Jan 8 2007 board member minutes

Jan. 8, 2007, board meeting minutes

Attendance: Ball, Beathard, Davis, Hepler, Hoke, Jasper, Kiefer, Kostyu, Lorz, Monnin, Richards, Richter

Guest: Bruce Cadwallader

President Brian Ball called the meeting to order at 12:05 p.m.

Minutes: The board approved a motion by Paul Kostyu, seconded by Debra Jasper, to accept the minutes from the December 2006 meeting that secretary Kirk D. Richards prepared.

Treasurer: David Richter reported that there was no change in the finances from the previous report.

Programming: We are having a tour of WOSU at COSI and meeting this year’s Kiplinger class. So far, 27 have reserved a place at the event. Many are board members.

Chapter retirement: After 50 years with the chapter, former president Joe McKnight has decided that he will not renew his membership with SPJ.

Mike Lorz suggested that the chapter do something to recognize Joe’s many years of dedicated service to the organization. Mike further suggested that we invite all past presidents to an event as a way to “show a little respect for our roots.”

Membership: Jennifer Monnin distributed a packet with the names of members and a separate, larger packet with the names of about 1,000 potential members in central Ohio. She said the plan is to do targeted mailings to retain members and add new ones.

It was noted that we don’t have anyone with The Associated Press as a member of our chapter.

Debra said some public-relations professionals at Ohio State have expressed an interest in joining.

Gary Kiefer noted that there are some past presidents who have remained in town but are no longer members of the chapter.

Founders Day: Paul said that newly elected Gov. Ted Strickland has confirmed that he will speak to our gathering on May 24. The chapter expects to hold the event at the OSU golf course again.

Ohio SPJ: Bruce Cadwallader expressed his enthusiasm in serving as chapter consultant on this effort.

Bruce noted that the Jack Nicklaus Museum would not work because it can handle only 90 people and we’re expecting 200-250 for the statewide awards event.

Bruce said he has asked the Greater Columbus Convention Center, COSI and the River Club to provide estimates on how much it would cost to hold the event at any of those locations.

Bruce said that Sept. 15 could work well as a date given that OSU’s football game that Saturday against Washington is on the road.

Bruce said he will bring the board more information on prices for other venues.

Annual awards: Jane Beathard volunteered to help Brian identify candidates for the annual Appreciation, Distinguished Service, First Amendment and Brick Wall awards.

Paul said the Supreme Court deserves a second straight brick for its obstruction.

Scholarships: The board was reminded that candidates for scholarships still must be identified from OSU and Ohio University.

Public records: Paul reported that House Bill 9 passed, which he described as not being a great bill but one that is better than what had been on the books; it requires training of public figures in public-records rules.

Adjournment: The board approved a motion by Paul, seconded by Jennifer Monnin, to adjourn at 12:45 p.m.