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50^th Anniversary of the Sierra Nevada Unit 1976 – 2026

The Future of WBCCI

Published in the September 2026 SNU newsletter

WBCCI has gone through some ups and downs over it’s history. It is and always has been, the oldest single product RV membership group in existence. As of 2026 the organization seems to be on an upward trend that has gained momentum over the last few years.

The March 1997 SNU newsletter, written by Dale Grosch talks about the declining membership and some of the considerations of what to do about it. Here are the comments in the SNU newsletter.

In talking about Hunstsville brings up the fact that this one WBCCI International Rally held once a year to bring before the membership the issues that effect the workings of our cherished club, including electing our leadership. One of the issues is the one of our dwindling membership. This is probably the biggest issue confronting, even threatening our existence as a club that we know and love. It appears that the situation is so grave that it will be discussed in Huntsville the plausibility of allowing non Airstream products into our club. This is very alarming indeed. It would seem to this writer, that, either way we as a club might go along these lines, we are in trouble, we would also loose our identity much faster than we are currently and if it did become a reality, what would it leave us. If it is just a larger group that we are attempting we could belong to Good Sam or some other organization. It would seem to this writer that what you would gain on one end, and considering the type and mindset of most airstreamers (pride of Airstream as a product an as a unique club) would loose twice as many on the other. Its trying to do too much, too late. What is disturbing about all of this is, at least for us old-timers, and there are many, the commotion that was made when the lowly Argosy trailer was being considered for membership in our clubs earlier years. This new approach to new members being considered is truly a bad idea indeed.

Dale’s comments reflect the feelings of the entire SNU membership. https://sierranevadaairstreams.org/snu/news/archives/97mr-nwsltr.pdf

For another perspective check out the 2014 statement from the incoming International President, Joe Perryman.

Although the date is not clear, Dale and his wife Marge Grosch joined the SNU in the early 1990’s. They were active members until the early 2000’s when they moved to Washington State. Even after moving they maintained their membership in the SNU until 2012 when they retired from Airstreaming. Dale and Marge attended and volunteered at numerous WBCCI International rallies in a variety of capacities. They hosted many SNU luncheons at their home in Carson City. They both served on the SNU board as President and in other capacities.

Here is the link to check out photo galleries of many of the WBCCI International Rallies

https://sierranevadaairstreams.org/memories/rallies/wbcci-internationalrallies.html

pictures from the 1998 WBCCI International Rally in Boise, ID. This was the 1^st International Rally Bryan and I attended as members. We caravaned to the rally with members of the Monterey Bay, CA Unit. Bryan and I with our family, had visited the 1962 International Rally as guests of our grandparents.

Click on image for larger view

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