Attending

Kent Flanagan

Frank Gibson

Milt Capps

Bill Lewis

Gary Cunningham

Jennifer Peebles

Pat Embry

Sandy Dickerson

Amy Smith

Absent

David Eason

Sharon Fitzgerald

Clint Brewer

Held at noon in a conference room at The Tennessean

Kent Flanagan called the meeting to order.

Hard copies of the minutes of the July 12, 2001 meeting were distributed and reviewed. Jennifer Peebles made the motion to accept the minutes. Milt Capps seconded. A vote was held, and the minutes were accepted.

Hard copies of the financial report were distributed. Discussion was held. Frank Gibson made the motion for Jennifer Peebles not reimburse the Chapter for travel expenses to the national convention, although she did not attend because of the proximity of the convention date to the September 11 terrorist actions. Motion seconded. Vote determined to "let it ride."

The expense of the chapter's purchase of the Media Guide to Tennessee's Legal System was deducted from the Gridiron account as an educational item. Kent Flanagan reported that AP sent copies of the Media Guide to every broadcast station and daily in the state. Dave Green of The Tennessean wants 60 copies of the Media Guide. Discussion held on the guides being sent to student newspapers. Kent pointed out that chapter needs to effectively distribute the remaining 100 guides.

Discussion held on using the guides as a recruitment tool. Frank Gibson suggested handing new members a copy when they join. He also suggested that Jennifer Peebles include on the chapter's website that the Guides are available.

Kent Flanagan added that it is becoming more difficult to gain access to public information and that SPJ should lead the way with an open letter to high profile journalists in the state and include a Media Guide copy. The letter should point out that SPJ needs their support and participation, otherwise SPJ won't be a viable organization. Police and court reporters, particularly, should join. He asked for other suggestions. Kent said that while SPJ doesn't want to become known as a radical element, it should fight for the public’s First Amendment rights. He said that AP used to send a survey to all state managing editors asking about problems encountered in gaining access to meetings, etc. The pendulum is swinging, he noted, and that the survey may need to be repeated. An open audit could be conducted later.

Frank Gibson will review the financial report and send recommendations via e-mail.

Copies of the updated membership list, indicating 67 members, were distributed. So noted that long-time supporter and member Drue Smith will be permanently on rolls with the chapter paying her dues. It was decided, following discussion, that a letter will be sent to former members in the spring. Another mailing was suggested to follow with a Media Guide. Kent Flanagan suggested that we again contact former and prospective members in two possible ways: Gary Cunningham will handle a mailing to those former members on the Former and Prospective list, and Kent will contact those not on the list.

Discussion held on holding an open house to talk about the Chapter, prospects' needs and the Chapter's needs. Discussion also held concerning the percentage of journalists and non-journalists on the membership rolls. Kent Flanagan will send out a letter to prospects and include a membership form.

Milt Capps asked Frank and Kent about the possibility of setting up in a conference room at The Tennessean and invite employees to come talk about membership. Frank suggested that an outside journalist, such as Kent or Bill Lewis, would be best to recruit in-house. He said that the effort might require two letters, with one of them encouraging members to recruit new members. Gary Cunningham suggested that each board member take 10 names off the former member list and call them asking them to rejoin. Survey them as to why they haven't continued their membership. Kent suggested that follow-up calls be conducted after the letter has been mailed.

Milt Capps proposed a future program: a panel discussion be held on country music focusing on "Does Patriotism Sell?", and if this provides a jolt that country music needs. Focus on resurgence in Americana. Pat Embry proposed that Charlie Daniels be a speaker. Embry will call Daniels and try to arrange the program.

Milt also proposed inviting Lt. Governor Wilder to speak. Board members agreed. This will be scheduled when Wilder is available, preferably in early December. It can be called "A Special Session with the Lt. Governor." Gary Cunningham volunteered to call him and get him to commit within six weeks for a program on the topic of Wilder's choosing.

Kent asked Frank when he could see a draft of the Bylaws. Frank is still working on a draft for review before the next Board meeting.

Kent said that the discussion on the election of new officers will be held at the next Board meeting.

Discussion held on when the next Gridiron should be and on the marketing, producing and creative positions that would need to be filled. Most of the Board in agreement that the best dates are in late October or early November with the proceeds going toward professional development, not scholarships. This would still fill the educational purpose of the fund-raising event.

The next Board meeting is tentatively scheduled for December 12.

Discussion that David Eason is not running for board consideration again.

Motion was made and seconded to adjourn the meeting. Meeting adjourned.

Posted March 28, 2002