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District 7 Board of Directors
Minutes from Augusta |
| President Eldon Clayman called the meeting
to order at 10:20 AM. Introductions were done with the following in attendance: George Bloomer-Unit 119 rep, District 7 Finance Chairman and MABC Governor, Judith Bloomer-Unit 119 rep and MABC Secretary, Richard Brown-Unit 160 rep, Eldon Clayman-President, Susie Clayman-Unit 244 rep and MABC Governor, Ray Coleman-Augusta Co-Chair and Unit 202 President, Tony Devereaux-Unit 116, Jim Hansell-Unit 191 President, Barbara Heller-Vice President, Bob Heller-MABC Governor and Unit 114 rep, Nancy Hetsko-Secretary and MABC Governor, Wayne Hollingsworth-NAP Coordinator, Betty Hoopes-Unit 202 Rep and Augusta C0-Chair, Spencer Hurd-Unit 160 Rep, Michael Jinks-Unit 160, Patty Johnson-ACBL, David Klein-Wilmington Chair, Unit 118 rep and MABC Governor, Mike Kovacich-MABC President and 1st Alternate to ACBL Board of Governors, Julie Murphy-Unit 171 rep, Walt Murphy-Unit 171 rep, Betty and Dick Myers-Unit 114 reps, George Nichols-Unit 160 rep and MABC Governor, Judy Nolan-Treasurer, MABC Governor and Gatlinburg Co-Chair, Larry Rich-Unit 114 President and MABC Governor, Pat Seiler-Unit 160 rep and MABC Treasurer, Janet and Joe Sherwood-Unit 114 reps, Liz Swanson-Unit 114 Rep and GNT Coordinator, Jerry Vaughan-Unit 165 rep, Chuck Whidden-Unit 114 rep and Webmaster, Carol Winecoff-Unit 169 rep, Harold Winecoff-ACBL Governor, Minutes: Dick Myers moved that the minutes be approved as submitted, Susie Clayman seconded and all approved. Treasurer’s Report: Judy Nolan presented the Treasurer’s report and pointed out that most of the investments will mature July 7th. Barbara Heller moved to accept the treasurer’s report, and Carol Winecoff seconded. The Treasurer’s report was approved. Tournament Coordinator: Bob Heller handed out the updated tournament schedule and indicated that there were a few changes. Bob commented that tournament attendance has been remarkable; attendance at the Richmond Regional was up and the increase was clearly attributable to the local efforts to bring new players into the game. Mike Kovacich interjected that Richmond’s table count was up 100 tables which was totally attributable to the novice games which had a full section each session. The MABC is doing a mailing to new players regarding the Arlington Regional. Bob reminded everyone about the 12 month rule for sanctions. Bob also indicated that Unit 160’s STaC for winter 2004 conflicts with the District 10 STaC for Nationals and asked Tony Devereaux to reschedule the Unit 160 STaC. There will be a Unit 114 STaC to benefit Bridge At Schools the week of September 22 – 28. Spencer Hurd commented that it seemed that some less successful tournaments might be preventing other potentially more successful tournaments from being held and suggested that the District consider having some sort of attendance standards so that tiny tournaments don’t preclude other tournaments which might have better attendance. Bob Heller suggested that this falls under the tournament oversight committee. Mike. K. said that he agrees with Spencer’s logic, but thinks the issue should be dealt with by the individual units. The issue was referred to the tournament oversight committee. Publication Editor: Bob Heller informed the Board that September would be the first 24 page edition of the District supplement, and that the July issue has 4 pages of new life masters. He reminded us that units are welcome to purchase pages in the District publication. Unit 114 is purchasing pages in the November issue. Bob also commended Michael Jinks for his cover artwork. Entitlement: No report. Finance Committee: Nothing new to report, but Liz Swanson will have finance item in connection with the GNT. NAP Report: Wayne Hollingsworth reported that this year’s expenses were under budget by about $60, but pointed out that the tournament was close by, whereas next year’s tournament is Reno, and we may be over budget for that. He indicated that some other districts are running special games to raise money for their trips. He reminded us that local qualifying runs from June through August and the district final will be in Greenville in December. Barbara Heller asked whether the A final could be flipped to Sunday as most of the A players don’t stay for the Sunday Swiss anyway, and this way the B players could have the Swiss to themselves. Wayne said that it’s too late to change for this year, but he would do a survey of opinions regarding Barbara’s request. Tournament Oversight Committee: Joe Sherwood reported that Pigeon Forge wants to run a larger ad, and we have room available in the November issue of the District publication. Mike Kovacich moved that we should allow this on a "first come, first served, space available basis. George Nichols seconded and the motion was approved. Study Committee: David Klein recapped the consensus of the original study committee that District 7 should continue to participate in the MABC, but that now that we have 7 years experience under the most recent MABC restructuring it is appropriate to review most aspects of the MABC structure and operations. The current committee has received valuable input from Bob Heller, Mike Kovacich, Jack