Attending: Board Members Julie Asher, Ann Augherton, Bob Becker, Paul Byers, Amy Fickling, Sue Kopen Katcef, Bill McCloskey, Willie Schatz, Andy Schotz, Steve Taylor, Robert Webb and Chapter Members Tim Ebner and Ben Shlesinger.
Absent: Dan Kubiske (excused)
Vice President Asher called the meeting to order at 7:33 p.m. President Schotz assumed the chair at 7:38 p.m.
APPROVAL OF APRIL MINUTES: unanimous as revised
TREASURER’S REPORT: Amy Fickling reported:
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As of 4/30 there was $23,193 in the Chevy Chase Bank operating funds account (including $6,677 in Region 2 funds) and $36,329 in the ING savings account.
Reserve funds in Capital One CD totaled $18,098 as of 5/12
Checks totaling $1,442 to Marymount University, Ann Augherton and the SDX foundation are pending
PRESIDENT’S REPORT: Andy Schotz reported:
- The winners in the national High School Essay Contest were from Florida, Connecticut and Washington state. The local contest winner from Waldorf has been invited, with an escort, to the June 9th dinner.
- The Ethics Town Hall meeting Towson University in Towson, Md. on April 28 was attended by 70 people, mostly students.
- The program with The Washington Post’s new Ombudsman on May 4 at the McClatchy bureau drew 30 people. It was described as excellent with a good debate and Q & A.
- The Chapter’s Annual Report has been filed with national, meeting the deadline. It will be necessary to do an audit after the new board is installed.
VICE PRESIDENT’S REPORT: Julie Asher reported:
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She thanked Willie Schatz and Amy Fickling for their assistance in organizing the successful Ombudsman program.She thanked Tim Ebner for coordinating the networking happy hour on April 28th at the Front Page on Dupont Circle which drew about 30 people. The food cost was $125. It was agreed that because of the success of this event similar sessions should be held on a regular basis starting in the fall.
Sue Kopen Katcef is looking into the possibility of setting up a program in the fall on U.S. Senator Cardin’s bill allowing for non-profit status for newspapers.
Other program ideas under consideration for the summer include a trip to the Bowie Baysox or Nationals game and a picnic/theater party.
REGIONAL DIRECTOR’S REPORT: Ann Augherton reported:
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The Maryland and North Carolina Professional Chapters failed to file timely annual reports.
Brian Eckert is expected to be the new Region 2 Director.
HALL OF FAME DINNER: Bill McCloskey reported:
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Some 440 invitations have been mailed, with a May 30 reservation deadline
The plaque for the Distinguished Service Award has been ordered
Paul Byers will work with Amy Fickling on the award certificates
Steve Taylor will prepare the script for Jim Bohannon (including the SPJ Centennial proclamation) and arrange the logistics for Bob Schieffer’s band.
As previously agreed, there will be no special table rate
It was agreed that a publicity plan needs to be developed for future dinners, including the use of web sites like dcrtv.com
DATELINE AWARDS: Andy Schotz reported:
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Despite the May 1 judging deadline given to the Connecticut Professional Chapter, eight categories remain to be finalized. Brooke Kenny has been dealing with that issue and has also been notifying finalists.
The Central Ohio Chapter has requested assistance in judging 15 print and 8-10 TV categories. Perhaps we should consider exchanging judging with them next year.
DATELINE: Andy Schotz reported the April issue is on line and in the mail.
OLD BUSINESS:
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Dan Kubiske has set up balloting for the chapter board election using Survey Monkey. The members receiving the printed version of Dateline will receive mail ballots.
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It was agreed that the controversy about the Veterans Administration’s handling of a WAMU reporter’s recorder is a dead issue at this point.
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Dan Kubiske will be asked to coordinate video and twitter coverage of the HOF dinner.
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President Schotz noted that the Chapter should be entitled to 7 delegates to the 2009 Convention in late August. He will advise when he has confirmed the final count.
NEW BUSINESS:
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Bill McCloskey reported that the SDX Foundation Board is planning a birthday luncheon in the fall marking Austin Kiplinger’s 90th birthday. Since he has offered a $10,000 match for scholarship fund donations, the event will be a command performance for our board. Details will be circulated when known. Bill also reported that there were only seven entries in the scholarship competition this year which resulted in three winners, including one from UDC. They will be honored at a luncheon.
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At the national board meeting it was decided that the 2010 National Convention will be held in late September at Planet Hollywood in Las Vegas. The event will run Sunday through Tuesday. Teaming with other professional organizations such as RTNDA for future annual conventions is being explored. It was decided to continue requiring chapters to file annual reports. In a discussion about Executive Director Terry Harper’s health, it was noted that his deputy Joe Skeel has stepped up to handle day-to-day operations. Darcy Lunsford from the South Florida Chapter is running for national Secretary/Treasurer in the election to be held at the national convention.
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The Washington Times has offered to provide a venue for future chapter events.
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A lobbying effort in support of a national Shield Law will be mounted on Capitol Hill July 13-14. Interested board members are invited to participate.
There being no additional business, the President adjourned the meeting at 9:02 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
- Paul H. Byers
- Recording Secretary