COMMENTS FROM THE PRESIDENT

MARCH 2011

Club Team tournament that took place in Melbourne on January 29, 2011 representing 8 clubs and 14 teams was deemed a success. This was the first year that we completed the tournament under the new format. I believe that this format is the best in order for any club (small or big) to be able to compete for the top prize. I want to thank the Brevard HSC (all four teams placed 1 thru 4 in the points standing) for doing a super job in hosting this tournament. The courts were in excellent shape thanks to Joe Strong and his crew. Lana Gerber and Becky Kibling for the behind the scenes work that needs to be done in order for an event like this to be successful. I thank Ron Deckard tournament director who did an excellent job in setting up the tournament and to all the others that helped in collecting, checking score sheets, and inputting data. This is what makes a tournament a success when everyone pitches in to help. It was great to see all of you having a good time and that is what an event like this is about. Clubs with a minimum of 18 courts that would like to host this tournament next year should notify me by April 1^st. A drawing will be held at the Club/Executive Council meeting on April 27, 2011 that will determine who will host next year’s tournament.

The Executive Council met on Friday January 28, 2011. One of the items on the agenda was to finalize State Tournament activities. The St Cloud HSC host of this year’s tournament has selected a motel, catering service and location for the Thursday and Friday night’s cocktail gathering. This information is printed elsewhere in the newsletter as well as on the website. When making motel reservations I encourage all of you to use the motel of choice. The reason is you will save the association money by doing so. The EC’s motel rooms (for 4 nights) are paid for by the state. However these expenses can be reduced by reserving rooms at the motel of choice. The St Cloud club has negotiated for every 15 rooms booked the state will get 1 complimentary room. So help out your association by reserving your room at the motel of choice. I am looking forward to seeing all of you and wish you the best.

It is my pleasure to announce that Chuck Johnston of Clearwater has accepted the position of Historian. Nothing much has been done over the past years and Chuck has hit the ground running to bring things up to date. He has written a fine article for the newsletter that is printed elsewhere. Thanks Chuck for helping out. Promotion Chairman is still vacant. Anyone interested may contact me or Vicki Marteney.

This is my last comments as President of the association and I want to thank the membership for your support during my six years as President. One thing that I wanted to make sure during my tenure that I and the Executive Council did what was best for the association and I believe we accomplished that. I will support the Association in the future and will help the next President in making the transition as smooth as possible.

Bob Hilpertshauser