By regular members, I mean those that receive a magazine. If memory serves me correctly, we have just under 1600 total members (1580 or so); of those, we have 250 or so Associate Members, 235 or so Life Members & 1100 or so "Regular" Members (so approximately 1335 "full" members that get a magazine). The members that I noted we lose annually includes Associate Members and is only an approximation. I don't know how you or anyone else can project how many members we will lose per year, because year to year that number fluctuates. In late 2007 / early 2008, we lost over 150 members & haven't lost that many per year since. (When did the economy tank?) Some members return after being gone for a couple of years...you just can't tell as life gets in the way of collecting sometimes.

Do I see the downward spiral getting worse to the ultimate demise of the club itself? No, because this hobby has a core that I believe will always collect casino chips & will always belong to this club. If I was not a Life Member, I would be a member 'til the good Lord took me. This club has lots of those types. I have no idea what the number of "core" members are, but we will always be there . Is it the chips? Is it the people that I have met who are now some of my best friends? Yes to both. There are many long-time members that have sold their collections yet thankfully continue to remain as members. Sometimes, it's not just the chips.

Now -- semantics: to me, an issue is something that needs to be addressed while a problem is something that needs to be solved. Declining membership cannot be solved because collecting involves human nature & we can't control that, but it can be addressed. The club's BoD has, does and will continue to address this issue utilizing our thoughts as well as through the suggestions of our members. Can we resolve the issue? That is difficult to determine, but this BoD and I'm certain future BoDs will continue to search for resolution.

I am one member & my opinion is just that -- mine. I don't speak for the membership, nor do I speak for the BoD. If the membership or BoD agrees to follow yours or others suggestions, I will do what I can to help. Thanks again.

Steve B