SYNOPSIS OF IUSBC BA COUNCIL OF
DELEGATES MEETING
HELD ON SATURDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2007 AT THE HOLIDAY INN MOLINE (AIRPORT)
President Jim Hamen called the meeting
to order at 10:55 am. Jim gave a short
welcome speech.
Each person was then asked to stand
and introduce themselves, including their association title.
President Hamen introduced our
guests, the Illinois USBC WBA leaders. President
Madeline Dotta, Association Manager Earlene Nelson, Vice Presidents Melinda Calvert and
Betty McCann, and Director Phyllis Adcock. President
Dotta was invited to speak. She thanked Jim
for the opportunity, then spoke of her attendance at the USBC Summit in Milwaukee and as a
result of that summit, the USBC Executive Committee decided to suspend the association
mandates on doing self assessments and developing strategic plans. To the question if USBC will force a merge,
the reply was, “To force a merger would be a disaster”, but it would be the
delegates decision. The USBC moderators were
thrown a lot of flack, maybe they will pay attention to what was said to them. President Jeff Boje’s opening remarks were
sincere and seems to have a feel for what the state and local association leaders are up
against. Madeline said their 79th
annual state tournament will open in Decatur on February 2, 2008. She also spoke of their fund raising efforts. She commented that at the next USBC
convention, we are presenting a proposal directed to a state dues increase, and we would
appreciate your support in this effort. President
Dotta concluded by offering congratulations to the new Hall of Fame inductees..
A motion made by Dona Reinink to
dispense with the reading of the minutes of the 2006 annual meeting as they had been
printed in the annual report. Second made by
Roger Stewart. Motion passed.
FINANCIAL REPORT was presented by Association
Manager, Wm. G. Chestnut. Each person was
given a copy of the financial report and budget.
Briefly, we had to change our financial period, as a directive of the
USBC. We started the 2006-2007 season with a
balance of $92,744.91 and on July 31, 2007, had a balance of $115,711.61. The increase was due to the increase in the entry
fee in the state tournament and reductions of expenses in our operations. A couple of changes, we now make our own Hall of
Fame plaques, both for our Bowling Hall of Fame, and plaques sent to local associations
honoring their Hall of Fame inductees. We
eliminated our semi-annual meeting, ended payment for mileage for attending committee
meetings and found a more economical method for our telephone useage. With a tongue in cheek remark, he stated that while
our bowlers and board are not in favor of a dues increase, if the proposal at the national
convention to raise dues up to $10 had passed, we could have attempted a state dues, which
could have been worth a million a year. That
is how ridiculous that increase would have been. There
remains one sore spot with us, that is the number of un-cashed checks from the state
tournament. We have tried various methods, but
somehow team captains do not get the checks to their bowlers. If you know of anyone with an un-cashed check, have
it sent to us, and we will re-issue the check. Finally,
after this weekend’s expenses, $86,000
should remain in out account. Motion to accept
the report made by Don Evans, second by Ron Adcock. The
motion passed.
REPORT OF OFFICERS:
President James Hamen said
that it has been an honor and a privilege to serve as President the last 18 months. He said he attended Hall of Fame ceremonies for Lake
County, Greater Peoria, Suburban Windy City, Princeton and McHenry County. Jim said he was also in attendance our annual North
workshop and the USBC convention in Nashville, as well as attending all IBA committee and
regular meetings. He concluded by thanking the
officers and directors of the board for their support and dedication to our sport, and to
our Association Manager, Wm. G. Chestnut, for his work on behalf of the bowlers of
Illinois.
Vice President Jerry Ulrich reported
that he attended Hall of Fame event at Greater Peoria, and as many of the IUSBC BA
committee meetings as possible, since he was limited due to illness. He did, however, attend the USBC convention as the
state delegate, and was able to bowl in our state tournament. As his health is now back to normal, he will get
back to his usual routine of attending almost all of the events offered, plus the workload
of being President of the ILUSBC BA, effective November 1, 2007.
