Minutes

Board of Directors Meeting

19 February 2007

The following members of the board were present: Donna McGuire, president; Jerry LaMartina, treasurer; Dick Nelson, secretary; Steven Steigman, Mary Rupert.

Steigman moved acceptance of the minutes of the previous meeting. LaMartina seconded. Approved on voice vote.

Secretary's report – none.

Treasurers report.

LaMartina reported that the club has a balance of more than $4400.

Awards Committee Report.

McGuire presented the report from C.J. Janovy, awards committee chairman. (See attached.)

Nelson reported that entries from the Indianapolis chapter, which our chapter is judging, are in the hands of the judges.

McGuire presented options for the awards banquet menu. Nelson moved that the we offer the Chicken Regiano as the the entry. Steigman seconded. Approved on voice vote.

McGuire reported that she has asked SPJ national for help in resolving an issue of censorship of the student newspaper at the University of Missouri-Rolla. The student government reportedly voted to cut funding for the newspaper as reprisal for the paper's editorial positions and the university administration approved the cuts. McGuire reported that the editor had tried to contact national, but had not gotten a reply. She said she had called a campus representative who suggested contacting Terry Harper, executive director, but her email to him had bounced back, so she will try again.

McGuire reported that organizers of a silent auction at the national convention have requested that we supply a basket of regional items for sale.

McGuire asked the board to make suggestions for new board members for the election coming up in June.

McGuire advised the board that the SPJ Leadership Institute is coming up. If Jack Ventimiglia, as incoming president, chooses not to got, she suggested offering the opportunite to Jeff Douglas. The board agreed informally.

Ethics Forum

McGuire said she had touched base with the Jackson County Sheriff as one panelist representing law enforcement, and is looking fgor others. Nelson said he would check on getting someone from KU. Steve Kaut is checking with TV people, and Steigman said he would check with Steve Kraske to see if he would moderate. The board agreed without a vote that the Writer's Place would be a good venue. Tentative dates for the forum at April 21 or 28 (Saturday) or April 23 (Monday).

Steigman moved adjournment. LaMartina seconded. Adjourned on voice vote.