I want to express my appreciation for the many years of support Regions Bank gave checkers.  I speak on behalf of American Checker Association (ACF) and North Carolina Checker Association (NCCA).  I know you are a corporate supporter from the Strawberry Festival Link but particularly to our checker tournament event. You supported us financially and also were a gracious host by providing us our playing room in the Humboldt Main Street Regions Bank's conference room on the 2nd floor.

I recall over the years how we would start planning to attend, either individually with family or a car load of players.  The group of NC checker players would drive out to Humboldt, TN so we could enjoy the Annual West Tennessee Strawberry Festival and play in the two day checker tournament.  This was an excellent family event along with the beauty pageants, the parades with floats and HS bands, locally and from surrounding towns. Music, fireworks, the horse show, 5K & 10K runs, many event contests, and carnival vendors lining the streets making it a fun festival attraction for all.

There was always the bank's poster display about Regions Bank's support for checkers since 1945 in the banks foyer and also in the playing room.  This link is to one of several displays on NCCA's site saved over the years as different tournament directors took on the job of organizing the tournament.  Jim Guthrie may have been one of the first, followed by Hugh Burton, and lately Larry Keen.

It possibly wasn't promotionally publicized, but this checker tournament drew the World's Checker Champion, Alex Moiseyev 8 consecutive years, 2014 through 2006. 

It saddens me we won't be a part of the 78th Annual West Tennessee Strawberry Festival, but we are truly grateful for the many years you did support checkers.  Please pass the word around Regions so those involved know our feelings and appreciation.

Hopefully we will can start planning a checker contest for next year's Strawberry Festival.  If you can give us some direction or advice, that too would be appreciated.

Sincerely,