July 2018 - 6

IN FIRST SEAT
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Sponsors lead the way

The ACBL is blessed with an army of volunteers who perform all types of jobs integral to the
success of the organization. And in the realm of
tournament planning, our volunteers host some
of the best bridge events in the world, augmenting the experience of players at the table with
entertainment and food that make the overall
impression of the tournament memorable for years. These special extras
cost money, however, so tournament organizers increasingly look to preevent fundraising and sponsorships to elevate their brand. Sponsorships,
in particular, are attractive because they're a win-win for organizers and
advertisers alike. And at the recent North American championships, one
name stands out for premium-level sponsorship: Rusty Krauss.
From the standpoint of organizers, Krauss is the perfect model for
what a bridge tournament sponsor should be. Recently inducted as a
member of the ACBL Goodwill Committee, Krauss is a talented player -
he's a Diamond Life Master - and is well known for his jovial disposition.
His self-professed goal in the game is to be "the nicest guy at the table."
He says that if a director is called to his table, it is generally because an
adjoining table wants Rusty's table to quiet down and have less fun.
But Krauss is also a successful financial advisor. He and his two
partners run Krauss Investment Group of Janney Montgomery Scott.
KIG has been a sponsor for several recent NABCs, including this year's
Spring NABC in Philadelphia. Part of building an investment business is
reaching out to potential clients, so Rusty's generosity with tournament
sponsorship is an act of enlightened self-interest. The visibility he has
gained at the NABCs has paid dividends for his team's bottom line.
In an April interview, Krauss was asked if there were other businessrelated benefits from playing bridge. Rusty cited several: "People get to
take your measure; they see how you handle triumph and disaster - and
whether you can count to 13!" He feels bridge teaches patience and the
value of learning from failure. Bridge is, above all, a partnership game,
where respect for your partner is paramount. You must be able to accept
the mistakes of your partners and admit your own.
In bridge, as in business, it pays to be hardworking, serious and
thoughtful, which is why so many of our members are successful businesspeople. If Krauss is evidence that it pays - literally - to be the nicest
guy at the table, other ACBL members should consider sponsorship, too.
It's a smart way to contribute to the game we love.
Update: The ACBL is excited to announce that Indian tech giant HCL
has agreed to be an official ACBL partner and a chief sponsor of the
Summer NABC in Atlanta.
Paul Linxwiler, editor@acbl.org

6 Bridge Bulletin July 2018

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Bulletin
BRIDGE

Editor: Paul Linxwiler

Managing Editor: Sue Munday
Associate Editor: Chip Dombrowski
Graphic Design /Layout: Cindy Hill
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Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of July 2018