President John Van Ness called the meeting to order at 8:30 a.m.

Present: Board members Bonnie Bagley, Jerry Fleming, Connie Freeman, Darryl Helton, Paul Ivaska, Carolyn Newcomb, Marianne Spanier, Dale Sweetwood, Vickie Thomas, John Van Ness and Selina Whitworth.

Absent: Karin Griffin, Ginny Johnston and Jim Truitt.

Also attending a portion of the meeting: Paul Moore, tournament chairman, Sharon Fairchild, ACBL President and Gary Zeiger, director in charge and Dan Williams.

President's Opening Remarks
John Van Ness welcomed the board members to Tucson. John pointed out that regionals and bridge in District 17 are having an extremely good year. Regional table count for 2007 is up 1,100 tables over last year and importantly, a lot of the increase is in I/N tables.

Approval of May 26, 2007 Minutes
The minutes of the May 26, 2007 meeting were unanimously approved.

Secretary's Report
Bonnie Bagley noted a copy of the ad for the ACBL Bridge Bulletin is included in the folder. The first ad will be in the December issue advertising District 17's 1st four regionals. The second ad will be in the April issue advertising the next four. The flyers advertising the 2008 District 17 Regionals are available. Please take a stack and distribute them.

Treasurer's Report
Carolyn Newcomb reported that currently the net income for the year $3,629. Sanction fees are right on target. STaC fees are down because the Western Conference is keeping more and giving the districts less. Carolyn noted we will be over budget mainly due to the unbudgeted expense of pre-duplicated boards, for which a bill has not yet been received. There is $106,000 currently in the treasury. It was moved, seconded and passed unanimously to approve the Treasurer's Report.

Current Regional (Tucson) Report
Connie Freeman deferred to Paul Moore, tournament chairman, who had joined the meeting. Paul stated that the tournament is progressing nicely despite the fact the table count is down 27 _ tables (that is without the NAP tables - counting the NAP the table count is up 8 1/2 tables) over three years ago. $20,000 will be spent on food functions ending with a sandwich buffet Sunday. John Van Ness complimented Paul on the job he's doing.

National Board Report
Jerry Fleming reported there are no earth-shattering motions for the next meeting in San Francisco in November. He noted the Board of Governors has directed the National Board to revisit the motion about restricting the number of special games a club may hold. Jerry recently met with the vice-chairman of the financial committee to check the current status of the 2007 budget and to budget for 2008. It looks like 2007 will end with a $950,000 profit in part due to the sale of the headquarters building, which generated $100,000, also there has been no Marketing Director in 2007 and no Chief Financial Officer for several months and tournament table count has been up. The 2008 budget is projecting a $220,000 profit, but that could be less depending on the cost of moving, either relocating in the Memphis area or going elsewhere. The terms of the sale of the building allows ACBL to stay for 20 months. Another thing which could affect the 2008 budget is the issue of overtime for directors and whether the directors are 'on the clock' while traveling to and from a tournament. ACBL is waiting for a ruling from the Department of Labor.

Board of Governors Report
Ginny Johnston was unable to attend the Board of Governor's meeting at the Nashville NABC.

Western Conference Report
John Van Ness stated the Western Conference is in good financial condition due to the increased table count not only in District 17 but in District 21 and 22 as well. There should be an increase in STaC revenue due to better collection methods. Jerry Fleming has spent a lot of time determining how best to collect from the clubs.
John noted the Western Conference FORUM is experimenting with having more color. The October issue had color on every page but was quite expensive. There will probably be color on four to eight pages. John stated ads are much more attractive in color and urges units to consider having color in their ads.

Executive Committee Report
The Executive Committee met Friday morning, discussed the agenda items and their recommendations will be noted as the items arise in accordance with the agenda. The Executive Committee approved the Mesa schedule between board meetings to enable the flyer to be printed sooner.

