Attendees: Ron Martz, president; Don North, vice president; Otto Kreisher, Sec-Treasurer; Board members: Sig Christenson, Kelly Kennedy, Tom Roeder, Steve Komarow, Lou Hansen, Carl Pine, and Salome Angrand

Meeting called to order 12:10 am.

Ron – MRE finances

Otto – bank balance $1,723.08. Of that, $725 is contributions to reimburse Ron for Galloway prize. Will owe $1,000 for insurance by June, $99 for incorporation in May.

Ron – main concern paying Salome part of the $1,500 we owe her. Ron suggests $750.

Otto moved we pay Salome $750 immediately, remainder as able. Sig second. Carried unanimously.

Ron reminded that we will need to have a down payment for the venue for this year’s conference.

Kelly noted that Military Times has offered to co-sponsor the conference.

Ron said he would attempt to meet with Military Times to discuss that.

Sig – Fund raising committee report.

Noted the information he has sent out on fund-raising opportunities. Need to agree on some initiatives and start.

Committee is going to select one or two foundations, seek grants, with help from Ellen. Every member of MRE is a fund raiser and should be working to help.

Ron – warned to avoid potential conflicts of interest. Encouraged board members who will be attending the Knight fellowship meeting to seek new MRE members.

Don – On membership committee.

Thinks the Knight Fellowship meeting is a good opportunity, also the Ft. Leavenworth conference.

Ron suggested MRE send a letter to the White House protesting the decision to ban photographers and TV cameras from the second swearing in event. Steve urged waiting for the conclusion of discussions between media and the White House.

Don said a good outreach period would be several months before our next conference. Also suggested including Canadian reporters because of Canadian forces involvement in Afghanistan.

Kelly -- On Website committee.
Military Times said it could not host the website if we were selling tee-shirts etc. But the Army Times webmaster offered to help design the site. Could allow members to insert articles or blogs.

Salome – would be helpful if we could list up-coming events on the calendar.

Ron expressed concern that we have some quality control over inputs. Also would like the site to be flashier and provide more valuable information for deploying journalists, such as contact information, ground rules etc. 1:05 pm – Tom had to sign off to go to work.

Ron on next conference committee. Both the National Press Club and Newseaum have rooms available at about the same price - $1,200-$1,500. Tentative dates Oct. 23 & 30 and Nov. 6.

Kelly – Dart Center has its conference Nov. 5-7 which could be a conflict.

Ron – will look more toward October dates.

Still looking for themes. Possible panels on FOIA, Afghanistan and impact of the long war on families.

Ron also raised the idea of having a report issued on a study, perhaps on impact on journalists from covering the wars. Health, mental condition.

New Issues.

Ron – Pointer Inst wants to advertise the next conference on its website. But question on cost. Their normal rate is $1,000. If they would come down, might consider.

New ombudsman for Washington Post is an old friend. ASME is sponsoring a National Sunshine Week, on open government, etc. March 15-21. Asked MRE members to offer incidents of problems getting access to government, military information. Would get MRE on the ASME website.

Steve offered to have some of his people work on that.

Motion to adjourn. Carried. Ron said he would call another conference late in February.

Adjourned 1:28 pm.

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