Fagin, Dar Afdahl, and Bob White, and makes the following directional recommendations to District 7 regarding the MABC: David indicated that the MABC is now ready to establish an MABC committee; committee members are Doug Grove, Henry Gellis, Michael Carroad, Wayne Hollingsworth, Len Case and Bob White. GNT Report: Liz Swanson reported that the district final had increased participation over previous year. The decision to increase the number of teams advancing to Sunday probably increased the overall participation. There is only one date available for area semi-finals in 2004. The Flight B team is adding Gary Robinson; Spencer Hurd is going in D. Hall’s place on the Flight A team. Liz brought up the question of how much to give the winning teams this year. Considering the amount of money raised this year, Liz would like to give each team $2400 this year, which would still leave $1700 to go toward the NAP. The committee’s motion was approved. Nominating Committee: Larry Rich presented the slate for the upcoming election:
It was pointed out that any member can submit their name in nomination (must be in writing). MABC Report: Mike Kovacich reported that attendance at both Richmond and Gatlinburg was up. He is currently working on revising the contract for Myrtle Beach. The sub-contract for 1 hotel is finished. We are using a smaller number of hotels this time. We are still waiting for the decision (to be made in Long Beach) regarding an additional tournament for District 7. The Site selection committee will meet Friday at 10:30 AM during the Atlanta regional. Anyone with ideas for future regionals is welcome to attend. Bob Heller commented that since we will be electing MABC governors at the next District 7 meeting, it would be nice to let the potential governors know what to expect regarding number of MABC meetings. Mike responded that the incoming MABC president submits a list of proposed meetings for the next fiscal year. We had 6 meetings this year due to having 10 regionals this year. District Director’s Report: Bruce is ill (this is the first District 7 meeting he has missed in 10 years) so Susie Clayman reported for him. The ACBL wants to do a spring NABC in District 7. Bruce wants the Board members opinions as to whether that would negatively impact Gatlinburg and any Feb. regional in District 7. The Board members are unanimously opposed to having a spring NABC in District 7. It was pointed out that 2/3 of ACBL members live east of the Mississippi, but 60% of NABC’s have been west of the Mississippi. Wayne Hollingsworth said that the ACBL is investigating the viability of the NAP and GNT events, and there is some concern that ACBL may discontinue the events due to waning popularity in some areas of the country. Wayne feels that is ACBL discontinues the events, District 7 should continue doing them and offer our own prizes. A straw poll was conducted and the District 7 board is in favor of continuing the GNT and NAP. Nancy Hetsko is to communicate this consensus to Bruce. Old Business: Janet Sherwood asked about the representation on the MABC committee. Mike K. responded that he took suggestions from the District 6 & District 7 presidents. He did not try to get geographic representation but knowledge representation. Barbara Heller stated that members should be copied on email correspondence. Mike would like David Klein to send email correspondence of the committee to Chuck Whidden for posting on the web page. Barbara Heller gave an update on Bridge At Schools. All the lessons are being revised and will be on the web this summer with Chuck’s help. The lessons will be available at no charge, but people will have to fill out a form to access the lessons. The ACBL is interested in purchasing the lessons. Bridge At Schools is negotiating with the ACBL to give the lesson plans to ACBL if ACBL agrees to certain conditions. Barbara is requesting that District 7 agree to pay up to $2000 for printing brochures to advertise Bridge At Schools in the event ACBL does not take it over. Julie Murphy made a motion that we approve Barbara’s request for funding and Carol Winecoff seconded the motion. Pat Seiler asked whether this would come under the ACBL coop advertising program. Janet Sherwood inquired about the potential of lawsuits in Bridge At School’s future. Barbara indicated that their lawyer advises them that the potential lawsuits are unlikely, and the past IRS problems have been resolved. The motion to finance the printing of brochures was approved. New Business: Eldon reported that the Fournier boys have submitted a request for help with the cost of airfare to the Hungary Youth Bridge camp (about $1000 each). Their unit is giving them each $100. Liz asked how it is determined who goes to the camps and was told that it basically is whoever applies. Bob White made a motion that District 7 give $200 to each person who applies for the Hungary trip only. Janet Sherwood seconded. Jerry Vaughan stated that this situation bothers him. The motion was approved with 2 members opposed. The next District 7 meeting will be Saturday morning, August 30th in Atlanta. Eldon thanked Betty Hoopes and Ray Coleman for putting on a great tournament. There was a rising motion to adjourn. Respectfully submitted, Nancy Hetsko Nancy Hetsko |