Fellow VCF Members:

My name is Mike Hoffpauir.  It is my privilege to serve as your President for 2008-2009. 

I’d like to layout my priorities for 2008-09, but before doing that I want to tell you a little about myself. 

Some of you know me, but most probably don’t.  I grew up in south-Louisiana in “Katrina-land” … dodging hurricanes and pushing pawns.  I served for 28 years in the U.S. Army, starting my “second career” in 2005.  I have been extremely active in Chess since 2000, mostly in Scholastics as a Tournament Director and organizer … but, thanks to the mentorship of Mike Atkins and Ernie Schlich, I have become more active in events other than Scholastics such as the VA Closed and the Millenium Chess Festival.  I am very greatful to Mike and Ernie for their tutelage, they are superb TDs, as all of you know.

Now, about my priorities.  For my year as VCF President I have two primary goals with which I seek your support:  ensuring our Federation continues to serve you through top quality tournaments and a periodic Newsletter, and working with you to grow “the next generation” of chess players across the Commonwealth. 

The first priority – top quality tournaments and a Newsletter – are easy.  Between Mike Atkins, Ernie Schlich, Rob Getty, and myself we’ll continue hosting events that all of you want to play in.  And I know that Macon Shibut, editor of our Newsletter for more than 15 years, will continue to crank out a rich product filled with his expert analyses from which we can all learn.

The second priority – growing the next generation of Caissa lovers – is a greater challenge.  I believe we should focus efforts on the K-8 age group.  Most of us picked up our beloved game when we were that age.  We learned from our parents, siblings, from a friend, or at school … but the majority of us started pushing pawns when we were young.  So, how do I intend to focus on K-8?  By applying VCF resources – our membership (you) and some financial assistance. 

In my first 3 months as President, or no later than the 1^st of December 2008, I will work with the Board to establish “formal procedures” whereby schools and chess youth groups in the state can ask for assistance (financial assistance) from the VCF to start new clubs, to improve existing clubs, and to create opportunities for young players to participate in tournaments at the local, state, and National levels.  Once we get that process established I will direct that it be published in our Newsletter.

The Board cannot accomplish these goals alone, we need your assistance.  Whether you volunteer to organize a local event, help or lead a local club or school, write an article for the VCR Newsletter, or just play in our tournaments – the VCF cannot get there without your help. 

I look forward to working with all of you throughout the next year.

Yours in chess,

Mike Hoffpauir
Senior Tournament Director
VCF President