Dec 12 2005 board meeting minutes

Dec. 12, 2005, board meeting minutes

Present: Paul Kostyu, Brian Ball, Dave Richter, Chuck Nelson, Robin Hepler, Jennifer Davis, Marty Rozenman, Gary Kiefer, Sarah Bacha

Financials: Dave Richter presented the monthly financial summary showing a balance of $1650.67 in the checking account, with no receipts or payments since the 11/15/05 report.

Programming: Brian Ball reported Jim Drew of the Toledo Blade is unable to present the planned winter program. Other options are a proposed program podcasting coordinated by Chuck Nelson and a diversity program featuring OSU author.

Additionally, the new Kiplinger fellows have arrived in Columbus and the board agreed to host a reception. Brian reported the Columbus Metropolitan Club has asked the chapter to participate in a March primer on the May primary election.

Brian will confirm dates for all four proposed programs and send a notice to members as soon as possible prior to the next board meeting.

Tim Harrower seminar: Joe Meyer will contact Joe Wessels of the Cincinnati chapter to confirm dates for the April regional meeting and then will set a date for the seminar so it does not conflict.

Thursdays at Thurber: The board agreed to schedule the event again for January 12, and called for all members to “bring a friend” to the event.

Founders Day: Paul agreed to ask Neil Clark and Paul Tipps to present a program on the upcoming governor’s race. Paul will coordinate with Brian on the event details. A final vote on the options will be held at the January meeting.

E-mail blasts: A general discussion was held on the accuracy of the current e-mail lists. Options for updating the lists will be discussed at a later meeting.

Web site: Per last month’s discussion, a new host service is needed for the site. Chuck reported The Dispatch was not a fall back option and that he had secured a vendor that was within the budget approved at the November meeting. The board agreed to move the web site. Chuck reported the new hosting firm also will offer e-mail services for the board and members.

2006 SPJ awards banquet: This is supposed to be Columbus’ year to host the event, but a one-time opportunity for a free venue is being offered by the National Freedom Center museum in Cincinnati, which will be celebrating Freedom of the Press as its theme in ’06. Paul moved that the board approve switching the order to have Cincinnati host the event in 2006, with Columbus hosting in 2007. Dave Richter seconded the motion, and it was approved unanimously.

Board nominations: Five members’ terms expire in 2006. Jennifer Monnin, Sarah Bacha and Kirk Richards are eligible to run again. Chuck Nelson and Marty Rozenman are not eligible to run again. Anyone with suggestions for new nominees should contact Jennifer Davis, who agreed to chair nominations. Recommendations will be reviewed at the January board meeting.

Adjourn: Paul moved to adjourn the meeting, and Chuck added the second.

Note: Minutes from November’s meeting were not reviewed at the December meeting.