Day one. It has been a long Day. Started with Budget Review meeting. US Figure Skating expects to come within budget based on their revenue expense projection. It has taken this long to recover from the major loss of revenue that resulted after the ABC TV contracted ended. The Association is still in search of ways to cut cost where it can. It looks like Rulebook will be available only online, but in a new PDF format that would allow individuals and clubs to print them in exact same way as the print version that we used to get. It will save a ton of money. However, those who are tech savvy can always save the electronic version on their iPads, laptops and smart phones for quick access. Exhibit "D" dose not seem to get a whole lot of support, but the jury is still out on whether or not it will pass or be voted down. But even if voted down, future GC will have to cost a whole lot less than they do now. There is a plan B to ensure the cost cutting project. Questions were raised about the "New Software" project. Answers were not clear as to what do we have on hand after $400 K was spent. But we were promised to have clear answers within the next 4-5 weeks. Recruiting and Development: Not much was learned there. All sorts of ideas on how to improve recruiting prospective judges and their training, but nothing new was said there. Critical Issues was a an exciting meeting with hotly debated items on hand. The hottest issue was once again Exhibit "D" and the subsequent notion of meeting very other year in person, and every other year over the internet. Again, we have to wait to see how the vote will go on that. How and Why Competition was a very informative meeting. Basic Skills competitions and how successful it has been was discussed. Followed by a fantastic Interclub Grand Prix idea where skaters gain points at various local competitions, and the ones with top points will be invited to compete at a Local Grand Prix. Solo Dance and its success discussed. Round Tables were as usual very informative. I spent my time at ASC, Test and Dance Committee tables discussing various issues. All in all it was a productive day. Lynn, Lisa, Jean and myself were all attending various seminars, but we had the chance to meet in between to exchange notes and ideas. In the meantime Susan who had missed her flight yesterday finally arrived after a long arduous trip. She quickly recovered and was ready to join the team. Another report will come your way tomorrow. ...Kianoosh