The NSNC Board of Directors met December 13th with a quorum of members present and President Ben Pollock presiding.
The major item of discussion was the 2011 Conference in Detroit. Conference Chair Brian O’Connor reported that the hotel contract with Westin-Cadillac, a five diamond hotel, has been finalized. Amenities included in the contract are free in-room internet, use of hospitality space, discounted valet parking, continental breakfast and a room rate discounted from $359 to $124. Conference Chair O’Connor plans to begin finding potential sponsors for the conference soon.
The board discussed the Lifetime Achievement Award and potential award candidates who would be suitable for a “lifetime of achievement”, and who might draw interest from attendees.
The new writing contest rules developed by Ben Pollock, Michael Deupree, Karen Rinehart and other board members were accepted. Members will receive contest forms via Constant Contact, and the website. Paper contest forms will be mailed by postal mail upon request. Notification of the contest will also be included on a postcard from the Detroit Visitor’s Bureau promoting the conference.
By consensus, the Membership Chair’s duties were expanded to marketing in general and the Treasurer’s financial oversight was expanded to help with membership expansion and renewal. The services of the newsletter editor and web editor were retained.
President Ben Pollock asked those members present to email him their opinions regarding whether NSNC should join with other journalist associations and become involved in supporting an issue involving Texas journalism students and issues with the Texas A&M system involving open records requests.
