ILLINOIS USBC BA COUNCIL OF DELEGATES MEETING AND SUNDAY WORKSHOP
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 15 AND SUNDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2011 – RAMADA INN - MOLINE

President Rod Polich called the meeting to order at 10:21 am.  Rod welcomed everyone to the meeting, and asked that each be sure to sign the check in sheet.

Each person was then asked to stand and introduce themselves, and their association.

Rod introduced the guests in the audience.  Madeline Dotta, President IWUSBC BA, Earlene Nelson, Association Manager, IWUSBC BA and Betty McCann, Third Vice President.

At this point, Rod asked that the IWUSBC BA President, Madeline Dotta come to the podium and speak to the delegates.  Madeline spoke of the success of the joint workshop, initiated two years ago, and looked forward to the workshop set for June 23, 2012 in Pekin.   She said that the highlight of the 2011 workshop was the baby pictures, which those present were asked to identify.  She gave thanks to IUSBC BA President Rod Polich and Association Manager Wm. G. Chestnut for their co-operation with our organization.  Madeline offered her congratulations to those being inducted into the Hall of Fame, this evening.  She then spoke of a new tournament for our women, involving six neighboring states of Illinois. The tournament would be hosted by one of these states each year, in the off-bowling season, May and June.  Michigan will be hosting the tournament in 2012, and entry blanks, etc., are available now.  Word has spread about this tournament.  It is not the intent of this tournament to take entries from the Women’s National, but to provide the women bowlers another opportunity to participate in a tournament.

A motion was made by Dona Reinink, second by Terry Arient, to dispense with the reading of the 2010 minutes as printed in the annual report, and on our web site.  Motion carried.

FINANCIAL REPORT presented by IUSBC BA Association Manger, Wm. G. Chestnut. Each person was given a copy of the 2010-2011 financial report and the 2011-2012 budget.  He highlighted some items, i.e., that we started the season with a balance of $129,043.18 and ended the season with $118,182.51.  However, the July 31 bank statement and our account records were off by $50.40, us showing that much more than the bank.  We are still working to find the difference.  Again, wrote off a large amount of un-cashed checks, $1,969.82 for 2010-11, and we have $2,167.l77 un-cashed checks already this season.  On the tournament, both the 2011 and 2012 ones, we are again putting more money into the prize fund and reducing our expense income, with the intent to lower our account balance, in case one of these days the USBC finally forces all associations to merge, as we wish to have less income to allocate, if that happens.  This weekend events make for our largest outlay, and would like to mention that we are expecting 250 for the Hall of Fame dinner this evening, and the meal cost is $29.61 each.  If you wish other data regarding our finances, just ask. Motion was made by Bill Horn, second by John Cruz, to accept the report.  Motion carried.

OFFICER REPORTS:
President Rod Polich said in the past year he had the privilege to serve as your President, and last year when you said that you wanted him to lead this association, it hardly seemed real.  When he began making his rounds on the Hall of Fame circuit and introduced as the IUSBC President, it still didn’t quite seem real.  But, when he entered the Parkside Lanes in Aurora, the day he bowled in the state tournament and saw the tournament banners hanging in the center of the center and saw his names listed as the President, like all the rest of the men that had proceeded him, that’s the day it became real for him.  He said he attended eleven Hall of Fame events, i.e., McHenry County, Chicagoland, Aurora, Suburban Windy City, Rockford, Champaign, DeKalb, his hometown association, Lake County and the Lake County WBA, the WWBA and even as a guest across the state line in Wisconsin.  He thanked all of those associations for their generosity and hospitality.  He apologized for having to miss some events.  If you would like for him to attend one of your events in the future, just contact him.  Rod said he attended the committee meeting for our Bowling Hall of Fame selections, in March; and the tournament/nominating committee in September, 2011.  He thanked the Joliet WBA and IUSBC WBA for hosting our joint workshop in June, 2011.  Rod said he would deviate a bit, to tie in his being our delegates to the USBC National Convention in Grapevine, TX in June, 2011.  Rod said he attended the full slate of workshops there, and watched the

match playoff the Women’s US Open, especially the finals in Cowboy Stadium.  He toured the USBC headquarters, training center and the National Bowling Hall of Fame building.  He said the museum is nice, but not really the attraction it was in St. Louis because of the odd location.  Attended the Bowl Expo exhibits, which was coupled with the convention.  The legislation session was short, only three proposals.  Once again, USBC trying to force a merger on everyone, and it was again defeated, and a proposal regarding changing of seniors was defeated.  They passed a proposal on the election of their board.  Rod concluded by thanking all of the delegates and the board for the confidence in allowing him to serve as President for a second term, as recommended by this board and will be voted upon by you, the delegates later this morning.

