MINUTES OF UNIT 174 BOARD MEETING

MAY 7, 2007

BRIDGE STUDIO OF HOUSTON

CALL TO ORDER

The meeting was called to order at 7:00pm. Board members present were Bert Onstott, Karen Nimmons, Pat Levy, Ed Groner, JoDene Bond, Jolie Hess, Joyce Ryan, Lauri Laufman, and John Erickson. Also present were Eric Snow and Jim Woodward.

GUESTS

Eric Snow presented to the board a very preliminary overview of the 2009 NABC finances. Rough estimates are revenues at $280,000.00, expenses at $240,000.00 and net proceeds at $40,000.00. Eric said Gallery Furniture will not be a sponsor this year and they are currently looking for a big sponsor to replace them. He repeated that their goal is not to spend more money than they raise and their primary goal is to promote bridge in Houston and in Texas. Eric also reported that Ira and Ellen Hessell have been picked as the new editors of the Scorecard, replacing Donna Compton. He also stated the next District Meeting is July 7, 2007 and anyone is welcome to attend.

Diana Gittelman was to be a guest but was unable to attend the meeting so Bert filled in for her. He said she’s been looking for a new site to hold our sectionals, now that the Shriners will no longer be available next year, and a decision will be coming soon. They still have a few more locations to visit and consider. It must be at least 10,000 square feet, have good lighting and free parking.

MINUTES OF THE APRIL BOARD MEETING

The minutes were approved as written via the voting poll on the Yahoo Website.

TREASURER’S REPORT

Jim reported the Unit remains in good financial condition. MOTION: to approve checks numbered 2406-2418 and items numbered 123-129. It was seconded and approved. He also reported the net income from the LSR was $11,720.94 and the net income from the April Sectional was $3695.86.

ELECTION OF OFFICERS

The board elected the following officers: President: Bert Onstott, Vice President: Jolie Hess, Secretary: Karen Nimmons. Jim Woodward will remain as Treasurer.

COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS

The board members filled most of the committee assignments. It was agreed upon that some of the positions need not be board members.

REVIEW OF UNIT GROWTH INITIATIVES

Joyce reviewed with the new board members our initiatives for unit growth. She then explained our different programs that were established to implement the initiatives.

	Subsidized games
	Mentor-novice programs
	Member Communications Committee
	New Player Services at tournaments
	Unit Zero Tolerance policy
	Publicity/Advertising committee.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Awards/Fund Raising/Flyers

Lauri Laufman will take over this position and she had nothing to report on at this time.

Communications

There was no report. A volunteer is needed to head up this committee.

I/N, Education, Book Sales – Joyce

Joyce reported selling 40 books during the month of April. It was agreed upon that Joyce could use the Unit’s debit card to purchase the books instead of her own credit card. She also said Gary King has started two classes at the Houston Bridge Studio, one of which has over 70 students. She said students receiving lessons in a sanctioned club are much more likely to become sanctioned duplicate players than students receiving lessons elsewhere.

NAP/GNT – Ed

	Ed reported the GNT at the District Level will be held on Memorial Day weekend.
	The contracts between the clubs and the Unit were finally signed regarding the NAP and the dates will be Nov. 4, 2007 for flights A&C and Nov. 18 for flight B. The hosting clubs will be the Houston Bridge Studio and Bridge Club of Houston, respectively. Ed passed out copies of the flyer for all to look over and comment.

StaC and Goodwill – Karen

Karen said she sent out 3 cards to members last month and there was nothing to report on the StaC games.

Supplies

This position will be filled by John Erickson with Lauri Laufman as assistant. He had nothing to report on at this time.

Pro-Am Tournament – JoDene

JoDene will head up this tournament and will get started ASAP.

Tournament Coordination – Jolie

	Jolie reported that all the 2009 Sectionals have sanctions.
	The unit has insurance for the June Sectional.
	Insurance for the May 299er tournament and for the August sectional has been ordered.

Membership – Bert

Current membership is 2280, up seven from last month. This is the highest number since October 2003.

Bridge in Schools – Bert

Bert reported that Carolyn Fox will have information on the fall plans next board meeting.

OLD BUSINESS

April Sectional – Ed & Joyce

	Joyce reported the increase in tables in the I/N section was very large.
	Joyce received a few complaints and the board discussed various ways of handing them.
	A few procedures need to be added to the Unit Procedures Manual.

June Sectional – Jolie & Karen

Everything is on schedule.

NEW BUSINESS

August Sectional

Ed Groner and Pat Levy will head up this tournament.

October Sectional

JoDene Bond and John Erickson will head up this tournament.

EXECUTIVE SESSION

The board met in executive session for 5 minutes.

ADJOURN

Motion: Was made to adjourn the meeting. Was seconded and approved. The meeting was adjourned at 10:10 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

Karen Nimmons, Secretary