The 2003 Michigan Open was placed in Kalamazoo this year. Part of the reason is the MCA tries to use some diversification in locating its tournaments, and our state championship event has not been located on the west side of the state in a long time. But our biggest reason was the opportunity to place the Michigan Open at perhaps the most attractive site ever for this event. The Radisson Plaza Hotel is a classy luxury hotel that the whole family can enjoy. Go to the trouble of traveling a little further than usual for chess over Labor Day weekend and treat yourself to a wonderful experience.