CALL TO ORDER: 7:45 p.m.
Attending: Julie Asher, Ann Augherton, Bob Becker, Paul Byers, Amy Fickling, Sue Kopen Katcef, Bill McCloskey, Willie Schatz, Andy Schotz, Steve Taylor, Robert Webb
Absent: Dan Kubiske(excused)
President Schotz welcomed the member guests: Tim Ebner, a former Fordham University student now working in the DC area, and Ben Shlesinger, formerly of the University of Maryland Chapter.
APPROVAL OF JANUARY MINUTES: unanimous as distributed
TREASURER’S REPORT: Amy Fickling distributed a report showing:
As of 1/31 there was $13,434 in the Chevy Chase Bank account (including more than $352 of Region 2 funds—exact amount pending) and $36,195 in the ING account.
The Helen Thomas Stipend has been paid to the University of Maryland Chapter
Deposits and expenses for the Gillman luncheon have been settled.
Checks to the SDX foundation scholarship fund (portion of member dues) and a $210 deposit to the Arlington Holiday Inn for the Regional Conference luncheon March 28 are pending.
PRESIDENT’S REPORT: Andy Schotz reported:
Entries in the High School Essay Contest are being directed to the Chapter’s mailbox with a March 4 deadline. Several contacts have been made to stimulate interest and entries, including one with the Washington Association of Black Journalists.
He also presented a Membership Records Update, explaining that National’s policy is to assign members to the chapter based on Zip Codes. A discussion followed on how that policy was adopted as well as the issue of making sure members get discounts when attending chapter events.
VICE PRESIDENT’S REPORT: Julie Asher reported:
A Social Networking workshop at Marymount University on January 24 was a success with 17 people in attendance. It provided options for a related session, possibly including Twitter, at the Regional Conference in late March.
A possible venue for future programs is the Chicago Tribune Conference Room at 13th & F Sts, NW.
Other program ideas:
— A luncheon session on the Presidential Debates is still pending
— A luncheon session with the Washington Post’s new Ombudsman is in the works for
March or April
— An informal discussion with Jesse Holland, who wrote about the history of slavery in
building DC, is in the works as is a possible session with Richard Norton Smith who
has written about Civil War Journalists.
DATELINE AWARDS: Andy Schotz reported:
Brooke Kenny has sent 205 pitch letters for entries—and received 7 entries.
Again this year, we are swapping contest judging duties with the Conn. Pro Chapter
DATELINE BUDGET: Stories for February issue (assigned to writers in parentheses):
Region 2 conference update(Augherton), Social networking program(Schotz w/photo(s) by Asher), Dateline Awards reminder(Schotz), Announcement of Hall of Fame/DSA honorees (Taylor), Presidential debate program(Asher), Essay contest reminder(Schotz), National awards notice(Schotz), Call for election nominations(Webb), Call for SDX scholarship applications (Stuart)
REGIONAL DIRECTOR’S REPORT: Ann Augherton repoted:
Planning for the 2009 Region 2 conference is underway. It will be held March 28 at the Ballston Center of Marymount University with the Mark of Excellence Luncheon across the street at the Holiday Inn. A block of rooms has been set aside for out-of-towners.
The attendance fee will be set in the near future.
It was suggested that a keynoter with youth appeal as needed.
Possible topics for conference sessions include: Freelancing, Convergence, Social
Networks, What’s Hot in News, Mid-Career Options, Holding Positions, Ethics, FOI,
Policies of the New Administration, Sports, Critique Session and possible silent auction.
A deadline of February 10th has been set for a rough draft of the panel schedule.
The University of Maryland Chapter will handle the mailing.
HALL OF FAME DINNER: Bill McCloskey reported:
Planning is in a quiet period, awaiting nominations. He will be working with Byers on the Invitation Design
OLD BUSINESS:
Steve Taylor reported that five Hall of Fame nominees have been contacted—three have accepted and two are still considering.
Bob Webb reported that he is accepting nominations for the upcoming board election. Both of the guests in attendance have expressed interest. Board members were asked to inform him if they are interested in running—the deadline is March 15.
NEW BUSINESS:
Dan Kubiske has researched available SPJ web domain names. Bob Becker reported that his hosting service charges between $60 and $100—he will confer with Dan.
The possibility of establishing a regional fund to defray expenses was discussed. It would rely on billing chapters for a regional services fee.
There being no additional business the President adjourned the meeting at 9:35 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted
Paul H. Byers
Recording Secretary