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CALL TO ORDER: 7:42 p.m.

Attending: Julie Asher, Ann Augherton, Bob Becker, Paul Byers, Sue Kopen Katcef, Bill McCloskey, Willie Schatz, Andy Schotz, Robert Webb

Absent: Amy Fickling (excused), Dan Kubiske(excused), Steve Taylor (excused),

APPROVAL OF THE OCTOBER AND NOVEMBER MINUTES: unanimous as circulated

TREASURER’S REPORT: Amy Fickling was out of town and distributed her report by email:

• Current Accounts: Chevy Chase Bank account had a balance of $12,299.96 and the ING savings account had a balance of $36,043.93, which includes $10,000 transferred from the CCB account at the board’s request. The Chapter has a total of $48,343.89 in its operating accounts and $17,688.50 in reserve funds in a Capitol One CD (maturing 4/14/2010).

• Accounts Payable: Julie Asher is owed $72.25 for election night expenses. Steve Geimann is owed $928.20 for holiday party expenses which has been mailed but not yet cleared.

• It was noted that the University of Maryland student chapter members who attended the National Convention should receive their reimbursement as soon as possible.

• Computer for Chapter Financial Files: Paul Byers plans to turn over the donated laptop computer in January.

• It was noted that an IRS filing due by 12/15 is in the works and an effort to get National to fix the problem is underway.

VICE PRESIDENT’S REPORT: Julie Asher reported on recent program activities:

• Holiday party was a success. • Luncheon with Todd Gilman of the Dallas Morning News to discuss covering the new administration is set for December 10 at the Press Club.

• A program on social networking sites is set for January 24 from 9:30 to Noon in a computer lab at Marymount University.

• A luncheon program about the closing of DC news bureaus featuring Marilyn Geewax of Cox Newspapers is under development.

• A luncheon program (co-hosted by RTNDA and DC Women in Communication) about the Presidential Debates, featuring Paul Byers, is being developed for late January or February.

PRESIDENT’S REPORT:

• High School Essay Contest Schotz reported National is asking that chapters promote the event. Bob Becker will scan the entry form so it can be put on the website.

• Next Dateline Issue Items on the agenda noted with a (D) are topics for the next issue. Various board members were asked to get details to Schotz by December 15th. A postcard insert will be included for those willing to stand for election to the board.

DATELINE AWARDS AND HALL OF FAME DINNER: After a review of categories it was agreed to consider adding a Watchdog prize. It was also agreed that only winners will be announced at the dinner and that finalists will be noted in the program. Prices were set as follows: $100 for members and one guest; $125 for non-members; $150 at the door; no table rate or early bird discount. Board members and one guest will guest will be charged $88.

REGION TWO DIRECTOR’S REPORT: Ann Augherton reported that she would be visiting George Washington University in the near future to work out the details of hosting the Regional Conference there on March 28. A backup site is available at Marymount University. Possible topics for sessions include Where the Jobs Are, The Ethics of Blogging and Adding Public Comments to On-line News Stories. Program details will be set by January 15.

OLD BUSINESS: Bill McCloskey reported that the SDX Foundation Board meeting on November 18 was successful, noting that it’s hard for some people to attend noon meetings.

NEW BUSINESS:

• • President Schotz will check and update member list on National’s website.
• • National Nominations – Bob Webb agreed to chair a nominating committee with members to be added as needed. Bill McCloskey circulated by email a list of positions.
• • Chapter Records – Bob Webb noted that he has been holding several boxes of old chapter files and now needs that space. It was agreed that he should use his own best judgment on what to keep and report back at the next meeting.

ADJOURNMENT: There being no additional business the meeting was adjourned at 9:15 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted

Paul H. Byers

Recording Secretary