Vice President Jim Vonderheide
remarked that serving as vice president for three years, created a very busy year for him. Attended six Hall of Fame ceremonies, Greater
Peoria, Lake County, DeKalb Area, Suburban Windy City, McHenry County and Illinois Valley. Was at many committee meetings of our board,
plus the committee meeting we had last evening. Chaired
our annual North workshop, which will be reported on later.
Attended the USBC tournament in Reno, and our North sectional state
tournament. Jim said he looked forward to competing in his first Illinois State Seniors
tournament in Addison. He concluded by saying
it has been a pleasure to serve as your vice president and will do his best to fulfill the
duties and responsibilities of office, now and into the future.
Vice
President Roger Stewart’s comments echoed those of the other vice presidents, keeping
busy with committee meetings, attending Hall of Fame ceremonies and keeping in contact
with the bowlers of Illinois, as both a member of the IUSBC BA and as Association Manager
for Chicagoland USBC. He said that
unfortunately, he had to miss a couple committee meetings due to illness, but this is
behind him, and he looks forward to a robust 2007-2008 season.
Vice President Rod Polich’s
remarks were brief and to the point. Attended
committee meetings, went to Hall of Fame ceremonies, and represented your IUSBC BA
faithfully at any and all functions to which he was invited.
Rod continued by stating that he would be available to any local association
wishing to have him visit, and looked forward to the upcoming 2007-2008 season.
Association Manager Wm. G. Chestnut
commented that with the change mandated by the USBC regarding field representatives, we
had one last year for the workshop, and the state women’s turn this year. We informed the field representative last year, we
would conduct our own workshop, which we will do, tomorrow morning. Wm. G. then went on to briefly explain how the
workshop would be conducted. On another
subject, he said we have received compliments with the plaques to local associations for
their Hall of Fame inductees, instead of the certificate in a picture frame. He continued to say that while both state boards do
not want a merger, they have an excellent relationship and there is no reason that it won’t
continue. On the possibility of a merged
state, our not wanting to do it is not personal, it is based on economics and common
sense. Merging of local associations are more
manageable, than for most states, and most importantly, a decision to merge should be on a
strictly voluntary basis and not forced. Each
association knows what is best for your bowlers. He
recognized the local associations in attendance, and read the sites for our future Council
of Delegates meeting/Hall of Fame dinner. Remarked
that we have our sites through the year of 2010, we invite bids for the years thereafter. Wm. G. closed by thanking all for their support
over these many years, and asking them to please try to attend the workshop in the
morning, he guaranteed the group that it would not be a USBC Dog and Pony show.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Vice President Jerry Ulrich
presented the financial committee report. He
said that the committee was kept advised of the financial picture, and as part of this
committee’s function, the books had been audited and were almost in agreement with
the bank statement for the 2006-2007 season, there was a two cent difference. After several attempts to find the difference, the
books were adjusted to reflect the difference. Regarding
the budget before you, on that budget the committee set before last evenings meeting, the
committee has since recommended a change, to increase the Association Manager’s
salary/expenses from $20,000 to $21,000 (note: $5,000 of this goes to Dona, as Tournament
Manager), with a like increase for the 2008-2009 season.
Vice President to be, Jim Zimmerman
gave the Hall of Fame committee report, saying that the committee had met on March 3 in
Dwight to select the inductees for this evenings ceremonies.
Jim said that there were initially 26 candidates, and to reduce this number
to our allowable number, was quite a task. The
committee elected Ritchie Buss, Jim Servis, Brad Snell, Rich Moores, Ron Adcock, John
Sommers and Lou Fassola. These gentlemen will
be honored this evening. After the election process, the committee re-evaluated their
procedures and a few minor adjustments were made. Jim
noted that while the committee makes the decisions, in attendance are up to four non-board
Hall of Fame members at the meeting, offering advice and comments.
Vice President Rod Polich reported
that with the change of the by-laws basically mandated by USBC, it negates much
legislation by this body. Our major
action was to adjust some items in our Operation Manual.
