February 8, 2020 East Texas Bridge Association
Unit 225 Board Meeting Minutes
The meeting was called to order at 11:30 by President Linda Harrison. All directors were present: Linda Harrison, Janie Wolaver, Phyllis Alvarez, John Hamilton, Sandra O’Bannon, Mary Ramsey, Rathnam, Carol Kinsey, Susan Ford, Jo Ellen Wade, Jo Ann Zastovnik, and Tom Spradlin were in attendance.
Carol Kinsey recommended a slight change in the wording of the minutes from the meeting of January 2020, and the board approved the minutes unanimously with that change.
Sandra O’Bannon presented for review the treasurer’s monthly report for January 2020. The month showed a small loss, mostly due to payment of the hotel deposit for the hotel for the Tournament of Stars, and the month-end balance was $39,007.18. Janie Wolaver asked whether it might be possible to put at least some of the money into an interest-bearing account, and Sandra agreed to investigate that possibility. By voice vote the Board approved the treasurer’s reports as submitted (filed with these minutes). The board lauded Sandra O’Bannon’s diligence in her role as treasurer.
Mike Graham joined the meeting to describe ongoing preparations for the 2021 Tournament of Stars in Longview. The contract has been signed with the hotel, and the deposit has been paid. Volunteers stepped up for each of the needed committees. Jo Ellen Wade and Lynda Pillans will head up partnerships; Linda Harrison and Carol Kinsey are in charge of registration; Phyllis Alvarez and John Hamilton will be in charge of photography; and Mary Ramsey and Sandra O’Bannon will co-chair hospitality. The board discussed the importance of having written instructions for those performing each of the jobs, so that there is clarity regarding what needs to be done in the absence of a chairman. A preliminary budget will be presented at the May board meeting, and the program will be shared when available.
Linda Harrison passed out flyers for the July 2020 Tournament of Roses July 9-11, 2020. Some changes to the flyer were proposed and agreed, and Linda will investigate having some of the printing done in color. Linda also presented a draft budget. At Sandra O’Bannon’s suggestion, the budget for promotional give-away expense will be increased to $350 in order to purchase special pens (at a special price) for the tournament. With that change, the board approved the budget.
Sandra O’Bannon reviewed the work she has done relative to renewing our IRS tax-exempt status. She is ready to submit the documents that are needed, and we expect to restore the tax-exempt status as of the date we originally filed to resume, sometime last year. The board thanked Sandra for the work she has done on this issue.
The Awards Committee (Rathnam, John Hamilton, Sandra O’Bannon) presented their proposals for awards in the future. (Their proposal will be filed with these minutes.) The board approved their proposals, effective immediately. The board also approved the purchase of 200 pens (at limited offer, special pricing), 100 each of 2 colors, to be given to winners of the Ace of Clubs Award and the Mini-McKenney Award. Sandra O’Bannon will handle ordering the pens.
The Awards Luncheon will take place in April. Jo Ann Zastovnik, with the help of Sandra O’Bannon, will explore possible lunches we might purchase, and will report to the board in March.
Carol Kinsey offered a suggested method for transitioning to a board of 9 members serving 3-year terms. (Her proposal is filed with these minutes.) We will discuss the proposal at the next meeting. Meanwhile, board members are urged to think about their willingness to add a year to their terms, to stand for re-election, etc.
Sally McAnulty asked the board to announce that players seeking partnerships should give her their names and approximate number of masterpoints. And the board was again reminded of the importance of supporting the Shreveport Sectional Tournament Feb. 20-22.
The meeting adjourned at 12:30.
Tom Spradlin, Secretary
