January 5, 2022
East Texas Bridge Association
Unit 225 Board Meeting Minutes
The Board of Directors met virtually, via Zoom, with the following members present: Rathnam, Sandra O’Bannon, Mary Ramsey, Carol Kinsey, Jo Booth, and Tom Spradlin.
The minutes of the October 29, 2021 Board meeting were approved by voice vote. The Treasurer’s report for December was not completed, so Sandy O’Bannon summarized the reports for October and November, 2021. These two reports were approved by voice vote.
The first item of discussion was the July sectional tournament in Tyler. Sandy O’Bannon reviewed a list of 5 different possible venues for the tournament. Many require catering and have other disadvantages. Sandy and Rathnam recommend that we move ahead with the Holiday Inn. We do not yet have a contract proposal from them to review, but we understand from discussions with them that they will lower their price from $7500 (last time) to $5000, and that would be reduced by any amount that we spend on food. It was also suggested that we could collect sponsorship fees from select individuals who would set up informational tables in the tournament lobby.
There was a brief discussion of the potential attendance at the sectional tournament. Attendance has been weak at all tournaments since Covid, but Rathnam suggested that the current surge could well be finished by March. Also, since the tournament would be in the summer, the virus is less transmissible. In terms of financial risk, the contract with the hotel might permit a refund if we had to cancel because of Covid. Some members reminded the Board of the tremendous amount of volunteer labor required to put on such a tournament. Also, the tournament date is fast approaching, and there is so far no publicity.
Rathnam agreed to contact the Holiday Inn and ask once again for the contract for the Board’s review. The hotel should be eager to supply it, because they have informed us that they would like a rapid response because of a competing interest in the July dates.
Finally, it was announced that the Board will meet with club directors again in February to continue discussions of ways to improve attendance. Also, it was announced that John Hamilton will leave the Board.
The meeting was adjourned.
Submitted by,
Tom Spradlin
