Dear USCF Electors,

Thank you for this opportunity to discuss my views and suggestions for the future success of the United States Chess Federation.

Obviously, the USCF is at a critical juncture. How the newly elected board steers the course will determine our financial future and quite possibly our survival as a vital organization.

I have identified the following issues that must be addressed:

1. Financial Responsibility
2. Online Play
3. Cost of TLA's
4. Membership Service

1. Financial Responsibility

I am greatly encouraged that for the first time in many years USCF operations will be in the black instead of a loss of over $400,000 (last year's loss). This is an indication that the policies adopted by the office and the Board are working. The USCF debt to the LMA is too high. Borrowing now from the LMA fund is probably our only choice. However, as a Board member, I would insist that repayments be done consistently on a monthly basis. The LMA represents a debt we must honor. I would not consider a dues increase at this time. Such an increase would be counterproductive. Instead, I would look for other means of attracting new members and winning the old ones back.

As a member of the Board, I would continue cutting the cost of governance. I would recommend that the Board meetings be held in New Windsor saving traveling costs. I am aware that the stenographer cost averages about $3,000 per meeting. I favor eliminating an outside stenographer and assigning this task to office personnel. Every expenditure has to result in a benefit to the USCF. I would recommend that a report for every major expenditure be included in the binfo system. I strongly recommend the need to estimate the cost of any changes and determine from where the money will come before the changes are implemented. Emphasis must be on collecting accounts receivable. Most importantly, the USCF must work to recapture its credit standing and reputation.

 

2. Online Play

Although a subcommittee of the Internet/Computer Committee has aggressively addressed the issue of Spyware, there are still members who are reluctant to play online. The information reported by the technical committee must continue to be made available to our members.

3. Cost of TLA's

There is no doubt that the TLA policy has to be revisited. Small affiliates have been drastically impacted by the policy. Traditionally, USCF membership comes from the work of the small organizers and affiliates. As a member of the Board, I would suggest a rate based on the amount of the tournament's prize fund. Large events with large prize funds and fees should be charged accordingly.

4.  
5. Membership Service

Last but not least is the quality of our membership service. The office staff should have excellent customer service skills and resolve membership problems immediately. A membership organization must provide a prompt response and resolution of membership complaints.

We must seek methods to perform all office operations more efficiently. I would recommend a professional systems analysis of all the work processes. This information would be necessary for the future upgrade of the computer system. In fact, I challenge all USCF electors to contribute to a special fund to upgrade our computer system as soon as possible. I will contribute $500 to kick off the effort. Please bring your contribution to the US Open!

Development of more effective and professional marketing skills must be a top priority of the USCF. This especially applies to USChess Live where the potential for increased membership is the greatest. By offering high profile events such as grandmaster and celebrity matches, we can appeal to more adult members.

Scholastic chess is extremely important to me. I serve on the Scholastic Council and believe that the USCF should do everything possible to increase scholastic members and retain the current ones. Currently, the average student stays in the USC only two years! Establishing chess programs in after school programs should be a high priority of the USCF. I also believe that the USCF office and board members can network better with scholastic organizers around the country. Regular articles about scholastic matters should appear in School Mates. In fact, I would like to see the Scholastic Council divide the country into regions and assign members of the Scholastic Council as liaisons with scholastic leaders in every region. These young chess players clearly represent the future of our organization.

Promoting even more chess is my only agenda. This summer I have been very busy doing just this. These are some of the projects I have been doing:

1. Organizing the sixth annual Governor's Cup in Sioux Falls, SD, which will be held September 21-23.
2. Contacting the South Dakota Department of Tourism about organizing a 2002 Chessathon at Mount Rushmore in the beautiful Black Hills.
3. Recruiting a chairperson and contacting the Rapid City Convention Center and Visitors Bureau to promote the Chessathon. I have tentatively named the event "Great Faces, Great Moves."
4. Organizing a summer scholastic program to meet every Friday afternoon for ten weeks.
5. Contacting the organizer of the Festival of Cultures to host a chess booth in the Kids World of the festival.
6. Arranging for our only SD chess master to conduct a training session for the local Parks and Recreation summer staff for basic chess instruction.
7. Promoting increased attendance at our team tournament by making innumerable calls throughout the state.

I am independent. I am not affiliated with any group. I am a new face with new ideas to help improve the USCF. If I am elected to the Board, all my enthusiasm, organizing skills, and fund-raising connections will be available to the USCF. I will devote my efforts to promoting the USCF and chess participation throughout the country. That is my commitment to you.

Thank you for your consideration of my candidacy.

DE KNUDSON