>> CONVENTION NUMBERS
All Registrants | Received a wooden trivet from the Greater Midwest Classics members, in celebration of the 30th Anniversary of GMCMI.
157 | Is the number of total attending registrants; 14 registered on-site, 18 were partial attendees, 6 without motorhomes, 18 first timers and 16 additional day passes.
17 | Is the number of scheduled technical sessions, including an “Ask the Experts”, a round table and one impromtu session on Fuel Delivery.
86 | Is the number of blankets made at the convention. Since the ladies started making blankets, they have made a total of 799! Fantastic job ladies!
>> ARTICLE SUBMITTED TO FMCA by Janet Frey
The GMC International celebrated its 30th anniversary with a joyful, tasty, fun-filled week in quaint Amana, Iowa. Members arrived in their classic and colorful GMCs (and some in their s.o.b.s-some other brands!). With over 150 motorhomes in attendance, we had a large group of happy campers ready to have some fun.
The spacious campground provided a wonderful view of the surrounding rolling fields and tree-topped ridges. Comfortable and large buildings provided meeting areas for the sessions, meals and other activities. There was even a theatre right next to the campground, and their production of “A Fox on the Fairway” was absolutely delightful.
The GMCMI planned many special events for the milestone 30th anniversary. The “logo” for the convention was the iconic “American Gothic” by Grant Wood. Interestingly, the farmer is holding a wrench instead of a pitchfork, and a GMC appears behind him. A life-size reproduction of the picture was stationed in the main hall, and attendees were able to be photographed with their faces on the man and woman. Other activities were some barnyard games, a tribute to our local surroundings. These included contests such as looking for a coin in a haystack and a toilet paper relay. There were also many sessions that provided information on repairs, renovations and restoring our classic RVs. Additional sessions covered RV living, fire prevention and geocaching. There were craft classes that included the simple but clever art of finger crocheting, and the complex but rewarding basket-making. A women’s social focused on Dr. Suess, and attendees brought Dr. Suess books, toys and movies to be donated to the local children’s hospital. A favorite event was the GMC Open House. This allows members to check out the many GMCs and see the creative and clever ways to remodel the basic GMC. Of course, there were also a number of original GMCs that had minimal changes. The colorful motorhomes looked like a field of Easter eggs.
A popular activity was the Flea Market. Vendors offered items specifically designed for the GMC, as well as unique collectibles such as the Hess training van, which used the GMC motorhome for the model, and the Barbie motorhome (a yellow likeness of the GMC). All shoppers had a great time.
While in Amana, we enjoyed the spectacular cuisine in the nearby restaurants, and even the catered meals were delicious specialties from the area. The convention included tasty features such as the always-popular ice cream social, pancakes and sausage, and omelets-to-order. Every morning started with donuts, waffles, bagels, fruit, coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and plenty of smiles from the many volunteers who made these events happen.
The choice of Amana for the 30th Anniversary of the GMCMI was wise indeed. The shops in Amana not only had some local crafts and tasty wineries, but the charming shop people were a joy to visit. Plus, the hard-working officers of the GMCMI, including President Carol Baxter and Administrator Kim Weeks, worked overtime to provide a fitting tribute to our beloved GMC motorhomes. The organization has been a resource to maintain and enjoy our classics, and we had many opportunities to meet friends, old and new, and enjoy the area.
If you are an owner of a classic GMC motorhome, consider joining GMC Motorhomes International. There is information on service and parts, and fun and fellowship at the two conventions each year. For more information, go to www.gmcmi.com. [end of article]
Thank you Janet for taking the time and writing such a great article. She has submitted it to FMCA along with photos.
>> NOTES FROM THE CONVENTION MANAGER
Each morning at the Convention we started out with announcements and daily drawings. Thank you to all of those that donated prizes for the daily drawings and the raffle! Three sister clubs, the Greater Midwest Classics, The GMC Classics and GMC Eastern States held socials and meetings at the Convention.
TECHNICAL LINE UP
A special thank you to the following presenters for making the informational technical sessions possible: George Beckman, John Biwerski, Michael Bozardt, Bob Drewes, Tom Hampton, Ken Henderson, Fred Hudspeth, Jim Kanomata, Dave Lenzi, Rob Mueller, Dick Paterson, Tom Prior, John Richardson, John Sharpe, Byron Songer, Jim Star, Dan and Ginette Stuckey, Randy Van Winkle and Richard Waters.
NON-TECHNICAL LINE UP
There was much for the ladies and gentlemen to participate in at the convention. Geocaching with Teri Gregg, Faux Granite in Your GMC, Pineblock Derby, Book Exchange, Muscle Tension and Massage 101, Cooking Class, Digital Photography with Edgar Kramer, The Frey’s Trip to Alaska, Flea Market, Worship Hour, two Open Houses and Bingo.
Our special Anniversary Event was utterly hilarious! The “Barnyard Games” was a “do not miss event”. Grown adults on their hands and knees in a haystack looking for gold dollars. Toilet paper races, corn cob toss, hog calling and the team event “Scarecrow Building”. Laughter could be heared all over the park!
There were those special sessions for the ladies such as: Basket Making, Let’s Get Acquainted Ladies, Health Forum Bookworm, making blankets for charity and the ladies social “Oh, The Places You Go” hosted by the Greater Midwest Classics Ladies. Thank you for a great job ladies! (see “Ladies Page” for additional information)
I would like to thank Paul Smith who was unable to attend but made two beautiful display cases with locks for our GMC Derby Racers to be displayed.