Vice President Don Spotanski said that living in the far stretch of Illinois, and working, it is sometimes difficult to honor all requests for Hall of Fame events, but he has made as many as possible.  Hall of Fame events covered thus far, McHenry County, Greater Carlyle, DeKalb and Champaign.  Don went on to say he attended our Nominating/Tournament committee meeting in Pontiac, this past September.  Bowled in his 31^st National tournament in Reno.  Don concluded by saying he enjoyed attending events with our local associations and hope to attend more this coming year if work and family allow time for it.  Don ended by saying he enjoyed serving as a Vice President, and hope to further serve their needs in the future.

Vice President Jim Zimmerman’s report was short and sweet.  He said that he had attended committee meetings as assigned, chaired the Hall of Fame selection committee meeting in Pontiac, where the inductees for this evenings presentation, were elected.  Jim said he represented this body at any and all functions to which he was invited or knew about.  He said he served as the master of ceremonies for the DeKalb USBC Hall of Fame.  He said he bowled at the USBC Open in Reno.  Jim finished by saying that he is available to any Association wishing to have him visit or help them in the upcoming season.

Vice President John Duncan said this was another fun filled busy year.  On March 5^th, attended the Hall of Fame selection committee meeting in Pontiac, and that same month, went to the USBC Open in Reno, where he said he should have stayed home, again, the way he bowled.  Bowled in the Illinois State Tournament.  He attended the USBC Convention, but as the delegate from Champaign.  John said that of the 15 conventions, this had the fewest delegates of any, a total of 979 association delegates.  Attended the joint workshop in Joliet.  He said he attended Hall of Fame functions in Champaign, Decatur, DeKalb, Peoria and Princeton.  His last committee meeting was the Nominating/Tournament, in September.  Finally, he was at all committee meetings held last evening.  He said he is looking forward to another fun filled year coming up.  He said he is available to attend any function, if invited.

Vice President Darryl Hixon opened by saying he would like to thank last year’s nominating committee for nominating him for this position.  He said he hadn’t done as much as my counterparts, due to family situations.  He gave thanks to Jim Paulsgove and the Rock Island-Milan board for their hard work on making this weekend, a great one.  Darryl was able to attend only one local association Hall of Fame event.  Participated in the Hall of Fame selection committee meeting in March, 2011.  Was at the Mike Plotner Memorial Golf outing in July, and plans on attending the 3^rd District bowling outing, next week in Sterling.  He said he was frustrated after attending the Moline-East Moline association meeting, trying to get them to attend this event.  But, got one for bowling and two for dinner.  Finally, he said he attended the committee meetings last evening, where as a “newbie” it was an eye-opening experience.

Association Manager Wm. G. Chestnut said it was nice to be back with you again, been on this job since 1987, 25 seasons now.  He said it couldn’t have been done without the support of our board and you, our delegates and friends.  Just like you, he continued, our association affairs are pretty much routine, and accomplished without much fanfare.  At the start of this season, we had 41 merged associations and 50 non-merged, for a total of 91 associations, not counting the State Association.  Sadly, our attendance is falling off, just like across the country.  People have too many other interests.  We still issue a Hall of Fame plaque to local associations for their inductees, just contact him and he will make the plaque for your association, 46 thus far this season.  He said he wanted to give thanks to Rod Polich and wifeDiane, in re-working the Hall of Fame certificate for the local associations, modernizing it. They will also be working on making a “fillable” 2012 entry blank for our web site.  Wm. G. then asked Mike Thompson to stand, and be honored for his design of our new logo, which you will see prominently featured on the Hall of Fame programs tonight.  Our plans are to use it from now on.  He said he hoped that you visit our web site, and hopefully find it useful.  It is practical, not beautiful.  To this end, Rod Polich and his wife are going to be working to change the appearance, sometime in the near future.  Wm. G. asked for any comments from the audience, suggestions or complaints.  There is nothing wrong with constructive criticism.  One comment received, asking that our workshop comments be placed on the site.  He then stated that we lost three of our board members this year, Mike Collins, Carl Gustafson and C. Deane Smith.  He remarked that he has submitted a proposal for consideration at the 2012 National Convention, which probably they will not accept to be brought before the delegates. Basically, it states any proposal that had been defeated at the convention could not be brought before the delegates for three years.  He reminded the audience about the workshop tomorrow morning.  Finally, he said that we needed a site for our annual Council of Delegate/Hall of Fame Dinner for 2013 and beyond. With that being said, Steve Hartseil, our Director from Peoria, said that Peoria would accept it for the dates of October 18-19-20, 2013.  He thanked those for their attendance today, 87 in number.

