Rhode Island Bridge Association, Inc

Minutes of Unit 145 Board Meeting

May 17, 2006

President Bob Erwin called the meeting to order at 5:50 pm. Those present included Bob and Sue Erwin, Judy Biegner, Arlene Roberti, David Prentiss, Brenda Iemma, Maureen Johnson, William Niemi, Lou Diorio, Joe Brouillard, Nancy O’Donnell and Joe Gallagher.

Old Business

The minutes from the last meeting were presented and there was a correction. The minutes did not include the voting of Graeme Bell as a new board member. Joe Brouillard presented the Treasurer’s report. The report was accepted. Bob Erwin the Tournament Manager gave a report with a schedule of upcoming tournaments. All tournaments for 2006 and 2007 are sanctioned at this time with the exception of March 2007, which Bob is sent and is awaiting sanction on. Bridge bits have not been sent out because Bob Erwin is waiting for updates before sending. Judy Beigner gave a progress report on the By Laws committee progress. More work is needed and it was decided to postpone until next meeting. Bill Niemi and Lou Diorio are still working on setting a mentoring program up.

The gala is scheduled for October 28^th, 2006. There was a significant increase in the cost of dinners. The Board of Directors. decided to increase the cost of a ticket form $20 to $25 to help defray some of the cost. Tables will need to be provided. The Mini- McKinney medals have arrived and will be presented at the gala.

New Business

Joe Brouillard gave a report on our status with both the State and Federal Governments. It seems some reports were never filed and we do not have non-profit status at this time. Bob Erwin has filed an Articles of Incorporation and Joe will complete the process to bring us to good standing.

Dave Prentiss talked about the Nomination Committee. He asked for 4 volunteers to help him come up with nominees for the upcoming election at the gala in October. Sue Erwin, Joe Gallagher, Nancy O’Donnell and Judy Beigner have volunteered to help out.

Bob Erwrin gave a status report on the upcoming June Sectional. The directors are in place and Nancy O’Donnell has volunteered to help Cathy Sallar with the coordination of hospitality. There is hope that more people will volunteer to bring things. Nancy will work on finding them. A motion was made and passed to increase our card fees from $8 to $9 a session.

The new website designed by Joe Brouillard was a big hit and it was unanimously decided that we should set up our own domain so that we can have an address where our members can get direct access to the site.

The Treasurer suggested that move the unit’s bank account to an interest earning account and donate the interest earned to charities. The motion was made and unanimously accepted.

Bob Erwin thanked us all for coming and the meeting was adjourned at 6:45pm.

Respectfully Submitted,

Maureen Johnson

Secretary