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MINUTES
MEETING OF THE HOUSE OF DELEGATES
SOCIETY OF PROFESSIONAL JOURNALISTS
SEPTEMBER 22, 2012
FT. LAUDERDALE , FLA

MEETING CALLED TO ORDER

With President John Ensslin presiding, the meeting of the house of delegates of the Society of Professional Journalists was called to order at 4:35 p.m. on Tuesday, September 22, 2012, at the Harbor View Marriot, in conjunction with the Society’s annual convention at the Excellence in Journalism conference.

YEAR IN REVIEW

Ensslin gave a brief year in review of initiatives completed in the past year.

RULES OF THE CONVENTION

Bylaws Committee Chairman Robert Becker read the rules of the convention and voting procedures for delegates.

CONVENTION RESOLUTIONS

Resolutions Committee Chairman Gordon “Mac” McKerral introduced the 7 resolutions for delegates’ consideration.

A motion was put forth by Patti Cross, Bluegrass Pro Chapter, and seconded by Howard Dubin, Chicago Headline Club, to vote for all resolutions in a single block.

Upon proper motion and second by Dave Carlson, North Florida Pro Chapter, and Lauren Bartlett, Los Angeles Pro Chapter, respectively, the house of delegates agreed to remove Resolutions 4 and 7 from the block.

Upon proper motion and second by Lauren Bartlett, Los Angeles Pro Chapter, and Don Meyers, Utah Headliners, respectively, the house of delegates agreed to remove Resolution 5 from the block.

McKerral read the proposed resolutions still in the block (1, 2, 3, 6).

Upon proper motion (as amended), the house of delegates approved resolution 1, 2, 3, and 6 by voice vote.

RESOLUTION 4 - Steve Geimann

Upon proper motion and second by Bill McCloskey, Washington D.C. Pro Chapter, and Lauren Bartlett, Los Angeles Pro Chapter, respectively, the house of delegates passed by voice vote Resolution 4, thanking outgoing Sigma Delta Chi Foundation President Steve Geimann.

RESOLUTION 5 - FERPA

Upon proper motion by Bill McCloskey, Washington D.C. Pro Chapter, and Don Meyers, Utah Headliners, the house of delegates approved by voice vote Resolution 5 concerning the U.S. law known as FERPA.

RESOLUTION 7 - Chapter Finances

Carl Corry, Press Club of Long Island, motioned to approve Resolution 7 concerning chapter finances. Rebecca Baker, New York Deadline Club, seconded.

A discussion was opened about the resolution.

Mark Pitch, Madison Pro Chapter, asked if this would be a board policy or a recommendation by the board and later approved by delegates.

Mac McKerral reminded delegates that the resolution, which is not binding, was to encourage and recommend to the board to adopt a policy.

Jodi Mozder, Connecticut Pro Chapter, expressed concern about the broadness of the resolution and the possibility of local autonomy being taken away.

Carl Corry said that in the spirit of what we do as journalists, we should be as open as possible.

Lauren Bartlett said she supports the idea but is concerned about the broadness of the language.

Linda Peterson, Utah Headliners, noted that as journalists we must abide by the same rules and standards to which we hold others.

Kym Fox asked that President Ensslin explain recent action by the board of directors on this topic of chapter finances.

Ensslin explained the board directive to the board to establish and adopt best practices for monitoring chapter finances.

David Carlson, North Florida Pro Chapter, proposed an amendment to the resolution to clarify some language. Rebecca Baker seconded. The amended language concerning treasurer's records being open to public review passed by voice vote and was added to the resolution being considered.

David Sheets, St. Louis Pro Chapter, said that this language and resolution wouldn't have prevented what happened in the Oklahoma Chapter this year, which is the root of this discussion and resolution.

CALL THE QUESTION

Alex Tarquinio, New York Deadline Club, motioned to call the question, ending discussion and opening a vote. Sue Stevens, Chicago Headline Club, seconded. The motion to call the question passed by voice vote.

Vote On Resolution 7

Regarding the original motion on the floor for Resolution 7 (as amended), the house of delegates rejected Resolution 7 by a vote of 52 in favor, 61 opposed.

ELECTION RESULTS

President Ensslin announced the results of the board elections, the first in SPJ's history open to a one member, one vote system. He reported that 830 votes were cast, comprising 11 percent of the membership.

Election Results:
President Elect: Dave Cuillier
Secretary Treasurer: Dana Neuts
Campus Adviser At-Large: Kym Fox
Director At-Large: Carl Corry
Campus Representatives (2): Meg Wagner and Mary Kenny
Region 1: Rebecca Baker
Region 4: Patty Gallagher
Region 5: Sue Stevens
Region 7: David Sheets
Region 8: Eddye Gallagher
Region 9: Don Meyers

SWEARING IN NEW OFFICERS

Newly elected officers and board members were sworn in by President Ensslin.

CIRCLE OF EXCELLENCE AWARDS

Ensslin presented the Circle of Excellence Awards to large and small chapters.

ADJOURNMENT

Upon proper motion and second by Sue Kopen-Katcef, Maryland Pro Chapter, and Lauren Bartlett, Los Angeles Pro, the house of delegates voted to adjourn the meeting at 5:58 p.m.