The 54th GMC Motorhomes International Convention
Dothan, Alabama
2009 SPRING CONVENTION REPORT We had another excellent convention at Dothan. The facilities were perfect with more than enough room, and the weather was great until Thursday, when, shall we say, things went downhill in a hurry. 128 coaches were present, 26 of whom were vendors, and we had 5 off site registrations. Attendance was very close to the budget, and we will break even, or be slightly in the black, which is our goal. We do not plan for a profit at conventions, but aim to break even over a number of conventions. Our thanks to the vendors for such a great representation, and all the work they did to make the convention a success! The Sunshine Statesmen put up a tent as a meeting place for off hour's gatherings, which proved to be a popular place about 5:00 in the afternoon. Jim Bounds and Jim Kanomata installed one side of a four bag system on Forest and Pat Crow's coach, and Forest finished the job on the other side later. A number of new windshields were installed, and lots of new window seals were installed at the expense of Jim Bound's calloused fingers. Bob Drewes also has a new Manny transmission which was transported to the convention by Jim Bounds and installed by Drewes, Inc. Our thanks also go to the Dixielanders and Sunshine Statesmen for all the help in parking under Jeanne Slaten's and Jim Buchanan's excellent direction, serving meals, and keeping the place tidy. The Dixielanders served one meal in a record 18 minutes, and the food for all three meals was outstanding, with the ribs probably the favorite. Most people appreciated the very full schedule, but some thought it did not allow enough time for personal endeavors. For those in the latter group, we encourage them to feel free to take liberties with the schedule at all GMCMI conventions. GMCMI Full Convention for Two to be used within 3 conventions won by Bill & Nita White (the previous winners Michael and Lorraine Beaton were present) Stainless Steel Air Bag Nuts donated by John Wright won by Dale Frahm Clothes Hangers donated by Dale Frahm won by Mary Robertson GMC Schematic Enlargement donated by Alan Henderson won by Michael Beaton Lighted Entry Handle donated by the Ken Robinson & Paul Smith group won by Jane Ropp Radiator Guard donated by Blaine Merrell won by Edith Walters Cabinet Pad Safe donated by Frank Jenkins won by Joyce Murdock Set of 4 GMC Glasses donated by Gene Dotson and Jim Buchanan won by Blaine Merrell 4 Tire Pressure Sensors donated by Tom Hampton won by Bill White 5 quarts of Amsoil oil and filter donated by John Richardson won by Ed Whitson GMC Towels donated by BJ and Glenn Herzberger won by Lorraine Beaton Grease Fitting Kit donated by Gary Kosier won by Luther McConnell Copper Exhaust Manifold Gaskets donated by Dave Lenzi won by Jean Price Halon Fire Extinguishers donated by Ralph Kennerkrecht won by Bill Kittredge Windshield Wiper Hardware Kit donated by Ken Henderson won by Larry Stroud VP Administration |
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View Dan Gregg's Photos of the Rally Videos of Vendors Row Dothan Television News Coverage Read the Dothan Eagle Newspaper for their front page coverage of our convention Alan Henderson won the raffle for a Quadra-Bag Rear Suspension donated by Jim Kanomata of Applied GMC and Jim Bounds of the GMC Co-op Bill and Nita White won the raffle Ken Henderson had a post rally get together at his place near Americus, GA with about 13 coaches attending. See Dan's photos on his BLOG.
The fairgrounds OK'ed us to do the work of replacing the trans right at the fairgrounds. The fairgrounds people were very helpful in any way they could, as they furnished blocking material and other equipment for us to do the job. Bob, with the help of three well experienced pro's, Bob Miller, Larry Weidner, and Larry McLaughlin, replaced the transmission on the site. What a seminar that was! It was really a fun time to be working with such a good crew. In just over three hours, the old trans was removed and the rebuilt one was bolted in place. The weather was really great for the day this was done, and the coach was parked on a hard-top road to do the work. Bob & Marlys want to give a BIG 'THANK YOU' to all who helped during this time, it is a great example of how GMC'ers will go to extremes to help each other. I have put some pic's on the www.gmcmidwestclassics.org website of the transmission swap. It is on the "Photo" page or you can view them at this link: We wish everyone a Blessed Easter Take care from Bob & Marlys Drewes in Flandreau SD
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MEMBERSHIP DRIVE Completed By becoming a new member of GMCMI between November 3, 2008 and March 27, 2009 you will be automatically entered into a drawing to win a set of Thorley headers, donated by Jim Kanomata at Applied GMC, for your GMC. The drawing will be held at the spring convention in Dothan, Alabama. Member, new or otherwise, need not be present at the convention to win. A cash equivalent VISA card will be offered at winner's discretion. Sign up ONLINE, or download and PRINT an APPLICATION for mailing. RESULTS We gained 74 new members during the drive. AND THE WINNERS ARE New Member: Ray and Connie Curtis Recruiter: Dick and Jan Paterson |
Original Invitation
The Spring 2009 convention will take us to Dothan, Alabama which is in the southeastern corner of Alabama. The site is relatively new and is the home of the annual National Peanut Festival. About half the campsites will have full hookups available, and the rest will have water and electricity. We will have breakfast, church service, limited activities, and dinner on Sunday, and begin a full complement of seminars and other activities on Monday. Dothan is a clean, rapidly growing city with a number of area attractions. Some of the more notable are the Army Aviation Museum, the Botanical Gardens, and the Agricultural Museum and Planetarium. For those of you who want to see what it looks like on Google Earth or just want to locate it on your GPS, the coordinates are 31° 08´ 35.26" N 85° 24´ 14.36" W
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