Jim-

Your idea, which we discussed at the Convention seems to have generated more constructive suggestions than I have seen in a long time. Thanks for "sticking your neck out" and starting the thought process.

To me this idea could be a great starting point for a lot of good things.

I too would like to see a study group formed to look at the long range goals of the Club and see if this idea can be accomplished. It certainly is a long process to get to your ultimate goal but many good things can happen along the way. First it gets the Club to start looking at revenue sources, many of which most of us have never considered. There are many possibilities to make this work. An alliance with UNLV(or some other educational institution), an affiliation with a chip manufacturer, or possibly an affiliation with some other museum. We don't have to start with our own free standing building. It could be something as simple as getting Paulson or other manufacturer to lease (donate) us space to start acquiring a collection and build from there.

I know the current Board has given thought to ways to make it tax advantageous for members to donate all or part of their collection to the Club. It could range from major donated collections put on permanent or rotating display. It could also encompass something as simple as me deciding I no longer want to collect a certain area (such as Riverboats...sorry Jim) and I donate them to the Club for the tax writeoff rather than selling them on Ebay. The Club could dispose of the chips and use that money for the building fund, to acquire records, maintain current space or any number of other purposes.

The worse thing that can happen if we pursue this idea is we get a better look at the potential revenue sources available to the Club, set some goals, and hopefully achieve some financial independence.

It's nice to think we could get a benefactor to donate a large sum of money to get things started but it won't work that way. The Club has to raise some substantial funds to show we are serious and responsible. At that point we go looking for the "whales" to help us reach our goal. As I expressed to you at the Convention I am glad to help in any way.

I do think we owe it to the members who are not online to survey their opinions. This can be achieved simply enough. I don't know whether the Club is better off doing a preliminary proposal and presenting to the membership as a whole or whether we survey the membership first. If we can do some preliminary work at no cost to the Club I see no reason why we can't pursue the proposal first. Jim, I am 100% behind taking the first step and seeing where it leads us.

Your new marriage sure has made you smarter. This may be the first good idea you ever had <VBG>. Should we talk about Winnemucca?

Wayne