Joe Hachem joins Board of the World Poker Association

Added: (Thu May 17 2007)

Pressbox (Press Release) - Joe Hachem, the popular Australian poker pro who won the 2005 World Series of Poker will serve on the World Poker Association�s Board of Directors and as an officer (Secretary). Hachem will be the organization�s face during a major membership drive to be held during the 2007 World Series of Poker.

Since winning the World Series of Poker, Hachem has become a force in tournament poker in the United States, Europe, and his native Australia, with victories and high money finishes on three continents. �I�m both pleased and honored to be chosen to serve on the World Poker Association Board of Directors,� Hachem said today. �I strongly support the WPA�s efforts to promote ethics and integrity in poker, and am happy to take a leadership role with them.�

The World Poker Association announced last week that it plans a major membership drive during the 2007 World Series of Poker, and a highly visible booth just steps from the main entrance of the WSOP tournament area. �I want to help the World Poker Association grow its membership,� Hachem said, �and that means I will be manning the booth from time to time and so will many of my fellow professional players.�

Hachem added, �If you want autographs; if you want to talk poker with me and other top-notch professionals, come visit us at the World Poker Association booth. It will give you a chance to join the only organization with a clear priority of promoting professionalism in poker, and pick up some poker tips too.�

Each member of the WPA is pledged to uphold and support the highest standards of ethical conduct in tournament poker activities. All voting members have a voice in WPA policy by becoming active on WPA committees and they are encouraged to inquire about openings on committees such as:

Ethics and Conduct / Annual Conference / International / Dealer Relations
Rules / Government Relations / Charity

Prospective members of the World Poker Association can join by registering online at www.wpapoker.org, or by signing up at the WPA booth at the 2007 WSOP The cost is $50 annually to become a voting member, $25 annually to become a non-voting member, and $1,000 to become a founding member.

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The World Poker Association was formed by professional poker player Jesse Jones in 2005 and is overseen by an elected board of directors which includes:

Jesse Jones (Chairman) Wendeen Eolis (Vice �Chairman) Joe Hachem (Secretary) Harry Thomas (Treasurer)
Chirs Bigler, Warren Karp, Lou Krieger, Marcel Luske, Annie Van Bebber

Media Contact: Geoff Campion - geoffc@wpapoker.org - 212-439-0900