Region 10

Comments from Region 2 President, Rich Short

The following is an excerpt from the Region 2 newsletter, by President Rich Short The Mid-Winter IBT meeting held in Sarasota, FL January 18-22 has concluded, and it was a successful blend of in-person and Zoom attendees.  This hybrid model of meeting has proven to be excellent and continues to be improved upon by our staff at Headquarters and the team of on-site club member volunteers.  It was reported that 58 rigs were camped at the Sarasota Fairgrounds where the meetings, Club Officers and members were hosted by Region 3. There will be several Constitutional Amendments up for approval at the International Rally Delegates Meeting in July, to include continued efforts to simplify the Constitution and move some sections to Bylaws and Policy where they belong.  There will be one to simplify the Amendment process and one to allow for electronic or mail ballots for electing International Officers.  That motion will eliminate the need for Delegate Meetings at the International Rally unless there are Constitutional Amendments proposed.  One of the results of our push to increase Member Benefits was the approval of a motion to add an additional paid staff person at Headquarters, in the position of Marketing and Communications Director.  A permanent charter was granted to the new Indie Streamers Intra-club.  More info can be found at https://airstreamclub.org/indie-streamers.  There was one local club name change and several logos and flags approved.  Due to the recent membership dues increase and persistent low interest rates, the Lifetime Membership fund was re-analyzed and an increase in the one-time fee will take effect August 1st.  If you have thought about becoming a Lifetime Member of the Airstream Club, now would be an opportune time to do so and save some money. One of the highlights of the IBT meeting for me is getting to listen to Justin Humphreys, the VP of Sales at Airstream, Inc. give an update on Airstream and the RV industry.  His assessment of the sales environment, in one understated word, was BUSY!  With no slow down in sight, dealers are literally sold out of product and have hardly any inventory in stock.  Airstream is faced with fulfilling thousands of retail sold orders.  Although the expansion of the manufacturing plants in 2019 and early 2020 was worrisome when the pandemic hit, it turned out be perfect timing.  The expansion, the largest in the company’s history, now includes a 700,000 sq. ft. trailer manufacturing facility, a 230,000 sq. ft. motorhome facility, and a Base Camp shop whose size was increased by 50%.  There are now almost 1100 employees in Jackson Center and the company is looking to hire another 200 to 250 people by July!   Our Airstream Club is reaping the benefit, with new memberships being added at record pace.  Please, take advantage of the efforts of our Membership Chair, Lea Plant.  Reach out to those new Airstream owners in your area.  Invite them out to a rally, to have some fun and learn about their Airstream and what the Airstream Club can offer them. It was announced that the 2022 Mid-Winter meeting is now scheduled for 01/17-21/2022 in Savannah, GA at the Creek Fire RV Resort.  More info will follow later in the year.  The 2021 International Rally to be held this July 17-24 in Lebanon, TN is still a “go”, with over 550 rigs registered to date.  There is still time to register and reserve your spot.  The 2022 International Rally is scheduled for Fryeburg, ME and it was announced the 2023 Rally is now planned for Yakima, WA.  I love how our Int’l Rally moves around the country, providing more opportunities to travel and see this great land.  Get out the maps and start planning a trip!