Steve Osenga, chairman of the Senior
Committee reported the committee had met twice this year.
At the first meeting, our Tournament Manager, Melinda Calvert, reported she
was stepping down. Sandy Darnstaedt said she was interested in the position, and was
elected. The 2006 tournament had 710 singles
and 355 doubles. The 2007 tournament to be
held at Stardust Bowl in Addison, with 700 singles entries, at the moment. Steve read the names of the male and female
champions of the divisions and who had the opportunity to compete in the Senior’s
National tournament. Next year, there will be
a 75 years plus, age division. The 2008
Seniors tournament will be at Circle Lanes, in Bloomington.
The Tournament Committee report was
presented by Wm. G. Chestnut. He reported the
2007 tournament was successful, and the increase in the entry fee which you delegates
approved last year, was very helpful. Entry-wise,
the North sectional - 548 teams, 1212 double and 2424 singles. South sectional - 400 teams, 789 doubles and 1578
singles. Advance reservations for 2008 North
at Bertrand Bowl, Waukegan - 480 teams, 1019 doubles and 2038 singles. South at Western Bowl, Champaign - 414 teams, 790
doubles and 1580 singles. The committee
selections for 2009, are: North - Woodview
Lanes, Elgin. South - Camelot Bowl, Collinsville. He
continued by saying that the committee wanted to try the far southern part of the state
once again, as the three previous tournaments have had a dismal showing. However, since those associations in that area are
now part of lllinois’s territory, the committee felt it might help in getting
entries. The 2010 tournament sites: Four
Seasons in Freeport for the North, and South - Northgate Center in Galesburg. He said that a flyer will be mailed to the team
captains for the 2008 tournament, giving them the results of a survey they were asked to
complete. That flyer will be given to you, in
advance, later today.. One thing, he
continued, that a great majority was in favor, was to implement
a modest fee for those making an advance reservation.
It is too late to do this for the 2008 tournament. But, to correct the problems with commitments not
being kept, we will try something else, and
hopefully it will correct the problem so we won’t have to get involved with fees. Captains with reservations for 2008, if they
have not paid their fees or at least contacted Dona by January 15, she will send them a
letter advising them of the February 11 deadline date
Then if the fees or a reply is not received by that date, their spots
will be cancelled. This will allow those
waiting for reservations to possibly obtain them shortly after February 11. Further, he advised those waiting for a spot,
particularly in the South, check our web site for openings, as normally in February, spots
start opening up. On another issue, the
committee explored the possibility of allowing dual entry in doubles with a change of
partners, but there were a number of factors negating this totally. However, beginning with the 2008 tournament, if a
bowler’s partner does not show up, we will allow anyone, even if they have already
bowled doubles, to be that person’s partner for doubles only, provided they notify
the tournament office. The person would not be
allowed to bowl singles, just doubles. Discussed
adding a third sectional site, but this possibly might be ruled illegal, as had to get an
amendment passed, several years ago, just to allow our split state with two sectionals. Plus, the committee felt it would only be robbing
Peter to pay Paul. He continued to say that
the printing of the prize book will cease, with captains being notified by letter of low
to cash scores, and a check, if applicable. This
is how the National and other tournaments have operated for years. We will continue posting the prize list on our web
site. Entry blanks for 2008 will be mailed
next month.
Vice President Jim Vonderheide
reported on the North workshop he conducted on March 11 at Illinois Valley Super Bowl in Peru. Nine associations, involving 21 people, attended. The nine associations were Chicagoland, DeKalb, Dixon,
Freeport, Princeton, Illinois Valley, Joliet, Suburban Windy City and the IBA. Fifteen bowlers took part in the tournament. A raffle was held, with some of the proceeds
donated to the Youth program at this center. A
questionnaire regarding the IBA was handed to those present to answer, and after they
completed the survey, discussions held. Our
guest speaker was Alan Nordman, and his remarks were well received and informative.
