The meeting was called to order by President Ralph Folkerts at 5:45 pm at the Hilton Hotel in Norcross.   Also in attendance were:  Steve Callaham, Marty Nathan, Judy Fendrick, Tarokh Taefi, Jack Feagin, Dick Myers, Patty Tucker, Betty Myers, Bob Heller, Roz Howell, Nancy Motes, Ina Perry and Josie Mitchell.

Appreciation was expressed to Shirley Folkerts for the FeedStore chicken salad she prepared for dinner.   Also, current and former board members were thanked for their willingness to serve.

The minutes of the January 2011 and February 2011 meetings were approved.

There was some discussion of the February election procedures which included praise for Mike Sheldon’s work and a question as to whether is necessary for there to be two nominees for every position.  A review of procedures will be part of our discussion prior to the next election.

Marty Nathan presented the Treasurer’s Report and it was approved as distributed.  That report is attached to these minutes.

Bob Heller reported for Unit 114 and for District 7, the following:

            Sam Marks will probably be District 7 President next year.

Regional Tournament entry fees have been raised to $11 beginning with the Reston, VA Regional. 

For the Upcoming NABC in Toronto, the new ACBL CEO will be presented,  the MP Committee is likely to reduce the masterpoint awards for 0-1000 games and the International Fund issues will be discussed.

Judy Fendrick reported for the Finance Committee that the financial activities of the DBAA are recorded and are in accordance with the policies and procedures and she praised Treasurer Marty Nathan for his excellent work.   That report is attached to these minutes.  The Board expressed their appreciation for the good job and the report was accepted and approved as presented. 

Jack Feagin reported on issues for the upcoming 2013 Atlanta NABC.  He will be trying to make the case for 10am & 3pm game times for Regional events and 10am & 4:00 pm for National events; but the final decision is not in local hands. 

Patty Tucker reported on the following:

She proposed a free Social Game at the upcoming Regional tournament.  See attached report.    The motion to accept her proposal was amended to include 1) $500 in funding from the DBAA and 2) for the DBAA to provide a free play to any DBAA club for every participant and was passed. 

She discussed her ‘Learn Bridge in a Day’ program and proposed that we sponsor that every other year, alternating with the Social Bridge game. 

For Atlanta Junior Bridge, she reported that they were switching to a calendar year budget, which was presented and is attached 

A motion to provide the requested $4000 to AJB for the coming budget period was passed with one abstention by Marty Nathan.

Further new business discussions followed:

Nancy Motes suggested that the telephone Directory be updated.  It was generally agreed to put this on a future agenda. 

Jack Feagin has suggested that we spend some money on advertising.  The consensus was that we should consider improving our website before sending new players there.  Suggestions for improvement included player highlights and club news.  Steve Callaham will discuss the possibilities with webmaster, Larry Rich and report back at our next meeting. 

There was a discussion of the DBAA support for mentoring programs in the clubs that included reimbursing the cost of the mentor’s entry fee or rewarding mentors with a free play.  There was also a request that the clubs advertise the program and the DBAA support. Roz Howell volunteered to have a proposal ready for the next meeting, so that the program could begin in January 2012.  

The meeting was adjourned at 7:06 pm.

Respectfully submitted,

 Return to Minutes Index