Upcoming conferences were the major item of discussion when the Board of Directors for NSNC met June 3 via Chatzy. The Conference in Bloomington is only a little over a month away and registration slots and hotel rooms are still available for what is shaping up as an exciting event. Mike Leonard, Conference Chair, is finalizing plans to welcome us to Indiana University.
Several possibilities are under consideration for the 2012 conference, including the potential for a joint conference with several other journalist organizations. It was agreed that each of several possible locations had interesting possibilities and members have come forward to host in several cities. Further discussion will be held at the meeting of the board in Bloomington.
The Board is pleased to have an involved member who has volunteered to host the 2011 conference for next year. Board members were interested in meeting and discussing plans and ideas for the conference with the potential 2011 Conference Chair. Final decision and an announcement about going forward will be made at the Bloomington Conference.
President Bennett and the Board extended thanks to the Nominating Committee for their hard work in getting together a great slate of candidates to fill vacancies from expired terms on the Board.
Financial reports were received from the Executive Director which included revenue from Memberships and Contest Fees and we are currently in stable financial condition. At the recommendation of the Contest Chair, the Board discussed adding an addition category or two to the writing contest to open the contest to columnists who do not fit into current categories. This was deferred without a final vote as the Contest Chair was unable to attend the meeting and more input about the idea is wanted.
Ben Pollock sent the board the Google Analytics on the new website for the previous month. The website traffic has been satisfactory with a large number of page views and first time visitors.
A new award, previously discussed and approved by the board without objection, was given an additional nod of support. This award will be called the Legacy Award and will honor a member each year who has supported the organization and contributed in a significant way to their own readership. Plans are underway to introduce this award at the Bloomington Conference.
The next meeting will be face-to-face on Thursday, July 8th, prior to the conference. New candidates for office are especially invited and encouraged to attend and meet the current board members. The Board Meeting is also open to any interested member who would like to sit in and observe the business of the organization being conducted.
