 |
|
|
|||
 |
|||||
|
|||||
 |
|||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Entertainment Merchant Association |
|||||
|
Summary of Proceedings VSDA Board of Directors Meeting April 7, 2006 - Los Angeles, California The VSDA Board of Directors discussed the following agenda topics and took the indicated actions at its April 7, 2006 meeting, held in Los Angeles, California. I. Merger with IEMA The Board unanimously approved a motion to merge the Association with the Interactive Entertainment Merchants Association. It was noted that VSDA and IEMA are in close strategic alignment, a merger will create a more effective and relevant organization, a consolidation will lead to efficiencies in operation, and the merger is consistent with the Association's strategic plan. II. Membership Staff reported on the results of a recent membership satisfaction survey. The survey found that responding members are most satisfied with the Association's government affairs, communications, and ratings education and enforcement programs. The Board voted unanimously to accept 20 membership applications received between October 7, 2005 and March 24, 2006. The Association currently has more than 1,100 members, compared to 860 at the same time last year. III. Financial Report The Board was informed that net income for the first two months of the year was approximately $50,000 better than budget. It was noted that interest income and joint venture income were both better than budget. IV. HEE Issues Staff reported that it is anticipated that all major studios will once again be participating in the annual VSDA's Home Entertainment convention, to be held July 11-13 at The Venetian Resort Hotel Casino in Las Vegas. A studio convention committee has been convened to assist in developing show content. In conjunction with the show, the Independent Dealers of Entertainment Association will present a half-day indieFest for independent video retailers on July 10. It was noted the 2006 AVN Adult Entertainment Expo showed growth in both attendance and revenue. A total of approximately 30,000 retailers, exhibitors, fans, and others attended the show. Approximately 320 companies exhibited at the Expo. V. Retail Advisory Committee The Board was advised of the discussions of the Retail Advisory Committee with representatives the home video divisions of the studios regarding their technologies and plans for high definition DVD launch. VI. Video Game Litigation The Board received an update on current video game legislation and the status of lawsuits challenging video game restrictions in California, Illinois, and Michigan. The Board was apprised of the results of the recent Federal Trade Commission "mystery shop" report and its finding of a continuation of the sharp positive trend in the number of stores enforcing the ESRB ratings and using informational signs. The Board discussed the need to encourage retailers to continue to increase their ratings education and enforcement activities. VII. Independent Dealers of Entertainment Association Frank Lucca, Executive Director of the Independent Dealers of Entertainment Association (iDEA), provided an update of iDEA’s membership retention efforts and enhancements to its offerings for members. VIII. Ratification of Minutes The Board unanimously ratified the minutes from its October 21, 2005 meeting. IX. Other Issues The Board received reports on the Association’s anti-piracy public service announcement contest, Entertainment Ratings & Labeling Awareness Month endeavors, government affairs activities, supply chain initiatives, DRM issues related to high-definition DVDs, and video theft updates. The Board was also provided with reviews of the Association’s government affairs and public relations activities in 2005. ### |
|||||