Note From Paul DuBois - NEA 1st VP

There are a couple of issues that I have become aware of because of my Governmental and Legislative Affairs committee assignments that I thought should be passed along to your membership.

First of all, concerning LLC'S or Limited Liability Corporations: These have been very popular among RV'ers for many years when they purchase coaches to eliminate or lessen taxes paid on new motor homes. Recently many states have been cracking down on the use of these. California has taken the stand that if you have a LLC that you are a business. The state has been hunting these owners down and making them purchase an IFTA fuel sticker and pay fuel taxes for all fuel since their original registration.

Recently, as noted in the FMCA website, Colorado is arresting their residents who use Montana LLCs and charging them with tax evasion. Recently a Colorado FMCA member was charged with tax evasion and his fine was over $9000.00 plus his attorney's fees. It is my understanding that Connecticut is starting to take action also. So It would behoove you to reconsider if you have thoughts of doing this.

The second issue concerns fueling your coach at the truck pumps at truck stops or Flying J or Loves. I received an e-mail from a member complaining that he was refused use of the truck pumps and told to go to the RV or auto pumps because he did not have a DOT number . He called FMCA seeking assistance in getting a DOT number. or for assistance in forcing them to permit his use of the truck pumps. When I contacted Flying J they advised me that many states are changing their laws to permit trucks with DOT numbers to fuel without paying the tax at the pump therefore showing a lower price at the pump. The trucks would then submit forms at the end of the quarter and pay the tax instead of paying at the pump and then getting a refund. .

He then requested that I help him obtain a DOT number but when I advised him that he would have to pull into all scales and inspection stations, he changed his mind and dropped the issue.

Paul DuBois, 1st VP

Migratory Characteristics of PenNY Mixers

As many folks get ready to head north, a trend of PenNY Mixers has evolved. One of the favorite Florida stop overs is just off I75, exit 309 where there are 2 campgrounds - BREEZY OAKS RV PARK and SUMPTER OAKS RV PARK. Both are within a 2 miles of the exit in a wooded area of Bushnell, FL. Because of its proximity to Brooksville, it has become a jumping off and lay over point for the FMCA Southeast Area Rally during the first week of February.

Some recent guests included the Lindens, Crebs, Wordens, Lears and Lavenders while others have stopped by earlier. Seasonal nesters include Klines and Fyles.

Our recent visit at BREEZY OAKS RV PARK found the Lavenders, Klines and Fyles there -where we all enjoyed dinner at a local restaurant - HOWIES.

If you stop by before early April, you, too may find them there.

Update on Country Coach RV

Country Coach has announced that they have been able to restructure their dept through Wells Fargo Bank and plan to resume operations soon.

May Rally

At the end of this Blog we will be publishing the rally agenda for our rallies. Look for the May Rally soon.

Update from Florida

We have been coming to Florida during the first couple months each year for almost 10 years and have been awed by the Space Shuttle and Kennedy Space Center. However, there has not been a "viewable" launch since we have been coming here.

It changed on Sunday, March 15th at 7:43 pm with a spectacular dusk launch. We are about 60 miles away, and about 100 of us gathered to see what we could see. Well, what we saw was SPECTACULAR for this old techie. The ensuing 10 minutes was worth 10 years wait. The attached picture was taken about 2 minutes after the launch.

More news regarding the RV Industry

Last week, Fleetwood Industries announced they have filed for Chapter 11. Like Country Coach and Monaco, they hope to restructure and survive. However, they have shut down their travel trailer production.

Also, MOODY'S INVESTOR SERVICES has placed AFFINITY GROUP owner of Camping World, Good Sam, Trailer Life and Motor Home Magazines, Coast to Coast and more on "watch" as a possible candidate for bankruptcy.

RV Manufacturer News

I am sorry to report - two fine motor home manufactures announced they have filed for bankruptcy protection under Chapter 11.

COUNTRY COACH was ordered by a judge to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy after over a year's discussions with creditor Wells Fargo Bank.

MONACO CORPORATION, America's largest manufacturer of motor homes and trailers including Holiday Rambler, Safari, Beaver, Aluma-Lite and others terminated most of their remaining employees on March 2nd, and filed for Chapter 11 on March 4th. Their reorganization plan currently calls for spinning off most of their assets. It will continue to trade Over the Counter under the symbol MCOA.

Both of these companies are based in the Eugene, OR area. Monaco also had extensive operations in the Elkart, IN area.

While Chapter 11 does not mean they are "history" (just look at USAir and UNITED Airlines), it does indicate they may not be around in the future.

Consolidation of the industry will probaby continue to follow - like Coachmen being bought by Forest River (owned by Birkshire Hataway) last fall.

With RV sales falling by more than 60%, we hope those left will be able to perpetuate our fine lifestyle.

March Get together at Osaka's

Walt & Beryl Linden have come out of hybernation in the Everglades where they were campground hosts for the past several months. He then got together 27 friends for our annual dinner at Osaka's Japanese restaurant in Leesburg, FL.

The food was good, plentiful and it was great to get a chance to see everyone. We definately had FUN.

To view image in a larger format, double click on the desired image. Close the image by clicking on the "back arrow" when done.

Free Programs

Many computer sytems are not coming with software any more. Some come with trial versions that expect you to spend $100+ to upgrade to a full version. At the request of the computer club here in Florida, I did a little research to see what is available for FREE.

Many of us need a Word Processor to create documents and letters. There is an excellant "open source" Word Processor that very closely mimics Microsoft Word. It's GOOD. The program is called ABIWORD. You can download it to your PC in less than 5 minutes with a WI-FI connection. To get there go to:

http://abiword.com/

If you need a full blown immitation of Microsoft Office, consider "Open Office" that includes Word Processor, Spreadsheet, and a presention package. Go to:

http://www.openoffice.org/

Downloading is free, but it could take an hour or more at WI-FI speeds.

Both are FREE!!!!

Enjoy your travels.

January get together in Bushnell, FL

On January 31st, we got together for our annual pot luck dinner at Dogwood Mobile Home park in Bushnell, FL. Arranged by Joe, Ellie and Linda Van Haelst, we had 55 folks attending with most showing up shortly after noon.

After socializing, Ellie started us off with a prayer. Then Charlie Kline asked for a moment of silence for Ola Williams and Deroy Putman who passed away this past fall.

During dinner, Tom Roule introduced special guests, Bill Conway (past president of the Northeast Area) and his wife Pat, Paul DuBois (Northeast Area 1st vice president), Ed Hoag (Northeast Area 3rd vice president) and his wife Lori and Eleanor Rizzi (Northeast Area treasurer) and her husband Frank.

After dinner, Paul Du Bois updated us on recent events in the Northeast Area. Considerable progress is being made for the Northeast Area rally in Essex Junction, VT as well as possible changes to New York laws allowing out of state dealers and, therefore, future conventions in New York. Sam Allen is not running for Northeast Area president due to Pat’s health. Paul will be running for the office.

After dinner, we continued to socialize, and complain about the 60 degree temperatures, fully realizing no one up north was sympathetic.

It sure was good to get together and we hope to see everyone soon. Thank you, Joe, Ellie, and Linda and see you same place January 30th , 2010.