Oct 13 2008 board meeting minutes

October 13, 2008, board meeting minutes

Attendance: Jennifer Monnin, Robin Hepler, Julanne Hohbach, Chuck Nelson, Jane Beathard, Mike Lorz, Katy Waters, Kevin Kemper, Sharon West, Jonathan Peters, Sarah Mills Bacha

President Jennifer Monnin called the meeting to order at noon. A quorum was present.

Minutes of the Sept. 8 meeting were approved.

Treasurer Sarah Mills Bacha provided an updated report and said she has transferred $1,000 from the PayPal account to the Fifth Third Bank’s checking account, leaving a balance of $324.71 in PayPal. The balance in the checking account is $2,392.91, with a bill for the recent Law & Media Conference yet to be paid. Bacha has not received a statement on the Vanguard investment account since Dave Richter is still receiving those.

Committee reports:

Kevin Kemper said the upcoming diversity program in conjunction with the Columbus Metropolitan Club is set for noon on Oct. 22 at the Athletic Club. Theme of the discussion will be “Race, Gender and Presidential Politics.” Panelists will be Ann Fisher (Dispatch), Mike Thompson and Reggie Fields (Plain Dealer) who are covering the election. Kemper asked board members to submit questions for the panel to consider.

Attendance at the event will be $17 for Metropolitan Club members, $27 for non-members and $35 for the general public. Mike Lorz moved that SPJ pick up the $10 price difference for any chapter members who attend the event. The motion passed unanimously.

Old Business:

Lorz said the statewide SPJ award ceremony is set for Oct. 18 at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland. He also noted that the awards categories in next year’s competition will be more extensive and include political commentary.

Monnin said the chapter is hosting the SPJ Region 5 Conference next year. It is tentatively scheduled for April 4-5 with an emphasis on the “new media” associated with the Worldwide Web.

It was suggested that keynoters be Debra Jasper and Connie Schultz in a lively conversation regarding “new media vs. old media.” The two hold differing opinions on the subject. The chapter is looking for sponsorships for the event. Katy Waters had numerous suggestions for sponsors. Anyone with an additional suggestion should contact Waters. Monnin said she will set up a conference call in the near future to further plan the regional meeting.

New Business:

Monnin presented a letter from Janessa Castle, president of the Ohio State SPJ Chapter. The letter introduced the chapter’s executive board and outlined some objectives for this school year.

Monnin also announced that the Central Ohio SPJ has archival material stored in former board member Paul Kostyu’s basement. Kostyu wants the items removed. Lorz said he would contact Otterbein University and Lou Fabro regarding storage.

Monnin also announced that Joe Meyer’s son was recently the victim of a hit-and-run driver and is currently recovering from his injuries.

The meeting adjourned at 12:40 p.m.