Motion made by Jim Hamen, second by Larry Tinsley, to accept the Officer Reports.  Carried.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

Rod Polich stated that the Legislative report would be first on the agenda.  With that said, Dee Shonkwiler presented to the delegates a proposal to change the number of directors in our Districts.  The delegates and board members had earlier been sent the proposal, before today’s meeting.  Dee went over the current district numbers, then stated that we wish to change the following: District Two from four directors to three; District Three from six to five; District Four from five to four and finally District Five from four to three.  The proposal was up for discussion, with no comments received. Motion to adopt this change by Roger McDaniel, second by Francis Coan.  Proposal passed.  On another item, it was mentioned that the board was looking to possibly reduce the number of Vice Presidents, from four to three in the future.

John Koziol presented the finance report, essentially stating their committee had reviewed the financial records of our association for the 2010-2011 season, and found them to be in order.  The bank statement and our financial records were not quite in accord, with our records showing $50.40 more than the bank.  However, he had faith that this difference would be resolved shortly.  John said that you all had earlier been given a copy of our financial and budget reports, and if you have any questions, just ask.  None asked. 

Hall of Fame committee report presented by Jim Zimmerman.   He read the names of the committee members, and said that they were in attendance for the meeting on March 5, 2011 to select  the 2011 inductees.   Jim said that Association Manager, Wm. G. Chestnut had sent the committee the resumes’, ahead of the meeting date, so they would have ample time to review the materials.  After a lengthy process, discussing the merits of each candidate, the committee elected the following:  Pete Argo, Washington; Randy Kemp, Joliet, George King, Alton; Maurice Smith, Country Club Hills; Roger Stewart, Flossmoor; David Traber, Hebron, Jerry Ulrich, Quincy, and the Windy City Bowling News (Lisa and Bill Vint), East Troy, WI.  Jim said these inductees will be honored this evening at the Hall of Fame dinner, with a cash bar at 5:30 p.m. and dinner at 7:00 p.m.  He said the committee would like to thank the Rock Island-Milan BA for its hard work putting this weekend’s events, and tonight’s dinner together.  Finally, he continued, we urge everyone to look at your area bowlers and if deserving, submit their resumes to our association manager for consideration to the Illinois Bowling Hall of Fame.  Forms are on our web site.  Next year’s meeting to select the 2012 inductees has been scheduled for March 3, 2012.

Steve Osenga presented the Senior committee report.  Steve stated that the committee suffered another huge loss this year with the passing of C. Deane Smith, Joliet.  Our thoughts are with his family.  The 2010 tournament was held in Decatur, and hosted 629 bowlers.  The Illinois Seniors National representatives and their places were:  A Division-20^th, Melvin Lingafelter; B Division-29^th, Roger Cox; C Division-none; D Division-5^th, Ed Wethington; SS Division-6^th, Harry Logan.  For the women: A Division-none; B Division-none; C Division-30^th, Susan Hirner; D Division-29^th Susan Polesel; SS Division-24^th, Betty Taylor.  He gave congratulations to all that competed in our state and national Senior tournaments.  This year’s tournament will be in Elgin, with forecast of about the same number of entries.  Thanks to Sandy Darnstaedt and the committee for their work on their operation of this tournament.

