Who are 2007 Chapter officers? We want to be sure we are communicating with the right people.

• President - include name, member number, address, phone & email
• VP, Secretary, Treasurer, Editor - Include name, member number & email (will pick up balance of information from the Annual Report.

Email that information, if you've not already done so, to central-office@UsaDance.org as soon as possible.

Please be absolutely certain the email and phone numbers listed for officers are current. Email addresses, particularly, often change and since that is a primary mode of communication with chapters, an outdated address means information doesn't reach the proper person.

We have a new on-line system for submitting Annual Reports that should be easier to use and complete. Since this system is new to all of us this year, you may find it helpful to visit the website listed below to review and/or print a copy of the new form. Take it to your next board meeting or consult with other officers to be certain you have required information available before you actually begin the report.

There are some changes in questions this year so be sure to use the new form. The Annual Report should be submitted by 2/28/07.

IMPORTANT - Once you have completed and submitted the on-line report, you are not able to go back and modify your responses.

We would prefer chapters utilize this new on-line format. However, if your Chapter cannot do so, there is a hard copy version of the new report available in the document library. See link to that version under "quick links" at bottom of this email. You can download, complete and mail to Central Office as in the past at P O Box 152988, Cape Coral FL 33915-2988. (Numbers on questions begin with #9 to match our on-line system - you're not missing a page :-)

If you have questions about Annual Reports, just give me a call at 800-447-9047 or email central- office@UsaDance.org

Information on the Financial Report due by 3/31/07 will be sent out in early January.

Here is a summary of ideas submitted in response to last months "Best Practices" question - How do you ensure everyone gets a chance to enjoy the dancing at chapter events?

• Line dances either alone or simultaneously with general dancing if your space allows
• Dance hosts - both men & women depending upon need
• Ladies Choice
• Mixers - include several during an event
• Allow dance instructors free admission
• Actively contacting men with dance skills in the community and encouraging them to attend chapter functions - entice with free admission
• In scheduling events, consider conflicts that may reduce the number of men attending, i.e. major sports events, hunting season, etc.
• Contact local singles clubs to encourage more solo dancers to attend

Thanks to Marcia Barney of Piedmont NC # 6019, Trudy Atkins of Carolina Heartland # 6092, Laurel Lemke from Tacoma WA # 1023, Patti MacDonald from Royal Palm FL # 6016, Bobbi Jo Gamache, RVP- Reg 2, for taking the time to share.

How does your Chapter encourage regular member attendance at events? Do most of your members attend each dance? Share your best ideas with other chapters. Send your responses to

• Mary - USA Dance Central Office
• central-office@UsaDance.org

We'll include them in the next newsletter.

Len Moss of Stardust Dance Productions is interested in placing paid ads in chapter newsletters to promote their weekend dance events. If your Chapter produces a newsletter and would be interested in more information on this potential revenue source, contact him at

• stardust@pronetisp.net
• 800-537-6797
• P O Box 157
• Woodbourne NY 12788

Mark your calendar. The America's Ballroom Challenge (Ohio Star Ball) will air nationally starting in January 2007 on PBS. Schedule shows one hour segments to be aired at 8 PM on 1/24/07, 1/31/07, 2/7/07, 2/14/07 and 2/21/07. Check your local PBS listings to be sure of date and time.

Keep in mind members and guests of USA Dance come from all walks of life. They hold many differing political and religious beliefs. In order to provide a welcoming environment for all participants, discussions of a political or religious nature are discouraged and chapter resources may not be used to promote any particular political or religious belief.

email: central-office@usadance.org

phone: 800-447-9047

web: http://www.UsaDance.org