Society of Professional Journalists
Minnesota Pro Chapter
Board of Directors meeting
Jan. 16, 2008
Minnesota Public Radio offices, St. Paul
Jan. 16, 2008 Meeting Minutes (PDF)
Members present: Joan Gilbertson, president; Dave Beal, treasurer; Nicole Garrison-Sprenger, president-elect; Scott Theisen, secretary; Art Hughes, past president; Jane Kirtley, Don Davis, Karen Lundegaard, Amanda Lutz, Andy Tellijohn, Alyssa Ford and Jeff Achen, directors.
I. Treasurer’s report
Treasurer Beal reported that as of Jan. 13 the chapter had $17,084 in our savings account, $1,888 in checking and $10,712 in a CD for a total of $29,684. The January total is down from $32,644 in November. Costs for monthly events and reimbursements for national convention expenses account for the decline, which is typical for this time of year.
The CD at Wells Fargo matures on Jan. 28. The CD will most likely be renewed at Wells Fargo pending an interest rate check prior to the maturity date.
Monthly event expenses: Holiday party: $779; Hmong panel: $154.
Beal also reported a summary of income and expenses for the Page One contest from previous years as the board continues to plan for the possibility of declining entries in future contests.
II. Old business
Student chapters: Lutz reported that there are no longer any unresolved issues concerning reimbursement to students for the national convention.
III. Programs
On-Line program- Feb. 25 at MPR’s UBS Forum
Board members are continuing to work on a list of potential speakers that will field questions from the audience guided by a host.
A motion was made by Beal, seconded by Kirtley, to spend up to $1,000 for the travel expenses of program guest speaker Dan Gilmor who is flying in from Arizona. The estimated expenses are: $375 for roundtrip airfare, $300 for a hotel room (two nights), $100 for meals and $75 for ground transportation. The estimated total is $850. The motion passed 11-0.
Options for providing refreshments at the program were discussed and will be decided on during the February meeting.
Regional Conference
Panels: Hughes will gather the information and send out an e-mail to board members concerning the development of panels at the conference. Gilbertson will talk with Bauer about the programming committee working on panel assignments.
Fundraising: Gilbertson reported that e-mail solicitations for donations will be sent out.
IV. Page One
The board has learned that the Star Tribune will offer a financial donation, but will not be paying for entry fees, leaving contest submissions up to individual employees. The Newspaper Guild sent out a message encouraging journalists to submit entries on their own.
A new subcommittee consisting of Hughes, Lutz, Beal, Ford, Lundegaard and Tellijohn will work on making changes to the contest to adapt it to the changes in the media industry.
V. Other Business
Gilbertson reported that National President-Elect Dave Aeikens is looking for board members willing to help start chapters in North and South Dakota.
Gilbertson also reported that the Minnesota Coalition on Government Information is accepting nominations for their annual Freedom of Information award. They are also looking for letters of support to nominate John Finnegan to the FOI Hall of Fame. Hughes will draft a letter to be approved by the board. The MnCOGI board is also interested in having a MnSPJ board member act as a liaison between our organizations.
The next meeting is set for Feb. 18 at 6:30 p.m. at WCCO-TV offices in Minneapolis.
The board adjourned on a motion by Theisen, seconded by Garrison-Sprenger.