 36' U295 Sold in 2020, owned for 19 years
  U240 36' Sold to insurance company after melting in garage fire
    33' Foretravel on Dodge Chassis  Sold very long time ago

Re: Letter from Russ Miller, Motorcade Interntional President.

Reply #1 –
The good news of a continued commitment from Foretravel HQ is good news indeed.

Even though we American's can act daft towards one another at times. When the going gets really tough. We will put our hands out to help one another through the tough times. We will persevere.
Jerry & Nona and Kimeru the cat that thinks she's a dog
1998 36' WTFE U320  #5314 Motorcade #17711
USAF 1975-1995
2019 Subaru Crosstrek 'toad'
2003 Subaru Legacy touring car
jerry Fincher | Flickr

Re: Letter from Russ Miller, Motorcade Interntional President.

Reply #2 –
Quote from: turbojack –
The "Optional Dues Structure" having been implemented with limited success is the means to be financially stable without outside help. After explaining the concept behind the schedule, four of eight members at the non-rally in Natchitoches opted to support the Club at a higher level of membership.
What is the "Optional Dues Structure"?

When we renewed our membership in Nov. of 2019, it was $100 (including $5 chapter dues).  I assumed that was the "full club benefits" price.

Is there some other (cheaper) optional membership level?
1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Nature abhors a vacuum"

Re: Letter from Russ Miller, Motorcade Interntional President.

Reply #3 –
So I'm forgetting what is going the "optional dues structure "
2002 Custom No Slide U320
98 U295 36'
92 Grand Villa 29' front engine gas-Sold
Motorcade 18100

Re: Letter from Russ Miller, Motorcade Interntional President.

Reply #4 –
Quote from: Chuck & Jeannie –
What is the "Optional Dues Structure"?

When we renewed our membership in Nov. of 2019, it was $100 (including $5 chapter dues).  I assumed that was the "full club benefits" price.

Is there some other (cheaper) optional membership level?

This was from January 2020, It may have changed some since then.


Foretravel Motorcade Club Optional Dues Structure

Bronze:
Standard Motorcade Club annual dues:   $95/year per coach.
Benefits:   10% discount parts/service at FOT
Quarterly magazine
Chapter rallies (if chapter dues is paid to at least 1 chapter)
Motorcades scouted by FMC activity directors
Access to FMC website for the latest on activities
Access to on-line Membership Directory (with user name/password)
Membership badges
Membership number decals for coach

Silver:
Foretravel Motorcade Club annual dues:   $250/year per coach
Benefits:   All Bronze benefits plus:
$100 discount on one motorcade/year
$50 discount on Grandvention registration/coach

Gold:
Foretravel Motorcade Club annual dues:   $500/year per coach
Benefits:   All Bronze benefits plus:
$100 discount on up to two motorcades/year
$100 discount on Grandvention registration/coach

Platinum:
Foretravel Motorcade Club annual dues:   $1,000/year per coach
Benefits:   All Bronze benefits plus:
$150 discount on up to three motorcades/year
$150 discount on Grandvention registration/coach
Preferred parking at all Club events.

Diamond:
Foretravel Motorcade Club:   $6,000 one-time payment
Benefits:   All Platinum benefits for lifetime
2014 ih45  (4th Foretravel owned)
 1997 36' U295 Sold in 2020, owned for 19 years
  U240 36' Sold to insurance company after melting in garage fire
    33' Foretravel on Dodge Chassis  Sold very long time ago

Re: Letter from Russ Miller, Motorcade Interntional President.

Reply #5 –
For us, being a member of the FMC is an important integral part of owning a Foretravel.  Being that all this communication took place in the course of four days makes me think someone is being given the two step on this one. I hope I'm wrong on this. I hope that the club stays viable with or without Foretravel. Hopefully with. Nuff said. I'll be quiet.
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Lynn & Marilyn Sickel
Tollville, AR
1997  U320  40'
2021 Chevrolet Silverado pickup
Motorcader  17257

Re: Letter from Russ Miller, Motorcade Interntional President.

Reply #6 –
Quote from: turbojack –
This was from January 2020, It may have changed some since then.
Thanks for posting this info!  I don't know how it was originally disseminated, but I managed to miss the memo.  I thought we were on the Club mailing list, but perhaps not...

Anyway, doesn't really matter - when we come up for renewal next November I will select the cut-rate cheap-O $95 Bronze level.  It includes all the benefits I care about.  Assuming, of course, there are no big changes between now and then.  We'll see...
1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Nature abhors a vacuum"

Re: Letter from Russ Miller, Motorcade Interntional President.

Reply #7 –
Well guess we will have to wait and see. Don't think I'd be signing up for the platinum membership anytime soon though. Not only would it be a big drain on my resources right now but I'm not quite sure that what a lifetime is relative to current events. Really wanted to go to that Washington DC one, but it wasn't in the cards for me this year. Was thinking about going to the West Texas rally in November. Just have to wait and see. If not I guess I'll be out boondocking.  ^.^d
'99 U320 40 WTFE
Build #5462,
1500 Watts Solar 600 amp Victron lithium
2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland Hemi
Instagram bobfnbw
Retired
 

Re: Letter from Russ Miller, Motorcade Interntional President.

Reply #8 –
Chuck
Beverly sent this to all members, but she has had a problem lately with her email not sending to all members.
Jerry & Nanci
1999 U270 34'WTFI
2011 Malibu
A smart man knows what to say, a wise man knows when to say it.