Unfinished/Old Business

Pre-duplicated Boards
Dan Williams joined the meeting. District 17 has used Dan's services to provide pre-duplicated boards for all the pairs games for the Las Vegas, Phoenix and Tucson tournaments. Dan stated that the process is going smoothly. He pre-duplicated boards for a single session Swiss teams game and for the Sunday A/X Swiss at the Las Vegas Sectional which players enjoyed very much. The feedback is tremendous. If Dan had more advance notice he could have produced hand records for those events. Dan said it would also be very helpful to have pre-duplicated boards with hand records for the lower brackets of Knockout events. It would be a valuable learning process. The cost is $11 for the first 90 sets, for the next 35 sets $10 and for the remaining sets $9. The cost for the Las Vegas Regional was $1,637, Phoenix was $748 and Tucson will cost $715. Some people do not like the cards - the colors of the suits are a bit different. Dan usually receives the hand records via email in a sealed attachment from the DIC. Another benefit to the tournament is not as many sets of boards and cards are needed since Dan provides those. Dan requested the tournament provide a separate room for his to use to pre-duplicate the boards as the process is a bit noisy and most DICs do not want the noise in the director's room. A motion was made to hire Dan to pre-duplicate boards for all pairs games for District 17's 2008 Regionals; Albuquerque, I/N Regional, Las Vegas, Mesa, Denver, Phoenix, Colorado Springs and Tucson. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously.

New Business
There was no New Business.

Completed Tournament Reports

Denver May 2007
Carolyn Newcomb reported the tournament was successful with 2,014 tables and realized a profit of $9,812. There were many favorable comments.

Las Vegas June 2007
Paul Ivaska reported there were 4,393 tables, 465 more tables then 2006 and realized a $10,357 profit. The table count was down in 2006 because many players were in Verona, Italy for the World Bridge Federation tournament.

Phoenix 2007
Marianne Spanier reported the table count was 1,500.5 which was an increase of 30 tables from 2006. A surplus of $6,335 was realized. Marianne complimented the hard work of the new tournament chairman, Lesley Davis.

Future Tournament Reports

Five Year Schedule
Paul Ivaska noted there are no changes.

Albuquerque (January 21-27, 2008) In Karin Griffin's absence John Van Ness reminded everyone of the change of location to the Marriott Pyramid North.

Tucson 299er (February 21-24, 2008) Connie Freeman stated Tucson is looking forward to yet another successful tournament. John Van Ness stated the price of success is the players get so many masterpoints they can no longer play in the I/N Tournament.

Las Vegas (February 25-March 2, 2008) Paul Ivaska said it is unclear how successful the tournament will be because of the change from June to late February. John Van Ness said it is not a given that an NABC cuts into a regional's table count, when the regional precedes the NABC. Paul Ivaska stated the Executive Committee had approved the Las Vegas budget and schedule so the flyers could be made. A motion was made, seconded and passed unanimously to approve the budget and schedule and offer Las Vegas the Baldwin Plan.

Mesa (April 7-13, 2008) Dale Sweetwood reported the Mesa Unit was disappointed in the 2007 Mesa Regional table count. The week before the tournament started 135 reservations were cancelled. In order to prevent this happening in 2008 the first night must be prepaid. Dale expects the 2008 table count to be 2100 tables. The playing venue has changed, the tent has been torn down, there is a new floor and a new pavilion and the noise factor has been reduced. There is no contract for 2009 and other places are being considered. There is a new Tournament Chairman, Richard Katz, who is trying some different things. Dale distributed the flyers which cost $550 for 4,000, a great price. A motion was made, seconded and passed unanimously to approve the budget and schedule and offer Mesa the Baldwin Plan.

At this time, ACBL President Sharon Fairchild joined the meeting. She is happy to be in Tucson and is enjoying herself. She related that her focus this year is on our newcomers, they are the most important part of our game and probably the largest part of our membership. She said it is the job of the more experienced players to encourage the newcomers and bring them along and let them know how happy we are they continue to grow. John Van Ness thanked Sharon for taking the time to join our meeting.

