SF FALL 2007 NABC
September 3, 2006
The SF FALL 2007 NABC Committee met at 5:00 on September 3, 2006 at Pedro’s Restaurant, Santa Clara. Present were Chairman Bruce Blakely; Co-Chairman Marion Robertson, Information; Co-Chairman Jackie Ortiz, Food/Entertainment; D21 Representative to the National Board Roger Smith; Harvey Brody, Finance; Barbara Sonsini, Corporate Sponsorships; Kathy Venton, Volunteers; Katherine Ewing, Registration; Terry Terzian, Intermediate/Novice; Andy Straus, Partnerships; Jim Leuker, Parking/Transportation; Joyce Hart, Program/Restaurant Guide; Jill Wood, Pre-Tournament Entertainment; Michael Nistler, WEB site; Stu Goodgold, At Large; Cassie Mani, Tours/Special Events; Virginia Aghevli, Hospitality Hostess; Lori Spaeth, Prizes; and Cindy Kirk, Secretary. Special guests included Harriette Buckman, ACBL President; Carol Hamilton, President Sarasota Florida Unit; and Maggi Manca, artist and designer of the SF FALL 2007 NABC logo.
Bruce Blakely introduced special guests ACBL President Harriette Buckman, Carol Hamilton and logo designer, Maggi Manca. He checked to see who would be able to attend the October 14, 2006 NABC meeting at Roz Kahn’s house at 80 Scenic Drive, San Francisco. This will be a Saturday morning potluck brunch at 10 a.m. More time will be available for discussion since the meeting is not being held between playing sessions. Bruce also noted that a general outline for tasks to be completed by the committee would be suggested. For example, the Restaurant/Program guide goes to print in March which is 6 months in advance of the tournament
Jackie Ortiz announced that there will be Volunteer Room where volunteers of the day will be able to have a continental breakfast, lunch and a light dinner on the day they volunteer. Jackie is planning to serve cream puffs and coffee the first night of the tournament and will order lots of candy for table snacks.
As Information Chairman, Marion Robertson will be setting up a time line when various committees need to have their responsibilities in place. She is offering to assist any other chairman as needs arise.
Barbara Sonsini reported on progress in the area of Corporate Sponsorships. In the current climate, it was decided that Barbara and Marion would work together with the Units to identify potential donors. Barbara presented a letter that explained the ways in which a donor can contribute to the upcoming SF NABC. Contributions would be mailed to Harvey Brody. Barbara will work with Nancy Ferguson to design suitable stationery, envelopes and return envelopes. Harriette explained that the NABCs in Pittsburgh and Chicago had a Wall of Honor where players could commemorate or honor others. Photos were submitted of the honorees and Harriette wrote commentary to go along with the photos. This project brought in $20,000. Two committee members who had seen it in Chicago thought it was very touching and well done. A general article explaining fundraising goals and how members can participate can be submitted to the Forum. Pledges can be made up to the last minute. Money can be earmarked for a specific purpose such as entertainment.
Harvey Brody distributed a tentative budget using the 1996 budget as a general guideline. All invoices should be mailed to Harvey with a notation to which committee it should be assigned.
Harriette reminded the committee that the people who come in for the Pre-Tournament Entertainment as well as the Tournament Chairs are welcomed with a special gift. This can be special wine, a gift basket or other. Jill Wood will take care of this project.
Volunteer Chairman Kathy Venton showed the committee a sample name tag which can be made in different colors or have a colored sticker for different days. She suggested hanging vs. pinned name tags. It was suggested that a vertical (portrait) name tag might be easier to read.
Lori Spaeth, Andy Straus and Katherine Ewing, representing Prizes, Partnerships and Registration will each have specific areas set up for the duration of the tournament. Marion will coordinate the space with the Chairmen. All committee chairs including I/N need to let Kathy Venton know the number of volunteers needed by the October 14th meeting. Units will be assigned their volunteer day.
Tours/Special Events Chair Cassie Mani reported on her experience with many of the tours offered in San Francisco. She has decided to go with the San Francisco Tour Guides Guild where guides are available for $175 for a 4 hour tour. Transportation will be provided by Coach 21. This will provide a better and less expensive option than the preset tours. Information about tours will be posted on the WEB site and on posters at the tournament. She will have San Francisco Visitors’ Guides ready for registration. The first 200 are free with a five cent charge per guide thereafter. It was decided that a day in the Wine Country would take players away from a day of bridge. Cassie will arrange an evening at Beach Blanket Babylon after checking the tournament schedule. It was suggested that walking tours are not a good idea with the average age of bridge players in their late 60’s and the possibility of rain at Thanksgiving.
Registration Chairman Katherine Ewing has several good ideas for the Registration gift. She will present her first choice at the meeting at the Monterey Regional on January 6, 2007. Prize Chairman Lori Spaeth will also report on prize selection at that time as well as awards for the I/N players by Terry Terzian for the I/N Program. Terry suggested that he work with Katherine to make up separate Registration packets for the I/N Program so that newer players do not need to register twice.
Partnership Chairman Andy Straus worked at the Partnership Desk at the Chicago NABC and learned valuable lessons for improvement such as color coded cards. Marion will show him where the Partnership Desk will be located in the hotel. It was suggested that there be a permanent Message Board. One of the difficulties in staffing tables such as Partnership is that new volunteers come in every day.
Jim Leuker reported on progress with the Parking/Transportation Committee. He will be researching less expensive parking options in the area. BART is within ˝ block of the hotel and runs until 1:00 a.m. A crossing guard was discussed for after the late games. He will also request increased police patrols when players are exiting at night. All parking information and schedules will be posted on the WEB site. It has been suggested that there be a Carpool Sign Up spot on the WEB.
Michael distributed a copy of the proposed WEB pages. He will include information on the committees, names, and emails. The slogan “Experience America’s Favorite City” will be included at the top. Committee Chairs are encouraged to send Michael any requests or information they would like included.
The question of whether one or more computers will be available to use at the desks was discussed.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:05 p.m. The next meeting is a brunch scheduled at 10 a.m. at Roz Kahn’s home, 80 Scenic Drive, San Francisco. Reminders will be emailed. Please send regrets to Cindy Kirk at cindykirk@sbcglobal.net.
Respectfully submitted,
Cindy Kirk, Secretary
SF Fall 2007 NABC