Minutes of the Meeting

Chapter Chair Suzanne Patzer called to order a meeting of the OK Alliance on at 5:06 PM. New members/first-timers were recognized and introduced to the attending members.

Current board members were introduced. In attendance were: Suzanne Patzer, Melissa Mills, Rod Swartz, Brian Vonderschmidt, and Richard James.

Absent were: Secretary Thom Schneider, Treasurer Chip Bergquist, and Kentucky Public Policy Chair Jason Dudas.

Ms. Patzer spoke about the state chapter and how it relates to the regional and national organizations and the benefits of membership.

MINUTES REPORT

Melissa Mills indicated that there are four (4) national conference grassroots scholarships available.

Tom Bishop motions to accept minutes, Rod Swartz seconds. Unanimous approval from attending members.

CHAIR REPORT

No report. Formal affiliation agreement during the summer. Now a 501c3 organization. Legally use ACM logo/resources/liability.

REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES

FINANCE: Chip Bergquist – Mr. Bergquist was not present, however a report was sent and read by Ms. Patzer. Current balance is XXX. There was an expense for a mailing. Discussion was started regarding an OK event, mentioned past events – including Wadsworth. Future communications were discussed.

An invitation was extended for outreach to centers as well as open invitation for centers to contact the board.

Rod Swartz began a discussion about videoconferencing in Ohio & Kentucky versus conferences ensued.

Concerns about participation with educational institutions.

INFO SERVICES/LISTSERVE: Brian Vonderschmidt – recommendations to enhance information services

Establishing a public policy section from which information is supplied by the Public Policy chairs (OH/KY)
Create a “members-only” and a public list-server for use by Ohio & Kentucky.
List access centers regardless of membership for contact & networking.
New logo (submitted by Joanna)
Look at a discussion board from moveabletype.org
Membership information
Bylaws
Reorganizing board membership
Adding producer program information.

CONFERENCE PLANNING: Johanna Perrino – Current one successful – large numbers. There were 80+ plus walkup registrations. Current spring conference information is unavailable. The next national conference is in Tampa, FL.
GRASSROOTS: Melissa Mills – 2 attend on scholarship. Usually up to 4. 2-4 to national. 2 registrations from national, 2 from local + airfare and hotel through the raffle. Regional couple hundred, national about 1,000. Share with producers, staff, etc. Two scholarships went unutilized.

Melissa brought up the Roxie Cole Award, description, etc. This will be given out in the spring. Nominations will be accepted and judged by the regional board. There are also national awards available.

PUBLIC POLICY: Rich James/TBA – Mr. James has no report but would like to know how he can help get information out. Reference was made to Bunnie Riedel’s Public Policy update earlier in the day. Mr. Bishop chimed in on how important networking is within the government and community. Mr. Vonderschmidt brought up the situation in Ft. Thomas, KY.

EDUCATION: Rod Swartz – Mr. Swartz mentions that the school board associations are good resources to help with access issues, especially with the educational access area. We are looking for information on educational organizations (schools, etc.) who are utilizing public access programming. Regarding the membership fee – Mr. Swartz solicited feedback on what services members are looking for.

Ms. Patzer brought up an email message sent to the organization regarding starting up an access center in her community. This email message is an example of what we are looking to do.

Motion to accept reports made by Tom Schubert, seconded by Rod Swartz.

OLD BUSINESS

Call for information. To be effective as a chapter, we need to get information. Regional representatives will help gather information. Vendors were mentioned as a resource.

Bryan, OH was mentioned.

NEW BUSINESS

Tom Bishop new business – Cable Modem issue. ALOAP. Tom motions for chapter to make $150 donation Rod second. Members gave examples on how it affects. Unanimously. Check needs to be made to NATOA.

Philo Awards. How to enter Philo workshop by Rod was plugged. July 2, 2004 deadline. Session will be to help plan for next year.

Tom Bishop motions to adjourn, Melissa Mills seconds.

The meeting was adjourned at 4:15 PM

NEXT MEETING

Scheduled for next conference TBA.

Summary prepared by:
Brian Vonderschmidt