Northeast Texas Coalition Tennis Association Officers Meeting July 15, 2024 Minutes
(Modified: July 16 2024)

​Present were: Clay H, Jill H, Judy, H, Edward K, Melinda R, Melissa W

1. 5:30 Meeting called to order: dinner, and catch-up 
2. 6:00 Discussion about adlut leagues timing. We started later this year to "beat the cold" and are having to pay for it now - "Playing in the Heat". Starting late also compresses the season toward the sectionals which make scheduling more difficult. 2025 Judy will move the leagues back to an earlier starting time. 
3. JTT: Melissa at one of her USTA meetings was approached by Neil Adams with questions about our JTT programs. Our JTT coordinator has established a successful career at Willowbrook and is not motivated to promote or run programs. Mark H., our CSC, is JTT coordinator for the Texas Section. If we want to "reestablish" JTT, starting with Mark (perhaps get him to attend an officer's meeting) might be a good start. 
4. Adult red ball discussion: Adult red ball was heavily featured and promoted at the CTA conference in Arkansas that Edward attended. Red ball is a beginner ball that makes tennis easier, therefore more fun, to learn. Because red ball is typically played between the service lines, it's also a way to transition Pickleball players into tennis. 
5. Review agenda, plan meeting, approve minutes of last meeting. 
6. Treasurer's report accepted as presented. (Income includes $3,500 in travel expenses for Ark. and N.Y)
7. Melissa continues to serve on USTA committees, semi-annual meeting coming up. 
   1. Dash, tennis coach at TJC, has moved on. Chris is busy filling the gap and still plans to run our Grow the Game, millennial and hispanic programs.
8. Hosting sectionals: We are hosting the 55 Mixed in November. We were asked to submit a formal bid for the coming years; Andrea contacted Edward. We have not yet heard about locations of sections 2025 and beyond. 
9. 6:24 Adult League report: 4.0 men down from 5 teams to 2 as Tyler teams are adverse to travel. Judy has and is considering a tournament format to address the traveling issue. Longview teams are strong. Women's teams are typical to strong. 
   1. Judy attends section Adult League Coordinator [ALC] meetings and hears about all the going ons across the state. Should she/we decide to run our own leagues, the ServeTennis platform is maturing and next year could be a platform to facilitate NETXCTA leagues. 
   2. Closing in on the Jackets for captains. Samples will be sent to the Hamils for approval. Then we pin down the sizes and exact logo and check our different vendors.
   3. Plenty of bag tags on hand this year (people are asking) Discussion about new tags for next year. 
10. Motion approved to give the $7,000 gift from Tyler Tennis and Swim [TTS] to Tyler Community Tennis Association in the form of a $10,000 endowment. We, NETXCTA will make up the difference. TCTA may use the interest for their general funds. The $10,000 Endowment will continue to honor TTS history and contributions to Tyler tennis. Mel and Edward will make this happen. 
11. Approve all informal votes since last meeting like:
    1. 5/23 $1,000 to TASC now for Kids attendance and Kids' Day at first Pro Event
       (possibly more money given documentation from TASC)
       and save $1,000 for second Pro Tournament
    2. 4/11 (1) Close Austin Bank account. (2) Move TCTA balances from Venmo and PayPal to checking account at Regions. (3) Close TCTA PNC checking and (4) open Schwab account for NETXCTA to gather interest on money currently in checking. 
12. Trainings attended
    1. 4/10 Edward: Parks and Rec: Energize your Board
    2. 5/8 Executive directors: (Atlanta runs a Corporate League & Corporate Tournament)
    3. 5/9 Joan Garry, The Leadership Lab, "How to have the Board of your Dreams"
    4. 5/16 CTA development 
    5. June 21-23 Tri-Section CTA leadership in Arkansas
13. other news: 6/23 Longview 7.0 55+ men's team Ivy was awarded the sportsmanship  award.  Nominated by players from other teams. Posted on USTA Texas Fb page
14. Next meeting is the annual general meeting to be held in October. 
15. Meeting Adjourned at 7:00 followed by more informal discussion