Minutes of Southwest Chess Club
Annual Meeting
March 22, 2007
The meeting was called to order at 7:02 p.m. by President Joe Crothers. Twenty-two members were in attendance.
Minutes of the last annual meeting were read by Tom Fogec and were approved.
The financial report was read by Robin Grochowski and was approved. As of March 22, 2007, the balance in the club treasury was $2,769.75, over $300 higher than the previous year. Revenues came from club tournaments, selling shirts and sweatshirts, member dues and video and DVD rentals. Expenses included tournament prizes, the purchase of shirts, new DVDs and chess books for the club library. Miscellaneous expenses included the club Christmas party, announcements in Chess Life, our affiliation with USCF and general supplies (report attached).
Library and equipment report was read by Dave Sagunsky and was approved. Inventory of equipment is attached.
Allen Becker said that the club website will be updated shortly and that a Southwest Chess Club blog has been started and is available for members. He asked for updated e-mail addresses and phone numbers so that members might receive communications on upcoming tournaments. He said that the club newsletter and schedule would be available in the following week. There was discussion on current efforts and methodologies of reaching members.
Sheldon Gelbart said that he continues to be a chess coach at Whitnall High School, in a community outreach effort. He reported that an annual match with the Waukesha Chess Club continues. There was a suggestion that simuls at schools be considered.
President Joe Crothers announced that the club had 42 members in 2006, the lowest number since 1998. He reported that 25 members have completed renewal forms so far this year. Joe also encouraged members to return tables to their original position and remove litter upon departure.
Robin Grochowski offered the following addition to the bylaws which was approved unanimously by members in attendance: “To qualify for election to the office of President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary, Librarian or Information Officer, one must be available to attend a minimum of 70% of the scheduled Thursday meetings.” This is added to the bylaws under Article IV, Organization, between Sections A and B.
Robin Grochowski offered the following change to the Membership Form which was approved unanimously by members in attendance: “Membership is free to high school or full time college students or persons under age 18 or persons age 64 and older.”
The printing of club business cards that members can hand out to prospective members was discussed and approved. Allen Becker will follow up to implement this.
A request by Scottish Fest that our club participate in their Highland Games, similar to the way in which we did with German Fest and Russian Fest, was discussed and approved. Allen Becker will follow up to implement this.
Allen Becker reported that the Racine Chess Club has an interest in playing a match with our chess club. Allen Becker will follow up on that request after reviewing the upcoming schedule with Robin Grochowski and Tom Fogec.
Various members discussed their preferences regarding blitz and quick rated tournaments and events targeting higher rated players.
President Joe Crothers called for a Directors Meeting on Thursday, May 10, 2007 at 6:00 pm to address ways of increasing club membership.
The following Officers and Directors were elected:
President & CEO Joe Crothers
Vice President & COO Tom Fogec
Treasurer/CFO Robin Grochowski
Assistant Treasurer John Demler
Secretary Sheldon Gelbart
Chief Information Officer Allen Becker
Librarian Andrew Grochowski
Directors #1 Paul Fricano #3 Christopher Seaman #5 Bob Fons
#2 Dave Sagunsky #4 Jim Coons
Bob Fons was complimented on the outstanding job he did in writing the Southwest Chess Club History.
Meeting adjourned at 8:55 p.m.
Minutes prepared by Tom Fogec, Secretary, Southwest Chess Club