Tournament  committee report by Wm. G. Chestnut.  He said that the 20101 North Sectional at Parkside Lanes, Montgomery was projected to have 400 teams, and with the hard pressing of bowlers to enter, by Dona, we actually had 506 teams.  The South Sectional was held at Sunset Lanes, Pekin.  We had 382 teams, less than the projected 425 teams.  We estimated a profit of $29,000 and actually had one of $30,000.  As most of you know by now, we had a major distraction for the 2012 tournament.  Town & Country Lanes in Rock Island were to host the tournament, but their lanes were destroyed by fire, December, 2011.  The center worked hard to obtain another center, but had some problems.  Eventually, it looks like that will have a new center, but with less lanes than we needed based on our projected entries for the 2012 event.  Thankfully, Dona Reinink had been contacted by Stardust Lanes and said they would be interested in helping us out. There was some discussion on fees, which Dona said were too high, and Stardust agreed to her price, so their 84 lanes will be ours for the 2012 tournament.  There will be a major change at the North sectional only, there will be just two squads a day, instead of three.  Stardust had to accommodate their league bowlers.  On the plus side, for the North 2012 sectional only, the lanes will be stripped and dressed for each squad.  This would not be possible with three squads a day.  It was Dona’s choice to operate with 84 lanes, and she can handle it.  The biggest item to report today,is the tournament committee meeting on September 10, 2011 to select the 2013 and 2014 tournament sites.  2013 North sectional will be at Brookmont Bowling Center, Kankakee; and the South sectional at Pheasant Lanes, Bloomington.  The 2014 North sectional will be at Bertrand Bowling Lanes, Waukegan, and the South sectional at Western Bowl, Champaign.  Wm. G. thanked Dona for the grunt work on the tournament, both sectionals, with his part the behind the scenes work.  He said they worked well together, with Dona thinking he is nuts, and he knows he is.  He then said that hopefully, the 2012 tournament will be his last on site at the South sectional, just his doing the “brainwork” for the 2012 event.  Also, we will cut down on the number of towels and caps for sale at the site, sales have continuously fallen off over the years.  This will have an effect at the Hall of Fame dinner, as any surplus towels had been given away at the dinner, and hopefully we will have very few, or none, for the 2012 event.  Thanks to all for their participation, and asking you encourage more of their bowlers to bowl.

Motion made by Dee Shonkwiler, second by Don Evans to accept the reports. Carried.

Motion made by Larry Tinsley, second by Terry Arient, to adopt the reports.  Carried.

The nominating committee report presented by Jim Vonderheide.  Jim reported that the committee had met on September 10, 2011 to make their slate for the 2011-2012 season.  He said the first order of business was to report that we will operate on the basis of the District changes which earlier the legislative committee had presented to you, and you approved of the changes.  Jim said current President, Rod Polich to serve another term as President.

Jim continued by stating that the Vice Presidents and District Directors, with their terms not ending until 2012, have stated they wish to continue in their positions.   Then, he said, Vice Presidents Don Spotanski and Jim Zimmerman to continue for another two year term.  For the position of Director, there were several “outside” applications submitted and reviewed by the nominating committee, with their ultimate decision that the following District Directors to continue with a two year term; District One – Don Evans and Michael Thompson, and named a new Director, Keith Korinek.  Keith had previously served on the IBA board during the 1980’s, and he is replacing Tom Sieffert, who has stated he would like to continue on the board as an Active Volunteer.  Keith is currently the Association Manager for the Chicagoland USBC.   District Two – Terry Arient and Roger McDaniel.  District Three – John Cruz, Harriet Day and Steve McIlvanie.  District Four – Bill Horn and Doug Williams.  District Five – Steve Hartseil and Dennis Leapley.  District Six – Darrell Rinderer.  District Seven – Henry Vaughn. 

Jim reported all of our current Active Volunteers asked, and received another one year term, i.e., Ron Adcock, Gene Bowker, Fran Coan, Herb Doering, Jim Hamen, Maurice Smith, Larry Tinsley, Jerry Ulrich and the aforementioned Tom Sieffert.  Jim concluded that the committee selected Rod Polich to be our delegate to the USBC National Convention for 2012.  The committee’s report was adopted.

Under unfinished business, nothing presented.

New Business:  Wm. G. Chestnut said that due to last minute cancellations and dinner tickets paid for, there were four available, gratis, just let him know.  Hopefully, this is a one time instance.  There is a seat listing outside of the dinner room, both by table and alphabetical.  John Cruz extended an invite to anyone interested, to participate in Sterling-Rock Falls annual event.

Motion to adjourn made by Jim Hamen, second by Dona Reinink. 

