MESSAGE FROM JAY BAUM, CEO, ACBL, 12/17/04

Our ACBL Membership is up 1,760 members through November 2004 to 168,604. It's the highest figure since 1995. Tournament attendance this year is the highest in the history of the ACBL!!! By the time the last card is played in 2004, we will have recorded more than 460,000 tables....10,000 more than the previous high.

Our NABCs in 2004 recorded more than all but two other years......
42,947 tables in total. THE ORLANDO NABC HAD 14,642 TABLES.

We have made dramatic progress in increasing the retention rate for new Members. Two years ago, only 51% of new members renewed for the second year. Last year, the figure was 65%. THIS IS A GOOD TREND.

The Bulletin listed incorrect dates for the Fall 2006 NABC in Hawaii. The dates now confirmed are November 16 - 26, 2006. 
GET OUT THOSE HULA SKIRTS AND MAKE YOUR PLANS NOW.