Board Meeting

Saturday, 4 December, 2004

The Writers' Place

 

Members present:  Fivecoat-Campbell, McQuire, Nelson, LaMartina, Douglas, Steignman, Ortega, Carter, Shockely

 

Minutes of previous board meeting approved.

 

Membership Report – Jeff Doublas

            The Press Club gained 20 members during the October membership drive. Total membership now stands at 79.  Douglas predicted a membership of 100 after the Bloomberg ethics forum.  One of the goals of the event is to boost membership.

 

Happy Hour Events - ?

            Concerns about the future of the events:

                        Choice of speaker – Some members are not happy with the idea of having speakers at the Happy Hour events.

                        Management change at the Bull Dog

                        Attendance – Steve Chamraz at KCTV has emailed broadcasters to encourage attendance.

            Guest at December 16th Happy Hour will be Loren Halifax, WDAF-TV anchor.  The event will be at the Bull Dog.

 

Luncheon Events for Freelancers – Fivecoat-Campbell

            About 30 attended the last event.

            Next event is also for Freelancers, featuring Deborah Shouse, 11:45-1:00 p.m. On 10 February.

 

Treasurer's Report – Jerry LaMartina

            Current account balance is $3100.

            The account for Region 7 has been closed.

            There's been little financial activity in the last month.

 

Newsletter – Donna McGuire

            Investigating the possibility of email distribution rather than a printed newsletter.

            Will continue printed newsletter in December.

 

Web site – Dick Nelson

            Nothing to report.  It is current.

 

Non-Profit Status – Jerry LaMartina               

            Working on tax-exempt status through the IRS.

National Convention Report – Donna McGuire

            Between 800 and 1000 people attended the national convention

            Complete report is in the latest Quill.

            Attended sessions on FOI, ethics, membership, narrative writing (How accurate? Does it allow fabriation? Some top editors are backing off this form).

 

UMKC fact-finding - ?

            Report is complete

            SPJ sent a copy to all parties involved.

           

Barton County Community College – Jeff Douglas

            Newspaper advisor has filed a lawsuit against the college.

            SPJ is investigating her dismissal

 

Bloomberg Event – Jeff Douglas

            Bloomberg and SPJ are providing funds for printing and mailing brochures

            Costs:  $10 for members and students, $20 for non-members.  On-site registration $15 and $25 respectively.

 

Heart of America Awards – Donna McGuire

            Bob Edwards has agreed to be the speaker, but cannot do it on 11 June.

            Report on options for venue and prices.

 

Meeting adjourned.