Side notes:  There were 89 present for the Council of Delegates meeting, and 88 for the Sunday morning workshop.  There were 17 associations represented at the Council of Delegates meeting, with only Suburban Windy City present on Saturday, but did not have anyone at the Sunday Workshop, thus forfeiting a free 2012 state tournament team entry.  The following associations attended both, and will be presented with a free five team entry for the 2012 tournament:  Greater Aurora, Chicagoland, Greater Carlyle, DeKalb, Freeport, Joliet, Kankakee, McHenry, Mt. Vernon, Peoria, Riverbend, Rock Island, Springfield, Sterling-Rock Falls, Tri-County and West Frankfort.  Moline-East Moline did have a representative at the Workshop session only. There were these associations represented by IUSBC BA board members, Lake County, Champaign, Atlanta, Decatur, Quincy and Mississippi-Rock River.  However, their presence does not count towards the free team entry requirement.  In all, 23 of Illinois’ 91 associations were present.  Jim Zimmerman served as the mc for the Hall of Dinner, with 250 in attendance, including 23 current state Hall of Fame members, and the nine new inductees, Pete Argo, Randy Kemp, George King, Maurice Smith, Roger Stewart, David Traber, Jerry Ulrich and Lisa and Bill Vint (Windy City Bowling News).  There were 65 bowlers for the Wm. G. Chestnut Singles tournament.  First place scratch to Tom Adcock with 712, and Jan Schmidt, handicap with 744.

SUNDAY WORKSHOP SESSION

The workshop started at 9:04 a.m., where President Rod Polich welcomed the 88 people present, and thanked them for taking the time to visit.  He asked each to sign the check-in sheet, and rather than stand and introduce themselves, they will have this opportunity when we get to the part of the program where each is asked to make a comment, suggestions, etc..  He then turned the session over to Wm. G. Chestnut.  He said that we would hold this workshop in two sessions, the first, to seek your opinion on a number of topics, than we would ask for each person make a comment, of their choice.  Wm. G. said that there may have been a problem with the dates at Decatur for next year’s Hall of Fame, we need the third weekend in October and their local association had booked the location already.  However, Phil Sturgeon said he had talked to some on the Decatur board, and their President, Tom Adcock, and they believe that things will work out so Decatur can host it.  If not, Peoria has agreed to host the event for 2012, then if not for 2012, they would host it in 2013.  Note: Received word from the Decatur Association, Tuesday evening, they have been able to get the third weekend as we requested, so they will be the 2012 host.  The subject of late or no replies to his e-mails was brought up by Wm. G.  Someone suggested the when he sends out an e-mail, click on the box requesting acknowledgement that the e-mail received, this should solve that problem.  It was asked how many would support another division for the USBC Open Championships, one for 181—199 averages.  It would be suggested there would be a higher charge, say $5.00 an event, for bowlers with averages of 200 plus, to maintain or increase the higher bowlers prize fund.  There was agreement for another divisio, but sort of mixed if the bowlers would be willing to pay an additional prize fee.  The subject changed to how they felt about a forced merger, and almost everyone present said they did not believe in forcing an association to merge, it should be based on an associations choice.  Even the merged associations in attendance echoed that sentiment, do not force any association to merge.  It was asked what they believe would happen if USBC forced all associations to merge, did they think any association would just not sanction anymore, and a few said possible.  But, most noteworthy, many felt that if an association was forced to merge, many felt most of that association’s current board members would resign.  Wm. G. asked if anyone had any comments on the way our workshop is presented, and there were no negative comments, they appreciated this format.  It was asked of the people, how many open the USBC e-mail bowling magazine, and only 12 of the 88 present said that they did. Most who did open it, did not like how it is made up.  There were gripes on what about the people that don’t have a computer.  One person said they were told that if they didn’t have a computer, to contact USBC and they would send them something.  That person contacted USBC and was told basically, that is it, it is available on e-mail only.  A question was asked regarding our web site, how many visited it, and surprisingly, a large number said that they viewed it.  One person suggested that we have another questionnaire, like Wm. G. had done in the past, relative to bowling issues, etc.  John Koziol was asked to speak about the controversy recently created by the IHSA and the scholarship program changes they were about to implement.  In short, this created a landslide of complaints to IHSA and apparently it got their attention, and the changes proposed, were somewhat aborted, and our scholarship program should have no problems.  It was asked by Wm. G. how many had read Bill Vint’s article about the USBC, several months ago. There were a lot of positive comments on that article, and saying it was “right on”.

At 9:41 a.m., the session switched to open comment, asking each person to state their name, and association (if they wished) and to voice their opinion.  The following topics recorded:

President Rod Polich brought the meeting to a close by thanking the people for their attendance and reminded them to invite our board members to your association activities.

The Rock Island-Milan association handed out the prize checks and trophies.

Meeting ended at 10:55 a.m.

Respectfully,

/s/Wm. G. Chestnut
IUSBC BA Association Manager