Attending

Kent Flanagan

Milt Capps

Frank Gibson

David Eason

Sharon Fitzgerald

Jennifer Peebles

Pat Embry

Sandy Dickerson

Amy Smith

OTHER BOARD MEETINGS

Minutes of the Feb. 15, 2001 board meeting

Held at 11:30 a.m. at the Brentwood bureau office of Associated Press.

Kent Flanagan opened the meeting.

Minutes of December 1, 2000 meeting presented and approved.

Milt Capps said that RSVP response is slow for the February 22 meeting. Frank Gibson said that he would spread the word at The Tennessean.

Flanagan asked that a hold be put on finances until accounts are squared. He asked for a quarterly statement in April.

Flanagan asked if any board member present would be attending the Regional Writers/Editors Workshops in New Orleans less than a month away. He said that he would attend if no one else could go. An update would be provided at the April meeting.

David Eason announced the Monday evening, April 9, 7:30 p.m. death-penalty panel and reception at MTSU that will also serve as a membership meeting. Panel participants will be Ken Armstrong, Chicago Tribune; Mike Tolson, Houston Chronicle; Sara Rimer, The New York Times; and Frank Green, Richmond Times-Dispatch. They will provide an analysis of the death penalty system. Time of reception being worked out, because it may conflict with a reception held by former Vice President Al Gore.

Pat Embry suggested Steve Earle as a panelist.

Capps asked if Gore’s reception will be for the faculty. Eason replied that he had no information on that yet.

Eason presented another idea for the program that would involve people in Tennessee who have written about death penalty cases. He would find a role for them at the program and invite them to sit up front. Embry suggested conducting this portion in a “Oprah” format.

Flanagan asked board members their thoughts on having no March program as the Regional meeting is in March. Gibson responded by suggesting the chapter put its energy in the April program.

Discussion held on having program featuring Gov. Sundquist. Embry suggested a breakfast that is unscripted, rather than a speech presentation in which the governor could respond to how he feels the administration should be covered. Suggested location of Legislative Plaza. Amy Smith offered the third floor training center of Dye Van Mol. Discussion was held on location and available dates. Gibson suggested that Amy Smith look into per-person price for catering, and that the week of March 19 be a possible time for the meeting.

Flanagan said that additional board members are needed to represent broadcast and that he needs a list of lapsed members to review for potential broadcast members. Flanagan proposed that the local Chapter dues be decreased to $10 from the current $15 per year. Need to make dues more affordable to build membership. The $10 dues amount is the norm for chapters in our region. Capps made motion; Embry seconded; vote held in favor; Flanagan moved to pass. Capps made motion that the Chapter consider $50 dues for local associate members, such as vendors and former journalists; Gibson questioned if this would cover local associates; Capps withdrew his motion to obtain more information and then present at the next meeting. Gibson added that some SPJ members are past journalists and don’t have a vote. Flanagan said that he is not against promoting “associate” membership among trades and that the Chapter should be able to accommodate those who are interested.

Flanagan said, that in regard to the Regional meeting, he will pay his own way, but that the Chapter should pay for delegate to attend the National Convention. Gibson noted that in the past, the Chapter paid for part of the National Convention attendee expenses.

Flanagan brought up discussion on Gridiron and said that he needs to meet with a volunteer soon to get process started. Discussion held on whether a team can be assembled. Flanagan said that a feasibility study should be conducted to determine the format of the show, where and when to be held. Capps said that the Board should decide if the monetary benefits, goodwill and prestige are important to the Chapter to continue the Gridiron and then put together a business plan. Flanagan added that times have changed, and a venue needs to be found to hold the event without “breaking the bank.” Embry remarked that if the goal is to get more working journalists involved, then the Chapter needs to pursue this. Lee Farrah at Dye Van Mol has records and archives that show the Chapter typically makes about 15 percent after backing out expenses. Flanagan replied that obviously Embry needs to be involved in brainstorming Gridiron, and that Pat Nolan and Les Kerr would probably be available to work on the creative portion.

Flanagan suggested establishing committee of interested parties to determine interest in resurrecting Gridiron. Gibson made motion to make decision before July 1. Capps seconded. Board agreed. Both Gibson and Capps volunteered to serve on committee.

Flanagan asked if other issues need to be discussed, including the annual golf tournament handled by Duren Cheek. He asked for a motion to continue with the tournament. Gibson made the motion to continue; Capps seconded. Board in favor.

Sharon Fitzgerald said that she often gets comments about our choice of venues for meetings. Flanagan asked that inquiries and suggestions for future venues be sent to him.

Minutes will continue to be distributed via email, posting on the website and hard copies.

Flanagan entertained a motion to adjourn, which was made, seconded and passed.

Posted May 6, 2001