MCA Annual Membership Meeting began shortly after 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 5, 2004 with 34 people in attendance. Missing board members Peter Nixon and Ed Laurin, were out of town. MCA President, Tim Sawmiller, presented a plaque from MCA to Jennifer Skidmore in recognition for her outstanding contributions to scholastic chess.

Tim Sawmiller, who is also the MCA Membership Secretary, reported that their had been in increase in life members by 2. This is the highest level in 10 years.

The Treasurer report, submitted by Bradley Rogers, reflected the financial success of our scholastic tournaments. This accounted for nearly two-thirds of MCA revenues and cash flow. The year end overall cash flow was increased nearly 100% over the prior fiscal year.

Significant expenditure reductions were another contributing factor to our positive cash flow. This was a result of hard negotiations for low site fees at MCA tournaments.

MCA board members were happy to hear in the treasurer report that the Life Membership, Kellner and Michigan Junior College Scholarship funds are fully funded. Sadly, our parent organization, USCF (United States Chess Federation) is nearly bankrupt from bad financial management.

MCA Board still has hard work ahead to hold its financial gain. Expenses for the next year are mounting as site fees increase and magazine costs have consistently increased over $2,000 year to year. This year the same increase is expected.

MCA memberships for the 2004-year reflect a total of 1,508 members: Regular 283, Participating Jr. 685, Junior 357, Senior 49, Institutions 72, Complimentary 21, Life 36, Honorary Life 5. The membership challenge for the year ahead is maintaining the adult membership. Every year it has slowly decreased, while the scholastic membership continues to rise.

Jeff Aldrich, MCA Magazine Editor, reported the financial benefit of having an out-of-state Ad Manager. This decision is expected to add to MCA revenue by defraying cost of the magazine.

Scholastic Chairperson, Jennifer Skidmore, reported that MI Denker representative: Aaron Kahn, and MI Polgar representative: Ashley Carter each performed well in their events that were held during the World Open Championship in Florida. MCA made a donation of $250 to each player to help defray travel expenses. The USCF also made a donation to each player upon completion of the tournament in the amount of $l00 for travel expenses.

The Michigan Junior Championship for 2005 will be held at the same location as in 2004 -- East Grand Rapids Middle School. There was a written ballot held during the meeting to select Elected Members to serve a two-year term on the MCA Board for 2004-2005. Jennifer Skidmore and Ed Mandell were re-elected. Jeff Aldrich was voted in to fill the vacancy from Tony West, who chose not to run again.

MCA Executive Board Meeting at All the King's Men Chess Store, located inside Universal Mall in Warren, Michigan was held on September 19, 2004. All elected board members were present.

Treasurer, Bradley Rogers, submitted a financial report from the Michigan Open held during the Labor Day Weekend in September 2004. The end result was a financial loss (-$251.70).

Jeff Aldrich, TD for the Michigan Class Championship, reported that the change of date to January 15-16, 2005, should prevent conflict with other Michigan tournaments. Due to this change it is hoped that this will encourage higher attendance and result with a positive finish financially.

Jennifer Skidmore presented the standards of qualifications that the Polger Representative of Michigan must meet. After discussion it was presented for the boards approval. The qualifications are:

1. The invitation should only be awarded to a Michigan resident who is a current MCA and USCF member as determined by the criteria below.
2. If an eligible player wins the Michigan Women’s Championship in the calendar year immediately preceding the Polgar event, this girl will be the Michigan representative to the Polgar event.
3. In the event that the winner of the Michigan Women’s Championship is ineligible or unable to attend, in order of finish, the female finishers with plus scores in the Michigan Junior Championship, immediately preceding the Polgar event will be the official Michigan representative.
4. In the event that an appropriate candidate cannot be selected by either of the two criteria above, the rating at the time of the February supplement immediately preceding the Polgar event will be used to determine the highest rated eligible female player in Michigan and the invitation to the tournament will be awarded to this individual, and other individuals in rated order until a candidate is found.
5. In the event that the winner of the Michigan Junior is a female and she wishes to attend the Denker, the Polgar invitation will default to the next eligible female as determined by these criteria..

President, Tim Sawmiller, presented names for Board Appointed Members to fill current vacancies: Harold Steen, Tom Mazuchowski, and Henry Thomas. The appointment was approved by board members.

Respectfully submitted,
Kathryn Moroney, MCA Recording Secretary