July 2024

Board of Directors Meeting Minutes ACBL Unit 503

Tuesday, July 17, 2024, via Zoom

Directors Present

Liz Koh, Marc Cervellino, Stephanie Youngquist, David Merenbach, Dan Thatte, Geraldine MacDonald and Dianne Giancarlo

Others Present for All or Parts of the Meeting

Alan Templeton and Kathy Wheeler

M/S/P = Moved/Seconded/Passed

Call to Order

Liz Koh, President of the Board, served as Chair of the meeting, called the meeting to order at 4:00 PM and announced that a quorum of the Board members was present and that the meeting, having duly convened, was ready to proceed with business. Dianne Giancarlo served as Secretary of the meeting.

Approval of Meeting Minutes

Dianne G. announced that the minutes of the June 11, 2024 Board Meeting were approved via email.

Celebrity Lecture Series

Kathy Wheeler reported that the upcoming Celebrity Lecture Series seminar featuring Galvin Wolpert on Going for Overtricks is being advertised and already has a good number of sign-ups. The seminar will take place online on August 10^th and is expected to appeal to intermediate to more advanced players.  The last of the Celebrity Lecture Series of the year will take place in October and will feature Adam Parrish. Kathy is still in discussion with him as to the topic. Members discussed the possibility of inviting Amber Yu Lin and Keven Rosenberg to teach a seminar on behalf of the Unit some time before the end of the year. Kathy W. is thinking about this and will keep us updated as to whether she thinks this is a possibility. 

Financials Update

Marc C. reported that table counts at weekly F2F games are strong and on a favorable trend.  Players seem to like the 11:30 start time on Mondays, which will also begin in August for Thursday games. Marc C. reported that there is a significant loss in June due to several non-monthly charges such as having to pay rental for the Firecracker before revenues can be realized, an increase in expenses due to the two Sectionals so far this year and a recent increase in our rent.  

Firecracker Update

Marc C. reported that players were very complementary as to the execution of the event. However, attendance was significantly lower than last year (23% decline). This represents 16% fewer in the Open Sectional and 37% fewer in the NLM Regional. Some of the possible reasons could be: recent Covid break out; proximity to Toronto National; more clubs are hosting sectionals so there is more competition; we have already hosted two sectionals; the hot weather; and the pay out for gold points is not very high. Revenue from the event declined from last year as well (by about 10%). Members discussed how we can attract more players to this event, such as moving it closer to July 4^th, create more hype, etc. Marc C. will discuss the results with Lynn Yokel to see if she has any insight. 

Recruiting New Club Owners and Directors of Games

The Board agreed to table this issue.

One Off Events Held at the Bridge Center

Liz K. led a discussion on whether and under what terms the Unit should license other groups to use the bridge center. After discussion it was agreed that this can be a good revenue opportunity, however, we should limit licensees to groups engaged in bridge related activities and to our landlord.  Fees would be determined on a case-by-case basis but no license should allow an automatic renewal term so that the Unit is always able to take over a time period when a need arises. 

Potential December Sectional 

Marc C. reported that it is not possible to find directors for a December sectional due to all of the other tournaments going on at this time so we have agreed not to pursue a sectional in December.  

2025 Sectionals

Marc C. reported that there are three sectionals currently proposed to take place at the Bridge Center in March and April that are each two weeks apart and which could conflict with our landlord’s annual cioppino dinner.  Members discussed how we can rearrange this schedule to accommodate everyone but which would not jeopardize the success of the Unit’s sectionals. Marc C will continue to work on this.

Special Event

Stephanie Y. asked the board to hold September 26^th for a Special Bridge Event, aka, Surprise Game! aka Mystery Game! 

The meeting was adjourned at 5:09 PM.