District Director's Report
December 2008 ( Rich DeMartino)

Boston NABC

We did it! The reviews are in; the Boston NABC has clearly earned a five-star rating. Players commented that this NABC is one of the best and most enjoyable NABCs they ever attended.

Following are a few of the highlights:

• The evening hospitality was superb. The selections were all great and included lobster rolls, chili, New England clam chowder, and ice cream sundaes. Generous hospitality was also available each day for the I/N and Senior players and coffee and pastries were provided to the players each morning.

• The I/N program was absolutely sensational. 1,220 players participated with a total table count of 924 tables. There were numerous lectures done for the players, at least one of which was attended by about 150 eager participants. Many of the nearby teachers helped considerably by encouraging their students to come and join the fun. The table count for the first Friday through Monday was a whopping 531 tables, an amazing average of 133 tables per day. Congratulations to all who helped achieve this incredible result.

• The volunteer dinner at the Summer Shack was fabulous with an open bar, raw bar, lobster, steak, and a wonderful dessert buffet. Several Board members commented that this dinner was the best they ever attended. There were 116 attendees, all of whom had a terrific time.

• Excellent tours were offered each day except the first Friday and Thanksgiving Day. 244 players participated on these tours (a great turnout) and thoroughly enjoyed themselves. On the Board spouse tours, 15 participated on Monday and 18 on Tuesday and all commented on how great the tours were.

• An outstanding hospitality suite was available to our volunteers each day for breakfast and lunch. The suite was great for the volunteers and promoted good will and camaraderie.

• Committee Chairs and their committees did an outstanding job on all of the following: Board Gift Bags (the gift bags were extremely well done and were among the best ever); Caddies (plenty, well-mannered and trained); Information (this centrally-located desk always seemed to be open and was well-utilized all day); Partnerships (a difficult job, very well done); Publicity and Promotion (truly outstanding); Registration and Prizes (great gifts and a well-manned desk); Restaurant Guide (an excellent guide was prepared which was also published on the website); State Days (a great idea, very popular with the players); Transportation (excellent pre-tournament information was provided for auto, rail, and parking); and, Volunteers (sufficient and well-organized);

• 5,109 players participated from 43 countries and all the states except Utah and Wyoming.

• A detailed budget was prepared with numerous financial controls that were strictly followed. Although all expenses are not finalized, the expectation is that we will end up at or below budget, a great result. The overall table count was 10,636 tables, about 10% lower than pre-tournament estimates. Most believe the lower table count is due solely to the financial crisis.

On behalf of the ACBL Board of Directors, the District Board and all the players who enjoyed this wonderful NABC, I want to express our sincere thanks and appreciation to NABC Chairs Kathy Benjamin and Frank Lombardo, our excellent Committee Heads and all the volunteers who gave their time so willingly to make this NABC the huge success that it was. There aren't sufficient words to convey what a super job you all did and how proud I am to be your District Director.

Top Ten Finishers in NABC Events - District 25

LM OPEN PAIRS

LM WOMEN'S PAIRS

WOMENS BAM TEAMS

SENIOR KO TEAMS

BLUE RIBBON PAIRS

MINI-BLUE RIBBON PAIRS

NORTH AMERICAN SWISS TEAMS

Highlights of ACBL Board Meeting

CEO Report

      Tables      Factor

    0  -   500    $4.35 x #Tables
  500  -  1000    $4.10 x #Tables over  500 +  2,175
 1000  -  2000    $3.75 x #Tables over 1000 +  4,225
 2000  -  4000    $3.30 x #Tables over 2000 +  7,975
 4000+            $3.00 x #Tables over 4000 + 14,575