Las Vegas NABC (July 17-27, 2008) Bonnie Bagley reported plans are well underway, committee chairman have been recruited, the registration gifts and section top prizes have already been ordered. She note that advertising is already underway with 'Elvis is coming' ads. Yes, there will be a spectacular Elvis show the first weekend. Bonnie also stated there will be some changes in the schedule - there will be a two session Swiss on the first Thursday, there will be no Senior Pairs games, and pairs games, except for National events will have 24 boards in play.

Phoenix (August 18-25, 2008) Marianne Spanier announced the tournament will be later in the month then usual due to the Las Vegas NABC in July. Jerry Gaer said the Regional Tournament Committee has approved times of 9:00 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Paul Ivaska noted the changes in the proposed schedule as recommended by the Regional Tournament Committee are: the Tuesday-Wednesday Knockout is eliminated, Choice Pairs submitted for Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday was reduced to Friday, with Senior Pairs Tuesday and Wednesday at 9:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., Open Pairs Thursday and Saturday at 9:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. and the addition of a single session Swiss Saturday at 7:30 p.m. Although the Regional Tournament Committee felt the Sunday Fast Pairs event is not well attended, it would be left to the Unit's discretion. After much discussion, a motion was made to approve the schedule as recommended by the Regional Tournament Committee. The motion was seconded and passed. Carolyn Newcomb said the only change to the budget was the amount for Charity Pairs needs to be corrected to $8.75. A motion was made to approve the budget as corrected and offer Phoenix the Baldwin Plan, the motion was seconded and passed unanimously. Jerry Gaer reported the Phoenix Regional will be in Scottsdale in 2010, but the hotel reneged on the deal made to have the tournament in October 2011. Other hotels are being checked out and a finalized report will be made at the Las Vegas meeting.

Colorado Springs (October 6-12, 2008) Bonnie Bagley submitted a proposed schedule for approval so flyers could be made. Paul Ivaska reported the Regional Tournament Committee recommends moving the Wednesday 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. pairs to Thursday and eliminate the Thursday 1:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. pairs and as with Phoenix the Fast Pairs game on Sunday will be at Unit option. A motion was made to approve the modified schedule. It was seconded and passed unanimously. The budget will be presented at the Las Vegas meeting.

Tucson (November 10-16, 2008) Connie Freeman said the tournament will be at the same hotel, the Holiday Inn Palo Verde. John Van Ness reminded Connie that advertisement for the tournament must include the fact it is co-sponsored by the USBF.

Committee Reports

Elections Carolyn Newcomb reported for Ginny Johnston that Jerry Ranney is the only candidate for Denver, Bonnie is running again for Colorado at Large opposed by Jeanne Gray. Paul Ivaska said he is not running for reelection and Diane Grase will be the Las Vegas representative. Selina said Gerald Georges and Ralph Liguori are running for the El Paso seat which she is vacating. Jerry Fleming stated there are two persons running for New Mexico at Large representative. Jim Truitt is not running for reelection. The results will be known the end of November.

GNT Jerry Gaer noted the qualifying period for the District finals will be shorter then usual because of the Las Vegas Regional. February 15th is the last date a qualifying game can be held, Jerry extended the time as far as he could, two weeks before the finals.

NAP Selina Whitworth reported there was one less club holding NAP qualifying games then last year and there were 126 fewer tables. Selina feels ACBL is very remiss is getting information to her. She is very disappointed with the clubs who do not send the results to her. This causes confusion with players who want to participate in the District finals not knowing whether they qualified. Selina is turning the NAP job to her successor in good order but with a warning that little support is received from ACBL. Jerry Gaer said he felt the NAPs and GNTs were not a priority for ACBL. Jerry Fleming said the Board of Directors has been talking about the NAPs and GNTs in considerable length but the focus has not been on ACBL headquarters and staff working with the coordinators to help these events but rather on trying to keep people who do not live in a district from playing in that district. Jerry Fleming will share Jerry Gaer and Selina's comments with the Board of Directors. Selina feels that ACBL should assist more in the promotion of the NAPs. Both Jerry and Selina never miss an opportunity to publicize the GNTs & NAPs in the FORUM. Selina said she will miss all the board members. John Van Ness expressed his gratitude fro the great job Selina has done as District NAP Coordinator. Selina reported there were 18 tables in the District Flight B final and she expects 8 to 10 tables in Flight A and Flight C today.

