1. My aunt and uncle took me to LV in 1948.(He was a agent/manger for some entertainer who worked at the Flamingo) I was 11 yrs. old, and we stayed at the Flamingo. All I remember is that the actor William Bendix, taught me how to swim in the Flamingo pool.

2. In the late 50's I went to LV with buddies, went to downtown casinos and played BJ with silver dollars. We were broke and hocked a spare tire and rim for $4.00 to buy gas .25 cents a gal. to get home in So. Calif.

3. Kay and I got married in 1960, went to LV on our honeymoon, stayed at the Hacienda, saw Ann Margret in a good show. Can't remember anything else I can post
.
4. Went with neighbor couple 3-4 times a year from 1961-1980's, Would bring home some chips just because I thought they were good for memories.

5. Moved to San Clement, Ca. in 1990's was a coin collector, and met Charlie Rogers at a coin show, he was responsible for introducing me to chip
collecting.. Spent many hours with him buying his Published guide on Calif. chips, Learning so much about collecting coins and chips. He was responsible for getting me interested in collecting chips.

6. On trips to LV in the 90's I began taking a close look at the chips I was playing with, and would wonder how much money was won or last with the chips in my hand. Who had touched these chips famous people movie stars, and just regular people like myself. It was a romantic fantasy I liked. Also, I noticed the beauty of some chips, the design,colors, and started taking home my favorites.

7.In the early 2000's I was at the Ramada Express in Laughlin, saw some good looking chips in a BJ dealer tray, no one was playing I asked to purchase a couple, he spent 5 mins. looking for the best condition and sold them to me off the table. He then asked if I was a member of the chip club, I said no, was thinking about joining, he said right now a club convention was going on at the Tropicana in LV. Suggested I check it out. I went couldn't stop buying stuff and joined the club.

My thoughts on our club 2015

1. I love the South Point, and think it is great for our club, for reasons many members have stated. If we moved not sure I would attend.

2. Everyone knows we need to increase membership, many good ideas have been posted. I wonder why some members do not renew membership, other than death,medical, or financial trouble. If we had a exit poll for those who just quit, maybe we could get a common reason and correct the problem. (maybe not possible?)

3. Our magazine is award winning, and a very good read for many who are not in club, if we could somehow get the Magazine in public places, gaming stores, poker rooms, ect. I'm sure the great history of casinos,and great chip stories, would educate and peek interest in joining our club. I know it is expensive, but could be a good sales tool.

4.Our members could be encourage to campaign for new members. Giving flyers, a few chips, to friend and neighbors,when in casinos and porker rooms, just asked if they have heard about our chip collecting club. Have apps. to pass out.

5. When I found our club, I though I was the only one who collected these things. Our club might be a secrete to many potential members.

6. Sales pitch should not be for a investment to make money. It should be for the enjoyment of organizing, researching,and displaying their collection. Chips are easy to obtain, casinos now all over the US,cruise ships, and the world. Many collectors live in different states, and picking up local chips can be fun. trading to collectors in other areas.Great way to grow a new collectors collection.

7. One last opinion, Talking about club members in a positive way, will educate other members about what people have done for our club. I don't think that to Criticize,Complain, or Condemn anyone true or not, is not a good approach. New potential members might be turned off to joining or staying in our club.

Just some ideas, some have been discussed before, but I care about our club, and maybe a couple of my ideas could be improved, and help find new members. Fred Lamb LM-5294-117