FMCA, the world’s largest not-for-profit organization for RV owners, recently assigned its 500,000th membership. Stacey and Shari Froemming of Omaha, Nebraska, are F500000. The “F” stands for “Family,” or “Full,” membership.
“I’ve got to say, it’s pretty cool,” Stacey said. “That’s a huge milestone.”
Shari agreed, noting, “I don’t think I’ll forget that number.”
The Froemmings became RVers in the spring of 2016 when they bought a Unity motorhome from Leisure Travel Vans. They are active in the Leisure Travelers Club, and some of its members encouraged them to join FMCA. Shari put it off for a bit, but as it turned out, her timing was perfect.
FMCA was founded in July 1963, and assigning membership numbers started immediately for record-keeping purposes, but it also helped with the promotion of the association. Each member family is assigned a numbered oval-shaped emblem to display on their RV to let others know of their affiliation. The numbers are assigned for life and not reused. If someone leaves the RV lifestyle temporarily but later rejoins FMCA, they are assigned the same membership number. So, over the years FMCA has touched 500,000 RVing families.
The association also assigns legacy numbers. Families are able to share the same membership number, with the addition of a suffix to indicate the familial relationship — for instance, “S” for son, “D” for daughter, or “G” for a grandchild.
The numbers also indicate how long someone has been a member, and lower membership numbers are a source of pride among members.
For the Froemmings, though, their membership plate is hot off the press, and the fun comes in having a number that represents a milestone for the family of RV owners they recently joined. FMCA extended their membership for five additional years in recognition of this momentous occasion.
FMCA currently has more than 80,000 active RV families in its ranks, representing more than 150,000 individuals. Although FMCA began as an association for owners of motorized RVs, the membership-owned organization took a vote two years ago that resulted in owners of all types of RVs being invited to join. And the number of owners of towable RVs joining the FMCA family continues to increase.
For more information about the many benefits of belonging, visit FMCA.com or call 800-543-3622 or 513-474-3622.
ABOUT FMCA: ENHANCING THE RV LIFESTYLE
FMCA is the world’s largest not-for-profit association for recreation vehicle (RV) owners. The organization maintains its national headquarters in Cincinnati, Ohio, and currently has more than 150,000 active members. FMCA offers its members a number of benefits, including a subscription to its monthly magazine, Family RVing; a medical emergency and travel assistance program valued at $105 per family; a tire purchasing program; group rates on a roadside assistance program, RV and auto insurance, and health insurance; discounted rates for RV tours and caravans; and discounts on mobile internet access plans from Verizon and Sprint. Perhaps the most important benefit of FMCA membership is the camaraderie and friendships that develop among people enjoying the common interest of RV travel. The organization can be reached at (513) 474-3622 or (800) 543-3622 and on the web at FMCA.com.