January was excellent for Oregon ACE ­ our President, Claude DaCorsi was among those invited to an OLCC Business Partners Summit all day January 14.

Among the developments:

1. The OLCC is now willing to listen to criticisms of its practices, from those who suffer from them first hand. (The jury is still out on whether that listening will turn in to improvements.)

2. The OLCC has not just irritated and perplexed the adult industry ­ the meeting featured all manner of OLCC licensees who are equally pissed off at a variety of OLCC enforcement and compliance practices. The list of grievances would exceed our available space.

3. OLCC director Teresa Kaiser is clearly committed to improving relations with licensees, and seems to be bringing her senior staff along with her. Regulatory director Linda Ignowski was particularly polite, professional, and open to hearing the concerns being voiced ­ a very good sign. Only time will tell if the new and improved OLCC is really new or improved.

But we should know soon ­ by the time you read this, ACE have met with select OLCC staff to go over adult-industry specific enforcement issues. We are insisting that it should be black-and-white as to what an adult entertainer can and cannot do in an OLCC licensed venue ­ no more tickets for behavior you were told was acceptable. (Big thanks to Mystique Knight for volunteering to be an ACE representative at this crucial meeting.)

We should have something to talk about at the February ACE meeting ­ don't miss it! We'll give you a full update. ACE members will get a written summary of the results, so join today.

Fundraising ­ Our first ACE fundraiser of 2004 will likely by at Dante's on a Tuesday night in late February or early March. Then look for a series of monthly (or more frequent) events. Want to host one at your club? You give ACE the door, and ACE will promote the event, books acts, and pack the place. Your increased bar and food revenue will more than offset the door fee you give to ACE, plus that gift is a tax deductible contribution to your trade association (check with your tax advisor to be certain). These fundraisers help pay the ACE lawyers who keep us all in business.

BONUS: the first fundraiser will have a Voter Registration and Information table, and we'll be inviting candidates and their campaigns. Find out which candidates are supportive of free expression and the free market, and be sure to vote for the ones that support your right to enjoy ­ or make a living in ­ a safe, legal adult industry.

Dues ­ All ACE members, your annual dues are due. You now have the option to pay in monthly installments ­ contact us at or.ace@verizon.net to set this up, and we'll bill you each month. Your membership entitles you to incredible discounts on the products and services you're buying anyway ­ you'll save far more than your dues payments cost!

Come to the next ACE meeting on February 10th at 4 pm.