July 2007 - 9

The American Contract
Bridge League

From
the CEO

President
Sharon Fairchild
Chair, Board
of Directors
Harriette Buckman
Chief Executive Officer
Jay A. Baum
ACBL Counsel
Peter Rank
Chair, Board
of Governors
Linda Mamula
Board of Directors
District 1 * George Retek
District 2 * Jonathan Steinberg
District 3 * Joan Levy Gerard
District 4 * Craig Robinson
District 5 * Sharon Fairchild
District 6 * Nadine K. Wood
District 7 * Bruce Reeve
District 8 * Georgia Heth
District 9 * Shirley Seals
District 10 * Bill Cook Jr.
District 11 * Jim Reiman
District 12 * William Arlinghaus
District 13 * Harriette Buckman
District 14 * Sue Himel
District 15 * Phyllis Harlan
District 16 * Dan E. Morse
District 17 * Jerry Fleming
District 18 * Richard G. Anderson
District 19 * Donald Mamula
District 20 * Jeffrey Taylor
District 21 * Roger L. Smith
District 22 * Jim Kirkham
District 23 * Rand Pinsky
District 24 * Alvin Levy
District 25 * Richard De Martino
To contact your district director,
address your e-mail to
district"*"director@acbl.org
(Enter the district number
where you see "*".)

July 2007

Good signs
By the time you read this, we will be at the halfway point of the year. I
thought you might like to know how things are going with the game you enjoy
so much and the organization that helps make it happen - a State of the
ACBL message, so to speak.
The gist of it is that bridge is doing very well in just about every venue you
can name.
Today, we have more members than at any time in the past five years.
Table count at tournaments is healthy, and we are coming off a big year in
terms of attendance. Last year, we recorded 455,379 tables of play at regionals,
sectionals and STaCs, the second-best year in our history. We are forecasting
another good year in 2007.
At our clubs, we expect to see more than 2.5 million tables this year. That
total, by the way, will include more than 250,000 tables of play online. The
providers of online sanctioned bridge games are very busy these days.
More and more people are playing our game. It's very encouraging.
But there's more.
The interest in bridge in general is on the upswing. When Bridge Base Online broadcasts bridge matches live - for example, the final of the Vanderbilt
Knockout Teams in St. Louis this year - there are literally thousands of
people tuned in and watching.
We are also seeing an expansion of bridge programs in every district, including the training of new teachers and directors. Would it surprise you to know
that there are about 5000 ACBL-trained bridge teachers out there spreading the
word? It's true, and there are more of them on the way.
Through the halfway point of 2007, our Co-operative Advertising Program
has reimbursed more than $70,000 to ACBL members who have been advertising newcomer programs, beginner bridge lessons and ACBL recruitment. That
means people who love our game are busier than ever trying to get new people
involved. Our numbers say their efforts have been worthwhile.
I am also pleased to tell you that the ACBL is on very sound financial footing as I write this, and all indications are that the trend will continue.
Bridge is on the rise, and why shouldn't it be? There is no game on earth
quite as fascinating and exciting - okay, frustrating too - as duplicate. It's
still great entertainment at a reasonable price. I bet you know someone who
enjoys bridge but hasn't been introduced to duplicate. Do them a favor. Let
them in on the secret.
Summer NABC
The 2007 Summer NABC in Nashville is shaping up as a great tournament,
and there's still time for you to make a reservation to join the crowds who will
be flocking to Music City. Don't forget, there are
games, practically night and day, for all levels of
players. It's a tournament you don't want to miss.
For more details, see page 10.
Jay Baum, CEO
9

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of July 2007