I/N Connie Freeman related two I/N program success stories. A club in Sierra Vista was having difficulties keeping a game going. In order to attract new players, Chris Hasney offered lessons for $45 for 10 lessons and 12 people signed up for the lessons and of those 12 people 9 joined the ACBL. Pat Kaiser of Green Valley offered a series of 10 lessons to contract bridge players, at no charge, on how to play duplicate bridge. One hundred and twenty people signed up. Green Valley, a 'snowbird' retirement community, consistently has a weekly 49er game of 8-10 tables in the winter and 4-5 tables in the summer. Connie received a huge compliment on the article she wrote for the Scorecard on tips at the table. An I/N player told Connie she carries the article with her and when she plays in an I/N game she has everyone read it.

Charity Jerry Fleming reported, in Karin's absence, that the two 2008 District 17 Charity games will be (as usual) the second Tuesday in February and the third Monday in September. The charity game just held last month had nine clubs participating with 112 _ tables and raised $714 for the ACBL Charity Foundation. Jerry Fleming stated the District can designate a charity of its choice; the money does not have to go the ACBL Charity Foundation. The winners were from Albuquerque and the 2nd and 3rd place pairs were from Las Vegas, the 4th place pairs were from Los Alamos and 5th place from Scottsdale.

Regional Tournament Paul Ivaska noted again there are no changes.

Scorecard Bonnie thanked Connie for the article she submitted to the Scorecard. Board member and player input is always welcome, email your article to Jared and he will put it in when space allows.

Tournament Coordination Marianne Spanier noted there is an error on the 2008 Tournament Schedule - the Cheyenne Sectional is September 19-21 not September 26 -28 and Colorado Springs is not having a sectional September 4-7 because of the regional they are having October 6-12. There was discussion of dates for the 2009 calendar, particularly a Las Vegas Sectional sanctioned for January 12-18, 2009 which overlaps Lake Havasu's priority weekend January 16-19. Marianne said she never received a sanction application from Las Vegas for a sectional in January 2009. Paul will talk to Tom Shulman, the Las Vegas Tournament Chairman. John Van Ness pointed out there is rules in the Policy Manual that should be followed. Overlapping tournaments create smaller attendance and director shortages which can raise tournament expenses bringing in directors from further distances.

Finance Due to health reasons Jim Truitt was absent. Carolyn Newcomb said she believed Jim had reviewed the bank statements and the CD statements for the past year and everything is in good shape.

Appeals The appeal concerning the Pueblo Unit still has not been settled. John Van Ness will continue to urge the chairman of the Disciplinary Committee to take action so this appeal can be settled.

The By-laws, Baldwin Plan, Education, and Unit Affiliations committees had no reports.

At this point, Gary Zeiger, the Director in Charge, joined the meeting. Gary reported that as of last night the table count was 1,104 which is down 27 tables from three years ago - if the NAP tables are included the table count is up as the NAP has 56 tables. Gary feels the table count is well above expectations. Gary said the only game that has been small is last nights side game of five tables. Gary thinks the pre-duplicated boards are well received but there have been a few glitches.

There being no further business a motion was made, seconded, and carried to adjourn. President Van Ness adjourned the meeting at 12:15 p.m.

The next meeting will be March 1, 2008 in Las Vegas, Nevada at 8:00 a.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Bonnie L. Bagley