It is without a doubt the finest event ACBL produces. ACBL President, Glenn Smith, hosted a reception after the event and everything was a huge success. The ABA is planning on a joint game at the National in April in Reno and we are planning another joint game in Birmingham. The intent is to represent the interests of the US bridge players with the US Olympic Federation. Attendance is up at Regionals, Sectionals, and STaC's.
Individual tournaments appear to be slightly smaller, but there are more events being held.
The Finance Committee has requested management to bring a break-even budget for 2001 to Birmingham. Sponsoring organizations are strongly encouraged to adopt this policy. Starting in 2001, the opening night Charity Game will be renamed the Education Foundation game, with the proceed going to the ACBL Education Foundation, rather than the ACBL Charity Foundation. This will increase the funds available to support teaching programs and promote growth in our game. Clubs throughout North American will continue to raise funds for charity.