seltzer@lebeef.DEC (02/26/85)
I've been pursuing the possibility of getting Digital to support organized chess. The idea is that chess, compared to other sporting activities, has very little corporate support, and that Digital could benefit from promotional tie-ins, being associated with chess. Dave Simler from Corporate Advertising, met with Warren Pinches and Tom Zuppa from the Massachusetts Chess Association (MACA) before Christmas. The idea has been on hold since then. Now Dave suggests that the best starting point in developing a relationship between Digital and chess would be through Corporate Contributions. That might mean equipment discounts (MACA could use a DECmate) and possibly cash grants to support their educational programs. Eventually, I'd hope Digital might sponsor tournaments, perhaps a major international one. But to justify contributions, to get the thing rolling, they need to know how many Digital employees belong to MACA or have family members who belong (and how many family members). (It might also be helpful to know how many belong to the USCF or FIDE.) They only need about 100 to qualify. Are you an employee of Digital and do you or members of your family belong to those organizations? Perhaps MACA will end up asking the question in a form to be included in an upcoming issue of Chess Horizons. (I've still got to talk to Warren and Tom about this). Meanwhile, I'd appreciate it if you could ask the people on your chess distribution list If so, please contact me at LEBEEF::SELTZER. Thanks for your help. Richard Seltzer DTN 251-1305 CF02-3/K23 .