Submitted by R. John McCrary, Ph.D., USCF Vice-President

The meeting of the Executive Board was held at the Inn Suites (on Granada) in Tucson, AZ from Jan.21-23. All eight Board members plus the interim ED were present, except that Garrett Scott was unable to attend the first day due to professional obligations.

1) Executive Director: The most important Board decision was the hiring of George De Feis of New Jersey as USCF Executive Director.George has a strong background in management, and believes in the idea of strategic alliances for maximizing marketing potential and utilization of available resources. He suggested a number of new marketing approaches to expanding USCF membership and for enhancing the place of the USCF in the internet world. George gives high priority to seeking additional revenue sources through fundraising, foundations, and grants. He argued for improving member satisfaction with all USCF services, and for making the USCF valuable to chess players in general, not just those already in the fold.

Dr. Gerard Dullea was thanked for his services as interim Executive Director for the preceding three months.

2) Finances: A detailed financial report was presented and discussed by the Vice-President for Finance, Jim Pechac. The USCF was in the black through the first six months of the fiscal year. However, projections indicate a likely significant deficit by the end of the fiscal year on May 31. Of particular concern is the fact that membership revenues have been lagging below budgeted levels, despite the fact that the total number of members is higher than ever. Associated with the membership revenue are other revenue shortfalls, such as in sales of books and equipment. Significant attempts have been made to control expenses, but a number of areas have already been cut substantially. There are some significant non-recurring expense items, including expenses associated with completing the computerization project.

It is essential that members pitch in to help with the new membership drive announced in the January Chess Life. Adult members are needed to support USCF growth, so that the successful growth in young scholastic members, where the future lies, can continue.Donations, such as through the patron program of the US Chess Trust, are important. We can strengthen the USCF through continued cooperative efforts, but all members need to take pride in US chess and help!

3) Legal matters: The 2000 National Elementary tournament will be held at the Hilton Hotel in Dallas in May 12-14, 2000. Other legal matters were discussed in closed session. Members are cautioned to rely on official statements, and not necessarily on internet postings or other unofficial statements, regarding legal matters.

4) Internet issues: The Board heard several discussions regarding internet proposals. The Executive Director was given authority to negotiate new contracts in this area, including possible partnerships between the USCF and other providers that have already been discussed. Generally, the principle was affirmed that exclusivity should be avoided. Two proposals were discussed which would create intranet communications among affiliates, and create an on-line play service for members. It is anticipated that contracts would be signed soon that would provide these new member services. It was announced that a new members-only section of the USCF website is available, and will be significantly expanded.

5) Computerization: The USCF has been fortunate to have the unselfish volunteer contributions of computer experts such as Richard Koepcke, George John, Gary Prince, and Harold Stenzel. Their detailed reports have been of great value to the Board. A positive note is that Y2K problems have not caused major difficulties, and staff are thanked for their work to prepare USCF systems. However, spectator Myron Lieberman pointed out that February 29 would also be a key date in Y2K concerns, because the last "00" year was not a leap year. It was noted that a number of problems still exist in the development of the necessary software for USCF purposes, and that significant costs will be needed to complete this project.

6) US Championship: The Board amended its conference call motion cancelling the 2000 US Championship and US Women's Championship to allow these events to be held if significant sponsorship could be located. Potential offers from sponsors were discussed but a decision was not made because some received sponsorship offers were not yet firm. Joe Ippolito discussed the importance of improved marketing of the US Championships. Vigorous efforts to raise adequate sponsorship are continuing. It may be necessary to hold a tournament that is reduced in size.

7) Fundraising: The Board appointed a sub-committee to develop new and expanded legal avenues for fundraising and planned giving. Committee members have already assembled materials and done research in IRS law to create new options in this area. The new Executive Director will be involved in this large research effort.As part of this, criteria for appointment of Trustees to the US Chess Trust were discussed. (Note that three new Trustees may be appointed by the Executive Board during 2000. Suggested names would be appreciated.)

8) Strategic planning: Several initiatives have been underway to develop the long-range strategic plan of the USCF. As a major part of that, member services will be studied thouroughly with empirical data from membership/marketing surveys. It is anticipated that new kinds of membership options and categories will be presented to the Delegates for approval to reflect the changing world in which the USCF exists.The entire current schedule of membership types needs to be reviewed. At least one new kind of promotional membership, involving partnership with an internet provider, may be available soon to members.

9) Scholastic Chess: The Board reaffirmed the importance of an active scholastic chess committee to help coordinate activities and communicate the needs of the scholastic community to the Board. The importance of attendance at regular meetings around the nation was emphasized as a responsibility of scholastic committee members. Steps were taken to address the all-important issue of providing safe and secure playing conditions for young players. The certification standards for tournament directors, as included in the Official Rules of Chess, were amended to allow consideration af additional factors pertinent to safety issues.

10) ADM's from the Board: The Board discussed a number of advance Delegate motions that may be recommended by the Board after further discussion at the May meeting. One important area concerns the issue of standing Delegate and Board motions that remain in effect many years after passage, when they may be forgotten or outdated by changed circumstances. The Bylaws Committee will be asked to join with the Board in looking at this large policy question, possibly by including "sunset" provisions in most motions. ( Some standing Delegate motions, such as the Code of Ethics, would not have such "sunset" provisions.) The cost of inclusion of the rating list in Chess Life (mandated by the Delegates) will be brought to the Delegates for discussion, as will other high-cost services mandated by other standing Delegate motions.

11) The World Chess Hall of Fame: Board members were informed of the progress of the World Chess Hall of Fame and Sidney Samole Chess Museum, now under construction in Miami. The museum, which has the endorsement of the FIDE Presidential Board, is the product of sponsorship by Excalibur Electronics in association with the US Chess Trust. A picture of the beautiful new building, with an impressive large "Rook" entrance, can be seen on the website www.uschesshalloffame.com. The possibility of holding the US Championship at this site is under consideration.

12) Other issues: The Board considered a large number of other matters, which will be included in the official reports to be prepared in the coming weeks, and not discussed in this overview. Those additional topics included, among others: Review of tournament finances and bids; bidding procedures; conflict-of-interest definitions per the Board Standards; FIDE questions.

This report is intended to be a concise overview for the sake of prompt information to members, and is not intended to be exhaustive.