The Kinze Tour was a huge success! Special thanks to Bob Drewes for rounding up the bunch and leading them to the factory. I was told the tour was very informational.
NON-GMCMI EVENT
Ken Burton again did an excellent job of leading the windshield replacement clinic that was conducted in an enclosed building with air conditioning! Thank you Ken and team for a fantastic opportunity for our attendees!
FANTASTIC FOOD
A big thank you to the following: Byron & Martha Songer for organizing Martha’s Famous Pancakes with sausage and bacon. Ken Frey & Friends served Omelets to Order, Sausage Gravy and a special “Chili for the Men” the day of the Ladies Social. Following the Membership Meeting, volunteers prepared and served hot ham sandwiches, potato chips and ice cream. Thank you organizers and volunteers!
IN CLOSING
We would like to thank all of our first-timers and new members that attended the convention. They made up 11% of our attendance! Thank you for allowing Keith and I to serve you and we both look forward to seeing you all at the Spring Convention in Dothan, Alabama. (Check out the special page on upcoming convention news!)
>> VENDOR LIST
A big thank you to the vendors for all of the time and support that your give our club! Check out the vendor/product list below. When looking for that part or information, call upon them.
Michael & Irma Bozardt
GMC Motorhome Parts
Albert & Sheila Branscombe
Kelsey Hayes, Lambke Rear Disc Conversions and Stainless Park Brake Cables/Actuators
Bill & Bob Brown
STTP Plus, GMC Key Fobs
William & Diane Cornell
LED Lights
Gene & Joan Dotson
Radiators, Windows, Butyl Tape and GMC Glasses
Joe & Fran Ekl
Cut Keys, Key Fobs, Barbie Coach, Steel Wheels and Jeep Air Bonnets
Ken & Janet Frey
GMC Service and Parts
Tom & Nina Lee Hampton
Grandview Motorhome
Ken & Elaine Henderson
Electric Windshield Wiper Kits and Misc. Items
Frank & Jeanne Jenkins
Fiberglass & Aluminum Parts for GMC
Jim & Grace Kanomata
Full Service Supplier
Gary & Kara Kosier
Boogie Greaser, Awning Raisers, Misc. Used Parts and Pieces, T-shirts, Knitted Items and Collectibles
David & Mary Lenzi
Hubs, Knuckles, Relay Lever, Idler Arm, Copper Gaskets, Steering Gears
Blaine & Diane Merrell
Windwings, Cockpit Screens, Radiator Guards and Thru Bumper Hitch
Dick & Jan Paterson
Ign – Carb
John D. & Linda Richardson
GMC Motorhome Engine Oil Products, Motorhome Parts
Ken and Jeanne Robinson
GMC Parts
J.R. & Jeanne Slaten
Air Valves, Oil Line and Miscellaneous Parts
Dan & Ginette Stuckey
Galvanized Frames, Macerator Kits, Fan-tastic Vents, Onan SS Mufflers
>> TENTATIVE SCHEDULE
Below is a tentative schedule for Technical Sessions at the GMCMI 2012 Fall Convention in Amana, Iowa. A total of 19 1/2 hours to technical sessions being offered! Don’t miss this great opportunity to celebrate GMCMI’s 30th Anniversary Festivities, fantastic Vendor Lineup, great food and much, much more!
TECHNICAL SESSIONS (subject to change)
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 22
2:00 pm – 3:30 pm | Early Bird Roundtable – Randy Van Winkle & George Beckman Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) Roundtable Discussion
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 23
10:30 am – 12:00 pm | Fred Hudspeth | Maintaining the GMC Motorhome – Owner Experiences and Recommendations
1:00 pm – 2:00 pm | Ken Henderson | General Introduction to Wheel Alignment
2:15 pm – 3:45 pm | Ask the Experts Panel
3:45 pm – 5:45 pm | GMC Motorhome Open House Tour #1
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 24
9:00 am – 10:00 am | Jim Kanomata & Tom Prior | Rear Drum Anti-skid System
10:15 am – 12:15 am | Dave Lenzi | Front Brakes
1:00 pm – 2:00 pm | Byron Songer | Backup Cameras, Monitors and Integrated Systems
2:15 pm – 3:15 pm | John Sharpe | Electro Level II/Level Sensors
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25
9:00 am – 11:00 am | Dick Paterson | Staying in Tune
11:15 am – 12:15 pm | John Richardson | Modern Engine Oils and Our Classic GMCs
1:15 pm – 2:45 pm | John Biwerski | CV Joints and 3.21 Final Drives
3:30 pm – 5:00 pm | Flea Market, Parts Exchange
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26
9:00 am – 10:30 pm | Rob Mueller | Steering Check
10:45 am – 12:15 pm | Dan and Ginette Stuckey | GMC Interior Renovations – Part Two
1:15 pm – 2:15 pm | Richard Waters | Inverters, Converters and Battery Chargers for Dummies
2:30 pm – 4:30 pm | GMC Motorhome Open House Tour #2
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 27
9:00 am – 10:00 am | Michael Bozardt | Replacing the Lower Oil Dip Stick Tube
10:15 am – 11:15 am | Rob Mueller | Fire Prevention