Nov. 14, 2012 — San Mateo Daily Journal offices
PRESENT: Darryl Compton, Melissa McRobbie, Antonia Ehlers, Dave Price, Marshall Wilson, Ed Remitz, Laura Dudnick.
The meeting was called to order at 6:40 p.m.
MEMBERSHIP AND FINANCE: Darryl reported on finance and membership. The club is slightly in the red by $800.
BOOT CAMP DEBRIEF: This year, we had 120 high school students participate in Boot Camp. Board members agreed that there needs to be stronger year-round communication with high school advisors. The feedback on the various workshops was positive. Jim Wagstaffe, our keynote speaker, offered a remarkable presentation. Ideas for next year included condensing the schedule and shortening the day. Another idea was to offer a separate workshop for parents (on a different date) highlighting careers in journalism and explaining career paths, so local students have more parental support.
ANNUAL AWARD CALL FOR ENTRIES: The board discussed reducing the number of categories and reaching out to journalists in catetories that have lighter entries (magazines, web, documentaries).
The contest is open to journalists in print, electronic media, magazine/trade press and public relations categories. Entries will be judged by qualified professionals outside the Bay Area. Complete online entry forms and uploaded content are due by Wednesday, Feb. 20, 2013.
PRESS CLUB HOLIDAY PARTY: Come and celebrate the holidays early, Cinco de Mayo style! The San Francisco/Peninsula Press Club holiday party will be held on Thursday, Dec. 6 at Chevy’s Restaurant in Foster City. The event is sure to be a blast! All members of the media are invited and encouraged to bring other media professionals. The party will be held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the Banquet Room. Chevy’s is located at 979 A Edgewater Boulevard. Your first drink is free, as well as complimentary appetizers. After the party, the Press Club Board of Directors will attend the December meeting.
* Please bring some canned goods to donate to Second Harvest Food Bank.
BOARD OPENING AND OFFICERS FOR 2013: There is an open seat on the Press Club Board of Directors. Board members discussed potential candidates.
COLLEGE OF SAN MATEO JOURNALISM PROGRAM UPDATE: Dave Price, Marshall Wilson and Antonia Ehlers provided an update on the CSM journalism program. School officials have agreed to “suspend,” not eliminate the program. Board members brainstormed about ways in which to save the program and offer journalism classes to college students in San Mateo County.
OTHER BUSINESS: The board discussed recent attacks on news crews and expressed its support. Laura asked for items for the upcoming newsletter.
The meeting was adjourned at 9 p.m.
Respectfully submitted, Antonia Ehlers, Secretary