September 2019 - 9

The American Contract
Bridge League
President
Russ Jones
Chair, Board of Directors
Jay Whipple III
Executive Director
Joe Jones
Chair, Board of Governors
Richard Popper

Board of Directors
District 1 * Leo Weniger
District 2 * Paul Janicki
District 3 * Carlos Muñoz
District 4 * Joann Glasson
District 5 * Brian Ellis
District 6 * Margot Hennings
District 7 * Mike Kovacich
District 8 * Georgia Heth
District 9 * Jay Whipple III
District 10 * Russ Jones
District 11 * A.J. Stephani
District 12 * Dennis Carman
District 13 * Suzi Subeck
District 14 * Sharon Anderson
District 15 * Warren Smith
District 16 * Paul Cuneo
District 17 * Bonnie Bagley
District 18 * Claire Jones
District 19 * Julie Smith
District 20 * Merlin Vilhauer
District 21 * Jacqueline Zayac
District 22 * David Lodge
District 23 * Kevin Lane
District 24 * Alvin Levy
District 25 * Bob Bertoni
To contact a district director,
visit acbl.org/boardofdirectors.

A Message
from the President

BY RUSS JONES

What happened in Vegas ...

We have just wrapped up another successful
Summer NABC in Las Vegas.
The attendance of 13,622 tables was above initial
expectations, and most of the comments about The
Cosmopolitan - the new venue - were favorable.
It is true, we could have used a few portable toilets
closer to the tables, but overall, the playing area was
spacious and kept at a comfortable temperature,
guest rooms were in good shape and actually had
enough drawers to hold your clothes, and there were
several food venues of various price ranges within a
short walking distance.
Congratulations to the 5000-plus members who
won more than 110,000 masterpoints during the
tournament, and thanks to the many volunteers who made the tournament
enjoyable.
The Board of Directors' meetings were highlighted by work on developing a
new strategic plan to be put in place at the beginning of 2020, and by ongoing
discussion of governance issues and how the Board can be more efficient. The
Board identified three strategic areas and assigned a task force to each: membership growth; retention of new members; and tournament management. I
also formed a joint task force to develop a proposal for governance restructuring to be presented at the San Francisco Board meetings. This committee is
headed by District 22 Director David Lodge.
Our executive director, Joe Jones, presented the financial statement for the
first six months of 2019. Revenues are up slightly from last year, while expenses
have been lower. This has generated an increase in net assets of approximately
$570,000 for the past six months. Including gain from investments, ACBL's total
change in net assets for this year has been in excess of $1 million.
In Las Vegas, the Board also passed several important motions. Among these
is the vacating of titles of anyone convicted of cheating in the recent past. Their
names will be removed from trophies and published lists. This new rule, in addition to promulgating a lifetime ban on collusive cheaters, should indicate that
ACBL administration will not tolerate cheating in our game.
The Board also has designated February as Educational Foundation Month.
Clubs may hold special games for the benefit of the ACBL Educational Foundation. In addition, all upgraded club championships and club appreciation team
games will now pay 25% gold (up to a maximum of 1 gold point) to the winners.
This will be effective as soon as can be implemented by management.
Remember the San Francisco NABC is less than three months away. Be sure
to make your reservations early, as San Francisco is a very popular destination
for our members. I look forward to seeing you there.
◾
September 2019 Bridge Bulletin

http://www.acbl.org/boardofdirectors

September 2019

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of September 2019