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The Entertainment Merchants Association |
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VSDA Board of Directors Meeting March 19, 2004 - Atlanta, Georgia
The VSDA Board of Directors discussed the following agenda topics and took the indicated actions at its March 19, 2004 meeting, held in Atlanta, Georgia. I. Ratification of Minutes The Board unanimously ratified the minutes from its November 14, 2003 meeting. II. Ratification of New Members Upon a motion duly made and seconded, the Board voted unanimously to accept 21 membership applications received between October 31, 2003 and March 1, 2004. III. Financial Report The Board reviewed the preliminary 2003 financial results, which showed a net gain of $371,000 on an accrual basis. The preliminary net gain exceeds budget by $362,000 and shows an improvement of $1.15 million over 2002. IV. HEE Issues The Board reviewed the final results of the three Home Entertainment Events shows in 2003. It was noted that each of the shows performed better than budget. President Andersen noted that Home Entertainment 2003 experienced increases over 2002 in attendee satisfaction as well as revenues, which demonstrates that the changes made to the show in recent years are beginning to produce positive results. It was reported that attendance at the 2004 AVN Adult Entertainment Expo was up over 2003 in all categories, and it is estimated that the show performed significantly better than budget. Exhibit sales for the 2005 show are very strong. Staff reported that preparations for VSDA's Home Entertainment 2004, including the opening ceremony, seminars, and social events, are well under way. Exhibit sales for the show, to be held at the Venetian Resort-Hotel-Casino in Las Vegas from July 14-16, are currently ahead of the same time last year The Board expressed support for holding the East Coast Video Show in Baltimore, Maryland this year and rebranding the show to reflect its broader product focus. V. Establishment of iGroup The Board received a report from the working group to create an organization of independent video retailers. The report recommended the establishment of an autonomous division within VSDA for independent video retailers, to be called the iGroup, with the mission to empower independent video retailers within VSDA to grow their businesses through networking, communication, education, and business tools. All independent video retailer members of VSDA would automatically enjoy the benefits of the iGroup and would be counted among its members. he proposed autonomous division would have a dedicated revenue stream derived from VSDA's revenue sources, including independent video retailer dues and trade show income. It would develop and be responsible for meeting its own budget and will have a dedicated staff. The iGroup would be governed by a Board of Trustees elected by the members of the iGroup. Upon a motion duly made and seconded, the Board voted unanimously to adopt a series of proposals that established the iGroup as an autonomous division within VSDA for independent video retailers. VI. Regional Leaders Meeting It was reported to the Board that the Chapter Advisory Committee had unanimously voted to request that the Board authorize non-budgeted funding of $14,000 to support Chapter Presidents' travel, lodging, and other expenses related to the 2004 Regional Leaders Meeting. Upon a motion duly made and seconded, the Board unanimously approved the request. VII. Digital Piracy The Board discussed the impact of digital piracy on the home video industry and VSDA's advocacy efforts in support of anti-piracy initiatives. The Board expressed support for continuing to make anti-piracy a major public policy priority. VIII. Media Violence The Board reviewed the Association's advocacy strategy on legislation to impose restrictions on depictions of violence in motion pictures and video games. IX. Coalition of Entertainment Retail Trade Associations The Board was apprised of the Association's involvement in the Coalition of Entertainment Retail Trade Associations, an ad hoc joint effort to improve information-sharing, consultation, and coordination among trade associations with missions similar to that of VSDA. Staff reported that initial activities are focused on leveraging government relations efforts and research activities. X. Other Issues The Board reviewed reports from on the Association's government affairs, public relations, and research activities, membership recruitment and retention efforts, and the VSDA Institute.
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