Director John Duncan reported on the
South workshop he conducted on March 4 at Old Orchard Lanes in Savoy. There were 25 present, 17 bowled in the tournament. A survey like the one at the North workshop was
done, and they liked this format. Plans are in
process for the 2008 workshop site.
Motion to accept the committee
reports by Jim Bauser and a second by Judy Woods. The
motion carried.
Motion made by Doug Williams to
adopt the committee reports, second by Mike Thompson.
Passed.
The nominating committee gave their
report, which echoed their recommendations made in September, and their selections had
been sent to associations and also posted on our web site.
Further, as to the state delegate to the National convention, even with
requests made via our web site for applications to be considerd as our delegates, only one
person did, Dee Shonkwiler. Continuing, no one
else had sent a resume’ to the nominating committee for consideration to be on the
board or a delegate by the deadline, 24 hours before the annual council meeting. Motion made by Gene Stokes, second Dona Reinink, to
accept the nominating committee’s recommendations for the board of directors. No one offered a challenge. Motion carried. On
the delegate question, again, no challenge, and Dee Shonkwiler was elected to be the state
delegate.
Newly elected President, Jerry
Ulrich, came to the podium and presented Jim Hamen his past president ring, and a check
for a nominal amount, as appreciation of his term of office, 18 months. Jim Hamen once again thanked those on the board,
and association officials, in supporting his term of office.
Under new business, Wm. G. said that
he received word this week that a bowler from Decatur, Mike Wilkin Jr., in the Tuesday
night Decatur Scratch League at Pla-Mor Lanes, bowled an 899 series on games of
300-300-299. This is the state’s
high three game series record.
Rod Polich stated that the IUSBC BA
donates $1,500 to the scholarship program, but the response from the winners, both this
year and years past, has been lacking. It was
understood that traveling time to be here
might hamper their effort, or out of state at school, at least they should take the time
to thank the IUSBC BA for their contribution. Rod continued to say that while each winner
receives a letter of congratulations and two free tickets to the dinner, most don’t
even take the time to say that they will or will not be at the event to receive
recognition. Roy Barnwell, former state youth President said he would pass on the word to
those in charge.
Motion for adjournment at
approximately 12:20 pm, made by Roger McDaniel, second by Dona Reinink. Carried.
Side-notes:
There were 108 persons at the Council of Delegates meeting, and 110 at the Sunday morning
workshop.
17 local associations will receive a
free five person team entry to the 2008 state tournament, for attending the council
meeting and Sunday workshop. Those
associations are: Greater Peoria, Moline-East
Moline, Chicagoland, West Frankfort, Suburban Windy City, Joliet, Greater Aurora, Kankakee,
Greater Carlyle, Riverbend, Tri County, DeKalb, McHenry County, Rock Island-Milan, Sterling-Rock
Falls, Springfield and Mt. Vernon. Seven
other associations were represented by members on the IUSBC BA board, but do not count as
attendance for a free entry. Those
associations: Decatur, Freeport, Princeton, Lake County, Mississippi-Rock River, Champaign
and Quincy.
Jim Zimmerman served as the master
of ceremonies for the Hall of Fame ceremonies, where there were 265 for the dinner,
including these 28 Hall of Fame members to welcome the new inductees: Les Zikes, Jack Parriott, Cal Whitmore, Bud Lawyer,
Al Nesseler, Carl Gustafson, Roy Barnwell, Wm. G. Chestnut, Herb Doering, Bill Spigner,
George Hall, Pete Gurskis, Steve James, Ric Pacheco, John Brown, Fran Coan, Frank Clay,
Tom Carter, Bob Rowland, Curt Aeimesseger, Gary Palas, Jim Zimmerman, Tom Kouros, Larry
Tinsley, Don Peacock, Allan Markle and Darwin Skrzynecki.
The bowling tournament had 81
entries, with Gary Palas, the scratch winner, and Gene Stokes, the handicap winner. The Rock Island-Milan Association provided the
championship plaques.
Respectfully,
Wm. G. Chestnut
IUSBC BA Association Manager